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I scoffed quietly. The only one compromising was her.

We went quiet. The audience began to chant my name. They were getting restless and I was going to have to go back.

Fuck it, let them wait.

“Why did you call me from Zane’s phone?” she asked.

“I broke mine,” I said, not volunteering the details.

She sighed. “Jason, I love you. I choose you. And I know you feel guilty because of the way things are and you don’t have to.”

I shook my head, even though she couldn’t see it. “I want you to have a life.”

“I have a life. With you.” She laughed a little. “Also, you should know that the number one reason I wouldn’t have kids with you right now is because we’re not married. Until you make an honest woman out of me, I’m not open to any negotiations.”

I could hear the smile in her voice. She was trying to cheer me up. Make light of this.

There was nothing funny about it.

I had the ring, but I wouldn’t ask her.

I didn’t want her to be like me, trapped in a long-term contract that she’d grow to regret.