Page 32 of Essence of his Soul

I knew what she’d say, but I couldn’t keep it bottled up anymore. “Mark asked me to marry him.”

Mom took a deep breath. “And?”

“And I told him no,” I admitted.

I heard the surprise in her response. “I thought you were in love with him?”

Her words hung in the air for a moment before I spoke again. “I do, or at least I did. But he doesn’t love me.” It felt strange to say it out loud, like finally admitting a secret I’d been hiding from even myself.

“How can you be so sure?”

“He told me so...,” I admitted. “The only reason he proposed is because he doesn’t want Tyler to be raised without a father.”

“Is that so bad?”

“Yes, Mom, it is. I won’t settle for anything less than love.”

I heard her dragging air into her nose before saying, “Maybedeep down in his heart, he does love you.”

“Maybe, but I’m not willing to take that chance.”

“Well, I trust you to follow your heart. You know what’s best. Just remember to consider what’s best for Tyler, too.”

I sighed again, the weight of the sentence settling over me. “I know.”

Sensing she had given me enough to think about, Mom switched topics. “Your aunt Tina’s coming up for Christmas.”

“Oh, that’s great,” I said, happy for the distraction. “Is she bringing anyone with her?”

“As many as she can load in her van,” she chuckled. “You know they can put away some food, so I’m expecting all the help I can get for dinner.”

“I’ll be more than happy to help. In fact, I’m sure Mark wouldn’t mind pitching in either.”

“Oh, really?”

“Oh, Mom, he’s a wonderful cook! I’ve come home the past week to delicious homemade meals, not Hamburger Helper.”

“I see.”

“I don’t remember when I’ve eaten so well, and I don’t know how he managed it after spending the entire day with Tyler, but he did. He even washes dishes and does laundry.”

“And this is the guy you refused to marry? Maybe you need to lend him to me for a few days.”

I gasped, suddenly realizing how I must have sounded, singing Mark’s praises. But the truth was, he was making it hard not to. “Mom, just let me know what you need, and I’ll take care of it.”

Mom chuckled knowingly. “I’m sure you will.”

I groaned inwardly, feeling the urge to wrap up the conversation. “Mom, I just got in, and I haven’t even had a chance to change out of my clothes,” I said, hoping she’d get the hint.

“Sure, dear. I’ll talk to you this weekend.” She was still chuckling as we hung up.

Now you’ve done it, I thought, hanging up the receiver. I could already hear Mom telling Dad, and I knew the questions would start coming from all sides.

Still scolding myself, my eyes drifted to the end of the counter, where I spotted a small gray remote control. Curious, I picked it up and turned it over in my hand. When I pressed the button, I heard a loud motorized sound from the garage.

“Oh, no, he didn’t,” I mumbled as I rushed through the laundry room to open the side door. I gasped. Mark had installed an electric garage opener. My heart did a little flip, the kind you get when someone surprises you in the best way. He was so thoughtful.What am I going to do?

“I’ll tell you what you’re going to do,” I said aloud. “You’re going to put your shoes back on and park your car in the garage.” With the remote in hand and a smile creeping across my face, I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my car keys, feeling something warm and hopeful settle in my chest.

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