Once Bitten, Twice Shy

“It’s beautiful,” she responded. “I like the window seat. It overlooks the farmstead, doesn’t it?”

“That it does.” His voice was husky as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the window seat. There he lowered her to the cushions. He kicked off his boots and sat down beside her, leaning back against the wall. “Come here.” He pulled her next to him, so that her back was leaning against his chest. “Let’s talk.”

Comfortable as the position was, it was hard to relax. Her heart was knocking around inside her chest like an egg in a blender. Was he finally going to propose?

He kissed her neck softly. “About this problem of having children. There are other options. You could still have a child. It wouldn’t physically be mine, but there’s more to being a father than the time it takes to plant the seed.”

She shook her head. “I could never do something like that. If God wants us to have children, it will happen. Otherwise, I can live with it. All I want is you.”

He was silent a long time. Had she pushed him too far again? Was he working up the courage to ask? Why was it so difficult? Finally he cleared his throat.

“Let’s not wait, Carmen. There’s no reason to wait any longer. We love each other. That’s what matters, not a formality that only creates more stress. I can’t wait to make you mine - completely.”

She stiffened. No wonder he was having so much trouble expressing himself. He wasn’t proposing. He was propositioning her - again. And he must know what her answer would be.

“What do you say?” he asked softly.

She brought her elbow around into his ribs and the air escaped his lungs in a startled groan of protest. She jerked away from him.

“Honestly, Alex. How many times do you have to be told no?”

He stared at her, obviously puzzled by her refusal. “What ever happened to, I just want you? I wish you’d make up your mind.”

“I have. I made up my mind when I was a young girl. I’m not going to go all the way until I get married.”