The next morning, Winston was super excited and couldn’t wait to tell Emmy about our night. She was happy to hear about our elopement and congratulated us. I remembered the thought I had when she was born. I gave her my last name because I wasn’t sure what Winston would do. I loved him, and he had come to terms with being a father, but I thought he needed to marry me to show his commitment. I gave Emmy my last name and thought if we ever got married, we would change it. But she’s a teenager now. I think she should have a say in what happens with her identity. The choice seemed to alarm her. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped as her eyes darted between the two of us. I felt like she was excited to make a huge, serious decision but also terrified. But in the end, she decided to keep her name. She told Winston she would love to have his name, but it would be weird to change it now. Emerald Kierra Pope is the only name she’s ever known; it’s who she is. She would have to create all new identities online if she changed. I know he hoped she would go for it. I saw his shoulders deflate at the news, but he took it well. He’ll be fine. He always is.
