We Come Alive 5

Epilogue: Diego Martinez

Diego Martinez

After breaking his neck, Diego never thought he would get the opportunity to go to college since his mother could only afford for him to go somewhere local. Gratefully, Diego went to the University of Huston to play football. He unfortunately never got past the first playoff games throughout college but did enjoy watching his friends play in the championship games on tv.

While in college, Diego co-parented with Mila after the birth of their daughter they named Maileen. They eloped at a courthouse a month before Maileen was born with her cousin being their witness.

Diego fixed the cuffs of his white button-up shirt and nervously looked at the officiant. They both smiled at one another before Mila walked up to Diego in her pink off the shoulder dress with her baby bump on full display. She held hands with Diego when the officiant told them to and smiled brightly at one another.

"We are gathered here to join in matrimony; Diego Martinez and Mila Knight-Flores. Marriage is a solum obligation. It means giving up certain rights and liberties in exchange for new joys and happiness. By appearing for this ceremony, you indicate that you wish to enter into this relationship. Since marriage is an outward expression of private as well as personal feelings, we're pleased to share this moment with you."

Diego almost tuned out the officiant completely when he realized what he was doing. He smiled widely at his soon to be wife carrying his child. Mila squeezed his hands with a wide smile on her face, tears forming in her eyes.

"Mila, do you take Diego to be your lawfully wedded spouse?  And do you promise to be a living, and faithful, and devoted spouse in plenty and in want. In joy and in sorrow. In sickness and in health. And forsaking all others, keep you only unto him so long as you both shall live?"

Mila smiled sweetly. "I do."

"Diego, do you take Mila to be your lawfully wedded spouse?  And do you promise to be a living, and faithful, and devoted spouse in plenty and in want. In joy and in sorrow. In sickness and in health. And forsaking all others, keep you only unto her so long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Diego nodded, staring right into her eyes.

Mila took the rings from her cousin and handed hers to Diego. They followed the instructions of the officiant as they put them on.

"Diego, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love."

"Mila, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love."

The officiant smiled at them. "Now, by the power vested in me, by the state of Texas, and the constitution thereof, I pronounce you married. Congratulations."

Diego put his hands on Mila's sides and kissed her passionately as their daughter kept them from getting too close. Mila's hands rested softly on Diego's cheeks as they had their first kiss as husband and wife. The two turned towards Mila's cousin, who took their picture.

A month later, Diego was cheering Mila on as she gave birth to their daughter. He kissed her forehead and told her how proud of her he was and how strong she was for doing it. She had a natural birth in a birthing center with no pain medication to help her. Maileen Martinez was born at 7:47 pm at 7 lb 5 oz and 20 inches long.

After a year of marriage, the two divorced and split custody of Maileen. They both agreed that getting married was a quick decision and it wasn't smart of them to do so.