15 comments/ 15319 views/ 14 favorites A Love Story: Peter and Kim By: Iread2relax Hey, I'm back with another installment of my series A Love Story. All of the marriages seems so perfect and happy, right? Maybe or maybe not? For Peter and Kim, there is trouble in paradise. Every relationship goes through storms. Let's see if they come out of the other side. For now, I hope you enjoy reading about Peter and Kim. All the characters in this story are above the age of consent. This is a slow burn. If you want a quick fix, then you may want to read another story. Enjoy IR2R ***** A Love Story: Peter and Kim Earl and Bria were spending a quiet night at home when the phone rang. It was Brett. He was concerned because he was unable to reach any of his siblings or their spouses. Isla told him to call his parents because she felt a sense of foreboding as well. Brett hugged his wife and made the call. Bria quickly called Andrew, then Cici. After that she tried Daniel and Dina. She was about to call Emily when her phone rang. It was Peter. "Mom, can I come over? I need to tell you something." That was all he said. Bria knew instantly that something was wrong. "Peter, what is going on?" she demanded. Earl took the phone, "Come on." Daniel drove. Andrew called Cici. Kim was distressed. Peter wanted to talk to her but Andrew wouldn't give him the phone. Soon they were at their parent's home. Earl and Bria were stunned. Never in a million years did they expect this. Before she could stop herself, Bria slapped her son across the face, catching him off guard. Peter fell over from the force of the impact. Earl grabbed her. Andrew and Daniel helped Peter up off of the floor. "How could you? How could you do this to her? That woman loves you Peter and you betrayed her like this," Bria ranted, her heart breaking for Kim, the quietest of all four young women. Peter sobbed. "Momma, it was just a fling. Kim was never supposed to know. I didn't mean to hurt her." "You hurt her the moment you went inside someone else. You betrayed her Peter, and now you expect her to accept this child. She never..." Bria froze. "Was it her idea to not have children?" she asked suspicious of the answer he would give. Peter sobbed louder as she understood now. He decided not to father children with his wife, yet he betrayed her and fathered a child with someone else. "Where is Kimberly?" Bria demanded, feeling angrier by the minute. Andrew explained that Cici had taken her to their home. Bria glared at her son, noting the red bruise from her striking him. For a moment, she felt remorse. Then she thought of Kim as she marched past him and out of the door. Earl stopped her. "I need to see her Earl. I need to make sure she is going to be ok." Bria whispered. Earl stepped aside and let her go. Bria left and Earl glared at his son. "What happened son?" he asked. He sat as Peter explained the whole sordid affair. He was stunned. Kim was so quiet. She only came around the family when Peter was with her. If he worked, she stayed home. When they first married, she was interested in fashion. As a gift for her, Earl invested in a shop at a local mall, and asked Kimberly to run it. She worked hard and for a few years, barely turned a profit. Earl tried to pay her a salary, but she insisted on living on her earnings from her shop. He was worried, but his daughter was a fashion guru., Eventually, her shop grew and became a success. People from all over the globe wanted her creations. When she reported for her first earning meeting, her company showed little growth. Now it was a major asset in their family coiffeurs. Earl knew she worked too much. Often when they had get togethers, she came but would always leave early. Peter was often on call, and everyone knew she was devoted to him. Peter used her, took advantage of her love, and hurt her in the worst way imaginable. Earl exhaled. "You need to fix this, Peter. That woman did not deserve this. If I had known how you treated her, I would have beat your ass myself. I didn't raise you like this. You know better. I am disgusted with you, right now." Earl hissed. Peter flinched. He hated disappointing his parents and right now, everyone was disappointed in him. But that did not matter. Right now, his wife, Kim, was all that mattered. He had to talk to her. He had to get her to take him back. This time, he had to earn her forgiveness once more. Andrew and Daniel shared a look as Earl walked out. They helped their brother to stand and decided to be there for him. "Look, I don't like what you have done, but you are my brother. I love you man, and despite the fact I want to stomp you into the ground right now, I'm here for you." Daniel whispered. Peter sighed, "Danny, help me get her back. She likes you. She'll listen to you. I have to take my son, but we can be a family. I mean you adopted Dina's little girl and she was not yours. This is just a little bit different." Andrew scoffed. "You are a stupid asshole; that is a completely different situation. Dina didn't fuck around on him and make a baby with someone else, stupid. Do you love her? Because if you don't let her go, but if you do, then fight for your marriage. I love you and I am here for you, but hear me clearly. I am doing what's best for Kim. If she takes you back, it will be because she chose to. I won't try and influence her in anyway." Bria drove into Andrew's driveway and Cici opened the door. "Where is she?" Bria asked. Cici led her to the room where everyone was with Kimberly. "Kimberly, sweetheart, I am so sorry. I wish I could fix this. My son is an ass and I want you to know I support you in whatever you need to do." Kimberly returned her mothers embrace. "Mrs. Graves, this is something I must deal with on my own, but thank you for just caring." Kim whispered. "You have always kept us at a distance. You never truly let any of us in. With the exception of Brett, Peter is the only person you talked to." Bria exhaled. "Did he ban you from being open with us?" Kim froze, and Bria began to shake. She had seen this many times but she never thought it would affect her family. "Kim, despite everything, we are here for you. You are not going through this alone. Peter is my son and I love him, but he will not be allowed to get away with this." "Peter never banned me from you. He needed me at home with him more so, and I just like being by myself mostly. You can't abandon him. He has a child, Mrs. Graves. You can't deny your grandson. I won't be a party to that." Kim whispered. Bria knew she was right, and that's why this was so hard. In the end they had to choose. Either they would be a part of Peter's life with his son, or they would reject them and be loyal to Kim. Kim smiled as the light in Bria's eyes dimmed. She knew and she was ready to accept it. She was never really one of them. Her time in Peter's life was over. Kim looked away. She had to get up and move on, but how. Bria spoke once more, "Kim, I don't know what is going to happen here. I don't know if you two can work through his and be OK. I do understand why you would want to leave. But Kimberly, he is just a man. Never, ever, let anyone, man or woman make you lose who you are. I remember when we met you for the first time a little over eight years ago. You were so unlike any of the other girls Peter dated. But overtime, we saw how much you loved him. You kept his secrets; even though they tore you up inside. You gave him everything he demanded of you even to the detriment of your own happiness. He doesn't deserve you." Bria concluded Kim exhaled, and for the first time, she felt alright. She was not alone and despite what happened tomorrow, for now her family surrounded her. Earl returned. He had tome to compose himself. Facing his three sons, he addressed Peter. "What do you want to do now?" Peter took a deep breath, "I need to take custody of Jose and then convince my wife to stay with me." "She might not stay this time son. You went too far. I have to be honest with you. If she leaves, I will help her in any way I can." Earl stated frankly. "The boutique is hers. I'm giving it to her whether she stays or goes. She can keep it or sell it. It's her choice." Peter exhaled. Right now the wound was too raw, too fresh. They needed time, tonight he'd go home and wait for her. Tomorrow however was another day. Tomorrow he would win his wife back. Tomorrow after he picked up his child, he'd try and fix what he had broken. The four men stopped and just looked at each other. To say they were disappointed would be an understatement. However, Peter always flirted with danger. He tried to still pretend he was single. Trips to the clubs, hanging out with friends, and drinking were a few of his vices. But they knew he loved Kim. Earl was torn. He failed as a father. He raised his sons to respect women. He placed their mother above all except God. He thought his sons did the same. He exhaled. For the most part, they did. He had no idea what happened with Peter. Brett called and for some reason, he didn't want to tell him what was going on over the phone. Brett adored Kim and he would go after Peter for hurting her. He and Isla had been married a short time, but Earl knew he would never do something like this to her. Brett would not give Peter a chance to explain. Peter looked at his Dad. "I'm sorry. I hate that I let you down..." "Stop. You are sorry you got caught. You are sorry that Kim knows the truth. You are not sorry. If you were, you would have ended it when she caught you. Better yet, she never would have caught you, because it never would have happened." Earl hissed. Andrew grew concerned. Dad was angry. In his forty something years on this planet, he never saw him this upset. His mother surprised him as well. She never struck them, but tonight, she struck Peter. "Peter, let's go." Andrew whispered. The three brothers stood together and left. Peter did not want to go home right now. Kim was not there. Emily's was close by, so Andrew called his friend. Snake answered immediately, He was watching the baby and concerned. Emily called earlier and told him something had happened with Peter and Kim. She wanted to stay with Kim a while longer. He opened the door immediately. The guys came in and Peter once again revealed his hidden secret. Snake didn't attack, judge, or even scoff at him. He looked at his friend and asked one question. "What are you going to do now?" The men froze. But Andrew smiled. Snake never wasted time. He always got straight to the point. It was if he had a seventh sense. "Man, you have bigger problems than a pissed off wife. Your kid has no idea who you are because he has never met you. His mother is gone, and I bet he has relatives ready to take him. Some might care, but others see a cash cow in him. You may be his birth father, but right now you are not his Dad." Snake explained. Peter exhaled. Snake was right. He had to man up. "Call Isla. She's a social worker, and can tell you what to expect." Snake continued. Peter nodded. He knew he'd have to deal with his younger brother, but protecting his son took place first. The men talked and soon, they needed to head home. Emily returned and glared at her older brother. The hurt in her eyes slayed him. "Emily, I love..." "I know you love Kim. I don't understand how you could hurt her like this." Emily whispered, fighting her own tears. "Emily, I'm sorry." Peter whispered. Emily glared at her older brother. "You didn't betray me. I'm not the person you hurt." Then she walked out. The men talked a bit more and decided that they needed go home. They dropped Peter off and drove on to Andrew's. "Daniel, if she files for divorce, are you still representing him?" Andrew asked Daniel nodded, "I am his attorney. I'll protect him. I love Kim, but he is my brother." Andrew nodded. Daniel was vicious in court. He would make sure Kim had a lawyer that was able to stand up to him. Daniel then pulled into Andrew's yard. Both men got out and went inside. Dina hugged her husband, thanking God for such a wonderful man. Cici hugged Andrew as well. Bria was still talking with Kim. The men waited, and each hugged her, reaffirming to her that they cared. Kim smiled. Peter had a wonderful family. Then it dawned on her. She never really saw them as hers. If she had, then maybe... Bria spoke. "I have to go home. Kim, I want you to stay with one of us for the next week or so. We are here for you. I know we have not been as close in the past, but I hope we can change that." Kim smiled at her mother, "Thank you, Mrs. Graves." Bria froze and frowned. Kim exhaled. "Sorry, Thank you, Bria." Her face softened. Kim and Peter had to work through this. She forgave him the first time; maybe she could give him another chance. Not that he deserved it, but Kim deserved it. She deserved a chance to be with her family. Bria left, and Andrew told Kim she was staying. She started to protest when he, much like his father Earl, spoke with authority. Cici was stunned. He rarely used "the Earl voice", so she knew he was serious. Kim laughed. Cici joined her, and then both women left a confused Andrew staring after them as they walked away. The next few weeks flew past, and Kim was slowly adjusting to being single. It was not very hard, she rarely saw her husband anyway because of his work. The only thing that was different was that she now had her own small apartment. She never ran short of visitors, because someone was always checking in. She appreciated it. Dina stopped by the most. As a stay at home mom, she had more free time. Cici worked and often Dina would watch the bys when they had a school holiday. Kim loved seeing the kids and when Dina would stop by with them on occasion, the two women enjoyed each other's company. Kim confided in Dina, because out of everyone she could relate. Dina never tried to influence her; she just listened. Dina had met Peter's son, and she adored him. One day as she was at watching her girls and all three boys, Kim stopped by. She met Peter's son for the first time. He knew her. He saw her and went to her immediately. Dina was nervous, but then Jose spoke. "Key, come home now?" he asked. "Sweetheart, I live someplace else." Kim tried to explain. "Nooooo! Nooooo! Key come home!" He demanded. He hugged her tightly. Two months later, Ms. Lotts, Jose's social worker, called. Kim answered, better able to accept the reality of the situation.Her husband had a child. She had met the baby, and she thought he was so precious. . He was not hers. He was proof of her husband's unfaithfulness. He was the child they should have had together, not the result of his affair with someone else .He was so affectionate. At first, she was wary, but Jose wasn't having it. She was growing to love that little boy. Peter had an appointment with child services. They wanted to meet with him and his wife to gage the living environment for the little boy. Kim put Staci in charge and went to the office at the allotted time. As soon as she walked in, a cute bundle of energy shrieked Kim and flew at her, hugging her tightly. Peter came and called him, but the little boy was not letting go. Kim gently separated from him, and then sent him back to Peter. "No, no, I want Kim." He cried, struggling to get away from his Dad and back to Kim's sweet embrace. Finally, to calm him down, Kim cuddled him in her lap. Inside, Peter was smiling. If he stood any chance of winning her back, she had to accept his son. His son for some weird reason had already latched on to her. The kid was a charmer, too. It seemed that Kim was unable to resist him. The social worker came in, but she was not alone. Two people were with her. Kim frowned, because she could see that something was wrong. Jose held on to her tighter. Mr. and Mrs. Graves, thank you for coming in. As you know, Jose's situation is unique. His mother had several relatives that are willing to take custody of the child. Let me introduce the couple that is with me. This is Fernando and Maria Vega. They are Shania's brother and sister. They have traveled here from Mexico with a letter from Shania stating she wanted them to take custody of her son." She exhaled. "Mr. Graves, as his birthfather, you can decide if you want to honor her wish. The Vegas only ask that you pay moderate support for the child and he no longer will have to interfere in your life. Kim gasped. "Wait, I don't understand. You want him to give his baby to these people?" She asked. The social worker faced Kim. "With all due respect, Mrs. Graves, I was addressing your husband. It is his child and his decision. If he wishes to discuss it with you he can, but I can only talk with him." Jose started to fret, and Kim hummed softly to calm him. His aunt reached for him, and the baby refused to go to her. She sat back down, but Kim could see that the baby's rejection hurt the other woman. The social worker was out of line. She had no reason to speak to his wife in that manner. "Ms. Lotts, I know this is your job. But watch how you address my wife. She asked you a legitimate question and you are being deliberately rude to her. I don't need to think about anything; Jose is my son, and he stays with us." He turned to the Vegas, "I apologized that you wasted your time coming here, but you cannot have my child." Turning back to the social worker, Peter spoke once more. "You, Miss Lott, have done your job. You got him to me. For that I thank you, but know this, my son and my wife is no longer your concern. Please, if you need to speak with me again, consult my attorney." Standing and taking Kim by the waist, they walked out. Kim held Jose close as the little boy gripped her tightly. They walked out, Peter called Daniel. He wanted to make sure these people could not take his child. Kim waited. When Peter hang up, he reached for Jose. The little boy went to his father. "No one will take you from us. I promise." He whispered. Peter looked at his wife, "Kim, can we talk? I know I have no right to ask, but please don't refuse me. Please baby, just listen." "I have to go back to the boutique. Now is not a good time." Kim answered, as she started to walk away. Peter grabbed her hand. "Kim, please, talk to me." "No, I won't let you lie to me. I don't trust you. I have to go. Don't let them take him. You are his father, be his Dad." She whispered, then she walked away. "Kim, please" Peter called to her retreating back as she walked away. "Daddy, I want Kim." Jose whispered after she had gone. Peter hugged his baby boy and whispered, "Me too, son. Me too." "Mr. Graves, please. We mean no harm. May we talk with you?" Mr. Vega called out as he followed Peter. Peter turned and faced him. He had them to meet him at a local café. Peter sat, placing José in the booth next to him. "Shania was my younger sister. When she told us of her pregnancy, my wife and I offered to adopt the baby. She refused, but told us if anything happened to her she wanted us to raise him." Fernando explained. "We don't blame you. He is your son, but we must ask that he be allowed to know his mother's family." Maria requested. Peter exhaled. He wished Kim was here, but she wasn't so he had to decide on his own. "How long are you going to be here?" He asked. "We go home the day after tomorrow." Fernando explained. "OK, join us for dinner tonight. I'll let Kim know." Scribbling his address, he handed it to the other couple. "May I hold him?" Maria asked. Peter nodded and passed the baby to him. Jose looked at his aunt and began to squirm wanting to get back to his Dad. The Vegas thanked him and asked what they needed to bring. He told them nothing. Then they left. He needed Kim. It was obvious that she cared for Jose. If anyone could get her to come home, it was his son. He left the café, buckled in his son, and headed to the mall. The Vegas expected to have dinner with José's parents. Well to do that Momma had to be there. Kim had just walked into her office when he called. "Kim, the Vegas are coming over for dinner. They want to spend time with Jose. Can you come? I know it's asking a lot, but I was hoping... I mean after the meeting today, it seemed..." He waited. His heart was racing. Would she reject him? Would she say yes. Peter had no clue. A Love Story: Peter and Kim "No, I have plans tonight. Peter, we are not together. We are not a family and it confuses Jose. I'm calling my lawyer and filing for divorce ." He gasped. "Kim, wait." Peter pleaded. "I'm sorry Peter. I'll call my lawyer and he can contact Daniel." Kim replied and she hang up. Peter called Daniel, "She's filing for divorce, Daniel. I can't lose my wife. Look, can we stall. I can block the money. I need to keep her from leaving me for good." He sighed desperately. "Peter, we expected this. I'm surprised she waited this long. It's been a few months." Daniel explained. "Daniel, I love her. She is my everything. I cannot lose her over a foolish mistake." Peter declared. Daniel's anger flared. Peter could not be this clueless. He debated staying in the role of attorney, or just tell his brother the truth. He chose the latter. "You got another woman pregnant, and covered it up. You told your wife that you did not want kids, and didn't bother to see if she did." Daniel exhaled. "Peter, you are lucky all she wants is a divorce." "Daniel, I fucked up. I admit that, and she has every right to hate me. But Daniel, I don't know if I can function if she is not in my life. I love her, Daniel despite my actions, my demeanor; Kim is the only woman for me. She can't leave me now." He cried. "Daddy, why you crying?" Daniel heard his nephew ask. "Nothing, son. I'm talking with Uncle Danny. Let's get ready to go to Grandmas, OK?" Jose squealed and Daniel heard him running off. "Look, let Silas call me. When he does we can go from there." Daniel exhaled. He knew Peter was upset. Many people had no sympathy for him, but Daniel felt so bad for him. He and Dina decided to not share her opinion, because her loyalty lied with Kim. Peter hurt her and seemed to think I'm sorry was enough. Daniel's concentration was shot at work. He had his assistant move his appointments and he called Silas. Silas answered immediately, and confirmed that Kim did call, but that was all. Daniel knew Peter was falling apart, but this was his own doing. He called Dina, and she answered. "Babe, I know you don't like what Pete did, but Kim called her lawyer today. He is barely holding on." Daniel sighed. "Good, he needs to suffer. He needs to understand what he put her through. He needs to learn that she deserves better and can do better." Dina hissed softly. "You hate him?" Daniel asked. He was really concerned. In the past, his wife Dina was used by the man she loved. He treated her like a common hooker and discarded her like trash. She empathized with Kim, and could not understand why Peter strayed. "No, I love Peter, but he really does not know how he ripped her in two." Dina answered. Since their separation, Dina and Kim developed a close friendship. All of the women grew closer. Soon, his assistant knocked and told him he had guest. Daniel looked and saw Silas waiting to talk to him. A Love Story: Peter and Kim At lunch, Dina was relieved to be away from babies. Cici's boys were at school as was Leona. The twins were learning to walk and with Jose there to influence them they were now climbing on top of things. The women laughed as Dina shared the children's antics. Isla turned serious. "Kim, I have to say that I admire you. In my line of work, you see so many cases of mistreatment of children in Jose's situation. But you never are upset with him. You love him and that's a testament in itself. That baby is crazy about you. I know I might be wrong, but for his sake, I hope you and Peter can work something out." Isla realized no one else was speaking. They swore to Kim that they would not try to influence her and yet Isla gave her own opinion. Kim smiled, "I know he isn't mine, but that doesn't matter. I love that little boy. Am I angry at Peter? Yes! He lied and ... Well you know the rest, but Jose didn't ask to be here, so I could never blame him." She exhaled. "Isla, thank you for addressing the elephant in the room," Kim exhaled. "You all are so careful. I know you think by not saying how you feel you are protecting me, but not saying anything does not make it go away." Emily started to speak, but Kim silenced her. She continued. "It's OK and I am Ok. I am angry, but this is something I will deal with. You don't have to pacify me, or tiptoe around me. Be honest, Ok." "Good, because honestly, I wish you had said something when it happened. We would have castrated him. How could you let him get away with that?" Emily questioned. Then she laughed, "And how did you keep it a secret. I mean even I had no clue." Kimberly laughed. "He was terrified that you'd figure out what he had done. He was so afraid of disappointing Earl and Bria, and for some reason I felt I had to protect him." "No, you did not. But believe me we all understand." Cici whispered. All of the women looked at her. Was there something else they were not aware of going on. "Cici, is everything alright?" Emily asked timidly. Cici laughed. "Andrew and I are fine. I remember when he was on active duty. He had missions and could not tell me.Secrets are not good in a marriage. That's all I meant." Dina nodded, because she understood, all of them did. You protected your heart. But what Peter had done violated that. He did not try to protect Kim. In their minds, he left her out on her own. Needing to lighten the mood, Kim sighed. "Enough," she declared. "Isla, have you talked with Mia and Oman lately?" She asked effectively changing the subject. Isla laughed. "They are fine. Sunnet is working with Mia and they are developing an outreach program for the kids. I really want to go home and check it out, but with my workload, I don't have the time. I would like to form one in the region I am assigned to." She explained. The women nodded, and then Cici made an announcement. "I want another baby. I want a little girl. I'm talking to Andrew tonight." Kim was silent. She wanted her own child, but right now it seemed it was not in the cards for her, so she just smiled and was happy for her friend. Dina reached over and squeezed her hand. Dina was the one she confided in the most, so she knew how Kim felt. Kim smiled and her friend, silently thanking her. The women laughed and talked as they plotted ways Cici could convince Andrew to have another child. Soon they had to get back to work, but made plans to get together on Saturday. Kim returned to her shop. A beautiful bouquet of lilies, roses, and violets greeted her. Attached was a simple card. I know you're tired of hearing me apologize. I was a fool. Thank you for not refusing counseling. I will show you that I can be the man you dreamt of. xoxo Pete Kim sighed. She wanted to believe him, wanted to forgive him, but he swore the affair was over. Yet he went back to Shania and had a child with her. He gave her the one thing that she wanted more than anything else. She could forgive him, because she really loved him. However, she did not appreciate the way he seemed to think if he apologized and begged, he could get his way. She was her own person, despite what Peter, his family, and everyone else thought. She had to find out who she was before she allowed another person in her life. Kim focused on work. Soon the day ended, and she went home. She walked in and relaxed on her sofa. Closing her eyes, memories of what once was assaulted her. She recalled happier times, times when she and her husband were carefree and so deep in love. Soon someone knocked. No really thinking, Kim opened the door. Peter stood holding a bouquet of lilies. "Can I come in?" he asked Seriously doubting her wisdom, Kim stepped aside as her husband walked through. "Why are you here? Where is Jose?" She demanded. "Brett and Isla are watching him. I asked them too. We need to talk, Kim. I know we start counseling soon, but if you would just talk to me, let me explain." He beseeched. Kim walked away from him. She was so mad at him. "I don't want to talk to you right now." She replied. "You should go." Peter didn't move. "You're angry. That means you still care. If you didn't you would not feel anything at all." "I never denied my feelings. You are my husband, and I love you. I just don't like you right now. It has nothing to do with the baby. I adore him. You lied, Peter. You swore to me and you went back to her. You went inside of her and gave her your child. That hurts more than anything you have ever done to me. And you have done some things over the years." Kim realized she was crying and she walked to the door. "I want you to just go." She whispered. Peter slammed the door shut. She had to listen. The Kim before this listened, and forgave him. She never argued with him, but after learning about Jose, she was a different woman. He had to get her to hear him. Things needed to go back to the way they were before. He wanted his quiet, supportive wife back, not this angry woman she had become. She would listen to him, if it took all night. "Kim, you never complained. You never said anything. You went along with everything I did. So how can you sit here and act like I did everything wrong? You were always so damn calm, nothing bothered you." He accused. Kim trembled. It was then that Peter stepped back. He frightened her; he terrified his wife. "You are afraid of me. I have never laid a finger on you. I have never called you any names. How can you fear me?" he asked. Kim cried, "Please, just go." She pleaded. Someone knocked and Peter answered. "Kim, are you OK. I heard loud voices. Sir, you need to go." The elderly gentleman said as he and his wife entered and moved directly to Kimberly. Peter nodded. He faced his wife, armed with this new knowledge, "Kim, I never meant to..." He whispered. Her elderly neighbor held her close as her husband led Peter to the door. "Baby, I'll stay away." He left, and she collapsed in a puddle. Her neighbors stayed with her and held her as his wife tried to get Kim to call the police. The couple had lived in the building for years. They remembered the young woman moving in two months ago. She stayed to herself. She would only speak when they initiated conversation. She was so withdrawn, and at first rarely had visitors. Then one day her friends came over. She seemed to blossom. They suspected she left a bad situation, and tonight they met the man that hurt her. "Sweetheart, we should call the police. You can get a restraining order to make him stay away from you." The couple suggested. Kim was done crying. "He has never... He isn't abusive. He cheated and thinks I'm overreacting. He wants me to go along as if nothing has changed. Everything has changed. He needs to understand that." She whispered. The couple stayed and after awhile they went back across the hall. Kim showered, made a salad, and ate slowly. Her phone rang. It was Isla. She wanted to know if she was OK. Peter returned and he was clearly upset. Earl and Brett were talking with him. "Isla, I'm fine. Peter stopped by and we had words." Kim exhaled. "I'm OK." Isla believed her. She could hear in her tone that she was handling her husband's spontaneous visit well. "Look, do you want me to come over?" Isla asked just to be certain. Kim smiled, "Isla, I'm fine. I'm actually turning in and reading for a while." Kim sighed and the women bid each other a good night. Peter sat in his father's study bawling his eyes out. For seven years, his wife feared him. She never argued with him, was completely compliant, and did everything in her power to make sure he was happy. He reflected on all of the stunts he pulled. He was a complete ass, and she deserved so much better. She deserved a man that would put her first, not his own selfish needs. "I need to let her go, but I need her Dad. She is my everything. Kim is the only person that gets me. If I get a chance to get her to take me back, I'll never treat her this way again. She has to take me back. I can't live without her." He sobbed. Brett spoke, "What about Jose. With Kim or without her, you have your son to think about. I hate what you did to her. You were wrong and a part of me hopes she moves on, but she loves you. This is just as hard on her as it is you. You start counseling next week, right?" Brett asked. Peter nodded. "Then, be honest and pray she forgives you this last time. If she does, don't ever fuck up like this again." Brett admonished his older brother. Brett was disgusted with Peter. For years, he watched as he treated his marriage and his wife as if it wasn't the rarest of gifts. He was not a bad person, just immature. Kim was so introverted that she would do anything and everything her husband asked. He recalled the first time he talked with his new sister. She watched out for Peter, even then ready to cater to his every whim. Brett teased her and brought her out of her shell with genuine friendship. She relaxed with him, and he could relate to her. Out of everyone around, Kim understood him. Over time, they developed a rapport. She grew to trust him, and now he learns that Peter messed up. He was truly disappointed in his brother. Earl was surprised. When did his youngest son grow so wise? He smiled. "Well Peter, you don't need my advice. Your brother has told you everything you need to know." A Love Story: Peter and Kim Peter dropped to his knees between her spread thighs. He placed his nose onto her mound and inhaled. Kim quivered. "Baby, I love your fragrance. I love it. Don't move." He ordered as his tongue massaged her clit. Kim flexed her body but Peter grasped her hips and held them still. He drank her juices as they flowed from her. She was sweet, tangy, and his. Kim could no longer hold back as her husband's probing tongue drove her into a mind-blowing orgasm. Peter loved the taste of his wife, and needed to be inside of her. As she came on his tongue, he pulled back. Moving between her thighs, he lifted her legs and entered her with a loud shout. Kim moaned. No man should feel this magnificent, wonderful. Her Peter did. He was hers, and despite what happened in the past, she was not letting him go. Moving in and out if her warmth, Peter worshipped his wife. She was all he needed, all he wanted. It had been so long, that he knew he would come soon. "Baby, I'm coming." Peter groaned in her ear. "Cum for me Peter. Cum inside me." Kim pleaded. Peter pumped furiously, knowing he would climax soon. Then she whispered there words that pushed him over the edge. "Peter, I love you." He came. Fireworks blared behind his closed eyelids; Kim muffled her screams as he too fought the desire to yell out. He covered them and held her close. He wanted to ask her to just move back. Forget the lawyers, therapist, everyone else. He wanted her to come back home. Kim moved. "I have to go." she whispered. Peter was confused. He thought she was back for good. "Wait, Kim. I thought..." Kim smiled. "Peter, Jose is sleeping. It might confuse him to find me in your bed. Besides, sneaking around might be fun." Peter laughed. It was his first genuine laugh since this nightmare started. "OK, I'll let you go this time, but tomorrow night, I want you to stay with me." Kim dressed and kissed her husband once more before leaving to return to her small apartment. The next morning, they arrived at their therapy session together. Gloria and Evie smiled as they entered the office. If any couple was meant to be, then these two people definitely were. At the end of the six month mark, it was time to repair and rebuild, not dismiss and disassemble. After working with them, Gloria was certain that their marriage was salvageable. She was certain that they would rebuild their trust and lead a wonderful life together. However, she left her schedule flexible if they needed to call.