“You too Mrs. Porter.” Bette held Tina close and fell asleep until the morning light.

****

Shane lays in bed and watches Carmen sleep. She runs her fingers through her thick, black hair. She grabs the sheet and brings it to her waist. She traces her tattoo with her fingertip. She bites her lip as she does, hearing Carmen moaning softly in her sleep. Carmen starts to move around, and  Shane starts to run her fingertips up and down her back. She kisses Carmen’s smooth mocha skin and runs her fingers over her tattoo on her arm. Carmen slowly wakes up and turns her head and smiles.

“That’s a nice way to wake up.” Shane licks her lips and smiles. She scoots closer to Carmen and kisses her slowly.

“Morning, how did you sleep?”

“Very good. What about you?”

“Alright, but I’ve been watching you for the past two hours.” Carmen props herself up on elbow.

“Shane?” Shane looks up at Carmen’s milky brown eyes. “Why did you ask me to marry you last night?”

“I thought it was the right time to ask. I don’t know, it just struck me to do it. Why?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t think you were ready for that kind of step.” Shane sits up on her arm.

“Carmen, I know that we’ve only been together on and off for almost 6 months. I know I’m ready to be with you forever. I love you and that’s all that matters to me.”

“I love you too, but-.” Shane stops her.

“Are you having doubts about us?”

“No, I just think that everything’s moving so fast. I just want us to be in an honest relationship here. I don’t know if we can fully trust each other here.”

“Carmen, I know what we’ve done to each other was down right wrong, but I came to terms with it. I forgave you, and I forgave myself for all the ***** I’ve pulled. I’ve been honest with you since our trip from Key West.” Carmen drops her head and sighs.

“I know you have Shane, but I don’t know. I think we’re moving a little too fast here.”