Discovering My Wife’s 19-Year Cheating And Secret Child Led To More Betrayals And My Final Revenge.

Discovering my wife's 19-year cheating and secret child led to more betrayals and my final Revenge lying in bed and holding my wife close I thought about my day it started with a job I enjoy and ended with my wonderful family I had fun playing with my kids sharing a meal and watching baseball together later after the kids were asleep my wife and I shared a loving moment in our bedroom we cuddled and kissed feeling content as my Wife fell asleep I wrapped my arm around her and felt happy sure my life might seem wor AR

to some but to me it's perfect regrettably I wasn't aware that it would be the final normal day like that the phone rang just before noon car's voice trembled with tears and panic making it hard to catch everything she said from what I gathered it had to do with our son Troy his kidneys in the hospital promising to meet her there in 20 minutes I rushed out quickly briefing My boss on the situation in less than 20 minutes I arrived at the hospital miraculously avoiding any traffic violations Dr Michael Fieros briefed me in the even

R where Troy had been brought in doubled over in pain the sudden shift from a healthy freshman to stage three chronic kidney disease baffled the Doctor Who awaited a specialist's assessment though Carrie and I attempted to keep up appearances for Troy it weighed heavily on us while Carrie researched the condition on her phone I stayed close to Troy trying to keep the atmosphere light however car's poor and tearful glances signaled a grim prognosis for our son The Specialist Dr Brenda Nicholas confirmed our fears 45 minutes later he stressed that Troy urgently needed a kidney transplant

to have a chance of making it to high school graduation even with dialysis considering he was only 14 Troy handled the news surprisingly well although he Couldn't hold back the tears I couldn't blame him Carrie joined him in crying moments later Dr Nicholas explained that while kidney transplants were common nowadays finding a suitable match wasn't guaranteed ideally a family member would be the best match but our options were limited I was an only child and car's sibling had young children who couldn't donate even Troy's 17-year-old sister was ineligible despite testing seven family members including grandparents

None were viable donors it was a devastating blow to our family despite our despair the doctors remained optimistic albeit cautiously still Troy's situation looked Grim tears were shed at the hospital and in our home for a week after we received the disappointing news to borrow a line from Monty Python's Flying Circus nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition similarly nobody anticipates a miracle but that's exactly what seemed to happen About a week later and it came from an unexpected place halfway across the globe Carrie and I reached out to Sergio Santiago an 18-year-old whose parents were close

friends with us almost like family although technically we weren't related it turned out that Sergio was a match for Troy in a three-way transplant having a family match is the best option Dr Nicholas emphasized clearly excited about the news and a half sibling is almost as good as a full sibling but doc He's not a half oh no I exclaimed realizing the implications as Dr Nicholas watched in shock my mind struggled to process the Revelation initially I saw it as a miracle for Troy then it dawned on me that it could mean the end of

my marriage I glanced at Carrie who appeared to shrink before my eyes Carrie sweetheart I murmured feeling overwhelmed she turned away her face flushing deeply I stood silently waiting for her response seconds tick by Then minutes I cleared my throat right now my focus is on Troy she finally spoke her voice firm I had to make the call it was for Troy thank you for considering someone else this time I replied flatly with our attention on Troy we hoped for a miracle even as our marriage seemed to crumble after several minutes of silence Carrie met

my gaze her eyes narrowing now now Josh I can't deal with this right now I grasped her message and acknowledged it though it Didn't offer much comfort when are they arriving I inquired they due here next Thursday she replied softly great they can stay with us like always I assured over the years the santiagos had lodged with us about six times we had set up our basement as a guest Suite with a master bedroom a smaller room and a full bath it wasn't as fancy as the five-star hotels they usually frequented but they were family

family well that's debatable Carrie and Robbie were roommates during Their final two years at Iowa State University Robbie and Jorge were already a couple when I began dating Carrie just before Christmas of our junior year it took some time for me to warm up to Jorge he hailed from a wealthy Spanish family and had the air of a spoiled Playboy yet I eventually realized he was genuinely kind just inexperienced outside his privileged bubble before coming to the United States for college we gradually developed a solid Friendship although much of it revolved around our significant others

both Carrie and Robbie were not just roommates but also best friends leading to campus rumors that their bond was more than platonic however I never saw any evidence supporting those rumors orge and Robbie tied the knot 6 months after our graduation Carrie served as the maid of honor and I attended as a guest in turn Robbie Stood Beside Carrie as her matron of honor at our wedding in Champagne Illinois 6 months later with Jorge present as well our lives became incredibly hectic alongside Troy requiring daily dialysis there seemed to be a constant presence of medical

professionals there were numerous considerations from the impending surgery and postoper care to the medications and psychological aspects the thought of burdening a 14-year-old with such a heavy load was unfathomable to me Troy was understandably frightened And I empathized with him he was typically a robust witty kid but this situation had him feeling vulnerable and in pain it pained me deeply to see him suffer knowing there was little I could do to alleviate his discomfort I recognized that Carrie was just as distressed about our son situation as I was so I avoided addressing the issue of

her Affair allowing it to linger silently during the following week I worked half days providing a positive Distraction from both Troy's illness and my wife's infidelity despite my efforts to suppress it Troy's condition weighed heavily on my heart while car's betrayal felt like a gut punch work became my refuge from the pain Carrie and I seldom had moments alone over the next few days when we were together at home our daughter Angelie AJ for short was always present hindering any private conversation our time alone in the bedroom was strictly for sleeping as Exhaustion often granted

relief under ordinary circumstances the arrival of the santiagos would have sparked a joyful atmosphere while there were the customary hugs exchanged I remained aloof wrestling with a mix of emotions including anger and nausea it took several minutes before Robbie noticed me her demeanor shifting as she approached and embraced me tightly Whispering an apology in my ear before stepping back as I glanced around I realized Everyone's eyes were fixed on me neither Troy nor AJ were informed of their biological connection to Sergio they viewed Sergio compatibility with Troy is a remarkable coincidence a detail we the

four adults chose to keep to ourselves for the time being Sergio had been aware of the connection for about the past four years as I later discovered Carrie mentioned that he was okay with his parents explanation of the situation it seemed that everyone who knew was Accepting of it perhaps one day when I'd come to terms with it I would be okay with it too although I highly doubted it once everyone had settled in Carri left for the hospital with the santiagos to visit Troy AJ and I stayed behind after car's SUV had driven away

AJ approached me what's going on Dad she inquired I'm not clueless something's definitely up between you and Mom and it seems to involve Aunt Robbie and Uncle Jorge too if you don't tell me I'll just ask Sergio I'm sure he knows and he'll spill everything there are both advantages and disadvantages to having highly intelligent children one downside is that it's hard to keep things hidden from them AJ was exceptionally bright I thought it best to be honest with her even though didn't have all the details this way she would hear the truth without any bias

that might come from my wife's perspective I explained to her what I had pieced together which wasn't Much her mother had cheated on me with Jorge Santiago during one of my long deployments resulting in the birth of Sergio who turned out to be a half sibling to both her and Troy that's why Sergio was such a perfect match for Troy's transplant wow she uttered softly wait you didn't know about this until Troy got sick did you that's why you've been giving Mom those looks for the past week or so I nodded in agreement feeling my

Cheeks flush with embarrassment at that moment I felt like the biggest fool on Earth little did I know there was more to unfold so you weren't aware that Mom stayed in the bedroom with Aunt Robbie and Uncle Jorge when we visited them in Spain all those years they didn't stop until I was about 12 mom always explained it as her and Aunt Robbie being like sisters and you were aware of it she revealed my jaw dropped in sheer astonishment I was r endered speechless It seemed there was no need for me to respond to her

inquiry oh my God I'm sorry Daddy she exclaimed I always found it kind of strange but I was just a kid she told me you knew and I believed her damn I managed to utter what's your plan she whispered again for now nothing we need to get through Troy's surgery first then we'll address it thoroughly I'm sure I assured her I would prefer if you didn't tell anyone until after we've talked I Requested yeah sure Dad she agreed I've got your back on this Dad thanks sweetheart I replied I'll admit I felt uneasy around my

wife in the santiagos I noticed they were giving me a lot of glances and they seemed to be engrossed in whispered conversations back at the house on Friday night Sergio approached me quietly can we talk just you and me Uncle Josh it's important he requested how could I refuse Sergio you're the one saving my son and your half brother I Acknowledged quietly noticing his raised eyebrows Sergio and I strolled around our neighborhood listen Uncle Josh I know this whole situation is awful and awkward I'm grateful I can support Troy he expressed but I have to

ask you for a favor just between us I feel like I've earned the right to ask I need you not to divorce an carry because of this and I need you not to seek revenge on my dad physically Sergio pleaded I could sense the turmoil in his eyes I examined his Handsome face closely he strongly resembled Jorge but now that I knew what to look for I could also see a bit of my wife in him come to think of it he did Bear a striking resemblance to Troy how had I never noticed that before

I can't promise I'll stay with my wife Beyond Troy going off to college but I can commit to not seeking physical revenge on your father that's the best I can offer Sergio even with everything you're doing for me and yourself I suppose I Replied how are you dealing with all of this Sergio how do you feel about Aunt carry and being Troy's half brother I inquired I was pretty shaken when I first found out honestly he admitted but I wouldn't even exist if Dad and Aunt Cary hadn't agreed to have a child together mom is

my mom in every way and Aunt Cary is still Aunt Cary although now I guess I have even more affection for her in my heart and I've always considered Troy like a little brother Anyway I think it's pretty cool that he's my brother and I'm really glad I can help him we walked back to the house in silence Sergio's words weighing heavily on my mind he had shed light on more aspects of the situation leaving me to Grapple with the harsh reality of it all the transplant took place the following Tuesday with five of us

anxiously waiting both boys came out of surgery well and Troy's new kidney began functioning right away which the doctors Assured us was a positive sign exhausted we left the hospital that night I didn't think much of it when Robbie offered to accompany me to pick up our Chinese takeout a couple of days after the surgery however during the ride she started apologizing and in the span of the journey I learned the entire Truth by the time we returned home I had lost my appetite I'd been in the naval Reserve for two decades ades with three

deployments overseas the first occurred Shortly after Carrie and I got married during that time she stayed with Robbie and Jorge for the entirety of my deployment to the mid East it shouldn't have happened but it did I'm sorry Josh she began we were partying one night and things got out of hand leading us to end up in bed together that's when I came up with what turned out to be the worst idea ever I never told anyone but Carrie but I can't conceive children and I desperately wanted them so I thought she Could become pregnant

by Jorge have the baby and I could adopt it we'd raise the child and you'd never have to know the plan seemed foolproof Carrie gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and by the time you returned 6 months later she had shed most of the baby weight we simply passed off any changes to her appearance as a result of our indulgent meals and you were none the wiser until Troy fell ill Robbie lowered her head her cheeks flushing slightly I waited for her to Continue sensing there was more to the story after a moment I

spoke up mentioning my conversation with AJ and leaving the rest to Robbie she responded with a whispered oh I know they didn't just hook up once I may not have known everything but I'm not oblivious I remarked pointedly Robbie confessed no it wasn't just a one-time thing they were involved long before she got pregnant and they continued after it evolved into more than friendship right Under your nose they became lovers I didn't anticipate that but at that point I had to make a choice I had my child and I loved Jorge and Carrie so I

decided to stay and be a part of their lives instead of driving them away she continued recounting how they would spend time together during my deployments and vacations eventually taking separate trips as AJ Grew Older and began to sense something was a Miss don't be angry Josh everyone benefited From it I gained a son Jorge and Carrie had their time together and your son received a new kidney Robbie urged that's not how I see it Robbie I replied firmly the kidney was coincidental from my perspective everyone else gains something except me I wasn't a part

of the agreement between the three of you I didn't consent to my wife carrying a child for you or to her having a 19-year affair it makes me wonder maybe I was the one on the side he was her first Love and I was just a substitute you might have settled for just a part of your husband's affection but I can't settle for just a fraction of my wife's love I'm someone who wants everything or nothing Robbie you should have known that about me and my wife definitely should have so where do we all stand

now Josh she inquired I'm not sure but I made a promise to Sergio that I'll stay with Carrie at least until Troy is living on his own and I won't harm your Husband I replied how could you and Jorge betray me like this I thought we were friends practically family family doesn't do this kind of thing to each other Robbie as we pulled into the driveway our conversation came to a halt at least for the time being both boys were discharged from the hospital and back home within a week it's truly incredible what modern medicine

can achieve barring any unexpected complications Troy should have a long Healthy life ahead of him and the same goes for Sergio the unspoken tension lingered until the night before the santiagos were set to return home I arranged for AJ to keep the boys entertained in the family room with a Zombie series and pizza meanwhile the adults retreated to my home office where I had prepared wine and a shery board entering the room I couldn't help but notice Carrie and Jorge seated closely on the love seat while Robbie sat alone In the chair I arranged The

Refreshments on the coffee table and took a seat in my desk chair as everyone served themselves I kicked off the conversation by commending Sergio once again for his Readiness to help out a testament to Robbie and Jorge's parenting Carrie echoed my sentiment and I could sense Sergio's parents must have been beaming with pride however I added Beyond being incredibly angry at both of you I said directing my gaze at the pair on the Love seat if I hadn't promised Sergio you might both be in serious trouble right now and you I added turning to Robbie

would be lying there wounded wishing you were dead how could the person who was supposed to love me above all others do this to me cheat on me repeatedly and secretly have another man's baby continue to engage in a relationship with her lover for the next 18 years yeah I know all about that now you did this practically in front of my Kids all three of them flinched at my direct use of strong language Carrie seemed like she wanted to say something but thought better of it I understood oh damn I muttered you two have

been intimate since they've been here how many times once twice every single day she bowed her head and remained silent I glanced at Jorge then back at Robbie only twice that I know of Robbie eventually responded wow seriously I whispered you couldn't keep it out of Our bed Carrie kept her gaze fixed on the floor damn I understand now Carrie I might be slow to catch on but it finally clicked you might Love Me Maybe but you're in love with him he's your top priority I'm just second best just like Robbie is to Jorge tell

me I'm wrong the room might as well have been silent with no one saying a word I finished my glass of wine and poured myself another offering to pour for the others but they all declined quietly I love you Josh I Never left you for him we only got together when you weren't around Carrie finally spoke breaking the silence that's quite a statement babe but you took away trust loyalty and commitment I retorted our vows didn't include a hall pass if one of us was unavailable especially 19 years ago when I was serving in the

mid East while I was in my life you were enjoying yourself in Spain getting pregnant by him and having his baby we don't even need to discuss The other times you two were together at least you realized you should be discreet around our kids and started seeing him elsewhere except for this week apparently the others in the room remained quiet avoiding eye contact it's a miracle you had a son to help Troy I continued sarcastically I guess outing yourself was the last thing you wanted so I appreciate that finally a selfless act from the ultimate

selfish woman Robbie was sobbing orge looked guilty And car's expression shifted between guilt fear and anger now where do we go from here Josh I don't want a divorce Carrie began because of my promise to your son and because I don't break promises or vows you have four years before I file for divorce it'll happen after Troy leaves for college but we won't discuss it in front of him I stated firmly you'll have to be the one to break the news to him about Sergio being his half brother and it needs to Happen soon I'll

be there to ensure you tell him the truth about a woman who cheated on her husband not some romantic Tale But I bet he'll actually be pretty happy to have Sergio as a brother considering how close they already are AJ was pleased when she got over being mad at your poor treatment of me car's voice sounded strained as she asked does she know everything now she's interested I chuckled bitterly I didn't Spill the Beans AJ sharp and she pieced things Together over the years she didn't have all the details but she had a feeling but

because she wasn't sure and because you lied to her she never came clean to me she only shared what she knew when I asked she felt guilty for not telling me sooner our son though is clueless the Bliss of Youth and his trust in us and you know Sergio has known about you to making a fool of me for years now I've caught that look of pity in his eyes a few times it's perfect when a teenager Pies you because he knows his dad and your wife are trampling on your marriage everyone benefited from this

except me I got the short end of the stick that's not true Josh I love you she sobbed I've been a good wife and mother if Troy hadn't gotten sick you'd still be happy and clueless can't we just go back to being happy I never said no to closeness so you think I should be satisfied being your second choice just because I didn't know what was happening I should have Always been your first choice and there shouldn't have been any other options but tell me was I ever your first choice she blushed again she stumbled

over her words at first when we first got married before I moved in with Robbie and Jorge she admitted so you're saying there was a time when we were intimate and you weren't thinking about Jorge or just doing it out of pity for me how could you have kids with me if you were in love with someone else I I thought you Deserve to have kids of your own I do love you remember she defended right how could I forget that I retorted but based on your actions I guess you love our kids as much

as you love your child with him she glared at me then glanced at Robbie and Jorge they remained silent this should be a private conversation not involving Robbie and Jorge Carrie said disdainfully are you kidding me Robbie and Jorge caused this mess I shouted all three of them looked shocked By my Outburst they seemed on edge all right you all know I made a promise to Sergio and I'm sticking to it but I need something from you Carrie I need you to promise to be faithful to me until Troy goes off to college that means

no more trips to Spain without me and no more visits with the santiagos when I'm on reserve duty faithful means faithful break that promise and I'll break mine to Sergio and file for divorce immediately got it Robbie grinned while Carrie and Jorge sat stunned and Silent it seemed Robbie understood or maybe she just saw how the promise could benefit her too Carrie and Jorge exchanged a long hard look before Carrie quietly agreed nodding her head slightly good anyone want more wine I offered after the Santiago returned to Spain I moved into the master bedroom suite

in the basement guest room Carrie and I had been sharing our bed while they were here but we hadn't been intimate since Troy got sick that suited me fine after learning about my wife and Jorge don't act childish Josh we've had closeness plenty of times over the years while I was sleeping with Jorge and you didn't know Carrie snapped that's the thing Carrie I retorted I didn't know now that I know you've been with another man it's not the same for me Carrie looked sour like she'd been sucking on a lemon you men and your

fragile egos I'll be upstairs when you get over it she said I Got the feeling she didn't realize how this was going to play out modern medicine is incredible 6 months post surgery Troy was back to his old self joking around and acting like a typical high schooler while he'd need medication to prevent transplant rejection and couldn't play tackle football he had his life back in almost every other aspect it felt like the right time for him to learn the truth about his connection to Sergio Carrie and I debated this for Days she leaned toward

letting things unfold naturally hoping Troy would eventually figure it out himself I couldn't agree with that approach you owe him the full story just like we discussed months ago and let's have a family meeting so AJ can hear it all too I insisted with a loud sigh Carrie reluctantly nodded Troy had turned 15 recently and as a parent I knew teenage Minds could be hard to read I chuckled remembering my own confusion At that age and my dad's mysterious ways this talk might not be easy and I hoped Carrie realized that too watching from my

lazy boy Bo it looked like Troy took the news of his being Sergio's half brother really well which I figured he would because he already loves Sergio like a brother the how part however was a tougher sell wait you had closeness with Uncle Jorge you mean you effed him as the kids would say but you were married to dad then weren't you that Makes you what the kids would call a he shouted Carrie started to yell back at our son but I stopped her by squeezing her arm she fell silent looking ashamed and the room

grew quiet I suppose would be the right term I admitted but it's my problem to handle I only found out about this when you got sick your mother reached out to the santiagos hoping Sergio would be a match for your kidney transplant she went to Great Lengths to help you so the least you can Do is appreciate that Troy lowered his head clearly feeling hurt and confused I empathized with him if anyone should be upset it's me and trust me I am but your mother and I will work through this together I'm not leaving you

guys that's why I moved into the basement I assured him AJ seemed eager to speak up but I subtly signaled for her to stay quiet she relaxed back into the sofa Carrie sitting next to her looked like she was about to collapse under the weight of Guilt a few months later AJ left for Central Michigan University Troy jokingly asked if he could go with her but his serious expression told me otherwise Carrie and I maintained civility around our son attending his school events together despite our efforts to appear loving I could see the strain on

my wife but I was determined to live my life and share my role as a father living separately under the same roof also took a toll on my wife we Lacked physical affection loving words and playful banter and intimacy was non-existent she couldn't initiate anything in bed because I wasn't there for her literally this situation wasn't easy for me either her betrayal dampened my desire whenever I felt aroused thoughts of Carrie with Jorge for the past two decades replaced any excitement needless to say I became quite Adept at solo activities um Josh can't we go

back to How we used to be physically we had a good bed life I never refused you you know can't we revive that you have needs too Carrie pleaded one evening about 3 months later when Troy was out with friends I examined her she was still attractive with a decent figure this would be purely physical as I no longer felt love for her though I still cared those feelings were fading it would be purely physical not romantic I'd seek my pleasure and she could seek hers I had No intention of exerting myself for her satisfaction

I suppose but you'll have to come to my room knowing what I know now you betrayed our marital bed countless times and I won't be intimate with you there again I replied okay I understand I'll join you in a few minutes just need to freshen up a bit she said Carrie freshened up by applying some makeup spritzing perfume tidying her hair and wearing my favorite Lacy Teddy beneath her robe when she came Into my room she unveiled the teddy spinning around for my approval I had to quickly push thoughts of her with Jorge out of

my mind to keep my composure after we finished I rolled away from Carrie lying on my back savoring the moment in the past we'd share this closeness but those days were now just memories I lamented their loss as Carrie sniffled beside me I knew she sensed my thoughts despite the urge to comfort her I resisted a while later she dressed Quietly and returned upstairs without a word there was no conversation no affectionate talk just silence upstairs I heard the shower running in our bathroom as I settled in the family room to watch TV in gym

shorts and a t-shirt I was sitting when Troy arrived home Dad it's been months since you've taken mom out anywhere he said will you ever forgive her and be a couple again it was time for honesty I reflected before responding Troy I don't think I can Forgive her enough to go back to how things were it was all a facade your mother loves Uncle Jorge not me I'm just her second choice knowing that how can I return to that football teams have backup quarterbacks but marriages don't have backup husbands I explained I'm sorry son but

what we have now might be the best we can hope for Troy seemed upset but I believe he grasped the situation he went to his room Carrie caught on too every few weeks she'd ask For a lone time code for intimacy I figured she probably took care of herself the rest of the time like I did she could have been sneaking out for all I knew but she understood the consequences if she got caught I'm not sure Carrie felt the weight of Troy's graduation like I did once I might have cared but I stopped worryed

about her feelings I didn't love her anymore I cared sure given our shared history and kids but her deceit had numbed my Emotions I used to think hate was Love's opposite but now I know it's indifference I remember going to college with just clothes undies and a stereo Troy took more with gadgets and boxes times had changed Troy was excited and talked non-stop during the drive Carrie barely got a word in and I stayed quiet too Troy didn't realize he dominated the conversation the ride home without Troy was eily silent I drove most of the

way Carrie Handled navigation and music if I never hear another Michael Bolton song again it'll be too soon I could tell Carrie was feeling really down now that both kids were mostly out of the house Carrie was a good mom and I knew she loved the kids more than she cared for me I might not have been her favorite person but AJ and Troy were definitely her favorites seeing her so gloomy she wasn't seeing the bigger picture I thought I'd feel better when Carrie got served after we Got home but when she got the envelope

she looked crushed burst into tears and ran inside it made me feel small setting up Revenge plans after the trip seemed satisfying but looking back it was just Petty I realized I needed help I knew our marriage was over from the moment I found out about her Affair I was keeping my promise to Sergio by staying with Carrie until Troy left for college I gave her two extra days I was in my room when I heard her knock I told her to Come in do you hate me now Josh she asked softly have I ruined

everything yes everything's ruined because of you Carrie but I don't hate you I just don't care about you anymore I replied but we had something good for many years before you found out she said did we for me it was all a lie after you went to stay with Robbie and Jorge the first time you didn't love only me like you promised you didn't give yourself to me alone like you promised you had a child with Another man why couldn't you just be honest with me once you fell for Jorge why not just divorce me

you stayed gave me two great kids but for 18 years you deceived me you took away 18 years I could have spent finding someone to share my life with not being the second choice of a selfish woman go back to Jorge Cary can't you see I'm setting you free but I did love you Josh can't you see that I couldn't have stayed with you for 20 years if I didn't love you I Might not be in love with you like like I am with Jorge but I truly do love you she cried your idea of

Love is way way different from mine Carrie if you really loved me you would have treated me right and not kept me as your backup I deserve to be number one I deserve to be the one you loved and desired by deceiving me you never gave me the chance to choose to be your number two or maybe find someone who wanted me as number one I gave you two great kids we had a good Life or so I thought it's all gone now you got what you wanted or hey got what he wanted Robbie got

what she wanted and what did I get nothing so what was your plan after the kids left assuming I never found out about you and Jorge she hesitated before responding I guess I always thought I'd go back to Spain with Jorge and Robbie I'm sorry Josh I guess I never really thought about you in my long-term plans she said quietly I know I replied just as quietly I won't fight The divorce she whispered I was surprised that both kids weren't supportive of my decision to divorce their mother initially they were upset about her cheating but

she convinced them her love for me was genuine as for her love for Jorge well that had been going on for so long they managed to justify it to themselves somehow they also rationalized that I'd be okay being her second choice Aunt Robbie is fine with it why can't you be like her AJ Questioned Aunt Robbie helped plan it all with Uncle Jorge and your mother I was left out everyone but me was involved in this mess why exclude me because your mother knew I wouldn't agree it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission I explained

let me ask you AJ would you let your husband have another Lover he cared about more than you no way i' destroy him if he even suggested that she stated firmly but this has been going on for over 20 years Now so I should accept it because it's been happening for so long like Aunt Robbie does like you would if it happened to you she winced and looked away signaling the end of the conversation my kids confirmed my assumption that Carrie would go to Spain after the divorce I missed the companionship but not the life

I had or didn't really have realizing I had lost trust in women I sought counseling I wasn't actively seeking a new Relationship I went on a few dates and occasionally had intimacy but it wasn't a priority anymore I was surprised to find many single women in the 40 to 50 age range I hadn't noticed when I was supposedly happily married I never realized how much the dating scene had changed in the past 20 years before men usually took the lead but now it's more balanced it took me a bit to adjust to this shift I

have to admit it's quite a boost to the Ego when a woman makes the first move Robbie showing up at my about 2 years after my divorce was a surprise it took me a moment to recognize her although she looked much the same as before she was still quite beautiful hey Robbie what brings you here I asked still a bit shocked just wanted to visit an old friend if we still are friends she replied softly after offering her coffee we sat down in the family room she seemed uncomfortable clearing her throat So are we still

friends Josh she asked I paused thinking it over we used to be or so I thought I began but she cut in no that's not true she insisted I always considered you a friend if that's the case how could you do what you did to me I pressed I was selfish and foolish Robbie admitted I never considered the consequences because I trusted Jorge and Carrie Carrie was like a sister to me I never saw it coming I put up with it because I got Sergio out of the deal and After that it was just for

a few days here and there in all the years and I absolutely loved it when you forbade her from seeing him for those few years but then you divorced her and sent her back back into his life and mine I guess after all these years I'm tired of being his second best woman I completely get where you are coming from now God I was so stupid hurts doesn't it I asked mugly she didn't answer but dropped her eyes finally showing a little remorse I guess We can be friends again of A Sort friends linked by

shared experience I said we talked long into the night we switched from coffee to a bottle of Peno ggio and finish that when she got ready to leave I surprised her and myself by offering her my guest room she accepted it was fun I had to admit to have a piece of my old life back I think we both enjoyed the familiarity the second weekend she stayed with me we went out to a restaurant for dinner followed by Hitting an upscale bar for drinks and dessert it was two old friends not a date but somewhere

along the way hormones got involved she was wearing a fairly tight dark blue dress that showed more than a hint of cleavage and a lot of muscular tight legs I certainly wasn't planning on anything happening so I I was a little surprised when I felt myself getting hard while we were eating dessert I blushed and she just knew she reached across the table and took my Hand we continued holding hands for the rest of the night we were about a block from my house when Robbie changed the game this doesn't have to mean anything Josh

she rasped you're a handsome single guy and I'm in an open marriage we're consenting adults I smiled brightly and reached for her hand giving it a kiss clothes started hitting the floor almost as soon as we got back back to my house like you see in those chick-flick romances as we made our way to my Bedroom I discovered that Robbie was a fantastic kisser somewhere in the middle of that she levitated off the bed and went stiff in the air before screaming at full volume she started yelling something in Spanish at that point I knew

she was bilingual after all these years living in Spain but since I had only visited their home a few times my Spanish was pretty bad English say it in English babe how do I know if you like something or not if you're speaking a Language I barely know I said I'm not going to lie and say it was the greatest experience of my life although it was the best one I'd had since I found out about Carrie cheating on me several years ago we went at it one more time that night and did it again

in the morning we showered together and enjoyed washing each other's bodies before I took her to IHOP for a great breakfast we spent much of the rest of the day on the sofa in the family room cuddling Kissing and watching TV she didn't go back to sleeping in the guest room for the remaining 3 weeks of her stay with me I need to go back to Spain and divorce Jorge then figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life Robbie said I know we've had our fun together but both of us

know we're not each other's long-term solution still you're a hell of a good man Josh I'm really sorry I started the ball rolling on ruining your marriage you didn't Force her to do what she did and then at least you showed remorse that's more than Carrie I said well I hope you find somebody that appreciates you for everything you bring to the table and that's quite a lot Robbie said Carrie had been living with Jorge for 5 years and my kids had both reloc ated to the south of Spain to be closer to their mother

I missed them but not their attitudes I was tired of apologizing for divorcing their mother for cheating on Me no one was more surprised than me when Troy called one Sunday at 6:00 a.m. yeah who the hell calls someone Sunday morning at 6 I didn't look to see who was calling I just grabbed the phone and yelled what this had better be an emergency or or someone's dying I yelled Dad Dad it's me Troy why are you so mad he asked it's 6: in the morning on a Sunday Troy did you forget about the time

difference I asked uh yeah I guess I did Dad he said softly I'll call back Later no Troy don't hang up what did you need I asked uh I'm not sure how to say this Dad but here goes did you know that AJ is sleeping with Uncle Jorge he announced more than asked by the time he finished his statement I was wide awake after getting only about 3 hours of sleep it had been a very late night with a girl young enough to be dating my son but that was a whole different story what what

the did you just say I yelled through the phone you heard me Dad I said AJ is sleeping with Uncle Jorge he announced again are you sure I choked out yeah he whispered well she is 27 dad I guess she can make her own decisions about whom she sleeps with but still it's just creepy you know what I mean he said and your mother is good with this I asked he hesitated not really sure she knows about this he said 2 days later I was standing on AJ's doorstep waiting for the fancy asked doorbell to

be answered the woman of the House answered with a gasp Josh what are you doing here Carrie asked with a very shocked look on her face I was in the neighborhood and wanted to see my children got a problem with that I said gruffly she stepped aside and let me in why didn't you call you could have stayed here if we knew you were coming she said I glared at her as all three kids and Jorge walked into the Parlor when the kids saw me they came over for hugs but Jorge stayed back they all

Started talking at once but fell silent as I approached Jorge with anger in my eyes he raised his hands and surrender but it didn't matter I'm not a pro fighter but I can handle myself fueled by rage I landed my best punch on his nose when he dropped to his knees I delivered a powerful kick it didn't crush his nuts but his scream made my point clear stepping back I breathed heavily surveying the shocked faces Uncle Josh you promis not to hurt dad For what he did with an Cary Sergio cried out but he stood

firm I seeed watching Jorge in pain as Carrie rushed to him I didn't break my promise to you I yelled back he got that for doing it with my daughter your half sister did you know he was doing it with your daughter I asked turning my attention to my ex-wife her expression shifted from Fear to shock as she glanced at me then back at Jorge whatk he saying she asked Jorge I'm old enough to decide who I sleep with AJ asserted I don't need permission from either of you you're old enough to make your own

mistakes like being involved with a man who broke up your parents marriage but you like your mother and the guy on the floor should also know there are consequences to actions and his recent one gave me the chance to give him the consequences I couldn't for being with your mother because I'd promised Sergio I owe you Thanks for giving me the chance to do something long overdue but your choice of Partners is disturbing considering everything she blushed then apologized to her mother Carrie looked at AJ sternly then turned to Jorge and slapped him hard causing

him to groan and pass out that was a good one mom Troy praised I'm sorry Uncle Josh I didn't know about Dad and AJ that's just wrong Sergio saidy right Sergio it's not your fault and you Don't need to apologize I told him kids it was good to see you all though AJ you and I need to have a serious talk someday Carrie not so great to see you but I've got some sightseeing to do before heading home now if you don't mind oh and you've got my number if Jorge here wants to press charges

against me just let me know and I'll turn myself in that won't happen Uncle Josh I promise dad and I have a lot to discuss too Sergio said yeah everyone Shouts when they land after their first parachute jump and I was no exception it was absolutely incredible my toes touched the ground first and since my legs were out in front of me I gently sat down and let out a scream then I quickly got to my knees and then my feet rushing back to grab my parachute my heart was racing I was too excited to

even think about checking my Fitbit but I could feel my heart pounding so hard and fast that it felt like my chest Might burst and I had a huge grin on my face yeah yeah yeah I shouted again as the jumpmaster came over to congratulate me and make sure I wasn't injured nice jump Josh He cheered as I gathered my things and headed out of the landing area as I walked towards the garage where others were coming out to greet me I noticed I was sweating a lot and every sound around me seemed sharper louder

maybe that's what happens in a close call experience I thought to myself okay Okay I know I was being a bit dramatic maybe more than a bit but beside witnessing the birth of my two children this was the most incredible moment of my life better than getting married even better than my first time having closeness I may never be able to fully explain what I just experienced at years old and divorced for quite some time I'd been feeling pretty down but a recent trip to Spain changed everything specifically giving Jorge Santiago a Beating lifted my

spirits like nothing else could the first day back in the States I practically leaped out of bed I put on my New Balance sneakers and hit the Road I had been slowly getting back into jogging over the past year but that morning was different I breeed through 7.2 Mi at a pace of 7:30 per mile much faster than my usual 8 minutes I arrived at work practically bouncing with energy I was on cloud my admin Teresa picked up on it right away 5 minutes after I Arrived she showed up at my door with her coffee

and notepad ready to catch up after my week-long absence but the charade didn't last long Teresa sat down looked me in the eye and said okay spill you spent that we in Spain getting some action didn't you even better Teresa I replied I found my mojo who knew was hiding out in southern Spain that's fantastic Josh I'm really happy for you you deserve it I decided to enroll in a couple of classes at the local College Just for fun with over a billion people in China I figured I should learn more about their culture the

second class was even more light-hearted focusing on classic rock most of the students were around my age but there were a few younger ones who probably got hooked on their parents music growing up about a month later I got this wild idea to go skydiving I don't know what possessed me considering I'm terrified of heights but I felt like I needed to Face that fear headon and jumping out of a plane from 2,000 ft up seemed like the most insane thing I could do maybe that's the downside of living solo there's no one around to

talk some sense into you when you're about to do something utterly nuts seriously who in their right mind volunteers to LEAP out of a perfectly good airplane but there I was signing up for the class to learn how to do it it the class was all right but everything changed when we suited up Grouped up and headed out to the plane we were supposed to jump from to cut to the chase I'm thankful I didn't have a weak heart or I might have been a goner but it turned out to be an incredible experience one

I'm glad I tried just once after our jumps a bunch of us rookies stuck around chatting and joking as we sipped on Cokes and teased each other about our less than graceful Landings I was munching on some vending machine M&M's when this high-pitched Whirlwind burst into the garage she was clearly still buzzing from the jump a few inches shorter and a few octaves higher than usual it took her a moment to Wrangle off her helmet and when she did out tumbled this Cascade of curly blonde hair revealing these big bright blue eyes and a smile

that could have come straight from a toothpaste ad for the second time that day I thought my heart might just stop I nearly choked on my candy when she peeled off her Jumpsuit it was a warm day and she was wearing The Snug T-shirt and jeans that were well let's just say they left little to the imagination tight with a capital T doesn't even begin to cover it she seemed to be around 30 but I later learned she was actually 44 her name turned out to be Eevee Abraham maybe because she was so small she

appeared even livelier than the rest of us I couldn't help but keep my eyes on her as we sat around the table sharing our Skydiving stories I hoped I wasn't obvious in my staring and definitely hoped I wasn't drooling subtly I glanced at her left hand checking for a ring there was none after hanging out together for a while Eevee got up up and headed towards the parking lot without hesitation I got up and followed her that day at the Airfield left me with a lasting memory and a DAT set for the following Saturday night

our first date was at a Chinese restaurant for the First 10 minutes eeve excitedly talked about her skydiving experience I totally understood considering we shared that Adventure then we delved into our personal lives I opened up about my ex-wife and kids while she shared about her late husband and her own two children she was widowed at 34 when a drunk driver offed her husband leaving her to raise their kids alone after sharing her story Eevee felt quiet I saw tears welling up in her eyes though she Fought hard to hold them back I made a

promise to myself not to cry for myself anymore after the first year without Dan she explained I realized I was crying out of self-pity but that's not what Dan would have wanted he was the kind of guy who'd say that's enough tears it's time to move forward so that's what I did we'll never forget Dan but we honor him every day by moving forward and living good lives her words hit me deeply I didn't say it but I had shed many tears Over the years grieving for my own loss he seems like a wise guy

offering advice to a stranger I murmured she smiled broadly a Telltale sign of her happiness tilting her head to the right being both mother and father to her kids she grew into a bit of a tomboy in her 30 seconds she mastered throwing a baseball and football and boasted about her skills in hockey despite not playing sports as a child she became an involved parent learning about various Sports and how to Tend to her kids injuries I can handle Cuts Like a pro and ice up injuries with ease she said proudly for our second date

I took her to a Cincinnati Reds baseball game she grabbed my program and began scoring the game impressing me with her skill my son played baseball and my daughter played softball I took on the role of the official stats guy for both teams she explained using air quotes for emphasis standing at 5 foot nothing she exuded enthusiasm and energy She often wore tight teas jeans and sneakers seamlessly fitting into my world and comfortably snuggling under my arm after our first date she gave me a chased kiss on the cheek on our second date she kissed

me softly on the lips several times as our dates continued the kissing became more intense but I never felt the right moment to take things further until our sixth date when she made the move am I not what you're looking for Josh she asked while we were Making out on her sofa you've never made a move on me and I want more than just that she said smiling as she tilted her head to the right I felt myself blush feeling like I was back in high school it's been a while for me not that I

said noticing Eevee grinning I think we could have something special and I'm afraid of messing it up I admitted my heart pounding don't worry honey that won't happen on my end now how about you show me how fast you can get unclothed she Teased her eyes sparkling we got engaged 6 months later and had a small wedding 6 months after that with just her kids my son and Sergio present AJ although invited chose not to come since I didn't invite her new husband Jorge whom Carrie divorced immediately after learning about his affair with her daughter

as expected we didn't go to Spain for our honeymoon