Kevin

Earlier this afternoon I called home, and my mom isn't too happy with me. She told me she had just got home from Eve's house. She went on and on about how I am making a mistake. After she stopped talking, I was finally able to ask her to do something for me. When I asked her to keep an eye on Eve for me she said she has it covered. I asked to speak with my dad and once he got on the phone he gave me the advice I needed.

I haven't told my parents much about the way I ended things with Eve. I know I didn't handle things the right way and I'm ashamed of myself. They would be upset with me more if they knew how I left while she was home with a friend in the hospital. At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing. I love Eve and I know now that I was a jerk and made a big mistake. I just need her to let me explain. I think I can fix this if she would just listen to me.

It's been hours since I called home. It's just about dark out and I walk the park with shades and a hat on. I don't want to be recognized tonight. I normally don't mind stopping to sign autographs when there is a fan, but tonight I want to be left alone. Hopefully with it being the fourth people are busy having fun with family and friends. As I walk through the park I see families, couples, and teens hanging out. People are on blankets, in lawn chairs or sitting on tailgates. I hear laughter and kids running around having fun. Soon the fireworks will start, and the sky will be filled with beautiful colors. The crackling and the bangs will echo for miles. I keep walking about the crowd with my head tilted down, waiting to see the beauty.

As the first firework lights up the sky I look up, I keep walking and I won't stop until I stand before Eve. She hasn't noticed me as I walk towards her. My dad's advice goes out the window when I take her face in my hands and kiss her. She tries to push me away, but I won't have it. I waited for her lips to touch mine for too long. This is my woman and my baby, I'm getting her back.

The fireworks keep going off one by one. I don't care at this moment about them at all. Eve has stopped fighting our kiss and her hands are on the sides of my waist. When we need air, it pains me to not have her lips on mine, her taste in my mouth.

“I love you, Eve. I can't live without you. I want us to be a family.” I get the ring from my pocket and get down on one knee. “Eve, you are my life, you mean everything to me. I've loved you since the moment I saw you. I want you to be my best friend, and my wife. I want our baby and to be the best dad to him or her. Please forgive me and say yes to becoming my wife.”  

I wait for her answer as I look up to the most beautiful strawberry blonde in the world. Her eyes leak tears and I hope they are happy tears. A big display of firework lights the sky behind her and the bang is loud. Her hands wipe the tears from her cheeks then she turns and runs away. I get to my feet and watch her. My dad puts a hand on my shoulder. I didn't even know he was there.

“Go get my future Daughter-in-law.” He says.

I take off running. I cut through the crowd to get ahead of her. When I see her, I reach for her and I get her around the waist to stop her from running. I pick her up and toss her on my shoulder. I carry her away from the park. I won’t stop until she hears me out. She fought me at first, but when she figured out I wasn't letting her down she gave up. Once she is listening I begin to explain.

“When you were home with Tracy, Coach called me from jail. He begged me to bail him out. I wasn't going to; I swear I wasn't, Eve, but when he told me he didn't want to die in jail, he got my attention. Coach had liver cancer and only had weeks to live. He never told anyone he had it. When you came into the picture he went crazy. I was the only person who gave him a reason to live. When I fired him, he thought his last dying wish was gone. He wanted to die being someone other than a drunk. The woman you think is a girlfriend, is his Daughter. They hadn't talked in five years. He needed her and me, so he could die in peace. I didn't tell you because of what he did to you. I thought I needed to keep you safe from him. I'm sorry, Eve.”

“Kevin, put me down.” I stop walking and put her on her feet. She wipes the tears from my face as I wipe hers. “I'm sorry you lost your friend and Coach, but you could have told me. I'm a level-headed girl and I'm not a cold-hearted bitch.”

“I know. You are the sweetest, most caring and loveable woman. I was wrong, Eve, for shutting you out. It killed me every day not to tell you. I love you with all of my heart. I maybe be a strong fighter inside, but you are my weakness.” 

“Kevin, shut up.” She gets up on her tip toes, her hand goes to the side of my face. The grand finally goes off in the distance. “You, Kevin Steed, are my life too. Our baby is probably the best part of our love. My answer is yes, Kevin.”