“I trusted you then and I’m not sure if I can trust you again. I don’t want to wait another three years and find myself still talking about getting married.
“You don’t have to marry me because of the baby. I’ll let you be a part of the baby’s life. You can still be a good father without us being together.
“Besides, I don’t want you to think that I became pregnant on purpose just to get you to marry me,” she said as she pulled a tissue out of her purse to wipe her eyes.
“I know you wouldn’t do that. You don’t understand. I really want you this time. I really want to marry you and be a family. I need you, Camille, and I’m sorry for how I treated you before. Please don’t shut me out. I want to be a part of your life with our baby.
“I promise that you’ll be happy. Please give us another chance. You mean everything to me; I realize that now. We’ve been together too long to just throw us away. Come on, baby. What do you say?” he pleaded, trying to convince her to stay.
“I don’t know, Jake. I have to think about it. I’m really tired of this merry-go-round. We have some time before the baby is born to make a decision. I’m only six weeks into the pregnancy,” she said.
“I know you’re tired and you should be. If you agree to give me another chance, I was thinking we could get married around your birthday in February. That will give us three months to organize everything,” he said, hoping this would make her realize he was serious.
“That sounds good but I still need some time to think about it,” she replied cautiously.
He was really surprised. He thought if he mentioned getting married in three months, she would be happy. He really expected her to change her mind and immediately say yes.
“Okay baby. I just don’t want to lose you. When you make up your mind, let me know. So does this mean we’re no longer together now?” he asked, looking worried.
“Honestly, I’m not sure what it means. I still love you but now that a baby is involved, I don’t want to put a child in the middle of this confusion,” she said.
“Having a baby should bring us together, not separate us, Camille. If February is too late, let’s elope! We can get married on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I don’t care just as long as we’re together as a family,” he said, fervently trying to get her to change her mind.
“I don’t know, Jake. I’m scared. If you had felt this way when we got back together then we wouldn’t be in this situation now. It seems that you only want to be with me because of the baby. What kind of marriage will we have if we only do it because I’m pregnant?
“Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate you trying to do the honorable thing, but keeping your word when you first proposed would’ve been honorable also. I just don’t know if I can trust you to fully commit to me,” she said, obviously worried.
“Do you love me, Camille?” he asked as he grabbed her hand.
“Yes I do, Jake.”
“Then that’s all I need to know. All I am asking is that you give it some serious thought. I’ll plan everything. If you don’t want to elope we can have a small ceremony at my house. I’ll arrange the caterer, florist, and minister.
“I’ll give you whatever money you need to buy your wedding dress and accessories. Just say the word and everything is a go. It took some growing up on my part, baby, but I’m really ready to do this,” he said, giving it one last attempt to get a solid answer from her.
He and Camille finished their dinner and went their separate ways. On her way home she called Candace to discuss everything. She decided that she wouldn’t tell her about her weekend with Paul. She only wanted to get Candace’s advice on what to do about Jake.
She really wanted to tell him yes at the restaurant but she thought getting someone else’s opinion would help. Who better to talk to than her best friend? They met at Camille’s apartment.
“Now what’s going on, Camille?” asked Candace.
“I told Jake about the baby tonight.”
“So what did he say? How did he react?” she asked.
“Well, he asked why I didn’t tell him when I first learned I was pregnant. Then he told me that he wanted us to get married on my birthday.
“When I explained that I had to think about it because I find it hard to trust him, he said he wanted to get married this Christmas at his house.
“I don’t know what to do. Don’t get me wrong, I do love him and suppose I’ve been waiting for this moment for three years, but now that it’s happened, I’m not as excited as I thought I would be.”
“Wow, Camille! That’s a lot to think about. Look at it this way: you love him and you’re already engaged to marry him. Why not make it official since he’s ready?
“The only way I would say no is if there was someone else you want to marry or be with,” she said, waiting to see if Camille was going to mention Paul.
Camille did not know what to say. She loved Paul and deep down knew he was the better man for her, but her loyalty and vulnerability to Jake was much too strong.
If she married Jake she knew she could no longer see Paul. She wasn’t sure she wanted to stop seeing him. She also knew if she married Jake that she could never mention the possibility that Paul is the baby’s father.
“No; there’s no one else I want to marry. That’s not why I can’t make up my mind. I just don’t know if Jake is a changed man. He sounded sincere but I think he only wants to do this because of the baby, though he tried to assure me otherwise,” she said, trying to sound convincing.
“Okay Camille, since you don’t want to bring him up I will. What about Paul? There is the possibility that he’s the baby’s father. Where does he fit in all of this?
“It seems pretty unfair to me to exclude him. He has a right to know that he may have fathered a child with you,” Candace tried not to sound condemning.
Camille looked stressed, “Thanks a lot. As if I didn’t have enough to think about, you go and make me feel guilty,” she said.
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to make you feel guilty. I was just wondering if you have given him any consideration, that’s all. Whatever decision you make, I’ll be here to support you. Just let me know what you decide,” Candace wrapped her arms around the shaken Camille and hugged her tightly.
“Thanks, Candace. I really appreciate and value our friendship. It’s not often a woman can tell her girlfriend about her relationships without her getting jealous or trying to steal her man.
“Considering the way you and I met, you’ve proven yourself to be a true friend. You’re like a sister to me.”
Candace started feeling really guilty. She hoped Camille would never find out that she betrayed her trust and loyalty by sleeping with Jake. Camille was the only true girlfriend she had and she knew that what she did was unforgivable.
“I need to get home. Timothy is supposed to meet me there in twenty minutes. I know you’ll make the right decision. Remember—whatever you decide, I’ll be there,” she gave Camille one last squeeze and walked to the door.
After Candace left, Camille felt it was time for bed; her weekend had been very busy and she had to get to work early in the morning.
In the meantime, Jake was at home trying to figure out what went wrong. It can’t be over with us. Why is she acting like this? I just knew if I told her we could get married next month that she would say yes. She never acts this way. Am I losing her? Have I already lost her?
She didn’t mention anything about Candace so maybe Candace kept quiet. That’s a relief. I hope she comes around. I really need her, he thought as he drove his car into the garage.
It took Camille only one week to make up her mind. She would marry Jake on Christmas Eve. Out of respect she decided to call Paul to let him know. She hated to tell him but she didn’t want to keep it a secret.
Paul was devastated. Although he knew Camille and Jake were engaged, he always hoped she would wake up and realize that he was not good for her.
Telling him was more difficu
lt than she imagined. She cried for hours after talking to him. She wasn’t sure if she was sad because she wouldn’t see him anymore or because she realized that she was in love with both him and Jake.
Jake kept his promise this time. He planned everything. Camille just had to worry about her wedding dress and veil. She and Candace went to every bridal shop in Chicago until she found the perfect dress.
It took her two weeks to find everything she needed. Since they decided to have a small wedding it did not take long to get the details in place. Candace was going to be her maid of honor and Ken was going to be his best man. They were to wed on Christmas Eve. They only invited a few friends and family; her only family was her aunt and uncle.
Jake invited his father, whom he had not spoken with in nearly a year, and his stepmother. His father had left Jake and his mother when Jake was six years old; he was supposed to go south to find work and he never returned. His parents had divorced when Jake was about eight years old.
Jake’s mother passed away four years before from breast cancer. He and his mother were very close. He never forgave his father for leaving them but his mother made him promise that he would try to have a relationship with him. To honor her wishes, he had been putting forth some effort to stay in touch with his father.
As the wedding day approached, Camille started getting nervous. She began questioning her decision to marry Jake. She could not get Paul out of her mind. She had not moved any of her belongings into Jake’s house yet. She wanted to wait until after the wedding.
A week before the wedding, some of Jake’s friends decided to throw a last-minute bachelor party. To their surprise, he told them that he did not want to go to a strip club or have a party with a stripper so they decided to take him to the bar.
He was really trying to change and be a better man. While at the bar he ran into one of his old flames. She tried to convince him to go back to her place for one last fling. Although he was tempted, the thought of Camille and the baby and the threat of losing them both made him change his mind.
After his bachelor party he went home to start cleaning out one of his guest rooms for the baby. He and Camille had discussed it but since the wedding was planned so quickly, they hadn’t yet had time to work on the room.
His wedding was less than seven days away and he was very excited. For the first time in a long while, he was going to do the right thing and felt good about it. He had to admit that he would have to get used to settling down with one woman and being a dad. He hoped he would like being a homebody. Of course, he wasn’t sure if he was willing to give up his swinger lifestyle. This was something he knew he would have to consider carefully.
The big day had arrived. The wedding was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Jake’s house. It was a typical cold Chicago December. Camille awoke that morning contented. She convinced herself that marrying Jake was a good decision although she really missed Paul.
Candace and Ken arrived to the house at the same time, 1:00 p.m., as planned. When Jake opened the door, he and Ken gave each other a brotherly handshake and a hug. He and Candace barely said hello.
This was their first time seeing each other since she broke things off with him. He was still holding a grudge against her for that but he knew he had to play it off since Camille did not know about their affair.
He told her where she could find Camille and he and Ken went into his den for a drink. He wanted to pull her to the side to remind her to not talk to Camille about them but he didn’t want Ken to get suspicious.
“What was that all about?” Ken asked.
“What was what all about?” replied Jake.
“You know—with you and Candace. The two of you barely said hello to each other and I think she rolled her eyes at you. I thought since she’s Camille’s best friend that you would get along with her,” he asked, looking puzzled.
“She’s Camille’s friend—not mine. I just don’t trust her. I think she’s a snake but I won’t tell Camille. She’ll have to find out on her own,” he said, taking a sip of his Jack Daniels.
“Wait a minute. Did you sleep with Candace?” Ken whispered.
“Hell no! I didn’t sleep with her,” Jake looked down at his glass and took another sip.
“I know you, man. I can tell by the way you’re acting that you’re lying. You did have sex with her. What were you thinking? What were you both thinking? That is out cold.”
Ken shook his head in disbelief, “Now you have to stand in front of Camille while looking at Candace. How long ago was it? At least say it was years ago when you and Camille first met.”
“The first time was three years ago. We just ended it about a month ago. But it was nothing. It was just sex—that’s all. We got tired of the deceit and decided to stop,” Jake drained his drink.
“Hell no, man! You just stopped a month ago and now you’re standing here about to marry her best friend? So I take it Camille doesn’t know about any of this? That is just wrong—even for you,” Ken said, still in shock.
“I trust you won’t say anything. Camille is the woman I love and the one I want to marry, not Candace,” Jake glared at Ken as he walked out of the den to answer the door.
Meanwhile, Candace was in the upstairs bathroom helping Camille put on her make-up.
“You look so beautiful, Camille. You’re glowing. I wonder if it’s the baby or the fact that you’re finally getting married that is making you shine?” asked Candace, trying to sound supportive.
Camille took a deep breath. “Thanks. I’m a little nervous, though. I hope I’m making the right decision. What if he changes on me again? What if tomorrow he believes he made a big mistake? Do you think I’m being silly?”
“I am sure every bride has second thoughts and jitters. Calm down, girl. Everything will be fine. No matter what happens, you’re a beautiful, strong woman and you can handle anything,” Candace said, giving Camille a quick hug.
“I guess you’re right. Maybe I’m being silly. Before you help me put on my wedding dress can you do a favor for me? Can you ask Jake if my aunt and uncle have arrived yet? If so, can you have my aunt come upstairs?” she asked anxiously.
Candace really didn’t want to say anything to Jake but she had no choice this time. She couldn’t tell Camille that she did not want to talk to him because she would want to know why. Candace had promised herself that she would never mention her affair with Jake.
She went downstairs to look for the groom. He and Ken were welcoming guests in the living room so she asked if they could talk for a brief moment. He excused himself and they went into the foyer near the staircase.
“I hate to bother you, but your fiancée wanted me to ask if her aunt and uncle have arrived yet,” she said with an attitude.
“Oh so it’s like that—my fiancée? Why are you acting like you don’t know her name? You mean your best friend Camille?” he asked sarcastically.
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Jake. So are they here or not?”
“Why are you acting like this? You should be glad that I’m marrying your girl. If memory serves me correctly, didn’t you tell me about a month ago that I needed to focus on her? Besides, you’re the one who broke up with me and yet you’re acting as if I ended our relationship. I hope you won’t do anything stupid,” he said, trying to keep his voice down.
“I’m acting like what? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Are you suggesting that I’m acting jealous? If that’s what you’re thinking then that is the furthest from the truth. If anything I feel sorry for her,” she said angrily.
“You feel sorry for her? What’s that suppose to mean? Stop acting like the jilted lover. Admit it, Candace—you’re mad because I am marrying her and not you. The only reason you became her friend in the first place was to be near me.
“You were never her real friend because if you were, you would have never slept with me. You know you wish it were you marrying me today and not her. Don’t forget you came on to me after you knew she and I had
become an item.
“So you need to get it together. Besides, there’s no need to get jealous—you have Timothy to keep you happy in bed. I’m sure you can teach him a few things. Does he know that you’re a swinger? Or is that supposed to be a secret?” he said sarcastically.
Candace hissed back, “I’m not acting like a jilted lover because I’m the one who jilted you. Honestly Jake, if I wanted you like that I could have had you. I may have come on to you at the swingers’ party but both of us mutually consented to keep it going for two years.
“So stop trying to act innocent. Maybe I should tell Camille about us so she can know the type of man she is marrying. A low-down, no-good backstabber that sleeps with whomever is willing to spread her legs,” she hissed.
For a brief moment they forgot where they were. Their voices started getting a little elevated.
Jake stabbed an angry finger towards her chest, “I guess you would know about that since you were more than willing to spread your legs as often as I wanted it. Calling me a backstabber is a tad bit hypocritical, don’t you think? Here you are again acting like the jilted lover. Jealously is ugly on you, Candace.”
“You know what, Jake? Your arrogance is amazing. Need I repeat myself? I’m not jealous of you marrying Camille,” Candace brushed him away as she furiously waggled her hand in defiance.
“Oh, I get it now. You are jealous that she’s marrying me. You’re in love with Camille, aren’t you? Oh shit. That’s why you became her friend. You were hoping to get close enough to her so you could get her to sleep with you.
“That explains why when she and I broke up, you stopped sleeping with me for that brief moment. You were hoping to get her into bed. Tell me, Candace, did your plan work? Were you able to get that special time with her like you had hoped?
“Never mind. You don’t have to answer that. I’ll answer for you because Camille told me everything. I know you didn’t get her into bed. She told me that the night we broke up that you came over to console her and that you were rubbing on her back, acting like you were being supportive.
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