Shane-“okay. I know what I did was wrong. But I didn’t do it to hurt Carmen. I did it to protect her, from me. I push everything in my life away when it is good and I didn’t want to end up doing that to Carmen. But I realize by doing what I did, I did exactly that. I cant take back what I did. But I can control where our future goes. I love your daughter more than life itself. I want nothing more than to be with her and bring her happiness. But I cant do that without your permission. You brought me into your home and your family with open arms and I messed that up. I am prepared to take full responsibility for my actions. The only thing I ask is that you forgive me as Carmen did and give me one more chance. To prove I love your daughter and that she has my heart to do what she wills with it. Mrs.M”

Mercedes cuts her off. “Call me Mercedes.”

Mercedes-“ Chane. I don’t say I trust you. But you are family, so I give you another chance. But if you break her heart again, you wont have to answer to her cousin. You will have to answer to me. Prove to me what you say is true and I will give you my blessing to be with my daughter.”

Shane-“thank you”

Mercedes shocks Shane when she grabs her and gives her a bone crushing hug.

Mercedes-“Come now, it is time to eat. You are still too skinny.”

Both Carmen and Shane laugh. They eat dinner and chat it up. Carmen is pleased with how her mother handled the situation.

Too soon it is time to leave. Neither of them want to leave but it is getting late.

Mercedes-“Thank you for coming. It was good to see you Chane. Remember what I told you.”

Shane-“I will. Thank you for having me.”

Carmen-“bye momma, we will see you soon.”

Mercedes-“Drive safe.”

They hop into the car. Shane cant believe it. She survived the entire dinner. She pinches herself to make sure she isn’t dreaming. Carmen is sitting in the passenger seat amazed with Shane. In the past couple of days she has been in some pretty rough situations and hasn’t even stutter stepped.