At the gym Rachel is fiercely pounding a heavy bag and crying. "I hope that's not supposed to be me." says Nick.

Rachel turns around and walks into his arms. "I don't want to lose you."

"You're not going to especially not to Candy. I gave her several chances and things kept getting worse. I'm not so stupid as to put myself through that again when I can have someone as special as you."

"I know you're not a virgin that in itself bothers me but HER. How could you be with someone like her?"

"She wasn't always bad. I don't know what happened to her. I wish I could go back and undo it but I can't. Just know that I love you and respect you."

"I love you so much. This is my first relationship. I'm just afraid, I've never experienced anything like this. It's so incredible. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and find out this has all been a dream."

"It's not a dream. Maybe a dream come true, something you've always wanted and are now living."

"I just don't want to get hurt."

"You won't if I can help it."

A couple of months later Nick and Rachel are sitting on the beach watching the sunset. "This is amazing." says Rachel.

"Yeah it is. Rae give me your ring."

"What?!"

"Just do it."

Rachel takes off her ring and gives it to him, her heart is pounding. "Nick..."

"Shh." He gives his ring to her. "Rachel I've been trying to come up with some special way to say this but I know you. You're not into fancy schmancy stuff so I'm just going to say it straight out." He slides the ring onto her left hand. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" She throws her arms around him. "Yes, Nickolas Gene Carter I would love to be your wife." she says placing his ring on his left hand.

>>>>>

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