Shane-“lets head to get some of your stuff, and then we will head home.”

Carmen though to herself ‘home, that word actually had meaning now.’ It didn’t matter where she was. As long as Shane was there she was home.

They quickly grab some of Carmen’s possessions and head back to the house.

Carmen-“ so it went well.”

Shane-“ I would say so. I am still able to walk.”

Carmen-“What did she say to you?”

Shane-“She said she doesn’t trust me which I understand. But I told her all I wanted was a chance to prove to her that I do love you and want nothing more than to make you happy.”

Carmen-“and?”

Shane-“She said okay.”

A smile spreads across Carmen’s face.

Shane-“I will prove it to her. I do want to be with you for the rest of my life Carmen. It doesn’t come natural to me, letting my feelings take over me. But you are the first person to open me up enough. And I want you to be the only person.”

Shane wipes a tear away as it cascades down Carmen’s cheek.

Shane-“I want to see you in that wedding dress one day, if you allow me to.”

Carmen-“one day.”

Shane-“I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you, but I thank god for whatever it is.”

Shane’s phone starts to ring. She looks at the caller id. It is Shay and she picks up immediately. Carmen only catches part of the conversation. She keeps hearing Shane saying the name Shay. ‘who is shay’ She wonders. Shane is pacing but is visibly more than excited. When she gets off the phone she is beaming.

Carmen-“Who was that?”

Shane-“my brother, he is coming to visit tomorrow. I miss him so much.”

Carmen-“Why didn’t I ever know you had a brother?”

Shane-“ I don’t know. But right after the. Well last year I came home and my dad’s wife left him on my back porch. He lived with me for more than a month. But my dad came and got him. I don’t get to see him much anymore. But we stay in contact.”

Carmen was clearly shocked.

Carmen-“uumm, wow. I don’t know what to say. You with a kid?”