“You will always have a key here, Pam.” Duncan lifted her face to his. “Forever if you want it.”
The significance of this small gift hit her hard. The day Kenny took her key away from her was the day she totally lost herself. To have to wait, embarrassed and humiliated until he got home to go inside when neighbors in the apartment building would come home, had hit her hard. At first, she would leave to drive around, but Kenny started checking her speedometer, allowing her a certain amount of miles a day, so she had to wait. It had become a running joke with the neighbors… ‘Lost your key again?’ they would tease. She would just nod with a shrug as she sat by the door waiting. Sometimes he would be inside, but would make her wait in the small hallway until she heard the click of the lock. Only then was she allowed to enter what had once been her apartment.
Slowly, her eyes left the key to stare up at the man she had sacrificed herself for, to keep him and the others that were here tonight, safe from a maniac. Had it been worth it? Seeing the love in Duncan’s intent stare and the room done in love by friends was answer enough. It has been worth it; it had led her back to where her heart belonged.
“I’ve never been given a gift that meant so much to me,” Pam whispered.
“Then I’m glad it came from me,” Duncan replied proudly.
Pam took the key out of the box, holding it to her heart.
Watching her stare at the key as if it was the best gift she had ever received, told Duncan more than any words could have about what she endured at the hands of that bastard. Reaching into his pocket, his hand grasped something small. In that one moment, he knew without a doubt that he wanted her forever, if only she would have him. He had kept the ring close, waiting for the perfect time. Not knowing if this was the perfect time or not, he decided he didn’t care. All he cared about was making her his.
His unconditional love for this woman gave him the courage to pull his hand out of his pocket. His fist was holding tight a future he wanted, more than anything he had ever wanted, in his long life.
Grasping her chin with his other hand, he brought her eyes up to his. He searched so deeply he felt lost until the smile that spread across her face reached her eyes. “I want you to know that I have loved you for a long time.” Duncan’s voice was deep with his own emotions.
“Duncan, I-“
He put a finger over her lips shaking his head. Slowly, without breaking eye contact, he bent to one knee. “Pamela Cecilia Braxton.” He could tell by the look in her eyes she knew what was coming next, yet his determination was strong even though for the first time in his existence he feared rejection. He cursed himself as his gaze shifted away from her for a second, but knowing that this is what he wanted, he looked back into her beautiful mismatched eyes. “Would you become my wife, so I can be a husband to the woman I love and a father to the little guy?” He placed his hand on her belly.
Pam eyes widened. “You want to marry me?”
“Why does that surprise you?” Duncan watched the emotions play across her face.
“I don’t know if I…” Pam stopped speaking to search his eyes. She wanted more than anything in the world to say yes, but was terrified that he would regret it.
“If you what?” His tone was level, not raised. Deciding then and there she would make it work, her heartbeat picked up speed as a wave of fierce resolve filled her. She wanted to be his wife. She would do anything to be whole again, and her first step would be to marry this incredible man.
“Yes.”
“Yes?” Duncan looked surprised but hid it quickly.
“Yes,” she whispered again, then watched as he quickly slipped a beautiful princess-cut engagement ring on her finger. Her hand shook as she held it up looking at it. Biting her trembling lip, she shook her head.
“What?” Duncan could tell she was upset by the way she bit her bottom lip. Tears had welled up in her eyes, but not a single tear had fallen…yet.
“I don’t want to let you down.” One tear finally escaped, sliding from the corner of her eye. “I don’t know if I can be who you want me to be, Duncan.”
“You will always be who I want you to be.” Duncan’s voice was firm, his eyes gentle.
“I do love you, Duncan.” Pam reached up to touch his face. “I will make you proud. I promise.”
“You have already made me proud.” Duncan leaned down to kiss her. “You have made me complete.
*****
Jeff stood in the compound entryway when everyone walked in. Flashes of lights followed them in.
“Don’t they realize the pregnant one isn’t with us?” Sid mumbled, aggravation lining his face. “These reporters suck if you ask me!”
Adam snorted then noticed Jeff standing there. “Where the hell have you been?” Adam walked straight up to him. “You’ve been gone for almost a week.”