In this modern climate where there is no, or little shame in having children 'out of wedlock' ( lock being the operative syllable there) I would choose not to marry, however much I loved the man. And I did love my husband dearly, still do.
I had that choice, long after I was widowed.
I adored the man I was seeing and he me, but he wanted marriage and I didn't want anyone, however sweet, living in my space. I'm too much of a loner by nature.
It caused us to break up as he wouldn't continue as we were.
Heartbreaking at the time because we were so happy but I've never regretted it.