Rediscovered Love is Forever

Rediscovered Love is Forever

A reacquaintance renews lost love.

Editor: Clarissa, developmental editor. Many thanks for her invaluable assistance with grammar, style, and plot development. All other mistakes are mine.

Disclaimer: All characters involved in sexual situations are eighteen years of age or older. This story is a work of fiction. The intellectual property of Egregious. Copyright 2025.

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Prologue:

Headteacher Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wilson, known for her organizational skills and tendency to be a busybody, decided to host a 2012 class reunion for the Victorville, CA, middle school class of 1990, in honor of their beloved teacher, Mrs. Cecilia Shaw, on the eve of her ninetieth birthday. Invitations were sent to as many students as Lizzie could find an address for three months before the celebration.

Jerry White was one of the recipients. Now, twenty-two years after middle school, he fondly recalled those three years and decided it would be great to reconnect with his old school friends. With a sense of nostalgia, Jerry made an accommodation booking at a local motel for Saturday and Sunday nights, and he gladly returned his RSVP with the suggested donation of twenty dollars.

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Jerry:

The reunion was held in the school's auditorium. I arrived on time and found Lizzie sitting at a table covered with name tags and a laptop - trust Lizzie to be organized. She was just an older version of her younger self. Still a thin-faced woman with dark hair pulled back into a tight ponytail tied with a bright pink ribbon. The glasses have evolved from bulky black frames to a more modern, thin-framed gold version.

"Hi, Lizzie," I said. "Remember me?"

"Of course! How could I forget the famous paper airplane maker!" she replied. Then she asked, "No spouse, Jerry?"

I shrugged. "No, not at the moment."

"Interesting." She paused, scanning the assortment of name tags before selecting one and handing it to me. "I laminated each tag with the student's class photo, so everyone knows who everyone was."

Then, she dismissed me with a wave toward the entrance of the hall while she proceeded to tap away at her laptop. Typical Lizzie, I thought.

I wandered into the hall, accompanied by the background music of the era, with red, green, and blue mood lights illuminating the space. Here, I found groups of my old buddies chatting, all of whom I hadn't seen since grade school, catching up on the many years that had slipped away.

Some were of a familiar appearance; others had changed significantly, mostly thinning hair or expanding waistlines. I joined in, shaking hands with friendly pats on the back; I was introduced to their wives, though some I also remembered from school.

Small tables and chairs were spread around the hall, leaving a dancing area in front of the stage where the band was setting up. Hanging in the center was a large, glittering mirror ball.

I decided to skip the large punch bowl of orangish colored liquid. I wanted to stay clear-headed and lined up to get a soda from the bartender. He pulled a glass bottle from an ice-filled cooler, removed the top, and handed it to me. I nodded my thanks and moved on. To the side was a table covered with bowls of assorted crackers, cheeses, various dips, and a large bowl of chips.

I noticed an older lady in a wheelchair being pushed to the front of the stage by someone I immediately recognized as Penny Williams, now a mature woman. The band had finished tuning their equipment, and Lizzie grabbed the microphone, tapping the top to get everyone's attention.

"Before the band starts playing, I would like you all to pick up a glass of sparkling wine from that table over there." She pointed in its general direction.

After a pause for us all to grab a plastic glass, Lizzie continued, "I would like to make a toast to the best middle school teacher, celebrating her ninetieth birthday tomorrow. To Mrs. Shaw." She held up her glass for us to follow. Lizzie was always short and to the point.

I joined by raising my glass to the general chorus of "To Mrs. Shaw."

We all walked over one by one, saying what a great teacher she was and, congratulating her on her forthcoming birthday, wishing her many more. All appear to hope for some notoriety by her remembering our names. Which, in most cases, she didn't.

With that out of the way, the band resumed playing hits from the top charting songs of that era. Several partners got up to twist and generally jiggle their bodies about to their old favorite songs. Then, a few minutes later, they were sitting back down, puffing and panting. I looked around for Penny, but she seemed to have magically disappeared.

After an hour, the night was beginning to wear thin on me. I had done all the catching up I needed, and still no Penny. I decided to slip out in another half hour. I moved to a side table away from the general crowd and the noise of the band.

I was looking at my cell phone for next week's work roster when a shadow fell over me. Looking up, I found myself staring at the smiling face of Penny Williams. I had forgotten how beautiful she was, and the years had only enhanced her beauty.

Her blond hair was shorter now, down only to her neckline, and her cornflower eyes sparkled. We both attended the final year of middle school with Mrs. Shaw and shared a platonic boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. It ended when my father, Bill, who had an Air Force job, required us to move sixty miles away just before I entered high school.

I returned her smile, stood, and we hugged briefly. Holding her at arm's length, I said, "I must say, Penny, you have turned into the most beautiful woman I have seen in a long time."

"That's most kind of you, Jerry, but I'll bet you say that to all the women you meet?"

Indicating the seat beside me, I sat back down. "So Penny, what have you been up to over the years?"

"I became a grade school teacher and owe my choice of career to Mrs. Shaw. I'm passionate about nurturing young minds like she was," replied Penny, sounding like a commercial for teacher recruitment. "I have two daughters, Eliza, now seven, and Isadora, 'Issy', five. Have you any children?"

Pausing a moment, I replied mournfully. "No, I missed my chance..."

Thankfully, Penny chose to ignore the obvious question, perhaps picking up on my somber tone, and said, "I remember you were known for your paper airplanes. They soared from one end of the classroom to the other, astonishing our classmates and frustrating the other boys to produce similar results."

"Yes, those were the days, young and free, daring to do anything without any serious responsibilities. My father often said, 'These are the best years of your life, son.' At the time, I didn't understand how right he was!"

Penny glanced at her watch and said, "I must be off to relieve the babysitter. It has been good catching up. I wish you well, Jerry."

Standing, I replied, "You too, Penny." Slightly disappointed at her brusque departure, I wondered if she had a partner to go home to. I kicked myself for not asking sooner.

After a hug goodbye, Penny turned to the hall exit and then headed toward her car. But suddenly, six feet away, she stopped, quickly turning - catching me in the act of admiring her from behind with a lustful gaze.

She paused, a slight smirk playing on her lips, before asking, "Jerry, are you free tomorrow? We usually have Sunday roast."

Without hesitation, I said, "Yes, I haven't had a roast since I left home for college. I accept your kind invitation. Thank you, Penny."

She recited an address I knew well, her blue eyes lingering on mine, and said, "Be there by twelve."

*****

After picking up a bunch of flowers and a bottle of red wine, I turned up at her family home. I was met at the door by two miniature versions of the young Penny I remembered. Seeing the flowers and wine, the youngest said, "Have anything for us?"

"Issy, it's impolite to ask such a question," Penny called out from the kitchen.

I replied, "It just so happens I do." Showing them my FurReal Friends purchase went down like a treat.

Around the dining room table, the girls chatted, asking me questions about what I did for a living, where my home was, and if I had a girlfriend.

I managed to answer their questions to their satisfaction, and asked some of my own. The roast beef and baked vegetables were delightful, and I praised Penny for a delicious meal. The girls and I helped dry the dishes, and they showed me where to put them.

After lunch, Penny remarked on the sunny afternoon and light breeze, then suggested we walk down to Avalon Park for a bit of exercise to work off our lunch. While there, the girls swung on the swings and asked me to push them as high as they could go - safely. Penny sat and watched in amusement as the girls squealed at the acceleration.

On our walk back, we passed a soda shop, and I offered to buy ice cream cones as dessert. We arrived back at their home after some two hours. The girls brought out their monopoly board and insisted we have a game. On finishing the game, we tallied up, with Eliza owning the most hotels and declaring herself the winner. Penny asked me to stay for an evening meal - the girls seconded the motion. I happily accepted, enjoying my time with the family.

Eliza and Issy retired early, as the next day was a school day. They gave me a wave as they headed to their bedrooms, and Penny tucked them in. Returning, Penny made coffee, and we sat at the kitchen table.

"First of all, Penny, I must apologize for not attending your parents' funeral. My father got in touch with me as soon as he heard the news. I was on a flight to England at the time. I did send a condolence card on my return."

"Yes, thank you, Jerry," Penny said. "I did get your card, and I was most appreciative. And what of your parents?"

"Well, sadly, my mother lost her battle with breast cancer while I was in college. Dad is still alive and retired to Florida, where he shares a house with his brother." All this talk of death was getting depressing, I thought.

To lighten things up, I said, "I heard you moved away after high school and married."

"I did my three years at the University of California and obtained my primary school teaching degree. My first teaching position at Crestview Elementary School primarily served students from Vandenberg Air Force Base. It was there I met Hank at a party. He was an Alabama boy and completed his helicopter training at Fort Novosel Flight School before being posted to Vandenberg.

"I think it was his southern accent that attracted me. He swept me off my feet with his southern ways, and after eighteen months of courting, he proposed. We married and lived on the base. I kept teaching, and that was where Eliza was born."

Penny stopped to catch her breath, then continued, "A year later, my parents were tragically killed in the car accident; I inherited the family home, and I wanted to return to Victorville. Hank applied for a transfer to Edwards Air Force Base and got it. So this is where Issy was born. Two years later, Hanks's helicopter crashed due to mechanical issues on a simple search and rescue mission, and he and his crew were killed."

Her words caught in her throat for just a moment before she swallowed and continued with her story.

"When Eliza started school and Issy preschool, I applied for a part-time teaching position at my old primary school and, to my surprise, got a full-time job," Penny finished.

I replied, "I'm very sorry for your loss, Penny. I realize it was some time ago, but I know from experience it still hurts." I looked at Penny to see if she wanted any form of comfort, but she didn't seem to. Perhaps having two children helped see her through the grief?

Endeavoring to keep her emotions under control, Penny asked, "Did you accomplish your dream of flying?"

"Yes," I said. "As you know, at the end of middle school, my father, a sergeant in charge of the ground crew, was posted to Edwards Air Force Base. Here, I finished high school. And by the age of eighteen, like my Dad, I had obtained my private pilot license. However, I didn't want to join the military and would rather work for a commercial airline. I then began my studies for a Bachelor of Aviation degree at California Aeronautical University.

"After obtaining my degree and with my current level of flying hours, I easily found a job with a commercial airline operation out of Los Angeles. Initially, I was the first officer and worked alongside the captain, a man fifteen years my senior who taught me the ropes.

"However, after an aviation accident three years ago, I changed employers. Now, I fly small propeller and turbo-prop planes across the US and beyond, delivering them to customers or returning them for upgrades and factory recalls."

Penny tilted her head. "Have you got a female partner?" she asked, eyes alight with curiosity.

"No, I'm single. I have dated, but I've not been looking since the accident," I replied.

"What accident?"

I didn't want to get into that long, hurtful story tonight, so I said, "Just an accident that required a change of direction."

Without any further explanation from me, Penny changed the topic. "So that brings us up to date. What brought you to the reunion?"

"I was hoping you would be there," I admitted. "I wanted to see you again and reminisce about those wonderful three years of middle school we had together. And a little birdie told me you had moved back home, and I wondered why."

"Well, yes, now you know the reason for that. I must say it's good to see you again; you look well. You obviously look after yourself."

"I could say the same for you, and you have two adorable daughters. They do you proud," I replied.

Finishing their coffees. I realized time had slipped away and was now approaching eleven o'clock. At the front door, I said, "We must keep in touch." We exchanged cell numbers. I promised to reach out.

Penny followed me to the taxi, and as I opened the car door, she stepped in, lightly kissed my cheek, and said, "That's so you don't forget to call."

I was tingling on the drive to the motel thinking of all the possibilities to come. All my dreams that night were of Penny.

*****

The following day, flying my way back to home base, I began reminiscing about my early grade school years with my best friend, Penny.

We rode the same bus to school every week and spent many happy summer months together, cycling, camping, fishing, or swimming in the nearby creek.

For my birthday, I was given a wind-up airplane with a balsa wood central strut, foam wings, and tail, plastic wheels on long spring wires, and a strong plastic propeller driven by a thick square rubber band. The rubber band had enough energy to allow the plane to take off from the ground, or it could be used to thrust the aircraft into the air, enabling it to travel much greater distances. Penny and I spent many happy hours making more gliders, getting progressively larger.

During the last quarter of my final year of middle year, while searching the school library for a reference book for an assignment. I came across a book titled Learning to Rock Climb. After reading the book from beginning to end, I was hooked. However, I needed equipment to make rock climbing safe, and for that, I needed money.

Using Dad's car washing kit, I spent the first two weeks of summer vacation washing cars around our neighborhood, saving the money earned. Penny helped when she could, and we had many water fights, often going home soaking wet.

In the meantime, using the phonebook, I found an outdoor shop selling mountain climbing equipment. I telephoned the store, and they sent a catalog. Using their mail-order form, I ordered a Robertson harness, thirty pitons, and three carabiners. From the local hardware store, I purchased a flashlight, rope, a cheap hammer, and leather garden gloves. All stored in my backpack. I used my sneakers as climbing shoes and my bicycle helmet for head protection. Now, I was ready to climb.

To the east of town was Deadman Hills, ten miles away, and on their north side were several cliffs of varying heights. Fitted out with my climbing equipment, I planned to scale the smaller one, which I estimated to be around a hundred feet high, to gain experience. Penny was my base camp attendant, and there in case I fell. I was halfway up when I discovered a small opening in the cliff. I called down to Penny what I had found and decided to enter the crevice. She hollered back, "Please be careful, Jerry."

Removing my flashlight from my backpack, I entered the crevice. After eight or so feet of crawling, the space opened into a large cave, allowing me to stand. In the middle, I noticed a round collection of blacked rocks, obviously a fireplace, with plenty of ash and some small bones. There were several large rocks, all worn smooth, I guessed by being sat upon. Could this be where generations of Native Americans camped on their travels?

There didn't appear to be any other exits, so I wondered how they reached the cave. I immediately returned to the entrance, poking my head out to see a worried Penny pacing back and forth. I called out, "Hey, Penny, you need to see what I found!"

It was here that I noticed a ledge, half a foot in width, leading off to the right. Using my last half dozen pitons, I made my way along the ledge, hammering them in as I went. After thirty or so feet, I reached the end of the ledge. From there, I was able to climb onto the shoulder of the cliff face and into a boulder-filled gully and then work my way back down to Penny with ease.

Gathering our meager equipment, I led Penny back to the ledge, and using the pitons as anchor points, we made our way into the cave.

We kept the cave our secret. A few days later, I lit a fire, and we toasted marshmallows. That's when we discovered a small fissure in the back of the cave, which allowed smoke to escape. We spent many happy school holidays in our cave, reading books, playing word games and the like, and generally relaxing, especially during those hot, dry summer months. I built paper airplanes and launched them out of the cave entrance.

With the decommissioning of the nearby George's Air Force Base beginning in 1988, Dad was to be transferred. Upon my departure, we vowed to stay in touch, but over time, our letters grew more infrequent, and we drifted further apart.

A sudden question came into mind: "Did Penny show Hank our cave?"

*****

I called Penny in the evening, three days later, and asked her out for a date on Saturday. She responded favorably and then informed me that Mrs. Shaw had passed away on Monday. Penny attended the funeral on Wednesday, where Mrs. Shaw's seventy-year-old son, Bobby, delivered the eulogy.

Penny read the short, heartfelt eulogy aloud over the telephone.

"On the morning of St. Valentine's Day, my mother, Cecilia, 'Sissy', Shaw, peacefully passed away in her sleep. The day marked her and her husband, Jimmy's, seventieth wedding anniversary - a love story that had endured even the deepest of separations. Jimmy, a pilot, had been declared MIA in the Pacific War in 1944, leaving behind only one child - me. After decades apart, Cecilia and Jimmy are finally reunited once more."

I replied, "I always thought of Mrs. Shaw as someone who was married and had a husband at home like everyone else. I just assumed she did. But living all those years alone is just sad."

Penny and I had our first date that next weekend at a nice restaurant, where we enjoyed a simple dinner and chatted about our work lives. She also shared stories about her children and their mischievous adventures. With the evening still young, we headed to a nearby jazz nightclub with a small dance floor, where we danced, held each other close, and soaked in the music. The night ended with me dropping Penny off, and we shared a passionate goodnight kiss.

Wanting to include Penny's daughters, Eliza and Issy, in our next outing, I suggested a day at Raging Waters, a perfect way to kick off the summer. We all enjoyed the park's many water slides, catering to both thrill-seekers and those who preferred a more relaxed pace. Instead of purchasing lunch, Penny surprised us by pulling sandwiches, bottled water, and a thermos of coffee from her beach bag, making the moment feel even more special.

It was a fulfilling day, and the girls peacefully drifted off to sleep on the drive home. After a light supper, with Eliza and Issy tucked into bed, I wished them goodnight. At the front doorstep, Penny embraced me, and we shared a lingering kiss before I headed home. A cool shower later, I finally retired to bed, exhausted but content.

Our dating continued for the next three months, my work permitting - sometimes with the girls and other times with just Penny and me, sharing quiet moments, renewing our friendship, and building our love for each other.

*****

Penny never asked me about the "accident" I had previously alluded to, possibly assuming I would tell her in time. Now, we had reached a point in our relationship where I felt comfortable in telling my marriage story. We had finished our night out early. The babysitter wasn't expecting us until nine that evening. With an hour to spare, I suggested to Penny that we drive over to Mojave Narrows Regional Park and view the river.

Once parked, I turned to Penny and said, "I have not told you of my marriage and what became of my wife, and it's time I did."

Corralling my thoughts, I set forth and began to tell my tale.

"Four years into my career as a commercial pilot, I became the captain of a seven forty-seven. During a flight headed for London, a female attendant caught my eye, as many had before. But this young woman reminded me of someone I couldn't quite put my finger on. Her name was Tabitha, or Tabby for short, and I was immediately attracted to her. We lightly flirted during our coffee break on the flight, and I had the feeling the attraction was mutual.

"Arriving at Heathrow. That evening I took Tabby to a Greek restaurant within walking distance from the hotel. I told her how and why I became a pilot.

"Tabby said she was the only child from an Ohio farming family and trained to become a nurse, getting my degree. But found the pressure and sadness that came with the job too much. On my cousin's advice, I retrained to become an air flight attendant so that I could see the world. She told me that her nursing training helped her get the job, and it had come in handy during her short career.

"So began an eighteen-month courtship culminating in our marriage in Ohio. Tabby had already moved into my larger apartment. We immediately began saving a substantial deposit for a family home and to start our family.

"After marriage, Tabby decided she didn't want to endure those long international flights and transferred to the domestic division, flying between capital cities. I retained my current position because the compensation was excellent, and our flight crew was our in-the-air family.

"Nearly two years into our marriage, I was on a return flight from Paris to LA. We arrived on time at three p. m. As the flight crew entered the lounge, we were met by a somber company CEO, Mrs. Hazel Watkins. Usually a busy area, it was otherwise deserted, which raised our suspicions.

"She begged us to be seated. Looking at me directly, she said, 'Jerry, I have some terrible news - Tabitha's New York flight experienced engine issues. The pilot managed to land safely on a small runway in Kansas. The crew got everyone to the evacuation slides.

"The pilot, Bob, and Tabitha were doing a final check of the cabin when the fuel in the right wing exploded. However, for whatever reason, instead of blowing out into the atmosphere, it blew into the cabin area, and Bob and Tabitha were incinerated instantly.

"After pausing to allow us to grasp the situation, she said, 'I and the company are very sorry for your loss, Jerry.'

"I sat there stunned, closing my eyes. I couldn't help but picture Tabby running down the cabin with a wall of flames engulfing her, her hair catching alight, and her face boiling as the flames consumed her, all the while screaming.

"I felt a wave of nausea wash over me and then threw up onto the carpet in front of me, getting gasps from all around.

"I immediately apologized, explaining the horror my mind had conjured up.

"Hazel quickly responded, 'No, no, Jerry. I have it on good authority that, during the initial explosion, they would have been thrown against the cabin wall and most likely killed on impact. Neither would have suffered the following firestorm.'

"No... That didn't help. Tabby was gone, and with her, everything we'd hoped for. I felt two people sit beside me, their arms around my shoulders. I didn't say anything - I just broke down. The tears came hard and fast, big, racking sobs. I cried for what I'd lost, for what might've been. For Tabby. For myself. For the future, we'd imagined. Though I wasn't alone, I felt completely apart from the world.

A week later, I found myself in Tabitha's hometown to attend her funeral. After that, I flew to Florida and spent two weeks with my Dad, trying to recover.

"My work life carried on somehow, but I became restless. I still did my job to the best of my abilities, but it wasn't enough anymore. I needed a change, and six months later, I resigned and sought other employment in the aviation industry. I decided to undertake a ten-day course in Aviation Accident Investigation at the University of Southern California and see where that might take me.'

"Upon completing my studies, I earned a certificate in Aviation Safety and Security. A month later, to earn some income, I accepted a position with a small but profitable airplane manufacturer in west Los Angeles, from where I delivered planes to consumers across the United States.

"Happy with the versatility of my new job, I decided to stay. Over the next two years, I settled into my role. With a stable income, I purchased an apartment in South Los Angeles, located near my workplace. A short while later, I acquired a second-hand, single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza with low airtime for personal use.

"Life carried on - I became a fan of jazz music and swing dancing, even taking lessons, which soon led to more dating. I happily went to work each day and spent far too much time flying, both for leisure and work. I joined a rock-climbing club and often flew our small group to diverse climbing locations.

"And now, my life has taken another turn - from a confirmed bachelor to a man rediscovering lost love simply by reacquainting with you, Penny."

Penny pulled me into her arms as best she could, given the bucket seats, and hugged me. I didn't realize it until then - tears were rolling down my cheeks.

*****

By this time, our romance had gotten to the stage of some heavy petting in Penny's lounge when the children were in bed. But Penny was adamant that we would not sleep in her bed until we were engaged.

I said, "But Penny, I love you. I wish to take our relationship to the next step."

"I know, and I love you too, but... I have a certain status in town; everyone knows we're dating, and I don't need extra gossip. And besides, I don't wish to set a bad example for the girls." Penny smiled shyly as she added, "However, you could always fly me to your place for a weekend of delight."

"What about the girls? Who will look after them?" I asked.

"Lizzie would be only too happy to take Eliza and Issy for a weekend," she replied quickly. "They get along well with her daughter. I'll set it up for next weekend."

"Deal," I said.

We hugged and kissed, and then I left for the evening. I was happy about the outcome and looking forward to next weekend. But at the same time, I could see Penny's point. As I flew myself home, the beginnings of a plan formed in my mind to resolve the issue once and for all.

The following Saturday, I arrived for lunch with Penny and the girls. They commandeered the kitchen table and regaled me with stories of their week, including classes and social events. They told me how they were looking forward to a weekend with their friend, whose parents had a swimming pool and hot tub. After lunch, they left with their clothing bags, and Penny dropped them off at Lizzie's.

Forty-five minutes later, Penny and I were walking in through my apartment's front door, and we immediately started frantically removing our clothes. Both of us had been waiting for this moment for six months, and lust had overpowered us. I had dreamed of this day, holding her naked body in my arms, kissing her lips, and exploring her all over.

Of course, Penny was undressed first and jumped onto the bed, laying back and looking at me, struggling to get my pants over my shoes. While giggling, she said, "Shoes first, silly."

She then splayed her long, toned legs. Her right hand snaked over her breast, tweaking her nipple as it passed, then down over her slightly rounded belly, over her trimmed bush, and further down. I stopped all motion and watched as she began caressing her clitoris. Her wetness ran down her bottom crevice. A more exotic site I had never seen.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" she teased.

Dumbfounded, I flung my pants aside and knelt on the bed, my eyes feasted on the delicious sight. I leaned forward, placing my hands on either side of Penny's shoulders; my penis waited at the edge of her entrance.

Then I said, "You put him in."

Penny, reaching a bit further and grasping my shaft, said, "He's very hot."

"You're very hot."

Then Penny started rubbing my knob up and down her lips, wetting the top for easy entry. I leaned further forward and slipped in the first inch. Penny grasped my waist and gently pulled me fully inside of her.

We both sighed together. I held my position, savoring the feeling of our joining. Penny's hips began a rhythmic motion, signaling she was ready. Then, we started the age-old mating dance until we reached a crescendo, culminating in our mutual climax.

*****

I had planned a weekend of exploring LA, but the furthest we got was the kitchen or shower, and then it was back to the bedroom, eating takeout pizza and having more sex. Before we realized it, it was Sunday afternoon, and I was flying back to Victorville Airport. I left Penny at her parked car after more passionate kissing to pick up her children while I flew home.

Our next dating highlight was a ride in my Beechcraft to Las Vegas for a five-day visit. I had booked a suite with two rooms, one for the girls, which had a double bed and a single bed, and my room had a single bed.

As soon as we arrived, the girls wanted to try out the hotel's swimming pool. After the swim, we had dinner in the hotel restaurant, and we wandered around the casino, watching people waste money for little gain.

Over the next week, we had a must-see bus visit to Hoover Dam. On the second day, we were up early for a 6 a. m. depart bus tour to view the Grand Canyon. The girls were looking forward to the skywalk's horseshoe-shaped glass bridge, which extended out over the canyon.

Another highlight was the Discovery Children's Museum, offering interactive exhibits. Penny had particularly wanted to visit the botanical garden.

Each night, we tried a new restaurant. The hotel staff recommended we have a meal at the Sugar Factory, which caters specifically to children with a sweet tooth.

On the final evening after dinner, I suggested we wander back along the famous Las Vegas Strip. It was only a couple of blocks from the hotel and, as it was a warm evening with a light breeze from the east.

Penny wore a short-sleeved black blouse and a mid-calf pleated skirt covered with autumn flowers that ruffled in the breeze. I, on the other hand, wore blue jeans and a white polo shirt. Penny slipped her arm through mine as we walked. The girls darted ahead and then back to make sure we were still walking and had not stopped to window-shop.

When we finally caught up to the girls, they were watching the wedding of a young couple of lovers who couldn't keep their hands off each other; all the while, the service was being performed by an Elvis minister, which was a unique twist. I had the sudden urge to pull Penny in and do the same, but I managed to refrain.

As we entered our hotel suite, I asked everyone to take a seat. I stood before them.

"Eliza and Issy, you both know Penny and I were boyfriend-girlfriend while in middle school, then we went our separate ways. Perhaps if my family had stayed in Victorville, we would have married sooner. But then you two may not have been born, and we couldn't have that. But fate and circumstance have brought us together once again, and my love for your mother has grown stronger each day until I feel I can't go on alone any longer."

Dropping to one knee in front of Penny, holding a small black velvet box. Before I could say anything, the girls gasped in unison and a smile beamed on Penny's face.

I quickly said before getting tongue-tied, "Penny, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Penny jumped onto me and knocked us both onto the floor. She kissed me repeatedly, then said, "It's about time." She held up her left hand and extended her ring finger. As soon as I managed to slip the ring onto her finger, both girls jumped onto us, and we all rolled around the floor, hugging and cheering.

Arriving back at Penny's home on Sunday afternoon after our Las Vegas adventure, Penny immediately started planning the wedding service. She insisted on a small family service at St. Joan of Arc in three months, followed by a small luncheon reception at the Hilton Garden Hotel for all wedding guests.

Meanwhile, I was making a booking for a week-long honeymoon.

Now that we are engaged, Penny decided I could stay overnight. I enjoyed making pancakes spread with strawberry jam and topped with a dollop of cream for Sunday breakfasts for my girls.

Our wedding day soon approached. Lizzie was the maid of honor. Peter, my old co-pilot, flew in with his wife, Jenny, to be my best man. Eliza and Issy were flower girls, and my father flew up from Florida. He planned to house-sit and extend the exterior garage to fit two cars as a wedding present in our absence.

After the reception lunch, Penny, Eliza, Issy, and I changed into more leisurely clothes at the hotel before departing for Victorville airport, where I flew my new family to the nearby island of Santa Catalina for a week's honeymoon.

We settled into our suite at Pavilion Hotel late in the afternoon. Hot from the day's activities and the cramped hour-long plane ride, the girls wanted to cool off, so we all headed to the hotel's pool. After having a light dinner in the hotel restaurant, we retired early to our suite, tired after the dawn rise and chaos of the wedding day. The girls were soon in their beds, fast asleep, too worn out for any nighttime stories.

In our room, door locked, Penny and I removed our clothing until naked, and I fell into her embrace in bed to reaffirm our love for each other. We fell asleep in each other's arms.

*****

The following morning, we all departed early to the beach in front of the hotel for an invigorating swim. At breakfast, Penny asked that we visit the Catalina Museum. There was no stopping the teacher in her. After lunch, we wandered around exploring the historic city of Avalon.

Each night, Penny and I made love, finding our rhythm. One evening after dinner, Eliza and Issy were firmly entrenched in front of the cable TV, watching the latest children's movie, Frozen.

Penny and I retired to the palm-covered pool terrace with a couple of cocktails to enjoy the warm evening air. Penny was wearing my favorite autumn-colored skirt with a white top, while I was wearing white Bermuda shorts and a red polo shirt.

We were on our third cocktail, a bit lightheaded, and it was getting late when a young couple slipped into the pool. Hidden by the tropical shrubbery, we didn't think the couple was aware of us. The pair began to exhibit flirtatious behavior, with frequent kissing and caressing and eventually became more intimate.

I was surprised when Penny gently rubbed my manhood to attention, and I immediately began caressing her nearest breast, causing her nipples to show through her top, and we began to kiss. We were so involved with each other that we didn't notice at first that the couple had left.

We followed. In the hotel suite, the girls had taken themselves off to bed and were sleeping soundly. The second we entered our bedroom, we removed our clothes. Naked, Penny demanded rougher sex, saying, "Take me." Which I did, bringing out the animal in me. A slap to her ass and a gentle tug of her hair at the right moment caused her to cry out in ecstasy.

In the days that followed, we toured the island in a glass-bottom boat, took a minibus eco-tour through the natural Mediterranean-type habitation of the island, and snorkeled in kelp forests and rocky reefs. On the last day, Penny insisted we visit the Botanic Garden.

On the final morning, as we were recovering from a particularly vigorous round of lovemaking, we heard giggling coming from the connecting room door. Then, a timid knocking followed by a small voice, "Are you up yet?"

After pausing, Penny called out, "Your dad has been up for a good while."

More giggling, then, "We are going down to breakfast."

Penny replied, "We will be down shortly." Then we burst into laughter.

All good things come to an end sometime, and by midday, we were winging our way home.

*****

It was a foregone conclusion I would move into Penny's ranch-style home. Eliza and Issy were happy at their school and had many friends. Penny was glad to keep her teaching job at school. And most of my clothes were by now in the bedroom wardrobe. It was a simple solution for me. Happy spouse, happy house.

I commuted daily using my Beechcraft, flying from Victorville Airport to my workplace, which only took thirty minutes each way. Instead of the two-hour car drive each way.

After consulting with Penny, I decided to sell my condominium in Los Angeles. Within a month, the agent had received two offers, taking the larger one at one million dollars. I was surprised by how a four hundred thousand dollar apartment had appreciated over the four years.

Two months after our honeymoon, I arrived home at around six in the evening. At the front door, I call out, "I'm home." The instant I entered the kitchen, the atmosphere gave me the feeling that something was up.

The girls wore big smiles on their faces and welcomed me more warmly than usual. Penny kissed me passionately. She was also wearing a definite smirk on her face, one of those looks that said, "I know something you don't."

I sat down at the table, and Penny handed me a glass of iced tea, saying, "I think you will need this."

"Okay, what's going on, you three?"

"Well, darling," she said.

Now I knew I was in trouble!

Penny sat on my lap, her arm around my shoulder. The girls sat opposite, grinning.

"You remember our honeymoon and all that playfulness we indulged in? Well, it had the desired result: I'm two months pregnant."

It took a moment for it to sink in, and I pulled her close for a kiss. The girls crawled across the table and hugged me, kissing my cheeks.

"Well, that's a good reason to celebrate; let's all go out to dinner," I declared.

With the imminent arrival of our baby and the house short on space, I suggested we spend some of the money from the sale of my condo on adding more rooms. A fourth bedroom for the baby, an ensuite for the master bedroom, a small study, a kitchen renovation, and a back patio. Work began as soon as the architect drew up plans for the council to pass. Once done, it didn't take long to find a builder with only seven months to go for the arrival of our son.

Three months after the ultrasound, Penny proclaimed, "It's a boy."

I suggested we call him James and refer to him as Jimmy for short. Penny agrees and suggests giving him a middle name after her father, Thomas. I concurred.

After discussing the topic with Penny, I nervously asked Eliza and Issy if they would be happy for me to adopt them. I need not have worried; they were thrilled to be able to call me Dad.

All was well in the White household.

*****

I was making good air time, and by 3 p. m., the client's plane, which I was flying back to LA for upgrades, was passing over the Colorado River. I had been watching an electrical thunderstorm to the north of my current position. Minutes earlier, I picked up Laughlin, Arizona airport's radio beacon and made contact with the tower, asking for a weather report regarding the storm's strength.

They replied that it was a dry thunderstorm - just static electricity - and was expected to dissipate shortly. With my concerns put aside, I continued on my current flight path.

Five minutes later, without warning, a flash lit up the sky and momentarily blinded me. It seemed the thunderstorm had summoned one final breath before vanishing. When my sight returned, I was caught off guard - the plane had dropped out of autopilot. It took me only seconds to realize that the aircraft had been struck by lightning.

The engine began to cough and sputter, followed by the sudden loss of all panel instruments - as if they'd been switched off. This exact problem was why I hated microcomputers. One glitch, and they stopped working, shutting down everything. Worst of all, the radio was dead.

I turned off the main power switch and waited - an agonizingly long ten seconds - hoping that when I repowered, the computer system would restart. Unfortunately, disappointment hit me immediately. There was no more time to try again. I had to land the plane or brace for a crash landing. Without an engine, the aircraft was just a glider with limited maneuverability.

I dropped the plane down to near ground level, trying to bleed off as much airspeed as possible. Below me, the desolate terrain was littered with boulders, bushes, small trees, and cacti. The realization hit that I may not make a safe landing. Turning to my cell phone in its cradle, I pressed the buttons and started recording a video, explaining the plane's failure and leaving a message for my family in case the worst happened.

"Penny, I love you with all my heart, and I feel the same for Eliza, Issy, and our future son, whom I already cherish. I can only hope to survive this crash so I can hold you in my arms again."

Looking ahead, I spotted a rocky hill just two miles away. There was no time to hesitate. I tightened my safety harness, deciding against manually deploying the landing gear. The more friction, the quicker the plane will slow as it skids across the unforgiving landscape.

I took hold of the yoke and attempted to land the plane in the desert. The initial impact was brutal, tossing the plane around like a toy, yet somehow, the plane kept moving forward. Fifteen seconds seemed like an eternity; I was thrown in every direction, and hope began to creep in - maybe the plane was going to make it. Then, out of nowhere, a massive boulder loomed ahead. Before I could react, everything went black.

*****

Penny expected Jerry to arrive home around 6 p. m. When she received a phone call from Jerry's boss late in the afternoon, she began to worry. He informed her that Jerry hadn't arrived at the base and that they were currently retracing his flight path. He promised to call back when he had more information.

Four hours later, a report of a lost plane was issued. However, by then, it was too dark to begin a search. Fortunately, it didn't take long to trace Jerry's flight path and his last contact with the Laughlin Airport control tower, where he had reported an electrical thunderstorm. Soon, it was determined that Jerry's plane had crashed on Indian Reservation land. Before any search could commence, permission had to be obtained from the Indian Reservation Council.

Once permission was granted on the following day, Penny was informed that a search was underway. By now, Penny and the girls were growing frantic, and she called Jerry's father to bring him up to date on the search.

Within hours, the search party discovered the downed plane, but there was no sign of the pilot. It was assumed that Jerry may be heading toward civilization in an unknown condition, perhaps suffering from a concussion or even in a delusional state. Great fears were held for Jerry's safety. The question remained - why wasn't Jerry with the plane?

Penny was in a state of panic when Bill arrived from Florida to support her, now just a month away from giving birth to her son, and he helped ease some of her stress by helping care for the girls.

Despite another three days of searching with helicopters and land vehicles, Jerry remained missing. With no food or water, the hope of finding him alive was dwindling.

Refusing to believe Jerry was gone, Penny relentlessly urged the authorities to continue the search. But as another week passed, hope began to fade.

*****

Three days ago, an unconscious white man was discovered in the wreckage of a crashed plane by a nomadic American Indian tribe. The tribal families held a meeting to decide his fate. Some suggested leaving him to the elements. Others proposed taking him to the nearest white man's town for assistance. Finally, the tribal spiritual leader recommended continuing their journey to the next campsite and waiting to see if he survived for a week. If he lived, they would help him reach a white man's town; if not, they would bury him where he perished.

*****

When I finally became semi-conscious, I discerned rhythmic chanting in an unknown language. Between moments of unconsciousness, I was forced to drink foul-tasting liquids. A smelly potion was applied to my forehead, and a blinding headache seized me. I fell asleep again.

Finally, I awakened long enough to realize I was inside a teepee and the chanting woman was a Native American. Thankfully, the tribe spoke English and informed me that they had discovered my body in the wreckage of my airplane. My forearm was bandaged; they told me it was broken, and I had a nasty cut on my forehead. So, they took me into their care. I asked how long I had been here; their reply was three days.

I discovered that they were a small, traditional group of five Native American families. They had rejected most forms of modern technology and continued to rely on bows and arrows for hunting. However, they did have rifles for protection from large predators. The central tribal council of the reservation has allocated a thousand acres for them to live according to their ancestral customs, preserving the traditional Native American way of life.

On the fifth day, I was now able to walk despite my broken arm. I discussed my return to my civilization with the tribal elders. I was told I would need to wait until my arm was stable before traveling. Reluctantly, I agreed, but I was worried about my family, especially Penny, who was due to give birth to our child within a month.

I was expected to contribute to the village's daily tasks. I was given a basket, and after walking several miles with the tribal women, I was led to a bush laden with ripe berries and instructed to pick them all. The following day, I assisted the men in setting snares around small burrows, and the next morning, we checked the traps. Eager to return home, I began walking daily to regain my strength.

A week passed, and I was finally able to convince the tribal elders that I was fit enough to travel. They selected Running Horse as my guide for the three-day ride to the nearest town. Although I had ridden horses before, I had never done so bareback. I spent some time adjusting to riding with only a simple cover on its back and a leather harness, making sure I didn't slip off.

After the evening meal, I thanked the tribe as a whole for rescuing me, offering special gratitude to Mother Bear for her healing powers, Little Mouse for her assistance in my recovery, and Running Horse for agreeing to guide me home.

On my journey with Running Horse, we rose at dawn, partook in a small, dry meal, and then set off. I tracked six hours of riding by my watch, but Running Horse gauged time by the position of the sun. During the hottest part of the day, we walked to give the horses a rest, then rode again until just before sunset. We spoke very little. Each day mirrored the one before, and the terrain remained unchanged. I wondered how the tribe could sustain life in this wilderness over the long term.

On the third night, as we sat around the fire, I told Running Horse about my discovery of a cave in Deadman Hills on the far side of the Rockies some twenty-odd years ago. I was sure that Native American travelers once stayed in the cave. Running Horse suggested that I contact the local tribal elders and inform them of the cave's existence, as it was likely to hold historical significance. I promised to do so.

Early the next morning, we arrived at the outskirts of a small town. Running Horse chose not to enter the township, leaving me to walk the last five miles to the center of town. Just on the edge of town, I passed Wyatt Earpe's cottage and memorial.

However, there was no sheriff's office, only a few scattered houses, and a lonely twenty-four-hour food mart that also served as a petrol station. I wandered into the minimart and identified myself as the missing pilot. The store owner called the local sheriff's office in Blyth, some forty miles away.

*****

Mid-morning, the phone rang in the White household. Penny answered it as Bill was in the process of building a back patio. Bill heard a scream and dashed inside to find Penny had collapsed onto the lounge. Reviving her with a damp towel, Bill noticed the phone on the floor.

Retrieving it, he asked, ""Is anyone there?"

"It's me, Dad."

Bill immediately recognized his son's voice. "Boy, it is a relief to hear you. We were at the stage of believing you were dead! What the hell happened?"

"It will take too long to tell you the whole story of my deliverance. I'm using the local sheriff's office phone to call you. What happened to Penny?" I asked.

"You gave her a bit of a shock. She is right beside me; I'll put her on."

I heard background movement as he handed over the phone.

"Jerry, I'm so happy to hear you alive," cried Penny. "We thought the worst when they found the plane empty, and then we watched your video recording. It was all too much. I nearly gave birth there and then. If it wasn't for your father coming to our rescue, I'm not sure how we would have coped emotionally. I love you."

"I love you too and miss you, and I'm glad you held off having the baby so I can be there. Are you well? Is the baby okay?"

"Yes, my love, baby's fine," replied Penny.

"And Eliza and Issy?"

"Yes, as well as can be expected. The girls felt like it was their father MIA all over again, and they cried themselves to sleep that first night. I had to force them back to school." Penny had started to sob by the end of this admission.

"Sorry, my love, I caused so much distress. It was a freak lightning bolt out of the blue. I'll be home soon."

"Don't worry anymore; just get home so I can hold you again?"

"Yes, I'm looking forward to being in your arms once again, my love. Can you put Dad on so I can get him to fly me home?"

"Yes darling, love you too," replied Penny, then handed over the phone, saying, "Here, Bill, Jerry wants to speak to you."

"Hi, Jerry," Dad said.

"Dad, can you get to my plane at Victorville airport and fly out here to pick me up?" I asked.

"It would be a pleasure, son. Just give me the details, and I'll be there."

It took Dad an hour and a half to arrive at Blyth airport to meet me. On the way back to Victorville, I told Dad my story and asked him to keep it to himself for the time being so I could tell Penny personally.

Dad and I arrived home to a humongous welcome, embraced by Penny, Eliza, and Issy. My kiss with Penny lingered so long that the girls started repeating, "Get a room... get a room, you two."

When we finally broke apart, Penny asked, "What happened to your arm and head?"

"Well, I broke my forearm in the crash and got knocked unconscious, thus the head injury. The hospital put this cast on and re-bandaged my head wound."

We didn't get to speak further as friends started arriving with plates of food and refreshments. Women gave me hugs, and men shook my hand, and the welcome home party began with much merriment.

"What do you mean an Indian woman nursed you back to health?" yelled Penny, apparently overhearing as I talked to guests about my injury.

Suddenly, the room went quiet. Everybody turned to look at us. You could have heard the proverbial pin drop.

Taken aback, I haltingly answered, "Well, you see after the plane got hit by lightning and crash-landed, and I was knocked unconscious..." I paused.

Then I said, "How about we sit down to this wonderful-looking food, and I'll tell you all my story."

During the meal with all attendees, I shared my story of being rescued and nursed back to health by a wandering tribe of Native American Indians, as well as my arrival in the tiny town of Vidal and subsequent journey to the Blyth sheriff's office.

I continued my story. "The sheriff interviewed me and was able to prove my identity; fortunately, I still had my wallet on me. The sheriff called the relevant authorities, informing them that I had been found. I was then taken to the local hospital to get my injuries assessed.

"At the hospital, the doctor admired the brace around my forearm and quickly ascertained an American Indian had done it. After an X-ray, the doctor admitted that the Indian healer had done a good job of aligning my forearm bones, and the brace kept them in place. But he suggested for the long term, my arm should be in a cast. A nurse replaced the head bandage covering my forehead injury with three butterfly bandages.

"You know the rest; Dad picked me up at Blyth airport and brought me home. On our flight home, I used Dad's cell phone to call my company office to report in. They have put me on medical leave for the next week. I have been requested to write a report for the company and the FAA explaining the accident events."

With all this excitement, Penny started having contractions, and the family departed for the hospital to await the imminent arrival of James Thomas White.

The End, or is it?

Please vote and I look forward to reading your comments.

Thank you for reading. Egregious.

Read another of my romance stories: It's About amily.

Robert and his wife Linda had been married for two years. After six months of trying to get pregnant without success, they visited their local doctor, who referred them to a fertility specialist. Their dreams of a big family hang in the balance. Can their marriage survive, or will it fall into disarray?