Chapter 3: Goodbyes and Unspoken Vows

Thirty-Two

I didn’t drink much at Henry’s graduation, but at the barbecue Grandpa held that night, I drank too much.

The night was warm, the firepit crackled, and someone kept refilling my cup. I lost track of how many times I toasted to the future.

Henry and his dad staggered home, and Dad insisted on seeing them off.

He slung an arm around Henry’s shoulders, singing an old folk tune as they disappeared down the path.

Grandpa stayed clear-headed—Grandma wouldn’t let him drink much, and he listened.

She kept a close eye on his glass, and he grumbled good-naturedly, but didn’t protest.

He only left for his own room after Jamie came to fetch me.

Jamie found me slumped on the porch swing, cheeks flushed. He scooped me up like I weighed nothing at all.

I lay sprawled on Jamie’s back, feeling awful.

The world spun a little, but Jamie’s steady steps kept me grounded.

Never again—alcohol was not for me. Good thing I was at home and not somewhere else.

I made a mental note: next time, stick to lemonade.

Jamie laid me on the bed and gently wiped me down with warm water.

He moved with the patience of a saint, humming softly as he worked. I could barely keep my eyes open.

By the time he finished, nearly half an hour had passed.

He touched my face—it was still hot—so he wrung out a washcloth and placed it on my forehead, scolding softly as he did: "Drinking’s bad for you, Lila. Next time, don’t overdo it. Best not to drink at all."

His voice was gentle, but I could hear the worry underneath.

I groaned, regretting it myself.

I pulled the covers up to my chin, mumbling, "I know, I know."

But I hadn’t expected the wine to be so strong. Just a few more cups and I was staggering.

It tasted like juice, but packed a punch. Lesson learned.

As the saying goes, never try to reason with a drunk.

And yes, I started pestering Jamie again.

I reached for his hand, refusing to let him leave.

Grabbing his hand, I announced, "You’re not going anywhere tonight. You have to stay with me!"

I said it loud enough for the whole house to hear, and Jamie’s face turned bright red.

It was late and quiet—my voice carried. Jamie quickly covered my mouth, pleading in a whisper, "Lila, please keep it down!"

He glanced nervously at the door, as if Grandpa might walk in any second.

I pouted. Let them hear—I didn’t care. He was mine sooner or later; I wasn’t shy.

I stuck out my tongue, just to make him blush harder.

"It’s late. Let me help you sleep, all right?"

He tucked the covers around me, trying to sound stern.

"No." I grumbled, pulling his hand away. "You’ll just disappear when I fall asleep."

I gave him my best puppy-dog eyes, refusing to let go.

He thought I didn’t know his plan—waiting for me to doze off, then sneaking away. I had to hold onto him.

I clung to his arm, determined not to let him slip away.

"I’ll just be in the next room. How can you say I’m gone?"

He coaxed me gently, but I wasn’t buying it. I clung to him and wouldn’t let go.

He tried to pry his hand free, but I tightened my grip, shaking my head.

Maybe it was the drink, but I started to feel wronged.

The room spun a little, and I blinked back tears.

"I’m about to leave!" I whimpered, my voice dropping. "And you won’t even pamper me more…"

I sniffled, wiping my nose on the back of my hand.

"You don’t love me anymore!"

I felt so miserable, I wanted to roll around on the bed.

I buried my face in the pillow, letting out a dramatic sigh.

"I do, I do—I love you most." He looked at me helplessly, squatting down to ask softly, "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his eyes worried.

I looked at him, wrapped my arms around his neck, and buried my head in his shoulder. After a moment, my muffled voice came out.

"Silver Hollow…"

My words came out shaky, but Jamie held me tighter.

Grandpa had arranged everything. We’d leave in two days.

I traced little circles on his shirt, wishing time would slow down.

For over half a year now, I hadn’t spent a day apart from Jamie. I really didn’t want to go.

I squeezed him tighter, hoping he’d understand without me having to say it.

But I had to.

Sometimes, doing the right thing meant putting your heart on hold.

For the greater good, like it or not, personal feelings had to come second.

I took a shaky breath, trying to be brave.

It was just a matter of hanging in there—a few months at most, maybe half a year if things got rough.

Grandpa promised that when I returned, he’d hold my graduation and wedding together.

He said he’d invite the whole county, make it a party no one would forget.

A grand, lively celebration.

The thought made my heart skip.

"When I get back, let’s get married, all right?" I let go of Jamie and poured out everything in my heart. "Jamie, be mine. I’ll treat you like Grandpa and Dad treat Grandma and Mom—no, even better."

I tried to sound bold, but my voice wobbled a little.

"Whatever you want, I’ll do it."

I meant it. I’d build him a treehouse if he asked.

"When all this is over, I’ll take you, Grandpa, Grandma, and Dad back to Pine Ridge!" Just thinking about it made me happy, and I looked at him excitedly. "Then I can be with you every day, never apart again. Jamie, what do you think?"

He smiled, that slow, sweet smile I loved. Then he brushed a kiss across my forehead.

Jamie pulled me into his arms, stroked my head, and replied softly, "Yes."

His voice was warm and sure, wrapping around me like a promise.

"Whatever you want, Lila."

He tucked a stray hair behind my ear, his touch gentle.

I snuggled into him, thought for a moment, and laughed. "And whatever Jamie wants, too!"

He grinned, and for a second, the world felt right again.

He patted my back, his voice gentle. "Sleep, sweetheart."

He pulled the covers up to my chin, smoothing them with care.

"…I won’t leave. I’ll wait for you to wake up in the morning."

His words were the last thing I heard as I drifted off.

As I drifted off, I thought how wonderful Jamie was. Once he was mine, I’d make sure to cherish him with all my heart.

I made a silent promise—I’d love him fiercely, the way he deserved.

Content, I closed my eyes. Sleep swept over me like a warm tide.

I dreamed of blue skies and wedding bells, laughter echoing through the trees.