7 months later ….

Early on a Friday morning, Shane was in the kitchen preparing breakfast for her and Carmen. As the Latina entered the kitchen, Shane, who rarely cooked, proudly beamed and said "Breakfast is ready!"

Carmen, who stood there in shock, stated "Breakfast? You? I’ve got to see it to believe it." As she sat down, she giggled to herself at the thoughtfulness that Shane put into the idea of "cooking". Before her was a bowl of Fruity Pebbles, a cup of orange juice, two pieces of buttered toast, and a cup of coffee. "Aw, thank you babe. You shouldn’t have," Carmen smirked to herself. "Hey, I think I did pretty good. I didn’t burn anything right, not even the toast." Shane said as she placed a kiss to Carmen’s cheek.

"That’s all very true, and I am proud of you" Carmen said, touched by Shane’s efforts.

"So what’s on your agenda today?" she asked, taking her seat across from Carmen.

"Well, there is something I need to take care of downtown. Actually, I want you to come with me if you don’t have any plans." Carmen said matter-of-factly.

"Oh? Where you going?" Shane asked, but Carmen was quick to respond "It’s a secret."

"Oh oh. What have you got in mind baby?" Shane asked. "You’ll see" and with that, Carmen didn’t speak anymore on the subject. They got dressed after Carmen explained to Shane that she should just dress "casually".

As they pulled into the building parking lot, Shane looked to Carmen with a question in her eyes. "Baby, are you sure?" she asked.

Carmen took Shane’s hand, lightly kissing the back of it, and said, "I’ve never been so sure. You having second thoughts?"

Shane rubbed the top of Carmen’s hand "Definitely no second thoughts. I’m just shocked. But I told you, it was gonna be on your terms. I’ve been ready since like 9 months ago."

They got out of the car, and entered the building, looking for direction on where to go and how to proceed. First, they filled out and signed the necessary papers for all the legal documents needed. Luckily, both women had been to the doctor within the last month, so many of the testing needed was already done.

The friendly teller at one window instructed them to follow the arrows drawn along the walls until they reached their destination.

They neared the door and interlocked their hands together. Before opening the door, they looked at each other, silently encouraging the other and providing the necessary courage to continue.

Carmen reached and opened the door, with the sign above them reading:

TBC