"Are you sure you're going to be okay?"

Scout had been able to get time off from her job which she figured she would seeing as she is the least important secretary there. When she told me that I told her not to be so hard on herself but she claimed she was only stating facts so I left well enough alone. She had her bags packed and a train ride booked for the Monday before Thanksgiving. I could tell she was still uneasy about going but I kept telling her it was for the best. Even here at the station and two minutes before boarding time, I had to keep reassuring her that it was all going to be all right.

"Sweetheart, I'm going to be just fine," I say as I take her hands in mine.

"I wish you could come with me," she says as tears well up in her eyes.

"We've been through this," I said, trying not to get frustrated with her. "You need to go for yourself. Now is not a good time for me to come along; it's too early."

"But you know them."

"Sweetheart, you don't even know them anymore. Just trust me when I say you need this time for yourself. Do you trust me?"

"Well, yeah."

"Then do it."

"I will."

"I know you will because your train is here and you're getting on it and I don't care if I have to kick your ass every step of the way to get you on it."

"You wouldn't do that," she said with a smile as she bent down to pick up her luggage. "You know I would come back and kick your ass even harder."

"Just like the old times."

"Nice to see you haven't forgotten."

That was when we kissed each other goodbye. I made sure to savor it because it was going to be a whole week before I would get this oppurtunity again. Scout parted the kiss with a laugh and she nuzzled her cheek up against mine. She has the softest cheeks in the world; they feel like silk to me.

"I love you, Dill Harris," she whispered.

"I love you, too, Scout Finch," I whispered as I lead her to the platform. "Now take a deep breath and hop on the train. If you need me, call me. I'll be here."

"Thank you for everything," she said as she made the first step up on the train. I made sure she was there to climb the other steps. I then waved to her as she looked down at me and she waved to me. She blew me a kiss and I blew her one back.

"You're welcome," I mumbled to myself when she finally walked away. She was more than welcome.

So the rest of the week was mine after her train left the station. What to do now? I decided that I was hungry after all and stopped by the bakery to pick up a danish and a cup of coffee. I rounded the corner to see that I was right in front of jewelery store. They were just opening up for the day and I supposed I should finish my breakfast before heading in there. While I popped the last bite of my danish in my mouth, my eyes wandered to a beautiful, sapphire ring. If I had to describe Scout as a color, it would be that.

"Can I help you, sir?" A man asked as I walked in.

"Yes, I would like to buy that sapphire diamond ring in the window," I replied.

"Sure thing, sir. Do you know the size of the finger."

"That looks like it will work fine."

"Would this by any chance be a Christmas present for the lady?"

"Yes, sir."

"Was she born in September?"

"Oh no, she was born in April. This is going to be the ring I propose to her with."

"Oh," he said with a shrunk face. I don't know why. "Well, if you want to come with me to the back case I could show you our more traditional enagagement pieces..."

"We're not traditional people, sir, but thank you though."

"Okay," he sighed as he went to ring up my purchase. Jesus Christ, when will these salespeople trust there customers?

I had to run back to the apartment after I was done. A rush of excitement and nerves took over my body. I had to tell someone what I had just done and I knew just the person.

"Frank," I say into the phone as soon as he answers.

"Hey, man. How's it going?"

"I didn't let her go."

"About time you listened to me."

"Yeah, yeah. Now you listen to me: I did something and I have to tell someone so I thought of you."

"Oh shit, what?"

"I bought a ring and I'm going to propose to Scout on Christmas."

"Oh fuck, man. Go get her!"

"Oh, I got her."