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Doing The Right Thing

By: DG Hear



Not a lot of sex in this story. Could also be in Loving Wife. For those who go on and read it, I hope you enjoy it. As always a big 'Thank You' goes out to my editors LadyCibelle and Techsan. They make my stories a much more enjoyable read.

Chapter 1 – The Truth Comes Out

This is one of those stories that are hard to believe; they could make a movie about the ups and downs of my life. I was happily married for over thirty years, or so I thought. I have three offspring whom I love dearly. I've owned my own business which began as a service station, (gas station if it makes more sense to you). It is now also a convenience store. I'm not wealthy but I make a pretty good living.

Let me begin a few years back when my son was admitted to the hospital. He was twenty-eight at the time. He is married and has a wife and two kids of his own. He was diagnosed with some type of kidney problem. My wife Annabelle, whom I called Annie, and I were scared for our son's life. The doctors told us if they couldn't get the kidney problem under control that he might need a kidney transplant.

We didn't know what to do to help our son. The doctor told us that we might talk with family members just in case the transplant was necessary. Of course, it was my son so I went into the lab and asked them to check my status and see how compatible I would be. My wife didn't know that I did this. I thought I would give him a kidney before mentioning it to the rest of the family.

The test came back the next day and we were not a match. I asked the doctor why not. After all, he was my son. What was wrong with my kidneys? I was getting rather loud when I told the doctor that I drank a few beers but didn't smoke. The doctor was getting a little embarrassed but I didn't care. I told him how I felt. Finally, the doctor asked me to step into his office.

"Mr. Weller, you and your son are not a match because according to the test, you are not his biological father. I'm sorry to have to tell you but you were raising your voice a little too loud. I will tell you that we have made mistakes before so my assistants are rerunning the test."

I was almost in shock as I left the office. He has been my son for twenty-eight years. I can't believe this is happening. I didn't want to mention it to Annie, just in case it was wrong. I do have to say that I looked upset when I saw her. Everything you can imagine went through my mind. What about Janice, my oldest daughter, or Mandy, the little love of my life. Were they my children? Janice at the time was twenty-six and Mandy was twenty. God how I hoped that the doctor was wrong.

It'd been two days and I haven't been myself. Of course part of it was my son possibly dying and the other was whether he was my son in the first place. Annie, Brad's wife, Gail, and I were sitting in the waiting room. 

The doctor came out and said, "I have good news."

I was so happy, I thought he was going to tell me the test was wrong and that my kidneys were a perfect match. Instead, he did have good news, actually better news, for Brad that is.

"Brad's kidneys have been responding to treatment. He won't need a transplant after all. In fact, his body is adjusting so well to treatment that he can be released in a couple of days. He will have to watch his diet but other than that, he should have a complete recovery."

Everyone was so happy for Brad. The women were crying and Annie kissed me. There was so much relief on her face. I hadn't told her about the test yet. I would come back and talk to the doctor the next day.

I did ask Janice, Mandy and Annie for a DNA sample. They asked me what for and I explained to them that if any of us had this problem such as Brad had that the doctor could supply treatment much quicker if he had this information. Annie looked a little nervous but agreed. The others didn't think twice about it and it was nothing but a swab taken in the mouth. In fact, Janice did one on her kids and husband so they would be ready if there ever was a problem.

The following day I went to see the doctor at the hospital and gave him all the samples. He did tell me the bad news that Brad and I weren't related by blood. I asked him to do the test on all the samples I gave him and to put them on record so other family members would be on file if ever necessary. I would pay for all the tests.

"Mr. Weller, are any of these your family?"

"They are all my family; my two daughters and my son and my grandchildren, my daughter's kids and of course my wife. I do want to know if the ones marked Janice and Mandy are my biological children. Even though they are adults, they are my kids and have been their whole life."

A few days later, Brad was released from the hospital. He would have to recuperate for another week and then he could go back to work. Everyone was so happy that he didn't have to go through dialysis or worse, a transplant.

I tried to keep calm but it wasn't easy. I really needed to know if the girls were of my blood. Annie would ask me most every night how come I was acting so funny. I just told her we've been through a lot in our life and I was thinking about our kids, which wasn't a lie.

I came home from work one evening and Annie was sitting on a chair at the table and she was looking over some papers and was crying. I knew it was the hospital results. They must have mailed them to the house.

"When did you do this and why?" she asked me.

"I went to get my kidneys checked to give to my son. Since I was his father I figured it was my place. When the doctor told me I wasn't his biological father I sent the tests in from the girls. I don't know if they're mine are not."

As I picked up the papers, Annie said, "Janice is not yours but Mandy is." She was crying heavily at the time. "What happens now Dan?"

I was standing there; I was lost for words. I didn't know what happens next. I had just found out after thirty years of marriage, that two of my kids, whom I supported their whole life, were not mine.

I looked over at Annie, "We talk and we talk some more. Maybe we stay together, maybe we separate."

"Dan, that was over twenty eight years ago. Can't we leave the past in the past?"

"No, we can't. You had sex with someone, and I want to know whose kids I supported for their entire life. According to these tests, Janice and Brad are brother and sister. It would mean that you were fucking someone for at least a five year period, so it wasn't a one time fling or a mistake. Who the hell did you have an affair with? Hell, it had to be in our first year of marriage."

"It was Harvey; he was the one I had the affair with. It was stupid, wrong, but it's over."

"I guess it's over! Since Harvey Kittle died around twenty five years ago. He was one of our best friends and you slept with him? Did his wife Mary know about this? Was she part of your sexual escapades?"

"Please, Dan, let's not discuss this. I love you. It's all ancient history. Can't we please just go on with our lives?"

"Are you crazy? What the fuck is the matter with you? We get married and within the year, you start fucking Harvey. You have his kid, whom I raised as my own, and then two years later while you're still fucking him, we have a daughter, whom I also raise as my own. If it wasn't for him dying shortly after Janice was born, you would probably have still fucked him some more. Thank God at least one of my kids belongs to me. Are you ready to explain all this?"

Annie was crying but I wasn't buying any of it. I wanted the truth; I deserved to know the truth. Unlike in the movies, I could handle the truth.

"I know you and Harvey were always friends. I had always loved him but he chose Mary over me. She got pregnant by him. I loved you too but not as much as Harvey. After he and Mary got married, I was really depressed. You asked me to marry you and I half did it out of spite. I wanted Harvey to know I went on with my life in spite of him."

"So you married me to spite Harvey, and so to spite him even more you end up having sex with him behind my back?" I asked.

"You were driving the tow truck a lot back then. Mary was working afternoons and Harvey came by to see you, at least that was what he said. I didn't plan it; it just happened. I don't have any excuse. We had sexual relations and I knew I still loved him. He would come by and always told me we would be together one day. We just had to take our time. I was a kid and as long as he made love to me, I didn't care. He stopped seeing me after I was pregnant with Brad. I was really mad at him. He came by and saw Brad and asked if it was his kid. I told him I didn't know but I wasn't going to say anything to you unless he married me. He laughed at me and said that you could raise his kid."

"Do you really believe I'm so dumb? 'It just happened?' What happened? You fell and by some kind of miracle, his cock got into your pussy? Your clothes magically disappeared and you didn't have the willpower not to fuck? If you intend on convincing me that 'It just happened,' you are more stupid than I ever imagined. So if you stopped seeing him, what about Janice. Did she just happen too?"

"I told him he wasn't allowed in our house unless you or Mary was here. I had feelings for him but I found out that he was just using me for extra sex. One day he came by and forced me to have sex with him. He told me if I didn't that he would tell you about Brad. He hurt me; he didn't make love to me. He hurt me bad. When he left, he laughed and said he hoped he planted another kid in me. I couldn't tell you about it. I didn't want to lose you. Shortly after Janice was born, Harvey was killed in that auto accident. I felt sad but I was also relieved. I could finally put all that adultery behind me and we could have a normal life.

"I grew to love you more and more. Our life has been good, hasn't it? I spent my whole life trying to make it up to you. I know we've had our differences but as a whole, we had a good marriage, didn't we?" asked Annie.

"Yes, our marriage was good but now looking back, I can see it was all based on a lie. You cheated on me; you married me while loving another. You had another man's baby and then you say you got raped and pregnant again without telling me. Now you tell me to just forget it. I don't think I can or even care to. I'm going to our attorney and start divorce proceedings."

"Dan, you can't! What about our kids? What are you going to tell them?"

"I'm going to leave that up to you. Just so you know: I don't think you were ever raped and you would have continued to fuck him if he wasn't killed. You have a week to let me know your story for the kids. After that, I will tell them the truth. I take it Brad and Janice don't know I'm not their biological father."

"Of course not! No one knows but me and now you. Please, Dan, they love you. Don't hurt them by telling them a man they have never met is their father."

"I'm their father and they are my kids. Nothing will ever change that. I've been with them their entire lives and that isn't going to change. I figure we will both live here for now until the settlement is made and final unless you still have a lover in the wings."

"That's uncalled for Dan and you know it."

"No, that's the problem. I've been with you for thirty years and I don't know you. I'll move my things into the guest bedroom. I want nothing more to do with you."

Annie started crying as I got up from the table and started moving a few of my things into the guest room.

Two days later, I got a call at the store. They said my wife's car went through a guardrail and over an embankment. They said it looked like she was speeding and was going too fast and missed the turn. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff questioned me about any problems that my wife might have had. I told him there was none that I knew of. He said he was listing it as an accident but was going to hold the report until an autopsy was completed. I couldn't see bringing out all the dirty laundry now. I loved her, but also I hated her if that is possible.

I called all the kids and told them about their mother's passing. I told them that I was going to the hospital to identify the body. They could call a few of the relatives and pass the word along. I knew it was a shock to everyone, even me. Now, I had it on my conscience whether she did herself in or it was an accident.

A couple of days later the autopsy came back clean. Other than her blood pressure medication, the coroner said he didn't find anything. Her death was labeled accidental. At the funeral, I grieved for her. Even though I was going to get a divorce, I still had strong feelings for her after thirty years. I was glad that I hadn't seen the attorney yet. No one needed to know Annie's secret affair. It would just be something I had to live with. No good would come of telling the kids now.

My two daughters and daughter came by the house the day after the funeral. I asked them to please take all of their mother's personal things and divide it among themselves. All I asked for was a few pictures of us as a family. No one can know how bad I felt unless they went through a similar experience. The "What if," questions kept crossing my mind. "What if I never took that test? What if I never mentioned it to Annie? What if I didn't tell her I was leaving her?" Would any of it make any difference or was she just driving too fast that day?

Chapter 2 – Getting Involved

All that happened two years ago and just before the Holidays. Here I was again, alone for the holidays. My son and older daughter both live about a hundred miles away now. I told them that I might come up for a day or two during the holidays. Mandy was a senior in college and said she was going with friends to England during the holiday season. It was a trip offered by the college. She had asked me about it months ago. She was worried about me being alone. I tried to explain to my kids that I lived alone for two years now. I spent every day at the service station/store and was never alone there.

One day I was sitting in my big comfy chair and watching a few programs on the old tube (TV set). A commercial came on which I've seen over and over again about donating twenty-four dollars a month to give a kid in a third world country three meals a day, housing over their head and proper health and schooling. What the hell! Did people believe this?

Now don't get me wrong here. I'm all for feeding the hungry and helping those unable to help themselves, but if I could do all that for twenty-four bucks a month, I ought to move there myself. I'm sorry, but I'm not much on sending money and hope it goes somewhere to help kids. For those who do it and believe it, more power to you and God bless you.

It did give me an idea though. The next day when I was at the store one of our local ministers came into the store and I asked him if the church was doing one of those Christmas things where they hang up a tree and then put names of families on them that could use help for the holidays.

"Well, yes, Dan, we do have one. Is there a name of a family you would like posted?"

"No, Pastor Jim, I want the name of a family I can help through the holidays."

"That's great, Dan, just come over to the church and pick a name. It's a pretty full tree this year. There's a lot of people out of work."

"Jim, would you get me a name of someone that you truly believe needs help? I don't want one where it's hard for a husband that just got laid off. I want a family that help during the holidays would really make a difference. I'm not just going to get the kid a toy; I want to make it a holiday they'll never forget."

Pastor Jim smiled at me. I think he got the idea; I wanted to really make a difference in a family's life.

"Dan, I think I have the perfect family for you. We have a young widow who has three children. They moved here from the big city in the last year. Her husband was shot during a drug deal gone bad and she moved here to try to give her kids a new start in life."

"Okay, Jim, thanks a lot. I know that I'm not the church-going kind of guy but I want to do something to help someone this year. I'll stop by later and get the family's name from you."

When I told Pastor Jim about not being a church kind of guy he knew what I meant. I believed in God or something much bigger than myself. When Annie was alive, I went to church twice a year. I always heard the sermon where Jesus was born and when he died on the cross. Other than that, I attended weddings and funerals.

Carmella Wilson was the name on the paper I got off the tree at the church. Widowed with three kids and an address and phone number. Pastor Jim told me she was a waitress in Joe's Restaurant. I think I knew whom he was talking about. I've eaten at this restaurant dozens if not more times in the past year. I bet the waitress named Carmen was the name Jim gave me.

I stopped by the store and made sure everything was under control. I was a pretty much hands-on boss. I decided to go to Joe's Diner and have a talk with Carmen. As I walked in I looked around and Joe gave me a wave. We'd been friends since near childhood. Plus, of course we were both business owners which made us have a little more in common.

I sat at one of the tables and looked around. It was between breakfast and lunch time so it was fairly slow. I spotted Carmen who smiled and said she would be right with me.

A little info on Carmen: She was maybe thirty or so, a nice looking woman but I don't think she would be in the beautiful category. She was neat and attractive, with dark hair about shoulder length. She had nice legs and a normal bust, whatever normal was. It stuck out but you couldn't rest a beer on it. She definitely wasn't thin but wasn't fat either. Damn, it's harder to explain a woman's features than I thought. She did have a nice smile, I know that for sure. 

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"Just a cup of coffee and some conversation if you don't mind."

"Yes, to the coffee but I don't know about this conversation," she replied.

"I'm sorry; I'm not good at talking with women. This isn't a come-on. I picked your name off the tree at the church and I want to be your holiday friend."

"Look, I'm not exactly sure what you want. I'll just go get your coffee." I saw her go talk to Joe and he was shaking his head when she came back with my coffee.

"Okay, Joe says you're alright. I have men coming on to me quite often and I don't need that in my life right now. What is it you want? What is a holiday friend? I know the church put my kids' names on a tree so they could have a Christmas but they never mentioned anything about a friend."

"The friend is my idea; please let me explain. If you just want me to buy the kids a gift when I finish, then I'll do just that. Without going into much detail, I was watching the TV when a guy said for twenty-four dollars a month I could sponsor a kid in a foreign country. They would feed them three meals a day give them clothes and schooling and a roof over their head. All for twenty-four dollars a month."

"Dan, isn't it? My kids drink twenty-four dollars a month in milk. I could hardly do much more than that." She was smiling; she had such a pretty smile.

"I know, I agree. I decided that I was going to adopt a family from now through the holidays. I want to help you with your material needs through Thanksgiving and Christmas. I want your family to have a Christmas to remember. I'm not rich but I can spare enough to try to help one family out this year and I chose yours."

Carmen had glassy eyes. "Are you serious? I was so worried for my kids this year. You see my husband was...."

"I know, Carmen, he was killed. Please let me help you help the kids. If you feel I'm interfering in your life, just tell me and I'll pull back."


Doing The Right Thing



Back in 1990, when we were living in St. Louis, I'll never forget what happened one long weekend when my wife was out of town for her grandfather's funeral, and I couldn't get off work to go with her. There was this gal who lived in our small, 11-unit apartment building in the Tower Grove East historic district. I first noticed her because she had a really nice, brand new black RX-7 and appeared to be good-looking, but I couldn't really tell what she had beneath the super-conservative business suits she always wore. She and I had exchanged neighborly smiles at each other and said "hello" a few times, but that's all the interaction we'd ever had until the weekend in question. 

Alone in my second-floor apartment drinking beer and watching the late, late movie, I had dozed off on the couch and was awakened by hell-breaking-loose rapping on the front door downstairs. So I grabbed my S&W Model 66 and proceeded to see what all the commotion was about. Peering through the glass door's blinds, I recognized the girl on the other side but could not readily identify her. One thing was for sure, though--she definitely had a look of abject fear in her pretty face. As she veritably screamed to let her in, I realized it was the gal with the RX-7, but she looked altogether different from usual. 

She had on lots of make-up and her long brown hair hung down over her nipply ample breasts beneath a tight tee-shirt tucked into skin-tight jeans. Damn! Was I dreaming or what? So I let her in, seeing no one else outside. I was a bit embarrassed about the .357 in my hand, but she seemed relieved that I had it, and I led her upstairs to the living room, where the coffee table was covered with empty Buds, so I offered her a seat and a beer and left momentarily to go get two more brews from the frij at the opposite end of the apartment. 

As I returned, she was standing at the big bay window, which overlooked the street below, staring out into the darkness. Startled, she sat back down, swigged the King of Beers, and we began to make chitchat. Over the course of the next two hours or so, we drank several more Buds and I learned a bit about this intriguing woman. Seems she was the Office Manager for a West St. Louis mortgage company (which explained her usual conservative attire), was a fairly recent college grad, and had moved into our building a few months before. 

Each time that I'd return from retrieving a couple more brews, I'd catch her looking out the window again. When she went to use the bathroom, I looked out the window myself to see just what the hell she was so interested in. At first, I didn't see anything unusual, but then I noticed exhaust coming from the tailpipe of a '73 Electra 225 parallel parked across the street in the dark. No lights on. Never seen that car around there before. Hmmm. I did not want to intrude on her privacy, but I was extremely curious, and she, now finishing her 4th beer, seemed pretty relaxed, so I asked her what the deal was with her earlier panic. 

Stuttering, she proceeded to tell me the story. She said she was on her way home from work and was approached by a "creep" while filling up her Mazda that was nearly out of fuel at the Fast-Gas across the bridge. She relayed that she had politely brushed him off, only to realize that the same guy had followed her home after she'd parked, locked, and got out of her car. Afraid and seeing that my apartment's lights were the only ones in the building still on, she rapped on my door so that he would not know exactly where she lived. 

"Was he driving an old land-yacht Buick?" I asked. 

"Why, yes, he was," she replied. 

I queried further, "You say you were returning from work. I didn't realize Office Managers at mortgage companies kept such hours, and why would you have been over in Illinois anyway if you work in West St. Louis?" 

The blood seemed to drain from her face as she stared at the wall blankly for what seemed like an eternity. I sat silently. There's nothing like pointing out an inconsistency, followed by utter silence, that will get people to talk. 

She got me to swear to secrecy on saints I'd never even heard of (St. Louis is a big Catholic town) and then proceeded to tell me the whole story: Although she had a good job, she had become financially "extended" with the new RX-7, the upscale historic apartment, and lots of new clothes. Then she reconnected with her best high school girlfriend, with whom she went to parochial school and had not seen in a few years, in a similar financial situation. 

She was shocked to learn that she was dancing at PT's, a titty-bar across the bridge in Illinois, where she made more money working a couple nights a week than she did all week at her "real" job. So, very reluctantly at first but persuaded by her really-just-a-sweet-Catholic-girl old friend, my neighbor got up her nerve, aided by tequila, danced topless on PT's amateur night—and won. 

So, in dire financial straits but having discovered a new income-producing talent, she decided to bare all by working weekends at PT's. She said she never walked out of there with less than $500 a night, often much more, in tax-free cash tips. She said the first night was incredibly difficult, but when she realized the clientele was mainly well-healed businessmen, she quickly came to not just endure but actually enjoy the attention—and, of course, the money. 

But that night, the creepy customer there wanted more than eye candy and to cop a feel, following her to the gas station where he propositioned her again and then to her home—freaking her out. 

Well, well, well, so my pretty young neighbor was a stripper! I told her I understood and that she certainly had everything it takes to be a wildly successful dancer. We drank the last two beers, I checked the window to find Mr. Duece-And-A-Quarter was gone, and walked her back to the door of her apartment. She thanked me profusely for my kindness and nonjudgmental attitude and lingered forever at the door chatting before finally saying goodnight. Then, she leaned towards my mouth to kiss, but I quickly turned my head to accept it on the cheek, and walked down the steps as she went into her apartment. Positively poo-poo-faced, tired, and sleepy, I went back to my place and crashed big time. 

A couple of nights later, Sunday I believe it was, after renting a couple of videos, I settled on my couch to watch the movies alone, as my wife would not be returning until the next evening. Just after dark, there was a knock at my door, so I trudged downstairs in my boxers to see who it was. Yep, my Office Manager/Titty Bar Dancer neighbor. I know this sounds like a Mark Frechette story, but she was smiling and was clad in high heels, a clingy fuschia camisole and matching tap pants. 

I could clearly see her perfectly shaped 34 Ds and pencil-eraser nipples straining against the thin silk as she raised up a 12-pack of Bud and said, "Reimbursement!" 

She was drop-dead gorgeous!!! In that outfit, she had certainly been extraordinarily bold, as she had to walk the 40 yards around the building, but I suppose she had done it unnoticed, as I would have certainly heard catcalls and tires screeching to a halt if anyone had seen this babe. What was I to do, send her away? 

So, not one to be rude, I opened the door and let her in. 

"Where's your gun tonight? Got it hidden away?" she asked, glancing at my crotch. 

She went up the stairs ahead of me to deposit the beer in the frij, and of course my eyes trained on her beautiful bottom, the smooth round cheeks of which alternately peeked at me with each step.

First offering her a seat, I quickly ducked into the bedroom to slip on my robe to conceal my manhood, quickly engorging with blood and rapidly becoming obvious in the boxer shorts. When I returned to the living room, she had transferred the pile of newspapers from the couch to the only two chairs in the room, leaving me nowhere else to sit but by her on the couch. And what I saw next literally took my breath away. She was sitting Indian style, which caused her tap pants to gap open and expose her meaty-lipped, completely shaved pussy!!!!!! 

Before I could force any sounds to come from my mouth and nervously fingering my wedding ring, she very directly said, " Listen, I've been thinking, you were the nicest guy in the world the other night. You were exactly what I needed, and I knew I was safe and secure in here with you and El Creepo outside. Any other guy would have tried to jump my bones, and, considering the state I was in, I would have surely succumbed. I don't have a boyfriend, and I know you are happily married, but I can't think of anyone I'd rather make love to right now than you, so let's crack open those Buds and party!" 

My eyes darted from her face to her tits to her twat, but I finally forced myself to say, "You are a lovely, sexy girl, but I am a man who is devoted and faithful to his wife, so I must turn down your very generous offer." 

"I guess you wouldn't be the kind of man you are if you accepted, but if you ever have a change of heart, well, you know where to find me. At the very least, please come see me at the club." 

So, I escorted her to the door, but admit I could not resist patting her fine firm fanny as she left. 

I walked on down the steps to keep her in sight and make sure she wasn't molested wearing those rape-me raiments. Just before she disappeared around the corner of the building, she looked back at me with a big, sexy smile, raised her eyebrows, and gestured with her head in the direction of her apartment door, boobs jiggling alluringly as she did so. Damn, she was gorgeous! I just waved, turned, and went back in.

About two months later, the guy who lived next door was getting married, and I got the job of planning the bachelor party. Well, where we would have that celebration was about the easiest decision of my life. He did not recognize her as our neighbor, and, of course, I kept the secret and did not tell him who she was. I can tell you, the private dance she gave me that night was much better than the one she gave the groom, and his was awesome! 

I never told my wife of her visits—what possible good could come of that?—and she never let on that she was anything other than the pleasant, professionally dressed Office Manager neighbor the whole time we lived there.



Doing The Right Thing



"Why are you doing this? Don't you have family you can help out instead of a stranger?"

"Listen, my wife passed away two years ago. She was killed in a car accident."

"God, I'm so sorry for you."

"It's okay, Carmen. Anyway, my holidays have been pretty lousy and I wanted to try helping someone else be happy this year. I have three grown children. My son's in his thirties and a daughter is twenty-nine, I think. They are both married and have families of their own. I have a younger daughter who is a senior in college who is going to England over Christmas. None of them has a financial hardship. So, what do you say? Are we friends for the holidays?"

"You have a kind face, Dan; I'm going to say yes for my kids' sake. Please, no tricks, my family and I have been through a lot this past year. So, what do you need from me?"

"A coffee refill would be a nice start and an idea of some of your needs."

She poured the coffee and told me she needed to get back to work. Joe was nice but she needed to do her job. We agreed to talk after she got off of work the next day. I invited her out for dinner but she told me she had to be there for her kids but that I could come to her place and talk with her there. I could even have dinner with them if I liked macaroni and cheese.

"Tell you what Carmen, I'll stop by and pick up a pizza and we can have that. Is pepperoni and cheese alright?"

She smiled, "That would be great but you better bring two pizzas. My eight year old can eat a half of one himself."

I stopped by her place that evening. I didn't realize it was in the projects. For those who don't know about such places, they are publicly assisted by welfare or children services. These organizations help with the rent, food and such. The bad part is that it's not a good place to live. Lots of drugs and undesirables usually live there. Now I knew I wanted to help Carmen and her kids out more than anything.

I was greeted at the door by her eight-year-old son. He was a good-looking boy and asked me what I wanted. I explained to him that I was the pizza delivery guy and his mom invited me over.

He had a big grin on his face and said, "Mom said a friend of hers was bringing us pizza tonight. We don't get store bought pizza very often."

As I was walking in, two other kids came up to me yelling, "Pizza, pizza, mom, the pizza guy's here," yelled the six year old.

Carmen came in from the other room. I could tell she went to straighten up the place a little. "Kids, where are your manners? I thought I taught you to act nice around company."

"Sorry, Mom, we were just kind of excited." Her oldest son looked over at me. "We don't get a lot of company. Can we have the pizza now?"

"Kids, this is Dan, a friend of mine. You can call him, Uncle Dan or Mr. Dan..."

I interrupted Carmen, "Or just call me Dan. What are your names?"

The oldest spoke first. "I'm Mike and I'm eight years old." 

Then the second one said, "I'm Mark and I'm six. That's my little sister Molly..."

"Let me talk," said Molly. "I know who I am. I'm Molly and I'm four going on five. I go to pre-school and I'm pretty smart." She was the sweetest little girl and looked like her mother. 

Everyone dug in and started eating pizza. I glanced around the room and could tell that they were a struggling family. The furniture was old and they didn't seem to have a lot of things. Of course I had only seen the kitchen and the living room. The TV was on but the picture didn't look the greatest.

While the kids were eating their pizza and watching cartoons on the TV, I asked Carmen what she would like help with.

"Oh, God, I wasn't prepared for this. Look, the kids and I are doing pretty good. We eat pretty good but they like what other kids have and I just can't afford to get it for them. You saw our stupid TV, with its lousy picture. I got basic cable so they would have something to watch. We buy our clothes at second hand stores but they are happy with whatever they get. They are really terrific kids. I'm afraid to buy bikes or anything that we have to leave outside. I know it will get stolen. So, Dan, take it from there. My kids will be happy with anything they get."

"Okay, I'll see what I can help with. Your kids really seem to be pretty good." 

"Mike, since you're the oldest do you think everyone would like to go to the movies Saturday. I hear there's a new Harry Potter movie out."

"Wow, that would be great. Mom, can we go? Can we?"

"I guess so, but only if you kids are good the rest of the week."

"Carmen, you know that includes you too. Maybe we can eat at McDonald's while we're at it."

Molly looked up at me. "I like McDonald's. They have a happy meal and a playground and everything."

"Okay, Molly, you be good for mommy and we'll go there Saturday." 

The kids were happy and Carmen was smiling. I decided this idea of mine was going pretty good. Making them happy sure made me happy.

This went on for a few weekends. We would take the kids places where they could just have fun. I would stop by Joe's for lunch and always sit in Carmen's area. I started to leave her large tips of ten dollars or so.

"Dan, you don't need to do that. Just making my kids happy is all I need."

"So, you don't need the money?" I smiled.

"That's not fair, Dan. Of course I can use the money. It's just that... just that I feel awkward for the lack of a better word. I feel I owe you for all you're doing for my kids. Can I make Thanksgiving dinner for you or something? I need to do something for you too."

"Let me talk with my kids and see what's on the agenda and I'll get back to you. Carmen, I'm doing this for you because it makes me happy. I like helping people who try to help themselves. Please don't feel you owe me. Just seeing the look on the kids' faces is more than enough payback. Besides, seeing you smile is a delight in itself"

I could see it embarrassed her slightly as she looked away.

Mandy came home one weekend and asked me what was new. I told her about Carmen and how I was trying to help her out.

"Dad, do you think it's a good idea? You don't really know this woman."

"Honey, it's giving me a new meaning in life to help someone out and to watch the faces on these little kids. I honestly feel better because of what I'm doing. I initiated the conversation with Carmen. I want you to meet Carmen and you tell me what you think."

"I don't know, Dad, I feel kind of funny about this. You say they live in the projects? Isn't that a pretty bad area for a single woman and her kids?"

"Exactly, which is why I'm trying to help them. Maybe, just maybe, it will help them get on their feet. Mandy, you've always been my little girl and now you've grown up into a beautiful woman. You don't really need my help as much anymore so I guess I feel I need to help someone. I'll tell you what. I'll ask Carmen to come over so you can meet her and the kids and you give me your opinion."

"Okay, Dad, but no promises. I'll be as honest as I can with you. I won't sugarcoat it."

I knew Mandy was a little worried. She was my rock and always looked after me. I know she would tell me the truth. She was a lot like me. Lying wasn't in her character.

On Saturday, I invited Carmen and the kids to my house. It was a bit chilly out but I decided to cook on the grill anyway. I figured while I was grilling outside Mandy would be doing her own grilling of another kind on the inside.

Carmen showed up in kind of a wreck of a car. She had all the kids buckled in and was undoing the seat belts when Mandy looked over at me.

"Nice car, Dad," she said, meaning the opposite of course.

"Why do you think I'm helping them? What would you have said if she drove up in a new car?"

"Good point, Dad. That's one for you," she smiled.

Mike and Mark ran up to me. "Hi, Uncle Dan. Wow! Do you live here? Wow! What a big house."

I introduced the boys to Mandy while Carmen was getting Molly out of the car. "Mike, Mark, this is my little girl, Mandy."

"Hi boys, glad to meet you," replied Mandy.

"Hi, I'm Mike and I'm eight and Mark is six. That's Molly getting out of the car. She's our little sister. She's four."

Molly came up to me and I picked her up. Mandy was watching me closely. 

"Molly's my little friend. She pretty much holds her own against her brothers, kind of like you use to do," I laughed.

"Carmen, this is Mandy, my pride and joy as well as my youngest daughter."

As they said their hellos to each other, I could almost feel both of their brains at work. Finally Carmen smiled at Mandy and said, "Look, I know this is different. I know you have a boatload of questions about who I am and what I'm doing here. I've been asking myself some of the same questions. Let's just enjoy the day and I'll try to answer some of those questions. I think your dad is one of the nicest people I have ever met. So show me the kitchen and we can cook together. Men think that because they cook the meat that the grilling is a whole dinner. We women know better."

Mandy looked over at me. "I like her already, Dad." They smiled at each other and we headed into the house.

The kids wanted to explore the house. I told them it was alright but to stay out of drawers and no running. They went from room to room and came back and told their mom everything they saw. They asked if they could watch my big screen TV, so I asked them if they wanted to go to the store with me and pick out a couple of DVD's to watch. Of course they said, "Yes," and Molly asked if she could come too.

Carmen interjected, "Molly, why don't you stay here with me and Mandy and help us cook. We girls should hang together."

She must have said the right thing to Molly because Molly looked at me and said, "Uncle Dan, you take the boys and go ahead. I have to help the girls cook." It was so funny hearing that from a four year old.

I told her okay and that I would rent a movie just for her. I did end up renting, 'The Little Mermaid' for her and she really smiled when she watched it. She asked Mandy and her mommy to watch it with her. She told the boys they could watch it too but they had to be quiet. It was so funny to hear her trying to act like a grownup.

It was decided between the girls that we would have Thanksgiving at our house. Carmen and Mandy would make the dinner and I had to keep the kids occupied, which wasn't very hard to do.

I had a pool but it was closed for the winter; however I also own a hot tub. The kids were going to bring their swimsuits over and go in it. After that, they would watch movies on the big TV set.

We had over a month to plan Thanksgiving dinner so Mandy said she would contact Brad and Janice and let them know about dinner at our house. She would tell them about Carmen and the kids too. Also, for anyone who wanted to go in the hot tub to bring swimwear.

I had a nice talk with Mandy after Carmen and the kids went home.

"Dad, Carmen is really a nice person. She is extremely helpful and not afraid of work. She told me about her past and husband being killed. It was terrible, everything she has been put through. I can see why you want to help her out, especially with the kids. She doesn't make excuses for her life and you can tell she's really trying to keep it together. I have to tell you, Dad, that I think she really cares for you."

"Of course she would. I'm helping her and her family out. I would hope she is grateful, at least a little."

"No, Dad, I mean care as in 'like a lot', maybe even love."

"She didn't say that, did she?"

"Dad, she didn't have to. We women can sense these things. I think you're falling for her too, Dad. All I ask is that you be very careful and aware."

"Come on, Mandy, I'm just happy for her."

"This is the happiest I've seen you since mom passed away over two years ago, Dad. I'm glad to see you happy; I just want you to be more aware of your situation."

I knew Mandy was right. I was having feelings - strong feelings - toward Carmen and the kids. I didn't know where they were going to lead but I was aware of it. I just didn't know anyone else was as observant.

I got separate calls from Brad and Janet. I did my best to explain how I was helping out Carmen during the holidays and that I got the family's name from the tree at church. I guess I sugarcoated it pretty good. I explained to them that Carmen wanted to say 'Thank you' by helping cook Thanksgiving dinner. I knew they were a little leery of the situation but agreed to come for dinner.

For the next couple of weeks Carmen and Mandy helped set up all the arrangements. They were almost acting like sisters, Carmen being the older one doing most of the planning. Of course, Mandy was going to school most of the week and coming home on Fridays. I would stop almost daily for lunch at the restaurant and mainly to see Carmen. I stopped by her apartment at least twice a week to say hi to the kids and bring them some kind of a treat. Carmen told me I was spoiling them.

I should tell you that it did bother me a little when I watched Carmen at her job. She was always so friendly and nice to everyone. I could see men hitting on her but she always smiled and refused any advances or dates. I guess it was just a natural thing with me. I had no right to be jealous of her even dating let alone just being friendly with other people.

Chapter 3 – Making a Difference

On Thanksgiving Day, Carmen and the kids showed up early. She looked so pretty. She wasn't dressed really special but even in a skirt and blouse she was a very attractive woman. She and Mandy were already getting started on the cooking. Mandy had told us she invited her boyfriend over for dinner also. I had met him a few times; he was a paramedic and still taking classes part time at the college where he met Mandy who was taking nurses training. They were both part of the group going to England to help out in a hospital during the holiday season. They would be leaving a week before Christmas and coming home on January 8th of next year. It was less than a month but it would be sad not having her here during that time.

Brad and his wife Gail and two of my grandchildren came in. I hugged them all and the kids asked when they could go in the hot tub? I told them later, I wanted them to meet some other kids. I introduced them to Mike, Mark and Molly. All the kids seem to get along fine. We walked into the kitchen and Mandy hugged her brother and proceeded to introduce Carmen.

"Brad, Gail, this is Carmen. A good friend of dad's and mine." I felt good when she said that.

Brad said hello but I knew the gears in his head were turning. 

Gail said, "Hello," and asked the girls if they needed help. Before anyone got back to cooking, in came Janice and her husband Rob. We started through all the introductions again and Jan's kids ran down to the basement to play with the rest of the kids. We kept a number of games and coloring books and the like for the kids to play with in the basement. It was completely redecorated and had a TV and DVD player so the kids would have plenty to do.

The women got back to cooking and we guys tried to stay out of their way. I knew the guys wanted to know more about Carmen. I tried to explain her story to them without showing my feelings. I don't think I was doing a very good job of it.

"She's a good looking girl, Dad. How old is she, about my age?" asked Brad.

"She's thirty-one, Brad. She's a great person and deserves a little help."

Rob inserted, "Dad," he always called me dad. "Aren't you a little afraid that she might fall for you or you for her?"

"Look, I'm a widower and she is a widow. Granted she is a lot younger but if something happens so be it."

"Dad, you haven't had... been with her, have you?"

"That's kind of uncalled for and definitely personal, Brad. Since you're my son, I'll tell you. No, believe it or not, I haven't even tried to kiss her. I'll tell you right now that she's a great lady and I do care for her."

"Sorry, Dad, I know it's none of my business and you probably miss mom. After all it's been two years."

"This has nothing to do with your mother. In case you haven't noticed, I'm very much alive and if I find someone attractive, then it's my business. I suggest we change the subject. In fact, we better go check on all the kids. Your wives are doing the cooking and you two better do some baby sitting."

We did go downstairs and watched the kids. Carmen's kids seemed like they were getting along fine. Every few minutes Molly came to me to talk. I knew it bothered Brad but Rob thought she was the cutest little girl.

Mandy came downstairs and brought her boyfriend Ross down to meet everyone. I'd met him a number of times and I think he had met Brad before. After the introductions, Mandy went back upstairs and Ross joined in the conversation.

"I just met Mandy's friend Carmen. She sure is a nice looking woman. Mandy told me her husband was killed. Sure is a bummer."

I called over Carmen's kids and introduced them to Ross.

"Nice kids. Too bad their dad was killed. I think it's great you helping them out, Mr. Weller."

"Thanks, Ross. I picked a name off the tree at church and actually found a family really in need." I didn't want anyone to know that I asked Pastor Jim for a specific type family.

"Well, Ross, what's the latest with you? School and work must take a lot of your time."

"Yes, it does, but we are taking that trip in a couple weeks even though it's work related; I'll have a chance to get away for awhile and be with Mandy."

"How's it going with you and Mandy?" asked Brad.

Ross looked over at me and then back over at Brad. "I love her and was thinking about asking her to marry me when we are in England, in front of Big Ben - you know, the big clock. Mr. Weller, do I have your permission to ask her?"

"Ross, you don't need my permission. Mandy is a strong willed woman and is very capable of making her own decisions. If it's my blessing that you want, you have it. Is this a for sure thing? This asking her?"

"I think so, but please, none of you mention it just in case. I'm going to try and find out if she's ready to get married before popping the question. I love her but want to get a 'yes' answer," he replied.

"Our lips are sealed, Ross, and good luck to you." I knew what he was feeling. The truth be known I felt similar to him but knew better then to talk about it right now.

The day went great. The dinner was fantastic and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The kids all took turns in the hot tub. I couldn't get any of the adults to go in it. 

Carmen told me, "Maybe another time." I knew I was going to hold her to it. 

As the evening wore on, Mandy and Ross left to be alone for a while. I was helping Carmen clean up some of the mess. Janice and Gail came in and helped. After we finished, Brad and his family were getting ready to leave. Brad told Carmen it was nice meeting her and good luck to her. He hoped everything worked out for her.

Janice pulled me aside before she left. "Dad, Carmen is a nice person but she's too young for you."

"Where did that come from? I'm helping her out."

"Dad, she loves you, any fool can see that. We asked her if she's dating and she told us she had a boyfriend. Dad, you're that boyfriend. Otherwise she wouldn't have come here today. Just be careful, Dad."

After everyone had left, Carmen gathered up the kids and told me that she had a wonderful time. She liked my family and thought they were all nice. I don't know why I did it but I leaned forward and kissed her. It was a long soft kiss. When we pulled away, she had a tear in her eye.

"You shouldn't have done that, Dan. I have to go." She took the kids who quickly said goodbye to me and got in the car. 

I walked up to the car window and told Carmen, "I'm so very sorry. I crossed the line. Please forgive me."




Doing The Right Thing



"The problem is, Dan, I've wanted you to do that for so long." With that said, she backed out of the drive in her old car and headed home.

I didn't hear from her on Friday, Saturday or even Sunday. I was worried about what I had done. On Monday I went over to the restaurant and she wasn't there. Joe told me she had to take Molly over to the day care today and would be back in a little bit. I had to get over to the store and figured I'd come back at lunch time but one of my employees was off sick so I had to stay around and work the shift.

I was trying to give Carmen a little space after crossing the line. After all, I was supposed to be a holiday buddy, not her lover. I went home and my phone was ringing. I looked at the caller ID and saw it was Carmen. 

"Hello, Carmen, I'm sorry......"

"Dan, our apartment has been broken into. I just got home from picking up the kids and someone took our stuff. Even the old TV set. About all we have left is some of our clothes," she was crying. "I don't know what to do. The police are here now taking a report. They figured it was someone looking for stuff they could pawn off for drugs. We don't have anything of value but they took what little we had." God, it was horrible hearing her cry.

"Carmen, take some suitcases or bags or something and put yours and the kids' clothes in them. I will be by in about fifteen minutes. Everything will be alright. I promise you."

"Dan, I didn't know who else..."

"It's okay, Carmen, I'm glad it was me you called. Now go pack your things and I'll be right there."

I took the car and went and picked up Carmen and the kids. Molly had been crying saying she was scared. I told her everything was going to be ok. I was going to take them all home with me. 

Carmen looked up at me in surprise. "I thought you'd drop us off at a motel for the night."

"No, you are all coming home with me. Put all the bags you have packed in your car. Take my car and the kids home. I'll drive yours with your belongings." She didn't ask any questions; she just did what I said. 

I talked to the police officer and told him that they could contact her at my house. I gave him my phone number if he needed to get hold of us. He did tell me that they probably wouldn't get any of her stuff back. She didn't list anything of real value that they could trace. All they did was really tear up the apartment pretty badly.

I thanked the officer and got in Carmen's clunker and went to start it. I couldn't get it to turn over. The officer helped me jump it and I headed home. When I got there, Carmen and the kids were sitting on the porch.

"It's open. Why didn't you go in?"

"You weren't here and we weren't just going to walk in," replied Carmen.

"Come on, boys, help me carry all these bags in. Mike, you and Mark take your stuff up to the bedroom with the bunk beds in it. If it's Molly's or your mother's stuff, put it in the front bedroom. The one across from Mandy's room. Do you know which one?

"Yes, sir, boys stuff upstairs, girl stuff downstairs."

"If you're not sure then put it in the living room and your mom can decide. Carmen, you need to come and talk with me. Molly, why don't you help the boys and make sure they get it right." Of course Molly liked her job, telling the boys what to do.

"Dan, what are you doing? We can't live here. What will your kids think?"

"Carmen, you need help right now, tonight. Let's try it my way for a few days. It will give us time to figure out what to do. You and Molly can share the front bedroom and the boys will be more than comfortable upstairs."

"Dan, the boys have school, and Molly preschool. I have to work...."

"So, how is living here going to hinder that. You just need to leave about fifteen minutes earlier. I can help too; I'll either drop Molly or the boys off at school. Call them tomorrow and explain that your house was broken into and that you will be bringing the boys to school. Give them my name so I can drop them off and pick them up. This will work, Carmen, I promise."

"Dan, I care for you. I like you an awful lot. Your kids know it and I need for you to know it."

"Did you tell them?" I asked.

"No, women just know it. Men... I don't know, men think differently. I don't know about your son, Brad, but Mandy, Janice and Gail all can tell. I'm sorry, it's not just something I can hide. I wear my feelings on my sleeve, I guess."

"I'll worry about my kids. You have enough to worry about. Oh, and I'm sorry but yet not sorry about kissing you. Just thought you should know."

I went upstairs where the boys were sleeping and made sure the dresser drawers were empty and Carmen helped the boys put their clothes away. While they did that, little Molly and I went downstairs and emptied the dressers in their room. I was glad that I had my wife's stuff removed after her death. It sure made this much easier.

Everyone came into the room with Molly and me. Molly asked her mom if she could put her stuff in the drawers. I took the boys and we went to find something for dinner while Carmen put her personal stuff away.

The boys and I put on some hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. After it was done, we all sat around and talked while we ate. Carmen asked me about house rules. I told her that we would make them as we went along. We told the kids that they needed permission for whatever they wanted to do until we were sure about our rules.

They were told they couldn't go in my room or my office unless invited. They weren't allowed near the pool at all. It was enclosed but they were also kids. We made sure they understood that they could drown. They could only go in the hot tub with their mom or my permission. It wasn't going to be an everyday occurrence. They could watch TV only if their mom or me said so. 

It was their job to keep their room clean. Carmen laughed knowing that the boys weren't the neatest. At least the rules were made.

I looked at the boys and Molly who always smiled at me. "Kids, this is your house right now. You can be kids and have fun. Just remember to always get your mom's permission if you're not sure of what to do."

"Uncle Dan, what if we get hungry?" asked Mike.

"Eat! That's what I do when I get hungry. Tomorrow your mom and I will pick you guys up some snacks. There will always be food for you. Just remember when it comes to food, your mom's the boss. One more thing and I mean this. If your mom says 'No,' then don't come and ask me. If I say 'No,' don't put your mother on the spot. 'No means no'. Any other questions?"

Molly raised her hand. I had to laugh. I guessed she learned it in preschool.

"What, Honey?" asked Carmen.

"Can we play with the toys in the basement cause they're not ours."

"Honey, you can play with all the toys you want that are downstairs. We'll talk with Santa this year and he will probably give you some of your own," I told Molly.

Molly raised her hand again. "Can I go play with them now?"

"Yes, honey, go ahead. I'll come down and be with you in a little bit," said Carmen.

Molly got up and headed downstairs. It wasn't ten seconds before the boys followed her downstairs. One of the boys yelled upstairs, "Uncle Dan! Can we turn the TV on?"

I just yelled back. "Yes, go ahead, just don't have it too loud."

Carmen came over to me and hugged me. She had tears in her eyes and said, "I don't know what I would have done if it wasn't for you."

She backed away and wiped the tears from her eyes. We didn't kiss or hug again right then.

I knew I should say something without being funny or yet overly serious. I squeezed her hands and said, "I'll always be here for you. Let's go see what the kids are up to." Together we headed down to the basement to join the kids.

It felt like a family. I remembered back when Annie and I would be doing the same thing, sitting and watching the kids play. It just felt so right.

It was getting late and Carmen told the kids they had to take their baths and get ready for bed. There were three bathrooms in the large house. She had the boys use the one upstairs and asked if Molly could use the main one on the first floor.

"Carmen, this is your home now. Of course, Molly can use the big bath and shower. I'll use the basement shower if I need to. Please, just make yourself at home."

While Carmen was getting her kids ready for bed, I went into my office to do a little book work. I glanced up and saw Molly looking though the doorway at me. She was dressed in her little nightgown. I could see she was fresh out of the shower.

"Hi, Molly. Do you need something?"

"I want to kiss you good night but mommy said I can't go into your office unless you say so."

"Come on in, sweetheart." She came running in and I had to back up in my chair as she climbed upon my lap. She wrapped her little arms around my neck and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, Uncle Dan," she said.

"Goodnight, Sweetheart. Where's mommy?"

"She's upstairs arguing with Mikey and Marky."

"Oh, well, let's go see if we can help out." Molly ran ahead and up the stairs and I followed. We caught them talking in mid-conversation. "...But mom, Mike always gets his way because he's older. I just asked for the upper bunk and he told me he was older so he gets his choice."

Carmen looked at Mike while Molly and I just stood back and listened. "Did you say that Mike? Did you say you get everything first because your older?"

"...Yeah, I guess so, but I'm older mom. I should be treated like I'm older."

"Mike, you're two years older than your brother. That should make you two years smarter. Do you think that which bed you sleep in is worth arguing about? I'll tell you what. He's your little brother and always looks up to you. Think of a plan to share the upper bed that you both can agree on."

Mike looked at Mark, "Okay, Mark I'll tell you what. This month you can have the upper bunk and then I'll get it next month. We'll take turns and change each month. Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah, thanks, Mike. You're a great big brother," he said as he climbed up to the upper bunk.

"Makes you feel kind of good inside, doesn't it, Mike?" asked his mother.

"Yeah, I guess it does, Mom." 

Carmen kissed her sons and we headed downstairs and she put Molly to bed.

"I have to get back to my paperwork."

"...and I have to shower and get ready for bed myself," replied Carmen.

I went back to my office and I could hear the shower running. I couldn't help thinking of Carmen in the shower. After the shower stopped, Carmen came out in a nightgown and robe. Her hair still wet from the shower.

"Goodnight, Dan, and again thank you for everything."

I looked up and asked her, "Is there anything you don't look good in?" She smiled and headed for bed. 

I could smell the scent of her from the shower. I drew a few big deep breaths and continued on with my book work.

Our first morning was all hurry, hurry, hurry. She asked me to call Joe and let him know she might be a little late. She had to stop off at the school and at daycare so they knew it was alright for me to pick up the kids if necessary. Also, she had to file a change of address.

I called Joe and he asked me if I was serious about Carmen. He didn't want her to get hurt. He was in his sixties and married for over forty years. I got the feeling he kind of looked out for Carmen. His wife was a cook in the restaurant so I knew he was genuinely interested in Carmen's well being.

I let him know that I would never hurt Carmen or the kids. I was trying to help them out but that I did have feelings for all of them.

That evening we went back to her old apartment and gathered up anything else she wanted, which wasn't much. She turned her keys in at the office and told them she had moved out and her rent was paid up for the month. She didn't have to give a notice since the apartment was broken into. Mike and Mark rode back with me in the truck and Carmen and Molly rode in her clunker.

When we got back to the house, the phone was ringing. Carmen answered it and it was Mandy. Mandy asked Carmen why she was at the house and Carmen started explaining it all to her. How her apartment was broken into and she and the kids were near homeless until I offered her a place to stay. Mandy asked to talk to me.

"Dad, are you sure about this? You do know she loves you, don't you?"

"What do you think I should have done, Mandy? Just give her some money and say, 'Go fend for yourself'? I care for her, you know that. We are grown adults and haven't done anything wrong. In fact, I really feel good about having her and the kids here. Almost like old times."

"I'm just saying, Dad, it's a fine line you're walking. I really like Carmen as a sister, you know that. I'm just saying the two of you need to be careful and aware of what you're doing. Now can I talk to Carmen again?"

She talked to Carmen and they talked for about twenty minutes while the boys and I brought the rest of their stuff in and put it away or stored it in the basement.

"What did she want after I gave you the phone back?" I asked.

"Mostly girl stuff but she is worried about you and me."

"Worried about what? My God, we're adults, damn it, I'm past fifty and made it this far. I am sure I can make the right decisions for an old decrepit man with no mind of his own."

"Dan, she knows how much I really care for you. I told her so myself, and now you know. I tried to explain that I had no idea where this is going but you helped me and the kids out. I'm forever grateful for that, but my feelings have surpassed being grateful. Mandy's worried that one of us is going to get hurt in this relationship. I told her I would never come between you and your family."

"Okay, let's just keep taking this one day at a time. Maybe time is the answer."

Right then Mike and Mark came in. "Uncle Dan, can we all go into the hot tub?"

I looked up at Carmen and then back over to the kids. "Only if your mother goes in. I don't want you kids going in by yourselves."

"Come on, Mom, please go in, please, we're begging you mom. You'll love it. Nice and warm and lots of bubbles. Please, Mom."

"Okay, boys, I'll go in for a little while. Go get your suits on. Molly, go and get yours and I'll be right there." She turned to me. "You set me up for this one, didn't you?"

I just smiled and she smiled back. She went and put on a two piece swimsuit. "Happy now?" She asked me when she walked by me smiling.

"Very! You look good in anything. I'll bet you even look good naked," I smiled.

"Pervert," she replied, smiling as she walked to the hot tub.

The kids were already waiting for her. "Damn, is she ever built," I thought as she was getting into the tub. This woman has everything.

After a few minutes, I took a beverage out to Carmen. She smiled and said, "The water really does feel good. My aching body really needed this."

The kids all just sat there and let the bubbles bounce off them. "Thanks, Uncle Dan, this is really cool... I mean hot... no nice. Oh, well, you know what I mean," replied Mike.

I took one more look at Carmen and headed back to the office to catch up on my paper work. Later I heard everyone coming in and getting ready for bed. I knew I would see Molly peeking in my office in a few minutes. There she was, smiling and waiting for me to tell her it was alright to come in. No man with any feelings could turn away this little girl. Same goes for her mom. Molly came in and got up on my lap and gave me a kiss and hug.

"Goodnight, Uncle Dan. See you in the morning."

As I mentioned, I had a combination gas station (self serve) and small grocery store. I no longer repaired cars but I did have a tow truck on site that I used once in awhile. 

I got a call from Carmen saying her clunker of a car wouldn't start again. I was getting aggravated at this old car. I took the tow truck and went to the diner to pick up Carmen. There were two guys there saying they would jump her battery for her. I know they were trying to hit on her and more than likely wanted to jump her bones. She had told me later that she told them no thank you that her friend was coming to get her and the car. When I pulled up in the tow truck, the two fellas kind of backed away. I looked over at Carmen and then told the guys thanks for helping my fiancée but I would take it from there. I guess it made them kind of nervous as they left rather quickly.

I hooked up her clunker and she got in the truck. Since it's set up so high, I saw a lot of leg. She took her time straightening her dress after climbing into the cab.

"Thank you for coming, Dan."

"I told you I will always be there for you and I meant it."

"Are you mad that someone else offered to help me?"

"Yes and no. I want everyone to know what a wonderful person you are. But I guess it bothers me when you get hit on."

"I did nothing wrong, Dan..."

"I know that. I was just answering your question. Besides, I don't own you."

"You told those guys that I was your fiancée. Why did you say that?"

I didn't answer her question. I just went down the road and pulled into the junk yard.

"What are we doing here, Dan?"

"Getting you a couple of hundred dollars for this junk heap. You've broken down enough in it. Get your personal stuff out and put it all in this garbage bag. We'll look through it later."

"Dan, what am I supposed to drive..."

"We'll talk later; we have to hurry so we can pick up the kids."

She put all her personal papers plus some left over shoes and toys of the kids in the truck and we signed over her title and got her three hundred dollars for the clunker. We took out Molly's car seat and headed home. I opened the garage door and told Carmen she could drive my old car. It only had eight thousand miles on it and was four years old. I bought it with the insurance money I got for Annie's car after her accident. Needless to say, her car was totaled. I usually drove the truck so the car didn't get much use. The only time I drove it was when I took Carmen and the kids out somewhere.

She put Molly's car seat in it and left to pick up the kids. When they got back, Mark told me that they got a new car. It was much nicer than their mom's old one.

"Dan, I'll pay you for the car. How much do you want?"

"Carmen, just drive the darn car. You need something better and it's a damn good car. That way I'll keep it in my name and continue paying the insurance. It will save you a few more bucks."

"Dan, I don't want to say this but what if we don't stay together... you know, if I move out of something?"

"Are you thinking of moving out?"

"God, no! I was just wondering what I would do for a car if you should kick us out. God, Dan, I never wanted to give the impression of leaving. I'm sorry."

I couldn't believe we were having our first argument over the stupid car.

"Carmen, I promise you that you will never be stranded without a car. If you want me to put that in writing, I will. I was just worried about you in that old clunker. I want you safe and here with me."

I couldn't believe it but she came up to me and kissed me. I didn't know if it was by impulse or what. It sure felt good. Molly looked at her brothers and said, "Mommy just kissed Uncle Dan."

"Kids, it was a thank you for him letting us use his car..."

"No, kids, it is now your mother's car, not mine. She kissed me because I gave her the car." Carmen turned around and kissed me again.

"Okay, everybody, time for us to get ready for dinner. Do you want me to cook for you or for mommy to take us all to McDonald's in her new car."

"McDonald's!" Everyone yelled out.

Chapter 4 - The Shit Hits The Fan

I was at the store on Friday and of course Carmen was at work. My kids--Brad, Janice and Mandy--came by the store to see me. "Dad, we need to talk to you. Can we all go over to the house for a little bit?" It was more of a statement than a question.




Doing The Right Thing



"Sure, go on home. I'll be there in a few minutes. Just let yourself in." I knew what this was going to be about and was pretty much prepared for it. I headed home and walked in the house. Everyone (my three kids) was seated in the living room.

"Dad, this is about Carmen and her kids." I guess Brad was going to be the spokesperson for the group.

"No shit, Brad! It took you two hours to drive here for this conversation. I pretty much figured out why. What the hell did Carmen ever do that you dislike her so much?"

"We... I mean, I don't dislike her, Dad. It's just that one day you help her out and the next day she's living here with her kids. I noticed your car is gone too. I take it that you gave it to Carmen to drive."

"Because you are my kids, I'll take the time to try and explain this to you. But before I start, I want to tell you that I'm rather disappointed in all of you."

"Dad, I think this woman is using you. I believe you are lonely for mom and this woman comes along and you fall for her and she senses it; she knows you have needs and she fulfills them. You fall for her and now she knows she has it made, and her kids are well taken care of."

Mandy jumped in. "Bullshit, Brad. You might think that but I know Carmen a lot better than you do. She would never do that to Dad. I feel she just loves him and, to be honest, I think Dad loves her too. I'm here more to support Dad and Carmen than I am you, Brad."

"Brad, if you weren't my son I would have probably knocked you off your chair. Let's begin with Carmen and her house being broken into. What do you think I should have done, Brad. Give her money? Maybe avoid her and tell her it's her problem. Brad, I did what I felt what was right in my heart, not in my groin."

Janice spoke up. "Dad, are you saying you have never had ..."

"Sex, Janice? No, Carmen and I have never been intimate... yet! Not that it is any of any of you guys' business what we do. Now, for the big surprise, I'm thinking of asking Carmen to marry me."

"What?" said Brad. "Dad, you hardly know this women. She comes with a lot of baggage, let alone three kids."

"Dad, I have to agree with Brad. Carmen is closer to my age. Isn't she awfully young for you?" asked Janice.

"Look, guys, I'm alone. All three of you are on your own or pretty much so in the case of Mandy. I found a woman I care for and according to Mandy and or course Carmen, she cares for me. I have a big house that I'm willing to share with a beautiful woman and her three kids. Why are you so against it?"

Brad spoke, "Okay, Dad, let's say for the sake of argument that you two are in love and want to be together. She has three little kids. Do you really want to start over and raise three more kids?"

"I'm crazy about the three kids. Playing with the boys like you and me used to play Brad. Molly hugging me and sitting on my lap like my two girls use to do when they were little. They're good kids and I think I could make a big difference in their lives."

"Dad, you're looking through rose colored glasses. These aren't your kids. They're not your flesh and blood like we are. Do you really think that you could care for and raise these kids for the next... say, twenty years and they aren't even your flesh and blood? I'm sorry, Dad, I just don't think you want to spend that many years raising kids that aren't even yours."

"What do you think, Janice? Do you think they need to be my flesh and blood too?"

"Dad, I don't know. I love you, Dad, and you'll always be my dad. Do you have it in you to raise someone else's kid's? I really don't know."

"Janice, let me word it differently for you. Would you have loved me my whole life if I wasn't your dad. Saying of course you knew it from the time you could think for yourself. Would you consider me your dad or someone else as your dad."

"You are my dad and that's too hypothetical. I don't know what I would have thought. I guess since you are the one who paid my bills all my life and raised me as your own that I would consider you my real father. I don't know what that has to do with you raising Carmen's kids."

"I'll be back in a minute. There is something I need to show you."

I went back and took out all the DNA tests that were taken for us. When I came back, I tried to explain some of it for the kids.

"Your mother and I kept some secrets from you. We were never going to tell you what I'm about to show you. It might even be a mistake to show it to you now but this thing about Carmen's kids has gotten out of control. I love the little guys and know I could be a good father to them. I'm showing you my reason right now.

I handed them each copies of their and my DNA.

"What is this, Dad?" asked Janice.

"It's Brad's and your DNA test results. You see it states that you are brother and sister. That means you have the same biological parents. Here's Mandy's and, as you can see, not all the same blocks are marked. It means that more than likely only one of her parents is yours and Brad's parent."

Mandy started crying. "Are you saying you're not my biological father?"

"No, Mandy, here's my DNA. I'm not Brad or Janice's biological father."

Total shock came over everyone. There was total silence while brains were dissecting the information.

"What?" cried out Brad. "Bullshit, you've always been my father."

Janice was crying. "Is that why you asked me about my father, Dad? I can answer it honestly now. You're my father. I don't care what some stupid test said, you're my father and always will be. I love you so much, Daddy. I just came here today to tell you I hope you weren't making a mistake with Carmen. I'm so confused, Daddy. I just want you to be happy. I thought I was looking out for you." She was still crying and I was holding her.

Mandy came over and cried with her, after all it was her sister.

Brad asked, "Are you going to tell us the story about our sperm donor father and how long you have known about it?"

"First Brad I want you and Janice to know that I have always considered you two as my own kids. From the date I found out to now, nothing has changed other than you two knowing. You were and always will be my son and Janice will always be my daughter. Telling you about this is because you needed to know that it's not only blood that holds a family together. It's also love and compassion."

I was going to tell them the story about their sperm donor father. The only thing I was going to change is telling them when I found out. I love them as my own and want them to believe that I had always known. The rue with their mother was dead and gone and I didn't want them to know we were about to divorce.

"Your mother and I married very young. Me and a guy named Harvey Kittle both loved your mother. Harvey also loved a woman named Mary and got her pregnant and they got married. Of course, I was happy that I had your mother to myself and asked her to marry me. We got married and I was really happy. Your mom told me a few years later she got married to spite Harvey. 

"The four of us remained friends and your mom got pregnant. That was with you, Brad. Two years later, she was pregnant again with Janice. Shortly after Janice was born, Harvey died and your mom went into a depression. 

"She broke down one day and told me about you two being Harvey's kids. I was shocked not knowing what to do. We separated for about a month to give us time to think things over. I missed my two little kids and Annie and I had a talk and decided to give it a try. Your mom was the best wife a man could ask for after that. She grew to love me and I always loved you kids as my own. Then Mandy came along and Annie said she definitely was mine. That was it. You all know our life after that. We had a great family till your mom's accident."

"Dad, why did you get tested for giving me a kidney if you weren't my natural father?"

"Hope, Brad, I hoped and prayed to God that I was a match for you. You were my son and I would have given you my kidney in a second if we matched."

Janet asked, "Dad, were you ever tested for a match before Brad was hospitalized?"

"No, back then it was really expensive and I had no reason to be. Since your mom had already told me the truth, there were no surprises. Of course when I did have the test, there was no doubt, but I wasn't surprised. By the way, I have all your families test results. Brad, you and Gail are the biological parents of your kids. Janice, you and Rob are also your kid's parents. Just in case you wanted to know since we all had this conversation. You don't need to tell anyone about this talk. Your mother was a good mom and wife. Let's leave it that way."

"I'm sorry, Dad, I made such a fool of myself. I was probably thinking more about how it affects us than how it affects you and Carmen." With that my son began to cry. I hadn't seen him that emotional since his mother's funeral.

"Brad, I know people always worry about their inheritance in situations like this. It's not good to do but it is real life. My guess is that you guys are more worried about your inheritance than you are Carmen and my well-being."

I think reality set in when I saw Brad and Janice look toward the floor. "Look, you three will always be in my will. My estate is set up that each of you will get a fair share. I just want you to know that I'm disappointed in your lack of compassion for Carmen and her kids."

Janice was still crying. I believe the thought of her not being my daughter overrode even the thought of inheritance. Janice kept hugging me and told me she didn't believe the stupid test and that I was her dad and it was just going to stay that way. I just hugged her back and held on to her. I started hugging Mandy when Carmen pulled up.

"Well, guys, it looks like we will all be going out for dinner. Unless you want to tell Carmen why you're all here," I said.

Carmen walked in. "Hi, everybody, what brings everyone here?"

Mandy thought quickly. "This is my last weekend home and we all decided to go out for dinner."

"Oh, my God, that would be great. Give me a minute to change my waitress uniform. Kids, talk to Mandy, Janice and Brad while mommy gets dressed."

Molly walked up to Brad who was sitting down and gave him a hug. "Hi, Brad. I like you." Brad looked over at me. He got just an inkling of what I had been saying. 

Mike walked up to Janice and asked, "Did you bring your kids so we can play. We're learning to share our toys better."

Janice replied, "No, Honey, they're at home. Maybe you can come up after Christmas and see them."

"Can we, Uncle Dan, please? I've never been to their house."

"We'll see, Mike. It's still a couple of weeks away," I replied.

Mandy asked Mark what was new. "We got a new car and Mommy kissed Uncle Dan."

Everyone looked at me. Carmen came in and saved the day. "Yes, I did, Mike, I kissed him twice for letting us use the car. In fact, we are going to use it right now to go to dinner. Come on, kids, back in the car. Uncle Dan will drive so you all have to get in the back."

After we ate, Brad came over and we talked in private. "I'm so sorry, Dad. I'm a fool, I should never have questioned you."

"No, you are right to question things that can affect you, Brad. It's just the way you went about it. I want you to question things I do if you feel strongly about them. We'll talk it over as father and son until we understand each other."

He smiled when I said father and son. I later talked similarly with Janice. I wanted my kids to always know I was there for them. To this day, I don't know if I made the right decision or not by telling them, but it was done.

Mandy asked me if I would mind babysitting the kids because she wanted to go Christmas shopping with Carmen. I asked them if they would pick up some things for me also. I gave them a list and hopefully enough money to cover it. I told them they could leave the stuff in lay away and I would pick it up later. I wanted to buy the kids bicycles. Every kid should have a bike and they now lived in an area where they could ride them.

I pulled Carmen aside, "Do you need any money to go shopping?"

"No, I'm not shopping for myself. Just for you and the kids for Christmas. I got this three hundred dollar windfall when my friend sold my old clunker."

I knew she was too proud to take any more money. She wanted to give the kids nice things without spoiling them. It wasn't an easy thing to do.

I asked Carmen if I could use her car to take the kids shopping and she had to laugh. "Just be careful with it and no eating in it, I just got it a few days ago," she smiled.

I was taking the kids to see Santa and have their pictures taken with him. I told all three of them that we were shopping for mommy for Christmas. They could pick out the gift they wanted to give her.

"Uncle Dan," said Mark. "I don't have any money. I want to buy mommy something nice."

"Okay, kids. Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to give each one of you twenty dollars to shop with. It's only for your mommy, not for yourselves. So look for things that cost under twenty dollars."

"Can we carry our own money, Uncle Dan?" asked Mike.

"Alright but keep it in your pocket so you don't lose it. Take it out only when you're ready to pay for the gift."

I gave each boy a twenty dollar bill and they folded it and put it in their pocket. Molly had a little purse with her junk in it and we found room for her money in it. Of course, the kids had no idea what the value of money was and were looking at some really expensive stuff. I could see this wasn't going over too good so I took them to a store that catered to kids. They took the kids around and showed them what they could buy for the money they had. I did tell the clerk that if anything they wanted to buy was a little extra to let me know.

I couldn't believe how hard these little ones tried to find the right thing for their mom. Mike the oldest one came up to me and asked me if I would loan him five dollars.

"Uncle Dan, Mom loves unicorns and it cost twenty five dollars. Could you loan me the difference?"

"Well, Mike, you said a loan. That means you have to pay me back. I'll make you a deal. I'll give you the difference and you have to wash my truck. Is it a deal?"

"Thanks, Uncle Dan," as he ran back to purchase the unicorn.

Mark was looking at movies. I walked up to him and said, "Mark, you're supposed to be shopping for you mom."

"I am, Uncle Dan. Mom likes 'Titanic', the story about a boat. She also likes this movie 'Shrek', it made her laugh. I don't have enough for both and I'm trying to decide which one to get."

"Get them both, Mark. Here's the extra money you'll need. When Mike washes my truck, you have to help him."

"Thanks, Uncle Dan. Mom's going to love these."

I looked over at the woman trying to help Molly. Molly kept shaking her head no. "What's the matter, Molly? Can't you find what you want?"

"None of these smell like mommy. I want the one that smells like her."

I looked up at the saleswoman and whispered, "White Diamonds".

She whispered back to me. "Sir, the little girl only has twenty dollars and 'White Diamonds' is fifty."

"Tell her you have a special on that one bottle and she can have it for twenty dollars and I'll give you the difference."

"Molly," said the saleslady. "I have this bottle of perfume; does it smell like your mommy?"

"That's it! That smells like mommy! Do I have enough money?" asked Molly.

"You are one lucky little girl. That's our last bottle and it's exactly twenty dollars." Molly gave out a big smile as she opened her little purse and took out her money.

We took our purchases and went over to see Santa. I held all the gifts while the kids talked and had their picture taken with the big guy in red. After that, I asked the kids if they wanted to help me find a present for Mandy. She would be leaving for England and I wanted to purchase her some new luggage. I had already paid for her trip as a Christmas present.

The kids were happy to help me; of course, I acted like I really needed their help. I walked to where the luggage was and waited for one of the boys to spot it.

"Over here, Uncle Dan. Suitcases are over here."

"Thanks, boys, now I need a set that has five pieces." Of course the boys knew their numbers and looked around until they saw some with five pieces of luggage."

"I want to help, Uncle Dan; what can I do?" cried Molly.

"Honey, you can pick out the color for Mandy. Pick out the color you think she would like."

Molly went up to a set that was bright pink. The boys told her it had to have five pieces and the pink one only had three. Molly kept looking and found one that was a dark shade of blue. The boys said it had five pieces so that's the one we bought. Thank God, that pink set was only three pieces.

We stopped at a burger place, had lunch, and headed home. We took our packages in and the kids asked where they could hide their mom's gifts. They gave them to me to put in the office. I told them to put Mandy's luggage on her bed so she could see it when she came home. We had picked out a Christmas card for Mandy and the three kids signed it themselves, including Molly. I told the kids that the gift was going to be from them.

After the girls got back, the boys had to tell Mandy to go to her room. Of course, she saw the luggage and the card from the kids. They were all grinning like Cheshire cats at Mandy. She hugged and kissed each one of them thanking them for the wonderful present.

The next couple of weeks flew by. Between work and the kids going to school, we were busy all the time. We bought a tree and put up Christmas decorations. It was the first time in three years that I had a tree. Having the kids there made the whole holiday season great.

Mandy had left for England and we told Janice and Brad that we would come to see them on the 26th, the day after Christmas. 

It was really hectic getting ready for Christmas, but the evenings were great. The five of us would sit in the living room each evening and watch all the Christmas programs. I knew this is what I wanted. I went shopping and bought Carmen a few things and then just got her a gift certificate from a women's store. I figure she could buy what she wanted.

I stopped at a jewelry store and bought her a wedding ring. I then bought her a very sexy red nightgown of satin and lace. These two things were my special gift to her.

Christmas morning rolled around and the kids were ecstatic. The boys came down, said Santa had come, and there were all kind of presents under the tree. I told them to look in the stockings while I made some coffee. It was such a beautiful sight watching the three kids that morning. What was even more beautiful was the happiness and joy that showed on Carmen's face each time one of the kids opened a present.

Carmen opened her presents from her kids. She was so excited. She received her favorite movies from Mark, the unicorn from Mike, and then her perfume from Molly. Molly said, "Mommy, that was the last bottle and I had just enough money."

Carmen glanced at the bottom and saw the fifty dollar price tag and looked over at me and smiled.

I received some nice gifts from Carmen. I really didn't expect her to buy me anything but everything was so nice. She told me Mandy told her what I liked and she did her best to get me what she could.

I had three cards in the tree. I addressed one to each of the kids. I had hid each one a bicycle somewhere in the house and they were told where to go and find it. I've never seen three happier kids who got their first bikes. Molly even had a bike but we got her training wheels to begin. We got some for Mark too but we knew he wouldn't use them. His big brother didn't have them.

While the kids were playing with their toys, I gave Carmen her big box with the sexy nightgown in it.




Doing The Right Thing



"Wow! Is that ever beautiful. What made you buy this?" asked Carmen. 

I handed her a small package. "It goes with this." When she opened it, she cried. After she opened the box and saw the ring, I asked her to marry me.

She was crying and gave me a hug. "Why, Dan, why?"

"Because I love you and these last two months have been the best for me. I want you and the kids with me always. So, is the answer yes?"

"Dan, the answer's no.... please listen to me before jumping to conclusions. I love you with all my heart, I sincerely mean it. The answer is no for now."

"I don't understand. Is it my age?"

"Dan, please let me finish. No, it's not your age, it's us. We've only known each other for a couple of months. It's been a couple of the best months of my life. But, still it's only been a couple of months. You set out to help a family in need. You have done more for that family than you'll ever know. After the holidays, things will become normal again. People will be back being themselves. I have a proposition for you."

"Ok, I'm listening."

"I want to rent our rooms. I will give you two hundred dollars a week to help pay expenses. More if you say so. I want us to be a family and live as a family. If after... say, six months or before... you don't think it's working out just say the word and we'll make other arrangements. I just want you to be sure. It takes time to adjust to a woman in your house and three kids. I need to help pay my way and be productive. I need for your family to see that I'm not some fly by night hanger on that wants your money. I want you to realize that I really love you and it's not just words. Time, Dan, all I'm asking for is time. I won't be going anywhere unless you send me away."

She handed me the ring back and kissed me again. She asked if she could keep the nightgown. I think I understood what she was saying. We shouldn't just jump into marriage but make sure it's what we both really want. I figured I could live with that but I was hoping to get closer to her in a sexual and loving way.

Our day was busy with the kids playing with their toys. It was cold out but since there wasn't any snow the kids wanted to ride their bikes. Carmen and I both put on our coats and watched them as they rode their new bikes.

About mid-afternoon we got a collect call from England. It was Mandy; she had called to tell us that Ross had proposed to her and she accepted. He asked her in front of Big Ben, the clock. They would be getting married the following June. We told her how happy we were for her and we wished each other a Merry Christmas.

In the evening we watched the movie 'A Christmas Story' together and then the kids headed off to bed. They all came in and thanked me for the best Christmas ever. I was sitting on my bed listening to Carmen taking a shower. I knew that when she was finished, the wonderful smell would radiate throughout the hallway.

A few minutes later the lights went off in the bathroom and then the hallway. Carmen was at my door in her new sexy nightgown. "Can I come in?"

I didn't even answer as she came in and closed the door. "Dan, as I told you, I love you and we need to put off getting married until you get to know me better. I want that to start tonight. Will you make love to me?"

I was stunned, but she saw the smile on my face.

She came to the bed and I pulled my covers back as she slipped in and lay next to me. The only light in the room was the reading lamp that I was using. I left it on so I could see the woman that I've thought about for the last two months. We started out just holding each other. She smelled so good. She was lying on my arm so I kissed her gently on the forehead, than her cheek. She rolled over on her back as I gently, ever so gently, kissed her lips. I just looked in her eyes as I softly rubbed her mid-section through her satin nightgown. Nice even gentle circles, I moved my hand on her tummy. I brought my hand up and for the first time I touched her breast.

"Let me slip out of my new nightgown. I don't want to muss it up." Within seconds, she had it removed except for the matching red panties. Her breasts were totally uncovered as she laid back down.

I leaned over and sucked on her nipple. She was letting out some soft sounds as I began sucking harder. While sucking her breasts, I slid my hand slowly down her tummy and under her lace red panties and onto her mound. I rubbed and rubbed feeling the moisture of her sex around my fingers. I sank one then a second finger into her waiting vagina. She was making low moaning sounds as she pressed up against my fingers.

"Make love to me, Dan. All I ask is that you be gentle with me. It's been a long time."

I got up and went to the foot of the bed and slowly removed her red lace panties. I was going to climb up and sink my hard cock into her but the intoxicating smell of her made me put my mouth on her wet pussy. It surprised her almost as much as it surprised me. This wasn't something I did very often. I buried my face into her, licking, sucking, tonguing, even nibbling on her wet pussy. I could hear her moaning and having an orgasm. She took a pillow and covered her mouth so she could scream into it. I kept my face buried against her pussy till I felt her spasms lighten.

I rose up and guided my hard cock into her wet pussy. It went in with ease due to all her juices flowing. I leaned forward and was holding my weight on my hands when Carmen said, "Kiss me, Dan, kiss me now."

"My face is covered with your juices. I don't think...." I didn't get any more words out because she pulled me to her and open-mouth kissed me till I felt myself squirting a load up into her hot wet pussy.

We did it a couple of more times that night. When I woke up in the morning, she wasn't in my bed. I got up and glanced into her room and she and Molly were fast asleep. I went into the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee.

After everyone woke up, we had breakfast and then had to get dressed because we were going to see Janice and her family. We all we're having our big Christmas dinner a day later. Brad and his family were there also. We exchanged gifts and I was surprised that they had bought Carmen and the kids something. Carmen had bought something for both Brad and Janice's kids. Mandy had told Carmen that we always buy for the kids but not usually for the adults. Brad just told her that Gail saw the sweater and thought it would look nice on Carmen.

Everyone talked about Christmas and all the gifts they all receive. Mandy had called them to let them know about her upcoming nuptials. Brad looked over at me. I knew he was wondering if I had asked Carmen to marry me.

Later he did come up to me and apologized again for his actions a couple of weeks before. "Dad, did you propose to Carmen?"

"As a matter of fact I did. She turned me down."

"What? I can't believe it. I really believe she loves you dad. What happened?"

"Time, Brad, she said it was too soon for me to just jump up and marry a woman with three kids. She wants to make sure that I know I'm doing the right thing. In fact, she wants to contribute money to the household. She doesn't want handouts. She wants a loving relationship. So that's what we are going to do, give ourselves time."

"Wow, Dad, I've never met a woman like that. Dad, I know this sounds stupid coming from me after all I've said, but don't lose her. She is one special woman."

"Time, Brad, we're just going to give it time."

Chapter 5 – Ever After?

Life went on and we became a family. Carmen and I took turns cooking. We set up a joint checking account where I put four hundred dollars a week into it and Carmen put in her two hundred. We paid the utilities and bought food out of that account. We decided that any major purchases we would talk over first. So far, there was nothing we really needed.

I would usually stop at Joe's for lunch but go when Carmen could sit with me for a few minutes. We were really like a married couple only we didn't argue and made love every chance we got. I remember our first time in the hot tub. It was a good thing we had a good filter. When it came to making love, Carmen was the greatest. It might be that I loved her so much and that definitely makes sex much better. The only time we had to watch it was when Mandy was home on some weekends. We would ask Mandy to watch the kids while we went elsewhere. We're pretty sure that Mandy caught on but never said anything.

Time was flying by and it was almost time for Mandy's wedding. She asked Carmen to be her maid-of -honor. It made Carmen cry; she said she never had such close friends and family. Mandy would have liked Molly to be her flower girl but she thought she should ask one of her nieces, which she did.

It was a very hectic time leading up to the wedding. Mandy had graduated from college and we were planning this wedding and my girlfriend was the maid of honor. At least the weather had warmed up and I was able to open the pool. Whenever Mandy and Carmen ran around doing wedding stuff, the kids and I just got into the pool. The pool was a great babysitter, and all I had to do was be there.

The closer to the wedding it got the more I thought about Carmen and me. I loved these kids and I knew they loved me. I was going to surprise Carmen at the wedding. I had to ask a couple of favors but I was hoping everything would work out. Carmen and I had not talked about getting married since Christmas Day.

The day of Mandy's wedding, I got into my tuxedo. Brad and Rob were both in the wedding party. Janice and Gail were also. Everyone was dressed up and the wedding would begin in a few minutes. Carmen had to run around as the maid of honor. I didn't have much to do but I talked to Carmen's kids. I told them that they could come up front and sit with me. Mike, Mark and Molly all sat in the front row. Of course, Molly sat next to where I'd be sitting. I told them they had to be quiet and just watch the wedding. I told them I had to leave and walk back and then walk Mandy down the aisle. I just hoped they would listen. Everyone in the family was in the wedding party.

The music started and Ross, Brad and Rob were standing up front with the minister. Janice was the first to walk down the aisle. When she got down to the front, the kids waved to her and said, "Hi, Aunt Janice," at least they said it low. Gail was next with the same result, "Hi, Aunt Gail," she said hi back to the kids softly. The kids were excited because their mom was coming down the aisle. "Hi, Mommy, you look pretty." They were a little louder when they said it. Carmen was smiling but held her finger to her mouth to hush them a little. The flower girl and ring bearer came next. They were Janice and Rob's kids so the kids kept waving to them. All the kids of both families were smiling.

The music changed and down the aisle came Mandy on my arm. We both had tears of joy running down our cheeks. As Mandy and I got to the front of the church, I heard Molly say rather loudly, "Wow! Aunt Mandy looks like a princess."

You could hear a few chuckles from the crowd and I saw a smile on Mandy's face. You don't get a much better compliment than that. I backed up and sat down. I looked up and there was my family. My daughter Janice, my daughter Gail whom I treated as a daughter, and then my beautiful girlfriend whom I truly loved. There stood my baby girl getting married and my future son-in-law, off to his right was my son Brad and my son-in-law Rob. It was rounded off by two of my grandchildren as ring bearer and flower girl. My other two grandchildren were seated with their other grandparents.

I thought about what a truly blessed man I was. To have such wonderful family around me. I loved each and every one of them.

At the reception all the kids were pretty much together. Everyone kind of kept an eye on them. We ate and then the dancing began. I looked up and on the first number, there was my Carmen coming to dance with me.

"I love you, Carmen."

"I love you too, Dan."

"Do you mean it, Carmen? Do you truly in your heart mean it?"

"Dan, I truly in my heart mean it," and she kissed me in front of everyone. That was something she usually didn't do. Our kissing was usually done privately.

The night went on and it was time to throw the bouquet. All the single gals got out there and Brad told Carmen to get out there since she was single. She was feeling embarrassed so she went out on the floor. On the count of three, Mandy threw the bouquet right to Carmen. Some of the other girls booed in jest. Next Mandy sat down as Ross removed her garter. All the guys were cheering as they saw some of Mandy's thigh. Next, all the single guys were supposed to go out and catch the garter and then slip it on the leg of the girl who caught the bouquet, which of course was Carmen.

I was one of those guys. I was standing there and Ross looked at me. "Sorry, guys, this belongs to my father," as he handed me the garter.

Of course everyone was wondering what was going on including Carmen. She was asked to sit down as I was supposed to slide the garter on her leg. I was on one knee as my hand was sliding the garter up her leg. When I got to her thigh, I stopped and reached in my pocket and pulled out the wedding ring. I was already kneeling.

"Carmen, I've waited an extra six months. In front of all my family and friends, I am asking you, 'Will you marry me?'"

Everyone was standing in complete silence waiting for her reply. Then out of the crowd of people came Molly. She looked at her mother who had tears in her eyes and said, "Say yes, Mommy."

"Dan, I love you with all my heart. I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy. Yes, I'll marry you."

Everyone started yelling. Mandy went to Carmen and they were both crying. I doubt there was a dry eye in the place, I knew mine weren't as I went forward and kissed my future bride.

Epilogue:

We are happily married now. Carmen quit working at Joe's diner and now helps run the gas station/store. Everyone likes her and said it's nice working in a place that is so family oriented. We're deciding whether I should adopt the kids. I told Carmen I wanted to and she said to just give it a little time. Molly already calls me dad and the boys call me dad sometimes, and Uncle Dan at others. I think they do it to confuse some of their new friends.

I look back on my life and wonder what would have happened to my family if I had known about Harvey Kittle so many years ago. I also wonder what would have happened to my family if Annie hadn't died in that accident. Life is a very fragile thing. One mistake early in life can change the future forever. It's really something to think about.

I'm sitting back on the couch with my new wife. We cuddle while my new family play on the floor and we watch TV together. Tonight we get to watch a love story. Mark bought his mother 'Titanic' for Christmas and we are going to watch it together. All but Molly, she'll be asleep about half way through.

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Thank you for reading my story

Comments are always welcome

DG Hear