The Proposal by Emediong Emmanuel Edem

“Olatunde,” King called out to his girlfriend and she turned almost immediately. She was too busy staring at a toddler running around the park to notice he was on one knee.

“I love you and I will love to spend the rest of my life with you. Please marry me.”

Olatunde gasped and covered her hand over her mouth. She never expected this from him; not when they had dated for only four months. Looking around, people were already encouraging her to say yes.

“I would love to but I need to tell you something after which you will decide if you still want to marry me or not,” she said, trying so hard not to cry. It was time to let him know.

“And what could that be?” King whispered, regretting his actions already. His best friend warned him about public proposals but he was far from listening to him.

“I am not a virgin and I can’t have children”.

“What? But you told me I’m your first boyfriend. So?” he asked putting back the ring box into his pocket.

Around them, people gathered. Some already telling her how wicked she was. She couldn’t control the tears any longer, so she let them flow.

“I didn’t lie about that. I was raped continually by my father since the age of 12 after my mum’s death. I conceived and aborted four times. The last abortion was the worst and I lost my womb in the process. I couldn’t tell you and am sorry,” she sniffed, carried her bag and waited for him to speak.

King was lost for words. How could a father destroy his daughter? His eyes watered after hearing her confession. But was he ready to spend the rest of his life with a woman who will not bear him children? He has to decide.

Going down on one knee again, he reached for his pocket and pulled out the ring box. “Olatunde, I love your present and your future, and your past? It helped to shape you become the woman I love today.  As for children, we can adopt. Your father is dead and gone; he will not hurt you again. So, will you do me the honor of being my Mrs?”

Slowly, she nodded and helped him up as the crowd clapped and cheered.

“Thanks you for loving me.”