Hunter had wanted to make love with me. I wanted to wait until my wedding night. My refusal just seemed to send him nuts. I just didn’t understand why he needed to make love to me so badly. It wasn’t a matter of whether I wanted to or not. It was a matter that I had set standards for myself over the years and I was bound and determined to stick by them…even if I did lose the one I loved most.

Finally, about midnight, I had finished my bathroom. It was the last room to be done. I went to bed exhausted and sad. I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but hopefully it would be good.

The next evening, I still hadn’t heard from Hunter. Instead of being upset, I was starting to get annoyed. I had every right to say if I wanted or didn’t want to make love. It was my right!

I went to the dressing room that Hunter and I would share. I dropped my bag down on the floor by the couch and lay down to take a short nap before going to the production meeting. I had several storylines that I had made minor changes to and needed to let the wrestlers know about.

By the way,. My name is Laren Innes and I am the head writer for the WWEÔ , a well-known wrestling organization.

As I lay there, I heard the door open and heard Hunter’s footsteps coming towards me. They stopped and I looked up into Hunter’s handsome face.

“Laren, I need to apologize to you. I was a big idiot last night. You are the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I don’t want to lose you, sweetheart. I love you and we can wait until we are married. So, wanna get married?” He grinned boyishly down at me.

I jumped up and threw my arms around his neck. I felt his arms encircle me and hold me tight. He nibbled at my neck and then trailed nipping kisses to my mouth. His kiss was sweet and full of love.

“I love you so much, Hunter.” I whispered as we embraced. “You know I will marry you when you ask me seriously.” I answered looking up into his chocolate brown eyes.

“I’m asking for serious.” Hunter answered reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box. “Laren, will you marry me?” Hunter said when he had dropped to one knee and had taken my hand in his. I almost cried. I couldn’t believe this was really happening.

“Yes, Hunter, I’ll marry you.” I said with a huge smile. He slipped the

gorgeous ring on my finger. I held my hand up and gazed at the solitaire

diamond surrounded by the soft glow of smaller aquamarines. “It’s stunning, Hunter.” I was breathless with wonder at the gorgeous ring that was now mine.

Without thought, I reached up and kissed him passionately. I slid my tongue between his lips. I pressed my body up against his body unconsciously being provocative.

Suddenly, I realized what I was doing. I pulled away and looked into Hunter’s eyes. The look of physical pain and love was too much for me. I ran from the room ignoring Hunter calling my name.

I ended up in the parking garage. I walked around and then saw Stephanie McMahon. She strode over to me with purpose.

“What the hell are you doing to poor Hunter?” She yelled in her irritating voice. “I heard all about you not wanting to sleep with him until you’re married. He’s a man, sweetheart. He needs relief. You need to take care of your man or someone else will.” She exclaimed loudly.

“What Hunter and I do or don’t do is none of your business!” I yelled back. Witch wasn’t exactly the word I used. Stephanie turned on me. She swung her arm and slapped me in the face. I stumbled backwards and then fell over a curb. I landed on my back. My head hit the pavement rather hard. I struggled to catch my breath. Slowly, the world went out of focus and I lost consciousness.

Slowly, I opened my eyes. The first thing that came into focus was Hunter’s handsome face. He looked so worry. I tried to sit up, but Hunter pushed me back down gently.

“You need to be still, sweetheart.” Hunter said softly relief evident in his voice. I looked around and saw that I was in a hospital bed. I lay back and looked over at Hunter.

“What happened?” I asked.

“You don’t remember?” Hunter asked me.

“Not really. It’s all kind of fuzzy. I do remember you asking me to marry you.” I smiled up at him. “I remember...oh dear! I am sorry, Hunter. I’m afraid I was rather forward.” I was extremely ashamed of myself.

“Laren, it’s all right. I will live.” Hunter answered taking my hand in his. “Right now, we are worried about you. Haven’t you noticed anything about yourself physically?” He asked gently.

I concentrated on my body. I felt nothing. I felt...nothing. I suddenly realized that I could feel nothing in my legs. I started to cry. Hunter pulled me into his arms and held me tight.

“I’m sorry, Baby.” He whispered. I could feel his tears falling on my face.

Shortly after I found out about my paralysis, the doctor came in and spoke to me. I didn’t understand a whole lot of what he said. He did say that the paralysis could be reversed, but it might take some time. I took that little bit of hope and tucked it away for safekeeping. I was going to walk again if it killed me. I was also going to walk before Hunter and I got married; that would be my goal.

A week later, I was told I could leave the hospital and go home. I was thrilled. I called Hunter and he offered, he seemed rather reluctant, to let me stay with him until I could get around by myself.

“Oh, Hunter, that is so sweet of you. Mark and Sarah said i was to stay with them.” Mark, otherwise known as The Undertaker, was my stepbrother. Sara, his wife, was my best friend.

“Well, may I pick you up and take you over there?” Hunter asked hesitantly. I knew I was hearing something not right in his vice.

“Of course, Hunter. I wouldn’t want anyone else taking me home.” I reassured him. “I love you, handsome.”

“I love you, too, honey.” Hunter answered.

The next day, Hunter came to take me home, but he had someone with him. I was stunned and suspicious when I saw Stephanie McMahon with him. Hunter looked quite uncomfortable.

I asked Stephanie if she would wait outside for a minute. I was trying to be nice. When she left and had closed the door behind her, I turned to Hunter.

I loved him with my whole heart and I trusted him, but I had to know. “Are you sleeping with her, Hunter?” I asked softly my gaze not wavering from his.

I saw the answer in his eyes and I was devastated. I turned away too hurt to even cry.

“I am so sorry, Laren. I was so distraught over what happened to you and she was there when I needed someone. She was as upset as i was over what had happened to you.” Hunter said squatting down next to my wheelchair.

“Do you know what happened to me, Hunter?” I asked staring down at my hands.

‘Steph said she found you lying on the pavement in the parking garage. She didn’t see what happened.” Hunter answered.

“She lied to you, Hunter. I was out in the parking garage and she came up behind me and had words about you. She told me I needed to sleep with you to relieve you or someone else would. She slapped me. I tripped over the curb and hit my back and head on the curb.” I paused. “I guess she got what she wanted.” I said softly and emotionlessly.

“Would you mind calling Mark and having him come down here to pick me up?” I asked listlessly.

“I can take you home, Laren. I still love you and want to marry you, sweetheart.” Hunter said taking my hand. I pulled it away and turned away from him.

“Please, Hunter, just call Mark.” I whispered as the tears threatened to fall.

“All right, Laren.” Hunter said softly getting up and doing as I asked him.

Mark came and took me home to his house. When he carried me inside, I buried my face in his shoulder and let the tears fall. Mark let me cry. He took me to my room and set me down on the bed. I lay down and allowed him to cover me with a large sampler square afghan that I had crocheted a few years back.

I closed my eyes and waited for Mark to leave the room. I heard the door close. I opened my eyes and lay staring out into the darkness of the evening.

Several days later, I went to my first physical therapy session. My therapist was a handsome and sweet man. His name was Neil. My first day was extremely hard. I shed a few tears, but worked hard knowing that someday I could walk again. Although, I didn’t know if I would have a fiancé. I hadn’t seen Hunter since I had left the hospital. I know I was worrying Mark and Sara with my moodiness and silence, but I couldn’t help myself. I missed Hunter even though he had cheated on me.

I decided I would call Hunter. I picked up the phone and dialed his number. “Hello?”

“Hunter, it’s Laren.”

“Laren!?” He exclaimed. I decided to get straight to the point.

“I love you, Hunter. I want us to be ok.” I said softly.

“I love you, too, Laren, but I think I need some space right now.” Hunter answered hesitantly.

“Fine.” I answered shortly. “Please come by this evening and pick up your ring.” I quickly hung up the phone.

I went to my room and pulled myself on to my bed. I folded my arm over my eyes and sobbed. I knew Hunter was screwing Stephanie. What was I to do now?

Hunter did come by that evening to pick up my ring. I didn’t say a whole lot, but Hunter knew how deeply he hurt me. I could see it in his eyes. Well, I hoped that Steph was happy. She now had my man and I could do nothing about it.

I lay awake a very long time that night. I determined to make the greatest effort to learn how to walk again. I knew that I could do it. There was no doubt in my mind.

Sarah willingly went with me to my physical therapy. I protested, but she insisted. I appreciated her support so much. It meant a great deal that she cared so much that she wanted to be there for me.

After several months, it seemed like nothing was happening. I felt like my therapy was at a standstill until one memorable day...

I had woken one sunny morning tired and defeated by my therapy. Sarah helped me bathe and dress. I reluctantly went into my session with Neil.

Then, it happened. I walked! OK, so I didn’t dance across the room, but I took several steps during that session of physical therapy. This was the happiest I had ever been. I even ended up hugging Neil. Hmm, he sure was handsome.

From then on, my progress continued to grow. Two months after my first steps, I was walking almost normally. I had a slight limp but that would go away eventually with time. I finally felt like a whole woman again.

Finally, it was my last session of physical therapy. After we had finished, Neil pulled me aside.

“Laren, would you go out to dinner with me tonight?” My answer immediately was ‘yes!’ Neil and I had become very close friends over the course of the several months I was in PT. I felt I had fallen for him.

We went out that evening and had a wonderful time. I must have drunken too many white wines. I had a good buzz on but seemed completely in control of my faculties. When we were leaving the club, I turned to Neil and kissed him hard and passionately winding my arms around his neck. He kissed me back pressing me up against the brick wall.

Suddenly, a picture of Hunter laughing flashed across my mind. I realized that what I was doing to Neil was so very wrong. I still loved Hunter and that would never change.

I pulled away from Neil apologizing profusely. “I’m sorry, Neil. I can’t do this.” I turned away completely ashamed of myself.

“You still love him?” I nodded.

“It’s all right, Laren. Let me take you home.” I allowed him to take my hand and lead me to his car. He dropped me off in front of Mark’s house. I saw lights on and checked my watch. It was still early. I walked into the house and was stunned to see Hunter sitting and talking to Sara and Mark.

I just stood and stared at my ex-fiancé. I tried to say something, but nothing would come out. My voice didn’t want to work.

“Laren, Hunter came to see you.” Sara said with an uncertain smile.

“That’s just lovely.” I answered bitterness filling my voice. I turned to the staircase.

“Laren! Please, I need to talk to you.” Hunter said.

I turned back to him. “Fine.” I sad after seeing the looks on my stepbrother’s and best friend’s faces. “Would you please excuse us. Mark? Sara?”

“We’ll be in the kitchen if you need us.” Mark said quickly pulling his wife after him as he left the room.

I went and sat down on the sofa and folded my hands into my lap. I tried to focus my gaze on Hunter’s face, but didn’t quite make it. I tried to stay angry, but I couldn’t. I loved him and he had hurt me terribly. At this point, it just didn’t matter. I wanted him back in my life. He was already in my heart.

“Laren, I didn’t know you could walk. I was so surprised when you walked into that door tonight. I am so happy about that.” Hunter said softly.

I had so many things I wanted to say, but I knew if I spoke, my true feelings would come forth. I wasn’t sure I was ready to forgive him that easily. Finally, I couldn’t stand it. I had to say something/

“Why are you here, Hunter?”

Hunter stopped for a moment, then he went and stood with his arms resting on the fireplace mantel. He stood for a moment, then he turned to me.

“I confronted Stephanie with what you had told me about your accident. She denied it at first, then she finally admitted what she had done. I was stunned and rather ashamed that I had dumped you for that callous witch. I came to apologize, Laren. I hope you can forgive me for the pain I caused you. I was intimidated by the thought of having a handicapped wife. It scared me, Laren. I hope you can understand that.” He turned to me with pleading in his eyes.

“No, I don’t think I could ever understand.. All I knew was the man I love threw me aside because I was paralyzed. Somehow, to you, I had changed. Well, I am still me whether I walk or I don’t. I love you, Hunter. You are my soul mate. You are everything to me. I honestly don’t know if I can forgive you right now. You have hurt me terribly.” I started crying and couldn’t stop.” I lowered my face to my hands and continued sobbing.

Hunter knelt down in front of me and pulled me into his arms. My arms slid around his neck. At that moment, I knew I was where I belonged. It didn’t matter that he had cheated on me. It was over. Today was a new day. I could give the love of my life another chance or destroy both of our lives for all eternity.

Slowly, hesitantly, Hunter tilted my chin up. His lips pressed to mine and all of my doubts faded into oblivion. We kissed as if there were no tomorrow.

Breathlessly, I looked up into Hunter’s handsome face. “Yes.” I said simply.

“Yes?”

“I forgive you and I will marry you …if you ask me.” I murmured tightening my arms about his neck.

“You know I want to marry you.” He said kissing me again.

This time, our engagement was filled with love and joy. There was no talk about sleeping together before we were married. There were no arguments or anything of that kind to trouble us. We had a relationship of what I like to call “pure love”.

THE END