She leaned over Tanner and gave him a slow kiss. "Listen, as hard as this is, it will pass. I promise you'll move on. You keep telling me how special I am, and as flattering as that is, I know deep down it's not true. There are a lot of special women out there—your college will be full of them. And unlike me, they won't come with the downside of being temporary. Can you trust me on this, Tanner? Promise me that you'll find a way to make it to college?"

Tanner stared at the ceiling for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Okay, Amanda. I promise. But can...