"How's it feel, getting ready to go to college?" Ethan asked as Kristina joined him in the foyer of her father's home.

"Well, I'm glad I'll be getting away from most of the people at school. I really can't take them anymore. But I think I just realized that I'm pretty much going to be going to school for the rest of my life."

"Hey, don't worry about it. You're going to kick Yale's ass. I know it."

Ethan wrapped his arm around Kristina and pulled her close.

"Why were you out here by yourself?" she asked.

"I don't know. I like your family and all, but I just needed a moment."

He went silent and Kristina waited for him to elaborate.

"They can be a bit much, huh?"

Ethan smirked. "No, it's not that really. I enjoy them, even Sonny and your brothers."

Kristina shot him a dubious look, but let it go. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah." He looked at her and then hung his head, knowing that she didn't believe him. "It's just...it's been a crazy year, yeah?"

Kristina nodded. So much had changed in her life in the past few months. The year started off with an unfortunate bang, with the bus crash that cost her friend Ally her life and traumatized Molly, then Sam being temporarily deafened after being trapped in an exploding limousine meant for her brand new stepmother—and let's not forget the subsequent brain damage and surgery—and her mother's cancer returning. But Kristina firmly believed everything happened for a reason. If nothing else, all of those events brought them closer as a family; her relationships with her parents and siblings couldn't be better, and, as an added bonus, she was finally the girl that got the guy—the right guy—and, hey, her big sister was getting the same. Not everything that had happened was good—often far from it—but she had to believe that it was necessary and that she was right where she was supposed to be.

"But, I suppose, if all this madness didn't happen, you and I probably wouldn't be right here, right now," he said, echoing her thoughts. "And I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"Neither would I." Ethan kissed her forehead, and she leaned closer and put her head on his shoulder.

"Will we be okay?" Kristina asked as she looked over his shoulder to the set of double doors where they could hear her family noisily carrying on.

Ethan pulled back from her and placed his hands on her shoulders so he could look fully into her eyes. "Yes."

She could see that his eyes held no doubt. He said it as if it was a fact, or a promise he would gladly die before he broke.

Still, Kristina's still somewhat immature mind had many questions. But she wouldn't ask him any. It wasn't the time. "I need to tell you something, Ethan."

"Anything."

She almost couldn't stand how his simple yet powerful responses always seemed to make her stomach flip and her knees want to give. She wondered if he knew how much of a romantic he really was in her eyes.

"No matter what happens, no matter where we wind up in our lives in the future, I will always love you."

Kristina felt Ethan's muscles tense at her words. She quickly placed a gentle hand to his cheek. "I'm sorry if I'm freaking you out. I just assumed that you knew...but I just needed to make sure you know. You're my best friend, Ethan. I hope you know that, too. I don't expect you to say you're in love with me or anything. Because I already know that you love me, even if it's not the same."

Kristina closed her eyes and let her head roll forward when Ethan didn't say anything back. She really didn't expect him to say he loved her back, but it made her nervous that he didn't respond at all.

"I'm such an idiot," he murmured.

"What?"

"I'm a complete idiot. I can't believe—Kristina, will you look at me?"

She slowly did as he asked, her expression a mixture of fear and curiosity.

"You and I seem to get our wires crossed quite a bit, love. How can you think, that after everything, I don't love you?"

"Well, I'm just saying, you've been a great friend—"

"And what's with all this 'friend' business? Yeah, we were friends first, and I hope always, but you have to know that you are so much more to me than that. You're my...don't laugh. You are my light. Everything I feel for you is just...love and passion, gratitude, borderline obsessive you're-always-on-my-mind type of feelings. Sorry I'm not as eloquent an orator as you, but...I don't just love you. I'm in love with you, Kristina. And before your crazy mind starts telling you that I'm just saying this because it's what I think you want to hear, you're wrong. I'm telling you this because I need you to know. Do you understand?"

Kristina couldn't find her voice and felt the familiar burn of oncoming tears. She nodded her head.

"Good. Now that that's all cleared up, I can give you your gift."

"Ethan—"

"And you can't talk me out of it. Besides, it's more of a loan than an actual gift."

Ethan reached into his back pocket and took one of Kristina's hands as he cupped the object he'd retrieved.

"It isn't much. I thought about stealing something more expensive, but I didn't think a future lawyer would appreciate that too much. But this is something that's very special to me."

He finally released the brown beaded necklace into Kristina's waiting hand.

"Sorry it's a little worse for wear. My mother gave it to me when I was about ten. One day I was faking sick and insisted that I stayed home from school. I'm sure she knew I was just trying to get out of it, but she let me stay with her anyway. Around this time, she was into this 'make your own jewelry' phase, so she decided to keep me busy by helping her out. Needless to say the tables had been turned on me fairly quickly. Here I was hoping to spend the day being waited on hand and foot, and she had me doing work for her. She was probably sorrier though. I couldn't make a proper earring to save my life. But, I did manage to put beads on a string. I knew even then how lame it was, but my mother treated like it was the most priceless piece of jewelry ever made. And she said it was too special to ever give it away, and asked if she could keep it. From then 'til the day she died...she never took it off. And I've carried it around with me ever since."

"Ethan," Kristina finally said. "That's beautiful. But I can't take this."

"You're not taking it, love. I'm letting you borrow it. I fully intend on getting it back one day. It's just for when you're gone, to have something from me, you know."

Ethan looked down, almost bashfully, which surprised Kristina considering how he just looked straight in her eyes and told her all she meant to him.

"Ethan. I will carry this wherever I go, and I'll always be thinking of you. Thank you so much for this. I don't think I've ever been given anything this meaningful. Even if it's only temporary. I love you," she finished as she bit her bottom lip, testing the phrase and Ethan's reaction.

And his smile was never more beautiful to her at that moment. "I love you."

"There you are."

Sam felt the familiar pair of arms that always made her feel at home come around her waist.

"Here I am." She looked out over Sonny's balcony, at nothing really. She quickly wiped away a tear she was trying really hard not to let escape.

"I can't believe Kristina's already going to college. This doesn't even seem possible. What happened to the little girl that just wanted everyone to have tea parties with her?"

"Kids grow up, Sam. It's just what they do." Jason's voice started to drift off, and she could tell they weren't just talking about Kristina anymore.

"Yeah. Next thing we know, Molly's going to be headed off to graduate school."

"Well, it's Molly, so that might actually be sooner than later."

Sam chuckled and turned around in his arms. "Babe? Do you ever...?"

"Do I ever...? What is it?"

"It's just, I think with Kristina leaving, I'm getting really emotional and...Don't you ever think about missing this stuff with Jake? It's just, I think of it, with my daughter. I mean, I know that it's hard for you to watch him grow up with Lucky but, do you think about the big moments, like him graduating and going to college, getting married and starting a family?"

Jason took a deep breath as he tried to find the right words. "I think about missing all of the important moments of his life. But I know that he's being raised the right way. As long as I know that he's healthy and safe and happy...that has to be enough for me."

"But, what if you could have more?"

Jason tilted his head slightly and furrowed his brows. "More?"

"What if you had the chance to raise your child, without having to change your lifestyle? Would you take it?"

Sam could see him battling his thoughts internally. She knew that he didn't like to think hypothetically. Most things couldn't be changed or reversed, so there was no use in dwelling on them.

"Of course I would have liked to be a part of Jake's entire life, but I'm not."

"Okay, what if you had that chance with another child?"

Jason took a slow step back but still held onto Sam. The confusion was extremely evident on his face. As far as he knew, Sam couldn't have children of her own, and no credible adoption agency would even consider giving them a child. They had both considered surrogacy before, but...

"Sam, are you...?"

"No! I mean, I still can't...but there may be a possibility that I could."

"What do you mean?"

"I wasn't sure how to tell you but, a couple of weeks ago after a doctor's appointment, I ran into Dr. Lee. Actually, she was looking for me. She told me about this fertility reconstruction surgery that she thought I'd be a good candidate for. And nothing's guaranteed, but the few results seen have been promising. So..."

"You mean we could have a baby?" His face was still frozen in a frown, but the two of them could hear the anticipation in his voice.

"Well, like I said, it's not a hundred percent."

"But there's a chance?" Sam nodded and bit her lip, waiting for his take on things. "And this is what you want to do?"

"Jason, it's not only about me. It would have to be something we both want. And I don't want you make a decision based on what you think I might want."

"That's impossible. I would do anything to make you happy, and if this is what you want, then so do I."

"Jason..." she began warningly.

"And if there is a chance that we can finally have a child, I would want to take it. Well, as long as it won't hurt you."

"Aside from the pain and the usual risks of surgery, it's practically harmless. But Jason, this surgery might not even work."

"I understand but, are we willing to miss this opportunity?"

"Jason, I would be happy for the rest of my life as long as it's with you."

"So would I, but if there's a real chance that we can have what we've always wanted, I don't think we should walk away from it because we're afraid that it might not turn out the way we want. We'll be disappointed if we do this and it doesn't work, but I think we'll regret it more if we never find out."

Sam released the large breath she'd been holding in since she found out about the surgery. Sometimes it was uncanny how well he really knew her; he just voiced the thoughts she'd been concealing. He just touched on every fear she had and found a solution for them.

"Jason...I love you so much. I could only do this if you were okay with it. And I'm glad you are, because I do want this. And I wouldn't want to start a family with anyone else."

Before Jason could respond, there was a tapping on the door behind them.

"Sorry to interrupt," Sonny started, "but everyone's getting ready to call it a night."

"Okay. We'll be right in," Sam answered. She tried to contain her excitement as she took Jason's hand and led them back inside.

"Alright, is everybody here?" Kristina was asking as they walked in. "Good, now...I'm not really sure what to say. Well thank you all for being here and celebrating this with me." She took in a shaky breath as she tried not to cry. "I just...I'm a little bummed that I won't be able to see you all everyday anymore." She looked out at the people around her. Her family. "I'm going to miss you all. Even you, Max and Milo. But this isn't goodbye."

Ethan reached for one of her hands from his place beside her. "I'll always be home for the holidays, and for upcoming weddings," she giggled.

"Weddings? Plural?" Sonny stood from his seat with his eyebrows raised and his arms outstretched in a question.

"Dad, calm down. I'm not planning on getting married anytime soon."

"Then how's about you finish up your speech already. Some of us have to get up to work in the morning," Dante joked.

He and Kristina shared a brief unseen knowing look before Kristina continued. "Well, I think I've pretty much said it all for now. Really, I love you all so much, and I am so fortunate to have you in my life. So, not goodbye, but goodnight."

Everyone went on to give her hugs and wish her good luck in college. It was hardest for her to say goodnight to her brothers. Morgan had already been sent to some military academy, there were just her big brothers there. And as tough as they might be, Kristina could see them cracking.

"Look, no matter what, call me if you need me. I would be there as soon as possible," Dante promised her.

"Same here," Michael agreed. "Even if you just need to talk to someone about anything, don't hesitate to call me."

"And if anyone ever gives you any crap—"

"Guys! Really, I appreciate it. And if I absolutely need someone, I know my big brothers have my back. And you should both expect calls from me regularly. But I don't want to get in the way. I know you have your own lives. You don't need to be worrying about me all the time."

"We'll never be too busy for you, Krissy."

"Besides, we couldn't stop worrying about you if we tried," Michael said.

"Ugh, cut it out! You're going to make me cry again. Your two go back to your girlfriends before I ruin my makeup."

"Oh yeah," Dante added, "real nice about that wedding thing earlier. How about you give me a chance to actually propose before you start telling the whole world?"

"I just got a little excited, sorry. But did you see the look on Dad's face?"

"Priceless," Michael said smiling.

"Well, I'm glad you two got a laugh out of it."

"Hey," Lulu said from behind them, causing Dante to jump.

"Hey! W-what are you doing?"

"Um, just came to see Kristina before we left. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Yeah."

"Okay," the blonde said skeptically.

"You ready to go?"

"I'm ready whenever you are."

"I'm ready."

"I don't know why you're being weird, but I'm going to find out." She turned to Kristina. "I'm really happy for you. And proud. I'm sure you're going to do great at Yale."

"Thanks, Lulu. I'm glad Dante has you. When I get back, you and I should hang out more."

"Oh. I mean, yeah, of course. I guess I'll see you then." She waved as she walked away, Dante following closely behind. He looked over his shoulder and gave his baby sister a smile and a wink.

"I should go, take Abby back home. So...one more for the road?" Michael opened his arms for a hug, and Kristina practically knocked him over when she launched herself at him. A moment later she felt herself starting to lose it again, so she quickly let go and turned her head to the side.

"I'll see you soon, Krissy." She simply nodded and refused to look at him again as he left.

"Kristina, can you drive me back to Mom's with you?"

Sam, Jason, Sonny, Max, and Milo were the only people left behind. Ethan left shortly after she gave her speech, saying she should spend as much time with the rest of her family as possible since he was going to be taking her to the airport early the next day (she insisted on settling down in Connecticut and arriving at college on her own).

"Yeah. Are you going to be staying over?"

"Yes. I'm going to spend as much time with you as I can before you have to leave. So, you ready to go?"

"Almost. I just need a couple of minutes."

"Alright. I'll be outside." Sam smiled back at Sonny before her and Jason started for the door.

"Jason, wait!" Kristina called. Stunned, Jason and Sam both turned back. "Can I talk to you for a second first?"

The enforcer inclined his head in some semblance of a nod. He looked at Sam, who released his hand and left the house.

Kristina walked over to her future brother-in-law, trying to create some privacy between the two while her dad and his bodyguards remained in the room.

"I know you're not a big talker," Kristina started, "so I figured I'd take care of that part. I just wanted to thank you for being there for my sister, for all of us, really, when we needed it. I'm grateful to have you as a part of my family, because I know that if any of us are ever in trouble, we can always count on you, Jason."

Jason marveled at the girl—woman—in front of him. Sam was right; the time really did fly. He remembered Kristina playing with Michael and Morgan when they were younger, and the little brat he had to reprimand for drinking with some older guys. And now, Sonny's daughter was all grown up.

Kristina was taken by surprise when Jason (with an almost imperceptible smile) leaned in to hug her, but she gladly obliged.

"I'm proud of you, Kristina. And you're right, I'll always be here if you need me."

Almost as quickly as it happened, the hug was over.

"Thanks, Jason."

"Goodnight, Kristina."

As Jason left, she chuckled thinking about how lucky she was to have her brothers, all four of them.

Kristina sighed and turned around, facing the last person. If saying goodnight was the hardest so far, saying it to her father was going to be impossible.

Sonny cleared his throat. Max, taking the hint, patted Milo on the back. "We'll leave you two alone," he said. The brothers nodded at left their boss.

"So...Sam's waiting for me."

"Yeah. Don't want to keep her waiting. I guess this it, for a while."

"Dad, can we just...not?"

"What? You're leaving in a few hours. You don't want to say goodnight to your old man?"

Kristina cocked her head to the side and bit her lower lip. She seriously didn't want to cry in front of him.

"Never."

Sonny flashed his dimples in a sad, tight smile. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. "I can't believe my little girl's all grown up and headed off to college."

"I know; me either. But Dad—this is the only time I'm going to say this and you can't hold it over my head—I'll always be your little girl."

Sonny laughed. "Well, yeah, I already knew that."

"Okay, let's stop this right now," Kristina ordered pulling away. "It's not like I won't see you again."

"I know. I love you."

"I love you, Dad."

They didn't bother with goodbye or goodnight. They didn't need to say anything more. It took a lot of time and hurt feelings, but the two had finally come to an understanding. They were stuck with each other forever, and neither would have it any other way.

A/N: A couple of things: To clear up any confusion, the timeline now is around mid-August 2011, about two months after the last chapter. I'm not sure if I made it clear before in this fic, but Jake was never hit by a car. And sorry if I made Jason a little pushy with Sam, but I was just trying to show both Kristina's and Sam's insecurities a bit, and how Jason and Ethan helped them through it. And I think the Ethina bit was just cheesy enough. So I hope you all enjoyed. Until next time.

~Ashley