"Here."

Carolyn looked up from the remnants of her birthday cake. 

"Carl? The party's over, what are you still doing here?"

He blushed slightly, then held out his hand again.

"I wanted to give you your gift in private." He gave her a little drawstring bag. Carolyn glanced at him, and opened it. She slowly pulled apart the top, then turned it upside down. An engagement ring fell into her palm. She gasped.

"Carl!" 

He got down onto one knee. "Carolyn, I love you so much. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" 

"Carolyn, will you marry me?"

"Oh yes John!"

Carolyn's eyes watered. "Carl.. I love you so much! But no. I won't marry you." 

His face fell. "What? Why?"

"We are gathered here today..."

Carolyn brushed his cheek and leaned in for a kiss. When they broke apart she whispered her answer. "I can't lose you too."

"...to mourn the loss of John..."

"You won't lose me, I promise!" 

"...of Henry..."

"I will! Everyone I marry dies!" 

"...of Luke..."

Carl rubbed her back. "I know your past husband died, but that doesn't mean I will. I understand though. If you want to wait, or never get married at all, I'll be happy with being boyfriend and girlfriend" This time, he kissed her.

"...of Jerome..." 

"Thank you Carl! I'm happy with what we have too. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, just not as husband and wife."

"...beloved husband and described by all close to him as the best person they ever knew. Though he is gone, Carl Hemsworth will not be forgotten."