“It’s a mistake,” he snaps.
“Maybe,” I admit.
That surprises him. But I don’t stop.
“Maybe it is,” I say again, my voice steadier now. “But it’s mine to make.”
Silence.
“I’m not a kid anymore,” I continue. “I get to choose what I do with my life. And right now… I’m choosing him.”
Emma inhales sharply. Dad just stares at me. Like he doesn’t recognize me. Like I just became someone else entirely.
“That’s it?” he asks, his voice low. “You’re just going to walk away?”
My chest tightens painfully. Because that’s not what this is. But I know how it looks.
“I’m not walking away from you,” I say softly. “I’m following my heart.”
“That’s the same thing,” he mutters.
Tears burn behind my eyes, but I force myself to hold them back.
“Please,” I whisper. “Don’t make me choose like this.”
“You already did.”
The words hit hard. But I don’t take them back. Because he’s right.
I did. Slowly—I hug him. Tight. Like I might not get another chance. For a second, he doesn’t move. Then his arms come up around me. Firm. Protective.
“I love you,” I whisper against his shoulder.
His grip tightens just slightly. But he doesn’t say it back. Not this time. I pull away before I can change my mind. Before I can break. Emma steps forward next, wrapping her arms around me.
“Text me,” she whispers. “Please.”
“I will,” I promise.
And then I turn. Back to Garrison. He hasn’t moved. Hasn’t said a word.
But the look in his eyes. They says everything.
“You sure?” he asks quietly.
One last chance. One last out. I nod.
“I’m sure.”
And just like that—Everything changes. He takes my hand. He doesn’t hesitate. We walk away together. I feel my dad’s eyes on me the entire time. I feel the weight of what I’m leaving behind. And it hurts.
But as we reach the SUV and Garrison opens the door for me something else starts to rise. Something unexpected. Something… light.
He starts the engine. We pull away from the curb. And I don’t look back. I can’t. He glances over at me, his hand resting on the console between us.
I don’t hesitate. I reach for it. Our fingers lace together instantly. A small, breathless laugh escapes me before I can stop it.
He looks at me, a hint of a smile pulling at his lips. “What?”
