A 3-year-old boy suddenly ran onto the stage at our engagement party and called Malcolm Renshaw Daddy.   The guests erupted in shocked whispers.   His secretary, Bethany Voss, hurried after the boy, her eyes red as she apologized.   "I'm sorry, Ms. Keene. He has a fever and kept asking for his daddy. I couldn't stop him."   I looked at the man I'd loved for 10 years and waited for an explanation.   Instead, Malcolm gathered the child into his arms, his face full of concern.   "I was drunk that night. I mistook her for someone else. Bethany's health was too fragile for an abortion. I couldn't just abandon my responsibilities."   I raised the hand that bore my engagement ring. My voice shook.   "Then what am I to you?"   Bethany shook her head frantically, choking back tears.   "Ms. Keene, I'm not asking him to marry me. I just want my child and me to stay with Malcolm."   He shielded her behind him and turned on me.   "You're the only woman I'll ever marry. Isn't that enough for you?"   Watching them cling to each other, I suddenly saw everything clearly.   I slipped off my ring and replied to the research institute's message.   Audra: I accept the permanent appointment you offered me.