Epilogue
Becca
“When do you apply for residency again?” Miller asks, pushing off the ground to make the swing move.
I look out at Lake Winnipesaukee. The water is calm, quiet, just like the rest of camp. It’s another week until the staff arrive to start getting everything ready, but Brett was nice enough to let Miller and I come up for a weekend before things officially open. “Next month. Then I’ll interview in the fall and find out in the spring.”
It’s nerve-racking, knowing that I’ll be making decisions in the next few months that will define my life. What specialty I’ll choose, and where I move for residency training.
“You still thinking the hospital near my mom’s house is where you want to be?”
I nod. “As long as they take me. I’d love to work with Dr. Chen some more.” I managed to move my elective rotation to my third year and spent last month working in Dr. Chen’s clinic. It has officially solidified my decision to do family medicine.
Miller grins. “Even if you have to live near my mom, huh?”
After living with Lori and Jordan for a month, I’ve gotten pretty good at Mario Kart—not good enough to beat Jordan all the time, but every once in a while—and I’ve gotten to be good friends with Miller’s mom.
“I love your mom. I’d rather live with her than with you,” I tease.
“Bummer. I was getting used to having mac and cheese for every meal.”
I look at him with mock outrage. “I cook things other than mac and cheese. I vary the menu at least every two weeks. I made spaghetti last week.”
He laughs. “You’re just lucky I don’t like you for your cooking skills.”
“Yeah. That’s definitely not my strong suit.” I make a face, wrinkling my nose.
We sit in silence, looking out at the lake. It’s strange to think it’s only been a year since we sat in this very spot. Everything is so different now.
“Oh, I wanted to tell you something,” Miller says.
“Mmm?” I glance back over at him.
He takes a deep breath and lets it out in a long sigh. “I don’t want you to be my girlfriend.”
My stomach plummets and I look at him, my eyes wide. “Miller?”
Slowly, his serious look fades to a sheepish grin. “I want you to be my wife.” He pulls a small box out of his pocket and opens it as my heart starts to beat faster.
The channel-set diamonds glitter in the sunlight as my hands go to my mouth in shock. The diamonds alternate with sapphires. It’s nontraditional and exactly what I would have picked out for myself.
He pulls the ring out of the box and holds it out to me. His hands shake the tiniest bit, and I love him that much more in this moment. “Rebecca Anjali Patel, will you marry me?”
I smack his arm as I nod, blinking back the tears that make my vision swim. “Of course. But maybe next time you propose to me, don’t try to fake me out with something that sounds like a breakup.”
“But it was funny, right? At least in retrospect?” He can’t hide his grin as he slides the ring onto my finger.
“Too soon,” I say. I turn my hand back and forth, breathlessly watching the diamonds catch the sun. “I love it so much.”
“I know you love sapphires cause they’re your birthstone. And I wanted you to have a ring you could wear when you’re working, too.”
“It’s perfect.” And it is. The whole moment. Even Miller’s prank is growing on me a little.
This one might even be better than the boxers up the flagpole.
* * *
Miller
We walk around the empty camp hand in hand. Becca can’t stop holding her hand out to admire her ring.
“Hey, guess what else?” I say as we pass the Sports field. I almost forgot my other news, but proposing to the girl of your dreams will do that to you. I got this news a few days ago, but I wanted to keep it to myself until I was sure she was going to say yes to my proposal.
“You want to go see the goat?” she guesses.
There’s not a chance in hell I want to see another goat ever again. “No. For real. I got offered a potential job.”
Becca stops in her tracks. “Really? That’s great. Where?”
“In my hometown. Teaching special ed, once I finish my master’s and get my license. And they’re willing to wait for me to give them an official answer, because they know you have to wait to find out about residency. So if you end up matching in Elmira, I can support you in the manner to which you’ve become accustomed.” I gesture with a flourish.
“I’m accustomed to macaroni and cheese for almost every meal, so as long as you can keep up that standard of living, that’d be great.” Becca grins at me. “I’m proud of you, Miller.”
As we walk to the dining hall, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I slide it out and read the text chain that’s coming in.
CARD SHARKS
Cam: Did you do it yet?
Maddox: What’d she say?
Blake: You didn’t use the not my girlfriend anymore line, did you?
I did, and yes, I used that line. She loved it.
And she said yes. Thank you for the vote of confidence, though.
Blake: If she liked the prank, she’s definitely the one for you. Congrats.
Maddox: That’s awesome, man. Who knew you’d be headed down the aisle after Cam?
That reminds me.
I look over at Becca. “Hey, now that we’re engaged, think you want to be my date to Cam’s wedding? It’s in November. In the Bahamas.”
“Of course! I can’t wait to meet all of these guys that have put up with you for so long.” She gives me a wink.
Not me, that’s for sure. But Becca and I will be there for Cam’s wedding. Can’t wait.
Maddox: Now Blake is the only one who needs a date.
Cam: Want me to hire one for you?
Blake: I don’t need a date. Just leave the plus-one off the invitation.
Hey, you never know if you’ll meet someone by then. Maybe keep your plus-one just in case.
Blake: Doubtful. I’m starting my new job in August, so I’m pretty sure any time for dating is gone.
You got the gig? That’s awesome!
Blake: Yeah. Professor at Ardmore College. Wild, right?
“Hey, it’s my two favorite counselors!” Brett calls from the office.
I slide my phone back into my pocket to greet him. I’ll have to talk to Blake later about this new job he has going on. I’m hoping to keep hitting some poker tournaments when I can, but I wonder what his plan is.
“Hey, Brett! Good to see you.” I clap him on the back.
“Enjoying camp without the campers?” Brett asks with a knowing smile. “It’s a different world, right?”
“It is. And guess what?” I hold Becca’s hand out. “She said yes.”
Brett whistles. “Amazing. And here I thought you’d eat Miller alive last summer.”
Becca laughs, her cheeks flushing. “I hated him at first.”
“I know.” Brett chuckles. “He’s an acquired taste. It’s funny, though,” he says, thoughtful. “You were running from something when you came up here last summer. I figured eventually you’d have to show your hand, but it seems like Miller was the one to call your bluff.”
I put an arm around Becca and pull her close. “Hey, as soon as I met her, I knew I’d do whatever I needed to win her over. Becca’s the easiest gamble I’ve ever made.”
* * *