You look down at Rafe, the guy you once loved, or may still love and wonder, can you really marry him? Even after what he's put you through? You asked him to show he's responsible and ready to care for you and your baby and well, he's showing you. However, this wasn't what you expected.
"Rafe," You breath out.
"You told me to show you I'm ready for this so, I'm asking you to marry me. Marry me and we can raise our baby together. Be a family. We can even go tomorrow and pick out a ring. I'll take you to meet my family. It'll be amazing." He smiles, squeezing your hands.
You shake your head, "Rafe, this is out of the blue. So out of the blue." You slowly stand, wincing and stepping away from him, "You're not thinking about what you're asking."
He stands and steps toward you, "Malwina, I do know what I'm asking. I'm asking to spend the rest of my life with you. With you, the absolute love of my life. I didn't need to think about it. I just know."
"I think you should go."
He's taken back, "You think I should go?" This wasn't at all what he expected. He had expected you to say yes.
You nod, "This is too much right now, Rafe. Go home, think things over. Then come back when you're in the right mind set."
He shakes his head before storming out of the room and out the door.
You slowly sink back down on the edge of the bed. What are you going to do?
❦ ❦
Kie sits across from you on your bed. She'd stopped by the next day to bring you lunch so you could tell her what had happened.
"And he just dropped to one knee in front of you and asked you to marry him?" She asks popping a fry in her mouth.
You nod, taking a bite of a chicken finger, "He did. I can't make these things up."
"Well, what did you tell him?"
"I told him to leave and think things over first and he left."
She shakes her head in disbelief, "Dude this is crazy. Rafe Cameron, party boy, wants to settle down and get married? I thought pigs would fly first."
Your quiet as you take another bite.
"Malwina.. do you want to marry him?" She furrows her eyebrows at you.
"Yes. No, I don't know!" you groan, "He's the father of my baby and the baby wouldn't have to worry about money or anything like I did growing up. I can give he or she a good life."
"Malwina. You can't just marry him for his money. If you aren't happy or you don't love him, then you shouldn't be with him."
"Kie, I do love him though. I do. I mean I know he's been an asshole, but since my accident he's stopped the drugs. He's been clean and he's come over almost every day to check on me, stayed for hours, spending time with me, and taking care of me."
"Someone else has come over almost every day to see you too." She says, shrugging; John B, "What about him? He's your best friend and told you he's in love with you. I know you've had feelings for him for the longest too."
You groan again, "I love John B too, but I don't know if it's because he's my best friend or I'm actually in love with him. I don't know who to choose."
"All I can say is, go with what your heart is telling you. Don't think about money or living a good life. Think about who is going to give you the love and support you need. Who is going to make you happy? That's what matters."
❦ ❦
The day after Kie spent the day with you, you received a text from John B. You'd hoped Kie didn't let the beans spill about Rafe proposing even after you asked her not too. You let out a sigh of relief after reading what he'd texted.
Would you want to go get ice cream and talk?
You quickly responded, the thought of ice cream on this hot day would be perfect. Your ac stopped working and your mom couldn't afford to fix it so, you were basically lounging around in a bathing suit to keep cool.
I'd love too. AC isn't working
He responded with: I'll be over in 10 and bring my tools to look at it
John B always to the rescue. With his dad being gone, he'd become quite the handy man and helped you out numerous times whether it was fixing a loose board on the porch, fixing a fridge or a washer, he was there to help, especially since your dad left you and your mom. He'd even helped build a small porch onto the back of the house after your mom said she'd love to have an extra lounging space. He was just that kind of guy, always wanting to make you happy.
"Malwina?" You heard John B call out.
"In my room!"
He'd walked in on you slipping a tank top over your head and spotted the small bump starting to form, "Looks like you're starting to show."
You smiled and pulled the shirt up, "I know. Only a little bit though." You run your hand over the small bump.
"it's cute." You blush and he clears his throat, "Anyways. Do you want me to look at your AC now or after ice cream?"
"If you don't mind, can you look at it now? In case we need a part while we're in town."
"Sure. Let me go get my tools."
❦ ❦
It had been almost an hour of him looking at your AC unit and he'd finally found the fix.
"You just need to replace this one part." He says coming in, wiping his hands on a rag. He'd discarded his shirt and you could see the beats of sweat on his chest. He'd also tied his bandana up around his forehead to keep the sweat from dripping down his face.
"How much is this going to cost?" You wince a little. Your mom was in between paychecks.
He shrugs, walking over to you, "Shouldn't be too much. I'll pull some strings and get the part at a reasonable cost and then I can replace it." He takes a step closer to you and pushes a piece of hair behind your ear, "If you agree to a date with me."
You bite your lip, "A date?"
He nods, "One date with me." His finger moves to your shoulder and then trails down your arm, taking your hand in his, causing you to shiver at his touch, even in this heat.
You nod, smiling, "Okay."
❦ ❦
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