Back in his car, he just looks at me, waiting for me to say something, but I’m still stuck in this confirmation.
“Well, sweetheart, I guess this is the end of us.”
His words break me out of my haze, and I turn to take him in.
“What?”
“I’m really only into girls with cancer.” He shrugs and lifts his hands up like there is nothing he can do about it.
I slap his chest, pushing him against the door.
“Shut up,” I say, laughing.
“I’m being serious, hun. This just isn’t exciting anymore.”
I hit him again. This time, he grabs my hand.
“Hun?” I ask
“Do you prefer, babe?”
“I prefer what you always call me.”
He kisses my knuckles and grazes my fingers until he is only holding up my ring finger.
“What about wife? Do you like the sound of that?”
My breath catches. I look at him with wide eyes waiting.
“Callahan?”
“Not yet, love. I wouldn’t propose to you outside of your oncologist’s office when you’re emotional. I’m just keeping you on your toes.”
Hearing that I have the chance of many years to spend with him, I’m now looking forward to the moment when it happens. He could ask me while I’m knee-deep in shit, and I would say yes, because every moment with Callahan brings me peace. I’m free from the burden of this disease, and that just opens me up to more of a life. One filled with him, our families and friends. It’s a future brimming with so much potential, and I’m so happy to step towards it.
We drive off, and I feel like I’m heading towards the rest of my life.
Farrah’s party to celebrate me being in remission happens a short week after my appointment. It seems like everyone I have ever known has come to celebrate with me. As much as I appreciate them being here, I’m happier to see the people who have been here through it all.
“Here, baby girl.” My dad hands me the alcohol I am finally cleared to drink, before passing the shots to everyone else.
Still reeling from Martha’s Vineyard, Errol opts for his water, but Callahan, Farrah, and Rowan take one. Charlie grabs a whole bottle, and Sahara hasn’t shown up yet.
“This is to Monty, the strongest woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and the best daughter any father could ask for.”
Farrah holds her hand up, stopping us from taking a drink.
“To Monty, who not only faced down cancer, but did it with style,” she says.
“To Monty, who looked this diagnosis in the face and didn’t flinch,” Charlie says.
“To Monty, just for being a badass bitch,” Rowan says, rounding us off.
“Cheers,” we all say before throwing it back.
Errol goes next and gives a long speech that only a director would give. He agrees to take a sip to join in with everyone else.
On the third shot, Callahan is about to speak, but I press a finger against his lips.
