Chapter 11
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3:57 pm
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I arrived at the hospital and found Nicole, she was in labor. Nicole's parents and her older brother were also here, but she was scared and needed as many friends as she could get right now. I remembered this feeling all too well. As a teenager, I had also given birth, and like Nicole I had paced my child up for adoption. I believed then and I believe now, I did what was best for everyone, including the baby. I wasn't ready to be a mother then, Nicole wasn't ready to be one now. But I also knew how hard it would be to give up a baby, Nicole needed a friend right now.
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5:04 pm
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My girlfriend Michelle arrived at the hospital.
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Joe: Thanks for coming.
Michelle: Ofcourse. She still in labor?
Joe: Yes. Been quite a Christmas Eve. Stopped a woman from committing suicide, a thief turned himself in, and now this.
Michelle: We can still have my turkey dinner when we get home. I brought a gift for you.
Joe: Shouldn't we wait until Christmas Day?
Michelle: I admit, I had hoped for a more romantic moment than this. But maybe it's good.
Joe: What do you mean?
Michelle: We both work long hours, both unexpected moments like this. It's best I do this with my eyes wide open.
Joe: Are you saying, what I think you're saying?
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Michelle answered this question by getting on her knees, and showing me her gift. It was an engagement ring.
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Michelle: Joe, will you marry me?
Joe: Yes, I want to marry you. But there is one thing we should discuss before we make it official.