She was thinking about Christmas a lot, but she was also thinking further out into the future. How maybe one day, she and Taylor might be doing all of those things with children.
“I’ve never been in a relationship before,” Eva said, facing Taylor from across the sectional. “By this time, pretty much everyone else my age would have figured some of the what to do and what not to do already, but I’m just trying to figure it out as I go.”
“I’d say we’re doing a pretty good job of figuring things out together so far.”
Eva nodded, reaching over to the table to get her journal and cracking it open to the page she’d marked with ribbon.
“People are always talking to me about their wedding vows, what to include and what to promise. We’re still new, too new to talk about marriage, but I thought maybe we could make vows to one another to help us until we get there. Like a set of promises.”
Eva couldn’t tell if Taylor was touched, amused, or both based off of her expression. “A list,” Taylor said, teasing. “You love your lists.”
“And you know what else I love?”
Taylor shook her head.
“You. I love you.” It was the first time she’d been brave enough to utter those words out loud even though she’d felt them right from the beginning.
“I love you, too.”
“A list can be marked off or crumpled and discarded. Vows hold more gravity.”
Taylor crossed the short distance to curl up in Eva’s arms so that they could feel more connected as they brainstormed.
They would recognize when they needed to take time to cool off, but verbalize that instead of shutting the other person out. They would honor one another’s confidentiality and privacy. If unsure if something was okay to share with outside family or friends, they’d ask. They’d try not to make assumptions. If they had expectations of their partner, they would be communicated. They would fight fair, take ownership for wrongdoings, and make it genuine when deciding to forgive.
The biggest vow was that they’d recognize that love was both in the big and small moments. They would give and appreciate grand romantic gestures, but always prioritize the friendship and respect at the core of their relationship.
That’s what the windswept characters in all of Eva’s favorite romance novels sometimes neglected to think about.
“Do you think we forgot anything?” Taylor asked.
“Plenty of things, probably. But we can make it a living document. On our way to happily ever after, we’ll make the rules up as we go.”
About the Author
Bailey Peters was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. When she’s not writing, you can generally find her on a hiking trail or in the library. She is very grateful that you’ve spent some of your time and energy reading Forgetting Chuck Taylor and would love to stay in touch via any of the channels below.
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