[Music] it had been a grueling year-long investigation that pushed everyone involved to their limits as the lead investigator I spent endless nights sifting through evidence and following leads to piece the case together the trial felt like the final chapter the culmination of months of work that had consumed my life those two weeks in the courtroom were exhausting both physically and mentally but I knew the end was near with the jury now holding the fate of the accused emotions ran high throughout the trial for me it was personal confronting old memories I thought were long buried
the courtroom heavy with tension revealed a story many had tried to keep hidden as the jury listened to the closing arguments I felt a wave of relief mixed with anxiety the jury was dismissed after hearing the final statements it was late almost 400 p.m. when the judge instructed them to return to their hotel for the weekend the defendant was taken back to the tarant County Correction Center and there would be no new developments until Monday I headed back to my room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Dallas stopping at a bar for a quick
beer and bite to eat halfway through my beer I heard a female voice behind me hey Cowboy buy a girl a drink she asked I turned and instantly recognized her Ashley Ashley marks yep it's me she said smiling I waved her over my God how long has it been 17 years yeah 17 she replied Ashley had been one of my best friends in high school we were known as The Four Musketeers back then but that changed when her family moved to Austin during our senior year I've been covering the Jenkins trial she said I saw
you testify I'm really sorry about Jolene she didn't deserve that I nodded but stayed silent Jolene didn't deserve to die like that I would have preferred something more painful for her butcher so how are you holding up Bill she asked about as well as can be expected considering the last 16 years of my life have been a sham at least you have your kids she offered yeah legally they're mine trust me you're their father in every way that counts she said doesn't make me feel any better I sighed she hesitated before speaking again I need
to confess something every reporter in that courtroom wants your story and I'd like to be the one to tell it I know you're dealing with trust issues but no one knows you like I do we can sign a contract I won't publish anything without your approval my editor is on board I just want to do this right I knew she was right reporters from every major Outlet had already approached me and it was overwhelming deep down I felt I could trust her so I made my decision all right Ashley you've got a deal so how
do we do this do we talk here or should we go to my room or yours what's the plan I've been wanting to visit the Old Homestead for a while it's only about 2 maybe 2 and 1/2 hours West of here it's still early and the jury won't start deliberating until Monday so we have the weekend why not drive out there you can fill me in during the trip and once we get there maybe I can talk to your kids and parents if that's okay I thought for a moment a break from The Trial would
be good and it might be nice to show Ashley around sounds good I said where are you staying the Hilton right around the corner you same want to grab a few things before we head out she nodded and we agreed to meet by my truck in the parking lot you can't miss it I said big blue crew cab classic Bill always the biggest truck around she laughed give me about 30 minutes once we get there so I can change and grab some things okay I agreed and we set off the sun had just dipped below
the Horizon as we hit Interstate 20 toward abalene which I was grateful for I hate driving into the sun Ashley had swapped her reporter outfit for a kneelength denim skirt and a white western style blouse she looked as stunning now as she did back in high school I couldn't help but notice her legs which brought back familiar memories she caught my look and smiled I know what you're thinking Cowboy oh really I asked you're thinking why didn't I end up with Ashley instead of Jolene I laughed your reporter instincts tell you that no it's the
way you're checking out my legs just like in school thought I'd forgotten about that huh well legs like those are hard to forget I admitted she smiled and took out her recorder so Ashley is there a Mr Wright back in Austin nope after my divorce I threw myself into work trust issues you know haven't met anyone worth my time since sorry to hear that she chuckled I doubt you really are anyway shall we get this road show going yeah letun do it she placed the recorder on the dash mind if I record this I shook
my head not at all I want you to get it right I took a sip of coffee Gathering my thoughts well you know Steve Jolene and I were really close after you left I proposed to Jolene right after graduation and she said yes Steve and I joined the Marines right after high school went through boot camp together in San Diego we planned to get married after I finished my training Steve and I were split up after boot camp he went into infantry and I got into computer electronics he went to Camp Pendleton and I was
sent to quano Virginia a month later Steve hurt his knee badly and got a medical discharge you probably noticed his limp couldn't they have given him a desk job Ashley asked no that's not how it works in the core everyone is a Rifleman first no matter their specialty if you can't meet combat requirements you're out so he came home and his dad used some connections to get him a County job right his dad was a county commissioner wasn't he I nodded yeah right up until he died that's how Steve first got elected so I finished
school came back and got married Steve was my best man though I later found out he was also jolene's best man if you catch my drift that witch Ashley muttered anyway I got stationed on the west coast and almost 9 months after our wedding Brian was born a year later I was sent to okanawa for a year before leaving I let Jolene and Brian stay in the house I inherited from my grandparents it made sense since both our parents were nearby when I got back we moved to Camp Lun North Carolina less than 9 months
later Jessica was born Jolene had a rough pregnancy and insisted I get a vasectomy she said it could be reversed if we ever wanted more kids looking back I wish I had known then what I know now didn't you notice the resemblance to Steve when they were born Ashley asked fair question you might remember people often said Steve and I could pass for brothers we had the same hair color eye color even similar earlobes as toddlers they looked a lot like me and had their mother's eyes and nose it wasn't until they got older that
I saw the resemblance I'll show you the baby pictures when we get to my house anyway I left the Marines and we came home dad brought me into his computer shop and I started working for him that meant a lot of travel did Jolene mind Ashley asked not at all in fact she seemed to love it Dad had clients everywhere Dallas abene Amarillo even Houston and Oklahoma City while I was building up the client base it gave Jolene plenty of time to invite Steve into our home and our bed I found out much later you
mean she actually slept with Steve in your bed Ashley asked shocked yeah all the time that's why I burned the bed and mattress after she was shot I don't blame you Ashley said I also burned the couch Steve's recliner and jolene's wedding dress so Steve was a regular at your house Ashley asked yep he even had his own recliner I didn't mind back then because I thought he was a friend he'd come over after church on Sundays and the kids called him Uncle Steve Jolene pushed for that which bothered me but now I understand why
hey I need a coffee refill how about a pit stop I suggested Ashley turned off her recorder sure and I could use a smoke break I nodded and pulled off at the next exit after a short break we hit the road again Ashley set her recorder back on the dash so you had no clue Jolene was cheating with Steve she asked nope I was the clueless husband she never disrespected me openly and they were careful when did you find out she pressed about a year ago I was in Los Angeles for a month-long training for
a client in San Antonio Jolene and the kids stayed in touch daily one weekend Brian emailed me a picture of a fishing trip Jolene and Steve had taken the kids to the lake I handed my phone to Ashley check the album look at Brian holding the fish with Steve next to him Ashley studied the photo my God they look so alike even the dimples yeah now look at jolene's left hand Ashley zoomed in no rings exactly guess where they were I guided her to another folder find the one with an ashtray she zoomed in and
gasped is that yep the wedding ring I gave her along with my great-grandmother's engagement ring and those cigarette butts Steves that ashtray was on my night stand in our bedroom Ashley's eyes filled with tears how could she do that to you and you say Jessica sent this yeah she helped her mom clean the house which included emptying ashtrays she saw the Rings took a picture and sent it to me she was pretty upset I can imagine Ashley replied did she say anything to Jolene not that I know of I told her not to I also
asked her to take the Rings put them in her pocket and mail them to me Ashley chuckled I bet Jolene was frantic she was Jessica did exactly what I asked and Jolene went nuts trying to find the Rings she even had Steve come over to help they tore the place apart checked the trash the sink traps everything I wish I could have recorded it so what did you do Ashley asked my course ended on a Friday so I drove straight home that Saturday night Jolene met me outside crying about losing grandmother's ring she was in
a panic I played along asking if she'd looked everywhere then I reached into my pocket and pulled out the Rings she almost passed out how did you explain it I just said a friend found them and mailed them to me I didn't mention Jessica knowing Jolene would probably lash out at her I told Jolene don't leave them in the ashtray next time Steve comes over she froze eyes wide and started crying insisting she loved me oh sorry I caught Ashley's look didn't mean to curse that's okay she said I've heard worse so what did you
do then I knew it was over I didn't have solid proof of the affair yet so I started Gathering evidence first I wanted DNA tests to see if the kids were mine I also set up surveillance equipment motion activated cameras audio recorders even a phone bug everything went to my home server and was backed up to the cloud I installed it all while she was out shopping the DNA tests were easy one of our clients in Dallas was a lab that handled them I got samples from the kids and told them not to mention it
to their mom I took my own sample and waited Steve came over the next Sunday fell asleep in his usual recliner and I managed to swab his cheek a week later I got the results 99.9% chance Steve was the father of both kids they'd been at it for at least 16 years and you had no clue Ashley asked nope not a if I had analyzed things carefully maybe I could have figured it out but until then she gave me no reason to doubt her our Z life was normal even after the kids were born I
just needed more proof a week after setting up the gear I got my first video evidence I went to Oklahoma City for a few days to install a server the kids were at my parents house so Jolene was alone not long after I left she called Steve to come over I called from my hotel to let her know I'd arrived she said she loved me but by then I didn't care I logged into the Home Server and waited around 9:00 p.m. they were in our bed no protection which really infuriated me but the worst part
was what they said what did they say Ashley asked hold on I need to take this exit we're about 30 minutes away I had to focus it was getting dark and this road had no lights guard rails or markings it was easy to end up in a ditch or worse this area was also known for Steve's former pill running Associates most were arrested or gone after Steve went down but I stayed cautious I clicked on the high beams turned on the light bar flipped on the police scanner and grabbed my pistol from the glove box
I wasn't taking any chances we finally reached my house and Ashley noticed the DPS car in the driveway who's that Ashley asked security I replied they've been watching the place since Steve's arrest some of his buddies tried to burn it down for Revenge but we stopped them I tapped the pistol at my side and she got the message are we safe here she asked I nodded yeah we've got 247's protection DPS is also watching my folks and the kids most of Steve's buddies are locked up but we're not taking chances they even had to fire
most of the sheriff's department let's head in and I'll introduce you I pulled into the garage and we walked over to the patrol car the DPS Officer stepped out Bill Jennings he asked thought you were in Dallas for the trial we shook hands it just went to the jury this afternoon this is Ashley marks a reporter from the Austin Statesman she's with me for the weekend covering Steve's story he tipped his hat nice to meet you ma'am turning to me he added all quiet so far it's been calm since the Rangers cleaned up that last
group my replacement will be here soon thanks we shook hands and he said youall have a good night you too I replied inside I started the coffee pot and gave Ashley a tour the house was built in 1866 by my ancestor William Brian Jennings after the Civil War it's been expanded and modernized over the years but still had spots showing the original construction it had five bedrooms a three-car garage and a wraparound porch the rooms included the kids bedrooms the master bedroom a craft room for Jolene and a playroom for the kids I offered Ashley
the master bedroom since it had a private bath I planned to sleep on the futon in My Den where I'd been staying since confirming jolene's infidelity but Ashley refused nonsense she said the beds big enough for both of us we're adults and can handle this her reply threw me off but I agreed all right if you say so she smiled and led me downstairs you've got a story to tell so let's get started she said but let me call the kids first to let them know we'll visit tomorrow I called my parents house spoke with
my dad and the kids and arranged to meet for lunch I grabbed some coffee and joined Ashley in the living room I noticed a stack of DVDs and went to retrieve them from my office this should help explain a lot I said her eyes widened how much video do you have she asked a lot some are from cameras in the house others from my office I've scanned all the documents and have pictures and audio too everything's here with backup copies I picked out the right disc and inserted it into the DVD player fair warning it's
graphic I'm ready she said I told her this video confirmed my suspicions and to listen carefully the footage showed Jolene entering the bedroom with Steve as they undressed Jolene took off her rings and tossed them in the ashtray Steve smirked and stubbed out his cigarette on them screw him and his great-grandmother's ring Jolene said laughing Ashley winced Tears In Her Eyes I fast forwarded through the explicit Parts which she appreciated this goes on for an hour but it's what they say afterward that's the real kicker thanks for skipping that Ashley said it's one thing to
know it's another to see it I played the part where they lay back smoking Steve put out his cigarette on the rings I'm pregnant again Jolene said looks like you're going to be a Dad Steve frowned wen't you on the pill mostly but I might have missed a day or two why can't you use protection I hate those things he replied you know the rule no rubbers well you'll need to get another feticide or convinced pencil prick it's his I can't do it again Steve I've had three already and the last one nearly eliminated me
I ended up in the ER Plus Bill had a vasectomy after Jessica remember that was your idea so what now Steve asked I want to leave and marry you I think Bill's on to us I'm not the marrying type Steve replied a family would mess up what I've got Bill works I get the benefits and don't worry about Bill he's so clueless we could do it right in front of him can't you handle him like those other guys she suggested those were illegals no one cared it's different with a respected man maybe you can arrange
an accident Jolene said people crash on Indian Trail all the time there might be something but letun not rush maybe poison him slowly we'll deal with him eventually after the kids are grown you'll get his insurance and part of his business in the meantime go to the new clinic in abene I'll keep an eye on Bill if he does anything like seeing a lawyer I'll handle it Jolene nodded okay baby you're the man they resumed their Affair I stopped the video Ashley shook her head tears stream in I hate her and you stayed with her
for 17 years please tell me you saw a lawyer I did right after this I paused I went to see Alan Jackson our family lawyer what he said chilled me at our meeting I showed Allan the DNA report in video he explained that in Texas divorce could be filed on grounds of infidelity or cruelty while not a crime infidelity could affect asset distribution and support but Allan warned the real problem was Steve Steve controls this County he said he owns the sheriff's department and most judges in Texas you must file in the county you've lived
in for the last 90 days no judge here will hear your case plus jolene's pregnancy could delay the divorce as courts won't finalize until the baby is born no matter who the father is one more thing Steve knows you might file for divorce he ordered us to inform him if you try wait he ordered you to break attorney client privilege I asked Allan nodded yes bill I don't like it but I won't end up in a shallow grave on Indian Trail I'm sorry I have no choice I was stunned well I don't have a choice
either you're fired I want all our files and backups now I expected that he replied pointing to Boxes by the door he scribbled notes on a piece of paper and handed it to me thanks I said realizing I'd given him an out again I thought you two were friends is there no way you can overlook this for the kid's sake could you accept being unknowingly cheated on for 17 years I asked no I couldn't let me help you with the files it's the least I can do he grabbed the boxes and we walked to the
truck outside he glanced around call the contacts on that list he whispered the authorities are looking into Steve don't delay Steve might have you under surveillance I'm sorry maybe we can make amends later I shook his hand thanks Alan I understand driving back I thought about my dad's words firing Allan wasn't the issue I knew he would support me my real concern was what Steve might do to my family I called the contacts Allan had given me and set up meetings with a top family law attorney a state prosecutor and a Texas Ranger in Dallas
later I spoke to my dad and told him that I had fired Allan at first he remained calm why he asked I showed him the DNA and video evidence and explained Allen's warnings his demeanor changed instantly damn I knew Steve was trouble but this is worse we need to get the kids out I agreed but wasn't sure how to proceed my dad had a plan when are your meetings in Dallas tomorrow I replied tell Jolene you're going to Phoenix for a few days I'll go with you to help get the kids packed they can stay
with us this might throw him off for a bit are you going to tell the kids I have to I said they deserve to know I won't speak badly about their mom but they're old enough to make their own choices all right Dad said we're with you I called son Brian and told him that they'd be staying with their grandparents starting today what's going on Brian asked confused I'll explain later just make sure you and Jessica are home after school grandpa will pick you up okay Dad love you I heard the slight embarrassment in his
voice as he added love you too a few minutes later my secretary called Bill Steve Jenkins is here I placed my pistol on the desk Within Reach turned on the recorder and told her to send him in I also alerted my dad Steve walked in like he owned the place and immediately noticed the weapon nice piece didn't know computer geeks carried guns he said smugly what do you want Steve I asked getting straight to the point good straight to the point he replied I know you're meeting with Alan Jackson today so what I shot back
if you're thinking about divorce forget it he said coldly I don't care if you know about us but I'm not going to let you drag me through Court why Steve I asked my frustration Rising we were friends how long has this been going on since prom he said with a smirk remember you danced with Ashley while Jolene and I snuck off he continued then we picked things up again when you were at quanico Jolene got on birth control but conveniently skipped it around your wedding he grinned I was your best man remember 9 months later
Brian was born his smirk deepened we got back together while you were stationed in okanawa she got pregnant but she had an abortion I even slept with her the day you came back Back 9 months later Jessica was born I suggested she push you to get a vasectomy we didn't want you having kids of your own it'd be too complicated she messed up a few times and had to get fdes but your insurance covered it we had it good until you got nosy now here's the deal cuck no divorce no secrets I'll come over whenever
I want if you're in bed I'll drag you out remember I'm in charge if you try to stop me think about the kids kids get hurt all the time you touch the kids and I'll take you out I warned talk all you want I run this County I own the sheriff and judges now I own you play along or it's lights out for you and the kids maybe I'll have some fun with your daughter first you'd hurt your own children I asked I grew up you should too cuck Steve walked out I stopped the recording
burned it onto a DVD and sent copies to my dad and Dallas contacts then I called my father dad check your email we need to act now he just threat and the kids understood dad replied I'll make a call you get Brian and Jess to my house call the school and tell them Jolene and Steve aren't allowed near the kids I agreed immediately informing the school to prevent Jolene or Steve from picking up the children then I called Brian get your sister and go straight to Grandpa no questions what's happening dad Brian asked I'll explain
later just do what I say no contact with Mom or Steve understood got it Dad I grabbed my weapon the DVD and left the office heading straight for my truck dad would meet me at the house soon he always kept his word 15 minutes later I arrived Steve's truck wasn't there but jolene's car was good I entered cautiously hand on my holstered pistol checking for threats the house was quiet I stepped inside and Jolene came down the stairs Bill you're home early is something wrong she asked I stared at her is Steve here why would
he be she replied you know why maybe for some afternoon fun or to plan my liquidation I shot back her eyes widened hand covering her mouth yeah Jolene I know everything my God I'm sorry nonsense watch what your lover said to me I said putting the DVD into the player then you have 30 seconds to grab your stuff and get out I played the DVD and her expression changed as Steve's threats filled the screen bill it's not what you think let me explain Steve was just talking trash we can work this out she pleaded are
you kidding me I snapped you both conspired against me from the start denied me my own children and plotted my end of life now Steve is threatening his own kids if I don't obey what kind of people are you get your stuff and leave now I had never raised my voice at her before and she was visibly shaken I grabbed her left hand yanked off her rings pocketing my grandmother's then took off my own ring and slapped it into her hand choke on it I growled bill please don't do this I'm sorry she sobbed yeah
you're sorry a sorry excuse for a wife now get out I threw her purse at her knocking her chest move outside as we walked to her car she turned to me tears streaming down her face where will I go she asked stop crying you got what you wanted go to Steve's your moms or straight to hell I don't care just then two vehicles approached dad's truck in the lead Steve's right behind Jolene instantly stopped crying and smirked letun see who leaves now she sneered you and the kids will beg us to end it you'd really
eliminate us I asked in a heartbeat and I'd enjoy every second she replied dad swung his truck to block Steve's path Steve break hard narrowly missing him he jumped out of his truck and so did Dad rifle in hand what the hell are you doing Jennings Steve yelled enforcing the restraining order dad replied what restraining order Steve snapped the one that keeps you both 500 ft away from my family and property now get in your truck and leave dad said not lowering the rifle Steve froze unused to being challenged like this two DPS vehicles with
flashing lights arrived blocking his truck four officers stepped out weapons drawn wek handle it from here Mr Jennings one officer said approaching Steve dad lowered his rifle as the officer served Steve the restraining order the officer then turned to Jolene and me is that her he asked nodding toward Jolene dad nodded the officer approached Jolene and handed her a paper Mrs J this order requires you to stay 500 ft from the Jennings family and their properties violate it and you'll be arrested do you understand yes Jolene replied quietly excuse me officer I interrupted pulling a
digital recorder from my pocket yes Mr Jennings I hit play the officer listened to jolene's threats against me and the kids Jolene looked on the verge of tears the officer stared at her then took out his handcuffs Mrs Jennings you're under arrest turn around and place your hands behind behind your back after cuffing her and reading her rights he radioed for another officer to arrest Steve you'll pay for this a-hole Jolene hissed as they L her away all of you will a news van pulled up and a reporter and camera crew approached just as Steve
was being cuffed capturing it on film for the evening news Steve was livid do you know who I am he yelled at the officer yes sir and I don't care you're under arrest I'll have your badge Steve fumed I realized I hadn't mentioned their liquidation plot but I didn't have the evidence on me part of it was still in the DVD player still my contacts in Dallas had what they needed the news van moved aside as patrol cars prepared to leave the reporter approached me with Dad close behind Mr Jennings why was commissioner Jenkins arrested
she asked because threatening liquidation is still a crime even for politicians like Steve and his girlfriend now I need to care for my kids I walked away with Dad leaving the stunned reporter behind Steve had always been seen as a Family Values man but that image had just been shattered next I headed to my parents house to tell the kids the truth it hurt to reveal that Uncle Steve was their biological father but they deserve to know they didn't want to believe it at first but I showed them the DNA results I don't care what
that paper says Jessica said you're my dad always I agree Brian added I hugged them proud of their strength after some tears and farewells to my parents I went back home packed a few things and left for Dallas is that when you learned how bad things really were Ashley interrupted yeah I replied sipping my coffee I met Dave Brooks a tough Dallas attorney he'd arranged for all three contacts I'd called to meet together sorry to Spring this on you Dave said after your last video we felt it best to meet as a group he introduced
me to John Hancock a state prosecutor who took charge Mr Jennings I'm sorry for what you've been through we have strong evidence against Steve Jenkins pill running weapon smuggling human trafficking and links to six liquidations your wife was involved especially in the trafficking we wanted more time to build our case but the threats against you forced us to act sooner he continued Don Jacobs from the Texas Rangers added that the sheriff's department was compromised plans were in place to replace them with Rangers and DPS officers as for your divorce Dave said I'm pushing for an
annulment due to fraud otherwise we'll file for infidelity and cruelty you should retain your assets and gain custody we spent another hour discussing strategies Dave handed me a DVD with evidence of jolene's activities some involving deputies JN outlined their plan I'm seeking the judicial execution for Jenkins your wife might get life without parole I must warn you your lives are in danger if you need help call us immediately I understand I replied shaking their hands on the drive back my mind raced my best friend was a criminal and my wife had been his accomplice how
had I missed all this back in town I got a frantic call from Brian dad come home now he urged what happening I asked just get here he shouted hanging up I floored it reaching home in 20 minutes ambulances and DPS cars surrounded the house I rushed to the door as paramedics wheeled out a gurnie I stopped them lifting the sheet to reveal jolene's face I'm sorry Mr Jennings the paramedic said shek gone Strangely I felt no real sorrow inside I found Steve on another gurnie his left shoulder shredded by a rifle blast but still
alive the kids and Dad stood off to the side unharmed I avoided the blood as I made my way to them what happened I asked Dad explained we came to grab some things then Steve and Jolene showed up must have made bail Jessica and Jolene started arguing and Steve pulled out a weapon I had my rifle with me so I stepped in just as he did Jolene tried to stop him but he fired and hit her in the stomach I shot him in the shoulder and called Emergency Services Brian was the one who called you
I'm sorry son dad said his voice heavy it's okay Dad you did what you had to I reassured him I remembered that the security system had been recording the whole incident it was all on video I showed the footage to an officer who immediately asked for a copy I paused my story for a moment and took a sip of coffee do you still have that video Ashley asked quietly yes I do I played the DVD for her showing Jolene and Steve entering the house Jessica confronting them and the chaos that ensued when the struggle ended
with gunshots I stopped the video that's when Brian called me I said you know the rest Ashley wiped her eyes I think that's enough for tonight I said softly feeling emotionally drained I'm going out for a smoke she followed me mind if I join you we poured fresh coffee and stepped onto the porch the Stillness of the night surrounded us and the silence lingered until Ashley finally broke it I'd forgotten how dark and peaceful it is out here she said glancing around city life makes you forget she hesitated before adding bill you need closure or
this will eat you alive easier said than done I replied how do you move on when the person you loved was lying the whole time I feel robbed of my life the kids aren't even mine I get it she said my husband cheated too but not everyone is like that yeah I know I said quietly taking a drag from my cigarette she gently put her arm around me I'm here for you Bill whatever you need I hugged her appreciating the Comfort she offered it felt good to have her support in such a difficult time I've
often thought about what would have happened if we gotten together in high school Ashley said softly I've thought about that too I admitted maybe if my dad hadn't moved us to Austin things would have been different you know she said I was jealous of Jolene back then really but you were with Steve I said surprised only because you were with Jolene she confessed I always had doubts about Steve even told me he wasn't the type to settle down no use dwelling on it now I replied besides if we had been together you might not have
become a big City Reporter maybe she said with a smile but sometimes I think I'd give it all up to be with a good man I believe you would after a while we went back inside I opted to sleep on the couch as I had since Julian's death even with a DPS Officer stationed outside I still felt uneasy about Steve's friends plus I wasn't sure where things might go with Ashley and she seemed to understand just don't make it a habit Cowboy she teased with a smile I slept well that night and woke to the
smell of bacon rise and shine Ashley called standing over me in a long t-shirt breakfast is ready I got up and headed to the kitchen she had really gone all out pancakes bacon sausage grits toast eggs biscuits gravy and peanut butter just how I liked it a guy could get used to this I said with a grin I hope you like it it's been a while since I cooked breakfast for anyone she said pouring me fresh coffee it smells amazing you definitely have my mom's seal of approval well dig in we've got a busy day
ahead she said so what's the plan I asked between bites first first we visit your family then we'll stop by jolene's mother's place if there's time we can visit the cemetery and if you want breakfast like this tomorrow we'll need to hit the grocery store I devoured my meal pausing only to sip coffee and compliment her cooking when I finished I hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek that was fantastic I said I'd better get ready please do you're great but you could use a shave she teased with a laugh upstairs I
thought about Ashley as I showered in just 24 hours I was falling for her all over again could it be we were meant to be Ashley was already dressed in jeans and a t-shirt looking just like she did in school she grabbed her laptop bag and purse urging me to hurry we drove to my parents house where the kids ran out to greet us I introduced them to Ashley and we went inside Ashley explained her plans and then asked to speak to each family member privately my mom went to the kitchen to prepare lunch while
Dad led me to the den meanwhile Ashley spent about an hour with Jessica before moving on to talk with Brian during that time Dad and I steered clear of any mention of Jolene or Steve a couple of hours later Ashley came into the den and asked to speak with my dad I took the kids outside to toss around a football an hour later Ashley joined us the kids had really warmed up to her by then and we decided to play a quick game of touch football Jessica and I versus Ashley and Brian for the first
time in a long while it felt like we were a happy family again after lunch we began preparing to leave as we were heading out Jessica caught me at the door Dad she whispered hugging me tightly if you don't ask her to marry you I'll kick your bum I laughed and promised I'd think about it as we drove away I asked how did the interviews go they went well Ashley replied I know trust is an issue so let me explain why I spoke to everyone privately she had anticipated my thoughts it's standard practice to get
independent accounts she continued I needed them to speak freely without any outside influence I hope you understand I do I said said you're just doing your job so did you find out anything new yes she said Jessica mentioned that Steve had been making advances toward her for some time that prick I muttered under my breath Ashley nodded your family loves you they had concerns about Jolene but didn't interfere because they didn't have solid proof anything else I asked I learned what it feels like to be part of a close family she said softly I really
enjoyed my time with you and the kids we enjoyed it too I said you made a great impression we arrived at the apartment complex where jolene's mother Mna lived do you want to talk to her alone I asked no Ashley said you both need to clear the air Mna opened the door slowly she was now living alone having lost both her husband and daughter how are you I asked giving her a hug I'm managing Bill thanks she replied before hugging Ashley Ashley marks still as lovely as ever we all sat down and I began explaining
why we had come what can I tell you Mna asked looking uneasy Mrs Carter Ashley said gently you knew about Jolene and Steve's Affair why didn't you tell Bill Mna looked down ashamed yes I knew she admitted I'm sorry Bill I should have said something how long did you know I asked keeping my voice calm since the beginning Mna confessed when you were in okanawa Steve was practically living with I warned her but she wouldn't listen if she wanted to be with Steve why did she marry me I asked frustration creeping into my voice I
would have let her go she was confused Mna explained you were her stability Steve was her excitement sorry Mna I interrupted shaking my head she had his kids and plotted to get rid of us that's not love I know it's hard to believe Mna said softly but she did love you at least at the Start Ashley leaned forward so what changed people change Mna said Steve had control over her she warned me to stay out of it which is why I stopped visiting did you know about the fetid Ashley asked her voice steady Mna nodded
yes I knew I even suggested she divorce you but she laughed and said she'd inherit everything from you how long ago was that Ashley asked about a year and a half ago Mna replied I finally spoke up my voice quiet but firm Mna did your husband know about all of this I think he did she said he had a heated argument with Steve just before the accident merna's husband was a meticulous mechanic the crash was labeled a fluke though they couldn't explain how a brake line failed and a tie rod came loose it's all in
the past now isn't it migh I understand why you didn't come to the memorial Ashley looked at me you cremated her in her wedding dress why I told you I burned it she was wearing it and the ring Ashley asked not the engagement ring I clarified interesting Ashley noted Mna spoke up thank you for ensuring I got jolene's Ira it's been a big help she had an IRA Ashley asked yes about $350,000 Mna said I didn't know about it I added I put the rest in a trust for the kids anything else Ashley asked no
I think that's everything Mna said I hugged her feel free to visit the kids anytime as we walked to the truck Ashley asked you really cremated her in that dress it felt right at the cemetery we visited jolene's marker simple and unadorned I see you used her maiden name Ashley noted she didn't deserve ours I replied Ashley placed a hand on my chest you still have a lot of anger have you ever mourned her the truth was I hadn't I felt no love left only betrayal a tear rolled down my cheek Ashley pulled me into
a hug let it out she urged that was all it took I broke down sobbing as she held me close after a while I looked at Ashley and wiped a tear from her face what's this I asked she smiled faintly remember she was my friend too the four of us you me Steve Jolene I loved her like a sister back then I hate who she became but I still loved her and you loved her for a long time you married her and raised two kids together that has account for something I guess you're right I
replied damn straight Cowboy she looked me in the eyes I'm here for you now bill and I'll be here as long as you need or want me got it I got it I said smiling she patted my chest letun get to the store before it's too late what about dinner after a moment's thought I suggested how about a trip to Charlie I hear they make a great steak and there's a band tonight are you asking me out on a date in front of your wife's ashes she teased why not I grinned she laughed kissed me
and looked at Jolene marker bye Jolene your husband is taking me out on a date I glanced at the marker goodbye my dear I whispered I thought I heard a faint SOB but figured it was just the wind playing tricks I quickly made my way back to the truck you okay Ashley asked yeah I replied starting the engine letun stock up for breakfast and get ready for tonight we stopped at the farmer market and picked up eggs bread milk bacon and everything else Ashley thought we needed then we headed back to the the house being
there with Ashley made it feel like a real home again I showered shaved and waited while Ashley got ready she came downstairs in a denim skirt and white blouse finishing the look with cowboy boots she looked stunning I offered her my arm and we headed out to the truck Charlie was known for its stakes and had a live band after dinner we grabbed a beer and eyed the dance floor where couples were dancing want to dance I asked sure she replied smiling we danced through fast waltz's low songs and even line danced Ashley stayed by
my side only taking a couple of breaks during a slow dance she suddenly stopped kissed me deeply and whispered in my ear I love you Bill Jennings always have always will there it was out in the open I love you too Ashley marks I replied my heart racing she licked her lips nervously take me home cowboy who could resist letun get out of here then she smiled grabbed my hand and led me to the truck take me home she purred you got it babe I grinned driving us back we arrived parked in the garage and
I closed the door she looked at me eyes shining I'm all yours if you want me make love to me was just one of many things she said as the night unfolded we finally settled down lying in each other's arms just 36 hours ago I was a Broken Man now I had Ashley showing me how to love again I decided to take a chance Ashley I began she turned to look at me what is it Cowboy I reached reached into the nightstand drawer pulling out a small box containing my great-grandmother's engagement ring I explained its
history and meaning to me this ring isn't just a hand me- down it represents over 100 Years of Jenning family history she looked at me tears in her eyes yes she said softly yes to both I'll marry you and proudly wear this ring there's just one condition she added seriously condition I asked confused promise you'll get your vasectomy reversed I want a house full of kid kids and maybe one day we'll pass this ring to our grandkids I smiled slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her deeply we made love again and fell asleep
in each other's arms the next morning I woke to the smell of bacon after my morning routine I found Ashley making breakfast I kissed her and we enjoyed the meal chatting about our plans after eating we packed for the trip back to Dallas we showered together which led to more love making feeling closer than ever I decided to call the k kids and share the news I put the call on speaker woohoo Brian yelled when I announced our engagement Jessica was just as thrilled way to go dad you got a real winner there she said
congratulations my dad added welcome to the family Ashley thank you Mr Jennings she replied Mr Jennings was my dad he laughed call me pop okay pop Ashley beamed we're so happy for you my mom said do you have a date yet not yet I admitted I need to settle some things in Austin first I had one more request for the kids Brian I think you and Jessica should visit your grandma Carter sometimes she misses you what do you say okay Dad add a boy I knew theyd do the right thing we said our goodbyes and
loaded the truck as we drove something Ashley mentioned stuck with me what are your plans for work long-distance relationships can be tough well the managing editor of the Daily Record is retiring she said I sent my resume last week and they're interested he won't retire for 3 months so I have time to wrap things up at the Statesman what if you don't get the job no big deal I'll quit and move in with this guy I know she teased the board wants a woman with experience so I think I have a good shot but if
not I can freelance blog or even write a book I'd rather spend my time with you I like that plan best I said we closed up the house and I picked a few flowers I'd like to make a stop before we head out oh you got a secret girlfriend she teased you know better I knew she was joking but the question still stung you're right I'm sorry she said we've both been burned I just thought it was time to start putting things behind me I said good for you she replied we stopped at the cemetery
and approached jolene's resting place I knelt placing the flowers in the vase beside the marker by the way Jolene Ashley and I are getting married thought you should know I said shek gone you know Ashley repli replied I know just feels good to say it out loud then Ashley stepped forward and if the kids agree I plan to adopt them she added after our brief goodbyes we returned to the truck you really want to adopt them I asked absolutely they deserve a mother they can trust are you okay with that of course I realized then
that marrying Ashley was the best decision for all of us she would be the loving strong mother Jessica needed the ride back to Dallas was mostly quiet Ashley worked on her story while I reflected on the past months when we arrived at the hotel she turned to me no need to keep your room the paper's covering mine until this is over why not stay with me I agreed at least let me cover part of the cost I offered she waved it off just pay for our dates okay that night we went out for steak danced
and enjoyed another night together the next morning we got to the courthouse early the jury started deliberating and Ashley went off to do her reporter duties by 1:30 the jury had reached a verdict Steve stood emotionless as the judge asked if the jury had decided we have your honor the foreman replied the judge read the paper and turned back in the case of the people V Steve Jenkins the jury finds the defendant guilty on all charges with the penalty being end of life he announced Steve's gamble to avoid the judicial execution had failed he was
found guilty of liquidation conspiracy smuggling human trafficking and more the jury was pulled each agreeing to the verdict and sentence Mr Jenkins the judge said this case warrants the judicial execution you are to be taken to the state prison at Huntsville and put to end of life as prescribed by law may God have mercy on your soul my attorney motioned for me to follow him we caught up with the officers escorting Steve out the attorney handed him two forms what now Steve grumbled one is to relinquish parental rights to Brian and Jessica the the other
outlines the disposition of your assets after your execution oneir to Mna Carter 1/3 to Brian and one/ third to Jessica defeated Steve signed both happy now he spat I will be I said by the way Ashley and I are getting married and she's adopting the kids enjoy hell we left and I didn't see Steve again until his execution day and yes I did visit his grave later but I made sure Ashley wasn't around finally the nightmare ended and a new chapter began Ashley's story about the Ord went viral earning her a pullitzer prize she left
the Statesman for a job as managing editor of the Daily Record quickly boosting its circulation we opted for a small wedding in our backyard Ashley's parents attended and Brian and Jessica were our best man and maid of honor after we exchanged vows the minister introduced us as Mr and Mrs William Jennings and family Brian hugged Ashley welcome to the family mom Tears In Her Eyes Ashley embraced both kids I love you both my dad handed us an envelope containing tickets for a Caribbean cruise enjoy your honeymoon he said 10 months later Ashley gave birth to
twins William Frederick and Alisha Marie shortly after a local politician approached me about running for Steve's old seat thanks but no I replied my dad always said power corrupts [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
