After dinner, Kevin and Abigail settled on the couch in each other’s arms as they settled into watch “The Two Of Us”. It was a story about a married couple experiencing problems and how they rediscover their love for each other. Kevin had grown unusually quiet throughout the movie and Abigail questioned him. “You ok Kev? You’re awfully quiet all of a sudden.” Abigail said. 

“Just thinking, that’s all.” Kevin replied. 

“Wanna talk about it?” Abigail asked. 

“What are your thoughts on marriage?” Kevin asked. He was fully aware that Abigail’s first marriage was a disaster, but it was something he most definitely wanted in the future and he needed to know what Abigail’s thoughts were on marriage. 

That was the last thing that Abigail expected to hear. She hadn’t really thought about marriage with Kevin, because she simply didn’t think they were at that stage in their relationship. “Wow, I’m floored. I wasn’t really expecting a question like that.” Abigail finally said, sensing Kevin’s nervousness. 

“I just need to know what your thoughts are on marriage. You have to know that it’s something I’m interested in down the road.” Kevin said. 

“I guess I never really gave it a lot of thought to be honest. I didn’t think we were there yet.” Abigail said, realizing she still wasn’t giving Kevin the reassurance he needed. 

“I need you to know that it’s something I want in the future.” Kevin said. 

“I think I’ve always known that about you Kevin. I’m just not sure if it’s something I want to do or will be able to do again. Unfortunately Frank has tarnished my image of marriage.” Abigail replied. 

Kevin’s heart felt heavy. He was certain now more than ever that Abigail was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He was fully aware of her past with Frank, but he had always hoped she’d be willing to give marriage another chance, especially with someone she knew better and trusted. “Not all marriages are like that Abi.” Kevin said softly. 

“I know that Kevin. I’m not completely ruling it out, but it’s not something I will enter into as easily. I’m sorry if that’s not what you wanted to hear.” Abigail said. 

“Can I ask you something else?” Kevin asked. 

“You know you can ask me anything Kevin.” Abigail replied. 

“Could you see yourself loving and trusting me enough to consider marrying me?” Kevin asked. 

Abigail looked Kevin in the eye and confidently answered his question. “I love you more than I thought it ever possible to love someone Kevin. I realize now that I did not love Frank. I was young and didn’t know better. I do love and trust you Kevin and I’m not ruling out marriage. But we have lots of time to think about that. I hope you understand why I’m not in a hurry to think about marriage again.” Abigail explained. Everything she said to Kevin was the truth. She loved him and she could picture herself spending the rest of her life with Kevin, but she still needed time. She was still dealing with a lot of emotional problems from her first marriage and she felt she owed it to Kevin to deal with those feelings and emotions first before she committed herself to him. 

“I’m not trying to pressure you Abi. In my heart, I just needed to know that it was something you would consider down the road. I will be honest with you and admit I could walk down the aisle with you today, but I know you need more time. I love you enough to give you that time. I hope that doesn’t scare you away.” Kevin said. 

“With your love and support, I’m sure I’ll be able to confidently make that commitment to you in the future. I’m just not there yet and it’s not because of anything you’ve done or haven’t done. You know what I went through with Frank and I’m still trying to deal with the daemons from my past. I love you even more for being so patient.” Abigail said. 

“I love you more than you know Abigail. I’d wait a lifetime if I knew you’d eventually be mine.” Kevin said. 

“I love you too Kevin. Now, what do you say we go for a walk along the beach? This movie is just depressing.” Abigail said. 

“I don’t care what we do, just as long as I’m with you.” Kevin said as he followed Abigail out the patio door. 

For the first half an hour, they were both lost in their own thoughts. Abigail didn’t realize how serious Kevin was about marriage and realized that she couldn’t keep him waiting forever. Kevin was just upset that he put Abigail in that position. He knew Abigail’s history and always suspected she’d have problems committing to marriage again, but he couldn’t ignore his own hopes and dreams. He was at least relieved to hear that Abigail wasn’t adamantly opposed to marriage. He would give her more time, but the truth and reality was that he couldn’t and wouldn’t wait forever. He wasn’t getting any younger. Kevin finally broke the silence with one more question that he needed an answer to. “Do you want to have children at some point?” Kevin asked. 

It was obvious that this was weighing heavily on Kevin’s mind. She would have to give marriage some serious thought for Kevin’s sake. “I have always been able to imagine children in my future. I love children and would love to have some of my own one day.” At least she was able to give Kevin the answer he wanted to hear without having to stretch the truth. 

“Really?” Kevin said. 

“Yes, really Kevin.” Abigail replied as she stopped and looked Kevin in the eye. “I’ll admit that I hadn’t given marriage any serious thought before tonight. But I see now how important it is to you Kevin and I can honestly say that down the road I could easily see myself married to you with children. Just give me a little more time.” Abigail said. 

Kevin smiled down at Abigail. He knew she wasn’t just saying this to keep him happy, she genuinely meant what she was saying. Knowing that Abigail wasn’t ruling out marriage with him was enough for him. He would just have to do his best to prove how much he loved her continue to build confidence in herself. “Thank-you Abi. That’s all I really needed to hear.” Kevin said as he took Abigail’s hand in his own and continued to walk along the beach, feeling content with his life. 

********************** 

The following afternoon, Kevin and Abigail followed the same path they took the night before. They had found a beautiful waterfall on their moonlit walk the night before and Kevin promised Abigail that he would bring her back there the following afternoon when they could swim in the crystal clear water. Kevin also had one other thing in mind. He hadn’t forgotten about Abigail’s fantasy of finding a secluded beach somewhere and making love. Kevin had every intention of making that dream come true, and he wasn’t going to let thoughts of Jordyn ruin his afternoon. 

The waterfall was even more spectacular looking during the day. Abigail quickly removed her sarong and made her way into the water, which was a comfortable temperature. “How’s the water?” Kevin asked as he removed his shirt. 

“Perfect!” Abigail exclaimed as she treaded water. 

A few seconds passed before Kevin joined Abigail in the water. He didn’t think it was possible to find a more perfect place on earth. He promised himself that he would bring Abigail back when they had more than three days. Kevin swam over to Abigail and took her in his arms. Without saying a word, Kevin captured Abigail’s lips in a passionate kiss, which spoke louder than words. Kevin proceeded to turn one of Abigail’s long time fantasies into reality by carrying her onto the beach and making love to her not once, but twice and Jordyn was the furthest thing from Kevin’s mind.