"I can't believe you're traveling around the world for a whole year," Angelo says. "Our brunches aren't going to be the same without you two, you know."

"It'll take a year for my waistline to recover from all the damage your brunches have done to it," Purity jokes.

"Hemy is going to be in Heaven staying on the farm with you this year," I add, watching the bulldog's futile lumbering after the goats in the field. He's had years of practice chasing those things, yet that dog hasn't gotten a bit faster. "Maybe he'll be able to actually catch one of the goats sometime."

Angelo snorts. "That's unlikely."

"But as a bonus, he'll be totally accustomed to wearing doggie clothes now," Nate points out.

"If you can get Hemy to tolerate clothing, I'll be more than impressed," I tell them. But I already know I'm doomed to see a million photos of Hemy dressed up in ridiculous outfits while we're gone.

"We're going to video chat with you weekly with Hemy to show you my new designs," Nate replies.

I groan. "My poor dog."

"Oh, he's going to be spoiled as hell," Angelo says. "He's never going to want to leave us."

"That's not making this any better," I note.

Angelo turns to Luna. "Where are you off to, Luna?"

"I'm moving to Boston to be a hacker," Luna replies.

"Ethical hacking," Jez explains. "Stop telling people you're a hacker like you're a common criminal."

Luna sighs. "Saying I'm a hacker sounds way more exciting than explaining I'm going to be testing computer security for companies."

"She's right," Angelo agrees. "The last part of that sounded like a total snooze fest."

"It was so nice of you to host a graduation party for the girls at your farm," Jez says.

"Well, it's not exactly a party since it's only us," Nate notes. "But my brother doesn't really have any friends, so…"

Angelo snorts. "It's also not really a party without naked dancing around a fire pit, either. Am I right?"

"Keep your clothes on," Nate chides.

"Today was just about family," Purity says. "And all of you are my family now."

"Awww," Angelo says.

"I know it's cheesy, but I'm being serious," Purity insists. "And all of you need to come visit us sometime over the coming year."

"Where are you heading off to first?" Luna asks.

"Peru," I answer.

"We have one-way tickets and no itinerary yet," Purity chimes in.

"We're just going to wing it," I say.

"Winging it sounds fabulous," Jez agrees.

We have a bucket list of places to see and the flexibility to see them, now that I'm no longer teaching. With Purity in my life, I've been more creative and writing non-stop. She has, too. I wasn't wrong when I noted her writing talent. With no help from me, because she didn't want my influence, the girl signed a three-book deal with a major publisher a few months ago. So both of us will spend the next year writing on the road.

"Speaking of winging it…" I watch as two of the goats scamper across the lawn and up to Angelo, completely off-cue and not according to the plan.

"Oh, shit," Angelo mutters. "They know I have treats in my pockets! That's why they're running for me!"

"Oh my God, they're so cute!" Purity exclaims, bending down to scratch one of the goats behind the ears. "These pink tuxedos are completely ridiculous! Why do you have them all dressed up, anyway? Is this because of our graduation?"

By the time she turns around, I'm down on one knee.

Purity's hand goes to her mouth. "What are you doing?"

I reach into the pocket on the back of the goat's tuxedo and pull out the ring. "I was hoping I'd be able to make you mine."

"Simple and elegant," Angelo whispers – loudly – to Nate. "So much better than the crappy start to his New Years' Eve speech."

"You're still talking about that damned speech?" Nate asks.

"Of course my answer is yes, Gabe," Purity says softly. "Yes, yes, yes."

Even though I didn't doubt her love for me for a second, my heart still swells as I hear her say that word.

Yes, she'll be mine.

Forever.

I stand up and slide the ring on her finger and my heart feels full to the point of bursting. Pulling her to me, I press my lips to hers. She slides her arms around my neck and her body melts against mine. When I finally break away from her lips, she looks up at me with tears in her eyes. "I've always been yours, you know."

I might not be certain about much in life, but that much I know. Purity has always been mine, and I'll always be hers.

Forever.