"You mean forever?"
"Forever."
"You won't leave?"
His answer comes without hesitation. "Never."
The tears spill over – in all three of our eyes. Before I can move, Jillie launches herself into his arms. Colby catches her instantly. The two of them hold on to each other while my vision blurs suspiciously.
"You promise?" she whispers.
"I promise."
She squeezes him even tighter.
Then suddenly she pulls back. "Wait."
Uh-oh. Colby looks alarmed. "What?"
"Does this mean I get your last name?"
A laugh breaks out from several nearby guests.
"It can, if you want it to."
Jillie gasps. "I'm going to be Jillie Reid!"
She immediately starts testing it out.
"Jillie Reid."
Pause.
"Jillie Reid."
Another pause.
"THAT SOUNDS AMAZING."
The entire crowd that has gathered around us is laughing now.
Then Colby clears his throat. "One more thing."
Jillie freezes. "More important than becoming Jillie Reid?"
"Maybe."
Her eyes become enormous.
"You know how your mom and I are leaving tomorrow?"
She nods sadly. "For two whole weeks. Which is approximately forever."
"True."
Jillie sighs dramatically.
"But..." Colby says. Her head snaps up.
