The Wedding

The wedding

My name is Kevin Jones. Six months ago, I was a happy man. I was married to a wonderful wife, Linda, and raised a stepdaughter, Bethany, with her. I accepted Bethany as my daughter. Bethany was a mixed-race baby, as her father was black. Bethany had finished college and was about to get married to her love, Chad Smith. The two were high school sweethearts and were looking to cement their lives together.

I had met my wife, Linda, at an after-church social. She was coming home to live with her parents after her relationship with Bethany's dad failed. I had become a member of that church after leaving the Marine Corps after serving eight years. I was recovering from combat wounds and turned to God to help with PTSD. When I saw Linda for the first time, I thought God had sent an angel.

I chatted with Linda and her parents, James and Susan Ryan. Linda was somewhat cool to me, but her parents took a natural shine to me, not too difficult; James was a retired Gunny Sergeant with 22 years in the Corps.

Susan invited me for dinner that evening, and I couldn't refuse.

During dinner, I got to know the family, including Bethany, the most outgoing child I've ever met. After dinner, Linda and I sat on their front porch and talked. Susan and James made every effort to be busy elsewhere.

Linda was cool to me, but she explained her recent breakup with Bethany's dad. It was terrible; the man had dragged his family into a bad scene with drugs; he tried to prostitute Linda after becoming addicted. Linda was lucid enough to escape with her daughter. She fell into the mercy of her parents. Her dad took them in with the understanding that Linda had to go to rehab and take the cure.

Linda had gone to rehab and worked with a 12-step program to stay clean. I held her hand as she shared this with me. I told her that I had had a problem with pain meds after all of my surgeries, but I worked my way clean, and if she needed any support, I would be happy to help.

Linda told me that I was sweet to offer, and she would want to see more of me because maybe I could understand her, having worked through my mess.

After I wrote down my cell phone number, I gave her my business card.

I told her that, aside from work, there wasn't much going on in my life, and I would love to have her as a friend.

She squeezed my hand, looked me in the eye, and said she would like that.

We were interrupted by James and Susan. James handed me a beer and said, " Drink up, Marine." We sat on the porch until late. I excused myself and bid the family good night, saying I looked forward to getting to know them better.

The months passed, and Linda and I became lovers, then husband and wife. Susan and James were the parents; I wish I had. I had lost my parents early and went from relative to relative until I graduated from high school and joined the Corps.

We had a fantastic honeymoon while the grandparents took care of Bethany.

Linda had had a couple of embarrassing tattoos that she had removed; one was a "queen of spades" above her vagina and a "BBC Owned" tramp stamp at her panty line. There was minor scarring when they were removed. She told me everything; she felt I had to know.

Her lover was a huge black man whom she met in college. He played football, but lost his scholarship due to a drug charge. Linda got pregnant and dropped out of college. They were both hooked on drugs, and he was going to pimp her out to pay for their habits. That's when she left. Her parents were hard on her, but they took her in and got her mended. The lover never came looking.

I reassured her that I loved her and would be her man now. I would give her and her daughter the home and love they deserved. We moved into a new home and started our lives together. I legally adopted Bethany after a search was done for the biological father, which came up empty. She always called me "Daddy" or "Dad," anyway.

I worked for an electrical engineering firm. Another bought it, then another, and yet another. I had bought stock options in the first company, and before too long, I was sitting comfortably on a few million dollars. I retired after the last acquisition and now play the market, doing pretty well.

Life for Bethany was tough; being mixed-race, she had few good friends. I used to get pissed when people would make innuendo about my mixed-race child, hinting that my wife cuckolded me. Assholes are going to be assholes.

We did well together. Bethany thrived and excelled academically, and when the time came for college, she was accepted into some of the nation's top schools. She and her high school boyfriend would go to the same school. He was a good kid with good parents. We split an apartment with his family; the kids would live together while they attended school.

They both graduated with honors, came home, and started their careers. It wasn't too long until they announced that they would get married. Everyone was happy, and the countdown and preparations began in earnest.

Chad's family was well off, and we would spend some money on this wedding. The groom's family was going to pay for the honeymoon. My wife and I told the kids we would buy a house for their wedding gift. They were spoiled, but you couldn't ask for more loving children.

The Wednesday before the Saturday wedding, my perfect life began to fall apart.

I ran errands in the morning, taking care of the house legally and financially, as the kids had requested. The deal was sealed. While they were on their honeymoon, I had a contractor coming in to paint both the inside and outside. Other renovations were also implemented.

I got home in the afternoon, and a strange car was in the driveway. An out-of-town guest is probably visiting with Bethany.

I entered the house, and a conversation in the living room stopped. I walked into the living room and saw Linda, Bethany, and a large black man sitting at the edges of their chairs.

Bethany gulped and said, "Daddy, I want you to meet Mr. Michael Wade."

Michael rose from his chair and stepped towards me, offering me his hand, "Please call me Mike."

I answered, "Kevin."

Michael sat in his chair, and I sat beside Linda on the sofa.

I pierced the silence by saying, "I'm at a loss here. Can someone fill me in?"

Bethany said, "I hope you won't be angry with me, but I hunted down my birth father. When I saw that he had redeemed his life, I invited him to the wedding."

Linda interjected that she had known, but had thought the likelihood of the father being found, let alone coming to the wedding, was slight, so Bethany should follow up.

At this point, Michael said, "I can see that you're uncomfortable with this, Kevin; maybe we should not go through with this course of action."

I started to say, "Michael, you're right. I, for one, am uncomfortable...."

Bethany cut me off, "Please, Dad. It's my wedding. I know you'll always be my dad; you raised and spoiled me; I want Mr. Wade to be there. All my life, I wanted to know what my father was about, and this will give me time to get a connection with him."

I'm sure my body was showing my displeasure.

My wife answered for us, "Bethany, of course, he can attend. Your dad wouldn't be selfish enough to refuse your dream on your wedding day."

I stood up and said, "Seems the guy that pays all the bills doesn't have a vote, so if you would excuse me, I'll attend to some business in my office." I left the room before my anger could get the better of me.

I went into my office and tried to focus on some tasks, but couldn't. I surfed the internet, just wasting time. A few hours later, my wife said that dinner would be ready soon, that Mike was joining us, and that I'd better be on my best behavior.

The air during dinner was tight. I wasn't happy and did my best to hide it. Michael told how he was arrested and imprisoned after Linda left him. In prison, he found God, and he worked to redeem himself. He was working as a sexton at a church in another state. It didn't pay much, but he felt a sense of closeness to God.

He apologized for all the crap he had put Linda and Bethany through. He even thanked me for standing in and raising his daughter well. He was trying to charm everyone, but it wasn't working on me. Bethany and Linda took it hook, line, and sinker.

The evening progressed, and finally, I asked where he was lodging, as I thought it was getting late. He said he hadn't any hotel accommodations, and as I was preparing to offer some suggestions. Bethany cut me off by showing him the guest bedroom.

I looked nervously at Bethany, and then my wife confirmed the offer. "We'd love to have you stay in the guest bedroom," Linda said. "Kevin, why don't you help him bring his bags in while Bethany and I fix the room?"

I followed Michael out to his car; he stopped as he opened the trunk. "Look, man, I don't want to stir up any shit with you and destroy our little girl's happy day."

I stared at him with my best war face and said. "We'll get through this, and you'll return to wherever you call home. I will do my best to be a gentleman if you do the same."

We shook hands, and we brought his stuff into the house.

Everyone was situated in their rooms.

My wife and I turned in. Unfortunately, I stirred up a hornet's nest by expressing my discontent. My wife was pissed at me.

"This is my daughter's wedding, her special day. This is not about you." Linda hissed.

"Excuse me; suddenly, she's your daughter, not ours?" I asked.

"Don't be so sensitive or so selfish," she replied. She said goodnight and turned off the light.

Sleep did not come easily. I woke up early and decided to have coffee in the kitchen, enjoying the peace before everyone else got up. I read the newspaper and did the crossword puzzle.

Before too long, Bethany entered the kitchen, pulled herself a coffee, and joined me at the table. She said she was sorry for not informing me in advance or asking my advice about her other father. How could she make it up to me?

I told her that she didn't have to make anything up to me, we would get through it, and everything would return to normal when the interloper left. I expressed that I wanted her to have a happy wedding.

"Then you won't mind if Mike gives me away at the wedding?" she timidly asked.

"Ah, I do mind; I am your legal father. I've raised you since you were a child; I've given you everything, a home, an education." I said with a hint of an edge in my voice.

"Oh shit." She said. "I've screwed up."

"Why, what have you done?" I asked.

"I've already asked him." She sobbed.

"You'll need to fix it," I said as I got up, walked to the sink, and washed my dishes.

I looked back at her as I left the kitchen; her face was buried in her hands on the table, and she was crying.

I went to my office and spent some time there. A little while later, my wife burst through the door. "What was the meaning of upsetting Bethany this morning?" she asked. "Bethany is in our room now, crying her eyes out."

I looked at Linda and said. "Dearest, I have been a father to Bethany more so than Michael. There isn't a thing I haven't gladly done for her. At some point, someone needs to think about my feelings and show some gratitude for all of the things that I have done for her, done for you."

"This isn't about you." She said.

Bethany then entered my study. "I've thought about it, Dad. I can see why you're upset. I don't blame you. I'm the one who is being selfish and ungrateful. It's already set, but I don't know how to make this up to you."

"I'm sorry that I've upset you, Bethany, but this course of action is upsetting. There probably is no way you can make it up to me. It's your decision, and we all must live with it." I said.

My wife was furious with me, but kept her tongue. We all left the office to get cleaned up. My wife prepared breakfast, and then Michael joined us.

My wife asked what my plans were, and I told her I had to go to the tux rental place; she told me I needed to bring Mike to get fitted. I rolled my eyes at her, but said, 'Okay.'

I took Michael on the errands, we got my tux, and the tailor said he'd have Michael's done in a couple of hours. So I took Michael to lunch. During lunch, he broached the subject of giving the bride away. "Are you alright with that?" he asked.

"Well, actually, I'm not, but the two women in my life have told me I'm selfish and overly sensitive," I replied.

"I'm sorry for the grief I'm causing you," he said.

"Michael, I don't care what you think or feel; I hope I'll never see you again after Saturday," I said.

"Again, I'm sorry." He said.

After lunch, we picked up his tux and headed home.

Linda and Bethany were deep in their preparations. I decided to take a drive to the in-laws. I had to talk to Gunny.

James and Susan picked up on my tension right away, and I told them. They were as shocked as I was. James said there wasn't much I could do but ride it out, hope for the best, and shame them with guilt afterward. He stopped when Susan poked him in the ribs. He said he was joking, but some heavy guilt could come back to haunt him later. I thanked them for their time; Gunny shook my hand and called me son, which always made me feel better.

I went home and tried to be low-key. Bethany's friends took her out that night for her last party as a single woman. They were all good kids and would have their soiree two nights before the wedding so that everyone would be healed for the wedding. Bethany asked me to drive her to the event after supper; she felt she had more to talk to me about privately. I told her that I would be happy to, worrying that I was leaving Linda at home with Michael.

The drive was a tense half-hour; Bethany was struggling with her decision. "Dad, thank you for everything you've done for me. You were the dad every girl should have. You rescued Mom and me; you were always selfless. I feel I've hurt you by bringing Mr. Wade, my biological father, into my life. I am at a loss as how to make this up to you." Bethany softly said.

Without too much emotion, I answered, "There is no way to make it up. This wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime; I have, or had, one daughter, and she's chosen another man to do the honors. This should be the happiest time of my life, too. But no one considers that, and everyone seems to take me for granted."

Bethany was holding back tears, "I understand; I'm very sorry; you don't deserve that, Dad."

"What's done is done, Bethany. Put on your game face, as you can't be crying through your bachelorette party." I told her.

I pulled into the club and let her out where her friends were waiting. I ensured the maid of honor had a plan to get her home. I drove away.

I stopped at a bar and knocked back a few beers before heading home. I left before my pity party went full-on.

When I got home, I found Linda and Michael drinking wine at the kitchen table. The couple virtually ignored me. They were discussing Bethany's upbringing and Susan's life since the breakup that had occurred years prior. Michael apologized for the behavior of his youth and was glad everything turned out well in the end. I poured myself a glass of wine as no one offered and listened in.

A few hours later, my phone rang; the maid of honor called to tell me that Bethany had taken ill, and I could come and pick her up. Michael and Linda were in no shape to drive, so I headed out after Bethany.

I drove to the club and called Bethany's friend. Bethany's girlfriends brought their very wasted friend out. They had done their best to clean up the vomit from when she got sick. I asked if they all had rides; one didn't, so we took her home first. On the way home, I stopped at a convenience store where I bought Bethany a soda and some wet wipes to clean her up better. She wouldn't win a beauty pageant, but she looked more comfortable. I set her up in the front passenger seat with it tilted backward and belted her in. On the ride home, she became more coherent. She touched my shoulder and said, "My knight in shining armor, I can always count on you."

Dropping the friend off and the store clean-up took a while, but we finally arrived home. She could walk with assistance when we got home, so I helped her into the house. Michael and Linda must have turned in, I thought.

Then Bethany and I were startled by my wife's orgasmic shout, "Oh my God, fuck me with that big dick!!" The sounds of passionate sex were coming from the master bedroom. I struggled to reach the sofa and collapsed on it. Bethany sat beside me and asked, "Dad, are you alright?"

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Linda lay flat on her back, clutching Michael's ass cheeks as he thrust in and out of her wet pussy. Linda shouted, "I missed that big black dick!"

Michael was groaning, "Your sissy husband can't compete with it. I bet he has a little dick but can't satisfy his woman. You probably haven't been fucked like this since you left me!"

Linda screamed back, "I haven't been fucked like this in years; his little dick can't touch me as yours does."

The sex and conversation seemed to go on for hours.

Bethany had made a cold compress and tried to comfort her father while his wife and lover were trashing him.

The sex seemed to quiet down, and Linda and Michael went to the kitchen to get more wine. Linda saw Kevin and Bethany sitting on the sofa. Linda nervously asked, "How long have you two been home?"

I answered angrily, "you guys were on round one right before you both started discussing my dick."

Linda and Michael sat down on separate chairs in the living room. The tension was building. I told Bethany that she should head off to bed as she didn't need to be here for the rest of the discussion. Bethany took the hint and went off to bed.

I looked at the pair. "Does anyone care to fill me in since caring for our mutual daughter in her time of need turns me into a cuckold?"

Linda suddenly burst into tears. Between sobs, she said. "I don't know what came over me. Michael and I were reminiscing, the wine flowed, and we got sucked in."

Michael said he fell in love with Linda again and had to have her.

I thought and asked Linda, "Is it over for us?"

Linda was weeping openly, "No, I don't want to lose you over this. Everything is so crazy lately. I got so confused. When everything settles down, I want to try to repair everything."

I told Linda, "Not that I have any feelings left after the last two days; you trashed me in your coital conversation up there. Am I that bad a lover to you?"

Linda answered, "You're great to me everywhere; sometimes, I need more in bed."

I shouted at Linda, "Maybe you should have told me in person; we could have worked on it together."

Linda sobbed, "What are we going to do?"

I said we should call it a night; you can all go to your respective rooms. I'll sleep on the sofa. Linda looked at me, hurt, "Won't you come to bed with me?"

I looked at her and asked her, "Are you out of your mind? You expect me to take sloppy seconds from my wife and sleep in another man's wet spot?"

Linda ran to the room crying, leaving Michael and me facing each other. Michael said, "I don't know what to say."

I answered," then say nothing and get the fuck out of my sight."

He turned and left the room.

I stretched out on the sofa and eventually fell asleep.

I was up before the others. I showered, shaved, and went out for breakfast. I drove around, and when it got late enough, I called my lawyer and asked for an emergency appointment. He told me to come in right away.

He suggested an emergency stay of separation, which he would file and then have for me later in the afternoon. He had his secretary freeze my joint accounts and revoke my wife's charge cards under my name. He advised me that the house was deeded to me; my wife had had horrible credit at the time, debts, I might add, that I had paid off for her.

To kill time, I visited Susan and James. Susan let me in, and James came into the kitchen right away. Susan said, "Bethany called us and told us what happened last night; we're so sorry." James hugged me, and we went into the living room.

James said, "Speak freely; you're as much a son to us as Linda is a daughter."

I started crying and told them everything except my visit to the lawyer.

Susan asked me not to be hasty, "let's get past the wedding." She begged.

I said that Linda was pretty straightforward. I asked how Bethany was taking it.

James said, "She feels it's all her fault."

I snickered through tears, "Well, it wasn't one of her brightest moves."

We chatted for a bit, and the phone rang. Susan answered, "Yes, Linda, he's here with James. I'm sure, dear, but you've hurt him badly. I'll tell him he's wanted at home. Bye now."

Susan said, "They're asking about you."

I stood up and said, "I better go then; I can't avoid it all day. Thank God, the wedding's tomorrow. Get this shit over with. I thought weddings made people happy."

Jim hugged me again. "You'll make it, kid, Semper Fi."

I fist-bumped him. "Semper Fi." I left.

When I got home, everyone sat at the table looking at me. I poured myself a cup of coffee, leaned against a counter, and looked back at them.

The tension got to Linda first. "Where were you?" she asked.

"I had some errands to run, and I had coffee with Dad," I answered.

"I suppose you told them." She shouted at me.

"Bethany already had. She had called there, thinking I was already there. I filled in a few details of what she missed." I calmly told her. "You're welcome to call them and make any corrections. After all, they're your parents."

Peace fell over the table. Linda said, "This situation has just gotten crazier and crazier. I'm sorry for what happened; I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm asking if you could give me some time to sort it out, get through the wedding, and then maybe things can return to normal. Am I asking too much?"

I answered, "You are asking a lot."

Linda looked at me, "How can I make it up to you?"

I replied, "You can't."

Michael finally chimed, "I'm sorry to have taken advantage of your hospitality. Maybe I should be going."

Bethany clutched his elbow and said, "No, I want you at my wedding."

I took my coffee and headed for my office, leaving the trio in the kitchen.

It was a long day. I managed to get to the lawyers and pick up the paperwork. We later headed to the rehearsal and the dinner at the groom's parents' house.

At the rehearsal, the other bridal party members were shocked by the switch in the "father of the bride."

I was grilled by the groom's parents, June and John Smith. Their son, Chad, had not informed them. My wife drifted into the conversation, Michael in tow, and made the introductions. June apologized and said she felt terrible because the rehearsal dinner was being catered, and there wasn't an extra seat. My wife volunteered that I could give up my seat since I wasn't officially part of the bridal party.

The Smiths were shocked at the suggestion. Furious, I held my tongue and sarcastically said, "Well, since I'm not part of the bridal party, maybe I should head out." I turned and left the church, leaving everyone with their jaws dropped.

Bethany and Chad came running out of the church after me. Bethany shouted, "Daddy, please don't leave; Mom didn't mean it that way; I want you to be part of our wedding." Chad and Bethany pleaded with me to go back in. I refused, "I don't know how much more of this shit I will take, Bethany. I don't have a role in your wedding, remember? You and your mom may not realize it, but you're hurting me. I think it would be best if I leave."

I turned and left my car. Chad walked Bethany back into the church. She was upset and crying.

Since I wasn't entitled to the rehearsal dinner, I took in the cuisine at the McDonald's drive-through. I went to the Home Depot and bought replacement locks for the house. It was time for me to up my game.

I arrived home and sat down for my excellent meal. My phone went off, and I answered it. It was John, the groom's dad. He wanted to know what the hell was going on. When I told him, I told him everything. He asked what I thought would happen, and I told him I would do what I could to make the day for the kids, but I was hurt and heading to splitsville with my wife. He was very concerned about my well-being, and I thanked him as I think he was the only one who seemed to understand and care. He said he had to return to dinner but would have my "six."

I hung up, and Susan and James pulled into the driveway. I let them in. Susan immediately hugged and said, "I'm so sorry."

Bethany had called them from the church and said I would probably appreciate their company. I thanked her. We all sat down in the living room with a round of beers. We discussed what happened. James asked me not to be too hasty, as things might work out. I told James I couldn't have self-respect if I stayed in the relationship. I could write off what Bethany did as a youthful romantic fantasy, but Linda told me I was a failure as a lover. I felt that she had leeched off of me for 23 years.

Another round of beers, and we were getting loose with the conversation. I told them that I had always respected them as parents and hoped we could be friends afterward; I was losing too many relationships, but divorces do that.

Susan asked if there was any hope for reconciliation. I said it would be difficult because Linda thinks she's justified in doing what she's doing. Both she and Bethany keep saying they'll find a way to make it up to me; we can't erase what happened. There's no "blood penance" that can be paid.

We grew quiet, and the rest of the bridal party came home. They seemed to have recovered from the pain at the church, and all seemed quite happy.

I excused myself and headed to my office.

I heard the conversations; I didn't appear to be missed. James visited me before leaving; he told me to keep the faith; better days could be coming. I hugged him and said, "Let's hope so."

When people started heading to bed, I went to the kitchen, got another beer, and headed to the living room to settle on the sofa. Linda asked if I would sleep with her tonight, and I asked her what the point was; she had already shared her thoughts about me. She said maybe she didn't mean to say what she said. I told her every action loudly confirmed what she had said, and she didn't appear too sorry. If she harbored those thoughts, I thanked her for finally sharing the truth with me.

Again, I was asked how she could make it up to me. I dismissed her with a good night and said she was clueless and would never learn until it was too late.

A quiet fell over the house for a while. I was woken up by loud sex; I rolled over and said, "Yep, she's sorry."

We all woke up and jostled for the showers and bathrooms. We took separate cars to the church; Linda rode with Michael "to show him the way." Bethany saved my face by riding with me.

As we pulled away from the house, she said, "Daddy, I'm so sorry this is turning out this way."

"So am I, princess, so am I.' I answered.

'If you and Mom get divorced, where do we stand?" she nervously asked.

"I was your legal guardian and adopted father, but when you turned eighteen, that was no longer true. Everyone is telling me I'm not your father. Lately, I'm certainly not being treated that way. I hope we can be friends after all is said and done."

"Friends," she sobbed, "is that the best we can do?"

"Might be, princess; let's calm down so we can at least look happy when we get to the church," I said, letting the conversation drop.

We pulled into the church lot. The bridesmaids, maid of honor, best man, and ushers were all getting "finalized" by the wedding planner's staff.

I ignored Michael and walked into the church. I lifted the ribbon and entered the pew for the Bride's VIPs. I knelt and prayed. I prayed that Bethany and Chad would have a great life together. I finally prayed for the strength to face the storm ahead. I sat in the pew and read the program; I wasn't mentioned at all; the day kept getting better.

The church was becoming more active. The best man and the wedding planner approached me. "Excuse me, this is awkward, but Mr. Jones, Mrs. Jones has asked you to move from this pew as you aren't a part of the bride's wedding party." Said Francis, the wedding planner.

"Francis," I answered, "who signed the check for the wedding and everything?

Francis choked and said, "You did, sir."

I glared at him and said, "Then I guess I'm sitting here."

Francis and the best man headed back to the rear of the church and probably discussed it with my wife.

Before long, my wife and the pastor, Reverend Garland, approached me. The pastor offered his hand and asked if I would oblige my wife for the sake of peace and harmony for this service. He suggested that we see him for counseling the following week. I told him I would move, that next week would be too late, and that he could count on losing my support for his church.

As I was exiting the pew, debating blowing off the ceremony, Chad's father suggested there was room in the groom's VIP pew. I thanked him and sat with his family.

The wedding went well. A lot of whispering when Michael walked Bethany down the aisle; I felt eyes burning holes in the back of my head throughout the ceremony.

At the reception, I skipped the receiving line. A lot of people sought me out to ask what the fuck was going on. I brushed them off and told them not at this time.

There was a call for people to take their seats for dinner. I went to check the seat assignments. With the switch of the "father of the bride," the list wasn't modified. Great, pay for a reception and don't get a plate.

I ran down to Francis and told him about the error. He and the maitre'd brought my wife to the hallway and discussed it. My wife barked at them, saying that I was not sitting at the head table; just put him somewhere else; she turned and returned to the head table.

The maitre' d apologized and said he'd have to set up another table. It seemed to take forever, but a small card table was finally set up in the reception hall's corner. I was sitting by myself in the corner.

During the meal, people came by and expressed concern, trying to exchange pleasantries. Susan and James chatted with me for a while. Bethany came to me and again apologized, telling me how everything had gotten so out of hand.

The best man gave a fine toast. There were also some other lovely toasts. When the toasting quieted, the groom's father stood at the head table, dinged his glass with his fork, and asked for quiet. He explained that he felt a significant person in Bethany's life was being excluded and needed to be recognized. I tried to wave him off, and he finally gestured to me and said, "Kevin?"

I tried to ignore him, but someone started chanting, "Kevin, Kevin, Kevin." Other people joined in; my wife looked furious.

Finally, I stood up to quiet them down; the DJ handed me a wireless microphone and gestured to the dance floor.

My voice quivered at first. I finally got up enough strength to say. "Thank you, all. Thank you for coming to Chad and Bethany's special day together. I will explain what you have witnessed today in the gentlest way possible."

"Twenty-three years ago, I was joined in matrimony with Bethany's mom. She had fled an abusive relationship with Michael, who has since become a better man. I accepted Bethany as my daughter, loved, raised, educated, and prepared her for today and the future. When Chad and Bethany were engaged, I was the "Father of the Bride." Bethany had a romantic fantasy that many step-children, foster children, and orphans have, that someday they'll meet their birth parent and everything will be happy ever after."

"Bethany located her birth father and invited him to the wedding. Linda and I didn't know about the invitation. Michael, to his credit, traveled a great distance to be here, to reconnect with his daughter and make amends to the woman he had abused. When he arrived, Bethany announced that he should be the father of the bride. People told me not to be selfish, not to be sensitive, but I'll be honest, it hurt.

"We put Michael up in our house; we tried to ignore the tension."

"I lost my role in the wedding. I was thrown under the bus. Today, you witnessed the rest of my humiliation. With Michael in the same house, he and my wife rekindled their romance and acted on it.

"Before I ruin this reception, thank you again for coming; please enjoy yourselves; I've already paid for it. Chad and Bethany, I wish you both a happy and long life together, filled with love and good fortune.

"I wish you all a good day, and I think it's time for me to take my leave."

I gave the DJ the microphone back and headed for the door.

A few people were clapping, others shouting for someone to stop me, but I kept moving out of the door and to the parking lot. Bethany was at the door as I drove by; Chad was a step behind, and she was crying. I waved and kept moving.

I drove to the house. As I entered the house, the emptiness screamed at me; it was void of happiness. I changed into some work clothes, retrieved my toolbox from the garage, and set to work changing the locks. The process took about an hour. I wonder how long it would be before anyone found out.

I went into the master bedroom and changed the linens; I did the same in the guest and Bethany's rooms. I started the laundry. I noticed that Michael's things weren't in the guest room. Good, he was not looking to come back.

I fetched a beer from the fridge. I set out a copy, Linda's copy, of the separation order. I wondered if she would try to come home tonight. Hopefully, it would be tomorrow; I didn't want to deal with her if she was drunk.

A car pulled into the driveway. I looked out. It was James and Susan. I opened the door, and they came in. Susan hugged me and told me how sorry she was. Even the tough-ass retired gunny had wet eyes. I rustled up a round of beers, and we sat in the living room.

James asked, "Any idea where she is?"

I answered, "We had arranged a suite in the hotel for Tonight and Sunday night; I'm guessing she's there. The interloper had cleaned out his gear. Maybe she's leaving with him. I imagine that would be a change in her standard of living."

Susan sighed, "I can't believe she would do this. You were so good for her."

I answered, "According to her, there was one area in which I let her down, although I didn't find out until she slept with the other guy."

James asked, "Would you reconcile if she comes back?"

"Honestly, I don't think so," I answered.

Susan choked a sob, "That's too bad; she'll be lost without you."

"Susan, I've got feelings too. I gave her 23 years of my life; I spent a fortune on her and Bethany, which I never considered or cared about how much until this week. I was a perfect sap."

James said, "Bethany was pretty shaken up."

I sighed, "She was the last one I wanted to hurt. How did the reception go after I left?"

Susan said, "It picked up a little after your toast, but I think everyone was going through the motions."

James added, "Nice speech, though; you were more Christian than many jilted husbands would be."

I replied, "Scorched earth strategies never impressed me."

Susan retrieved another round of beers and said, "Where does this leave us?"

"I imagine you'll support your daughter; she'll need help. I hope that doesn't change our relationship; you've been the only family I've known. I have a few good friends, many business friends, but no family." I said.

James sighed in relief, "We'll always be there for you, son, Semper Fi."

We drifted to small talk, and James and Susan decided they needed to head home. After a round of hugs and kisses, they headed out. The silence in the house was crushing.

My cell phone rang, and the caller ID announced John, Chad's father. I answered. "Hey, battle buddy, what's up?' I greeted.

"Just checking on you; after that toast and the way you left the parking lot, I was afraid you'd be committing suicide or something," John said.

"No, that isn't about to happen. I've been in worse scrapes. If Linda feels the way she expressed it, I'll be better off in the long run.

John asked, "Bethany asked me to help reconcile with you. Is that possible?"

"In time, John, it might be possible. If I'm not imposing, maybe you could host us for dinner when the kids return from the honeymoon. I think any meetings should be on neutral ground." I said, "I need to lick my wounds for a while."

"We'll do it, Kevin; as I said, I've got your back. Take care, buddy; call if you need to talk." John said.

"Thanks, 'bro.'" I said, and we both hung up.

I had no sooner terminated that call than Bethany called. I let it ring three times before answering; I didn't want to answer at all."

"Daddy?"

"Yes, Bethany?" I answered.

"Oh my God, Daddy, I'm so sorry!" She said.

"So am I," I replied.

"What are we going to do?" she was crying.

"I don't know, kid, we can't rewind and try again," I said.

"Despite everything I did and what happened, will you still be my dad?" She sobbed.

"Bethany, I will try. I'm hurt now. I will always be a friend. Please go on your honeymoon and set up that beautiful home afterward. Move forward; hopefully, time will cure all. Build a beautiful life together with Chad." I said.

Bethany choked a sob," Have you heard from Mom? I asked her to call you; she was pretty wasted."

"It's probably better if she doesn't call if she's drunk. I've already drawn up separation papers; I did it Friday after Thursday night's episode. I won't be a cuckold. I won't stay married to an unfaithful wife." I said.

Bethany sobbed, "I fully understand."

I told her that she needed to try to get some sleep so she and Chad could be fresh for their travels the next day. We both hung up.

I moved some laundry around and went to bed.

I slept in on Sunday. I read the paper, drank coffee, and planned to move Linda's things to storage. In the afternoon, I was visited by Reverend Garland. I let him in when he knocked on the door.

I shepherded him into the living room and offered him a drink. He asked for Bourbon, neat. I poured two.

I asked him what brought him by on this Lord's Day.

"I missed you at service today, Linda, too." He said.

"I'm unsure where Linda is or if she'll be back. You can rest assured that you'll never see me in your church again." I said.

"I did what I did to make peace and get everyone through a troubling time." He nervously said.

"I would expect a man of the cloth to take the righteous path, not the path of least resistance. You sacrificed my emotions and feelings to 'get through.'" I angrily said. "Whatever happened to the 'good shepherd' finding and supporting the lost sheep? We retreat to the tyranny of the majority."

He swallowed his drink, "I'm sorry, I may have made a bad call. You are hurt. Please don't leave the faith if you must leave my church. I think you'll need Jesus, now more than ever."

He got up and let himself out.

I went to the Home Depot and picked up some wardrobe and packing boxes. When I got home, I started packing Linda's belongings. I will be doing this for a few days.

I got takeout Chinese food for dinner, cleaned up, and called it a day.

I had a light day at work on Monday, as I had scheduled it that way before the wedding. I finished packing out Linda's belongings. I packed up picture albums and family items. I moved everything to the garage. The house was totally without personality.

Late afternoon, a taxi pulled into the driveway. Linda exited with a small suitcase. She paid the driver, and the cab left the driveway. Susan walked to the front door and pulled her keys from her purse. When she tried to unlock the door, the key didn't turn. She left her case on the front stoop and walked to the back door. The key didn't work there, either. She realized that the locks had been changed.

She started swearing and beating on the door. "I'm not in the mood for this, you asshole; you better let me in!"

I was in my office and heard the commotion. I picked up the separation order. I exited the house through the cellar door and approached her from the backyard.

"What the fuck is the meaning of this?" She shouted at me.

I handed her the envelope with the separation papers.

"I think this separation order will explain things. You should retain a lawyer and have them call my lawyer." I calmly said.

"What are fucking kidding me? Are you out of your mind?" she screamed at me.

Remaining calm, I answered, "I'm completely serious. I've moved your belongings to storage, and I'll be happy to move them wherever you want when you want."

Her emotions were changing from anger to anxiety. "Oh my God, you're completely serious, aren't you?"

"As a heart attack," I whispered.

"Can't we fix it?" she sobbed.

"You should not have broken it," I whispered.

"It's my entire fault, I suppose." She cried.

"I believe you won't find too many people who feel otherwise," I replied.

"What am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to go?" she wept.

"I thought you would be heading out with your boyfriend since he scratched your itch." I cynically answered.

"He left me this morning; he left me a note, the bastard!" she cried.

"So you come home to the cuckold, your second choice, and I'm supposed to welcome you back," I said. "Better have a plan B."

"Please," she said. "Give me another chance; give us another chance."

"Linda, I think we're over. You were clear with your words and actions." I said.

She sat down crying in the driveway, "Please, please."

"I'll call your parents." I offered. I hastily called; Susan was on her way over.

Linda sat crying, babbling, and pleading.

Susan pulled into the driveway. I waved, and we walked together to Linda. Linda got up and hugged her mother. "He's throwing me out, Mom; he can't do that!" She cried.

Susan patted her daughter and said, "Why don't you come home with me for a while? We won't be able to fix this in the driveway." Susan said, guiding Linda to the car.

I thanked Susan and said I would be by the phone.

They drove off. I went into the house.

I checked in with my lawyer. He said that I'd probably seen the worst. He would send a letter to Linda, care of her parents, to see if she had counsel.

On Wednesday, I had a handwritten letter from Michael, of all people.

Kevin,

I hope you have recovered from the hurt we all put on you. Although you were suspicious of me, you opened your home to me. You allowed me to get to know my daughter. Thank you for all the support you gave her over the years. You were a better dad than I would have ever been.

I took advantage of your hospitality and that of your wife. Deep inside, I wanted to hurt her for leaving me years ago; I guess I succeeded.

I snuck out of her hotel room before she woke up. I didn't want any confrontation with her, but where I was heading, she couldn't follow.

Thank you for not lashing out as badly as you could have; many times over the weekend, we should have reconsidered instead of continuously screwing you. Even your explanatory toast was Christian. You made me feel like a rat, but in a good way.

You're a good man; I'm sorry I hurt you. I don't know if you and Linda can fix your marriage, but please keep in touch with Bethany; you're her father; I was never that man.

Peace

Michael

James reached out to me. He and Susan sent Linda on a retreat. She had some episodes in their house, and everyone agreed she would be safer at a safe retreat center. I asked about the long-term prognosis. He said he didn't know. I told him I would freeze any proceedings against her; I wasn't in a hurry. I asked if I could help with any expenses. He said he had it covered. He asked me to join him and his wife for dinner that evening. So we had dinner and discussed Linda. There were more questions than answers.

A week later, John called and invited me for dinner to welcome the kids back; he asked if I knew of Linda's whereabouts. I told him about the breakdown and being put in a retreat. He thought that would be safer. He asked if I would divorce her, and I said that we were separated and the divorce proceeding was frozen for now.

A few days later, I arrived early at John and June's. I helped them prep the meal and filled them in on Linda and me. They both wanted to know if I could forgive her. I shrugged and told them that I didn't know.

When Bethany and Chad arrived, Bethany almost crushed me in a hug and wouldn't let go. Chad joined her. Finally, we broke the hug, and we all caught up before dinner. The kids thanked me for the house. I told them that I hoped they had many happy years in it.

After dinner, Chad helped his parents clear the table. June suggested that Bethany and I have the conversation we needed to have. We headed to the sofa in the living room.

Bethany smiled at me and tried to hold back a tear. It didn't work, and soon others joined it. She buried her face into my chest and sobbed. "I'm so sorry; I'll never be able to make it up to you. Don't hate me."

I hugged her and kissed her forehead. I whispered to her," I'll always be your dad. You made me furious, but I never stopped loving you. I could never stay mad at you."

She shook with her sobs, "Thank you, Daddy. I'll never let you down again."

We cuddled for a bit. She eventually broached the subject of her mom. I told her all I knew. I told her about the letter I had received from Michael. I suggested she get in touch with her grandparents.

"Can you ever forgive her? Can you ever get back together?" she asked.

"Are you asking me to?" I asked

"No, I couldn't ask you. That has to come from within you." She said.

"Thank you for understanding that and not pressuring me," I said. 'First and foremost, your mom has to get better, and then ask me when she's not under duress. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it will be an uphill climb. I won't accept infidelity."

Bethany said we should join the others. We walked arm-in-arm into the kitchen.

June said, "Looks like you two covered some distance quickly."

I kissed Bethany's cheek and guided her to Chad. I commended him for how he cared for my little girl. The rest of the evening was spent by Bethany and Chad recounting their honeymoon.

I thanked June and John for their hospitality. They told me not to be a stranger.

A week later, James came by "to make sure I didn't have too much beer in the fridge," he said. We knocked down a few before he went to the real reason for his visit.

"There's a family day coming up at the retreat. Linda has asked to see you." He said. "Are you up to it?

"Is she up to it?" I asked.

"This is her counselor at the 'camp,'" James said as he passed me a business card.

"I'll call him and talk to him. I don't want to upset her or set her back. I'll let you know, Dad." I said.

James hugged me, "I like it when you call me 'Dad.' You are the son I always wanted."

"Then, I'll keep calling you Dad. You're the father I should have had." I said.

We broke the hug, and James headed out.

I called the counselor, who assured me that Linda was up for a visit. I asked what the purpose was so I could be prepared and not upset her. The counselor said that Linda understood the relationship might be over, but she felt she needed to apologize and accept responsibility to move forward. I told him that I would be happy to visit.

On the open house day, I drove to the retreat center. I got there early and checked in at the reception area. They led me to a cafeteria, where I poured myself a cup of coffee and took a seat. Before too long, Linda walked into the cafeteria. I stood up when she approached the table. I opened my arms to offer a hug, and she fell into my arms. I kissed her cheek and told her she was looking well.

She asked if I wanted to take a walk with her. I tossed the coffee and joked that it was pretty bad. She laughed as we walked out onto the grounds, "You don't have to drink it every day."

"When you come out, the cappuccinos on me,' I said.

"I'd like that." She answered.

I took her hand and followed her lead. We walked around a walking track with a few people on it, so we had some privacy.

"I want to apologize for everything that happened. You had, I mean, every reason to be upset with me. I ruined everything for you, for us." She calmly said. "I don't know if you'll ever forgive me; I said cruel things; I deprived you of things that can never be made up."

I gently squeezed her hand, and she kept talking as we walked.

"I know we can never go back, we can only go forward, and I need your help deciding what the forward is." She added.

We talked about Bethany and Chad. She was happy that Bethany and I had made peace. She hoped we could all be a family, a happy family again.

We discussed the remainder of her recovery. She had two weeks left. I asked what her plans were after that.

She was nervous and softly said, "My parents have said I can move in with them."

"Well, if that's what you want to do, I suppose it's ok, but I suppose you wouldn't want to come home?" I asked.

She crushed me with a hug. "Thank you! I was hoping you would offer to let me back. I'm going to make you the happiest husband ever."

I will open our home to you, and you can move back; I will support you and try to forgive you, but I'll have some conditions." I said.

She squeezed my hand, "I'd like to move home. What would be the conditions?" She bit her lip after she asked.

We came upon a bench, and we sat down. I calmly spoke:

"First, I want to set up a trust fund for you; if things don't work out, you'll have the financial freedom to move on."

"You need to return to college and finish the degree or a degree that you dropped so long ago. You need to focus on growth; again, you aren't trapped with me if things don't work out."

"You need to be honest and open with me. If I disappoint you in any way, whether it's with my cooking or in the bedroom, please be honest with me. I will try to fix those things I can and adapt to those things I can't. I can't live with you harboring grudges."

"You have to be faithful to me. If you need to find other men, we should consider breaking things off, and you can do that. I would rather be your friend than a bitter enemy."

I held both of her hands and stared into her eyes. "Can you live with that?"

She pulled me into a hug. "Those are fair conditions; you even offer support if I fail." She said.

"I don't want you feeling trapped or having to stay because you don't have options," I said.

We sat and necked for a while; we kissed each other.

We spent the day holding hands, hugging like teenagers in love. When the day ended, I left her in the reception area and told her I'd be back the following weekend on visitors' day. If possible, I'd bring Bethany.

The following Saturday, Bethany joined us, and we had a great time.

The Friday after that, I brought her home. I told her that I hoped I had moved her things back correctly. We had a wonderful dinner. We made cappuccinos with our new machine.

We sat on the deck for a while, 'canoodling' on the swing. She asked, "Would you take me to bed, sir?"

I picked her up and carried her into the house; we kissed and went to the bedroom. We disengaged long enough to undress. We got into bed and made love. We first brought each other off orally, engaged in more foreplay, and then had intercourse for a long second round.

While in our post-coital bliss, I asked if I had satisfied her. I explained that I was nervous about that, as I remembered her harsh words. She assured me that I had done everything right.

We fell asleep, hugging each other so tightly that nothing could come between us.

There may be some bumps in the road ahead, but we survived; we were stronger. We would make it.