Mercedes who was never at a loss of words seem to be searching for something to say. "Carmen… I love you very much. And while I don’t understand these feelings that you have for Shane, I realized that if she makes you happy, then I am going to try very very hard to accept this. You are my flesh and blood, and I think your father would not approve of how I’ve been treating you these days. I am so so sorry. It’s just, a mother never likes to see her children in pain. But you know what, I know that I taught you well. I can see that in how you took Shane back into your life. You were brought up to forgive Carmen, and I need to try and do the same. It will take me some time though. Can you help me understand this love that you feel for Chane? Can you help me learn to forgive her too?" By now Ms. Morales was pleading and Shane looked on lovingly at the exchange taking place.

Carmen opened her arms and took her mother in. It felt so good being there, it took a moment for Carmen to answer.

"Mami, I have missed you so much!" Carmen said, smiling brightly.

Mercedes then turned to Shane. She pulled her into a hug, and said "Chane, can I trust you? Will you promise me that I am not making a mistake by forgiving you?"

It took only a second for Shane to respond. "I promise you Ms. Morales, your daughter’s heart is safe with me. It is the most precious thing that I own" and with that Shane grabbed Carmen by the hand. She urged her hand to where it was in Mercedes view, and the older woman slightly gasped.

"What does this mean?" Ms. Morales asked the two women.

"It means that we have agreed that sometime, at some point, we will officially become wife… and wife." Carmen said proudly.

Mercedes smiled and said to the two "Oh I see. Well, this time Chane, I’ve got the perfect dress for you. It was one that I wore when I married Carmen’s father and …"

The rest of her words were lost to Shane who looked on in horror at the idea of wearing another of those frilly things. Of course, if I can get the same reaction from Carmen as I did before, it will be all worth it she thought to herself reminiscing on the lapdance she got that night.