“I do. It’s just that I believe marriage is so much more than a societal construct. It can be beautiful between two people who really love each other. I’ve seen it. My parents have been married almost fifty years.”
“Your parents are like a unicorn. Don’t we already have a beautiful relationship?”
Harlem tried a different approach. “I know that your childhood was difficult . . .”
The hairs on Damian’s body stood up. He was not going to discuss the horrors of growing up in foster care and group homes. Damian was now an adult. He chose to live in the real world. A world he thought Harlem wanted to share. “I’m completely committed to you. You know that.” He meant every word.
Damian walked over to Harlem. He hesitated, then dropped down on one knee. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black box.
Harlem’s hands flew up to her throat, and her heart started racing. Oh my God.
Something about the look in his eyes was so pure, honest, and almost desperate. “I wanted to give you this at dinner, but now is as good a time as any. I understand how important the idea of marriage is to you.” Slowly, Damian opened the box to reveal a dazzling five-carat emerald-cut diamond. “It doesn’t mean the same to me, but I want you to know how much I love you.”
“Is that an engagement ring?” She whispered. Her stomach was in knots.
Damian reached for her hand. “This ring is a symbol of my love and commitment to you and our family.”
“Is that an engagement ring?” She asked a little louder.
“It’s a promise that I will always be here for you until death do us part. I want that with you. Do you want it with me?” Damian’s eyes pleaded with hers. “If so, accept my ring, and let’s start the next chapter of our lives.”
Harlem wanted marriage even though she denied it to herself. She had hoped that it would fix whatever it was that was missing between them.
She had to make a decision. If Harlem said no, she was afraid this might be the end of their relationship, and Damian was her perfect mate. She might not ever find another man like him. If she said yes, Harlem might be denying herself the life she really wanted. She could no longer hide behind her career or even the excuse of wanting to get married. The simple fact was that Harlem wasn’t in love with him. She should be, and Harlem had tried her damnedest.
It was her moment of truth.
Chapter 13
Damian couldn’t believe his cell phone began to buzz during this life-changing moment. He ignored it and held Harlem’s gaze. His heart pounded as the endless moments of silence ticked by, waiting for her to respond.
“You should get that,” Harlem said softly, barely able to maintain the intensity of his stare.
Don’t do this. Jump with me. Damian’s grip on her hand tightened just a bit. “I can’t imagine any call more important than what’s happening in this room.”
Her mouth felt like sandpaper. Why can’t I do it? Why can’t I say yes? Not only were her palms sweaty, but Harlem’s body felt hot all over. She didn’t want to lose Damian, with more time she might fall in love with him. Harlem just wasn’t sure she could go along with his plans for the rest of their lives either. She was not ready to make a decision.
Damian’s phone continued to buzz. Then, all of a sudden, Harlem’s cell and office line began to ring too.
That’s odd. It was after hours. Who could be calling us both at the same time on our anniversary? She glanced over at the potentially life-saving object. “Seriously, maybe one of us should answer our phone.”
Uneasiness swept over Damian. Everyone knew about his plans with Harlem. He tore his eyes away from her and pulled his phone out of his suit coat pocket. Irritated, he answered. “This is Dame.”
Harlem could see by the change in his expression that something was seriously wrong.
Slowly, he stood. “What hospital?”
Her body went from hot to cold.
“We’re on our way.” Damian disconnected the line. “That was Carter. Nate and Melody were in a car accident.”
“Oh, God.” Harlem quickly grabbed her purse from off her desk. “How bad?”
“Not good.” Damian reached for Harlem, and they ran out of her office.
For now, the decision about their future was temporarily put on hold, and for that, Harlem was grateful.
******
They rushed into the emergency room of Loyola University Hospital. Damian and Harlem were immediately met by Carter.
Worried, Damian asked. “How are they?”
“Nate has a mild concussion and a broken arm. Melody was unconscious when they brought her in. We don’t know how bad, but . . .
Nervously, Harlem urged Carter on. “But what?”
“She’s in labor. They’re going to have to take the baby via emergency cesarean.”
“My God. It’s too soon. She’s only twenty-four weeks.” Harlem couldn’t believe this was happening to Damian’s business partner and his wife. Damian squeezed her hand to reassure both himself and her. “They are going to be fine. All three of them.”
Carter wasn’t so sure. Nate would lose his mind if anything were to ever happen to Melody or the baby.
“Did anyone contact their families?” Harlem asked.
Carter nodded. “I called their parents. I’m sending my plane for them. They should be here in the next few hours.” Carter figured Harlem had to be really
