The party ended well, all things considered. Tom had dropped a bombshell on me, and I had to say yes. There were hugs, congratulations, and people asking about the wedding. It was all a huge commotion, but everyone except me seemed thrilled.
Tom insisted on taking me home, even though I told him to stay with his family. He said he needed to make sure the mother of his child was safely tucked at home before anything else. When we got to the apartment, I was exhausted. Tom picked me up and carried me to the bedroom, something he had been doing a lot lately. I didn’t protest, though I was fuming inside.
He set me down on the bed, removed my shoes, and began massaging my feet. Just as I was about to speak, he cut me off.
“I know you don’t want to marry me, and I know it was a shock. I sh
