"Fine.Talk." and Ms. Morales made no move to invite Shane in.

"You had excepted your daughter as being gay. That much you proved by coming to the wedding. But now, you’re making her choose between family and love, and you are wrong" Shane said, and ignored the gasp that escaped Mercedes lips.

"Everyone is entitled to both Ms.Morales – family AND love. It’s not up to you to choose who your daughter loves. You were brought up with a big family around you, I didn’t have that. And I wouldn’t wish not having a family on anybody, especially not the woman I love. But you welcomed me into your family – you remember that don’t you? Even before you knew about me and your daughter, you told me that all of you were my family now. I don’t think you realize how much hearing that meant to me that day.

Which brings me to my point – I know how important family is now. But I didn’t know that until I met you and your children – especially Carmen. But now, you’re only acting out of anger and not considering everything about this situation. Your husband died before Carmen was born. And because she never knew him, you’re all she’s got as far as a mother and a father. I’m the one who messed up, and I paid for it every day that I was away from her. But now, she’s chosen to forgive me. It was a huge step, Ms. Morales. But that’s the type of daughter you have. One who looks beyond the mistakes people make, and gives them a second chance. That’s all I’m asking you for. To give your daughter a second chance. She wants you in her life, but along with her, comes me."

Shane didn’t give her a chance to respond. Instead, she left the woman standing there in her doorway, mouth agape , and speechless.

BACK AT THE APARTMENT….

Shane walked in after Derek drove away to the most Heavenly smells she had ever smelled. She entered the kitchen and was surprised to see two candles on the table, place settings, and she could hear the distinct sounds of jazz from inside the living room.