"Emergency meeting!"

As they sat there, Echo couldn't help but notice the way Julia's eyes sparkled in the dim light of the café. He felt a surge of affection for her and reached out to take her hand.

Julia didn't pull away, instead, she squeezed his hand gently. "I'm glad we're doing this, Echo. I feel like we're finally getting back on track."

Echo nodded in agreement. "Me too, Julia. I've missed us."

They sat there for a moment, hands entwined, enjoying the comfortable silence between them.

Then Julia spoke up, "Hey, Echo?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, what is it?"

Julia's expression turned serious. "Do you think we can make this work? I mean, really work? Despite our pasts and our families?"

Echo's heart skipped a beat. He knew what Julia was asking. She was asking if he was all in, if he was willing to fight for their relationship.

He looked into her eyes, his own heart overflowing with emotion. "Julia, I'm already all in. I love you, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make