CHAPTER 13
Dissertation defense day. As she waited outside the fine arts building for the appointed time, she began to tremble harder and harder, until Nick, afraid she would fall, gathered her close in his arms. She cuddled against him, glad of his warmth despite the heat of the August sun.
My paper is complete, polished, and approved by the committee. They told me, more than once, that actually having a defense almost certainly means my degree is already complete. It’s the preparation of the dissertation that takes people out of the running, not the defense, which is more like icing on the cake. That knowledge didn't matter. Breanne still felt nervous.
“It's going to be fine, chérie. Try to be calm. You will get your degree.”
“I know. It's just kind of a big moment,” she replied unst
