Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 14
Edward carefully contemplated Carmen's suggestion. Could he really hand over the money and erase the events of this morning, carrying on with life like it had never happened?
No he couldn't.
"I don't think I can do that, Carmen," Edward said. Then realizing that his words might be confusing to her, he added, "I can't forget about this."
He looked at Carmen with new eyes and truly saw her for the first time. The knowledge he now shared changed his perspective on things quite dramatically. She was no longer the casual lay, the hot girl he managed to tap, the notch on his belt. She was the mother of his child; the woman he would be irrevocably bound to for the rest of his existence. She was afraid and alone, and didn't have anyone else to turn to.
It was his job to prove her wrong. It was his duty to make her feel safe and wanted. For the sake of his unborn child, who deserved a chance to live.
A sense of certainty settled upon him as he came to the decision that would change their lives forever. He knew what had to be done, and he would do it.
His priorities in life would have to be readjusted. The moment he had come to learn of Carmen's pregnancy, his world shifted on its axis in favor of the baby her body housed. That child, and by extension Carmen, came before all else now; his plans for a bright career, his dreams to travel the globe, and even his hope to find the love of his life someday.
He took a step to close the distance between him and Carmen and reached out to take both her hands in his. Keeping his eyes locked on hers, he sank down to his knees in front of her.
He didn't have a ring, so words would have to do.
He didn't love her, but maybe he would someday.
He swallowed back his fears and forced out all other thoughts from his mind.
Carmen looked confused as she looked down on him. She furrowed her brows as she tried to make sense of his actions. She didn't have to try for long.
"Marry me, Carmen."
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