Carmen’s POV

I slowly opened the box and to my surprise there was no ring in it. Instead there was a key. I looked at Shane rather confused, not able to think clearly at that moment.

Shane: “Listen, I know we don’t want to rush things. But I don’t want you tu use the spare key. I want you to have your own key. That doesn’t mean that you have to move in again, which I wouldn’t mind…I just want you to know that you’re always welcome…”

I smiled at Shane and wrapped my arms around her holding her tightly, placing little kisses all over her face.

Carmen: “Thank you, baby.”

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed and relieved at the same time. Disappointed because I really want to marry Shane. And relieved because I don’t want this to happen too soon. I looked at the little key and smiled turning my attention to Shane.

Shane: “Is everything okay with you? You seem contemplative. Maybe it was a stupid idea… I should have waited.”

Carmen: “What? Nooo, no, don’t worry, babe. It’s the cutest present I ever got.”

Shane: “What is it then?”

I couldn’t help it. I looked at the black box again and Shane saw me doing it. She looked at me a and after a short moment she seemed to understand what was going on. I swear I could see her panic.

Shane: “Uh…you…you thought it was an en..engagement ring?”

It seemed like a struggle for her to say those words.

Carmen: “Well…yeah…”

We were both looking at each other saying nothing. No words were needed to communicate because our eyes said enough.

All the pictures of the past came back to my mind. Shane sitting on the steps in the garden, sad like she has never been before, asking me to marry her. Me picking out my wedding dress with the girls. The moment when Shane knocked at my door and when I got to know her father. The moment when I walked down the aisle and Alice stopped me telling me that Shane wasn’t going to marry me. My eyes filled with tears. I tried to hide them but Shane already saw them. She took my hand and gently put her hand on my cheek, caressing it. She waited until I calmed down.