Lonely
written by:
DG Hear

Lonely By DG Hear

Chapter 1

What to say? I was lonely and paid the price. Life was so good and my marriage was great. We had two nearly grown children and were living a rather normal life. Then, she had to go and die. God, how I miss her! Women of forty don't die of heart attacks. At least I didn't thought they did. Now I was all alone.

Mary and I were good together, really good. She and her twin sister Barb, and me and my best friend Bill hung together all through school. Damn, those were the days. It actually took Bill and me a while to make sure we were with the right girl when we all went out. There were many times they fooled us.

Bill told me about a little red birth mark on Barb's behind. It was just above her right butt cheek. Whenever they tried to fool us we would ask one of them to show us her ass. It was funny, all of us wrestling around trying to look at the girls' butts. We used to have so much fun together. We all made sexual advances to one another but to the best of my knowledge we didn't have sex with the other's girl or wife.

I say best of my knowledge because in our earlier years Bill and I used to get a buzz on pretty often. The girls always said they could pull a switcharoo on us and we would never know. We really were the best of friends.

We actually had a double wedding ceremony. We even went on our honeymoon together. I know that might sound weird to some people but it wasn't. We were able to share our days with our best friends and our nights alone making love; kind of the best of everything.

I know you've heard about two peas in a pod; we were four peas. Barb and Bill had two kids about the same age as ours. They even hung around together, till they were older and each went their own way, but sill remained friends. We each had a son and a daughter.

Life was good. I was a truck driver, and Bill worked as a dispatcher in a major shipping office. Both Mary and Barb were teachers. What a surprise, them both being teachers! Good thing they taught in different schools or they would have driven the kids nuts since they looked so much alike. They only taught part-time till our kids were old enough to enter school. Then they taught full time.

Mary wanted to be there for our kids and she always was. Nice part about being a teacher, she was always there for them since she had the same days off they had. Of course I was there for them too whenever I wasn't on the road. Throughout my truck driving career I did my best to plan around family events. When I would go across country, I would do my best not to be gone more than five days.

I think you get the picture here. We were a close loving family and Bill and Barb were our closest friends as well as relatives.

The day I was coming back from a run to the west coast was the worst day of my life. My cell phone rang and it was my son Ryan. He was crying.

"Dad, they came and took Mom to the hospital. I think she was dead."

"What? What happened? I can't believe this." I pulled to the side of the road listening to what my son was saying.

Ryan continued, "I got up this morning and was getting ready to head to college. Mom hadn't got up yet. I walked into her room and called to her. She didn't move. Dad, she just laid there. I shook her and she still didn't move. I kind of went crazy crying and yelling at her, then I called 911.

"They were here in less than five minutes. I heard the paramedics talking. They didn't know I was in the other room listening to them. I guess they just thought I was in shock. I heard them say there wasn't a heartbeat. I asked them if Mom was dead and they said the doctor at the hospital would talk with us."

"Where are you now, Ryan? I don't think you should be driving."

"I'm still at the house. I called Aunt Barb and she said she will be here in a few minutes. I told her what I told you and we are going to the hospital together." I could hear my son crying again.

"Ryan, I'll drive straight through. I should be home in about seven hours. If you're able, you should call your sister right away and let her know."

"Dad, Aunt Barb just walked in. Do you want to talk to her?"

He handed the phone to Barb who was crying also.

"Jerry, I can't believe this. She is too young to die. She wasn't only my sister but was also my best friend," cried Barb.

"Barb, I need you to be strong for the kids." I was crying too at this time. "I'll be there in about seven hours. I asked Ryan to call Sheila and let her know. God, this is so hard. I guess we all say it will never happen to us," I said through my tears.

"Jerry, I told Bill and he said he would meet Ryan and me at the hospital. I'll stay there with your kids until you get back." She started crying again. "I can't believe this is happening. Why, God? She was such a good person."

We said our goodbyes and I headed down the road with a face full of tears. I had to hold it together; I had another seven hours of driving ahead. My life with Mary was flashing before my eyes. God must have taken over the driving because I don't even remember going up the road. All I could remember was thinking about my wife and family.

I pulled up about seven hours later in front of my house. To this day I honestly don't know how I got here. There were a number of cars parked at our house.

As I walked in, my daughter was the first to come up to me crying. She was married last year and was pregnant with her first child. A child that Mary will never get to see.

"Daddy, Mom's dead," she cried. "Why, Dad? Why Mom?"

I was crying. I had no answers. Why did God hurt good families? I always hear preachers say that God didn't do it, but to me he let it happen. I sure hope there was a hereafter so we could all be together again in this so-called heaven. It was all we could hope for. Surely this wasn't the end of Mary's life. There must be an eternal place for good people like her.

I just hugged my pregnant daughter and told her I didn't know why God let this happen. Someday we will see Mom again. We just have to believe it. What other choice was there? When Barb came up and hugged me, all I could think about was Mary. I wanted to see if Barb had the birthmark and maybe this was all a joke or fantasy. I knew better, but when a loved one dies, the mind plays tricks on you.

I squeezed and hugged Barb like there was no tomorrow. Other than Mary, I loved her more than any woman alive.

After the funeral, I felt so alone. Ryan usually stayed at college. Good thing he was home that fateful night of his mom's death. I would hate to think she would have laid there till I got home.

Sheila lived a few miles away and came to see me as often as she could. She was working part-time and her husband worked in a law office. He was a few years older than Sheila but he was a good man. Sheila was just working part-time for something to do. She was going to be a full time mom when the baby arrived. She had learned that from Mary.

I spent more and more time on the road. I had no reason to rush home. I knew my family was worried about me but there wasn't much else out there for me. Whenever I was home, I would go see Sheila and I was there for the birth of my grandson. Mary would have been so proud. Sheila and I cried when we thought about how her mom would have reacted to the birth.

Barb was there for the birth also. She was like a second mother to Sheila and Ryan. I knew she wouldn't have missed seeing the birth for the world. She was already a grandmother when her daughter-in-law gave birth last year.

Every time I saw Barb, I pictured Mary. It was so lonely. Barb would always hug me. I know that she knew I needed it deep down. She almost always cried when we hugged.

Barb's daughter, Sandy, was in college also. I had always wished that my son Ryan and she would hook up, but it never happened. Ryan told me one time when we talked about it that he loved Sandy, but they hung around so much together that he loved her like a sister. They were already family. Yes, readers, I know they were cousins; it was just something I though about.

As the first year after Mary's death passed, I never got over the loneliness. I traveled more and more. The only real solace I got was when I came home and saw my grandson. I also enjoyed going over to Bill and Barb's for dinner. Barb and Mary were from the old school. You made homemade dinner for your families. Not just some quick thaw frozen excuse for meat.

The hardest part of going to Bill and Barb's was seeing Barb and being reminded of the woman I no longer had. I started going there less and less.

Another year had gone by and Ryan graduated from college. He got a nice position but it was in another state. Of course I didn't see much of him as it was, since his mother's death. Sandy, Barb and Bill's daughter, got married and I did make it home for the wedding. It was nice seeing all our children venturing out on their own.

I remember Bill telling me at Sandy's wedding, "You know, Jerry, we did good. We met the two nicest women in this world, we stayed good close friends and we both have wonderful kids who have grown up to be responsible adults. We did good."

"Yes, the only sad part is Mary not being here to see it all," I said with tears glassing over my eyes.

"She sees it, Jerry. She is smiling down from heaven right now, watching from a front row seat, smiling for Sandy." Here we were, two grown men both crying. We truly were the best of friends.

Bill reminded me of a pact that we made years before that we would all remain friends forever. If something should ever happen to any of us, we would all be there for one another and our families.

Chapter 2

Life was going on and I was driving down to Texas with a load of paper products. I was stopped by a parade route going down the street to where I was taking my paper load. A couple of college students came up to my truck and starting yelling obscenely at me.

"You're responsible for global warming. You killed thousands and thousands of our trees. You're polluting our environment."

What the fuck? What the hell were these idiots talking about? I was about ready to get out of my truck with a tire iron and pollute a couple of heads when a police squad car pulled up and told these two assholes to get back in their parade.

"Please get back in your truck sir," said the officer.

"What the hell is going on? What were those two jokers coming after me for?" I asked the officer.

"It's an Earth Day parade, Sir. You know, save the trees, save the spotted owl. Ride a bike, stop polluting our atmosphere and burning our natural resources," the officer said.

"You mean they're blaming me for driving a truck and making a living? What the hell has the world come to? The guy out here trying to make a living is the bad guy and these idiots that have nothing better to do think they are the good guys. Maybe I lived too long already," I told the officer.

The officer was laughing. "I agree with you, sir, but we are just here to keep the peace. It would be kind of hard fighting crime without vehicles."

The college kids kept giving me the finger as they marched down the road. I couldn't believe they spent their time even making up their stupid signs. How would they have drawn the stupid sign if there wasn't a tree cut down to give them their paper to make the stupid sign to begin with. I was sure glad my kids never took part in these crazy causes.

I sat there reading the signs. "Save the spotted owl. Stop using up our natural resources. Don't drive SUV's, Electric cars are the way of the future." On and on, sign after sign.

Someone needed to sit these students down and explain the facts of life to them. To get electric, you need to burn either coal or a fuel of some type. That is our natural resources. Big car, small car, did it make a difference in the end?

What would these kids do if someone shut off their grandparents heat? I think most of these kids need to understand that every truck driver is doing a service. Everything we have is moved from one location to another by truck, train, or boat.

Look, I'm not against nature. I like animals, trees, nice parks, fresh water, but there needs to be a balance here. What is one willing to give up to have something else. Why does every generation think they have all the answers? Oh well, the parade has moved on so I can deliver my rolls of paper.

I drove in and some of the workers were just shaking their heads at the college kids. I would sure be glad when I got unloaded and out of this area.

As soon as I got out of the city limits I found me a nice truck stop. They had day rooms and a lounge for the truckers who wanted to clean up. I got my room and, after cleaning up, I headed to the lounge. I wasn't planning on spending the night in the motel; I just wanted to clean up some of this street grime off my body.

I was sipping a beer and watching the club girls dancing. I looked around and saw some of the couples holding each other tightly while dancing. I thought about Mary and how we would go dancing with Bill and Barb. After a couple of beers I decided to hit the road. I thought I could drive for a few more hours before settling in for the night. I had a sleeper cab which was my home away from home.

As I approached it I saw a guy walking around with a tire iron walking between the trucks yelling in Spanish. I thought it might be one of the protesters and got myself prepared to fight.

From a distance he yelled at me. "Sir, have you seen a dark haired Mexican girl? She's short, maybe 5' 1", a little stocky but pretty. She's twenty years old."

I realized he wasn't part of the Earth Day protestors but was looking for someone. At least I didn't have to fight him.

"There were a couple of Mexican girls matching that description inside the lounge," I answered. "Why are you looking for her if I may ask?"

"She was my girlfriend. She took this tire iron and hit my car with it. I saw her run across the parking lot. I'll kill her if I see her. She damaged my car."

"Take it easy, fellow. Don't go killing anyone over a dented car. Just call the police and file a report. Give yourself time to calm down."

I got in my truck and started it up. I heard a noise and looked back in my sleeper compartment and saw the girl.

"What the fuck are you doing in my truck?"

"Please, sir, help me. You heard him; he'll hurt me. Just drive out and you can let me out in the next town."

I could see she was really scared and I saw the guy still walking around the parking lot with the tire iron. I knew I should have asked her to get out of my truck but I thought about my daughter. What if it was her and she needed help. I went ahead and drove out of the parking lot.

"Okay, get your butt up here and talk to me. What's this all about?"

I finally had a good look at her. Her old boyfriend's description was about right. She was a cute gal and a little on the chunky side. Dark hair, shoulder length, she had on shorts which showed a nice pair of legs and her blouse was more of the t-shirt variety. Looked like a nice set of boobs.

I spoke first. "You're not part of that damn 'Earth Day' crowd are you?"

"No, Sir, my name is Carlita. My friends call me Carly. The man chasing me is Carlos. He was my old boyfriend."

"Why was he chasing you and did you hit his car like he said?" I asked.

"We broke up a couple of weeks ago. I went home and found him screwing another woman. I threw a lamp at him and ran out the door. I went to one of my girlfriends and moved in with her. When Carlos wasn't at the trailer, me and Francesca, my girlfriend went and got my things."

"So, what happened tonight?" I asked.

"I turned twenty-one two days ago and my girlfriends took me out for my birthday. We were dancing and having a good time when I saw Carlos come in with that whore. I got mad and ran out to his car and took the tire iron and beat on his car. He came after me and I hid in your truck."

"So, what are you going to do now? Where do you live?"

"I live in a small village a few miles away from the lounge. I can't go back or I'll have to go to jail. I have to find somewhere to go. Where are you going?"

"I'm headed back home to Ohio. You can't come with me. I'll just have to drop you off somewhere. Don't you have family or friends where you can go? Surely they will miss you."

"I come from a family of nine kids. My parents are poor and can't afford to keep me. I moved out when I turned eighteen and moved in with Carlos. We've lived together till I found him cheating on me. I've got nowhere to go. Please take me with you."

"Look, Carly, I need time to think. Why don't you go back in the sleeping compartment and get some rest. We'll talk later."

I had no idea what to do. Here was this young girl, sleeping in my truck and I was driving farther and farther away from her hometown. I couldn't just drop her off and tell her to fend for herself; I wasn't made that way. What the hell was I going to do? Christ, she was only twenty-one and on her own. She didn't have anything with her. What the hell was I going to do with her?

Here I was a lonely old fool with a young woman in his truck. I needed to get some rest too. I pulled over at a rest area and tried to figure where I was going to lay my head. I glanced back and saw her sleeping. I watched as her breasts went up and down to the motions of her breathing. What was I thinking? She was younger than my own kids for God sake.

I tried sleeping sitting up but I hated trying to sleep this way. I decided to take my chances in the bed with Carly. After all, it was my bunk and was big enough for two people.

I climbed back and kind of nudged Carly over to one side and slid in next to her. It had been over three years since I actually slept with another woman. I do mean sleep, not having sex. I did pay a couple of women for sex since Mary's death. I was tired of masturbating and wanted the real thing, so I went to a prostitute a few times. It just wasn't the same when you had to pay for it.

I eventually fell asleep, when I woke up; Carly was pressed back against me, her round butt pushing against my privates. Good thing I had my jeans on or she would have been fucked, literally.

She woke up a few seconds later and turned over. I explained to her that I needed to sleep too. She said she understood and was glad I didn't just push her out of the truck. I explained to her that I could never do that.

We got up and went inside to have some breakfast. As we were eating I asked her a few questions, trying to get a handle on the situation.

"Carly, what kind of work did you do?"

"I help my girlfriend clean houses. She gave me $75.00 a week plus room and board. Before that, when I lived with Carlos, I worked as a cashier at the drug store. I didn't have a car and wasn't able to get back and forth after leaving Carlos."

"I want you to call your girlfriend and your parents to see if everything is alright. Let them know that you are safe."

After she talked to her girlfriend, she told me that Carlos did call the police and said his car was damaged. He didn't mention her by name but he was looking for her. When she called her mom she was told to find work and take care of herself. She was old enough to be on her own. I couldn't figure out how parents could treat their kids that way. Carly said that's how all her relatives are. You turn eighteen and you leave to make your own life. Now I had to decide what to do with Carly.

I don't know why I did it, probably from the years of loneliness since the loss of Mary, but I asked Carly if she wanted to come home with me and be my housekeeper. I knew at the time it was a mistake but loneliness does something to your mind. You don't know until you've been there.

I explained to her that she could be my housekeeper. She would have her own room and I would pay her one hundred dollars a week to buy herself personal things. We could try it out for a while and if she didn't like the situation then I could take her back home on my next trip to Texas.

The only other alterative was for me to take her to the bus station and buy her a ticket back to where she came from.

"I can't go back. I don't want to go back. I want a new life. You are such a nice man and have been so nice to me. I'll go with you and be your housekeeper. I don't have any personal things. Could you give me an advance on my paychecks so I could buy a few items?"

She had tears in her eyes and I felt like just maybe it would work out. On our way back to Ohio I stopped at a K-Mart and Carly and I did a little shopping. She bought herself pretty much two of everything for now. She was so happy, you would have thought she had won the lottery.

"I don't know how I can repay you for all you're doing for me. You are such a nice man."

"Okay, okay, Carly, take it easy. I'll subtract twenty-five dollars a week from your pay. That way you will still have enough each week to still buy yourself some more personal items."

She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek and thanked me for helping her. We headed on home, not saying too much but listening to my CD's.

I knew I was going to get a lot of backlash from my family. I was preparing myself for the onslaught of questions I was probably going to get. They, my family and friends, just don't understand being alone. I decided that Carly and I would get settled in and I would contact my daughter tomorrow.

When I pulled up to my house in the truck, Carly couldn't believe how nice it was. I lived in the country and had a large lot to park the truck in. As we entered the house, Carly was excited like a young school girl. Of course it wasn't that long ago for her.

"You must be rich, having such a nice house and furnishings. It's so nice. My parents live in a big old house. I only lived in trailers beside with my parents. This house is so big and nice. You got everything," she said.

"Carly, I'm not rich. I'm not even wealthy. I live like most people. I paid for this house over my lifetime. I haven't bought much of anything since the death of my wife. I spend most of my time on the road. It's the reason I suggested to you being my housekeeper. You can live here and it will be your job to see the place stays clean. You can do some cooking when I'm home. You're not my slave so you can lead your own life. Just respect my place and keep it clean. So, do we have a deal?"

Carly was jumping up and down like a kid with a new toy. She came over and hugged me and kissed me on the cheek again. I showed her to her room which used to be Sheila's before she got married. Sheila had taken all her personal things with her when she left but the room was still decorated like a girl's room.

Carly took her personal stuff that we bought and put it all away in the drawers and set some stuff on her dresser. I really felt good being able to help this young woman out. I didn't know if I would have a problem seeing her prancing around the house. She did have those big boobs and a nice butt.

I ordered us a pizza for dinner and we watched some TV. Carly said she never had it so good, which made me feel pretty important. Later I took a shower and told Carly I was headed for bed. I told her to just make herself at home and if she had any questions to just ask.

After my shower, I went to my room and laid there. I heard the shower running. I guess that Carly was taking a shower. It ran for quite awhile. I guess she liked long showers or didn't get them all the time. About ten minutes later there was a knock on my bedroom door.

"Come in," I said. I was under the covers but all I had on was my underwear.

"Jerry, can I talk to you?" asked Carly.

She was dressed in red baby doll pajamas. I could tell that she wasn't wearing a bra and was quite sure she didn't have panties on under her pajamas.

"Sure, Carly, what is it? Do you need something?"

She came over and sat down on the edge of my bed. I could see she was nervous.

"I want to thank you for everything. Bringing me here, buying me stuff and giving me a job."

"It's okay, Carly. I just wanted to help you out."

She leaned over and kissed me on the lips. I was a little taken aback but it felt so good.

"Carly, you don't have to..."

"I want to. I want to make love to you. I know you want me too. I could see it in your eyes," she said.

While kissing me she reached her hand under the cover and grabbed my hard cock through my Jockeys. She started squeezing it while kissing me. I thought it was wrong but it felt so good.

I just let my passions take over. I was lonely and alone. Here was a beautiful young woman who wanted me. It's not everyday that young women came on to old guys like me. I returned her kiss and put my arms around her.

She pulled my shorts aside enough to let my cock free. After pulling down the covers she leaned down and took my hard cock between her young lips. God, it felt so good. While holding my shaft, she bobbed her head up and down over my cock. It brought back memories when Mary and I first got married; oh so good was the feeling.

Carly stopped for a second and smiled at me. I was somewhere in a never, never land, laying there with my cock sticking straight up. I quickly slipped off my shorts while Carly got out of her pajamas. She had this little round body with big tits, and a fairly hairy mound.

I watched as she climbed up on the bed and straddled my legs with my cock at her pussy lips. I continued watching as she lowered herself down on my shaft. Hot and wet is the best way to explain it. She started to move up and down on my hard shaft. I was watching her juices coating my cock as her tits bounced.

What an awesome sight! I reached up and gently squeezed her breasts. She was really into it now and was making all kind of noises. God, it felt so good to be fucking someone once again. I didn't care who it was, what she looked like or how old she was. I just wanted to shoot a big load up her pussy, and that's exactly what I did.

Carly continued to ride my shaft as I was coming. I saw some of our juices running back out of her as she was hitting her peak. She screamed out as she reached her orgasm. She came down on my shaft and left it buried deep within her as she gyrated back and forth.

She got off of me and headed back into the bathroom to clean up. I laid there a mental mess wondering how it all happened. Finally, I decided to hell with it. I was a widower and Carly was an adult, be it a young one, and we chose to have sex. I really didn't owe anyone an explanation.

Carly came back into the room and slipped her pajamas on and slipped beside me in the bed. I turned off the light and we went to sleep; Carly with her back to me, and me with my semi-hard cock against her bottom.

------------------------------------------

The next day it was a whole new ball game. Being intimate with Carly changed things. She didn't seem to mind but it bothered the hell out of me.

I called Sheila to talk to her. I mentioned that I hired a housekeeper; Sheila thought that it was a good idea. She told me now she wouldn't have to come over all the time and clean my house while I was away. Then she asked how it came about. I told her and she about blew her stack.

"Dad! Are you out of your mind? You hired a twenty-one year old girl to come and live with you and clean your house? God, Dad, I can't believe it. What were you thinking? Surely you're not going through with this. Dad, I know it's none of my business how you live your life but you didn't think this through."

"Honey, I know it was an impulsive move but I wasn't sure what to do at the time. I'll only be here a few days a week. We're going to give it a try. I can't ask her to leave now. Please try to understand. Come by tonight and meet her. Bring my grandson here so I can see him. I miss the little guy."

"Okay, Dad, we'll stop by and meet your new housekeeper, but no promises."

"Thanks, Honey, that's all I can ask of you. I'm sure everything will work out fine." Even I had my doubts about that but I had to think positively.

I called Bill and Barb and invited them over also. Barb reacted pretty much like Sheila. She called me a few names also, telling me how stupid I was. When they all arrived at the house there was a lot of tension. I told Carly to expect some but she didn't seem to care one way or the other. She told me her whole life was built around tension. This was nothing new.

Barb gave me the third degree asking me when I became so stupid. "Jerry, I love you more than anyone but how could you be so stupid. The girl is twenty-five years younger than you. What in God's name were you thinking?"

Then Barb said something I couldn't believe came out of her mouth. #"I can tell by the look on your face that you already fucked her. I hope to God you used protection? All you need now is to impregnate her to really screw up your life good."

I was sure glad she didn't say this in front of everyone else. I didn't use any condoms. I hoped Carly was on the pill. Surely she was since she never had any kids and lived with Carlos for two years.

Everyone thought Carly was alright except the women, Sheila and Barb, who said they really didn't trust her. They said they liked her but why would a young girl like her want to live with an old guy like me. It didn't do much for my ego but they did have a valid point.

"Dad," said Sheila. "I think she is star struck after seeing everything you have. After talking to her, I think she came from a poor upbringing and had to fight for everything she has. To be with you she probably thinks she won the lottery. The problem is how you deal with it. Just be careful, Dad."

Bill and I talked and he kept laughing. "She's awfully young, Jerry. I can understand the attraction. A young girl in distress and you save her. Have you had sex with her yet, good buddy? You know it's going to happen. An old fart like you and a young tart like her. It's bound to happen sooner or later. Just be careful."

Carly acted like it didn't bother her. She answered all the questions anyone asked. She told them that I was her hero and saved her from her old boyfriend. She explained that we agreed to give it a few months and see how it worked out. Thank God she never told them that we had sex the night before.

After everyone left I called my son who lived in Michigan now. He was single and dating. He told me pretty much the same as everyone else. I didn't have the nerve to tell everyone how many times in the last three years I thought of suicide.

Driving the rig down a road and just going over the cliff. If it wasn't for hurting my kids and Barb and Bill, I'm sure that one day I would have done it. Carly changed all that. I didn't love her but I wasn't alone anymore. We had sex every night I was home, which was about two days out of every seven. I usually went on trips for five to six days and then came home for two days before leaving again.

Carly said she spent her time, when she wasn't cleaning, shopping and found some young friends who she hung out with. I wasn't too happy with that except she said she never brought anyone to the house. I did find out that her friends were girls that were Mexican that hung out at a lounge in town.

Four months had gone by and I got back from one of my trips when Carly said she wasn't feeling good so she went to the doctor. Lo and behold she was pregnant. God, I felt like the roof just fell on my head.

"How far along are you, Carly?"

"Around four months, what are we going to do? I wasn't planning on having a baby. I'm not married; my parents will kill me. What am I going to do?"

"I thought you were on the pill?"

"I was but Carlos was talking about us getting married and starting a family so I never renewed my prescription."

"Why didn't you tell me, for God sake? I would have used protection?"

"You're forty-six years old. I didn't think you could still have kids. I didn't know."

Wow, now I started to see where the age difference was a problem. I had to do something about the baby, but what? I thought about an abortion but I never could see killing an unborn baby, especially my own.

"Are you going to marry me, Jerry?"

"Marry you? Carly, we're not in love. We're just two people who had sex and created a baby."

I had to wonder if the baby was even mine. The timing was iffy at best. "Let's wait and see how it goes for awhile. I'll pay for all the medical expenses. I need time to think about this."

"I love you, Jerry. I want the best for the baby. I don't want to be an unwed mother trying to raise a baby by herself. You have to marry me, Jerry; I'll be a good wife. We'll be a family and raise our baby. We already live together and make love all the time."

I needed to talk to someone about this, but who? I decided to call my son-in-law, John. He would know more than most seeing he was a lawyer. I needed some good advice now. Of course the minute I called him to talk about business my daughter called me right back.

"Want's the matter, Dad? John said you called him about business. It must be something you didn't want to talk to me about. My first guess is that it has to do with Carly. She's pregnant, isn't she, Dad?"

God, how do these women figure these things out? It's like a second sight or something. "Yes, Sheila, Carly's pregnant. I called John to find out my legal options in the matter."

"I could scream at you, Dad, but it's little too late for that. You can't be thinking of marrying her. You're digging a hole that you're going to have a hard time getting out of. Dad, you are a lot older then her, hell, she's younger than me."

"Honey, I know that. If your mother was here she would have known what to do."

"Dad, if mom was here, none of this would have ever happened. God, I miss her still."

"Me too, Honey, but I have to deal with this new situation. I know Carly is young but she does make me happy and less lonely. I know I'm a lot older but I would make a good father. Look how good you and your brother turned out," I smiled at that statement. My kids were the best and Sheila was a great mother.

"Dad, I just want you to know that whatever you decide that I will always be there for you. I'm still your little girl you know. At least for a little while longer."

About an hour later the phone rang. I answered it and it was Barb.

"What the hell did you do now? I could just kill you. My God, Jerry! What has gotten into you? You don't come and see us anymore, then you bring home a strange girl and get her pregnant. Now you're thinking about marrying her. What happened to the sensible Jerry I always loved? I just can't believe what happened to you."

I was getting mad. I jumped on Barb; it was something that I had never done in my life. I had always cared about hurting her feelings.

"Barb, no one knew how lonely I had been, always alone. I have only loved two women in my life and one is dead and the other married to my best friend. My life is shit now. Yes, I made some mistakes but I'm doing my best to rectify them. Because of my loneliness Carly is pregnant. Yes, she's just a kid but I have to realize that I'm going to be a father again. I just can't throw money at her and say raise our kid. I'm not made that way. I'm going to accept my responsibility and do what is right."

I could hear tears from Barb on the other end of the phone. I wasn't quite sure why she was crying. I wasn't sure what all I screamed at her but something hit her.

"Jerry, I have to go. Bill and I will always be your best friends. If you need us, just call." She hung up the phone.

Chapter 3

I went over to talk with my son-in-law, John. I wanted to meet him at his office seeing this was business and I needed to have a clear mind.

John gave me a lot of good information and I had all my decisions made. For some reason I felt I should tell Barb. I know she wasn't going to agree with me but it was just something I felt in my heart that I should do. Bill, her husband, was at work. I wanted to be alone with Barb when I gave her this information. I thought about telling Sheila but I told John to break it to her gently.

"Barb, I have something I have to tell you. I know from the outset that you will disagree with me, but I must do what I feel is right."

"You're marrying her, aren't you, Jerry? A girl young enough to be your daughter. Why, Jerry? Please tell me why? I know deep in my heart that this is a big mistake and you will probably pay dearly for this."

"I was a very lonely person. I have thought about taking my own life a number of times but never did because of the kids. Since Mary's death I've felt alone, so totally alone."

"God, I'm so sorry, Jerry. I should have been there for you. It's what we all promised one another years ago."

"Barb, it's not your fault or anyone else's. Anyway, I felt so alone. Then, one day I ran into Carly. I know she's way too young for me but it made me feel differently about myself. I wasn't old and dried up anymore. This young vibrant girl wanted me. Me, Jerry Davis. I was so happy to have someone who wanted me that I said, 'Hell,' to the rest of the world and had sex with this young woman. Because of my loneliness and not thinking properly, Carly got pregnant. She didn't do it by herself. I can't just throw all the blame on her. I was a willing participant.

"I don't really love her but I do care for her, and more than that, she's carrying my baby. I know some of you don't think it's mine but I feel it probably is. If not I will get the marriage annulled and take her back to Texas. If it is mine, I'm going to love it with all my heart."

"Why don't you just wait and see first, Jerry. Get tested and then make the decision."

"I thought about that, but as I told you, I'm sure it's mine and I'm not going to spend the next five months biting my nails and wait to find out. I'm going to live my life as a responsible father and husband. I feel Carly deserves that much.

"I've talked it over with John and he's writing a pre-nuptial agreement and a will of where my assets will go in case of my premature death. My kids are going to get the bulk of my estate but I am going to see that my new child is taken care of. Also, if Carly decides she doesn't want to be with me any time in the near future she can't leave Ohio with the baby. It's my child and I'm going to care for it."

"Is there anything I can say to stop you, Jerry? I'll always be your friend and will be here for you if you need me."

"No, I've made up my mind and now I have to follow through. I'm going home right now and tell Carly. I just wanted for you to know why I'm doing it. You mean more to me than anyone." I hugged Barb and headed home to tell Carly that we would be getting married.

I can't say it was the right thing to do but as they say, "I made my bed and now I was going to sleep in it."

When I arrived at the house, Carly had on a pair of jeans that were unbuttoned. She had on pink panties that were just below her little protruding belly where my child was developing. As I looked at her panties she said that her jeans were getting too tight and it felt better this way. I had to say it looked sexy seeing Carly's panties and little belly starting to grow.

"Carly, I have reached a decision. I think we should get married and raise our child."

She was so happy as she came running to me and started kissing me. She was saying, "I love you so much. I'll be a good wife; I'll fuck you to death. We can have sex anytime you want, right up to the delivery."

She kept going on and on about having sex with me and how I made her so happy. I told her we would talk about the particulars later; right now I wanted inside those pink panties. I turned her around and pulled her back to me. I took my hand and laid it on her little round belly and slid my hand down inside of her panties. I began rubbing my hand through her bush and lowered it to the puffiness of her pussy, separating her lips and pushing two fingers into her. She began to moan and gyrate against my fingers. She had an orgasm on my fingers as I felt her juices wetting my hand.

We went into the bedroom and continued on with our sexual appetites. The one thing about Carly that no one can ever deny is that she is a sexually charged woman. When it comes to sex, there's nothing that she is not willing to try. For an old guy like me it was something I could wish that every man could be with a woman like Carly at least one time in their life.

Carly and I were married within a week. Sheila and John were our witnesses. Even though Sheila was against the marriage, she did tell me she would always be there for me. She was one great daughter who took so much after her mother.

After the marriage Carly and I still had sex most all the time but at other times her personality changed. She was short with me more often. She wanted more clothes and didn't like to cook. It was a side of Carly that was very childish. Her cooking was no more than taking out a frozen meal of some kind and warming it up. It got to a point that I was doing most of the cooking when I was home or we went out to eat. Even then it was burgers or pizza. If I wanted a good home cooked meal, I had to go to Barb and Bill's or go visit Sheila.

I didn't know whether to blame it all on the pregnancy or was it the real Carly coming out. More and more I could remember Barb saying the marriage was a mistake.

I was glad to be spending so much time on the road. Whenever I came home we had sex which was always good but our family life outside of that wasn't all that great. I was beginning to think I made a mistake in getting married but I was going to do everything in my power to try and make it work.

One evening I got a call from Bill. He asked me if I could come over and see him. He said it was very important. I got in a little argument with Carly because I was going over to see Bill. We were seeing less and less of him and Barb seeing Carly didn't care for them that much. She said something about wanting younger friends.

Bill and I were alone. "Jerry, there is something I need to tell you. Barb is the only one who knows so far. I'm dying of cancer of the colon. I went to the doctors last week and they came back with my results today. They give me one to six months to live."

"God, no! It must be a mistake. Maybe they read your results wrong. No, it can't be happening."

"I wish you were right, Jerry. I needed to tell you. Barb isn't taking it too well. She just went over to see Eric and Sandy to tell them. Jerry, I need you to be strong for my family. I know you just got married and are having a new child, but I need you to be here and help mine also. I don't want Barb and the kids to go through what you did. Barb told me about your talk with her and I don't want her to be that lonely."

"I'll be here for you till you draw your last breath, Bill. I'll always be here for Barb and the kids if there is anything they need. I'll do my best to remember our pact, to help take care of each other's family. You and Barb have been there for my kids, after Mary's death, and we'll be there for your family."

I was crying. I couldn't help it. Bill has been my best friend for as long as I could remember. We married twin sisters, for God's sake. Now his life was going to end, probably within six months. I promised him that I would be there to see him every time I was home. I did my best to keep that promise.

---------------------------------------

Our baby was born. She was a beautiful little girl with dark curly hair. Both Sheila and Barb came to the hospital and waited with me. I actually went in and helped deliver my little girl. We named her Maria. Carly liked the name since she considered it to be a Spanish name. I liked it because it sounded so much like Mary.

We took her home from the hospital and I couldn't believe how much I wanted to hold her. She was such a tiny, sweet, innocent little baby. I was so glad that I was pro life. I would have hated to think that this little person would never have had a chance at life. I loved her so much.

A couple of things that I need to tell you. Right after Carly told me she was pregnant I went and had a vasectomy. I didn't want to be responsible for the birth of any more kids. I had a DNA done at the time so I would be able to match up to Maria's. After holding this little girl, I wanted her to be mine, God, let her be my little girl.

I did get the DNA of Maria's back after about a month. It was one of the scariest days of my life when I walk in and received the results. Maria was my daughter. I cried right there in front of the doctor. He patted me on the shoulder and said, "Congratulation, Mr. Davis," I couldn't have been a happier man.

I never told Carly about either test. I wanted her to believe without a doubt about Maria being mine. I went home and hugged my little baby, put her to bed and then went and had sex with my child's mother.

A couple of things I didn't like that Carly did or should I say didn't do. She didn't want to breast-feed Maria. It bothered me because I thought it was kind of a bonding ritual between mother and daughter. Of course, I'm a guy and there wasn't much I could do about it.

The other thing was she didn't seem motherly around Maria. Sure, there were times when she seemed to nurture her but most of the times she didn't seem to pay much attention to her. Maybe it was the new generation of mothers, or maybe it was just Carly.

I started driving more on local routes so I could be home most every evening. I wanted to be there for my baby girl. I also tried to stop by and see Bill at his home most every day. The cancer was taking its toll on him. He was doing chemotherapy which is supposed to target the cancer and try to slowly kill it or at least give him a little more time. He told me that sometimes when he got home he felt worse.

Barb and his son and daughter were there all the time with him. I felt so sorry for all of them. I tried to keep a stiff upper lip but it was hard. I even brought Maria over to see him. He reminded me of our daughters when they were that age. The memories were everything for Bill. It was all he had to take with him and all that he would be leaving behind for the rest of us to cherish.

About a month later I received the fatal call. Bill was on his last breath and was in the hospital. I couldn't believe that Carly was mad that I was going out to see Bill. She thought I should stay home with her and the baby. The more and more I saw of this side of Carly, the more I disliked her.

I walked in and said goodbye to my lifelong friend. The last thing he said to me was, "Remember our pact" and his family looked at me. I was sure they all knew what it was.

After the funeral I had to get away. I decided to take a run to California that would last better than a week. Carly asked me if she could come with me. Maria was three months old and Carly thought I could take her to Texas so her family could see the baby.

It had been a year since she had seen them and I thought it might be good for her. Maybe she might be homesick and that's why she has been different lately. She talked to her family and friends all the time on the phone. I should know since I've been paying an astronomical phone bill. I finally got her an unlimited long distant cell phone for these calls. It cost a little more every month but saved me a ton of money in the long run.

I stopped by and made sure that Barb was alright, remembering our pact. I checked in with Sheila and let her know how long we would be gone and hugged my grandson. He was already four. Boy, how time flies.

As we got in the truck, Carly's mood had already seemed to change. She seemed happier. Maybe this trip was a good thing after all. We headed down the highway and I had one of my CD's in listening to some country music. It was probably my favorite other than oldies but goodies. It wasn't long before Carly put in a CD from some God knows what group. It sounded more like they were tuning their instruments rather than playing a song. I didn't want to argue so I just tuned it down some.

When I went into Texas I remembered the Earth Day people or whatever they were. It must have been the same week, but a year later. They had their signs posted everywhere. When I saw a sign that said, "Save the spotted owl," I actually was looking for one to run over. I didn't know why I let people like this get to me.

Carly gave me directions to her parents' place. It was a fairly rundown house in a not too good area. I had trouble finding a place to park my semi. After parking I grabbed the suitcases and bags of stuff for Carly and Maria and carried them up to the porch. Carly's mother came out to greet us. She didn't seem like a very friendly person.

A few of Carly's siblings were there too. They seemed a bit friendlier. I introduced myself and had a cup of coffee, chatted a little bit and said my farewells. I had to head to California and make a delivery. I then had to pick-up a load in New Mexico. I told Carly that I would be back in two days. I kissed her lightly and then hugged and kissed my baby girl. I knew I was going to miss Maria, she was my pride and joy.

A couple of days later when I picked my family up, I didn't get the best welcome. It was just a weird feeling like I was somewhere that I didn't belong. No hugs, no kisses, nothing from my in-laws. Maybe it had something to do with our ages, I really didn't know. I was happy to have my little Maria back in my arms. I loaded the truck and we were off again.

Carly seemed far out there in her thoughts. I asked her if she had an enjoyable visit but about all I got was, "it was fine."

I asked her what her family thought about Maria, and she said they thought she was cute. I knew there was something wrong. So I just came out and asked Carly. "What's the problem? No person in their right mind would just say Maria is cute, especially her grandparents. What gives Carly?"

"They said I should have married a Hispanic man. They consider Maria to be of mixed blood and that I should leave you."

"You've got to be kidding. They consider us a mixed marriage? What a bunch of assholes. I don't care if they are your parents. I'm never taking Maria back there again. If they want to see her, they can come to Ohio."

I wanted to go back and strangle the people. They could hate me all they want but to talk bad about Maria was crossing the line. She never asked to be born and never hurt anyone. I would see to it that no-one ever hurt her. It was my job as a parent.

Things calmed down after that. When we got home I sat on the couch and held my daughter. She would look into my eyes and smile. She knew I was her protector.

Our marriage was strained after that. It wasn't that good to begin with. I got a call one day while I was on a short trip. It was Sheila.

"Dad, just about every time you go on a trip, Carly drops Maria off at my house. I don't mind her being here, I love the little girl, but I know there's something up with Carly. After dropping Maria off, she goes out with her girlfriends. Dad, it isn't right."

"Oh, Christ. Thanks for calling, Honey. I'll check into it. Please keep Maria at your house if Carly tries to come and get her. Ever since we got back from Texas a little over two months ago she has been acting strangely. I'm pretty sure this marriage is on the rocks. The only thing that counts now is taking care of Maria."

I hung up the phone and I was pissed. I noticed a few things missing in the house; some of the stuff left by Mary that never got put away or given away. The women of the family had already taken the keepsakes that they wanted of Mary's. If Carly wanted anything of Mary's all she had to do was ask and I would have given it to her. Now I felt she was stealing from me. What kind of woman would steal from her own husband?

I went home early one day and saw Carly getting ready to go out. I knew I surprised her since I wasn't due home that night. I told Carly we needed to talk. I asked her about going out. She told me that she got bored and that she wanted to go out with her friends. She just had lunch and went to the store and bought a few things. They were going out tonight to have a little fun. I had caught her completely by surprise.

"What's really going on, Carly? You're cheating days are over. I checked the trash and found the pregnancy test result. So, you're pregnant again. Who's the father this time?"

"You are, of course. I haven't made love to anyone but you since I met you."

"Bullshit, stop lying! We never made love. We had sex; neither of us ever put any love into it. You probably got pregnant when we went to Texas. Who was it? Carlos? Or someone else. You're not blaming this one on me. You got one hour to gather your shit and get the hell out of my house.

"I had you followed this afternoon and you can go back to the motel with Carlos and your other friends. Yes, I know you've been cheating on me; all I needed was the proof. You've provided it for me; it's in your belly."

We argued for the next hour. She started with denial and then went to it being my fault, and then when she said she was going to take Maria away from me, I started throwing her stuff out the door. I told her to find a lawyer and we would fight it out in court. I would die first, before I would let her have my little girl.

She reached for her cell phone. I knew she was calling her friends to come pick her up. She gathered her clothes and threw them in plastic bags and when her friends pulled up; she threw her stuff into the car and said she would see me in court. She wanted all the stuff that was rightfully hers.

I called John and told him what had happened. He surprised me when he said he already knew and would be by to talk with me. I remember telling him that there is no way that I was going to give up Maria. He said he understood and had it well in hand.

I was worried when we entered the judge's chamber a few days later. Most judges usually rule in favor of the mother. There is no-way I could let Carly leave with my little girl.

Chapter 4

When we entered the judge's chamber, she, yes, we had a female judge - I saw Carly and a man that I thought might be Carlos - I saw him the one time in that parking lot - and her lawyer looking smug at me.

I looked at John for some kind of hope. "Don't worry, Jerry, everything is going to be alright," remarked John.

I remember Sheila telling me that John was one of the best divorce lawyers in the area. I was sure hoping that she wasn't just complimenting him because he was her husband and that he really was good.

The judge began her proceedings by asking if everyone was present. John told her that he had another witness that would be there shortly but we could go ahead and get started.

"Let's see," said the judge. "We have a custody battle over a six month old baby girl named Maria. We also have a problem with the wife being pregnant again. The husband says that the child is not his so there won't be a problem of custody but the wife is asking for child support for both the daughter and the future child. And, last we have a division of assets to consider as well as who keeps up the medical payments during this pregnancy. Does this pretty much cover it, counselors?"

Both sides nodded in agreement. "Well, let's begin with custody of Maria."

It needs to be noted: From this point on I have taken a few liberties in some of the conversation in the courtroom. It was hard trying to remember everything that was said by both parties. So, this is somewhat of a synopsis of what was said.

John stood up. "John Bryant for the defense, Your Honor. I have a witness in the lobby who is willing to testify on behalf of my client, Mr. Davis. Linda DeMarco has spoken to the plaintiff many times about her marriage. May I bring her in, Judge?"

After a nod from the judge, John brought in a nice looking Hispanic woman maybe in her early twenties. I'd never seen this woman before and wondered where John had met her. I looked over at Carly and she was astonished to see this Linda woman come in. She yelled out, "Linda, how could you sell me out? I thought you were my friend. I told you those things in private."

"Please be quiet, Mrs. Davis. This is my court and I'll let you know when you can speak. Ms. De Marco, what can you tell us about this child, Maria, that we don't already know?" asked the judge.

"Your Honor, Carly - that's Mrs. Davis - told me that she didn't even know who the father was. She said that she told her husband it was his and she also told her boyfriend Carlos, that's the man sitting with her that it was his child."

"Let's stop right there for a moment," said the judge. "I think we better know who the father is before we can even decide custody. Mrs. Davis, who do you think the father is? Mind you if you don't think it's Mr. Davis then he would not have to pay you child support, and of course Mr. Davis, if it's not your daughter, I can hardly give you custody."

Carly looked dumbfounded. On one hand she wanted the money for support if she got custody, but on the other she could lose her boyfriend. He probably wouldn't accept another man's baby. Especially after he was told it was his.

John stood up. #"Your Honor, if I may speak. My client, Mr. Davis, had a DNA done shortly after the baby's birth. Here are the test results that prove that he is Maria's biological father." John handed the document to the bailiff.

The judge spoke. "Well, that helps with child number one, but how can you prove that child number two isn't his at this time?"

"Your Honor, Mr. Davis also had a vasectomy done right after he found out Carly was pregnant the first time. He never said anything to her about it. Of course he wasn't married to her at the time so he didn't legally need to tell her. So, Your Honor, it proves that she had an affair to have gotten pregnant a second time. Ms. De Marco is here to tell you that she was told by Mrs. Davis that the baby was conceived through an affair." John passed my test results to the bailiff.

"What do you have to say about these allegations, Mrs Davis? It appears you never told your lawyer about these allegations."

I remember the attorney for Carly standing up. "Judge, I'm James McCoy for the plaintiff. Mrs. Davis said that it was a one-time affair. She didn't mean to get pregnant. Besides, we'll agree that he isn't the father of the unborn child. We just want custody of Mrs. Davis's daughter."

"Mr. McCoy, we don't need a lot of lawyer talk here. What I want is facts so I can make the right decision for the well-being of this child. Where would your client live and what would she be doing for work if she were to receive custody of this child?"

"She wants to move back to Texas and be with her parents. I have letters from them saying they would help raise the child. As far as finances go, we were hoping for a decent child support amount and of course alimony."

John stood up. "Judge, they're not allowed to take the child out of the state without my client's permission, and I can assure you said permission will never be given. On the other hand, if my client receives custody of his daughter he has lived here his entire life. He has all the material things necessary to raise his child. But, most of all he has family and friends that all have written letters that say how they will all be there to help raise this child."

"You are correct about staying in the state, Counselor. Mrs. Davis, are you willing to live here in Ohio and raise your child here if you're given custody?"

"It's not fair. Just because he has money, he gets to call the shots. I don't want to live here. I should have a right to see my daughter, it's just not fair."

"On the matter of custody of Maria, I'm going to rule for the defendant, Mr. Davis. In doing so I will also rule that Mrs. Davis should have a right to see her daughter every other weekend. I am concerned about Mrs. Davis removing her daughter from the state, so I am ruling that her visits be supervised, either by a member of Mr. Davis's family or a court appointed person. The fee for supervision will be paid by Mr. Davis."

Carly was mad. I know that it was the money that she was mad about and not Maria. Carlos, on the other hand, sported a kind of smirky happiness look. I guess since Maria wasn't his, he didn't want her around.

"Now, on the matter of division of assets. I have in front of me a pre-nuptial agreement signed by both parties. Mr. McCoy, is there any reason that I shouldn't go by this agreement?"

"Your Honor, my client said it was signed under duress. If she had known that in case of divorce she would walk away with nothing, then she wouldn't have signed it. You have to remember that she was in a strange state, alone and pregnant and taken advantage of by a much older man at the time."

"Mr. Bryant, is there anything that your client would like to say about all this forced signing of this document?"

"Your Honor, I was the attorney who made up the pre-nuptial agreement. No-one was under any duress at the time. It's why we have pre-nups. To save the assets of both parties who enter into marriages. I might add, Your Honor, that this marriage only lasted a year before Mrs. Davis cheated on her husband. If it was even the first time. Also, Your Honor, my witness, Ms. DeMarco would like to speak on behalf of my client. I can assure you it will help to make a decision as far as division of property goes."

"By all means. Ms. DeMarco, what can you add to the distribution of assets?" asked the judge.

"I'm a fact finder investigator and was asked to check on the background of Mrs. Davis and her friend Carlos Hernandez. They are schemers. They take things from people and resell them. They originated out of Texas. I will pass you proof of the things I'm telling you. Mrs. Davis forged a credit card using Mr. Davis's name and reputation. She has run up over twenty thousand dollars in debts on it in the last year. Most being cash advances. I don't think Mr. Davis was even aware of it till now.

"Since Mr. Davis trusted her, he never suspected anything. She would pay the minimum payment each month so Mr. Davis wasn't even aware of it. She also started taking belongings that used to belong to the deceased Mrs. Mary Davis. She told me personally how he would never know since he probably didn't know what she even owned. During this time, Mr. Davis continued to give her a hundred dollars a week for herself. He purchased all items needed for the household and the baby. God knows how much she would have stolen from him if she did all this in just one year."

The judge was looking over all the information that Linda had passed up to him. I was totally taken aback by what I heard. John had passed me a copy of the bank statement to see how Carly had scammed me. I actually had tears in my eyes. I was just a lonely guy who had sex with this young woman. I had no idea that she was out to take me for everything I owned. The judge was ready to render a verdict on division of property.

"Mrs. Davis, you are the worst kind of human being out there. You should be locked up and have to pay for your crime against this man. Taking advantage of a lonely mature man and then trying to take everything away from him, including his child. You are one despicable human being. Unfortunately, I can only rule on the evidence that is before me.

"You, Mrs. Davis, will leave with whatever clothes and personal belongings you now have in your possession. You brought nothing into this folly of a marriage and that's what you will leave with. As far as this money you stole from Mr. Davis, he will have to file an identity theft claim against you in order to receive his money back. If it comes to my court, I'll see to it that you are locked up.

"I am also going to amend the visitation of Maria to once a month for two hours for one year. Mr. Davis, you are still married to Mrs. Davis and will be responsible for the medical care of her unborn child until a DNA match is done to prove you are not the father. I can't just accept the vasectomy even though I believe it's accurate. At least your medical insurance will cover the cost of the baby's delivery. If there is nothing more to be brought before the court, this case is settled. I have made my rulings."

I was a very happy camper. I hugged my son-in-law, his friend Linda hugged me. I wanted to know so much more about her but John said that they had another meeting to go to and that they would see me at his and Sheila's house later.

I went home feeling pretty good. I couldn't believe that Carly would do something like that to me. I guess sometimes you think you know a person but later you find out you weren't even in the same ball park. At least I got custody of Maria. I didn't care about the cost; I just wanted to make sure my little girl would stay with me.

I called Sheila and told her the good news. I could feel her smiling over the phone. She was one great daughter and even though I did all these stupid things, she was still there to help me.

"Dad, you need to come over in a couple of hours. There is something we need to discuss."

" Is Maria all right?" I asked.

"Yes, Dad, it's just a few things we need to talk about. I don't want to get into it over the phone. Just be here in a couple of hours, please?"

"Yes, Dear, I'll be there." We both laughed because that's how I used to answer her mother. She caught on pretty quick.

When I arrived at Sheila and John's, I couldn't believe how many cars were there. I parked and walked inside the living room. There was Barb sitting in a good pair of slacks rolling a ball to Maria.

I said, "Hello, Sweetheart," and Maria started crawling over to me. She was almost seven months old but she seemed so smart. I know a lot of parents say that about their kids, but I meant it. I picked her up and she said, "Da-da." I hugged her and kissed her. She didn't care that I was old; she knew I was her daddy and her protector. It was good enough for me.

I looked up as everyone started coming into the living room and adjoining kitchen. I looked up and just about everyone in my family was there. Let me see if I could name them. My daughter Sheila, and her husband, John, and of course my little grandson, Dane. Barb was there along with both her kids, Sandy and Eric. Both had their spouses and Sandy brought her son. I saw the woman Linda sitting there talking to John. I was finally going to find out who this woman was who helped me save my daughter as well as my dignity.

I looked up and saw another person enter the room. It was my son Ryan. He must have come down from Michigan. I was almost in tears seeing all the people who meant the most to me. I walked over and hugged my son.

"Hey, Ryan, did you say hi to your little sister?" We were still guys and I wanted to say something different to him.

"Yes, Dad, I've been here all day. Me and my little sis have become the best of friends," he said as he reached out and took Maria into his arms.

"Okay, everyone, I give up. What's going on here? Is this a party or something?"

Ryan spoke first. "It's an I'm sorry party. Dad."

"I don't understand? Sorry about what?" I asked.

"Let me try and explain, Uncle Jerry," said Eric. "After the death of Aunt Mary, we all kind of went our own ways. I should say all except Sheila; she was there the most for you. We weren't there for you. You spent a few years alone. We should have been there to support you and we failed at it.

"After you got re-married we all realized that it happened because we weren't there for you. We decided to do something about it. We wanted to make sure that Carly was the kind of woman that deserved you. We found out the truth about her and we decided to let her know we were in on her secret, but you beat us to it."

"I'm not sure I understand. If you guys knew something, why didn't you tell me?"

"I tried to tell you, Dad, but you said you wanted to do what was right and marry her. The only way we thought you would listen to us was with real evidence. You were always one to give a second chance," injected Sheila.

"Dad, it's about time you met Linda." said Ryan. The young lady stood up and held onto Ryan's hand.

"Dad, Linda is my fiancée; we'll be getting married later this year."

I walked over to the young lady and gave her a hug. "Ryan, I'm getting more confused by the minute. Will you explain to me how your girlfriend is a secret agent and was able to help me so much?"

John joined in the conversation. "Dad" - he always called me dad except in court - "Sheila and Barb were really worried about you. They asked me to find out everything I could about Carly and where she was from. I didn't want to go through our office so I contacted Ryan."

"Ryan? Ryan, what exactly is your job? You're not a secret agent too are you?"

Ryan laughed. "No Dad, I'm not a secret agent and neither is Linda. I run a data processing center. This is the computer age and you can pretty much find out anything you want about anyone. John called and told me what was going on. Linda and I started checking the data on Carly and her family. We started to get worried.

"We talked with John and between the three of us we decided to have Linda become friends with Carly. She stayed at Eric's house when she was down here. All she did was go to the places the Hispanics hung out at. She knew when to go because Carly was always asking Sheila to babysit."

"Wasn't it dangerous for Linda to be doing that?" I asked.

"It wasn't too bad. I had a couple of Hispanic girlfriends come down with me. It is people like Carly that give all hard working Hispanics a bad name. My girlfriends and I befriended Carly and the girl would tell you everything. She was actually proud of what she was doing. We didn't think we needed all three of us to testify but they were ready if need be," said Linda.

"Dad, we didn't want to keep it from you but we needed enough evidence to go to court so the judge would give you custody. When Linda found out about the second pregnancy, we decided to act and bring it all out in the open, but you had already kicked her out," replied Ryan.

"Okay, thank you to all of you, but whose idea was it?"

Sheila spoke. "It was Aunt Barb's, dad. She called a family meeting while you were away on one of your trips. She told us how lonely you were and that we weren't there for you like we should have been and we needed to rectify it. She told us better late than never. Then after Uncle Bill got sick, we all noticed that you were there for him. Even with what you had gone through and what you were going through you made time to see Uncle Bill every chance you could." Sheila and Barb both had tears in their eyes; I had tears in mine also, remembering my friend.

Sandy had been sitting there taking it all in. She was Barb and Bill's oldest daughter. "Uncle Jerry, after dad's death we thought about mom and what she'll be going through and it scared us. It scared us terribly. We didn't want her to go though all the lonely times like you did. We decided we would be there for her but most of all she needs a real friend."

Eric spoke. "We all thought that Maria needs a woman in her life, a mother image. There isn't a better mother alive than Mom. I can attest to that."

"Nice thoughts, Eric, but don't you think that it should be your mother's idea?"

"It is my idea. I just didn't know how to approach you on it. I love that little girl," replied Barb.

"Uncle Jerry, we all know about the pact that you and dad had made about taking care of one another's family. In fact, all of us offspring are making the same pact to take care of one another."

"Dad," spoke Sheila. "Every time I watch Maria, Aunt Barb has been here to help me. Watch this, Dad."

Sheila looked at Maria who was sitting on the floor again playing with Dane.

"Maria, where's mommy?" Maria smiled and crawled over to Barb. She had Barb with tears in her eyes again.

"I have some big problems still with Carly. She has visitation rights and I have to decide whether to file charges against my daughter's mother. Then it will take time for the divorce. I don't think Barb wants to go through all that."

John spoke again. "Dad, you told me I was your lawyer and so I spoke for you. Linda and I met with Carly and Carlos along with the judge after you left. Carly agreed to sign off on all rights pertaining to Maria. In return we told her we would not be filing fraud charges against her. I think the thought of going to jail really scared her.

"Your divorce will be final in sixty days. You are still responsible for the medical payment on Carly and the unborn child. Of course we checked with the insurance company and you shouldn't have any out of pocket expense. Of course you still have to pay the credit card charges that Carly ran up."

"So, Jerry," spoke Barb. "It looks like I'm free to babysit if you want me. I told the school that I might be interested in only being a substitute teacher. I have to give them my answer next Monday."

"Are you going to live at my house or do I bring Maria to you?"

Eric spoke. "Uncle Jerry, Mom isn't going to just be the babysitter and housekeeper. According to what John said, you can get married for a third time in sixty days. The adoption papers can be filed Monday. We want you to know that if you marry Mom you have all of our approval and support. Just so you know, Mom told me to tell you all this."

I looked over at Barb who still had tears. I picked up little Maria off the floor and walked over to Barb who was now sitting on the couch.

"Barb, would you be my wife in sixty-one days, and be the mother of my daughter as soon as possible?" I couldn't believe I was crying in front of everybody.

There was dead silence.

"For Pete sake, answer him Mom," yelled Sandy.

"Yes, Jerry, of course I'll marry you but I'm sure glad you got that vasectomy," she smiled.

Epilogue:

More of the story about Carly I found out from Linda a few days later. She told me that she had talked with Carly numerous times. Carly and Carlos were really close friends and almost got married a number of times. They did work together to deceive people. They had been doing it for a few years. The funny thing was I wasn't chosen as a mark.

They really did have a fight and Carly really did hit his car with a tire iron. She got scared and hid in my truck. As we drove toward my house she decided to contact her friends and tell them that she was going to make me a mark. She had mentioned to them about me losing my wife and would be an easy target.

When we got to my house she saw all the stuff I had accumulated and was going to use me for all she could get. After she found herself pregnant, she got nervous. It wasn't something she was ready to deal with. When I agreed to marry her she actually thought about going straight and staying married and having a family.

I guess a tiger doesn't change its stripes and she fell back into her old ways. Once I got her a credit card she used it to get another one without my knowledge. She made the minimum payment on it each month while taking me to the cleaners.

I asked Linda about the sex. It sure didn't seem like she was faking it. Linda told me that the sex was real. Carly really got off on it. She was surprised she enjoyed it with an old man like me.

Carly was fighting within herself about using me but when she talked to Carlos again that clinched it. She had sex with him when we went back to Texas. Of course that's when their plan really began to unravel.

Linda told me that I was lucky to have such good family around me or I might have lost everything. People like Carly and Carlos used and deceived people as a way of life. She told me that they had met their match when they messed with the Davis clan. She was going to be happy being a part of such a close and loving family.

---------------------------

Barb and I did get married as soon as we could. The adoption flew through and now Barb was Maria's legal mother. I stopped driving truck and got a job as a dispatcher. I was home every evening to be with my wife and daughter.

Ryan and Linda did get married and they moved back to Ohio to be near the rest of our clan. Linda told us she was pregnant and was truly excited. She told me she would teach Spanish to her child and to Maria, since they both were part Hispanic.

The last we ever heard about Carly and Carlos was they had a son and it was Carlos's child. I sure hope they changed their ways. I was feeling sorry for their baby.

It was an evening in April when Barb had said that she dropped Maria off at Sheila's so we could celebrate.

"What the hell are we going to celebrate?" I asked.

"Earth Day, it's one of those days that you will never forget so I thought from now on, we would make it our day. We'll give it some real meaning," replied Barb with a grin on her face.

"What's this great plan you have? Want me to get my gun and we can kill some birds?" I laughed.

"Be Nice, Jerry," she said as she picked up a blanket and took my hand as we walked into the back yard. "Isn't it a beautiful evening, Jerry?"

"Yes it is, so, what's the plan?"

She spread the blanket on the ground and started to take off her blouse. "You're going to make love to me on the ground every year on Earth Day. Who knows, maybe we will even get the ground to tremble."

I started taking off my pants and looked over at a topless Barb. "Take off your pants. I want to see that little red birthmark," I smiled.

"Oh, no, if you want to see my birthmark, you're just going to have to try and take my pants off yourself. There's nobody here to help you this time."

I grabbed her and we wrestled playfully to the ground. I was able to unbuckle her belt while holding her down and kissing her boobs. She was laughing so hard while we wrestled. I got her pants unbuttoned and she turned over. I quickly pulled her pants down over her hips and bared her butt. There was her little red birthmark. I leaned down and kissed it time and time again.

"Kiss lower, Jerry." I kissed down a little more at the top of her butt.

"Lower, Jerry," she said.

"Then I'll be kissing your butt."

"Exactly, you will be kissing my ass." We both started laughing as she turned over and I removed her garments.

I had a hard-on that I needed to get rid of. I pushed it gently into her waiting wet pussy. God, did loving someone and having sex with them feel so much better than just sex alone. There we were, laying on the ground and I was pumping into my wife's waiting pussy.

"See, Jerry, Earth Day isn't so bad, is it?"

After we both had our first orgasm I laid down next to her. I was thinking about how good it felt to be with her, the only other woman I had ever loved.

"Barb, I have a question that has always bothered me. Did I ever make love to you while we were growing up?"

She looked at me and just smiled. I guess I wasn't going to get the answer to that question tonight.

Thank you for reading my stories Comments are always welcome. DG Hear