I Came Home Early & Caught Wife Red-Handed w/ Her Boss. Divorce & DNA Test. Sad Audio Story

[Music] for as long as I can remember I've always worked harder than those around me not for praise but because I believe in hard work and teamwork in my first job I stayed late took on extra tasks and helped others initially it felt like we were all working toward the same goal but over time I noticed while I was putting in extra hours others were leaving early or shifting their work onto me I ended up doing the work of several people management didn't seem to care and my co-workers became experts at dodging responsibility The comaraderie

Faded and frustration grew now as a manager I see the same behavior if I even glance at someone's file they assume I'll take over I've tried addressing the Slackers but higher ups won't allow it when I attempted to fire one underperforming employee the union stepped in and management dismissed the issue due to her connections I warned them we'd regret it but nothing changed 5 years ago before my promotion I almost stopped helping others my co-workers convinced management I had an easier workload because I stayed on top of things a new manager reassigned tasks despite me

handling 43% of the workload co-workers resented me calling me a bootlicker I had few friends at work partly because I was also in the Army Reserve last year I spent 100 days on Military assignments which didn't sit well with my employer but I didn't mind I enjoyed the military work and took every opportunity my home life suffered too my wife and I were both unhappy in our jobs we earned good salaries over $60,000 for me and mid 50 0000 for her but rarely had time to enjoy it we could afford nice things but we didn't

buy them because we were too busy to use them vacations were rare unless work rated even though everything was paid off and we were saving money bua and I spent less and less time together but when we were younger especially in college we were deeply in love and Inseparable but after our son Charles was born it became harder to find time for closeness our careers and my Reserve duties consumed most of our time leaving little room to reconnect I became the primary caregiver for Charles and many days I left for work before bua was even

awake by evening we were too busy or tired to spend time together on Monday August 21st Charles now 20 was heading back to college he asked for a family breakfast before he left and he seemed sad I could tell he sensed the tension in our family when I asked him what was wrong he said he felt like something wasn't right anymore bua barely acknowledged him engrossed in her book after breakfast I walked with Charles to his truck he hugged me tightly and said dad I understand you need to get a life and be happy again

his words hit hard I watched him drive away feeling emptier than ever heading to a job I despised bua slept late all weekend and went out with friends Saturday night while Charlie and I spent time together before he returned to school bua mostly read she didn't help with his barbecue sendoff and was late to the table absorbed in her book at work one of my claims reps also the Union steward brought in an unruly client she couldn't handle I wasn't surprised since I had already been listening to the interview I took over dealing with a

rude demanding client trying to file a fraudulent claim after an hour I got him out of the office I was the last one there besides the manager John who invited me for a beer we had a drink but I felt guilty for spending even a little time at the bar when I got home the kitchen was dark bua hadn't made dinner I found her in the den reading with a plate of snacks beside her she didn't even greet me no dinner I asked irritated she Shrugged said she had a sandwich and told me to fix

something for myself angry but not wanting to argue I made a sandwich and grabbed another beer as I ate I reflected on my life and how overwhelmed I felt I knew something had to change but I wasn't sure what or how to make it happen bua barely spent any time with me anymore and I was tired of her going out and ignoring me when she was home we used to argue about it but I eventually gave up I considered divorce but didn't want to disrupt Charlie's life while he was still living with us looking back

our relationship had been falling apart for years after dinner I cleaned up and went to my office to work I had learned not to bother Bula when she was reading she either ignored me or walked away feeling frustrated I poured myself a glass of scotch and sat in my chair trying to calm down what am I doing I thought I'm married but I feel completely alone I work over 40 hours a week at my civilian job and put in another 60 hours a month for the reserves I'm exhausted I have to maintain the house the

vacation cabin and stay fit for the Army everything's paid off but we don't even get to enjoy it I laughed bitterly we've got a million in savings and nearly the same in retirement accounts we could retire and live off the interest but Bula won't agree I laughed again even if she didn't work she probably wouldn't spend time with me sometimes I wonder if she's having an affair I had looked into it before and found nothing but I couldn't shake the feeling she ignores me never kisses me and when she agrees to have Zex it's like

she's doing me a favor later I heard her get into bed I decided to try initiating something it's been 3 weeks I thought as I climbed into bed I touched her but she slapped my hand away no she muttered I tried again and she repeated no curled into a ball and went to sleep frustrated I got up and went back to my office turning to an adult sight it feels like she's not even here I thought bitterly I don't even want to be with her anymore the next morning my alarm went off at 5:00 a.m.

and bua snapped turn that thing off why don't you sleep in the spare room if you have to get up so early I wanted to sleep in but I had to get to reserves later that night after another long day a friend stopped by my office Ron you still up for supper you look like you need cheering up he said I had planned to go straight home but I sighed and agreed we had drinks and supper and as we ate he asked what's going on with you I don't know why but I opened up about

everything my job my marriage my future by the end I found myself saying honestly the only bright spot in my life right now is the reserves Jeff leaned back and said Ronnie I don't know your wife but what you've describe doesn't sound normal it sounds like she's avoiding you and doesn't care anymore I sighed I've wondered if she's cheating but I don't think so I even followed her once and found nothing Jeff raised an eyebrow what did you find nothing it just feels like something's missing maybe I pushed her away she's always with friends Jeff

leaned in why not find out for sure you don't have to do it yourself what do you mean my cousin and brother-in-law do Private Investigations they could help I rubbed my face feeling the weight of the suggestion I don't know Jeff I hate spending money on that Jeff smiled Ronnie you deserve to know let me call them what's the worst that could happen I stared at my empty glass and finally sighed go for it Jeff looks surprised yeah yeah have them call me if we agree on a price I'll hire them I need to know

if she's cheating I'm done if not she's still going to have to change Jeff gave me his work number and said I think you're doing the right thing I woke up the next morning hung over in Jeff's hotel room Sunday's resered meeting dragged on and all I could think about was getting home when I did Bula didn't ask where I'd been she didn't seem to care I tried talking to her but she made it clear I was bothering her so I gave up cleaned up and went to bed by Monday Jeff's brother-in-law called and I

agreed to start the surveillance they stayed at my cabin using GPS trackers bugs and even recorded conversations from bula's phone and car after the first week there was nothing Bula spent her evenings with work friends visiting bars chatting about celebrities and sometimes going to the library one Saturday they followed her to a small party just her friends no men this routine continued for 6 weeks she wasn't cheating even though I was convinced she wasn't having an affair the distance between us remained I tried everything bringing flowers cooking her favorite meals calling her at work and

asking her on dates but all my effort were met with anger or indifference she wouldn't let me kiss her and nothing seemed to work on the seventh week of the investigation the private investigators called me at work Ronnie one said you might want to head home early we overheard Bula talking to someone in HR saying let's do it tonight while Ronnie's still at work my heart sank after a meeting I rushed home arriving 30 minutes early a strange Lexus was in the driveway I quietly entered through the kitchen hoping to catcher in the act in

the den Bula sat with a glass of wine and a man was sitting in my chair drinking my Scotch there was a laptop printer and her company's logo on the table you're home early bua said good I thought that phone call might bring you home early this is one of our attorneys and we can finalize things now the man handed me an envelope you've been served these are divorce papers Mrs Stevens is being fair but you can have your attorney review them stunned I asked why why don't you want to fix this she replied Ronnie

we've Grown Apart we don't fit anymore you've changed you got caught up in the reserves and never grew with me I've noticed you've been trying lately but you're boring now all you talk about is work Investments or the news I spend more time with my friends because they're interesting you always take management side and don't care about my feelings she added I thought you were having an affair and when I found out you were investigating me I let it happen I hoped you'd learn something but you didn't you just tried the same tricks to get

me to have Zex bua sighed it's time to end this I want to enjoy my life without worrying about you I've offered a fair settlement you get the cabin and land I keep the house if you don't agree I'll ask I thank him and went back to my office coincidentally the second item in my inbox was a listing of available tours I read through it carefully a few stood out one in Hawaii for 6 months and one in Great Britain for a year plus a couple in the US us for a year by the end

of the day I decided to go for it and requested orders for either Hawaii or Great Britain I signed the paperwork that Sunday before returning to my dull routine the only highlight during that time was the completion of my new garage in Breezeway I'd come home check the construction progress then do paperwork work on my computer or just exist I turned the dining area of my cabin into an office with a desk file cabinets and a TV I could use as a computer monitor I'd spend my time trading stocks researching or surfing the net I

slowly started getting to know my neighbors on weekends I'd visit local cafes or grab breakfast on my way to work some of the locals like Jim Fielding a retired army officer tried to convince me to go to the Senior Center dances Jim joked the women don't care how old you are they might even prefer you if you can still get it up after my divorce they nearly fought over me at the dances the men laughed and encouraged me to join in in the evenings I enjoyed the peaceful view from my yard overlooking the river a

small Inlet with a Gravel Bar ran beside my yard where a spring trickled into the water there was a deep swimming hole nearby perfect for fishing I looked forward to Summer and watching the canoeist pass by hoping some would stop for a swim the serenity of the setting helped me relax more than I ever did at my house in town as spring approached I started planning a landscaping project for my yard around that time I also couldn't stop thinking about the women at the senior center dances it had been almost 7 months since ID had

zeex and I was feeling the lack knocking off wasn't cutting it anymore so I finally let the guys talk me into going to the Christmas meal and dance at the senior center at the dance one of the regulars introduced me to people just as the guys had warned I was quickly surrounded by women some my age or a little older eager to meet me I danced more than I sat with many of the women being quite forward even rubbing or touching me around 10: p.m. I stepped outside and one of the more aggressive women followed

me she wrapped her arms around me and kissed me she didn't hold back saying I heard you haven't been late in months so let's do it now I didn't stop her and we ended up having Z afterward she kissed me and said that was good Ron I'm here at every dance so if you want to do this again I'm in the book I returned to the dance with Shaky Knees my friend Teddy laughed and teased me saying looks like rose got another one you okay stud a little embarrassed I sat down but soon saw Rose

leaving with another man Teddy warned me she usually has a couple of guys at these dances and sometimes goes home with a different one be careful with her always use protection she's been married and divorced five times but she sure knows what she's doing in bed later a widow named Addie asked me to dance she danced close laying her head on my shoulder she told me if you want something with me steer clear of Rose she's known to give men gifts from time to time so you might want to get get checked out I hadn't

even thought about disease when I slept with rose feeling sick I left the dance and went home that Monday I made a doctor's appointment to get tested I was a wreck until the results came back clean at the end of the week I swore I'd never have Zex again without protection I stocked up and made sure I had rubbers in my truck wallet and at home I also planned to get tested for HIV a couple of times over the next year just to be safe on December 21st I came home and found active duty orders

for Hawaii starting January ar ar 6th for 6 months the next day I gave my boss a copy and requested military leave he and his boss weren't happy and asked me to try to cancel the orders but I refused from that point they were cold toward me Christmas was rough my son Charlie spent 5 days with me then left to spend New Year's with his mom he apologized but I understood his friends and the excitement were in town I was just grateful for the time he spent with me the week before my deployment I took

vacation to prepare I arranged for Jeff and his wife to watch the cabin and set up my mail to be forwarded to Hawaii Hawaii was beautiful and I enjoyed both the work and the scenery especially the women I decided to have some fun while I was there I wasn't emotionally invested in anyone but if we didn't sleep together we didn't go out again that became my rule it was well known among the women who frequented the same places and many played along looking for a good time in exchange for meals drinks and sometimes Resort weekends

I preferred tourists because they were there for fun and wouldn't want to settle down by the end of my tour I was Tan in great shape and satisfied I returned home in early July and went to my office to arrange my return to work however my entrance codes didn't work so I had to wait for the office to open when I finally got in some co-workers greeted me but most just stared I asked to speak with my old boss but was told he no longer worked there I was directed to the new assistant manager Belinda

scroggin Belinda sat behind my old desk and and in a condescending tone asked what she could do for me I explained I was there to arrange my return and handed over my release orders and paperwork without even looking at them she sneered there's no position for you here you resigned and both the manager and assistant manager roles are filled we have no need for more help I was left stunned by her response I sat in shock for a moment feeling my temper rise not just over the job but because of Belinda's rude and illegal response

I leaned back and said first I didn't resign I was placed on military leave second I don't need to be rehired because I wasn't terminated unless it was a mistake and third what you're doing is illegal under usera I'm entitled to re-employment with the same seniority in position or a Higher One if I would have been promoted since my old manager is gone I expect to be placed in either my former role as assistant manager or possibly the manager's position Belinda glared at me her face r with anger you've got more nered than any man

I've met this interview is over leave before I call security I replied fine but I want to see the paperwork showing I resigned and get a written rejection of my reinstatement request Belinda immediately called Security asking for someone to escort me out the security guard Terry arrived looking embarrassed and asked me to leave I stood up saying Belinda you're making a serious mistake you should contact Personnel before this gets worse that evening I tried to call my old boss but found his number was disconnected I wrote a letter to the personnel office requesting reinstatement and

attaching the same documents I had tried to leave earlier I sent it via certified mail including copies of my military leave paperwork over the next few days I called my old office but they ignored me two weeks later I received a letter saying they had no position for me claiming I had voluntarily resigned and would need to reapply for a job I immediately hired a lawyer and filed for unemployment benefits I spent the summer enjoying myself working in the garden fishing swimming and relaxing by the river I continued my Reserve duties and took a few

short training tours I began to recognize some of the people who passed by in canoes on the river especially one friendly group of Two Men and two women they'd wave and Shout greetings as they floated by recently I noticed one of the canoes now had two women in it while the other still had a man and a woman one day while I was fishing I saw the two canoes coming toward me paddling quickly as if in a hurry they turned toward my Gravel Bar and Beach the canoes the two women from the first canoe getting

out fast the man and woman from the second canoe followed securing both boats they all walked right past my no trespassing sign I was about to say something when one of the women who had always been in the two women canoe limped over to me with a tentative smile I'm sorry to bother you she said wincing I know you have a sign but this is kind of an emergency could you help me I looked down and saw a bloody rag hanging out of her shoe which had a gash on the side she limped worse now

I stood up quickly as she sat on the bench at my picnic table grimacing in pain her foot was bleeding pretty badly someone broke a glass bottle on the Rocks she explained frustrated I stepped on it and it went through my shoe into my foot we can't get the bleeding to stop I quickly picked her up and carried her to my house someone open the door I called over my shoulder I'll take her to the bathroom to help I set her on the edge of the tub ran warm water and carefully cleaned the wound after

disinfecting it I asked one of the other women to get my first aid kit from under the sink I used a pressure bandage and instructed them to apply pressure above the wound Youk need stitches I told the group it's not too serious but it needs to be closed I can drive her to the hospital if you'd like the injured woman who I now noticed was in great shape and quite beautiful looked at her foot which was still bleeding a bit I think heun's right she said I need to go and he seems trustworthy her friend

asked can we leave the canoe here I nodded and she ran to secure it I pulled my truck up and when she returned I tossed a chain to the man and told him to lock the canoe to a tree we headed to the hospital and during the drive the woman introduced herself I'm Laura child's I live with my parents about four miles Downstream I used to have a boyfriend but we broke up when I found out he wasn't actually divorced her friend muttered something as she said that I learned that her family knew some of

my friends including Jeff and Charlie we shared some stories on the way to the hospital once there we checked in and the usual waiting began Laura's brother and an older woman who looked like their mother arrived about 45 minutes later her brother Aaron rushed up to meow's Laura where is she he asked pale with worry they're in an exam room I replied ask the clerk and they'll tell you where Aaron hurried off to check on Laura while her mother constant who introduced herself as Connie stood by my chair and smiled she extended her hand and

said thank you for helping my daughter I apologize for my son's Behavior he's very protective of Laura and doesn't know how to handle it when she gets hurt I nodded and replied I understand we're practically neighbors so I'm sure I'll see you around Connie smiled again and excused herself to check on Laura saying they had enough room to get everyone home after that I decided to stay in town for dinner while waiting at my favorite restaurant I spotted my ex-wife Bula sitting with her friends and two effeminate men one of the women was Belinda skagens

they were laughing and chatting and I overheard them discussing the latest Scandal involving one of bu's favorite actresses I walked by unnoticed listened for a bit but quickly lost interest and returned to my table thinking it takes all kinds at least I knew I hadn't been replaced after dinner I went home showered and grabbed a bottle of Glenn manangi I sat on my patio watching the Stars feeling content there was no one to Bob me and I could do whatever I wanted as I relaxed I thought about building a privacy fence so I could sunbathe

undressed in the summer without worrying about the river traffic I missed female companionship but there was no one around who interested me the women in town were either bula's friends or former co-workers I felt alone but knew I was better off than when I was with Bula Jeff kept encouraging me to attend the Senior Center dances or join the group at the cafe but I preferred my solitude especially in the mornings by the river enjoying the peace and watching the sunrise one early morning as I was fishing by the river I heard a hum That

Grew louder annoyed I looked up to see a flat bottom johnboat speeding toward me from around the bend knowing it would disturb my peaceful morning and ruined the fishing for a while as the boat approached I saw it was Aaron Cindy and an older man Aaron waved as they pulled into my Cove and Beed the boat ignoring the no trespassing sign they headed straight toward W me with a sigh I reeled in my line and walked over to them Aaron smiled and shook my hand Mr Stevens thanks again for helping us last week he said

this is my father Roger we here to get the other canoe and then we'll be out of your way Roger also shook my hand I appreciate what you did for Laura I'd like to replace the fuel you used to take her to the hospital if you stop by my place we can fill up your truck from our supply no need Mr Childs I replied I needed to go to town anyway for groceries and meal it wasn't a special trip they seemed confused when I mentioned my meal and Roger asked did something happen I sighed it's

not the fuel I just saw my ex-wife at the restaurant and it ruined my appetite a bit I guess I'm still not over the divorce I felt anger Rising thinking about Bula and the whole situation I quickly excused myself saying I'll get the key for the canoe I grabbed the key from inside the door and handed it to Aaron who unlocked the canoe I muttered an apology still frustrated then walked back inside while they retrieved the canoe and left the next few days were slow filled with thoughts of my failed marriage and job I was

angry not just about the divorce but also about my work they had lied about me quitting and illegally refused to reinstate me whether I won my case or not I wasn't going back to that job my only goal now was to make them pay for what they did about a week later while enjoying a sunset by the river I heard a boat approaching it was Roger John Boat again but this time Laura was alone steering up stream she smiled and waved as she pulled into my Landing carrying a tupperware container she approached dad told me

you refused to let him replace the fuel she said smiling so I brought you a carrot cake with cream cheese icing my favorite my mouth watered that's my favorite too letun eat some right now Laura blushed and hesitated I really need to head back before it gets dark come on I insisted grabbing her hand wek be quick she reluctantly agreed and we went inside I cut two pieces of cake poured us some port and started coffee as we ate Laura bit her lip and looked at me Ron she began I know you're divorced and if

you ever need to talk I'm here hearing her mention the divorce brought up emotions I thought I had buried I clenched my jaw Laura I said slowly I can't talk about that I loved her and she slipped away I just can't trying to control my emotions I walked to the door Laura followed quietly and touched my back gently I'm sorry Ron I'll leave but if you ever need to talk I'm here I watched her climb back into the boat and disappear Downstream leaving me alone with my thoughts the next Saturday I was working in my

garden by the river almost ready to quit because of the heat when I saw Laura and her friend Tammy approaching in a canoe they paddled straight to my landing and beached the canoe Laura bounced up the bank smiling while tamy followed more cautiously Ron I'm really sorry about the other night Laura said I shouldn't have brought up your divorce I didn't mean to upset you she hesitated then continued Tammy and I are hungry and you've got a nice place here if we share our lunch could we use your table I was taken aback by the

Bold request especially since she knew about my no trespassing signs I stared at her and she seemed to wilt under my gaze turning to leave she muttered I guess not sorry we bothered you as they headed back to the canoe I overheard Tammy say told you he's an a-hole that snapped me out of it I called after them wait I'm sorry I've had a hard time dealing with people since my divorce please come back you can use the table and you don't even have to share your lunch Tammy snapped forget it but Laura convinced her

to return they came back with a large cooler and set up the picnic at my table laying out cold fried chicken potato salad Co slaw and iced tea enough for three want me to warm the chicken I've got some fresh tomatoes too I offered Laura beam that would be great I quickly warmed the chicken washed my hands and sliced the tomatoes adding some freshly baked bread when I returned Laura was already at my breakfast bar smiling do you need help with that she asked as I approached with the food I waved her off with a

smile joking about the amount of food they had brought we all sat down to eat and despite the Awkward start the meal turned out to be pleasant at one point I stood to grab salt and pepper but Laura insisted on fetching it herself while she was inside Tammy leaned in her voice low and serious Ron I don't know what to make of you but if you hurt Laura I'll make you pay she's been through enough I snapped back you don't get to sit at my table and accuse me of something like that I have no

intention of hurting anyone tamy flushed but before she could respond Laura returned and sensed the tension tamy what did you do she asked tamy muttered that it was nothing but Laura apologized on her behalf assuring me that tamy meant well Laura gently placed her hand over mine thanking me for the meal and my Hospitality as they packed up and left Laura waved with a big smile despite the tension with Tammy I realized I had enjoyed the lunch watching them paddle away I felt conflicted I liked Laura more than I wanted to admit but after everything

I wasn't sure I trusted my own feelings later that evening I was sitting by the river watching the Stars when my thoughts drifted toora something about her intrigued me and I found myself thinking about her more than I wanted to over the next few days I tried to keep busy but memories of that lunch and her smile kept popping into my head on Wednesday evening something unexpected happened I was skinny dipping in the river as I often did when I heard someone calling my name startled I quickly pulled on my C offs and stood up

just in time to see Laura coming around the corner of the house holding a pie her face turned bright red when she realized I had been unclothed moments earlier I'm sorry she stammered I didn't mean to I didn't know I wasn't trying to peek I felt a flash of anger but quickly Let It Go when I saw how embarrassed she was smiling I said it's all right you brought a pie still flustered she nodded it's an apple pie I drove this time since it's so dark but I didn't know you locked your gate she was

clearly uncomfortable but I didn't want her to leave without thinking I gently grabbed her arm but she froze eyes wide so I quickly let go sorry I said I didn't want you to leave yet if you have time stay for supper you're welcome to eat with me Laura's smile returned well don't let me stop you go ahead and cook I smiled back glad she wasn't leaving I started frying up some chicken and reheating the potato and bean salads I'd made earlier I decided to make enough for both of us hoping she'd stay as the chicken

cooked I poured us both some white wine Laura took a sip and smiled oh this is good I moved closer and we chatted while I finished cooking she asked about my life and I told her about being in the Army Reserve and my lawsuit against my former employer she seemed genuinely interested then she shared her story divorced raised on the river and working part-time at a farm supply store after leaving a job at a feed mill as we ate the conversation flowed easily and before long Laura realized I'd made enough for two damn you I

never said I'd stay for supper she teased but with a grin after dinner we cleaned up together and enjoyed the apple pie she'd brought along with glasses of por Port we moved to the living room and after a while Laura leaned her head on my shoulder it felt peaceful without thinking I kissed her softly the moment stretched on both of us lost in the kiss until we pulled back seeing the same longing in each other's eyes Laura leaned against my chest sighing contentedly we sat in comfortable silence until the phone rang startling both of us

I got up to answer it hello I said Ron this is Connie Childs I'm getting worried Laura was supposed to bring you a pie and it's getting late she hasn't come home and it's after midnight can you help me out here I laughed and without thinking replied yeah Connie I can help we were sleeping and time got away from us I heard Laura and Connie gasp at the same time no no that's not what I meant I meant we fell asleep after dinner I quickly clarified Laura now laughing took the phone from me Mom I'm

sorry I was going to leave the pie and come home but he keeps his gate locked so I had to walk then he hadn't eaten yet and invited me to stay for dinner we had dessert and some wine and yes we fell asleep on the couch we'd still be sleeping if you hadn't called I didn't realize it was so late I'll be home soon love you bye after hanging up Laura smiled at me well I guess I'd better go home mom won't sleep until I'm back she touched my face gently and said thanks for a

great evening Ron then she gave me a soft kiss and hurried out the door I remembered she had walked from the gate and rushed after her wait Laura I'll drive you that night I barely slept thinking about Laura the next morning I got up at my usual time but felt exhausted around 11: my attorney called to tell me my case had been scheduled for a hearing I headed to town to meet with him on my way home that evening I stopped by Laura's Farm to return the cake and pie pans I saw her walking toward

the house covered in dust and wearing worn jeans a Cham shirt and boots she blushed when she noticed me hello Ron what brings you here I held up the containers smiling just returning these Laura invited me inside where I greeted her mother Connie who was preparing supper Laura excused herself to change out of her dirty clothes Connie smiled and said you had me worried sick the other night she handed me a glass of iced tea and told me to keep her company while Laura got ready not long after Laura returned looking stunning in a sundress

her wet hair and natural beauty took my breath away my God you're beautiful I blurted out Laura smiled warmly and took my hand pulling me in for a gentle kiss why don't we sit until supper's ready you are staying right Connie assured me there was enough food but I protested I just came to drop off the containers I can't stay for dinner Laura still holding my arm insisted you stayed for dinner at your place so you're staying here she led me to a family room where we sat on a love seat she quickly settled on

my lap and leaned in for another kiss just as we we were getting comfortable we heard voices and footsteps Roger and Aaron entered the room Laura Roger exclaimed she pulled back slightly and said Daddy I'm visiting with Ron we'll see you at supper Roger shook his head and led Aaron out of the room muttering at least they haven't fallen asleep again at dinner I apologized for intruding but Roger Connie and Laura assured me I was welcome anytime we always have enough to feed one more Roger said with a nod from the others as we were

having dessert I mentioned I'll be gone for 3 months if you see anyone at my place please let Jeff or Charlie Fielding know I'll leave you my cell number before I go I glanced at Laura and saw her face tighten she asked voice trembling where are you going Ron I've got a short tour at the seventh medcom in heidleberg Germany I replied with a chuckle I enjoy the military more than my old job since the divorce I've been taking these tours and I'm making almost as much as I did before Plus I get to travel

Laura placed her hand on my arm and asked softly when do you leave I've just started enjoying our time together I'll miss you please write me of course I'd like that I replied with a smile Roger then chimed in Ron are you interested in renting your crop land to us I could offer a crop share or pay cash I thought for a moment if you leave the yard and garden for me I don't see a problem with you using the rest of the land before Roger could respond Laura interrupted daddy can't this wait I won't

see Ron for a while I laughed it won't take long and then blushed realizing how it sounded Roger Aaron and I went into their office to finalize a crop share Arrangement as we finished Laura came in with a teasing grin are you done can I have my man back now I stood up startled by her words but Laura just smiled and took my hand leading me to the riverbank she placed cushions on the ground and we sat together sharing a gentle kiss Ron I really like being with you there's something about you that makes me

feel safe and cared for she said softly I kissed her and replied I feel the same way Laura I never thought I'd let anyone in after what happened with Bula but I want to see where this goes we spent the evening kissing and getting to know each other more deeply though I knew she would have let me take things further I stopped us I want to wait until it's special if we do this now right before I leave it would feel like the flings I had in Hawaii letun wait until I get back Laura With

Tears In Her Eyes smiled and agreed I want it now but I want to wait too we walked back to the house hand in hand and I said my goodbyes I didn't see Laura again before leaving for Germany but thoughts of her stayed with me Jeff drove me to the airport and I told him about the arrangement I made with the child's for renting my land he grinned so has Laura got her Hooks In You Yet Abby says she's head over heels for you yeah Jeff I think she might I admitted I never thought I'd

consider getting serious again after Bula but Laura is different Germany was beautiful but the months dragged on Laura and I emailed frequently and I realized just how much I missed her when I returned I expected Jeff to pick me up but instead I saw Laura running toward me she threw her arms around me kissing me passionately I've missed you so much she said breathlessly I've missed you too I replied smiling as I grabbed my bags Laura had driven my truck to the airport and insisted on driving us home instead of heading to her parents place

she took me to my house which was decorated with welcome home banners and a cooler of champagne waiting I've missed you so much Laura said softly this is for our private welcome home party I smiled and pulled her close letun watch the sunset by the river it'll be even better with you we walked to the riverbank where Laura sat in my lap resting her head on my chest we kissed gently savoring the moment later we returned to the house where she set out snacks and we spent hours cuddling and talking eventually Laura led me to

the bedroom where we made love with a passion that had been building for months afterwards she snuggled into me and I whispered Laura I love you I never thought I'd love again but you've proven me wrong will you marry me tears filled her eyes but she smiled and nodded yes Ron I'll marry you we drifted to sleep holding each other content in our love I woke up about an hour later went to the bathroom and noticed that Laura had put the food M away I hadn't even heard her get up after handling my business I

crawled back into bed and we slept soundly through the night the next morning sunlight streaming in woke me slowly Laura wasn't in bed but I smelled coffee brewing still groggy I poured a cup and wandered outside following my usual routine when I got to the Breezeway I saw Laura sitting under my favorite tree also undressed sipping her coffee and enjoying the morning she heard me and smiled are you just going to stand there or are you going to kiss me good morning and sit down I walked over kissed her and sat with her we talked

about our future together until we heard a canoe approaching signaling the end of our peaceful morning arm in-arm we returned to the house showered together and Laura made breakfast as she loaded the dishwasher I hugged her from behind and kissed her neck she smiled and kissed me back honey put on that dress from yesterday and let's go to town we've got something to buy don't we I teased Laura grinned if it's what I think it is then yes let's go within 10 minutes we were out the door we spent a couple of hours picking out

her ring then had lunch at Max's when we got home we didn't even make it inside before falling into bed again after another round of passion we drifted off to sleep I woke to the sound of hammering and shouting slowly I got up put on my cut offs and stumbled to the door Roger Connie Aaron and his girlfriend were there I let them in and Connie asked where's Laura I thought she was with you my stomach clenched just then Laura's voice called from in the bedroom Ron who are you talking to she stepped out unclothed

saw the visitors turned beat red and ran back into the bedroom slamming the door I stood in shock while Roger stared at the door the women blushing followed Connie to comfort Laura a few minutes later Laura reappeared still blushing but confident she walked up to me wrapped her arms around my arm and kissed me Daddy I'm sorry I didn't call last night I'm staying here now we're getting married Roger concerned asked are you sure everything okay Laura smiled yes Daddy I'll be staying here unless Ron objects she glanced at me and I held her tighter

Roger shook my hand congratulating us followed by Aaron we spent the afternoon visiting until Laura offered to cook dinner the women took over the kitchen while the men shared a bottle of whiskey by the time dinner was ready we were Tipsy but in High Spirits we had a good time over dinner but by the end of the night everyone was a bit too drunk Aaron mentioned their car was missing which led to a round of giggling as they remembered they had left it by the highway I took Connie to retrieve the car making her promised

to call when they got home safely that night as Laura and I lay in bed she smiled I'm glad they didn't stay now we have the house to ourselves the next morning while enjoying coffee outside I got a call from my attorney reminding me of my upcoming usera trial the week flew by consumed by the court battle the company tried to discredit me even bringing in problematic employees to testify but I had evidence that turned the case in my favor the judge awarded me back pay a promotion and punitive damages for the company's violation of

the law despite the win the company appealed so I wasn't able to return to work immediately 3 weeks later Laura and I got married by the river at her parents place we didn't take a traditional honeymoon as I had a short Tour of Duty in Great Britain so Laura joined me and we turned it into a 3-month honeymoon touring the UK and even visiting France when we got back we had exciting news Laura was pregnant with twins she had become pregnant just after we arrived in Great Britain and we had waited until we got home

to share the news as the pregnancy progressed Laura grew more beautiful joking about how she looked but to me she was radiant in the third month we found out she was carrying twins when the big day came Laura's labor was quick and soon we welcomed our daughter Constance and Son Ronald they were healthy and perfect and Laura had never looked happier our house quickly became too small so I started building two more bedrooms in an office when Charlie visited he and his girlfriend barely let go of the babies at 4 months I finally won the

appeal against my former company they folded and I received a large settlement with that and my savings Laura and I were set for life one day while shopping at Walmart I saw Bula my ex-wife Laura ever the firecracker approached her and said thank you for making me the happiest woman alive I don't know why you let Ron go but I thank you for it every day Bula teary eyed looked at me and whispered you deserve it Ronnie have a good life Laura smiled took my hand and we walked away happy and content after our unexpected

encounter with Bula Laura and I didn't dwell on it she had said her peace and it seemed to close a chapter for both of us life carried on peacefully and Laura and I grew even closer I stayed in the reserves but limited my tours choosing to spend more time at home I had recently been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and staying close to home with Laura and our growing family made me happier than ever I bought the land next to ours the one Roger had wanted and let him and Aaron Farm it I helped them out

when they needed an extra hand life in the small town settled into a comforting Rhythm I enjoyed coffee with my in-laws in Steelville most mornings but I still preferred having coffee with Laura by the river when the weather was nice time flew by and before we knew it years had passed one evening Jeff Charlie our wives and I were sitting by the river at Jeff's place drinks in hand listening to our kids play in the old swimming hole we couldn't help but exchange admiring glances at our wives over the years we had all grown close

and there was a silent understanding between us Laura still had my heart and my love for her only grew stronger over the years as she passed by with another round of drinks I set my glass down grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into my lap she let out a playful scream then collapsed against me laughing I kissed her deeply and as I looked into her eyes I knew the night ahead would be special turning to our friends I said this woman is my life she saved me you all know how lost I was

after my first marriage but these last 11 years with Laura have been the best of my life Laura blushed but smiled proudly kissing me again just as we started to pull away one of the kids shouted Dad can't you wait until you get home we laughed as the kids dripping wet looked at us in mock disgust Laura smiled warmly and said you've seen us kiss before I love him dearly and I'll never deny him his kisses now go clean up supper's almost ready Amanda Charlie's wife chimed in Laura that's exactly how I feel about Charlie

we all have the perfect men and there's nothing we wouldn't do for them Laura nodded and an unspoken bond deepened between us all the rest of the evening was filled with laughter food and stories just another and a series of Unforgettable moments with our friends and family as the years passed Jeff Charlie and I all retired from the reserves Jeff became a major general Charlie a colonel and I retired as a brigadier general I was grateful every day that Laura had pursued me pushing me to see how perfect we were together eventually our twins Connie

and Ronnie graduated high school Connie is Valedictorian and Ronnie as salutatorian and left for college they chose to attend my alma moer nearby and we rented them and apartment so they could experience college life Laura and I were proud of the advice and guidance we had given them but we knew they would have to navigate their own paths one evening as Laura and I reflected on how far we'd come I said kids learn by example as much as they do in the classroom I think we've done well by them she smiled and leaned into me

I think so too as the sun set and the river shimmered in Golden Hues I felt a deep sense of Peace Laura as always was beside me we had built a life together that exceeded All my expectations with the kids gone for the evening I turned to see Laura waiting for me by the river looking beautiful in my favorite outfit the sight of her took my breath away and I knew I wasn't about to miss out on this perfect moment [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]