The Eternal Engagement

“Good morning to you, America, I’m Katherine Clinton. At the top of the news is great news. I’m standing in front of the prison waiting for Sarah McKenny’s release this morning. It’s wonderful when justice is served. In the background are Sarah’s family and friends anxiously waiting for her. We’ll give you a breaking update when Sarah comes out.”

The day ended with Katherine giving thanks for not being an accomplice to whatever Steven was plotting. She hadn’t walked in Mona’s shoes and wasn’t celebrating that Mona was behind bars but felt Mona deserved to do time.

On her way home, Katherine stopped by Steven’s parents’ house, knocked on the door. His mother greeted her.

“Come on in, Katherine,” his mother said. “Buttercup really is dead. I still can’t believe it.” Mrs. Cunningham wept.

Mr. Cunningham consoled her. “We don’t believe our son killed those people. Steven wasn’t a murderer. And although he’s gone, we’re going to fight to the end to prove he was innocent.”

Katherine wasn’t there to discuss whether Steven was innocent or guilty. She knew he was guilty.

“Can you help us?” Mrs. Cunningham asked in between weeping. “We’ll pay you.”

“No, ma’am. I can’t get involved in this. I don’t mean any disrespect, but I have a son to take care of by myself. Which brings me to the reason I’m here,” she said, still standing in their living room. “I’m pregnant with Steven’s baby.”

Mrs. Cunningham’s face lit up. “Are you sure it’s from our Steven?”

Taking a deep breath, Katherine said, “I’m positive. But I’m not keeping it.”

“I don’t understand,” Mr. Cunningham said.

“Why would you tell us this, then tell us you’re having an abortion? You can’t kill Steven’s baby.” Mrs. Cunningham’s voice grew stronger. “We won’t let you.”

Katherine sighed heavily. There was no way she wanted to break her promise to her mother. She couldn’t afford to be a single mom with a second child. God may never forgive her if she aborted the baby. But either way, she had to make a decision.

Mr. Cunningham hugged his wife, then asked Katherine, “What are you thinking, child?”

“My options are, I could put the baby up for adoption. I could relinquish my parental rights and give the baby to you guys to raise. Or I can terminate the pregnancy.”

Katherine also worried that she’d lose Lincoln forever if she had Steven’s baby. Lincoln wouldn’t care if she put the baby up for adoption. He wouldn’t see her the same if she had an abortion. With Mona Lisa behind bars, Katherine had one last chance to win Lincoln back. But had she blown that opportunity by telling the Cunninghams? She was sure they’d tell everyone, including her mother.

“We’d like for you to have the baby and give the baby to us,” Mrs. Cunningham said.

Mr. Cunningham asked, “What would you like to do?”

This was by far the most difficult decision Katherine had to make. She thought about her options, looked at Steven’s parents for a long time wishing she hadn’t come to their house. But she was there. Her pregnancy was real.

Katherine opened the door, took one last look at their sad yet anxious faces, then answered, “I’m not sure.”

Whatever decision she made, either way, her life would never be the same.