[Music] it seemed like any other day or so I thought I'd stuck to my routine for weeks trying to ignore the strange feeling that something was off Rachel had been distant for a while but I convinced myself it was just work stress we built a life together and I never thought anything could come between us but looking back the signs had been there small things that only made sense in hindsight I spent my days lost in thought driving from place to place doing errands going through the motions of daily life that day was no different
until a simple unexpected event at a stoplight threw everything into chaos I was already feeling a bit worn out but nothing could have prepared me for what was about to happen being in the wrong place at the wrong time never leads to anything good I couldn't control it though I was waiting at a red light when a car pulled up next to me the driver motioned for me to roll down my window you got a flat tire he said grateful for the warning I turned into the Walmart parking lot nearby to check sure enough a
screw had punctured the tire causing a slow but steady leak perfect now I had to figure out my next move I decided to head home and buy a jar of that slime when I returned I pulled the screw out big mistake air started hissing out I screwed it back in and filled up the tire at the gas station in the parking lot I was only 15 mi from home and kept checking it if the air got too low I'd use the Slime about 5 mi from home home I noticed in the side mirror that the
tire was getting low I pulled into a store but there was no air it was time to check the Slime I put it in and green slime oozed out I guess they call it slime for a reason but the air stopped hissing as I was about to get back in the car a pickup truck pulled up it was one of those massive ones with huge tires sitting so high you'd need a ladder to get in I recognized it the door opened and a tall guy with blonde hair cowboy boots and a giant belt buckle stepped
out out I chuckled to myself but it didn't last the passenger door opened and a beautiful woman with Raven hair got out I definitely knew her it was Rachel the woman I'd been married to for 18 years what the hell I parked off to the side and they didn't even notice my car it was a company car a small boxy import not too noticeable they walked into the store holding hands and she was laughing I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach I couldn't breathe or move all I could do was stand there like
an idiot now I remembered where I'd seen this guy before he worked at the same company as Rachel she was the office manager at a mental health clinic and he worked in customer service I'd seen his truck outside their building the question was what was Rachel doing with him I couldn't remember his name at first but then it hit me Jerry Garner the question now was why wasn't Rachel at work I was going to find out I went back to my car and waited when they came out of the the store carrying coffee cups he
helped her into the truck they sped off and I followed at a safe distance they pulled up to our house and he drove into the garage the door closed behind them and I couldn't see anything else I sat there for about 30 minutes but the tire kept nagging at me I checked it but if it was low I couldn't tell 2 hours later they left and as they passed me I held up a file folder to hide my face not that they would have noticed they were too wrapped up in each other Rachel didn't leave
work until 5 and now it was only 2:30 I had time first I had to go inside and see what I could find at 4: I needed to pick up Toby and I had no idea what I was going to tell her Toby was my 15-year-old daughter I couldn't imagine what I'd find inside but maybe I'd get some answers when I entered the house it was quiet the only sound was the drip of the faucet I still needed to fix in Toby's bathroom and the whisper of air from the vents I looked around but didn't
see anything unusual I checked upstairs the bed had sheets my heart sank I pressed my back against the wall and slid to the floor feeling numb there seemed to be only one explanation I sat there for about 30 minutes my mind spinning I couldn't make sense of my thoughts I felt like I'd been pilled my stomach growled and I got up to grab a Sprite I was feeling hot and sweaty so I went to the bathroom I fumbled for a washcloth soaked it in cold water and wiped my face after washing up I felt a
bit better that's when I noticed something the shower floor was wet they had showered before heading back to work I wandered back into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed in a days the same bed my wife and her lover had just used that thought jolted me up and I looked around in horror this felt like a crime scene I had no clue what to do well divorcing Rachel was a given but beyond that I had no idea where to start and I still had to pick up Toby from school what was
I supposed to tell her I stumbled out to the car feeling like I'd been drunk for 10 days my head throbbed and I probably looked terrible I wasn't in any shape to drive but I couldn't leave Toby waiting suddenly I realized she was the only person I could truly rely on my baby was going to be all right I had to make sure of that as I pulled into the line of cars I saw her standing by the school door she walked down the sidewalk to the car looking so beautiful it made my heartache Toby
had her mother's dark hair and skin almost Mediterranean and the most striking eyes I'd ever seen they looked dark brown like her bombs but with streaks of gold and green the doctor called them Hazel but I'd never seen anything quite like them she was tall like me with long Honey brown legs and undeniable Beauty she tossed her backpack in the back seat and leaned in to kiss me but froze Mido motion Daddy what's wrong she asked are you sick did something happen is Mommy okay what's going on Daddy her voice was Rising with worry and
I could hear the fear creeping in I had to say something I'm fine kitten I said no one's hurt or sick but I need to talk to you Toby let's go to the park I just need to hold you and talk for a minute okay no more questions until we get there all right okay Daddy but you're scaring me she said I know kitten but it's going to be okay I told her hoping it wasn't a lie it only took 5 minutes to get to the park I had pushed her on those swings a thousand
times Rachel and I used to sit on the benches and watch her play those were happy days was my life going to be nothing but memories of better times we walked to a bench and she took my hand swinging her arms just like she used to as a little girl we sat down and I struggled to find the right words just tell me daddy she said I can handle it well I'm not sure I can I replied I told her everything what I had seen what I had felt and the tears streamed down my face
she held my hand the entire time and when I was finished she clung to me that doesn't sound good daddy she said we need to go home home and talk to Mom about it it all depends on what she tells us I know it looks bad but we don't have the full story we have to ask her I kissed the top of her head filled with pride my baby girl was braver than I was she tugged my hand and I stood up do you want to go I asked her her eyes sparkled she had just
gotten her driver's license a flicker of Doubt crossed her face but disappeared quickly she drove us home carefully and sure enough Rachel's car was in the garage Rachel greeted us at the door with hugs and kisses like everything was normal either she was an award-winning actress or I had misunderstood everything how about take out tonight she asked my treat I think we need to talk to you for a minute mom Toby said okay everything all right baby Rachel asked I don't know Toby replied letun find out we went inside and I sat next to Toby
on the couch Rachel stayed in the ugly chair she insisted on buying what's wrong she asked there wasn't a hint of concern on her face how was your day I asked she gave me a puzzled look the usual she said one of the company reps brought lunch from the onion basket it was busy and I barely had a minute to myself why are you asking so you've been at the office all day Toby asked of course Rachel said what's with the questions what's going on so you weren't here at the house this afternoon with Jerry
Garner I asked her face turned pale no of course not she said are you accusing me of something Oliver I saw you I said what you didn't see anything she stammered what are you trying to do heun's lying Toby I was at work all day you can ask Angel no I don't think he's lying mom Toby said I think you're lying I'm not asking Angel she'll lie for you I think I'll call David Jones your boss he won't lie for you what's his number he's gone tonight night Rachel said I'll have him call you tomorrow
what are you two doing trying to trick me you think you can just come in here and trip me up what are you accusing me of she was trying to go on the offensive I think you've been lying to yourself I told her you lied Rachel all three of us know it why did you do it I could see her mind racing trying to figure out what to say next finally she spoke all right yes I was here that's why I didn't want to tell you I knew you'd Grill me and accuse me of something
no one accused you Toby responded but I am now you tried to make it seem like Dad was lying you twisted everything to cover your own lies what are you lying about Mom are you having an affair with that idiot you don't even know him Rachel snapped why call him an idiot I've met him twice Toby said the way he looks at me makes me want to shower but that's not the point are you having an affair with him Rachel's eyes darted around like she was cornered after a moment she broke down I didn't want
it to turn out like this she said her voice shaky I wasn't ready ready for what Toby pressed I fell in love with Jerry she confessed glancing at me I'm sorry Oliver it just happened we worked closely and he just I don't know he feels like the other half of me we connected and I couldn't stop it we're in love I was going to tell you when the time was right once we both get divorced we'll get married I'm sorry I I didn't want you to find out this way Toby it'll be okay you can
see your dad whenever you want Jerry has a nice house on the lake he even has a daughter he really likes you Toby he'll be so happy are you insane Toby shouted I'm not living with that idiot he'll probably sneak into my room at night I'll live with Dad I won't see you anymore how could you do this she spun around and stormed upstairs slamming the door I heard the lock click Rachel looked at me her face pale and trembling she'll get over it she said quietly Jerry's a really nice guy Oliver I think you'll
like him I'm sorry but I need to be happy Jerry makes me happy that's all there is to it I just stared at her trying to process the person she had become it felt like she had turned into someone else entirely I wasn't going to argue it was obvious she was lost to me whatever you say Rachel I said flatly when are you moving out moving out she asked confused I don't have anywhere to go she said Jerry's still married we need to tell his wife first and we both have to get divorced before we
figure out what's next no you're moving out I told her coldly I'll give you 3 days her mouth dropped open what are you talking about you can't just kick me out of my own house if anyone's leaving it's you you're forgetting something I said this is my house I owned it before I even met you it was paid off before we got married it's not marital property my name is on the deed yours isn't you're moving out where am I supposed to go she asked her voice shaky you're just going to throw me out on
the street I don't care where you go I said maybe you can find a room at the cheating hooker Motel one of those places that rents by the hour that's where you and people like you belong her eyes filled with tears that hurts Oliver she said softly you don't have to call me names I didn't plan to fall in love with Jerry it just happened we clicked and I realized I had to be with him I never meant to hurt you oh so you just accidentally hurt me I said sarcastically like tripping and accidentally poking
your eye out my mom used to warn me about that now I get it it was an accident right well that makes it all better you don't have to be sarcastic she said why can't you just accept that Jerry and I love each other I don't know Rachel I replied maybe because this morning you told me you loved me now you're telling you love him I'm a little confused I love you Oliver she said almost pleading I'll always love you I'm just in love with Jerry oh well that clears it up I said shaking my
head you've been telling me you were in love with me every day for 18 years I thought that's why we got married I guess I was mistaken oh no we were in love she insisted reaching for my hand I pulled away you've got 3 days Rachel I said if you're not out by then I'll I'll have the sheriff remove you and toss your stuff on the lawn please Oliver she begged her voice trembling it doesn't have to end like this we can still be friends Jerry wants to be your friend too we have Toby to
think about I told you I love you I don't want to lose you as a friend we've been together too long for you to just throw it all away I stared at her all the sadness all the grief I'd been feeling was suddenly replaced by Burning Anger you're delusional Rachel I said my voice low and cold friends with you with that dirt bag no tell him if he ever sees me he'd better run as for you you're the enemy now I'll destroy everything you have you've got 3 days after that I never want to see
you again I turned and went into the bedroom leaving her standing there speechless that was it for me she followed me around still going on about staying friends while I moved her stuff into the spare bedroom she had more clothes in the closet than I could carry so I just tossed them onto the bed grabbed a pile and took them to the spare room hanging them in the closet she stood there for a while talking and watching me when she went to hang up her clothes I took the chance to slip out and lock the
bedroom door I heard her walking down the hall but when she tried the knob she gave up and walked away a few minutes later Toby texted are you okay dades kitten I replied how about you no but I will be she answered okay love you love you too drive me to school in the morning I don't want to ride with her CC I crawled into bed and lay awake for hours trying to figure out my next steps I must have fallen asleep around 3:00 but the phone alarm soon went off I got up took a
shower and called my boss I told him I was getting a divorce and needed a few days off he told me to take as much time as I needed and offered his condolences I went downstairs brewed some coffee and had a couple of cups I made breakfast for Toby and me she came down on time looking as beautiful as ever and eagerly ate breakfast after a while Rachel came in poured herself some coffee and tried to talk to us but we both ignored her it was time to take Toby to school and Rachel asked if
she was ready Toby just looked at her then turned to me and asked are you ready Daddy I jingled my keys and she grabbed her backpack fine Rachel said her voice full of frustration act like toddlers if that makes you feel better she stormed off grabbed her purse threw us another glance and left I dropped Toby off at school and she kissed me on the way out I sat in the car for a moment watching her walk into the building I thought about my friend Dan who had recently gone through a divorce I decided to
call him and ask about his lawyer Dan didn't recommend his own lawyer instead he suggested I use his wife's lawyer and gave me the name I looked up the number and when I called a woman answered and put me on hold after explaining my situation she agreed to meet with me that afternoon so I started taking steps we had an investment but there wasn't much I could do about it right away however I wasn't going to let her rack up huge credit card bills so I called and lowered the limits on our cards to $500
of course this impacted me too but I wasn't about to finance her Affair the meeting with Elizabeth Baxter didn't get off to a great start she had some assumptions I had to clear up before we could even begin she assumed I was leaving Rachel for someone else you've got it wrong I told her Rachel is having an affair with a cooworker he's married and they're both planning to divorce and marry each other I'm sorry she said I don't represent people who leave for someone else I can't live with myself if I do I get it
I replied we have a daughter I want to minimize the damage do you think I could get custody of her it's possible she said in theory custody can go to either parent but in practice it's harder for fathers especially with daughters how old is she and does she want to stay with you she's 15 and yes she wants to stay with me I answered that's a big plus she said in this state children over 14 can choose which parent to live with and their wishes are heavily considered if she were younger your chances would be
slim but since she's 15 and wants to stay with you that will work in your favor for the custody agreement just do your best I told her as I drove home I kept wondering what my next step should be I knew I had to do something but it had to be legal getting arrested would mean losing Toby and that was not at option I needed a plan burning down houses well you have to make sure it's not your own this was going to take careful thought I suspected Jerry's wife was as clueless as I had
been so the first step would be letting her know I needed to make a list first I'd inform Rachel's parents they loved me and adored Toby so they should hear the truth first but how would I go about that letting our friends know was also a priority I figured I could stir up quite a storm on social media that was the first thing on my list she had a Facebook account for our family so I played around with it used messenger and pieced things together I searched online and found that Jerry's wife had done the
same digging I took screenshots of a few pictures and posted on Rachel's page announcing that we were getting divorced and that she had found her soulmate in Jerry even including his picture I changed my password and logged out it felt satisfying I wondered how long it would take before her friends and family bombarded her phone and Facebook page I hoped Jerry's wife would understand what was happening I didn't know her and I felt bad for the chaos this would bring into her life but if she was like me she deserved to know the truth I
called my mom and the conversation went about as poorly as I expected after the initial shock she just said she'd tell Dad and that they were there for me if I needed anything I figured I'd let Rachel break the news to her parents herself we were close and I didn't want to be the reason for any estrangement besides I wasn't sure how to tell them anyway somehow your daughter is a che cheating strumpet didn't feel like the right message they'd probably shoot the messenger it didn't take long for everything to unravel around 2 in the
afternoon Rachel's name popped up on my phone I answered and she was livid you a hole her rage gave me a bit of satisfaction you just couldn't leave it alone could you I know you blocked me on Facebook take that crap down Jerry's wife doesn't know yet my friends are blowing up my phone asking what's going on my parents know I'm telling you Oliver clean this up no Rachel you don't get to boss me around I replied what are you 5 years old take it down Oliver I'm serious you should be happy I said now
everyone knows about you and your soulmate Are you ashamed people know you're a cheating strumpet I don't she began but then stopped realizing how absurd her denial would sound Oliver please take it down it wasn't supposed to go like this you gave up control when you cheated Rachel you lost any right to my respect or courtesy I told you you're the enemy now de with it I hung up when the phone buzzed again I ignored it it was time to pick up Toby when I told her about my conversation with Elizabeth Baxter she was happy
to hear she'd likely stay with me but overall she wasn't pleased what's wrong with Mom Dad she asked you know I love her but she's always been a bit immature I've always felt like I had two kids her and you didn't you ever notice that not really but now that you mention it yeah she's impulsive but I never thought she'd do something like this well we'll figure it out she said dad I don't ever want to be in the same house with that guy unless you're there I don't care what you have to do just
make sure it doesn't happen okay I promise I said we picked up pizza on the way home and I was enjoying my second slice when my phone buzzed it was Bob Rachel's dad I wasn't expecting the call I told Toby and she said to put it on speaker Bob got straight to the point Oliver I don't know what's going on but Rachel came over last night asking to stay with us care to explain why Bob asked did you ask her I replied she said you kicked her out Bob answered well yeah but I began did
she tell you why Bob interrupted no she said she'd explain later but wasn't ready yet Bob said don't you want to wait for her explanation I asked can't you just tell me Bob pressed she's been having an affair with Jerry Garner a guy from her work they're both planning to divorce and get married I explained what that's insane Oliver how do you know that Bob asked shocked I caught them together yesterday I said and she admitted it are you sure you didn't misunderstand Bob questioned Toby suddenly chimed in hey Grandpa I'm on speaker there's no
misunderstanding I was there when she told Dad I'm so sorry grandpa I love you her voice broke as she started crying Bob's voice cracked when he responded don't cry sweetheart please be strong we love you and Grandma does too I'll try to talk some sense into your mom Oliver are you still there yeah I'm really sorry Bob but don't worry about Toby you'll always be her grandparents that won't change I know you love Rachel and you'll do what you need to do I have a lot of respect for you I just hope you don't end
up hating me when this is all over I said trying to reassure him that's never going to happen Bob said firmly I'll figure out what's going on call me if you need anything it went better than I'd feared life happens and you just do your best I won't go into detail about the divorce process most people know how it goes it was long painful and never got easier Rachel was delusional thinking she'd get custody of Toby that didn't happen Miss Baxter was as good as her reputation I got full custody because Toby wanted to live
with me after a private meeting with Toby the judge ruled that Rachel would get unlimited visitation but Toby wouldn't be left alone with her and Jerry Garner in any case it didn't matter any anymore his wife divorced him but it seemed the whole soulmate thing was more of an exaggeration at least on his part just 2 weeks after I discovered the affair Jerry was already looking for his next Conquest all their grand plans disappeared like fog on a sunny day the divorce took 7 months to finalize surprisingly Rachel changed her mind during the second court
hearing she asked the judge to schedule counseling neither Miss Baxter nor I had anything to say and the judge ordered it we were assigned 8 to 10 sessions our counselors were an odd pair of old hippies in the first session they asked us to State our goals Rachel's goals were long and complicated she seemed to believe I should understand that her happiness was the universe's main purpose and that she desired only good things my goal was much simpler what's your purpose for these sessions Mr barryman the counselor asked my goal is to finish them I
said the counselor frowned Mr barryman do you really not want to address the issues that led your marriage to this point point I'm sorry Mr Rodman but it wasn't my issues that caused this I have no interest in working on them I'm perfectly fine with my problems and plan to die with them Rachel and Mr Rodman were both horrified Rachel spoke up quickly Oliver how do you expect things to get back to normal if you won't even talk about it I don't want to I said let me make this clear to both of you I'm
not here to fix anything or work on any problems I'm here because the court ordered it I'll do what I need to do then we'll go back to court and finalize the divorce that's my plan do you realize if I report to the judge that you're refusing to cooperate you could be held in contempt of court Mr Rodman said I don't know about that I replied you mean if you lie to the judge these sessions are recorded I'm sure my lawyer would love to subpoena you for perjury I'm here I'm doing what you ask you
asked for my goals and I gave them I'm cooperating he blushed the judge likely expected you to work through your issues I'm not responsible for the judge's expectations I said only for my own he tried to make it difficult by assigning tasks that required me to spend more time with Rachel and she worked hard to wear me down Oliver what would it take for you to give up the divorce and work things out she asked an act of God I said she waited for an explanation but I said nothing what do you mean by an
act of God she finally asked well if you can turn back time and avoid getting involved with Jerry that would work otherwise only God has that kind of power do you have some Divine Powers I don't know about Rachel besides your ability to attract other men we continued with the boring exercises in mantras and finally it was over back in court the judge asked if we had made any progress your honor there is no chance my client will remain married to his wife Elizabeth Baxter said we'd like to finalize the divorce as soon as possible
this process has gone on long enough the judge must have agreed because the final order arrived in the mail 10 days later Toby saw her mother often since she spent a lot of time with her grandparents occasionally Rachel would plan something for the two of them but their relationship was never the same Toby spent most of her time with her friends especially a petite blonde named Sabrina who was practically part of our family Sabrina was as sweet as she was cute and I enjoyed having her around they even started including me in their activities one
of their favorite activities was water skiing we had a boat and one summer vacation started we'd go to a nearby lake on Saturdays one Monday they asked if we could spend the whole weekend at the lake take the RV and stay until Sunday evening since my schedule was free I agreed the girls spent the week planning and by Thursday we packed everything they wanted on Friday afternoon a new red Jeep Cherokee pulled into the driveway and Sabrina jumped out an almost identical woman stepped out from the driver's side and Toby rushed to hug her Sabrina
and Toby led the nervous looking woman over to me dad Toby said said this is Julie she's Sabrina's mom I know you haven't met her yet Julie extended her hand hi Oliver the girls have told me so much about you thanks for inviting me along this weekend honestly I was getting a little jealous that they were spending so much time with you and not me she smiled playfully and I instantly understood why Sabrina was such a Charming little minks I glanced at Toby and she gave me a fierce look my knees felt weak and I
knew when to surrender the trembling got worse when I looked at Sabrina who raised an eyebrow at me this is going to be great I said to Julie pulling myself together we always have a good time Julie wasn't oblivious she shifted her gaze from me to the girls then back to me oh my God she said realizing what was happening you didn't know did you the girls before she could say anything else she was engulfed in hugs kisses and pleas from Toby and Sabrina please Mom don't worry about it we're going to have so much
fun Sabrina said it's okay Julie Daddy's going to love you as much as I do and he's a great guy Toby added with a mischievous grin Julie disentangled herself from the girls and gave me an apologetic look you two go sit on the porch I need to talk to Oliver she said her tone firm but kind the girls giggled as they obeyed heading to the porch I'm so sorry Oliver Julie said her face flushing red I had no idea they were trying to set us up I'll take Sabrina home she'll be grounded for a month
this is so embarrassing she looked so small and mortified that I stepped forward and hugged her she tensed at first but then relaxed into the Embrace yeah it's embarrassing I admitted but they're just kids we both know they're trying to look out for us let me guess you're single she laughed softly and looked up at me with her big brown eyes yes I am well that's the point right you're packed you've got the weekend free and the lake will be amazing I'm not a bad guy as you've probably heard from Toby let's just go along
with the girls little plan it'll be fun and we can mess with them a bit too what do you say she hesitated for a second glanced at the girls eager faces then smiled okay let's go I gave the girls a thumbs up and they cheered running toward us I stopped them before they got too excited grabbing each by the arm girls that wasn't very nice I said trying to keep a straight face Sabrina growled in her best Skeletor voice I am not cute we all burst out laughing and the tension broke they were too sweet
to stay mad at we know what you're up to I said stop it seriously you can't just mess with people's lives like that yeah but I love jewels and I didn't know how to introduce you to her Toby said pouting well you could have just told me I said she looked a little sad so I softened it's okay kitten just don't do it again all right she brightened up immediately and Sabrina tugged on my hand let's go I can't wait it's going to be disgusting Oliver you'll see Julie laughed a sound that lightened the mood
sounds like it's going to be awesome olly she teased but sab's right we're burning daylight we loaded the bags into the Jeep and set off after securing the boat and picking up propane we hit the road it was only about a half hour drive to the lake Julie sat up front with me while the girls sat in the back playing awful music through their Bluetooth speakers as we drove Julie and I got to know each other better it turned out she owned an insurance company and worked as a financial planner I couldn't help but glance
at her now and then she was cute petite with light blonde hair that cascaded down to her waist she looked younger than me though she was only 3 years younger her large brown eyes high cheekbones and heart-shaped face made her look even more youthful she was Slender dressed in jeans and a button-up top with a tan that hinted at Outdoor Adventures I wondered if Sabrina would look like her mom when she grew up when we arrived at the lake I set up the boat while the girls changed into their swimsuits Julie came out last and
I nearly dropped what I was holding she was stunning slender but curvy in all the right places with the same confident energy as her daughter but with a maturity that made her even more attractive she caught me staring and gave me a playful wink done she asked sparing me the awkwardness with a smile for now I replied laughing you know what you look like Julie I'm only human we spent the next few hours water skiing Julie turned out to be incredible at it even steering the boat like a pro while I took my turn skiing
I wasn't as good as her or the girls but I held my own after skiing we headed back to Camp where the girls wanted to cook outside we built a fire grilled hot dogs fried potatoes and onions and opened a can of pork and beans camp food always tasted better and the evening was perfect we sat around the picnic table talking as if we'd known each other for years Julie now jewels as the girls called her fit right in she started calling me Olly and the girls kept dropping hints that jws was single finally I
asked so why hasn't some guy snatched you up yet Jules you're gorgeous funny smart and you've got your own business for a moment she was quiet then she took a deep breath well the main reason is Sabrina she said I was young and foolish oie I was in college and thought I'd found the love of my life a week before graduation I found out I was pregnant I wasn't too upset because we had talked about getting married but 3 days after I told Brad I learned he'd been cheating on me I dumped him and never
looked back when Sab was born I didn't have time for a social life by the time I could think about dating again I realized I had this amazing gift and I couldn't do anything without considering her I get it I said I feel the same way about Toby she's everything to me especially over the past 18 months she's kept me grounded Julie placed her hand on mine I know she said Softly She tells Sab and me everything I'm really sorry olly yeah I sighed life can be tough sometimes we both sat in comfortable silence looking
up to see two pairs of approving eyes watching us from Under The Canopy Toby and Sabrina were whispering and giggling clearly pleased with themselves I love your daughter I told Julie she feels like part of my family with how much time she spends here she loves you too Julie said her voice catching she told me the other day that you're like the father she never had her big brown eyes grew teary and A Tear slid down her cheek I gently wiped it away with my finger shek a great girl I said and her mom is
an incredible woman for raising her so well especially on her own Julie smiled then stood up and kissed me on the cheek before heading back to the girls we had a wonderful weekend and when it was time for them to leave I walked Julie to her car just before she got in I tapped on her window Jules would you be interested in going out with me next Friday I asked feeling a bit nervous Sabrina squealed from inside the car and Julie smiled brightly what time she asked 6 I suggested we'll have dinner and find something
fun to do sounds great she said leaning in to kiss my cheek before driving off when I got home Toby was waiting for me did you ask her out did you kiss her she asked grinning I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a playful Pat that's for me to know and none of your business she squealed and I heard Sabrina's Echo from the car I knew it she's perfect for you Daddy I love her so much and sabs is like a sister to me I Shrugged what happens happens Toby you can't force it
stop trying to be a Matchmaker she snuggled up against me I know Daddy but if I didn't do something you'd never make a move not that I didn't like being the only girl in your life I laughed you'll always have a special place in my heart that no one can take you're my baby and that'll never change she purred contentedly snuggled against me for a moment and then went off to handle her own business our first date went well I invited her to play racketball she was new to it but she had played tennis before
so the mechanics were similar when she got the hang of the rules and hitting the ball off the walls she did great it didn't hurt that she was a natural athlete fast and quick to change direction which her petite size helped with after our game we sat down near the court relaxed and had a drink Julie grabbed her phone let take a picture for the kids she she said we posed with our rackets and goggles snapped the photo and sent it to them they responded immediately and it became a nice memory afterward we both showered
and I took her out to dinner we found a great Italian place and stuffed ourselves sitting in the booth finishing our wine Jewels leaned into me and it felt natural to put my arm around her she nestled closer smiling and I realized how sweet she truly was a quality that wouldn't Fade with time when we pulled up to her house she leaned toward me expectantly I realized she wanted me to kiss her so I did I wanted it as much as she did maybe more the kiss was long and wonderful her lips were soft and
sweet tasting of wine and Cherry chapstick as we pulled apart I noticed the drapes moving I think we've got an audience I said she giggled sounding just like her daughter or maybe her daughter was like her I'm not surprised you know they're trying to set us up right is that okay with you I asked she blushed yes I like everything I've learned about you olly same here I said we'd better go inside before they tear the curtains down we met every Friday for 4 months getting closer and closer and I wanted our relationship to grow
I didn't want to pressure her but some of our dates were getting pretty heated toward the end at the same time I found that I enjoyed her friendship almost as much as I liked having her as my girlfriend we were constantly chatting on the phone texting funny things or just a few words throughout the day if I saw or heard something I knew would make Jules laugh I had to share it with her we became very close knowing everything about each other's lives we started having dinner together every Tuesday all of us playing games and
just hanging out and I was growing as fond of Sabrina as I was of her mom they were so alike if you knew one you pretty much knew the other the differences were small but only emphasized how similar they really were both were utterly adorable life was great except for Rachel's constant presence she was still part of Toby's life which meant she was still part of mine I wanted nothing to do with her and seeing her irritated me every time she came to pick up Toby or when I dropped her off at her grandparents Rachel
would try to talk to me she was still living with them along with Jerry she had lost her job at the clinic and was now working at another clinic across town if she annoyed me too much I'd ask if she'd heard from Jerry which shut her up quickly how long is it going to take for you to forgive me she asked one time forgive you for what I repli replied as far as I know you don't think you've done anything wrong I've never heard forgive me Oliver I was wrong I'm sorry for trying to make
Toby think you were a liar I'm sorry for trying to take her away from you for trying to screw you in the divorce and most of all I've never heard I'm sorry I cheated behind your back I didn't hear it that time either she just couldn't take responsibility for her actions I wasn't even sure what forgiveness would mean in this situation I'd come to terms with it and calm down I hadn't forgotten but I wasn't going to waste energy being bitter people have the right to make mistakes they can divorce you dump you and friendships
it's their choice you just accept it and move forward people do crappy things every day at one point I wanted to punish her and Jerry but I realized quickly that their punishment was simply being who they were they had to live with themselves while I planned to live with myself that meant leaving the lies and betrayal in the past and focusing on living my best life Rachel was miserable and as for Jerry I wished him all The Misfortune in the world but it wouldn't come from me I'd let Karma or the universe take care of
them Rachel got even more upset when she found out I was dating Jewels one time after I dropped Toby off at her grandparents house Rachel stopped me as I was getting into my car I heard you're dating the mother of one of Toby's friends she said I just stared at her is it true she pressed that's none of your business I told her like hell it isn't she snapped I'm your wife I have a right to know you have a right to nothing I replied you're not my wife anymore you found your soulmate remember and
it wasn't me then came the divorce my business isn't yours anymore and yours isn't mine stay out of it Rachel I left fuming that woman just couldn't leave things alone I told Toby what had happened and she was just as angry as I was from then on I arranged for her grandparents Bob or Cindy to pick her up that took away a major source of stress for me on the 7-month anniversary of our Lake trip I asked Jules out for a special date we went to a nice restaurant and then to a club she didn't
drink much usually just a beer or a single drink but that night she had two I raised an eyebrow when she ordered the second one and she laughed yeah I'm feeling wild and crazy today huh you're perfect just like always I told her do you really think so olly she asked tilting her head because I think you're pretty perfect too if I'm So Perfect why haven't you asked me to spend the night she teased I must have looked shocked because she laughed what didn't you even think about it I gathered my thoughts uh yeah Jules
I've been thinking about it since the first day I saw you on the boat in that bikini but as we started dating I realized you were special and I didn't want to push you or scare you off you won't scare me off she said I told the girls not to wait up really then what are we still doing here I asked excited oh my god jwes let's get out of here do you want to spend the night with me she blushed took my hand and let me help her up more than anything else in the
world right now she practically cuddled up to me as we got out of the car holding onto my arm the whole way home with her head resting on my shoulder when we pulled into the garage I let her out and she stayed close to my side all the way to the bedroom we fell asleep in each other's arms making love twice during the night once on my initiative once on hers I woke up the next morning on my back with her half lying on top of me her hair spread over both of us and her
cheek resting on my shoulder I gently played with her hair watching her sleep until she finally opened her eyes my place is here olly I know I replied would you like to wake up here every morning she asked looking at me you mean living together no honey well yes but what I mean is will you marry me Julie Barnes she raised her small left hand between us wiggling her fingers ooh she said something seems to be missing hold that thought I said starting to get out of bed I'll hold that thought she replied but I
can't hold anything else I need to peace so badly I laughed go ahead I'll meet you back here she scurried off and I went down to my office remembering to use the bathroom along the way I grabbed what I needed from the safe and returned to find her curled up under the blanket I climbed back into bed took her left hand again and looked into her eyes seeing only love okay Julie will you marry me I asked sliding the ring onto her finger it was a bit too big and would need to be resized but
for the moment it was perfect she took the ring examined it and smiled it's beautiful she said it looks antique where did you get it when did you buy it remember when I told you I was going to that auction about a month ago I asked yes I remember they were auctioning off the estate right exactly I didn't mention it at the time but I saw this ring in the catalog I went there specifically to buy it and ask you to marry me it was made in England around 1810 for The Duchess of Avon it
has a long history do you like it I love it she said it's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen so are you going to answer my question I asked with a smile what oh yes Oliver yes I'll marry you oh my God yes I laughed and pulled her into a tight hug it felt like a weight had finally been lifted the long road I had walked filled with anger betrayal and loss was finally behind me Rachel was out of my life and though the scars would always remain I had moved forward I had found
someone who brought joy laughter and meaning back into my days jwes was my partner in every sense of the word and together we were building a future one filled with warmth and love as we started planning our wedding life felt lighter Toby was thriving Sabrina was like a second daughter to me and jwes well Jules made me believe in happiness again it wasn't just about finding love but rediscovering a part of myself that had been buried under years of resentment and disappointment the lake trips became a regular part of our lives and every time we
went I found myself more at peace the laughter The Quiet Moments the family we had formed they were all reminders that life no matter how painful it might seem at times always had the potential to offer Something Beautiful on the other side Rachel had her life and I had mine for the first time in a long time I could say with certainty I was happy truly happy the darkness had passed and now in its place was a life I wanted to live a life I chose with the people who mattered most and that was enough
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