My Wife Cheated With My Best Friend, Tried To Pass His Baby As Mine, But Got The Ultimate Revenge.

my wife cheated with my best friend tried to pass as baby as mine but got the ultimate Revenge today my wife gave birth and it seems like my marriage has come to an end I'm almost completely sure it's over though I'll have official confirmation soon normally this would take a while but the hospital is hurrying the DNA test due to special circumstances I doubt the outcome will change anything as I sit in a bar just 10 minutes away from the hospital my phone keeps going off on the table I keep glancing at the screen even

though I know the doctor won't call for a few more hours at least I'm ignoring calls from my wife kids and in-laws I'm pretty sure they all want to know what's happening and honestly so do I the baby is adorable with blonde curls like her mother she weighed 7 lb 12 O and measured 19 in Long at Birth a perfect full-term baby but according to my wife she was premature by about 6 weeks I don't have a medical degree but I'm not stupid either a baby born that early wouldn't look as perfect in its development

and coloring my wife lied big time and now that I'm seeing things clearly I know my biggest fear has come true the child she's claiming is mine is actually my late best friends the waitress brings my fifth shot of Jack Daniels at this rate I'll spend $1,150 on a bottle that usually costs $125 but honestly I don't care I sink back into my numbness The Three Amigos is feels like a lifetime ago especially for Gary he Tracy and I were like a trio from the time our families moved onto the same block all within a

2-year span when we were around 5 years old Gary's family and mine moved in during the summer and Tracy's family joined us the following spring Gary and I were already close but Tracy Blended in perfectly being quite the Tomboy back then she could outrun me and outmuscle Gary and there wasn't a sport or game we played without her while other girls played with dolls Tracy was out playing kickball or stickball with us guys and she held her own as we hit our teenage years things changed a bit Tracy especially transformed physically she went from a

skinny blonde with long pigtails to a young lady with developing curves silky hair and a new shape both Gary and I noticed but we kept quiet about it afraid Tracy might knock us down if we said anything a year later Gary occasionally wasn't around for some reason and I didn't really mind those times Tracy and I felt closer both physically and emotionally One Summer Sunday afternoon when Gary was out with his family Tracy and I sat together on my porch swing I can't recall what we were talking about but suddenly she leaned over and gave

me my first kiss wow I whispered unable to say anything else Tracy blushed as we locked eyes I reached for her hand and we sat together rocking the next day Gary was back and if I hadn't been part of the kiss the day before I wouldn't have believed it happened Tracy acted like nothing was different at one point I tried to hold her hand but she calmly pulled away I was confused as our freshman Year's Christmas dance approached I thought it was the right time to ask Tracy officially one day as we walked home from

school I mustered the courage to ask um Trace if you're not busy next month would you like to go to the Christmas dance with me Tracy who was walking between Gary and me suddenly stopped making us halt too I noticed Gary smirking as we paused I uh I'm already going with Gary he asked me yesterday Bobby Tracy seemed uneasy Gary grinned and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut so sorry Bobby you were too slow Gary chuckled I felt foolish in two ways first I had no clue Gary like Tracy and second there's

an unspoken rule among guys you don't mess with your buddies girl even if I was just figuring things out hey gar I didn't mean anything by asking I didn't know man I understand Bobby no hard feelings he said cheerfully Tracy squirmed uncomfortably for the rest of the walk home she and Gary chatted while I stayed quiet I didn't invite anyone else to the dance and I didn't go solo I felt let down by both my closest friends that night my dad noticed I was down and guessed why he found in my room listening to music

Girls huh he said settling into the chair at my desk can't live with them can't kill them I shook off my thoughts surprised by his words he grinned at me thanks Dad I appreciate it I replied with nothing more said the Three Amigos became the Two Amigos and their friend after the dance Tracy and Gary became an official couple sticking together through high school I eventually started dating other girls the Two Amigos parted ways when College started Tracy headed to Michigan State while Gary chose UCLA I ended up at Michigan State too but I kept

my distance from Tracy during our first year out of respect for Gary Tracy was confused by this but I didn't want anyone thinking I was trying to come between her and Gary one day Tracy's mom who I saw as a second mom asked if I was upset with her daughter Ronda and Mark Ford were like family to me and I respected them a lot she misses the old days Bobby Mrs F told me can't go back Mrs F We're Not Kids anymore and if she's not with me Gary's the best guy for her I replied

things stayed the same sophomore year but near the end of junior year Tracy invited me to her sorority formal I was surprised and cautious Tracy aren't you still with Gary I asked I don't want to cause any issues Gary and I split after Summer She said he's staying in California for law school and didn't want to hold me back Law School Gary that's unexpected I said our first date was uncertain she asked for a second and by the fourth we were intimate I noticed she wasn't Innocent but I wasn't either so I let it be

we dated for 2 years before tying the knot despite my reservations Gary stood by as my best man it was awkward having the guy who used to date and be intimate with your spouse as your main supporter during the wedding ceremony after the wedding Gary returned to California and I didn't think much about him for over two decades our daughter Kaye arrived 2 years after our marriage followed by our son Jeffrey 2 years later we learned from my mom that Gary would be visiting home soon our parents still live nearby and Mrs Prescott mentioned to

my mom that Gary was coming back to Bid Farewell he had cancer and wanted to see his folks while he still had the strength my mom proposed organizing a gathering for him to see old friends and family which Gary's mom agreed to despite being in the early stages of treatment Gary looked relatively well though his deep sadness was apparent he was alone divorced twice and childless the three of us Gary Tracy and and I spent hours discussing life particularly his and how it would conclude towards the end of the evening Tracy proposed an idea that

would later strain our marriage how about we come out and care for you until it's time for hospice Tracy asked both Gary and I were taken aback by Tracy's proposal it wasn't something we had discussed before and initially I wasn't sure how we could make it happen hell our oldest friend Bobby who else could do this Tracy argued but the doctors say I might have several months before I need hospice Gary pointed out you got can't just drop everything to take care of me you're already supporting two kids in college I work for an insurance

company that values family leave Tracy explained Bobby can use his vacation time and we can make it work that might only give us a couple of months hun I replied it's not enough well we could take turns and stretch it out to 4 months I can manage on my own the rest of the time Tracy suggested I didn't like the sound of this plan while I knew Gary was our oldest friend Tracy had just volunteered to spend sever several months away from me and our home to care for him since she made the offer in

front of Gary backing out would make me look like the bad guy still Tracy that's a big commitment I began but she cut me off with a glare that's settled that's what we're going to do she declared I swallowed hard and stayed silent that night as soon as I walked through the door I couldn't hold back my frustration what's going on Tracy you're just going to leave me for months to take care of an old flame you're so selfish she yelled is this about him sleeping with me before you I slept in jeffy's old room

that night it took us 3 days to reach an agreement on helping Gary which basically meant Tracy got her way and we did exactly as she promised Gary he was grateful and I lost count of how many times he thanked Tracy and me after the first month I couldn't help but feel guilty for my initial reaction after the first month I was pretty worn out from juggling work taking care of my home and assisting Tracy with Gary who had his good and bad days by the second month I started feeling something was off between Tracy

and me I figured she must have been tired too with everything she was doing for Gary sometimes more than I thought was necessary so I didn't dwell on it too much but I couldn't help noticing the subtle exchanges between Tracy and Gary like they had their own secret language things went downhill even more over the next couple of months there were times I felt like I was intruding on their time together I also noticed Tracy was a bit distant during our intimate moments after a week apart I was eager to reconnect but she seemed disinterested

I figured it was probably due to exhaustion both mentally and physically after 4 months I had used up all my days off and even though Gary's Health was declining I knew he still had some time left Tracy would have to handle everything on her own and I had to come to terms with being alone for a month or more when I ran out of time off our daughter Kaylee stepped in to help which I thought was wonderful since Gary was her Godfather she spent two weeks at different times assisting her mom about a month later

Gary had to move into hospice care and within another month he passed away I flew back to California for his funeral Tracy was devastated just like Gary's parents they couldn't thank Tracy and me enough for all our help but I redirected most of the Gratitude to my wife when Tracy returned home she seemed distant with me at first which I figured was due to her grief then out of nowhere things changed and for the next 3 weeks we were intimate every single day it felt like we were young again a month later Tracy shocked me

by coming out of the bathroom with a positive pregnancy test I should have been surprised by her lack of surprise but I was too stunned by the news itself Tracy and I were both 45 our kids were 22 and 20 and wait wasn't she on birth control I'm sorry baby but I forgot my pills when we went to California and once I stopped taking them I never started again when we got back and you know we're against termination we can handle this together just like before I found myself agreeing with her though I was in

disbelief wow I was going to be a father again for about a week I couldn't wipe the grin off my face and with Tracy's increased libido we were intimate every night sometimes twice it was almost overwhelming but in a good way when my daughter came home for a long weekend she and Tracy went out shopping for baby and maternity stuff we'd already gotten rid of all our old baby gear they came back all excited and joking and I ended up lugging in a bunch of bags from the car the girls whipped up a quick dinner

and we all chuckled as Tracy shared her thoughts on the differences between the things she bought today and what was around a couple of decades ago she mentioned feeling a bit awkward in some of the maternity clothes because they seemed more suited for women 20 years younger well Mom it's not your fault if you're a mil and someone took it too seriously Kaylee joked as I thought about kayle's comment I noticed Tracy giving her a quick frown it struck me that Kaylee said someone instead of dad it wasn't just a passing remark and it made

my stomach churn it brought back some of the discomfort I felt when I visited California to help with Gary I kept my thoughts to myself but stay alert for the rest of the weekend I heard a few more comments with double meanings and I wondered if my daughter was aiming them at me or my wife I tried to subtly find out when Tracy was out of the room asking Kaylee how she felt about becoming a big sister again I could tell she was thinking hard about how to answer she avoided eye contact for about 30

seconds then let out a giggle before trying to cover it with a fake cough I think it's cool that Mom is still so hot and you're like the man she said looking uncomfortable and quickly leaving the room I reached for for a couple more cigarettes from the pack I'd started carrying around Tracy kept growing bigger and I thought she looked more lovely every week even though I still felt uneasy I couldn't quite figure out what was bothering me or maybe I just didn't want to think about it a few months later while I was at

work I got a surprising call from Tracy she taken time off from her job after returning for just 3 months hey Dad mind giving me a ride to the hospital today she asked in a flirtatious tone since I thought Tracy was only around 6 or 6 and a half months pregnant and she sounded incredibly seductive I wasn't sure what she was asking why the hospital honey is something wrong I asked feeling more than a little worried well babe my water broke and I just don't feel like walking to the hospital she purred oh crap was

all I could think to say I grabbed my keys quickly told my boss the news and rushed out to my car although I lived 15 minutes away from work that day I made the drive in just 12 minutes I couldn't shake the feeling that Tracy was too calm for someone who was only six or 6 and a half months pregnant a premature birth isn't good for the baby's Health when I got home Tracy seemed surprisingly relaxed but I was more nervous than I'd ever been with our first two children 10 hours later I became the

father of another beautiful seemingly perfect daughter or so I thought I felt sick to my stomach and then some after the nurse took the baby to clean her up she started to hand her to me but instinctively I pulled back much to the nurse's surprise this baby was fullterm right doc I whispered barely audible he glanced at me then over at Tracy who was still being cleaned by another nurse they shared a look and then I noticed Tracy subtly shake her head I'm sorry Mr marsley but I can't discuss the baby's Health with you you're

not authorized on the Privacy list it's a hip double a regulation he replied I'm not proud of what I did next but I lost control to hell with hip double A I yelled causing him and every nurse in the delivery room to startle if that's my kid I have every right to know about their health and if she's not mine and you know it you can't legally list me on the birth certificate without my consent and let me tell you you definitely don't have it now get me a damn DNA test the room fell silent

as I stormed out shedding my delivery room gear as I left I caught a glimpse of both our parents in the room as I exited the hospital I hung around at the bar Downing shots number six and seven and munching on a burger by then everyone who mattered in my life had called except for the doctor with the DNA results I figured Tracy didn't want to drag things out because at that point it seemed pretty clear damn it I guess seven shots of Jack and a boatload of stress take precedence over finding out your wife

gave birth to someone else's kid because I slept like a rock that night my voicemail and inbox were jam-packed assuming everything went smoothly after I left I was supposed to bring Tracy and the baby home today I took a quick shower and headed back to the hospital feeling like I was being pummeled From the Inside Out Tracy was nursing the baby when I arrived at her room I walked in slumped into the chair by her bed and didn't say a word the baby was dozing so Tracy unhooked her and settled her into the bassinet next

to her bed I don't even know where to start Bobby Tracy whispered tears welling up in her eyes it wasn't planned I went there to support him to be a friend honestly but then he had some rough days and one time he was crying and things happened we ended up in bed like old times once it started it was hard to stop especially when you'd visit we go back to being together and it felt weird and guilty but I didn't know how to stop maybe I didn't want to we were together for 4 months the

last two non-stop since you weren't around but truthfully we were intimate when I wasn't on birth control too so it could have been you who got me pregnant but it wasn't she kept her Gaze on the baby as she confessed I absorbed it all until wait you were with Gary when Kayley was here I asked feeling dazed Tracy blushed deeply and I struggled to contain my anger she knew and didn't tell me I exclaimed frustration over whelming me please tell me you at least talked to her or promised her something this can't be real did

Jeffrey know or our parents is everyone aware that I've been betrayed I vented my voice raw Tracy's eyes widened tears trickling down her cheeks I trusted kayy to understand we didn't hide it from her yes I asked her to keep it secret that's on me Tracy admitted no Jeffrey doesn't know and he won't only you me and Kaylee know I want to keep it that way so we can can do right by Bobby Geraldine she might not be biologically yours but she's yours now we have to be there for her just like we are for

Kaylee and Jeffrey we're her parents plain and simple we're doing this for her and to our best friend best friend he couldn't have been my best friend if he slept with you you just don't do that to someone you call a friend he was dying Bobby we had been intimate before Tracy explained but not while you were married to me right or is there more you're not telling me I pressed or eyes flashed with anger no absolutely not Bobby Geraldine really is that supposed to make things better what's her last name Bobby Geraldine Martin remember

that's my last name too but Gary's listed as her father on the birth certificate only you and I need to know about that if you still don't want to be listed she clarified oh right I muttered why Bobby he was our friend he's gone I offered him comfort and love in his final days what's wrong with that you make it sound Noble but you were married you crossed a line you didn't consider our vows our trust or how it would affect me I countered yes it's your body and I don't control you but we promised

faithfulness before our families and God we should have talked about this first our vows weren't meaningless I won't raise a child another man fathered with my Unfaithful wife but she's Gary's child Tracy protested you'd raise her if Gary had died and she was alone maybe but I never agreed to raise his child with you I replied sadly you know I care about you Bobby I don't want to risk losing what we have because of this mistake I interjected no that's not what I was going to say she retorted okay maybe it wasn't the smartest choice

but I won't call it a mistake the mistake was not discussing at first and I take responsibility for that we didn't talk about it because you knew I wouldn't approve of you being with Gary let alone having his child I grumbled and if it weren't for you getting pregnant you might never have told me about the affair despite how it started you chose to keep doing it even in front of our daughter humiliation spelled out loud and clear b o BBY y thanks lot Kaye and Jeffrey both returned from college the following weekend to meet

their new sibling I was distant with my daughter when she arrived and she seemed guilty Kaylee and I cooked dinner together that night while she and Jeffrey CED over the baby for an hour she avoided making eye contact with me as we worked silently in the kitchen after dinner Jeffrey cleared the table and I pulled Kaye aside to talk privately on the back patio I confronted her you knew Mom was cheating on me and didn't say a word Kaye recoiled at my outburst her eyes welling with tears she hesitated before finally meeting my pained gaze

I thought what you and Mom were doing for Uncle Gary was admirable when Mom did what she did well I was shocked at first but then I saw it as courageous sad compassionate and loving almost like a Shakespearean tragedy I never imagined she'd get pregnant I thought he was too sick for that and I assumed she was on birth control a compassionate friend or a cheating witch I guess those are my options then I angrily said as she wept what about the disaster that's become of my marriage did you even think about your old man

obviously not the kids returned to college on Sunday afternoon after that it was just us three and the house felt eerily quiet Tracy tried multiple times over the next few days to involve me with the baby even if it was just holding her for a moment every time I declined much to her frustration you're acting like a child she yelled at me once when she asked me to hold the baby for a moment hey grow up and take responsibility Tracy rarely used strong language with me in all our years together I could tell she was

angry but I wasn't concerned I stared blankly at her and left the room without saying a word work became my refuge I could spend 40 hours a week away from home when I was there I often found myself alone I had a lot to sort out I knew I shouldn't blame the baby it wasn't her fault but at the same time she wasn't my responsibility she was Tracy's eventually I concluded that divorce was my only choice I couldn't tolerate Tracy's betrayal and disrespect and every time I looked at the baby all I could picture in

my mind was Tracy and Gary together I returned home to find Tracy sitting at the kitchen table tears streaming down her face with a cup of coffee and a large envelope spread out in front of her I guess I'll order pizza pepperoni and bread sticks all right I said Softly As I entered the room is that all you care about dinner she snapped her tone filled with bitterness don't you love me anymore I sighed heavily poured myself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table I don't love you nearly as much as I

did a few weeks ago I replied you don't seem to realize that you destroyed everything when you got involved with our best friends if I were you I'd find myself a lawyer and go inform Gary's parents that they have a granddaughter I'm sure they'll be ecstatic you know I don't want a divorce I still love you just calm down and think this through will you really be better off alone I doubt it please think about it honey that's all I've been doing this isn't just about me it's about you breaking our promises and tearing my

heart apart I explained but if you love me can't you find it in your heart to forgive we can move past this We Belong Together Bobby you know it I thought I did but this isn't something you can fix with a simple sorry 24 years down the drain my first call was to my son I told him about Tracy's actions and the baby being Gary's child he listened quietly then muttered a curse I informed him that I had filed for divorce I hope so dad that's terrible what was mom thinking he tried to comfort me

I could tell he was really upset with his mother I reassured him that despite what Tracy did to me she still loved him just as much he asked me what I planned to do about the baby absolutely nothing she's not my responsibility neither financially nor emotionally I'm sure things will be fine financially I replied just help take care of your sister half sister dad half sister I hadn't spoken to my parents until the day after Tracy was served my dad was furious with both of us Tracy for betraying me and me for allowing Tracy to

spend time alone with Gary you knew they had feelings for each other long ago I can't believe you'd be that oblivious even if you trusted her completely come on boy you know you can't trust any other guy when it comes to your woman I had to agree with him I should have put up more of a fight to keep Tracy away from Gary that part at least was my fault Mom saw things differently from Dad she thought I was wrong for leaving Tracy and not trying to reconcile everyone makes mistakes she said softly while Dad

sat there looking angry mom a mistake would have been if she had slept with him once sleeping with him for 4 months was a choice hardly a mistake and doing it without protection unbelievable I argued still Bobby deep down you know you still love her and she's going to need help raising the baby that's your responsibility Robert by the way I still consider that baby my third grandchild mom added the way mom used my full name and her tone told me she was siding with Tracy dad glanced at the ceiling then back at me he

knew he'd be in trouble with her later I didn't call Kaye I figured she was probably Tracy's first call after being served my assumption was confirmed when Kaylee angrily called me later that day Uncle Gary's dead dad forget about the affair she can't change it now move forward you and Mom still love each other and now there's a baby involved step up for Mom and Bobby G she urged Sage advice from someone who didn't feel the need to tell her own father that her mother was cheating somehow I don't feel the need to consider your

opinion anymore I replied I later heard that Gary's parents were shocked and thrilled to learn they had a granddaughter they were upset Tracy had planned to keep it a secret but they understood her reasons a day later they called me urging me to stay with Tracy and raise Gary's daughter they believed I was the best person for the job given our close Bond over the years thanks for the confidence but I'm not that guy I'm Too Furious with Gary and Tracy to think straight I confessed I could almost feel Gary's parents recoil over the phone

but I couldn't bring myself to feel too guilty I was just being honest then came the calls from my in-laws pleading for me to stay with Tracy they acknowledged her actions were terrible and foolish but believed she still loved me and wanted to raise her child with me I appreciated their concern but doubted I could Overlook what had happened Tracy fought the divorce and her lawyer arranged 12 joint counseling sessions I had to go but I wasn't about to be a pushover during them when I entered Dr Joselyn mcadam's office she seemed proper and professional

she looked about 10 years older than Tracy and me dressed in a gray Blazer and businesslike skirt Tracy was already seated to my right Dr McAdam asked Tracy to speak first and as she did I drifted off into my own thoughts I assumed I'd have my chance to speak next but I was wrong Mr Martin it appears that you hold the key to your marriage's fate by setting aside your pride and working things out with Tracy you can keep your family intact wow that was unexpected coming from a supposed professional it felt like everyone was

telling me to suck it up up and move on had I entered some alternate reality wait a second doc I began but she cut me off Dr McAdam please let's keep this professional I don't want either of you to see me as a personal friend or Ally is that your stance Dr McAdam is that what matters most to you it seems like you've already taken a side without hearing my side of the story I stood up turned and walked out on the way home I called my lawyer insisting on a neutral counselor for future sessions

the next counselor at least H me out after hearing Tracy's side but I still felt like I was fighting an uphill battle you've admitted you still care for your wife Mr Martin she loves you and now there's a baby involved what would it take to reconcile Dr Lauren Avent asked firstly we've never really been a family that's not my child I won't raise someone else's baby I replied so this is about your pride then Dr Avan said with a smug look I can't seem to win with you folks can I I said frustration evident in

my voice why is this all about me let me paint a picture with words I wasn't the one who betrayed my spouse or had another man's child you should be asking Tracy why she made those choices and what she plans to do about them I said pointedly I glanced at Tracy and noticed her frown the counselor tried to keep a neutral expression but I didn't see that coming like the old Monty Python joke about the unexpected Spanish Inquisition Mr Martin if you divorce your wife and later marry a woman with children wouldn't you essentially be

raising another man's child Dr aan queried well he got me there doc but in Tracy's case the child was conceived while we were married which I think is a big difference don't you she nodded slightly but she wasn't done but since the man in question died before the child was born aren't we just splitting hairs aren't you being petty about it now Dr Avan countered petty petty is when you know you messed up but choose to hide it she didn't confess until I confronted her I retorted she seemed about to continue but I had enough

doc this is absurd yes I still love her you can't just switch that off but how can she claim to love me when she cheated got pregnant and tried to pass off the baby as mine if she truly loved me she wouldn't have done that it wasn't a one-time thing they had multiple encounters now she's telling everyone it was out of compassion he was a close friend and he was dying if it was so compassionate why didn't she discuss it with me her husband because she knew I would say no and she knew it I

understand it's her body but once we made vows she gave up the right to give her body to another man without talking to me just as I should do if I wanted to be with another woman once we committed to each other we weren't operating in isolation simple as that doc I concluded the counselor sat there appearing like a come patient with her eyes open tapping her pen on her pad is there enough love left for you to try being a husband and father Dr Avent asked you still love your wife and the baby's biological

father is gone let's not make her a victim St step up that's a good one doc attacking my manhood huh my wife and our best friend tore my heart out if he were alive I'd punch him my love for her is fading fast as for the baby it's unfortunate but not my responsibility translation there's no saving this marriage at the next counseling session I stayed silent except for greetings and farewells Tracy begged and cried I can see you won't reconsider Mr Martin I'll inform the judge Dr aan concluded thanks Doc the divorce was finalized 6

months later just before Christmas in our no fa divorce State we split everything evenly Tracy paid me for my share of the house which was Fair since she had a child to raise Gary's inheritance helped with the house and I provided alimony since I earned more though my son supported me I knew he wanted to spend Christmas with the family including his mother sister and baby half-sister I agreed planning to celebrate New Year's together 2 days before Christmas I visited my old house to drop off gifts for everyone including my ex-wife and her baby it

wasn't much but I didn't want to seem Petty in front of my kids Tracy was surprised to see me holding Bobby Geraldine when she answered the door she hesitantly let me in surprised by the gifts walking into the living room I noticed the familiar Christmas decorations but I hadn't set them up this time Tracy saw the emotion on my face as I looked around and fought back tears want some eggnog Bobby then I'll put the presents under the tree could you hold the baby for a bit I wanted to refuse but I couldn't bring myself

to do it reluctantly I took the baby her baby with Gary I fought back the feeling rising in my stomach as she went to get the eggnog I held the child at arms length for about 30 seconds then cradled her in my arm like I used to do with my own kids long ago and sat down Tracy returned with two glasses of eggnog and sat in the other chair smiling as she saw the baby in my armou were always great with the kids Bobby not every man has your touch with babies she said Softly I

smiled awkwardly the baby was beautiful mostly like her mother but I couldn't shake the discomfort given the circumstances can you forgive if you can't forget I doubted it though many in my family disagreed after some small talk Tracy took the presents and began arranging them under the tree she paused at the first one with Bobby geraldine's name you didn't have to include her Bobby Tracy said a tears slipping down her face Christmas is for everyone babe I couldn't leave her out I glanced at the baby in my arms in different circumstances she could have been

mine I felt a lump in my throat I couldn't blame the child even though I despise what her mother did it wasn't by chance that Tracy handed me the baby to hold Tracy got emotional when she spotted the first present with her name on it oh Bobby really you shouldn't have I wasn't expecting anything I I didn't get you anything I'm sorry don't worry about it Tracy I just want you guys to have a great Christmas you know you could come over in person you'd be more than welcome we'd have plenty of food I know

the kids would love it too she said not this time Trace maybe another year it's too soon too raw for me Tracy lowered her gaze I wasn't trying to be mean I was being honest my wounds were still fresh on Christmas Eve I found myself at Barnes & Noble in the late afternoon I was engrossed in a new Clive Cussler book I'd bought for myself sipping on a peppermint mocha latte from the Starbucks inside there were a couple of other folks reading in Starbucks too like me We were practically kicked out when they uh closed

I went home to a quiet house but I was prepared I'd picked up some chicken salad and made some toast Ruffles chips and Don Julio Tequila rounded out my meal I sure know how to treat myself I woke up a bit hung over on Christmas morning after four aspirin a couple of Pop-Tarts and three cups of coffee I was ready the only hitch I didn't have any big plans I ended up at my parents place where we enjoyed mom's baked ham dinner and exchanged a few gifts my kids had left presents for me there once

they knew I'd be around for the holiday we sipped on hot chocolate with peppermint schnaps after dinner memories of past Christmases flooded my mind I admitted to myself that I still had some feelings for Tracy and I wondered if I'd made the right decision it seemed like everyone was reflecting on their past including me we hope you're okay with it Bobby but Dad and I see Bobby Geraldine as our grandkid and we got her Christmas presents mom broke the silence Gary's gone Bobby the baby won't know him shek accept any good man as her dad

we don't agree with what Tracy did but we kind of get it and we still love her you could step up Bobby you should everybody wants that and I think you do too you just don't know how to admit it you worry people will think less of you for taking her back and raising the baby mom teared up when she finished dad shot daggers at me was I the only one missing something maybe but I couldn't live with myself if I did that she cheated for months tried to trick me and had another guy's baby

her excuse about Gary being compassion it it fell flat to me a year later not much had changed work home alone no dating fewer friends I never had many friends anyway Tracy had lots and as a couple we did too but they mostly vanished after the divorce I wasn't shocked her friends left but I was surprised our mutual ones did too until one former friend spilled the beans Tracy was telling everyone I ditched her after the baby without mentioning it wasn't mine I was at a local bar solo when Carl and Susie dimi walked in

and sat down they were part of our friend Circle but their reception when I greeted them was icy Susie sneered and Carl was barely polite I hadn't done anything to upset them so I was pissed at the frosty welcome and wasn't about to let it slide what the heck did I do to you guys I snapped not to us but to Tracy Susie spat how could you abandon the sweetest woman alive just cuz she had a baby laid in life you're awful you know is that what this is about I asked stunned hear me out

before you judge they gestured for me to take a seat but I was too agitated so I remained standing in front of their table I leaned in close to avoid shouting let me guess nobody told you that the child you're talking about isn't mine right she got pregnant by her ex who passed away from cancer shortly after she tried to trick me into thinking it was mine 24 years of marriage and this is the Loyalty I get no I didn't leave her she left me screw her screw both of you and screw whatever else you

believe I left my stunned ex-friends at the table my second Christmas as a divorced man kicked off just like the first one this year's Christmas Eve losers Club at Barnes & Noble consisted of four people me another guy and two women I glanced over at them one had curly red hair freckles and a friendly face while the other she was stunning Asian with long black hair curves peeking through her sweatshirt and tight jeans her skin was Flawless and I figured she was around 50 or so after observing her for a moment I thought why not

all she could do was say no I grabbed my book and Latte and approached her she looked up as I got closer I didn't see you here last Christmas Eve you're new to the Christmas Eve losers club I'm Bobby the club president what brings such a beautiful woman out on this special day she giggled at my lame joke which was the most Pleasant sound I'd heard in a while encouraged I continued I know it's a long shot but I actually have another hungry man dinner in my freezer that I could heat up tonight if you

don't already have plans I know we've just met but I tried my best best to give an innocent look hoping I still remembered how to do it well I don't usually do anything wild like this but since you're the club president and you're talking about hungry man yeah I'm in by the way I'm Angel Wong Bobby Martin Club president here to serve I shared my address with her and told her to come over at 6 then I headed home to get the dinner cooking both meals were heating up when she arrived exactly at 6 I

couldn't help but think we were both a bit crazy we sat down at the kitchen table to eat our dinners and share a bottle of burgundy I opened up about why I was at Barnes & Noble on Christmas Eve and she shared her story in return Angel who was 5 years older than me at 52 had been divorced for 10 years after leaving an abusive husband they were married for 16 years but his abuse began after a decade and escalated until he put her in the hospital with a broken jaw Angel was petite standing at

5' 1 in and weighing around 100 lbs while her ex was slightly taller and heavier at 5'2 in and 120 lbs Angel found it hard to leave him believing she was to blame it wasn't until a counselor helped her realize she wasn't at fault that she decided to divorce him after waking up in the hospital from another beating her husband was convicted of battery and served 2 years in jail before disappearing from her life entirely fortunately they didn't have any children Angel confessed that she hadn't dated much since her divorce and had no family in

the area Christmas was always a tough time for her she admitted holding back tears it might have been a bit crazy for me to agree to come here tonight but I just didn't want to be alone and who could say no to a Hungry Man dinner she admitted I was wallowing in self-pity at Barnes & Noble but talking with Angel made me realize I still had it better than many we settled on my couch sipping wine and watching a few Christmas movies we started with the Mr muo version of A Christmas Carol and I knew

Angel was something special when she fully agreed with my take that Mr meoo was the ultimate Scrooge after that we watched Grinch and by the halfway point of It's a Wonderful Life I noticed angel had drifted off she looked so peaceful that I grabbed a big quilt covered her with half and snuggled under the other at some point I must have dozed off too when I woke up we weren't sitting up side by side anymore somehow we were lying down with angel's head resting on my chest and half her body draped over mine I had

one arm wrapped around her tightly while my other hand found its way into a back pocket the TV was playing softly in the background as strange as it was it felt so right to hold Angel as she slept for another 20 minutes when she stirred and opened her eyes confusion flashed across her face I lifted my head as much as I could and gently kissed her nose she crinkled it up cutely and then flashed me the brightest smile I'd seen in years morning she asked hesitantly Merry Christmas I replied squeezing her tighter we lay there

both smiling for another 5 minutes before she spoke up again I've never done anything like this before I swear she protested her cheeks turning red but is it just me or do you feel it too I grinned from ear to ear hell yes I'm feeling it she inched closer until our lips met and we shared a passionate kiss it wasn't long before clothes started coming off she was even more amazing than I had imagined I thought to myself that this situation was pretty wild even though I had just met this woman everything felt so right

between us then when I glanced up I saw her looking at me and it seemed like she was thinking the same thing you know this might sound crazy I began but do you happen to have any plans for today because I've got all the fixings for a top-notch Christmas dinner and if I'm going to go through all this trouble well it wouldn't hurt to have a beautiful woman sitting across the table from me her smile widened warming my heart I need a shower and I didn't bring any spare clothes she said I smiled back my

shower is big enough for two and I'm sure I have a shirt or something that would fit you her eyes sparkled if you can handle seeing me without makeup I'm in she replied we headed to the kitchen and I poured us each a glass of reing as I started preparing the meal so you don't have any plans today no family gathering or anything she asked well I was invited to a big family Christmas dinner this year but I told them I had other plans I explained my ex is hosting everyone at our old house the

kids my parents her parents and Gary's parents it's a whole setup she'll make sure I hold her cute kid all the parents will be telling me to step up and she'll be there telling me she loves me and needs me that we can make it work again I said I had other plans but everyone knows I'm lying I told her i' try to stop by for a bit if I could they don't understand where I'm coming from I didn't cheat I shouldn't have to apologize because Tracy cheated and messed up we had something special until

we didn't but speaking of something special how about we focus on us we both smiled I walked over to Angel and we shared a deep kiss just then I heard a key in the door lock and the door swung open it was my son calling out as he entered Angel and I froze in the middle of our kiss dad he called out before spotting us oh oh wow he glanced at us kissing then shifted his gaze to Angel's fully exposed legs I'm pretty sure all three of us turned red Angel hurriedly lowered her legs and

stood behind me trying to appear modest in that sweater Jeffrey quickly turned away seemingly to respect Angel's modesty though I think he was just as embarrassed as she was mom knows I have a key to your place and she asked me to come here and drag you back to the house for Christmas dinner because she was sure you were sitting here by yourself being pathetic well I guess you weren't lying about your previous engagement and she's that's hardly pathetic I'm sorry if I interrupted something you're not interrupting anything other than my Christmas meal prep I

said a bit too hastily as Angel and I exchanged embarrassed looks Jeffrey can you turn around so I can properly introduce you to angel my angel Jeffrey reluctantly turned around and stepped into the kitchen it was pretty obvious that angel had nothing under the sweater but at least she was covered she glanced at me Shrugged and then embraced the situation Jeff being a typical guy couldn't resist he stole another glance at Angel then gave me a nod of approval nice to meet you angel and thanks for being here for my dad Jeffrey said it's my

pleasure Jeffrey your dad's pretty great Angel replied yeah seems like some folks in the family forgot that for a bit he remarked did everyone dig the gifts I dropped off I asked shifting gears how about Bobby G did she like her presence you've still got the magic touch dad everyone loved their goodies the baby adored her gifts you wouldn't believe how much stuff she scored under the tree especially with all the grandparents pitching in Jeffrey answered good good I said nodding in satisfaction then Jeffrey mentioned he had to head out after nodding at Angel he

got a big hug from me New Year's I suggested I swear angel will be more dressed oh yeah he replied turning red once Jeffrey left Angel shot me a look that wasn't too awkward was it she questioned and what's this about New Year's I don't get a said not this time I teased but where else would my future wife be on New Year's pretty confident huh she teased back I'll be even more confident when you pick out your ring tomorrow morning at siaro can I at least go home first and put on some clothes if

you insist I said pretending to be disappointed the following morning angel selected a one karat Maris cut diamond engagement ring afterward we grabbed lunch and I shared the news of our engagement with my son and then my parents while my son was genuinely happy for me my parents didn't seem as thrilled I think they still held on to the hope that I'd reconcile with Tracy and raise her child as my own isn't this all a bit sudden dear my mom questioned are you sure you're not doing this just to get back at Tracy you know

she still cares for you right Mom I'm not out for revenge and as for Tracy's feelings her actions speak louder than words don't they Tracy's priority is Tracy I didn't bother informing my daughter though we had patched things up to some extent she still sided with her mother seeing Tracy's actions as heroic and rooted in love I figured she'd eventually find out and try to convince me to take her mother back over Angel after spending more than 25 years with Tracy my buding relationship with Angel seemed inexplicable I couldn't rationalize our mutual attraction or how

seamlessly she fit into my life our conversations flowed effortlessly and it felt like we'd been together forever while I wasn't one to believe in love at first sight everything about us felt right Angel wasn't a spring chicken either and she appeared just as bewildered by our instant and profound connection as I was initially we analyzed things extensively but then we realized we were overthinking it and decided to let things unfold naturally and natural felt right within a month she moved in with me and for the next 6 months we were rarely apart despite Angel not

being Tracy my parents seemed to approve of her however my daughter Kaylee made her dislike for Angel evident presumably because she still hoped I'd reconcile with her mother we had a small wedding for ourselves 6 months later I invited both both children and my parents while Angel invited a cousin a friend and their families we booked a private room at one of my favorite restaurants for a cozy celebration it was a wonderful day except when Kaylee confronted me questioning why Tracy Bobby G and my former in-laws weren't invited I didn't invite your mother because she's

my ex-wife and it wouldn't be fair to Angel plus we're not on friendly terms ex-in-laws don't usually get wedding invites Angel and Tracy finally met 2 years later at kayle's wedding Tracy organized a beautiful event and I happily covered the expenses Angel being elegant and intelligent tactfully stayed out of the mother of the bride's way during the planning at the wedding besides financing it I proudly walked Kaylee down the aisle memories flooded in as I glanced at Tracy recalling moments with her and Kaylee like coloring and baking cookies it reminded me that our 24 years

together weren't all bad Angel sensed my emotions and comforted me during the church service her gentle kiss assured me that I could handle the day during the rehearsal dinner and wedd Angel interacted with Tracy only when necessary not out of fear but out of respect Tracy on the other hand seemed annoyed whenever she saw Angel later I learned she and the grandparents believed Angel was taking Tracy's place and that our marriage wouldn't last fast forward our supposed short-term marriage just hit 25 years Angel and I celebrated with a nice dinner and a quiet night together

it wasn't as wild as it might have been years ago but we enjoyed cuddling afterward falling asleep in each other's arms looking back I can't complain about life's journey I had a good first marriage for 24 years followed by a great second one that's lasted 25 years I have two married kids who've blessed me with three adorable grandkids Tracy never tied the knot again according to my kids not many guys were interested in a middle-aged woman with a young kid despite her good looks they speculated she had some flings or she'd be in jail by

now my kids keep in touch with Tracy and their half sibling the child got Heap of love from all three sets of grandparents until they passed away from old age my son the only one who stayed in contact regularly after my divorce said Tracy didn't date for the first 5 years probably thinking my marriage wouldn't last I'm sure Angel disappointed her