The Illusion of Control

To the joyous passing of years

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There was a cheerleader at our high school I wanted to ask out. I summoned my courage and approached her, but she laughed and said she couldn't be seen dating a nerd.

I wondered how she knew I was a nerd, when I had never known that about myself.

I played varsity basketball, but I only started one game. The usual starter was throwing up in the locker room. I played in every game, coming in as an early sub. I rarely turned the ball over and averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds in 14 minutes per game my senior year.

My favorite class that year was calculus. I wondered whether the popular girls circulated a class list. Perhaps that's how she knew.

I applied early for admission to one of the state universities, one at the other side of the state. I was awarded a full tuition scholarship. My parents paid for my share of an apartment with three other guys, but I had to cover books and food. And cheap dates.

I had a nice part-time job on campus. Not one of those janitorial ones in the middle of the night, but I had office hours. I taught non-nerds how to add and subtract, or so it seemed at times! However, my favorite student was a senior running back on the football team. He was genuinely nice to everyone. Even nerds!

In mid-May, I finished my last final and boarded a plane for the two-hour flight back home. I got home late that day, so I went straight upstairs to my room and unpacked. I climbed into bed and soon slept.

The next morning, I got up and put on old basketball shorts to mow the lawn. I never wore anything else.

Before going downstairs, I went to the window that looked out on our neighbors' back yard and pool.

She was there!

Almost three years earlier, the summer before my junior year of high school, the Drake family bought the house next door. Mom got to know Mrs. Drake, and told me they had two older married children.

Their youngest daughter, Monica, was going into 9th grade, although Mom insisted Monica was almost exactly a year younger than me, instead of two years.

I was looking down on Monica. She was almost always by the pool during the summer. Very tanned. Also, very cute. Increasingly so.

I had that pasty look of a nerd in summer. Mowing the lawn without a shirt was my form of tanning.

A couple of times after the Drakes moved in, Mom told me I should ask Monica out, but there were three reasons I refused:

First, it was Mom's suggestion, and I was stubborn enough to do the opposite, even if not in my best interest.

Second, she was in 9th grade, and no self-respecting junior was going to ask a 9th grader out!

Third, I was at the low point of my confidence with girls!

Now, though, my confidence was much higher. That year--actually, that last semester--I discovered there were cute girls with brains.

I lost my virginity to a girl who rolled a condom onto my erection and then mounted me, riding me to a glorious eruption.

A few weeks later, I had sex in missionary position with a girl who tended to scream, especially when I followed her instructions and went down on her. When I asked her out again, she told me she had promised her mother she would not date the same boy twice in a row.

I mowed both the front and rear lawns. I refused to let my parents pay me, because they were already paying for my apartment at school. I took pride in making the lawn beautiful. I mowed in one direction and then cut the lawn a second time at about a 45-degree angle, making a great diamond pattern.

As I finished the second pass, I thought I saw a shadow behind the fence, but it was out of the corner of my eye, so I shrugged it off.

I went back upstairs and glanced out the window. Monica looked up and waved. I almost ducked, but realized how silly that would look, so I waved back.

I showered and then went down to the kitchen to use the phone. This was back in 1990, when cell phones were just starting to be widely available. We had one of those wall-mounted phones with a 20-foot cord on the handset, one of those spiral jobs that was always hopelessly tangled.

I called a couple of friends to let them know I was home. Then I tried calling a couple of girls, but learned they were going steady, or so they said.

Of course, Mom was listening.

"Mark, Monica stopped by last week."

"Oh? What did she want?"

"She asked whether you were coming home this summer, and when."

That's all Mom said. Apparently, she'd learned her lesson about pushing me in the direction she wanted me to go.

I went back upstairs and looked out the window again.

She was still there. I thought she had matured in a sexy way! I had an idea that made me smile.

I walked downstairs and headed for the front door. As I passed through the kitchen, I paused long enough to say something and watch the effect.

"Mom, I'll be back later. I'm going to go say hi to Monica."

It was fun to watch her jaw drop!

"I'm glad, Mark. She's a nice girl."

"Mom, you really need to accept small wins gracefully and resist a victory dance."

She laughed. "That's solid advice. Thanks."

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Monica and I weren't total strangers. We were both at the high school her sophomore year, when I was a senior. My three objections still applied, though.

I rang the doorbell and waited.

The Drakes seemed to have a lot of money. He was some sort of super-banker, and I think Mrs. Drake worked as well. They drove nice cars.

I was about to abandon my attempt when the door opened. It was Monica, in a bikini, dripping wet and forming a puddle on the floor.

"Mark! It's so good to see you!"

She stepped out on the porch and threw her arms around me, instantly getting me wet.

"Did you just get home? How was university life? Oh! I'm sorry to get you all wet. Come inside."

She wrapped a towel around herself, and we sat on bar stools around the island in the kitchen.

"I'm sorry I was so slow to answer the door. I had just gotten out of the pool when I heard the bell, so I ran, but then slipped and fell on the floor tile here in the kitchen."

"Sorry to be the cause of your injury!"

She smiled. I noticed again how much cuter she was.

"How was your junior year, Monica? Did you date much?"

"Not really. I only went out twice."

"You're kidding! With your looks?"

"Thanks Mark, but there were two reasons I didn't date more. On my first date with each of those guys, they made it clear they expected me to give them a blowjob or have sex. I told them to take me home at once, and to never call me again."

"I'm sorry to hear that. There are some real jerks out there."

"Maybe this is in the TMI category, but I'm a virgin. It's not that I'm waiting for marriage, but I'd at least like to wait for love."

She was wiping away tears, and I was thinking about my two sexual encounters. There was no love there!

"Monica... I had sex with two women at school. It was casual, nothing to do with love, and I regret that now. I don't think I'm as good a person as you."

"That's ok, you can choose to change, and I think you'll find I can easily forgive something you regret."

"You said there were two reasons."

She looked into my eyes.

"The other reason was... well... it was you."

"Me?"

"Mark, this is embarrassing. When we moved here, I saw you mowing the lawn..."

"Wait, were you watching me today? I thought I saw someone by the fence. Was that you?"

She covered her face and laughed.

"You are good at homing in on my embarrassment! When we first moved here, I heard the lawnmower. There's a knot hole on the fence, so I looked through it and saw you. I thought you were the most beautiful boy I'd ever seen. I kept hoping you would notice me and ask me out."

"I never knew that. I wish I had."

"It was me watching today. I watched you at school and was even more impressed with you there. One day, I heard a bimbo refer to you as a nerd. I was so mad, I punched her in the nose. I got kicked out and had to come back with Mom to apologize."

"I've been looking for a mean bitch as my security guard."

"I promised Mom I would never do that again!"

I sat and thought for a moment. What I was about to ask would undoubtedly cause my mother to declare victory, but what the hell!

"Monica, would you go out with me tonight? I mean, if you're available to date. We could go out for burgers. I know that's not much, but until I get a paycheck, I'm kinda broke."

"I'd like that. What time do I need to be ready?"

"Is 7 good?"

"Perfect! Thanks for asking me."

There was no way I was going to tell Mom!

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I rang her doorbell a couple of minutes before 7. Her mother answered.

"Hi, Mrs. Drake. I'm here to take Monica out for burgers."

"Mark, you're an adult at the university now. Call me Joyce, ok? However, Mr. Drake is still Mr. Drake."

"Got it! Thanks, Joyce. I'll work on getting used to that."

Monica came down the stairs.

"Hi, Mark. I'm so happy to go out with you tonight."

She put her arm through mine, and we walked out to the car. I opened the car door for her and helped her get in. On the way to the burger shop--a local, family-owned place that my parents went to when they were in high school--Monica quizzed me about my experience at the university, my classes, and my social life there.

"Are you thinking of applying there?"

"Yeah. It's probably my top choice. You got a scholarship, right?"

"I did. Full tuition. How are your grades?"

"I'm clinging to a 4.0."

The way she said that made me laugh. "How does someone 'cling' to a 4.0?"

"I keep thinking I'm going to get an A- in a class."

"Crap! I got a 3.98, and I had four A- grades in classes. I would have hated to compete against a curve-wrecker like you."

"I might have other curves you like, though."

She turned bright red, and I laughed hard.

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Over our burgers and fries, we chatted more about living next door.

"Let me see if I have this straight. Until I went away this year, you and I spent two years with me checking you out from my window and you peeking through the fence."

"I think that's accurate, although embarrassing."

We both laughed over that.

"Mark, are you working for Larry again this summer?"

Larry was a neighbor down the street with a large landscaping business, called, "Larry's Landscaping." He didn't spend a lot of time on the name. Great guy, though!

"Yeah, he keeps promoting me, so I earn good money. I tutor part-time on campus, but it's not enough without my income from Larry. Do you work?"

"No. I'm the surprise caboose, and probably a little spoiled. I try not to be, though. Mostly I hang out and stare at the cute guy next door."

"You have one on the other side of your yard, too?"

"Only you, Mark. Now there you go, making me blush again!"

Our server asked whether we wanted dessert.

"Monica, that's fine if you want to order dessert."

"No, I need to watch my figure for the voyeur next door."

"I'll pass, too. I need to stay fit for the girl peeking through my fence."

The server was laughing. "I'll get your check."

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I drove home and parked in her driveway. As we stood on the porch, Monica asked me a question I thought strange, at least at first.

"Mark, would it be accurate to say we've been seeing each other for a long time?"

"I suppose you could say it that way."

"Good. You see, I have a strict policy against kissing a boy, no matter how handsome, the first time I see him."

I saw the light!

We leaned toward each other and kissed. It was tentative at first, but our arms wrapped around each other, and we kissed until we needed to breathe!

"Now that was a hot kiss! What was I thinking not asking you out before?"

"I'm going to embarrass myself, but it shouldn't surprise you that I've looked forward to that for three years and have imagined how it would be to kiss you."

"I'm afraid to ask... How'd I do?"

"How should I answer that? Maybe like this."

She kissed me again, and this time it was full tongue action. I was hard!

"I'm confused. Did you like kissing me, or are you hoping to teach me?"

"Best kisses of my life! Mark, what time do you get off work during the week?"

"4 pm. I work strictly Monday through Friday now, too, barring a landscape emergency."

"Is that a thing?"

"Rarely. Why did you ask?"

"Come over and spend time in the pool with me Wednesday, as soon as you get home."

"I'll be there!"

"Thanks for tonight, and especially thanks for your wonderful kisses. Good night, Mark."

"Good night, Monica."

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I walked into the house and Mom was in the kitchen.

"How was your date with Monica?"

"How did you know I was out with her?"

"I talked to Joyce. Did you like kissing her?"

"Mom!"

She was laughing. "I'm glad you had a good time, and I'm going to resist asking anything else."

"Good night, Mom."

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Sunday morning, I felt lazy and stayed in bed until 9. That was way late for me. I rolled out of bed and squinted at the bright sun. I stood by the window in shorts, with no shirt, and looked down on Monica. She was laughing and pointed at the gate. Motioning me to come down.

I held up 5 fingers.

I brushed my teeth and threw on a shirt, then went down by their gate. It opened. Monica had been waiting.

I went to her and kissed her.

"I was hoping you'd kiss me. I don't know why I didn't ask you to swim today. Go get your suit on and swim with me."

Five more minutes and I was in the pool.

"Hey, it's nice to look at you from ground level."

She closed one eye.

"It's nice not to hold one eye up to a knot hole! You're three dimensional now!"

We were both laughing at ourselves and our prior voyeur-like behavior.

"I dreamed about you last night. You only had one eye. That's all I could see."

She splashed me!

"I'm going to embarrass myself again. Sometimes, like this morning, when I see you at the window, you're not wearing a shirt, but I can't see any lower, so I imagine you're naked."

"I don't have to imagine. You nearly are sometimes."

"Do I tease you? Do you want me to stop?"

"Yes, to the first and no to the second. An emphatic no!"

We kissed. It was wonderful.

"Mark, our family has a boat at the marina. Would you like to spend Saturday with me on the lake?"

"Just us? I mean, will your dad allow you to take the boat out?"

"Yeah. I told him I wanted to take you, so last weekend he checked me out on the boat."

"Wait, Last week? How long have you been planning this?"

"For a few weeks. I strategized with your mother, too."

"What? Do I have no control over my life?"

"Oh, Babe, you have something much better. You have the illusion of control."

I was laughing now. "So, when my mother happened to mention you had dropped by..."

"It's that illusion thing. I love your mom. She's sneaky."

I was shaking my head and laughing.

"She had me believing she was being more chill about urging me to see you."

"Well, we thought it was necessary to maintain the illusion of control for you."

I dunked her and swam away. What I did not expect was how fast she is in the water. She quickly caught me and pulled me under. We surfaced, laughing.

Then we kissed.

"Mark, did you get taller this year?"

"Late growth spurt, I added 4 inches. Where was that when I was riding the bench at five feet, nine?"

"I thought so. You've also added muscle."

"Some is from lifting this year, but most is from last summer, working for Larry. I no longer work on a crew, but in supervising them I often throw bagged material around."

She was tracing my arm with her fingertips.

"Whew, I am so aroused feeling your muscles... Oh God, that sounded bad!"

"You mean, 'that' muscle?"

She turned bright red and sat down in the pool.

I pulled her up and hugged her.

"It's my turn. You seem curvier this year."

"My curves got better. I went up a cup size this last year, too. I'm not thrilled with some of the attention I'm getting from guys at school, though. Mark, let me explain something to you. When guys stare, I'm just an object to them. I welcome your stares, because when you stare, I don't think I'm only an object, am I?"

"Nice. Licensed to stare. 008, I believe."

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Monday morning, I walked into Larry's shop at 7 am.

"Mark! I'm glad you're back. Good year at the university?"

"I loved it, but It's nice to be back."

"I hear you and Monica are dating."

"Good grief! How did word spread that quickly?"

"My wife and Joyce talk a lot."

I just shook my head and smiled. "Yeah, after three years of living next door to each other, we ran out of other people to date."

"You might not want to say it that way within Monica's hearing!"

"Or Joyce's!"

"I need to bring you up to speed. I've got five crews this year. Three are dedicated to lawn care. The other two are doing full landscaping. They all started a few weeks ago, but I've kept your job open for you. I need you to meet all the crew leads ASAP. There are issues, but I want your thoughts, not mine."

"Sure thing, boss. It's nice to be back. And thanks for the job!"

That week I made the rounds. On Friday, I went back to the shop at 2 to talk to Larry.

"Here's what I think. Two of the lawn care crews are doing well. One of the landscaping crews is outstanding. However, the crew lead on crew #3, Bill, has to go. He manages by intimidation, and if we leave him there, no one will remain after a couple more weeks.

"The crew lead on the landscaping crew #1, Tony, is struggling, but I'm not ready to pull his plug. He has two crew members we need to let go. They're poison for morale. I want to work with Tony next week."

"Thanks, Mark. I see it the same way. What about replacing Bill?"

"I'd suggest promoting Carlos. He's on that crew and is a hard worker. People like him."

"Good choice. On Monday, go fire Bill and send him here to pick up his final check. Offer Carlos the job and let me know how that goes. I'll see if I can hire a couple of new crew members for Tony, and one for Carlos.

"Have a great weekend. You doing anything fun with Monica?"

"Taking their boat out on the lake tomorrow."

"Nice. I hear that boat hauls ass."

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Monica and I had spent Wednesday evening together in the pool. We didn't swim as much as we talked.

I was curious about her plans after high school.

"You said the other day you were thinking of applying at the university where I am. What do you plan to study?"

"Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Mechanical Design."

"No shit?"

"Since I was a little girl, I've loved taking things apart and figuring out how they work. I want to learn how to design beautiful and functional products. What are you studying?"

"I have a double major, math and statistics."

"What do you plan to do with them, become an actuary?"

"No, I think I want to pursue a PhD in one of them and then teach at the university level."

"I can see that. I'd sign up for your class!"

"And then get me in serious trouble!"

"You might have to marry me first.... I'm so sorry. That was way too forward!"

She started to cry!

I put my arms around her. "Monica, it's ok. I've already wondered whether we might eventually marry. I wasn't going to say anything, but I feel differently about you than anyone else I've ever dated."

She hugged me tightly.

"Can I ask another question that might embarrass you?"

"You excel at that ... and kissing!"

"Are you thinking of that university to be near me?"

"Mostly. I mean, it does have a great mechanical engineering program."

I smiled. "I hope you go there and stay close to me."

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Saturday morning, as she instructed me, I was at her house before 8 am. We had gone out the night before and had bought a few things, but to my surprise, Monica and Joyce had stayed up to make fried chicken for us to take!

There was a surprising amount to carry. We had a cooler, and it was one of those with wheels, so that would help.

When we got to the Marina, she rolled down the window and entered a code. The gate opened and we parked in the private lot for owners of boats renting slips.

We headed down the ramp and along the dock, until Monica stopped by a nice boat! She stepped on board and had me hand everything to her.

Before doing anything else, she laid down the law!

"There are rules we follow on our boat. First, I'm the captain and you must do as I say; second, before we can raise the anchors, or cast off from the dock, you must be wearing a life jacket, and it must remain on until we drop anchor and kill the engines; third, everything must be stowed in lockers or lashed down before moving the boat."

I knew from the look on her face, she meant business.

"Yes, Captain."

Her face softened a little.

"I have one more rule that applies when you are my guest on this boat. I cannot start the engines until I have been properly kissed."

"Yes, Captain."

I kissed her hard. I even dipped her backward as I held her in the air. She came up fanning her face.

"Now that was a hot kiss! My engines are running!"

She showed me how to loosen the mooring lines and toss them onto the boat, then jump aboard.

She backed us out of the slip, and we cruised slowly out of the marina. After passing the last harbor buoy, she increased our speed. It was then that I noticed we had two 200 horsepower engines.

Larry was right. That boat can haul ass!

Monica navigated a few miles to an island, and we dropped anchor about 10 yards off. She killed the engines, so I took off my life jacket.

"I like this one because it has a small, sandy beach. I thought we could swim a little, then eat, and maybe sit on the seats on the bow to catch some sun."

"Is it permissible for this crew member to kiss the captain?"

"It's a rule! Bring your lips over here!"

"I think I'll enjoy serving under you... and yes, I meant it that way."

She turned bright red. I was laughing.

I got a tour of the boat, I didn't realize until then there was a bedroom and a small kitchen below, including a bathroom with a shower.

We swam, splashing each other. Hugging and kissing at times.

The fried chicken was delicious. Monica showed me the seats on the bow, and we sat there in the sun eating, then holding hands.

We put sunscreen on each other, although the SPF 50 she brought wasn't nearly high enough for me and probably overkill for her. Still, it was nice rubbing it on her back and shoulders. Maybe even nicer when she rubbed it on my back.

"Monica, I know we've only started dating, but I've never felt this way before, about anyone. Is it possible I'm falling in love with you?"

She wiped away tears and squeezed my hand.

"I feel it too, Mark. I love you. Of course, we've watched each other for several years, so we're not strangers who've become acquainted recently.

"We're going to be apart most of the next school year. That's going to be hard, I mean difficult."

She laughed. "I hope when you think of me, hard is the right word."

"I'm going to tell Joyce about your dirty mind!"

"Oh! Like you're not thinking it as well!"

We both laughed, knowing how attracted we felt to each other, and that we were beginning to desire each other.

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Since we spent all day together Saturday, I woke up Sunday morning and got ready to mow the lawn. I glanced out the window, shirtless, of course. Monica was down there, smiling. She pointed at the gate.

I went down to meet her, and kissed her.

"Can I come over and sit in a lounge chair and watch you mow the lawn, instead of peeking through the knothole?"

"Sure. Do you want anything to drink?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you, though."

"You may need to wear those sunglasses. My pale skin reflects a lot of light!"

I went to work. Although part of the time I was in the front yard, most of the lawn was in the back. After a little while, I glanced over at Monica and Mom was handing her some kind of iced drink.

The illusion of control! I was laughing as I worked.

When I finished, I was dripping sweat everywhere. I walked over by Monica.

"Do you have any idea how aroused I get watching you work and getting that sweaty?"

"Want me to drip some on you?"

"Ewwww. Gross!"

"I'm going to go shower. Wait here for me, ok?"

"I suppose. I mean, if you won't let me shower with you. You know I'm kidding, right? I talk a big game, but I want the experience at the right time, with the right person."

"I hope I'm the right person."

"So do I."

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Larry's Landscaping was in full gear, and the crews were working well. All five were working well, and most were more efficient than our target.

My romance with Monica was wonderful as well, but we both knew summer was over half gone.

"Babe, I've been thinking about when I can come and see you during the school year. I'm partly worried about how to pay for it, so I may not be able to come as much as I want."

"Ummm, I can help."

I was laughing. "You don't have a job!"

"That's true, but I have money. You know my parents have a lot of money, right?

Well, it's more than you think. My grandfather--Mom's father--left a bunch of money to Mom when he died, and he also left each of us kids $100,000. That was four years ago, and I haven't touched it, so just with the interest I've earned... well, I have enough to pay for your plane fare."

"That's nice of you. I think I'd like to come on the second weekend of October, the Tuesday night of Thanksgiving week, the Friday before President's Day in February. Oh, Christmas. We also have Spring Break in March, and it starts on a Wednesday, so probably I'll fly home on Tuesday night. Then the second week in May, after my last final, home for the summer.

"How does that sound?"

"I can live with that, but I'm really going to miss you."

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With about two weeks left before I had to fly back to school, Monica and I were in the pool.

"Mark, there's something I want to talk to you about. I didn't say anything at the time, but last month I got a prescription for birth control and started on them. I'd like to take the boat out next Saturday and spend the night on the lake.

"Would you be willing to make love to me that day? I guess that night, as well, right?"

"First, how old are you?"

"I'm 18. Dad worked in France for three years. We moved here from there and the counselor at the school district felt I needed material in the 9th grade, even though other kids my age were sophomores. I should have just graduated."

"Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"I've thought about it a lot. I said I wanted to wait for love, and I've found love. I want to give you my V-card. Please, will you do that with me?"

"I love you, Monica. You know, if we do this, it will change my visits, because we'll want to spend the nights together."

"I know. It'll be wonderful to sleep together."

"Ok, let's plan on it."

Then she whispered in my ear. "I talked to Mom for a long time about this. She's going to take me shopping for lingerie."

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"Mom, there's something I need to talk to you about. You know Monica and I are going boating Saturday, but this time she wants to spend the night on the lake."

"Mark, I've never asked, but have you had sex with anyone yet?"

"Twice, late last school year. A tiny bit of experience. Monica wants us to make love. She's still a virgin."

"Does Joyce know?"

"Yes."

"What do you want to ask?"

"After we do this, when I come home to visit, we'll want to sleep in the same bed."

"You can sleep in your bedroom, but only if Joyce is fully informed. I think your father will agree with me. Mr. Drake might be a bigger challenge."

"I've never experienced sex with a virgin, and I want this to be great for her."

Mom was wonderful. We spent about 20 minutes talking about it. It was the most graphic discussion about sex I had ever had with Mom.

"Mark, there's one more thing I feel I need to warn you about. I get the feeling you and Monica will be thinking seriously about marriage. I was 19, and your father was 21 when we married. There were people, sort of self-appointed judges, who told us we were too young to marry. You'll find this in every major decision in life, no matter your age. People who have no business sticking their noses into your decisions will judge you, sometimes publicly and in a demeaning manner.

"Learn to ignore them. Dogs like to bark; that doesn't mean they know anything. If you are certain about your decision, whether it turns out to be right or wrong, it was your decision to make, and no one else's. Be humble about it but stick to your guns.

"When your father and I married, our combined age was 40. If you and Monica marry next June, for example, your combined age will be 39.

"I'm telling you this because deciding to have sex is serious business. Most people your age sneak off or move to the rear seat of the car. The fact you are talking to me about this tells me you are thoughtful and responsible. I'm proud of you for that. I hope Monica is doing the same with her parents."

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The next day, when I got home from work, I went straight over to her backyard. She was excited to see me and ran across the lawn to hug me--and get me wet.

I told her what Mom said about Joyce being fully informed about our sleeping arrangements.

"We already had that talk. We're on the same page. Oh, Mark, I can hardly wait for Saturday!"

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We didn't cast off until noon on Saturday. We also made two trips from the car to the boat. We had more food, and a greater variety of clothes! Monica had makeup and stuff for her hair. All I had to worry about was my robe and a new pair of black silk briefs she bought for me!

We motored out to that island again and were relieved not to find another boat.

"Sweetheart--I mean, Captain--what do you want to do? Do you want to have lunch, go swimming, sit in the sun, or..."

"I want to make love. Mark, I resigned as captain until we get ready to leave tomorrow. I made the bed the way I wanted it, and there are candles I want to light, but you're in charge.

"I want to take time getting ready. Can you change up here? I'll call for you when I'm ready, ok?"

"Are you nervous?"

"Big time! I know you'll make it wonderful for me, though."

She called me about a half hour later. I was incredibly nervous. This wasn't a casual encounter. This was a woman I wanted to marry someday!

I came down the stairs. The candles gave the sleeping quarters a wonderful soft light. Very romantic! Monica was in bed, with the covers pulled up around her neck!

She knew what I was thinking.

"I know, I'm a big talker, but no man has ever seen me naked!"

I dropped my robe. She smiled.

I got into bed with her and took her in my arms.

"Oh, Babe," I said, "your bare skin feels so wonderful on mine."

I kissed her and that kiss rapidly became fiery! I kissed her neck, and she moaned, but her moans became louder when I caressed her breast.

I carefully pulled the bed covers down, exposing her breast, still covered by a sheer, black bra. It closed in front, so I slowly released it and pulled it away from her body.

Her breasts were beautiful. I kissed them, licked them, and caressed them. I lowered my head and gently sucked on a nipple as she cried out in surprise at the intensity of the pleasure she felt.

"You are more beautiful than I imagined, Monica."

She moaned again, holding my head near her breast. I feasted on a nipple, knowing her virgin inexperience included the sensitivity of her breasts. I reached down and pulled her thong down her legs and off.

I slid lower, kissing her ribs, licking her navel, positioning myself now between her legs, I used my hands to open her labia.

I thought of the second girl I fucked, who taught me how to go down on her. Mom encouraged me to look to see if Monica's hymen was intact. I couldn't see anything like she described.

I licked her pussy, kissed it, found her clit and licked it.

Suddenly, Monica climaxed with a loud groan. Her head rolled back and turned to the side as she struggled with the intensity of her orgasm.

I moved up her body and positioned my cock at her entrance.

"My love, just relax. I'll be gentle."

She nodded, panting.

I moved slightly into her, and she gasped. I pulled back to spread her fluids more and moved in again, deeper now. I moved slowly deeper, but I found no barrier. I slid the rest of the way into her, and she climaxed again, this time with a loud groan.

I waited, wanting to be sure she had time to fully adjust to my size. I pulled back and began thrusting slowly, in long and short thrusts. Her hands pulled on my back, urging me on.

"Baby, so good... ohhhhhh"

I was moving more quickly now, and she cried out as each thrust landed. Two more thrusts, and I held deep inside, as my throbbing cock pushed cum into her.

"Oh, that feels amazing!"

I slowly recovered as I lay on her. When I slipped from her, I moved to her side, and we looked into each other's eyes. She was smiling. A big smile!

"Mark, that was incredible! When you entered me, it was the best thing I've ever felt. Why wasn't there pain?"

"Your hymen was already torn. That made it nicer for you."

"You felt so amazing inside me! Can we do it again?"

That afternoon and evening, Monica and I explored sex together, what we liked and liked better. She rode me, cowgirl style, eagerly dropping down my rigid rod.

I took her from behind, doggy style, and she cried out at the depth of my penetration as I finally pushed her flat onto the bed, fighting for my deepest release.

Doggy was new to me, as well. My prior experience was limited to one time in missionary position and one time in cowgirl. Soon, most of my experience would have been with Monica.

We stopped and ate wings Joyce had made for us. I reminded both of us to stay hydrated!

We looked outside and discovered the sun was setting. We were sitting together on the bed, both of us naked. I had an idea, so I grabbed her hand.

"Come with me up on deck. And bring the blanket."

We climbed the steps to the deck, closed the hatch, and climbed the steps to the bow and sat in the seats there. We were facing the west and the sunset. Monica and I pulled the blanket over us and watched the colorful scene.

"Monica, I love you with all my heart! This next school year is going to be challenging for us. We'll be far apart and miss each other. We may feel lonely or discouraged or feel that our reunion is impossibly far off.

"When we face those moments, let's remember today and the love we've shared. Then go watch the sunset."

Monica hugged me and wiped tears from her face.

"Mark, I know you're leaving in just four days. I've been dreading this, because this summer has been so special as I've fallen in love with you. I'm going to miss you, but I'm glad you'll come back for a few days in October. I checked the calendar, and it's only seven weeks from yesterday. Forty-eight days, from today, and only forty-four days from the day you leave."

We held each other until the last color faded from the sky, then returned below. Monica was cold, so I pulled her close to me and held her in my arms. Within minutes she was snoring softly. I must have fallen asleep soon afterwards.

Sometime during the night--I have no idea what time it was--I woke up to the pleasing feeling of Monica kissing my neck. I turned, and she giggled.

"I was hoping that would wake you up. I want you, Babe. Will you make love to me again?"

I pushed her over on her back and we kissed with increasing urgency and passion.

"Please suck on my nipples!"

Her hands held my head as I tasted her hard points, kissed them and sucked on them. I reached down and found her wet, soft place. My finger entered her, and she moaned.

"Babe, I'm so wet, just enter me."

As I moved, Monica reached down and held me, aiming me for her entrance. "Right there, Mark. Push inside. All the way."

I sank into her hot folds and pushed slowly all the way into her as her pussy caressed me. Her hands were around my back, pulling me into her.

"I'll never get tired of that feeling as you plunge into me!"

I slowly pulled back and descended, then pulled back again. I repeated this three times and was about to enter her slowly again when I realized I was already about to cum!

I plunged quickly into her!

She screamed.

I exploded with a shout.

Her mouth was by my ear. "Oh Mark, that's right, cum in me. Someday, we'll have a baby together. Our first baby."

I turned my head and kissed her.

I was still deep inside her and my cock was still throbbing a little. As it softened and slipped out, I moved beside her.

"Monica, I've been thinking about getting married next summer. Obviously, it needs to be after your graduation, but we need to think about college and what our goals are. How soon we want children."

She was wiping away tears but kissed me on the cheek.

I told her about Mom's warning about the criticism we would face, because we want to marry so young, about how it was our decision to make.

"Monica, we don't need to answer every question today. Give these things thought, and we can talk each time I visit. Right now, though, I'm leaning toward marrying in June."

"I feel the same way about it. I mean about marrying in June. I talked with Dad yesterday. I told him what we planned for today, and... you know, he was really chill about it! It totally surprised me! You know, he really likes you.

"Anyway, he told me something about them. I mean, Mom and Dad. Did you know they married young, too? I guess you wouldn't. I didn't know, but they were both 19."

"Branson and Joyce? No kidding? What did he say?"

"They struggled for a couple of years. I mean for money. They didn't have any. Mom's parents had money, but they were mad at her for marrying Branson. They later patched things up and became close friends, but for the first few years, they had to make it on their own."

"Did he resent them?"

"Not at all. He said those were the most valuable years of their marriage. They had to trust each other and depend on each other. They drew close. He said 'it was us against the world, and we made it together.'"

"Wow, so he thinks we should marry!"

"I thought that, too, but he said he only wanted me to know he will support our decision."

"He's chill. I wouldn't have guessed."

"Want to go look at the stars?"

"I'm putting on my robe. That blanket wasn't enough."

As we came up on deck, the silence was incredible. The stars were intense, and the only sound we could hear was small waves slapping the side of the boat. I held Monica in my arms as we stared at the sky.

"Where do think we'll be a year from today?"

"I think we'll be married and on this boat before going to school together. My freshman year and your junior year."

"Will you be pregnant?"

"I think I'd like one year together before that. Us against the world."

"Maybe if we time it right, your due date can be after finals in May the following year."

She started crying and wiping away tears.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Happy tears. Mom was reminiscing a couple of days ago and talked about holding me for the first time and nursing me. Just now, I was thinking about holding our baby and nursing. Mark, one day..."

--------[]----[]--------

The semester had started, and I was getting settled into my tutoring hours. My classes seemed good. Less general ed, so I had an extra math class.

I called Monica and asked how she was enjoying her senior year.

"I'm excited, because I have four AP classes!"

"Seriously? Who takes four at once... I mean besides Monica Drake? What are they?"

"I have Calculus, U. S. History, English and Physics. My counselor says it should give me enough college credit to shorten my undergraduate classwork by more than a semester."

"And you call me a beast!"

"I miss you, Mark, and you are a beast in bed!"

"We're already under 40 days until I hold you and kiss you again."

"Don't forget about making love to me!"

"It has never been out of my mind."

"Mark, I'll see you soon. Can we sleep in your bedroom when you come?"

"Yeah, I'll have Mom take down the posters of babes."

--------[]----[]--------

Monica met me at the airport and screamed when she saw me. I barely dropped my case in time to catch her in my arms.

We stood there in the airport and kissed. She gave me the keys to her car and had me drive.

"I'm wearing a sexy G-string for you. I'm so hot for you, Babe!"

Mom had dinner waiting, and Monica was invited. We had a great time catching up and telling jokes. Monica helped with the dishes while I went upstairs to unpack. I didn't hear her come in, but there she was standing at the door.

She was slowly unbuttoning her blouse, while looking at me and smiling.

I went to her and slipped a hand inside her blouse to caress a breast. She moaned and we kissed.

"I've missed your touch and your kisses. Make love to me."

I turned out the light and we undressed each other.

"Mark, there's something a girlfriend told me to try."

She knelt in front of me and held my hard cock in her hand, then looked up at me and put it in her mouth.

My knees buckled--I thought I was going to lose my balance. "Oh Monica, that is... so good!"

She was stroking me with her hand and thrusting me in her mouth, and all the while her tongue was doing magical things.

I started to pant, knowing I was teetering on the edge.... She stood and kissed me.

"Are you harder now?"

"Incredibly!"

"I want to feel that plunge into me."

We lay on the bed.

"Don't wait, Mark. I'm already wet. Just do me!"

I found her love tunnel, pulled her G-string aside, and plunged into her. She cried out and I clamped my hand over her mouth. I kept it there as I thrust repeatedly into her.

She had taken me to the edge, so it wasn't long before I rammed my cock as deeply as I could and with a groan, erupted inside her. I was certain someone heard that, but I was past caring!

Monica and I kissed as we waited for my erection to fade, enjoying my invasion of her wondrous pink flesh.

"That's what I'm talking about! Your cock feels so good inside me. Did you like it?"

"Baby, goodness in sex is a low hurdle for guys. You sucked my cock within an inch of me cumming in your mouth, then I thrust into you until I exploded. Yes, I enjoyed it!"

"Wanna go again?"

"Give me just a few minutes, ok?"

"Wimp!"

We were laughing, but just lay there, not saying anything, but relaxing in our enjoyment. It was quiet, but then we heard it!

Mom screamed--well, not quite a scream, but close enough. We heard Dad say "Shhhh."

"Mark, I think we inspired them. They're having sex, right? That's what we heard!"

"I'm trying to avoid reacting to what I heard by forming a visual in my mind!"

We were both laughing and trying to be quiet. Then we listened. We looked at each other and our eyes got big. We could hear a rhythmic thumping sound!

"Is that their bed?" Monica whispered.

"I think so."

The thumping stopped and Dad groaned.

I pulled the covers over my head. "I can't listen to this!"

"Relax, Babe, they're having a great time. I think that's wonderful they still do it. Besides, I'm going to tease your mom tomorrow."

"Please don't! I'll be so embarrassed."

"The thought of embarrassing you increases my determination!"

We made love again. Monica wanted doggy, so I had a great time looking at her ass and banging it. When I came, we both groaned. I gave up trying to avoid being heard!

Afterwards, we lay together, naked. Monica asked what I wanted to do the next day, which would be Friday.

"Don't go all crazy on me, but at some point this year, if things keep going like this, I'm going to find a romantic moment to propose. I'd like to go verify your ring size and maybe have you show me rings you like."

"Oh Mark!"

"Now, I said, don't go all crazy on me!"

"I know, but how can I not cry when you are obviously thinking about marrying me?"

"If that's a sad cry, I'll drop the subject!"

She climbed on me and kissed me hard. "It's a joyful cry, my love."

--------[]----[]--------

We got up, got dressed--sort of--and slipped on our robes. Mom was in the kitchen, fixing us breakfast.

"George already left for work, but I wanted to fix breakfast for you before I run some errands."

"That's so nice of you, Heather. Thanks!"

"It's no problem. It's good to see you and Mark together again."

"It's really nice, but Heather, we were a little worried last night. There seemed to be a thumping noise coming from your room."

I swear, she said that with an absolutely straight face. I, on the other hand, was dying!

"Well, Monica, it seems you weren't the only girl who got laid last night!"

"That's it! I'm going to take a shower while you two talk!"

I headed for the stairs as they laughed. As I turned the corner, I saw they were hugging.

Later, Monica told me Mom said they heard us clearly and George started kissing her and feeling her up. "She said it was the best sex in years, and we are always welcome to stay in your bedroom!"

"I thought I made it clear I did not want to hear that!" I said, as I laughed. "Now that I think of it, we need to spend time in your bedroom and make a lot of noise."

"Oh, my goodness! Branson and Joyce?"

"I'm betting they'll be just as bad."

"I don't want to visualize that!"

"I'm making sure it happens then."

--------[]----[]--------

We went to a jewelry store and told them we needed to know Monica's ring size, although I was not ready to buy one quite yet.

She wears a size 6.5. White Monica was looking at rings, I quietly asked the jeweler to take notes, but to do it without Monica noticing. He handed me his card, and I walked over by Monica.

She showed me styles she liked, and I had my arm around her. She turned and kissed my cheek.

"Any of those I pointed to are ones I would love." Tears filled her eyes, and she wiped them away.

"Would you like to dress up tomorrow night and have dinner at that steak restaurant--what's the name of it?"

"You mean The Wellington?"

"I can never remember that. Yes! May I take you there?"

"Dressy? I'd love to! I need to go shopping with Mom in the morning."

--------[]----[]--------

We made love again that afternoon and that night. We heard Mom and Dad again, and Monica giggled.

"Your Mom is going to be paying us to stay here!"

On Saturday, I mowed the lawn while Monica went shopping. She missed out on watching me sweat, but I figured sex with me might be better anyway.

That evening, I drove next door to pick up Monica. Joyce answered the door.

"Hi Mark. We've hardly seen you since you got back, but I guess you and Monica have been busy."

Yes, she said that with a knowing look! I knew I was blushing.

"Relax, I've never seen Monica so happy. She sure loves you! She was very excited to shop today for something for your dinner tonight? Is anything special happening?"

"Nothing special, except I love her, and I'm glad we got to have this weekend together. I fly back tomorrow afternoon."

Monica came down the stairs. I was stunned! She was wearing a classic little black dress, with black stockings and gorgeous heels. A nice amount of cleavage displayed.

She noticed I was staring and smiled as she walked to me and took my hand.

"Do you like my new dress?"

"It's... ummm... beautiful!"

'... and I'm hard already,' I thought!

"Mom, thanks for your help today. Mark and I will just go straight to his house after dinner, but I'll call to let you know we're home."

"You two have fun, ok?"

--------[]----[]--------

Dinner was fabulous. I was splurging, but I had made more money that summer than last year. Plus, I saved money because Monica paid for my tickets.

Afterwards, we drove to my house and Monica called Joyce to let her know.

When we got to my bedroom, Monica turned her back to me, held her hair off her neck, and asked me to unzip her dress.

"You may unwrap your present now."

I turned her to face me and slowly pulled the dress down, revealing a beautiful black lace bra. I pulled down more, and her dress fell around her feet, exposing a black lace thong and black stockings. And those beautiful heels she was wearing!

She put her hand on my shoulder and steadied herself as she stepped out of the dress.

"See anything here you want to play with?"

I did, and I did.

She undressed me and pushed me down on the bed.

She mounted me, then slowly removed her bra.

Several minutes later, after her orgasm, she leaned forward and put her hands on my chest.

"Play with my nipples."

I did better than that. I sat up and sucked on a nipple. She was holding my head to her breast. I stood up, turned and lay down on top of her, then pounded her to another orgasm before I came inside her.

"That was fun. Did you like my fancy lingerie?"

"You are beautiful, Monica. Naked or wearing sexy lingerie, I love you."

She started to cry.

"What's wrong? Did I break the zipper?"

She laughed, then turned and put her arm across my chest.

"You're leaving tomorrow. That makes me sad."

"Next trip I'll be here for four nights, and we'll eat Thanksgiving twice. We'll probably make love about eight times."

"I'll love that, but just knowing I'll be holding you in my arms again is enough. Actually, great sex is nice, too!"

--------[]----[]--------

I was back at school and made a resolution about my study habits. I realized I was terrible about tracking my assignments. Four assignments were due that week, three next week, others several weeks away. There were two due the last week of the semester. Often when I finished an assignment, I had to scratch my head and try to remember what I should work on next.

I went to the campus bookstore and bought a pad of engineering paper, the white kind that looks like graph paper. Not yellow!

I created a simple log for my assignments, listing the due date, the class and a description of each assignment. Any new assignment went on the list, and I scratched off any I completed. As soon as I completed one, I knew at once what to work on next.

It began to pay off quickly. I was not only caught up but finished every assignment on my list! I glanced at the calendar and realized I was only six days from getting on the plane for Thanksgiving!

Monica and I talked on the phone every week, slowly counting down the weeks and days. When I realized we were down to six days, I called. Joyce answered, telling me Monica wasn't home, but she would tell her I called.

Monica didn't call the next day.

Now, with four days left, I called again. Joyce took a message.

No call the next day either.

"Hi Joyce, is Monica there?"

"I'm sorry, Mark. I wish I could say more."

That didn't sound good.

Two days later, I got on the plane with a heavy heart. I held out hope Monica would be there at the airport.

Mom picked me up. We hardly talked on the way home. Whatever it was, it was clear she knew.

It was dark when I walked into my bedroom.

Monica wasn't there, either.

--------[]----[]--------

The next morning, I got up and showered. I came back to my room with a towel around my waist. I unpacked and got lunch, then I was back in my room. Out of habit, I suppose, I looked out the window.

Monica was there!

No swimsuit, but standing near the pool, looking up at me. She pointed at the gate. I held up 5 fingers.

Five minutes later, I opened the gate. She was standing there, but didn't move.

"Can we go for a ride? We need to talk."

"Sure, I hope my car has gas. Wait here."

I didn't want her coming over and running into Mom, so I got my car and drove back to Drake's driveway. Monica didn't wait for me to open the door for her, but just got in, without a word spoken.

"Where would you like me to drive?"

"To the Safeway."

I parked out on the fringe of the lot, away from any other cars. I shut off the engine and turned my body to look at her.

She was crying.

I waited for a couple of minutes.

"Did you want to say something?"

She nodded.

I waited. Finally, she summoned her courage.

"I'm so sorry, Mark!"

Still waiting.

"I'm so sorry for what I've done. I didn't want to hurt you."

"Are you breaking up with me?"

"No!... Well,... Oh, Mark!"

She was sobbing again. I reached over and pulled on her coat to bring her closer. She put her head on my shoulder. She was still crying.

"Please talk to me."

"Mark, I feel terrible."

"I think I'm up to speed on that much. What happened?"

Long silence. Finally, she started to speak.

"There's this guy who asked me out every week since the first week of school. I told him no every time, until two weeks ago."

This is what I feared, but then she lost her nerve to speak. It was another minute before she continued.

"I finally agreed to go out with him. Oh Mark! I'm so sorry."

Another silence.

"That first date was fun. I don't know why I said I would go out with him. I missed you so much. I felt lonely... Oh, that's such a lame excuse! At the end of that date, he kissed me, and I enjoyed it."

I waited for more.

"I almost called you and broke up with you that night."

"Why didn't you?"

She looked into my eyes for several seconds.

"I realized how stupid I was being. You and I have experienced so much together, and I was willing to throw it away after one date."

"What did you do?"

"I went out with him again, but this time he told me he expected sex or a blowjob."

Her timing was driving me crazy, because it was at that moment she stopped talking again and sobbed!

I tried prompting her.

"How did you react?"

"I slapped him. Hard. I yelled at him to stop the car, and I got out and told him never to call me or speak to me again and slammed the door. Then I started walking. I was crying all the way to the nearest phone booth. I called Mom and she came and got me."

"Good for you!"

"No, Mark. I'm not good at all!"

"Did you talk to Joyce about what happened?"

"Not then. I didn't talk, but she told me you had called that evening. I think that was your first call."

"Why didn't you call me?"

"I was so embarrassed, Mark. I knew I was going to lose you, and everything I thought we had. It was all my fault."

"Monica, do you still love me?"

She nodded but was sobbing again.

"Don't move!"

I got out of the car, walked around it and opened her door. I took her hand and pulled her to her feet and into my arms.

"Do you still love me?"

"Of course, I do, but that's the wrong question. Can you still love me?"

"Monica, my love for you has never been in doubt, and nothing you've told me tonight changes that."

"Can you forgive me?"

"A beautiful girl I happen to know once told me she could easily forgive what I regret."

"That's different! I said that before we started dating. I did this behind your back after we'd been talking about marriage."

"Are you serious? Do you mean because we're in love we can no longer forgive? That we no longer have the ability or the obligation or even the choice to forgive each other? I hope that's not what you think, because as sure as I love you, I will do something massively stupid someday, and I'm sure I'll want you to forgive me."

"How can you possibly forgive me, Mark?"

"I can forgive you because I love you, but there's a more critical question. Can you forgive yourself?"

She was silent.

"I don't know. I hate what I did."

"You should. That's what regret means."

"Mark, I don't know whether I deserve you anymore."

"Do you want to break up with me? I'm asking because you seem to be resisting me forgiving you."

"No. I don't want to break up."

"Have you and your mom talked about all of this?"

She nodded.

"What did she tell you to do?"

"She said to tell you everything. Complete honesty. She said you would forgive me."

"And you're mad because she was right?"

She laughed--a sight that delighted me.

"Both of our mothers have shown a distressing tendency to be right about things."

"I'm worried about that."

We both laughed. We were still standing there, in the parking lot. I was holding her tight against me and she put her arms around me.

"Monica, we're ok."

"Thanks, Mark. I love you so much. I'm sorry for all this mess."

"How about if we go home? We've been here for a couple of hours, and it will start getting dark soon."

"I'd like that."

When we got out of the car at my house, we went upstairs, and I held her in my arms as we lay on the bed. After a while, the room was dark, but I could see stars.

"Hey, Babe? Let's go in the backyard and look at the stars. I'll get a couple of blankets."

I grabbed my jacket and checked the pocket.

Monica and I spread out one of the blankets on the grass and then opened the other and put it over us. I tucked the blanket around her.

We lay on the ground, looking up at the stars. My arm was around her and her head was on my chest.

"Mark, you told me if I was lonely, I should watch the sunset and remember our special moments together. I was lonely and I forgot to do that. But this is another special moment, isn't it?"

"The stars are unforgettable tonight, aren't they?"

Monica snuggled closer to me.

"You're such a good man. I feel so lucky to have you in my life."

"I was just thinking. Maybe I can make this a more memorable night for us. Could you sit up for a minute?"

I stood and then knelt on one knee.

"Monica, I ignored you for three years, and it was the most stupid thing I've ever done. Now I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

I held a ring in my hand.

Monica sat there, her hand over her mouth, tears in her eyes.

She hugged me.

"Mark, earlier today I was convinced I had ruined our relationship and had lost you. I shouldn't have doubted you. Yes, I'll marry you!"

She held out her finger and I slipped the ring on it.

I held her in my arms.

"Monica, I hate to interrupt this moment, but I can think of four parents who will be pissed if you don't immediately share the news."

"You're right! Let's start with your parents."

--------[]----[]--------

All the parents were excited, but I was worried when Branson wanted to step outside for a private word with me.

"Congratulations, Mark. You're going to make a wonderful husband and son-in-law, but I can't help but ask about today. I know what happened; Joyce told me. You forgave her, didn't you?"

"Of course!"

"Is that why you proposed tonight?"

"I wanted her to know that I meant it when I forgave her. It also might not be a bad idea to run off some of the riff-raff at the high school."

He slapped me on the back and was laughing as we went back inside.

A while later, Monica and I were in my bedroom.

"Mark, will you make love to your fiancée for the first time? Do it the way you did our first time in the boat. It's a new commitment for us, isn't it?"

"It is, but it's one I've wanted for a long time now."

"I have even more reason tonight to be grateful for you."

Making love that night meant more to us than the first time, as unforgettable as that was.

We undressed each other and stood for a while, hugging, kissing, touching. We got in bed and under the warm covers. We took our time, getting reacquainted with each other's body.

I played with her breasts, kissed her body, and pleasured her tender flesh. She cried out as an orgasm washed over her.

"Please take me, only this time, you don't need to be gentle."

I entered her slowly and carefully and soon lifted her legs over my shoulders and pounded her into the mattress, as she cried out with each impact.

When I came inside her I was as deep as I've ever been.

A few minutes later, we lay together, our legs intertwined.

"We need to talk about a wedding date. Have you decided on your plans for college?"

"I'm going to apply at the same university. We need to be together, and I'm sure I'll be accepted."

"How's your 4.0 this semester?"

"Safe and secure. No worries."

"I think you'll get a scholarship."

"I think so, too, but for me that's not the deciding factor. I think we should get married after my high school graduation. We can live here through the summer, because your job with Larry pays well."

"I like that idea. I'll start looking for an apartment for us. Hopefully near campus."

"If you find something and can tie it up for next Fall with a deposit, call me and I'll send a check."

"We need to talk to Joyce and Heather. They'll for sure want to plan our wedding. You're Joyce's youngest, so you know she'll have her own ideas."

"I think I'm going to learn what it's like to have the illusion of control!"

We both laughed over that, and then we were silent for a few minutes.

"Thanks for walking me back from the ledge today."

"I couldn't let you get away that easily!"

"I didn't want to get away, but Mark, we're engaged! We're getting married next summer!"

--------[]----[]--------

The next morning, we discovered Joyce and Heather were way ahead of us.

"Good morning, lovebirds. Breakfast is almost ready, and Joyce will be joining us to ask about your plans for a wedding."

I glanced at Monica. She was suppressing a laugh.

This was one time I was grateful to have only the illusion of control. Once Joyce arrived, the two mothers flew into action. We had picked June for our wedding, but they soon had a date, a list of possible locations (Heather took the assignment to narrow that down), the beginning of a guest list (Monica and Joyce), and a myriad of other details I never would have thought about, or perhaps even cared about.

Our heads were spinning by the time we escaped. As we were leaving the kitchen, Mom took Monica aside for a whispered moment. Monica blushed and covered her mouth.

When we got to the bedroom, I asked about what Mom said. Monica shook her head and started laughing.

"She thanked me for staying here last night. She said it's good for her sex life!"

"Oh my! We need to spread the wealth, I suppose. Should we spend Friday and Saturday night in your bedroom?"

Monica was laughing as she nodded. "I don't want to be replaced as the youngest child in our family, though! Hey, Mark, it's only Wednesday. What would you like to do today?"

"Sometime this weekend, I want to go to the jewelers' and make another payment on your ring, but I also want to get your wedding band."

"I want a ring for you, too. Sweetheart, I know it's important to you to buy my ring, but It's all going to come out of the same pocket in the end, and you don't have a lot of money at the moment. May I please pay off the balance and pay for the rings today? Even after buying your plane tickets, including Christmas, I still have over $116,000. I want us to avoid debt."

"Ok, but just so you know, I've already paid almost two-thirds of the cost. I get your point, though."

"What else this weekend?"

"Obviously, we're having Thanksgiving dinner. We caught a break, though. None of the other kids from either family is coming, so our parents decided to celebrate by our families doing Thanksgiving together!"

"I was seriously worried about two meals the same day!"

"I know what I wanna do on Friday. We're still having such beautiful weather, and I know of a waterfall about 40 miles away. The trail is about five miles each way and the climb is easy. Dad took me there the week after you were here in October. I think he wanted to cheer me up."

"Great Friday plan. Work off the food."

"I thought we'd rely on sex for that!"

"I'm planning to eat a lot."

"I'm planning to have a lot of sex."

I was laughing. "Is your boat in storage for the winter?"

"Yeah, unfortunately."

"How about a movie on Saturday?"

"Would you take me to see The Hunt for Red October? I hear it's great!"

"I haven't seen it either. Good choice."

--------[]----[]--------

We had an epic Thanksgiving feast with the two families. Monica came close to spewing her drink when Joyce said something hilarious. She turned to Branson and said, "Heather tells me she and George have really enjoyed having Monica and Mark stay with them at night. They're going to spend Friday and Saturday nights in Monica's bedroom, right next to ours."

Heather glanced at George, then smiled and looked down. Monica was choking. I feigned concern for her and patted her on the back.

Later, Monica told me she plans to be noisy Friday night.

--------[]----[]--------

We bought our wedding rings. There was a matching one for Monica's engagement ring. We gave them both to Mom for safe keeping.

The hike was fabulous. The trees had not shed all their colors yet, and the waterfall was fun to see. The water flow was low, since we hadn't yet had any good storms. We stood by the pool of water at the base of the falls and kissed.

Afterwards, we went out for burgers, and then we went home and made love. We were still lying naked on the bed, trying to breathe again, when Mom knocked on the door.

"Mark, Joyce is here and has some questions about the wedding."

"We'll be down in a minute," I yelled.

Monica was laughing, already half dressed.

--------[]----[]--------

We slept in Monica's bedroom Friday night. I had her lie down on her bed, face down, with her ass on the edge, and fucked her doggy style. As promised, she was loud.

Minutes later, I laid down beside her and shook my head. She was stifling a laugh.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Listen. Their bed squeaks. It always has."

Sure enough, there was a definite squeaking sound. It got faster, stopped, and we heard Branson moan.

"Mom's feeling good now!"

"So is Branson, Babe!"

"Are you going to ask Joyce anything in the morning?"

"Of course!"

Sure enough, while sitting together, eating breakfast, Monica spoke up.

"I had kinda forgotten about the squeak I sometimes heard at night, but it was back last night. Did you hear it?"

For the first time, I saw Joyce blush! Branson just shook his head and looked at me. I looked down and shook mine as well. Like, I feel your pain, dude.

--------[]----[]--------

All too soon, I was back at school, no longer holding Monica in my arms, and missing her. I knew there were only about four weeks until Christmas break.

I found a card at a local Hallmark store, under the category "love." It had a nice verse in it, but I wanted to write my own message.

My dear Monica-

I watched a beautiful sunset last night. Its beauty was partly due to being unexpected. After a cloudy day, the clouds began to break up just before sunset.

It was also beautiful for reminding me of our wonderful night on the boat, when shortly after making love, we sat on the bow of the boat and watched a sunset together.

I will always remember you, and my love for you, because of such beautiful events. That it was unexpected reminds me of your love for me, and mine for you.

With all my love,

Mark

I walked to a drop box and mailed it that night.

--------[]----[]--------

I was so on top of all assignments, thanks to my log, that the last few weeks looked to be a breeze.

Five days after mailing my card to Monica, I received a letter from her. It touched my heart.

Dearest Mark:

My heart seemed to melt (and my eyes definitely did!) when I read your card. I lack the skill to adequately express my love and gratitude for you. I long to feel your arms around me again as I sleep, to look into your eyes as we laugh, and to plan our wedding next year.

I love you!

Monica

I was in finals week quickly but was more prepared than I ever was last year. When I walked out of the last final, I felt confident on all of them.

Hours later I walked out of the secure area at the airport and found Monica, running to me and leaping into my arms. I was better prepared that time!

"I have a surprise for you!"

"Is it something you're wearing?"

"Nope! It's better."

"I've already run out of guesses."

"My parents are giving us two nights--tomorrow night and the night after--at the High Mountain Resort."

"Seriously? Isn't that place like $400 a night?"

"Could be, but it's their gift to us."

"Where are we sleeping tonight. Your room?"

"Is that ok?"

"Perfect. When we get there, we should run next door and say hi to my parents."

--------[]----[]--------

That first night we hugged in bed, loving being together again. We were in no hurry and kissed for a long time.

"Baby, how do you want me to take you this time?"

"Missionary. I want to look into your eyes as you enter me and as you cum."

We undressed each other and I went down on her. I spent a long time tasting her, licking, kissing, and gently touching her tender places. She was moaning loudly as I pushed her to orgasms twice.

As her second climax overtook her, I moved up and positioned myself, waiting for her eyes to open. As we looked at each other, I slid into her, continuously moving until I our pubes ground together.

We both moaned.

"I love you, Monica."

I pulled back and slammed into her.

She screamed! I clamped my hand over her mouth.

I was in a rhythm quickly and soon felt cum boiling up to that delicious point, after which ejaculation is certain. I came inside her hard. It felt as though my cock would never stop its throbbing. Monica was holding me tight, looking into my eyes as I strained to still be as deep as possible.

"Mark, you are wonderful! I love feeling your cum and then holding you here on me. I really want a baby with you."

We listened to the squeaking. Monica covered her mouth as she laughed.

We were both tired. That was her last day of school as well. I rolled off her, wrapped my arms around her and we both fell asleep within minutes.

--------[]----[]--------

We got up with the smell of bacon the next morning, threw on our clothes and joined Heather and Branson in the breakfast nook off the kitchen.

Branson was all smiles. I had a guess why, but I just glanced at Monica. She was watching her dad and smiling.

"Good morning Heather and Branson. Thanks for letting me crash here last night. Monica tells me we're headed for a couple days at a resort. Thanks so much for that!"

"We just thought you could benefit from a little unwinding and reacquainting time."

I was thinking they wanted to benefit from an empty house.

I turned to Monica to ask about laundry. "I came home with mostly dirty clothes. Can we wash some before we go to the resort later?"

"Sure! I'll wash them for you, Babe. Oh, one other thing. Bring your suit for dinner at the resort tonight."

"My swimsuit?"

"That works for me!"

--------[]----[]--------

The High Mountain Resort was a little bit of a stretch. Ok, there are some mountains in Texas, but the resort isn't near any of them. However, it sits on the bend of a river with a little hill on the other side.

However, the resort is beautiful, high mountains or not. As we were driving, Monica told me she had something special planned for me. We checked in at 3 and went to our room. I started to unpack, but Monica had other ideas.

She undressed me and then removed her blouse and bra. She pushed me back until I sat on the bed and then kneeled between my legs. Soon, my cock was in her mouth. That wasn't unusual, because she had learned to do that to get me ready for sex. She used one hand to stroke me and the other to push me onto my back. This time, it was the main event.

I didn't figure out she meant to make me cum in her mouth until it was happening. Her hands, mouth and tongue worked in concert to bring me quickly to the point where I knew I was going to explode.

"Monica, I'm..."

"Cum for me, Baby!"

I exploded with a loud groan. It was amazing to watch her mouth, sealed around my shaft, taking in all my cock spurted into her. When my throbbing stopped, she lifted her head off me and, while looking into my eyes, swallowed!

"Where did that come from?"

"One of my girlfriends told me how to do it, and I couldn't wait to try it on you. Did you like it?"

"Are you kidding? That was intense and I was helpless. I loved it!"

We made love twice that night, trying to catch up on four weeks apart. I missed her so much; I wanted to touch and taste every part of her body.

Later that night, as we lay in bed together, our legs intertwined and her head on my chest, I wanted to talk about my next visit, on President's Day weekend, a three-day weekend.

"My roommate is flying to Tulsa to see his family that weekend, so I was wondering if you might like to come and spend that weekend with me. You could see the campus while there."

"When is he leaving?"

"Friday morning. He'll be back Monday night."

"I'll get laid in a student's apartment. I like the idea. That way, when we're apart, I can imagine making love to you in that room."

--------[]----[]--------

The rest of Christmas break was filled with family and fun activities together. We decorated two trees and attended a concert. Snow started falling a couple of days before Christmas, so Monica and I had a snowball fight that ended with both of us lying in the snow and kissing.

We spent half of the nights in my room and half in hers. Monica wore sexy lingerie most nights and, as usual, I was hard much of the time we were together.

It is a fact, perhaps related to Einstein's general theory of relativity, that vacation time passes more quickly than school time. Suddenly, it was my last night.

We were in my room, and I was doing laundry that evening. Monica was helping me to fold clothes and start putting things in my suitcase. She had tears in her eyes. I held her in my arms and kissed her.

"Thanks, Mark. It's been wonderful to be together for Christmas. Although I'm sad to let you go, I just realized this is our last semester before we marry. Less that's six months from now is our wedding."

"It's hard to wait, isn't it? We both want to be together, not merely visit."

She nodded her head and cried on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be sad like this. We just had nearly two weeks together, and they've been wonderful. I need to focus on that and be grateful."

"The only two things that would have made this better: your pool and your boat! Will either of those be available in mid-March, for Spring Break?"

"We can always remove the pool cover when we want, but the boat stays in storage until May 1st."

"Let's plan on the pool for Spring Break."

"Just so you know, my break is the week after yours, so I'll be in school during the day while you're here."

"We'll have the nights and that weekend."

--------[]----[]--------

The next night I flew back to the university. On the way to the airport, Monica handed me a card, sealed in its envelope.

"Read this on the plane as you think of me."

I read it in the gate area, just before the plane started boarding.

My dearest Mark:

After watching you in your window or through the hole in the fence, my dreams began to come true the day you came to see me.

Do you remember that I slipped and fell as I ran for the door? I couldn't have known it then, but that became something of a metaphor when I slipped later and almost threw away our love.

Mark, my life has been a dream since last May. Getting to know you finally, falling in love with you, making love together and, yes, even slipping, have made me realize how fortunate I am to call you my fiancée and soon my husband.

I've never known anyone kinder, more patient, more loving, or more willing to forgive. You are going to be a wonderful husband and father.

When you were here in September, I said I wanted a baby with you. When we first talked about that, I said I wanted a year of marriage first.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about my desire for having a child together. I've been able to observe my parents and yours in a different light, and to think about the loving homes you and I grew up in.

I've also thought a lot about what Dad told me about the struggles he and Mom went through, going to school while trying to make ends meet, having a child, and how those experiences brought them closer together. I want that with you!

Mark, if you're willing, I want us to try to get pregnant in late August, so our baby will be born about late May, hopefully after finals.

All my love,

Monica (the mother of our future children together)

I sat there with tears in my eyes. I hated to cry in the gate area!

Damn her! Why didn't she tell me that to my face, so I could kiss her and tell her I want the same thing but was afraid to tell her?

As soon as I got to my apartment, I called her.

"Babe, your letter made me cry. We get to make a baby this summer!"

--------[]----[]--------

Classes started the next day. I was looking forward to beginning a semester with my assignment log, because I was confident it would make the semester less stressful.

My classes each semester got better as I completed general ed requirements and focused more on math and stat.

"Focused" was not a good word to describe me! In classes, while walking between classes, even while studying--my focus was on Monica. She was always on my mind. I decided a letter might help.

My dear Monica--

I'm back in student mode, sitting in classes I love, yet unable to concentrate!

You are part of my every thought. From my first thought in the morning, to my last before falling asleep, I am thinking of you. If I hadn't started using that log for my assignments, I would have no focus at all!

The other day, a friend was telling me about a class I should take next Fall. "Oh," I thought, "Monica and I will be married, and she will be pregnant (I hope)."

We must get married, or I will ruin my GPA!

Love, your future husband,

Mark

I called her the weekend of the next week.

"Mark, thank you for that sweet letter! I thought I was the only one unable to concentrate."

"It's bad, isn't it? Don't lose your 4.0!"

"I think it's going to be safe."

"I'm calling for a slightly different reason. There's a guy in one of my classes whose parents have a home near campus with a full one-bedroom apartment in the basement, but with its own entrance. He heard me mention I was getting married, and told me about it, because the current tenants are leaving at the end of July when their lease is up.

"Babe, could you possibly fly here this Friday evening? We could go see the house together on Saturday. I talked to my roommate, and he said he would go visit an aunt and uncle who live 20 miles away. We could have my room to ourselves for two nights."

"I'll talk with my parents, but I'm sure they'll tell me it's my decision. I want to come, even if It's just to spend a couple of nights with you!"

I was at the airport this time, and we had only been apart for three weeks, but she still screamed and ran into my arms. We took a taxi to my apartment and at once fell on my bed and made love!

We laughed afterwards, because we were acting like it had been 20 weeks instead of three.

I had talked to the owners of the apartment we wanted to see, and they had arranged to show it to us at 11 the next morning. After breakfast, we walked over to campus so I could show her around, and then from there to the apartment.

The owner had arranged for the tenants to be gone for an hour, so he showed us through. We loved it. We asked whether we could rent it as of August 1st, which he was happy about. He said that would give him time for fresh paint and carpets, which were overdue.

The rent was reasonable, and he asked for a deposit of $750. He said he would mail me a lease to sign and mail back with the deposit. I gave him my address and telephone number.

Monica and I floated back to campus, so thrilled to have found a great apartment so close to campus. We stopped for burgers at the student union building and then went back to my apartment. Monica got out her checkbook and wrote a check for the deposit, so I would have it to mail in with the lease.

"Mark, we just rented the first home we'll live in as a married couple! And hopefully with our baby."

--------[]----[]--------

Since Monica came to see me in January, I went there for President's Day. She met me at the airport, waving a letter for me to see.

"I got accepted!"

She was accepted by the university and the letter let her know she had received a scholarship for full tuition. Although we both expected it, it was exciting!

Other than being dragged into a lot of wedding planning, Monica and I stayed in bed most of the next day. Although we kissed and made love, mostly we talked about our plans for the wedding, the summer, and when we would leave for school. We decided we would take my car, since our apartment would have off-street parking.

"Monica, where would you like to go for our honeymoon?"

"Can you take time off from Larry's?"

"I talked to him last week. I'll be here for three weeks before our wedding, and he wants me to do my initial personnel review and recommendations. He told me to take two weeks for the wedding and honeymoon. We're good to go."

Monica hugged me. "Babe, we don't have much money, but I need to tell you something I don't think you know yet. Our parents have gotten together and agreed they will cover our rent. They also have furniture we can take, including my bed.

"Mark, let's plan a reasonable but fun honeymoon, and let's use a little bit of my money."

"Do you have a place in mind?"

"I don't want to be the only one deciding. You propose one and I'll propose one."

"Ok, I'd like to go to Cancun, to one of the all-inclusive resorts there. What about you?"

"That sounds good, and I'd be happy with that. I was thinking of staying closer but going to a place I've never been--San Antonio. Less cost for travel and a really fun place."

"I like that. Should we do rock, paper, scissors? I'm kidding. I like your San Antonio idea."

--------[]----[]--------

I dreaded Spring Break. Although it was only Wednesday through Sunday, I knew what Monica and I faced--wedding planning!

I flew Wednesday morning this time. My excuse was the flights were full. The real reason was not wanting to get put to work on wedding stuff.

"Monica, you know this wedding and reception are for our mothers. Let's you and I run off and get married."

I discovered they had fully co-opted her. She was one of the planners!

There was one bright light. Branson had started his pool service early and it was calling me. Even that fell through for Wednesday. Monica was doing a final fitting on her dress, and I had to go get measured and order my tux rental.

"Let me wear basketball shorts," I thought. "No measuring and no renting. Plus, Monica is turned on when I wear them with no shirt."

So much for Wednesday. At least we made love that night. I discovered something useful. While doing her doggy style, I spanked her! I was surprised at what I had done until she moaned and asked me to spank her again!

Thursday morning, Monica and I finally swam together. Her parents were both at work, so I stripped off Monica's suit and we made love. I held her butt in my hands and pushed her against the side of the pool as I thrust into her.

Afterwards, I put Neosporin on her back and apologized for the scratches. She kissed me and told me she loved it.

That afternoon, we went to see a travel agent. We gave her our budget, the dates for our honeymoon and asked her to book us air travel and a hotel on the Riverwalk. We had reserved enough for taxis and meals.

Monica and I had a dressy night out that night. She was stunning in her black dress, especially since I thought I knew what she was wearing underneath! I saw men watching us as we were shown to our table, but I was confident none were looking at me.

We sat at adjacent sides of the table. As we were finishing, she took my hand and placed it on her leg. She leaned over and whispered in my ear:

"Honey, move your hand up my leg. I have a surprise for you."

I slowly moved my hand under her dress. Her leg felt wonderful. I got to the top of her stocking and felt her bare flesh. I glanced up and noticed she was breathing quickly, almost panting. She mouthed the words, "Keep going."

I moved higher and found her wet pussy. When I touched it, she groaned.

"Baby, please pay the bill and take me to bed. We can have dessert there."

--------[]----[]--------

Sex with Monica was hot that night! We pleasured each other orally and then I mounted her, sliding into her all the way without a pause.

She screamed, but this time I already had my hand over her mouth. I had removed her bra, but she had a garter belt, stockings and heels. As I thrust into her, she raised her legs alongside my back and pulled me deeper. I could feel her heels digging into my butt.

She cried out softly with each impact, until I groaned--too loudly--and came inside her. We were both breathing heavily, trying to return to normal. She held me where I was and smiled.

"Are you sure you're ok with me getting pregnant later this summer?"

"I am. I know we'll have some struggles to deal with, but I want to start our family."

A few minutes later, I removed the rest of her lingerie, kissing her legs and feet and making her giggle.

"I love how much fun we have, Mark. I feel loved when I'm with you, and you make me laugh."

"I've been thinking. After I go back, we have another long stretch--seven weeks--before my finals are over and I return. That's about the second week of May. Would you like to come and spend a weekend with me in the middle of that?"

"What about your roommate?"

"He already told me he'd be happy to hang out with his aunt and uncle another weekend. I guess they spoil him."

--------[]----[]--------

So it was that on the second Friday in April, Monica leaped into my arms, and we spent all day Saturday in bed! When she got on the plane on Sunday afternoon, she said her hips were hurting.

She kissed me. "I'm not complaining; it was worth every thrust into me. Those times I stared through the knothole, I had no idea what a beast you would be in bed!"

When I kissed her goodbye and hugged her, I told her I would see her at the airport in four weeks.

I had no way of knowing the next time it would be in a hospital!

--------[]----[]--------

I staggered out of my last final, full of confidence I had done well. I had a second suitcase, and it was also full, since everything had to travel home with me. I couldn't help thinking this was my last semester as a single person!

When I got off the plane and claimed my luggage, I looked around... and saw Mom!

"Mom, why are you here? Where's Monica?"

"Mark, she's ok..."

"What do you mean?"

"She was driving Joyce's car this morning, and another driver ran a red light and T-boned her. Fortunately, it hit the passenger side, or she could have been killed."

"Was she seriously hurt?"

"Her life's not in danger. She bled a lot from cuts on her head, and she has a concussion, but there's no bleeding on her brain. She has a broken leg, but even that is not a serious one. It will heal quickly. She looks worse than she is."

"Can we go straight to the hospital?"

"She's been asking for you."

When we walked into her room, I was shocked at her appearance. Bandages everywhere and a lot of bruises. One leg was in a cast.

Joyce and Branson were there and smiled as I walked in. They both came and hugged me.

Monica saw me and started crying.

"Oh Mark, I'm so sorry!"

"What are you sorry for? Because a guy ran a red light?"

"I wasn't at the airport."

"Oh, Monica! I'm just relieved you're ok. I understand you might be released as early as tomorrow, but I'll be back in the morning and stay with you."

"Thanks. I love you."

"You know I love you. I'm so relieved you're going to be fine. I was planning to mow the lawn tomorrow morning. Would you rather I wait until you can watch?"

She nodded, then sobbed more.

I kissed her on her forehead, on the one spot without bandages.

"Get some sleep, Babe. I'll see you in the morning."

On the drive home, I was wiping away tears.

"I know she looks awful right now," said Mom, "but she'll look much better within a couple of days. The doctor told us she has a clean fracture that was easily reduced and should heal properly. He said there is a chance they can remove her cast right before your wedding day, as long as she's careful on it and can sit a lot during the wedding."

"This will make for some great wedding photos if it's still on!"

It was strange to be there in my room without Monica beside me. I even looked out the window for her the next morning without thinking.

I entered her hospital room and found her asleep. I sat and watched her and thought about our last year together. I was laughing to myself as I thought about Monica peeking through the fence.

"What are you laughing at? Me?"

"Sweetheart! How are you feeling?"

"I hurt all over. I'm sure I have bruises on bruises. My nurse gave me pain medication so I could sleep last night. I tried to convince her I would sleep better if you were in bed holding me, but she wasn't buying it."

"That's my girl!"

"The doctor was in earlier. He wants to keep me one more night. I asked him if you could sleep with me, but he laughed. Ambiguous answer, but he probably meant no."

"When you're released, we probably need to stick with missionary, and I have to be careful to stay away from your broken leg."

"I can do doggy!"

"If you ask your doctor and he says doggy is ok, then maybe."

"You're mean!"

I kissed her forehead. "I just want you in my arms in bed."

"Ahhh, that will be so nice."

Doctor Atiyeh walked in, and I got introduced.

"Hey Doc," said Monica. "My fiancée here says I can't have sex doggy style right now. Please tell him he's wrong."

The doctor was laughing and looked at me. "Is that what you told her?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, you're a smart man, and you can assure her cowgirl is also out."

Monica was frowning. "I want a second opinion."

"Mark, are you sure you're ready to marry this firecracker?"

"I think so. She's a lot nicer when she Isn't in the hospital and on pain medication.

"I heard the big day is three weeks away."

"It is."

"Cross your fingers, then. There's a chance we can remove the cast the day before, but only if she follows my orders carefully and stays off the leg, including no doggy! Even then, the odds are greater we will not be able to remove it. Come and see me the morning before. I'll take X-rays and look at the situation."

"I promise to be good."

"Doctor, I'm loving this pain medication she's on! This is great entertainment."

"Mark and Monica, I'll be around early tomorrow morning. If everything looks good, I'll write your discharge order."

"Honey, tomorrow night will you make love to me?"

"I may have to dine at the Y."

She looked at me, like 'say what?' She started laughing hard.

I kissed her on the lips. Long and tender.

"Thanks, Mark. You're so good to me!"

--------[]----[]--------

I was there again that night, and I got to bring her home, although we had to stop at a medical supply store for crutches. One of the employees helped adjust them for her and made sure she understood how to use them.

When we got to her house, I carried her from the car to the house and she held on to the crutches. Her parents were there, and my parents showed up a few minutes later, anxious to see Monica.

"Monica and I talked with her doctor, and she is to stay off her feet. No weight at all on her left leg."

"He said I can't have sex in doggy. Or cowgirl!"

She clearly had been given another pain med. The parents were laughing to the point of crying.

"I also got a new prescription for pain medication. Hopefully one that doesn't act like a truth serum!"

"I like the one she has. She's great at lean-to comedy!

Joyce's joke started a whole new round of laughter.

"Come on Babe, let me carry you upstairs. Do you want to take a shower?"

"Can we have sex in the shower?

I got a garden waste bag from Joyce--one of those big black ones--and a roll of duct tape. I ran up the stairs with everything and put them in the bathroom. Then I carried Monica up and had her sit on the closed toilet seat.

I got undressed...

"I like this!"

... and then undressed her.

I put her left leg inside the bag, pulled the drawstring to tighten it, and then sealed the top to her leg with duct tape.

"Will you make love to me while I sit on the toilet?"

I planned to hold her up while we stood in the shower, but I thought of a big improvement on that idea.

"Wait right there."

I opened the door a crack and yelled for Joyce so I could ask her to bring one of the plastic chairs on their patio. When she brought it, I stayed behind the open door while she shoved it into the bathroom.

"Mark's gonna make love to me on the toilet."

I heard Joyce laughing all the way down the stairs.

I got the shower going and up to temperature and then helped her into the chair.

She grabbed my penis! "Do I get to wash you?"

I gave up trying to reason or argue. I started washing her hair, face, back, arms, right leg--and then there was no avoiding it. I washed her breasts.

The irony was, while I would normally love caressing her breasts, washing them now just launched a whole new discussion about sex in weird ways. Then I washed her genital area and made her stand on one foot while I washed her bum.

As she started in on whether she had just experienced an orgasm, I realized I had missed a golden opportunity to record her for posterity--and family reunions!

I considered washing myself, but figured the effort to wash her had likely done me as well. Besides, I was exhausted! I tried to dry her hair and comb it out and then dry her body. I opened the bathroom door a crack and peeked out into the hallway. I picked up Monica and ran, both of us naked, into her bedroom and slammed the door.

I somehow got her into the bed and under covers, where I joined her. I held her in my arms and we both slept.

--------[]----[]--------

"Mark... Mark. Wake up. Why are we naked in bed? Why is this garbage bag on my leg? Did we have sex?"

The pain medication had worn off. As I removed the bag, I started telling her things she had said. We were both laughing hard over it. At times she thought I was making things up, but I assured her for most things she said there were multiple witnesses.

"Babe, how is your pain?"

"I'm aware of it, but right now it's not too bad."

"The doctor gave me a different prescription for you. He listened to your statements about doggy and cowgirl and wanting a different opinion and went away laughing. Then he brought me a different pain med.

"Wait! I was talking to my doctor about doggy and cowgirl?"

"Oh yeah! And you made no secret of the fact you did not like his answer."

"Oh, I'm so embarrassed!"

"Don't be. That wasn't the low point at all."

"Oh no!"

"You told our parents--all four of them--how incensed you were that your doctor said you couldn't have sex with me in doggy or cowgirl styles."

She covered her face with her hands and then started laughing.

"I'm sure I'll hear stories for years. Can you help me get dressed?"

"I'd love to. I didn't have the strength before, because you kept grabbing my penis."

"That sounds normal enough."

Once we were dressed, I carried her downstairs and sat her on the sofa. Joyce and Branson were there and came over and hugged her. Joyce got in a final question:

"Did you finally get your doggy style sex?"

That first full day out of the hospital, I carried her next door so she could watch me mow the lawn.

I felt like an object. I loved it!

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When we got in bed, Monica asked me to make love to her.

"I just remembered something. I borrowed Mom's car to go shopping for something special to wear to bed with you that night."

"Do you need me to get it and help you put it on?"

"You'll have to find the junk yard the car got towed to!"

"When that gets parted out, someone will get a bonus! Besides, you can wear your cast, and that will be memorable."

This was our first experience making love with her cast in the way. We laughed as I undressed her. She insisted on undressing me and then sat on the bed and took me in her mouth. I wanted to make love to her, so I reluctantly pulled out of her mouth and got into bed beside her.

I helped her lie down and moved her legs apart. I went down on her, made her cum, and then entered her. There were tears in our eyes as I thrust into her.

"Oh, Mark, be gentle! I ache all over still!"

"Monica, it's ok if it's too soon after your accident. We don't have to do this now."

I pulled out of her.

"Thanks. I thought I could."

"Yesterday you thought you could do doggy and cowgirl!"

"Ouch. Just thinking about it hurts!"

For the next few days, we limited ourselves to oral sex, but that was also great!

Then, one night, Monica asked me to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Mark, my aches and pains are almost all gone. I want you to make love to me tonight and cum inside me."

It was a sweet experience for us. We were careful about her leg, but she cried out when I entered her and was remarkably vocal, urging me on to completion inside her. As I lay on her, recovering, I looked into her eyes. She was wiping away tears.

We were careful to keep her off her feet. She got quite good at the crutches, but I still carried her up and down the stairs.

We went to the hospital the day before the wedding. Dr. Atiyeh wanted to look at an x-ray of Monica's leg before deciding whether to take the cast off.

"Tell me, Monica, have you kept off the leg?"

"Mark has been wonderful. I got around well on the crutches, but he insisted on carrying me up and down the stairs."

"No doggy?"

Monica stuck her tongue out at him, and we all laughed.

He scanned the x-ray for a long time. Finally, he sat next to Monica.

"I know how important tomorrow is for you. Let me share my concerns. If we take the cast off, I think there is about a 60% chance you will suffer a setback, and this time surgery might be needed. That might mean a permanent and ugly scar."

"I don't want that, but I do want to be able to stand for photos. I can sit during the ceremony."

"How about a compromise? Let me have our specialist remove this cast and give you a walking cast. However, I don't want you walking on it for another ten days! You can stand on it for limited stretches of time tomorrow, but little or no walking. Maybe one slow dance with Mark."

Monica looked at me, then back at Dr. Atiyeh.

"Thanks, Doc. I appreciate it."

"You two have a wonderful day tomorrow. Where are you going on your honeymoon?"

"San Antonio. The Riverwalk."

"Go straight from here and get a wheelchair. Check it on the plane tomorrow. You don't want to do the Riverwalk on crutches!"

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The next morning, we woke up with the alarm at 7 am. I could smell breakfast cooking, so I took Monica into the bathroom and then carried her down the stairs for breakfast.

The wedding was to start at 1 at Canterbury Reception Center, and Monica needed to be there no later than 9:30 to work on hair and makeup and then to get her in her dress, all of which was complicated by the cast.

I needed to arrive at 11:30. I love being a guy!

When I walked into Canterbury, I was met by a woman with a checklist. My name triggered action! Before long, I had been ushered into a dressing room and told to get ready, when I tried to leave, I was pushed back in for someone to do my hair!

A second attempt to leave also resulted in imprisonment, this time waiting for a woman with flowers.

The third time was the charm. I was out!

Then I ran into Joyce, who wanted me to see Monica before she got into the dress.

She looked amazing. I had tears in my eyes as I hugged her. "You are the most beautiful woman I know. I don't know why they made a fuss over my hair. No one will be looking at me."

"They'll be looking at me and holding their breath, wondering whether I'm going to trip and fall!"

"Please don't. Hey! I could carry you up the aisle!"

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I began to see guests I knew, so I spent time visiting. Larry and his wife were there, and to my great surprise, Dr. Atiyeh showed up!

"I didn't know you were coming!"

"I didn't say anything, because I needed to find someone to be on call today instead of me, but I worked it out. I couldn't miss this!"

"Monica will be thrilled you're here."

I talked to the minister and explained Monica's cast issue. He sent someone off to find a chair, and said he would keep her sitting throughout.

Suddenly, after waiting for months, the moment had arrived. The music began to play, people stood, and Branson came out, pushing Monica in her new wheelchair. I looked at the minister and he quickly moved the chair away.

When Branson parked her facing me, I looked into her beautiful eyes. She was smiling, but her eyes were filled with tears. Then mine were, too.

I was having trouble listening to the minister. I kept looking at Monica and felt blessed. I heard the vows, and both of us managed to say, "I do."

The minister invited us to kiss, but Monica held out her hand and I helped her stand. We stood and kissed, to the cheers of everyone there.

Monica sat back down in her wheelchair. I bent over and kissed her on the cheek.

"Well, Monica Robinson, what shall we do now?"

"Mark, I want to run away--or wheel away--and go make love somewhere. Our mothers expect us to move into the reception area and greet people."

Somehow, we made it through that ordeal. When Dr. Atiyeh came through the greeting line, Monica stood and hugged him.

"Monica, congratulations! Come and see me when you get back from your honeymoon. If you can stay off it between now and then, we can probably remove the cast."

"Thanks for everything, Dr. Atiyeh!"

We managed one careful, slow song on the dance floor. By then, we were sitting in chairs at the head table, and Monica kept whispering dirty things in my ear!

Finally, it was time to leave for the airport, but first Monica had to change out of her wedding dress and into her travel clothes. I ditched my tux as well. Mom was going to return that for me, and Joyce was taking the wedding dress.

We were finally on our way to the airport. Dad was driving and we were in the back seat. Naturally, Monica was caressing my balls, wanting me to be uncomfortable as we walked through the airport. She had overlooked the wheelchair I could conveniently hide behind!

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Three years ago, Monica and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. At dinner together, we both expressed our amazement that 30 years had passed so quickly.

As we reminisced about the events of our lives since we married, we realized how joyous and full our marriage had been. The list of our experiences together grew as we talked that night.

We had a wonderful honeymoon in San Antonio. I pushed Monica all over the Riverwalk in her wheelchair and in and out of stores and restaurants. I carried her from her wheelchair to our bed each night, something I have done several times a year on special nights we have planned together.

One day, I threatened to find a wheelchair for myself and to stage a race with her on opposite sides of the river. We never found one.

Her cast came off two weeks after our wedding, but we treasure the memories of that cast, as captured in photographs. Our favorite Is one in which she stood, but the cast and her bare toes peeked out from under her wedding dress.

In May of 1992, our first child--and only son, as it turned out--was born. Both of us clearly remember the emotions we felt as Monica nursed Ethan for the first time.

The next year, I graduated with degrees in mathematics and statistics, and I started my master's program in math.

The following June (it was 1994 now) Madeline joined our family. Monica was still taking classes here and there as she could.

I received a master's degree in math in 1995 and was offered a position with the University of Colorado. I taught one class a semester and also received a stipend as I worked on my PhD.

Monica transferred her credits there and in 1996, she amazed me by receiving her degree in Mechanical Engineering and then giving birth to Harriet seven weeks later. Monica was not interested in finding a job yet; she was having too much fun with her babies. We laugh about that now, because she still calls the four of them "her babies," even though Ethan is now over 30 years old!

In 1998, I received my PhD and joined the faculty on a full-time basis, as an associate professor of mathematics. Since then, I was awarded tenure and became a full professor.

Angie, our youngest, was born in 1999. It was about that time that Monica became interested in Art History and began picking up textbooks--very large and expensive.

Monica and I began to have opportunities for travel, some related to the university and my faculty position, and some personal. She dragged me to art museums all over the world, among them Florence, Paris, Vienna, Rome and London.

When Angie started high school, Monica announced her desire to get a master's degree in Art History. She knew she might get resistance, not having studied art history formally. In typical Monica fashion, she made an appointment with the Dean of the department and explained why she should be accepted.

When he still expressed doubt, she challenged him to ask her questions someone with a B. A should know. She answered each of his questions at length, until he finally laughed and raised his hands and said, "I surrender!"

Two years later, Monica had her master's degree and a part-time job at the university's art museum.

When Monica and I married, I didn't realize her parents were about ten years older than mine. We lost Branson four years ago, and Joyce a year later. Following her death, Monica and her two older siblings each received about $6 million. The boat had been sold years before. They offered it to us, but we were in Colorado by then.

Monica and I have continued to have a wonderfully intimate marriage. We generally have sex two to three times a week, and she's still the most beautiful and the sexiest woman I know. She's a showstopper in one of her little black dresses. Somehow, she's only one dress size larger than when she was 18.

My parents, Heather and George, are still doing well. Dad retired and they downsized to a condo, getting away from the big yard and the stairs.

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When we went back for Joyce's funeral, we drove by our old homes. Strangers live there now, so we parked across the street and stayed in the car.

We could see the upstairs window in my old bedroom, from where I looked down on Monica for so long. We moved the car, hoping to see the fence better, but it appears the boards have been replaced. The knot hole was gone.

By then we had four grandchildren--two more have come along since.

Angie is not married but just received a master's in economics. She's currently looking at a couple of PhD programs, including one at the London School of Economics, where a young man named Mick Jagger abandoned his studies to form some rock band!

"There's a handsome young man in the art department right now. I need to figure out a way to get Angie to meet him."

"Dear, that idea will never work. Angie is too much like me and will not do what you hope she will. My mother was always scheming, and I went the other way."

Monica looked at me with a big smile. "Remember the illusion of control? You thought you never did what she wanted, but you almost always did in the end."

"That is not true!"

"Mark, there is one indisputable fact: you married me."