TITLE    : Family or Fame
STORYID  : family-or-fame
SUMMARY  : Which to Choose?
AUTHOR   : slow_n_gentle@lit
DATE     : 2009-02-01
CATEGORY : loving-wives
FLAGS    : h
TAGS     : |none|


It was starting to drizzle again as Dana Davis's coffin was lowered in the ground. Jim had his arm around his daughter Megan as they listened to the minister finish the prayer. He watched as Jack and Betty Donaldson tossed a handful of dirt in their daughter's grave, nodding their heads as the minister tried to give them comforting words to help ease their pain. 



Jim walked up and slowly dropped the dirt in saying a final goodbye to his first love and Megan's mother. He waited for his parents to say their goodbyes and began the damp walk to the limo for the ride back to the funeral home.



Thirty Five. Dana's life had come and gone in just thirty five years. In some ways it felt like it was over in an instant, but there were the years that seemed like an eternity.



Jim had known Dana since grade school. Every year the seating was alphabetical so Dana Donaldson sat next to Jim Davis all through their years in school. They first held hands and kissed in the sixth grade. They had gone steady since junior high. Jim was the only boyfriend Dana ever had or wanted. 



Dana was the only girl he did anything sexual with until about 10 years ago. They gave their virginity to one another on prom night. Megan was conceived in the hayloft of his parent's barn the summer they graduated and a month before Dana started acting classes in Chicago.



They were raised in a small rural community about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. Jim's parents own a 240 acre farm a few miles out of town. Dana's dad managed the local bank. Jim grew up knowing he was going to work the family farm and find a second job locally to make ends meet. 



It is what his father did and what he was expected to do. 



Megan on the other hand, planned on becoming a famous actress in movies or TV. She was very beautiful in that natural girl next door look with the sparkling eyes and the ever radiant smile. 



She always had the female lead in every school play since junior high. Before graduation her senior year she auditioned and was accepted to the School of the Arts in Chicago starting in the fall. 



Megan planned on living at home and riding the train daily to keep expenses down for her parents. Her dad did manage the bank, but they weren't that wealthy, besides her younger sister wanted to become a vet and that would definitely cost some money.



Megan and Jim were working out their differences during the summer with her acting; his farming and working at the farm supply store. They finally compromised that he would farm and work there while she went to acting classes. When she graduated, she would look for work with one of the local network stations until her career took off. Maybe by then, they could make some final life plans. They think it was that weekend that Megan was conceived. 



When Dana told Jim she was pregnant, he proposed on the spot. They had a talk with both sets of parents and it was decided that the couple could live on the second floor of the Davis house, and Mr. Donaldson would continue to pay for Megan's classes. 



Megan picked up some TV experience while at school. Her girl next door look got her an occasional few lines on a local soap opera as the granddaughter of one of the stars. She was also in demand during her pregnancy for the clothing ads for the young professional pregnant woman. 



With the skill of the makeup artist, she could look like a 25-30 year old career professional, instead of a 19 year old student. Dana only missed the last couple of weeks of classes for Megan's birth.



During the summer, Dana found work as an assistant on the soap opera. She would have her small part monthly and be one of the assistants for the grandmother actress. She would tell the Davis family over weekend dinners how exciting the work was and how much experience she was gaining.



Due to Dana's job, Jim took care of Megan when she woke up until he had to do the morning chores. His mother would take over then until he relieved her when he returned home from the feed store job. 



Jim would feed, bath, and play with Megan until her bedtime, and then he would shower and try to stay awake until Dana came home. 



By the time fall classes started, Dana was earning enough that she convinced Jim to let her rent an apartment with 3 other women in her class. The assistant job would cover the rent and save her the 3 hours a day travel. She would call every night and come home on weekends. 



Jim was not happy about the situation and argued long and hard that she was missing the important bonding time with Megan. Dana didn't seem to want to be with Megan, and Megan had already started acting as if Dana was a stranger. 



What hurt the most was when he told her about Megan walking, or crawling or her first words and Dana would acknowledge with a "That's nice" and change the subject back to herself. Instead, he heard about the exciting action on the soap opera set, or what she worked on at class. 



Jim would try to explain to Dana he was worried about the changes he was seeing in her, and not for the better like her new shallowness for anything not related to her dream. Dana would either blame it on the stress of the work or laughingly dismiss it as Jim's over exaggerating the situation. Besides, Dana would tell him, he had promised her that she could pursue her dream.



Everything was going as well as could be expected for a young couple separated 5 days out of 7 every week. The nightly phone calls with the words of endearment they exchanged helped to keep the tension level below arguing stage, but Jim missed his wife, plain and simple. He wanted to hold and kiss her every day; cuddle up and make love to her at night; but even the love making had changed since she moved up north to fast, hard fucking.



"Hurry over here babe," Dana said in a tone reflecting her arousal. She was on her knees with her hands holding on to the headboard. As soon a Jim was positioned behind her and Dana felt his hard cock start to enter her wet opening, she pushed back as hard and fast as she could impaling herself on it. 



"Hard and fast Jim," she cried, "make me your woman. Show me how much you missed me and ram that cock home harder. Faster babe. Claim this pussy." Dana pushed Jim until her orgasm roared through her and he thrust in fully one last time and emptied his load. Jim lay on her back gasping for air, and then they finally rolled over and held one another until recovery.



Dana then slid down and took his limp cock in her mouth, sucking and running her tongue around the head. Jim responded quickly especially when she took him completely down her throat. 



Sliding his cock out of her mouth, she sat up and threw a leg over his hips and sat down on his tool. She slowly began to move alternating between small circular motions and up and down strokes, Dana grabbed his hands and placed them firmly on her breasts squeezing with her hands over his.



"Squeeze my tits," Dana commanded as her excitement and orgasm started to build, "Pinch my nipples hard and pull them." Her fingers started rubbing her clit until she became rigid as her orgasm crested.



She rolled on to her back with Jim still firmly embedded in her. 



"Make love to me babe," Dana purred in Jim's ear, "love me like there is no tomorrow."



They lay cuddled in bed exhausted but still feeling the afterglow. Jim started thinking about some of the things they did and how Dana acted.



"Where did you learn what we just did?" asked Jim softly, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.



Dana chuckled. "From my roommates, they talk about their lovers or last night's pick up and what they did to each other. I listen and ask questions." She laughed, "They tease me about being a country hick, but they describe it to me in great detail like they are reliving the moment. It gets really hot at times."



Jim smiled as he hugged her tighter and prayed she was telling the truth. Their lovemaking expanded as Dana brought back new ideas into their bedroom. The new ideas were usually fast and hard, but they always finished the slow, gentle way they both loved.



Life changed for the Jim Davis family the day Dana called screaming hysterically. She was chosen for a supporting part in a movie being shot in Chicago. It wasn't a major part, but she would have enough lines that other directors would see her acting ability. That day sort of marked the start of the downward spiral of their marriage.



The movie was a success giving Dana access to bigger parts. She became the local celebrity when the Chicago morning news stations each interviewed what they considered one of their local talents making good. Dana was a supporting actress with huge parts in two highly successful movies that year with an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress. 



It was announced on the entertainment show that Dana Davis was playing the female lead opposite Lance Berry in a romantic film to be shot in England. Jim was livid with anger to hear that his wife had made a major decision like that without even talking to him about it. He called her cell repeatedly over the next three hours only to go to voice mail. 



Dana called home the next afternoon, leaving a message with Jim's mother that she wouldn't be home this weekend because she had to meet with the director and producers for the movie. 



Two weekends later she came home to a very upset husband to say the least. Dana and Jim went away that weekend so she could make it up to him. 



By Monday morning, she had defused Jim's anger and convinced him they would have time together before she left for England. A lot of the picture was to be shot on the studio lot in California, so she could come home occasionally during that time. She reminded him they would have a lot of time together after the film was finished.



Dana kept her word and came home a couple of times each month, sometimes for the whole week when she wasn't needed on the set. While she was home, she devoted her time to making Jim happy. 



She even paid attention to her daughter as she found out Megan walked and talked now. Eventually Dana had to spend more time on the studio sets plus the trip there and phone calls became less and less until they stopped all together. Dana did phone home Christmas Day. 



She finally came home in the spring for four weeks before the movie began filming in England. Dana insisted she would try to write but her schedule was extremely busy. Dana also gave him a letter from her accountant explaining that he should file his taxes as married filing separately. Dana was a limited corporation now for tax purposes. That's when he found out she would make 5 million for the film plus residuals. 



Dana spent most of the time with Jim except for visiting her parents and siblings; and the interviews in Chicago; and the welcome back weekend with her old roommates in Chicago. Dana did go to the zoo with Megan and Jim before she left.



For the first couple of months Jim received a weekly handwritten letter every week, some with photos of Dana by famous landmarks of the area. Then they became typewritten letters from some unknown assistant because the little words of endearment they used were no longer there. 



The filming eventually came to an end and Dana returned home. After the disruption of old friends and neighbors stopping by to see the returning movie star, Jim started to believe their life could return to normal, as normal as being married to a movie star could be. 



If they went out, often he would have to hurriedly pick up Megan before she was trampled by people rushing to meet the movie star. Trying to visit anything in Chicago was even worse. He grew to love the quiet of watching Dana walk around the farm while he played with Megan, or the three of them sitting on the porch swing talking as the sun slowly set. 



Dana started acting like the woman he originally fell in love with. She became part of the family again, helping in the kitchen and with the housework, spending time with her parents and sister, even playing with Megan. She tried helping with the farm chores, but quickly abandoned the idea. 



They made love almost every night, not the hard, fast fucking when she came home for a weekend visit, but the slow sweet long love making where their feelings for one another truly showed. It was those times that made Jim feel Dana had really returned to him.



Dana received a call one fall afternoon from Martha, her secretary. The studio requested she be in New York in a week to begin the advance publicity for the movie's Thanksgiving Day release. Dana and Lance Berry would do the talk show circuit in all the major markets together. They would cover the news interviews in the minor markets individually. 



They would finish in Hollywood together on New Year's Eve. The news came as a shock to Jim, he expected Dana to be home through the winter until the awards ceremonies required her presence. 



"I didn't want to destroy the festive mood when I first arrived by telling you about the fall tour," Dana explained to Jim in a comforting voice, "I was afraid it would put a damper on the time we had together. I wanted us to spend the time reaffirming our love to one another. It will only be for a couple of months, then I will be home again."



"For what, a week, a month, maybe a weekend between engagements," said an exasperated Jim as the anger boiled out of him. "Are Megan and I to be your vacation stop over between movies and other engagements? Is this how our life is supposed to be Dana?"



"You promised to let me pursue my dream Jim before we got married," declared Dana in a voice bordering on a scream, "Now the dream has arrived! It requires my time away from you and you can't or don't want to deal with the sacrifice for my fame and future. I let you have your dream of a family. 



I should never have told you about the pregnancy and just got an abortion. We would have gone our separate ways."



Jim was astounded at Dana's last remark. The woman he thought he loved would never have even considered an idea like that. He turned away from Dana, walking slowly out to the barn with his head down to hide his tears.



The rest of her remaining time home Dana spent visiting her parents or her girlfriends in Chicago spending the night and returning after Jim left for work. When the limo arrived to take her to the airport, the couple never kissed goodbye, Jim standing on the porch holding Megan as Dana walked silently to the limo and left.



The Davis family would watch Dana with Lance on a talk show promoting the movie and answering questions. The two stars always smiled at one another graciously letting the other reply to the question. They acted like a perfect loving couple and before the tour was half over that was the rumor and one of the hot questions from the interviewer. 



"We are co workers," explained Dana to one interviewer as she gave a loving smile to Lance, "who have become friends while making this movie."



Both Dana and Lance would neither affirm nor deny a romantic involvement at an interview. Dana definitely didn't reveal she was married and had a child.



When the rumors became front page news in the grocery store tabloids, the Donaldson and Davis families wanted Dana to issue a statement, unfortunately neither family could speak to her directly. Her secretary, Martha, would politely explain Dana was busy and she would pass on the messages. When the rumors started on the entertainment TV shows, they were told it was strictly publicity for the movie. The rumors would be cleared after the tour. During this whole time, Dana never once called either family, and definitely not Jim.



The movie debuted Thanksgiving Day to rave reviews and hints of multiple Oscar nominations. By the tour's end on New Year's Eve, the movie was a blockbuster hit and the dream couple became the talk of Hollywood. They made their final appearance on a Nationwide TV broadcast for the celebration. When the clock struck midnight on the west coast Dana and Lance did their public celebration kiss. 



"Are you a romantic couple now?" asked the announcer expecting their canned friends comment.



"We are officially announcing our engagement to be married," Lance replied happily as Dana held up her left hand to show off the huge ring.



In under a minute the Davis phone rang.



"Did Dana call there before this show?" asked an astounded Betty Donaldson, "We haven't heard from her since she left. She has never once returned our calls."



"No," answered Marge Davis, still numb from the announcement, "Dana hasn't returned our calls either. Jim is upstairs sleeping with Megan. He never mentioned talking to Dana. I'm sure he would of told us this if he knew. John and I are trying to decide if we should wake him or let him sleep."



"Jack is listening on the extension. He said let Jim sleep. We will come over tomorrow morning and help you all we can. I'm just sorry Dana did this to Jim. You know we raised her better than that. If there was a problem, she should have talked to Jim, not let him hear it on National TV."



"Something happened between Jim and Dana before she left," Marge Davis offered in a quiet tone, "Jim wouldn't talk about it to us. He said something about he couldn't believe Dana would ever say that, but he wouldn't tell us what she said."



"Dana never even mentioned an argument with Jim. Dana told us she just wanted to spend some time with us before she left on the tour. We didn't even guess they were having a problem."



"Call us when you get up," interrupted Jack Donaldson, "Tell John to come in the house when we arrive. I want you all to hear what I tell Jim."



The ladies said their goodbyes and hung up. Betty Donaldson looked questioning at her husband.



"What was that all about Jack?"



"While you were talking to Marge, I called my old college buddy. He is an attorney in a Chicago law firm. I explained to him what just happened. He gave me the home number of their top divorce attorney after waking the guy up. 



He wants to talk to Jim on the phone tomorrow before Dana's attorney tries to bully him. She may be our daughter Betty, but I couldn't let her treat Jim this way and do nothing. Our granddaughter is involved too," Jack told Betty in a sad but angry tone.



Jim was surprised to see the Donaldson's drive into the lane so early on New Year's Day and Megan was excited to see her other grandparents. Jim knew something was up when the couples greeted each other in sad gloomy voices. He took Megan into the living room and turned on the TV to the parade so the adults could discuss whatever brought his in-laws over at this hour.



"If you didn't stay up for the New Year's bash on the west coast," the announcer started, "You missed the event of the year when Dana Davis and Lance Berry announce to the world their engagement."



Jim stopped at the doorway as he heard the women gasp in the kitchen. He turned toward the TV as the rerun played of a smiling Dana flashing a huge ring, then kissing a smiling Lance Berry. Jim looked toward the kitchen and saw four solemn faces looking at him.



"Sorry I didn't tell you sooner son," his dad said, "We wanted to all be here for you when you found out. We heard it last night but didn't think it would help to wake you. . It was a total shock to us. Dana evidently didn't indicate anything to you about this did she?"



All Jim could do was shake his head no. Was there anything he missed he began to wonder, other than her not returning anyone's calls.



Jack Donaldson brought Jim over to the table and sat him down. 



"The ladies will watch Megan," Jack began, "I want you and your dad to come back home with me. I have the number of an excellent attorney. We will put the call on the speakerphone in my office and hear what his recommendation is. Is that OK with you Jim? I just want you and Megan well represented. I'm sure Dana's people are already working on something."

<hr pg="2" />The three men drove into town to the Donaldson home. Jack placed the call to the attorney, Mr. Weiss. For over two hours, Mr. Weiss asked Jim questions and was taking notes as he went. 



When he asked Jim what he wanted there was a huge intake of breath when an angry Jim told the attorney that Dana had to relinquish all rights to Megan. That was not negotiable. Dana was to also establish a college fund for Megan and he expected a onetime cash settlement for the pain he has been put through for the years. 



Mr. Weiss gave Jim his business number and informed him to call the minute Dana's people contacted him. He also recommended not to speak to them but to refer them to his office.



The Movie studio announced on Monday that a deal had been signed with Lance Berry and Dana Davis to two more movies and an option on a third one. Ms. Davis would receive $8 million per film and Mr. Berry $10 million per film. 



The news and the talk radio shows loved it. It drew listeners and the stations already had a lot of fill in material readily available. 



The callers loved the couple and their movie. Until.......



"Caller, where are you from and what is your question or comment on the dream couple?" Asked the radio host.



"Morning, Ray," said the caller, "I'm from Sugar Bend, just south of Chicago. My question is what is Dana Davis going to do with her current husband and daughter? "



There was silence on the air. "What do you mean caller?" said an excited radio host, "Are you saying Ms. Davis is really Mrs. Davis? Do you know that to be a fact?"



"Unless she divorced Jim before New Year's Eve, she has been married to him for the last 7 years. I went to school with both of them. My son goes to school with her daughter. They live right down the road from me at his parent's house. Is that enough proof?" replied the caller in an irritated tone.



"Hold on the line here caller," said a very excited host who just hit the story of the year, "I have to take a commercial break and I'll be right back with you." He quickly hit the intercom button for his assistant.



"Did you hear that?" he yelled, "Get someone at our TV affiliate on the line and tell them to get the hell to Sugar Bend, wherever that is. Feed them the information this caller gave and get her number before I go back on the air."



The word spread to the other stations as the Chicago TV stations dispatched their mobile crews to the sleepy town of Sugar Bend in search of Dana Davis' husband and daughter. By a couple of minutes after 6:00pm everyone in Chicago and across most of America knew where Jim Davis and his daughter lived. 



One of the Chicago papers placed a split picture on the front page with Dana stepping out of a limo in a designer dress and Jim stepping out of his old pick up in his dirty work clothes. The heading was "For Richer or Poorer?" 



The next day showed Dana enjoying lunch a one of LA's top bistros and Jim in muddy boots and chore coat feeding the animals and carrying in a basket of eggs. 



The third day topped it all with Dana flashing the diamond in her party dress with a big $7million written below the picture and Jim and Megan in their casual clothes walking in town with $35 thousand written below. 



By week's end the tide in Chicago had definitely turned against the dream couple.



When Dana's attorney made his initial call to Jim about a week after the story broke, he was referred to Mr. Weiss and given the number. Mr. Weiss caused Dana's attorney to reach for the antacid tablets when he inquired if he was also going to represent Lance Berry and the movie studio. 



Mr. Davis was filing for divorce from Dana Davis for adultery, and filing lawsuits for alienation of affection against Lance Berry and the movie studio for causing the breakup with the tour and publicizing the romance rumor. 



Word traveled fast in tinsel town and a settlement was reached. Dana and Jim were divorced; and Lance and Dana were married, all before the year was over. 



Jim's anger and bitterness faded with each passing day because he knew in his heart when Dana got that first movie part, it was only a matter of time before this would happen. Dana needed the spotlights and attention; Jim just wanted the quiet family life.



With the divorce settlement, Jim no longer needed the second job. He purchased the property across the road from his dad's farm. He now owned 620 acres of prime tillable land except for about 20 acres of woods and prairie with a spring fed stream cutting through the property. 



Jim had a 4 bedroom ranch constructed on the edge of the woods with a new barn and stable by the new drive. While the house and outbuildings were being built, Jim spent time clearing the old trails through the words so a horse could easily pass. He had a plan for Megan's 8th birthday. 



The Davis and Donaldson families celebrated Megan's birthday with a picnic in the park. Afterwards Jim took Megan to the horse farm for a late afternoon ride. Megan rode Daisy, a young chestnut mare she fell in love with. Jim rode Belle, a slightly older grey mare. They rode lazily along the trail following the blue signs for the long ride along the creek and through the woods.



After school Jim asked Megan to give him a hand at their new home. The builders had finished the stable and barn already and were doing the final inside work before the painters came in. As they were looking through the house, Megan notice a dozen bales of hay stacked next to the stable. She looked at her dad in a questioning way, but he seemed to be distracted. 



She walked slowly toward the stable until she heard a whinny come from inside. Running through the open door, she screamed with joy as she saw Daisy looking at her. Belle was watching her from the next stall. Megan threw her arms around her dad and gave him a big kiss on the cheek as he walked in smiling. 



Both horses were already saddled and ready to go. This would be the first of a regular routine for the two as it became their special time together. Jim led Megan along one of the paths he widened through the woods to the open prairie that was bursting with the color of nature's wildflowers and alive with birds and butterflies. 



They talked as they slowly rode around the property until the fading sun reminded them it was time to return to the stable to unsaddle and brush down their horses. Megan fed them and checked the water before father and daughter walked back to the old farmhouse to eat dinner.



Summer gave way to fall and fall to winter as life went on for the Davis family. Jim and Megan moved into the new house but still ate dinner most evenings with his parents. Jim was explaining his idea of changing over to growing organic vegetables. 



He saw the young people migrating to the surrounding area becoming more health conscious and willing to pay extra. The land he bought had lay idle for years so it would most likely certify as organic. They could convert the family farm in sections as the business expanded. 



Jim figured they had enough customers in a thirty mile radius to the north to direct market to the stores. They could even try organic chicken and turkeys to the private run meat markets.



While the Davis family talked about the simple pleasures of life and their ideas of the future for farming, Dana and Lance were deciding where to travel in Europe to enjoy a well deserved rest. They had finished their latest movie together and had a few months before the tour routine. 



Dana truly enjoyed her marriage to Lance because he understood about the stress and excitement of acting and the rush from seeing the fans waving and calling for you. He loved the notoriety like she did with its special treatment.



The days turned into months and soon a couple of years passed. Jim went into a sort of partnership with Dana's sister Beth. She graduated and was now a veterinarian. What Beth didn't have was a place to practice. When Megan voiced an interest in becoming a vet like Beth, Jim jumped on the idea. 



He purchased land by the edge of town up on the main road. He and Beth had an architect design what she needed for a clinic with up to 4 veterinarians and staff. Jim and Beth worked out the financial details and the promise of a job for Megan during her high school years and partnership if she ever became a vet. 



6 months and many thousands later, the clinic opened complete with a staff and a second vet. 



Dana and Lance had completed the second movie and took the option on the third. Dana's life seemed to be going as she planned or at least her family thought that since she never communicated with them anymore. The TV and newspaper kept them informed of her life.



The farm was taking off with a foreman and a crew of 6. The old farm was slowly qualifying sections of land for organic growing adding to the variety of vegetables they grew. They added some land when the property next to John Davis' farm became available. They let their foreman rent the farmhouse and had a greenhouse and a couple of outbuildings constructed. They could now expand into the chicken and turkey part of the plan.



Megan and Jim met their neighbors during their daily ride. They saw 2 people walking in the woods from the neighbor's side. It was the remaining 20 acres of the section and owned by a couple from Chicago. It was mainly woods with a cute little 3 bedroom ranch they had remodeled. It hadn't been used 5 times since they bought it a few years ago. 



Jim and Megan came to a stop as the strangers approached. The woman was pretty but not gorgeous. She was 5'5" and a little chunky in the hips with breasts on the small side. She looked to be about Jim's age, 29. She had black hair and hazel eyes. The young girl with her was a young version of her mother. She was a little shorter than her mother and very slender. Jim guessed her age at 10 like Megan.



"Hello," said the woman as they approached, "I'm Linda, this is my daughter Liz. We are your permanent new neighbors. We just moved in over the weekend."



"Glad to meet you," Jim said as he climbed down off Belle, "I'm Jim, and this is my daughter Megan. We were gone last weekend. Sorry to have been so rude and not notice but we haven't seen anyone stay there in a long time. Someone stops by every week and checks it over, but hasn't stayed long."



"And that is why Liz and I now have it permanently," said Linda with a smile, "the visitor was my now ex husband and his secretary. This is where the PI caught them. I insisted on the love shack in the divorce settlement since it was already paid for."



Since the girls were talking and appeared to have hit it off, Jim helped Liz up on Daisy behind Megan. While Megan made friends with Liz and showed her around the trails and into the prairie, Jim walked Belle as he learned with keen interest about his new neighbor.



When the girls returned from the ride, he had Megan lead Belle to the stable while he walked with Linda. They stabled the horses, then invited their new neighbors in for coffee and sodas.



"I hired a private investigator after I began finding dirt on his pants cuffs about once a week. Frank works in the city and we lived in a condo 20 blocks away. He drove to work. It took the PI two weeks to catch him," said Linda with a slight smile. "When Liz and I moved, the doorman told me Frank paid him every week to let him know when I went out and if I had any visitors. Cheaters must worry about being cheated on. He doesn't have to worry anymore. I promised him I would not remarry for the rest of my life."



"Did you love him that much?" asked an astounded Jim, "Why didn't you try to work it out then if you love him that much?"



"I don't love him anymore Jim," answered a laughing Linda," he has to pay alimony big time until I remarry. That is why I promised him."



"Remind me to never cross you," Jim said chuckling, "you tend to hold a grudge."



"What's your story Jim?" Asked an interested Linda, "When I asked at the bank in town about my neighbor, the clerk looked around with a worried look on her face and whispered Mr. Davis. So all I knew until today is Mr. Davis lived next door. I now know he has a daughter, Megan, the same age as Liz. Is there anything else, I can find out about the secret Mr. Davis?"



"Let's just say it was an unexpected divorce and hurt many people," answered Jim with a little sorrow in his voice as the memories resurface, "it was the bank manager's oldest daughter. She suddenly ran away with another man. Needless to say, it came as a total surprise to everyone. Jack Donaldson really didn't take it very well. The family hasn't seen or talked to her since."



Jim and Linda started going out, first with the girls along, and final just the two of them. John and Marge Davis were happy to watch Megan and Liz for the evening. They enjoyed their granddaughter and were happy to see their son start putting his emotional life back together. Marge knew the right woman could fill the hole in his heart. She hoped Linda was that woman. They dated about 4 months before Jim asked if Megan and Liz could spend the night. Jim's mom raised an eyebrow, but agreed to keep them.



Jim and Linda's first time together was the most nervous time of Jim's life. Linda confessed she hadn't had sex in over a year; Jim had to tell her it was more than 3 years for him. Their first time together can only be described as a humorous disaster, the second time better, and then they both felt really comfortable with each other on the third attempt. Jim and Linda knew they got it right in the morning when Linda had a screaming orgasm.



Jim and Linda started acting more like a couple. They would go out as a family on weekends, and try to have a couple of evenings to themselves. On at least one of those evenings, they would stop a Linda's or Jim's house for a couple of hours to scratch their itch before picking up the girls.



Jim and Megan's lives were great, even as Dana's was falling apart. After the third movie, she started to suspect Lance of having an affair with a young supporting actress that he seemed to be attracted to. She caught them together in bed at a cast celebration party. She filed for divorce and moved into a luxury high rise apartment. 



Dana started attending and throwing parties weekly and sometimes even more often. The tabloids started reporting on her drinking and current lover. The drinking continued until it was reported that she was in a rehab clinic.



"Mr. Davis, this is Martha, Dana's secretary," Martha said in a soft scared voice, "may I have a few minutes of your time? What I am calling about is of extreme importance, you might say life or death."



"Go ahead Martha," said Jim wondering what Dana could possibly want, "what does she want?"



"She is asking to see you," answered Martha in a pleading voice, "she is a lot worse than what is being reported to the press. She is like a shell of herself. They got her off the alcohol, and the pills that were kept from the press, but she is like a zombie with no desire to do anything but lay in bed. 



She started to ask for you two days ago. If you would come and see her, hopefully she will respond and start to improve. I know you don't owe her anything especially the way she treated you and your daughter, but I believe you are the only one who can turn her around, why else would she be asking for you?"



"I will not disrupt my daughter's life by traveling there for god knows how long. You're right. I no longer love her and don't feel I owe her a thing, but I do feel I owe her parents a lot. Is she ready to be released from that clinic?"



"Yes," replied Martha, "they are ready to release her now."



"Can you arrange for yourself and Dana to come here without the media becoming involved?"



"I can try," said Martha, "but they are like sharks circling outside the clinic."



"Here is what you do Martha," Jim stated as he decided to take charge, "charter a plane from the smaller airport. Have them fly into Rockford, Illinois, Call me when you take off and give me the estimated arrival time and the plane number. I will pick you two up and bring you here."



"Thank you Mr. Davis," gushed a grateful Martha, "I will try to leave tomorrow morning. I'll call you as soon as we are in the air and thank you again. You really are a life saver."



Jim called Jack Donaldson and asked him to meet at John Davis' house in thirty minutes.



Jim's parents were surprised to see Jack at their door until Jim's arrival added to the mystery.



"I just had a very disturbing phone call and had to make a quick decision," began Jim, "I hope all of you agree and give me your help and support."



Jim proceeded to tell them the details of the conversation with Martha, including the depression and the pills. He explained his plan and what he might need from them. When he was done, he looked at them for questions or comments.



"I knew I was right about you," Jack said with tears in his eyes, "I couldn't do what you're doing. If she treated me the way she did you, I would have hung up without listening. Thank you Jim."



His father just patted him on the back. His mother hugged him as she cried.



Now came the hard part. He had to tell Megan. He also had to try to explain all this to Linda and hope she would understand.



Megan was a lot easier than Jim thought. She considered her mother's arrival as being an annoyance to the family and hopefully only a short annoyance.



Jim brought Megan with him when he went to see Linda. Megan went to play with Liz while Jim explained what was about to happen.



"Babe, I have to tell you something you are most likely going to dislike," began Jim as Linda suddenly had a questioning look on her face, "I have agreed to have my ex move in for a little while until she recovers from her illness. It might take quite a while before she will leave."



"What does she have?" Asked a concerned Linda, "Why does she have to stay with you?"



"Because I agreed it would be best," said Jim in a tired voice, "I haven't been completely honest with you about my ex. Her illness isn't contagious. What she did was completely self inflicted. She is being released from a drug and alcohol rehab center. 



She is in severe depression and only recently started asking for me. They believe I may be the only one who can reach her. Any way what I didn't tell you was who my ex is. Remember the big excitement when those two movie stars announced their engagement on New Year's Eve?"



"Yes," answered Linda, now even more confused," Lance Berry and Dana Davis. What does that have to do with you?"



"Remember the big stink over the discovery of Dana being married at the time. Well, I told you the part about Jack Donaldson, the banker, being my father in law. My ex wife's name was Dana, as in Dana Davis."



"Oh my god," said an open mouthed Linda as she put the last names together, "you were the farmer in the paper with the little girl who was married to the movie star."



"The same," said Jim with a gloomy look remembering all the news people around, "We are going to try to sneak her here without the news people finding out. I'm hoping that coming back to the quiet country life will let her rest and find herself. Even though she threw them away, her family is still here for her. I hope together we will be able put the pieces together and make her whole again.



Linda walked around the table and sat on Jim's lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips with tenderness and love. Tears gently fell from her eyes as she thought of the pain and sorrow she saw in his face these last few minutes. He knew helping his ex was going to dredge up painful memories and he still agreed to do it. Linda knew she loved him, she just now realized how strongly.



"You and Megan go take your ride," said Linda smiling at Jim," Liz and I will meet you at your house in an hour. I think we should go have a family night before your company arrives, don't you?"

<hr pg="3" />Jim looked into her tear stained face and just nodded his head. He and Megan rode off for home as Linda told Liz her plan as they dressed for the evening out.



Jim and Megan talked as they rode along the familiar trails discussing their feelings about Dana coming and how it would affect all the people around them. How they would have to be careful not to mention to anyone her being here. 



Jim promised Megan that Dana's arrival would not interfere with their time together. They stabled the horses and went into the house to clean up for their night out.



Linda and Liz arrived right on time, stopping in the middle of the lane next to the house. When Jim commented, Linda informed him they had to fill it up for the trip tomorrow. His crew cab truck would be a little obvious in a city compared to her SUV. 



The dinner was country style at the diner and the table talk light and cheerful. Jim filled the SUV on the way home and parked it next to his truck when they returned. 



As everyone was walking toward the house Jim noticed the girls carrying overnight bags with them. Jim gave a questioning look at Linda.



"Jim," Linda said in a comforting tone, "the girls know we sleep together when they stay at your parent's house. You seem to forget they are older and smarter than you think. They asked me why they had to stay away whenever we wanted to be together. They love your parents, but all their games and other activities are at our two houses. 



Do you think you can handle this situation, because they already have?" With that said Linda leaned up and kissed Jim a slow deep lover's kiss. When Linda and Jim entered the house, the girls were already in their PJs and playing in Megan's room. They found Linda's bag setting on Jim's bed.



"Jim," said Linda in a soft voice, "make love to me nice and slow tonight." Jim turned out the light on the nightstand and did just that.



Linda, Jim, and the girls were eating breakfast when Martha called. She said they were in the air and should arrive in Illinois in three hours. Jim wrote down the terminal and plane number Martha gave him. Jim let his parents know they would be over shortly. Jim and Linda dropped the girls off and made their way to the interstate for the long trip to Rockford.



The plane landed and taxied to a private hanger away from the commercial traffic. He drove up next to the plane when the grounds man signaled him. Jim loaded the luggage in the back as the man helped his two passengers off the plane. Jim introduced himself to Martha before taking Dana's arm and leading her to the car and seated her in the back. So far she hadn't said a word.



He looked in the rearview mirror at Dana as he drove the interstate toward home. Martha had told him the truth, Dana had lost so much weight she looked like an ashen shell of the confident, beautiful woman he remembered. Martha had an exhausted look like she hadn't slept in days. Jim saw the sadness in Linda's face when she occasionally glanced at Dana. 



They pulled up to the house after nearly three hours of silence. Martha led Dana in the house as Linda and Jim carried the luggage. They set the luggage in the large guest room with the 2 beds and private bath because Martha requested she sleep with Dana in case she became confused and upset. 



Linda suggested Martha sit with Dana on the front porch, because there was a nice breeze and a view of the old farm house Dana once lived in across the street. Maybe it would help her remember a happier time in her life.



Linda and Jim prepared a light lunch while their guests relaxed on the porch.



"Being depressed is an understatement Jim," said a very concerned Linda," She could have walked down Main Street and nobody would have recognized her. I really hope this works and she can pull it together."



"I know what you mean babe," a visibly upset Jim replied, "I've never seen a person so completely changed in my entire life. Should I send Megan home with you and Liz?"



"Liz and I aren't leaving Jim," said a determined Linda, "the girls can go to your parents if they feel uncomfortable around Dana, but I stay. You are going to need someone for emotional support yourself to deal with Dana, and I think Martha is already at her limit. Besides, I'm not about to abandon the new love of my life just because a little problem like a movie star ex wife moves in his house."



Jim pulled Linda into his arms and hugged her as he had just found his mate for life. The kiss told her she had his heart and undying affection. An ex wife would not come between them, even if she was a movie star. 



They served lunch on the porch and made light conversation with Martha; try to find something Dana might respond to. Martha coaxed her into eating most of the food on her plate, but mentally she was somewhere else. Martha suggested her and Dana rest for a while, as they had been up before dawn to avoid the sharks. Linda said she would wake them for dinner. 



Jim walked to his parent's house while Linda cleaned up lunch. The girls were playing in the back and didn't notice Jim arrive. He told his parents all the details including his concerns and fears plus Linda's opinion on the girls and her decision to move in. He suggested they and the Donaldson's wait until he saw some improvement before they visited.



Jim called to the girls to return home. Liz went in to see her mom while Jim and Megan took their ride. He would have to buy a couple of horses once life returned to normal.



It was late afternoon when Jim and Megan returned and stabled the horses. Linda brought some drinks out to the back porch while Jim checked on their sleeping guests. The girls sat in the chairs drinking their sodas and talked about school. Jim sat in the porch swing sipping his drink with his arm cuddling Linda into him. They talked sparingly, mostly watching the puffy white clouds move across the bright blue sky and enjoying each other's touch.



Dinner was pleasant, but for Dana just like lunch. Martha coaxed her to eat while trying to feed herself. Jim tried to talk to Dana hoping his voice would stimulate some response from her, but to no avail. He glanced at Linda and saw the concern on her face as she watched him.



Martha and Dana returned to their room for the evening. The girls helped clean up the kitchen before showering and going to their room. Linda and Jim snuggled up on the couch sipping coffee and catching up on the evening news before showering together, no sex involved, and spooning in bed until they fell asleep.



The next couple of days saw Martha looking better and Dana started to eat on her own. Martha would walk Dana on the trail or just sit on the front porch and enjoy the quiet. In the evening they would sit on the back porch watching the sunset, Linda and Jim cuddling on the swing and the rest in the chairs.



Linda came up with the breakthrough idea one evening. Everyone was on the back porch as always. 



"Martha, bring Dana over here and sit her next to Jim," said Linda as she stood up, "Cuddle her up Jim like you do to me. It was how you used to sit with her wasn't it?"



Martha sat Dana in the swing as Jim cuddled her, gently moving the swing as he began talking about the sunset like he use to when they were married. Dana started snuggling into Jim with her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest. Her whole body seemed to relax as if whatever was bothering her was leaving. Jim continued holding Dana and swinging until it was too dark to see.



That night Jim made love to Linda with so much love and tenderness, they both had tears of joy on their cheeks. They had the first peaceful sleep since Dana arrived.



Jim would now spend mornings on the front porch swing with Dana snuggled to him. He would talk about their times together in school, and at the old farmhouse across the street. She would sometimes murmur something but he couldn't make it out. He would repeat the process on the back swing in the evening with the snuggling and the soft talking. He thought she whispered "pretty sunset" but couldn't swear to it.



The days were passing and Dana was looking healthy again. She was eating well, the outdoors was giving her a bit of a tan and some color to her cheeks, and she had put on weight and was starting to pay attention to her appearance. Martha was really looking and feeling better. She had a smile on her face and positive comments about Dana's condition. She said Dana would at least talk to her a little when they were in the room.



By the end of a month she was looking like the Dana everyone knew, except she was still withdrawn. She would talk if spoken to but rarely started the conversation. Dana no longer had to snuggle up to Jim which made Linda very happy.



By the second month Dana had improved so much she and Martha decided to return to LA. Dana would work with a psychologist and relax for a few months. They had a celebration BBQ at the old farm with both families. 



Dana was happy and talkative as she and her family had reconciled, even congratulating Beth on becoming a Vet. Dana talked and laughed with Megan and Liz and promising she would send an autographed picture of their teen idol when she ran into them.



"Jim, there's something I need to tell you before we leave," Dana said in a soft voice, "I never meant that horrible thing I said about the pregnancy. The old Dana would never even have thought that. You were right when you said I was changing. 



Acting makes you thick skinned toward others but still very fragile inside as you saw. I didn't even think of your feelings when Lance and I did that New Years Eve show. 



I apologize and wish I would have come to you first and explained why Lance and I were meant to be together. We were so much alike in our vain thinking about life and other people. 



You could never have lived in Hollywood Jim. The fake friendships and false honesty would have driven you away in a matter of months. People are your friends as long as you are on top and can help them, but they will turn their back on you the minute you are no longer needed. 



Lance left me for a younger actress because the tabloids labeled him as becoming too old to be a sex symbol much longer. I found out the hard way who I could really count on even when I didn't deserve it.



I wanted to tell you Lance and I did not have sex before I came home after we shot the movie. There was a lot of sexual tension between us, but Martha or another assistant was always present to help keep the situation calm. The relationship turned sexual during the road tour when Martha was away arranging the next interview and we would be alone for hours. 



I know it is no excuse but I wanted you to know I was faithful to you until the tour. Then the new vain Dana decided to come out especially when the movie studio kept telling us to play up the dream couple relationship. 



I apologize again for my actions Jim, and I would like to keep a friendly relationship with you if you will let me. I see you found the right woman for you and Megan in Linda. She treats you like the wife you deserve and I never could be. 



Jim and Linda drove them to Midway airport in Chicago the next afternoon pulling up to a specific entrance. Martha had made all the VIP reservations. Dana and she were quickly and quietly escorted to the waiting area without passing through the crowd of people. Martha did hug and thank her hosts for all they did. All three women were teary eyed as they drove off. 



During all this time and trouble, Jim had kept his promise on two important things, the daily horse ride and family night. Tonight's family night seemed to be special because the girls were very excited about something Linda told them. The ladies decided on country style and the diner. 



The meal was great even with the girl's nonsensical comments. Linda whispered something to the waitress that got a big smile. The waitress passed out the desserts except Jim's. Megan and Liz were grinning as his favorite German chocolate cake was placed in front of him with a single burning yellow candle. Jim looked questioning at Linda as she smiled.



"Make a wish," said a happy Linda.



"Wish for what?" questioned a totally lost Jim.



"A boy or a girl," answered two giggling young ladies.



Jim looked at Linda as she shook her head yes. Jim did make a wish and blew out the candle.



Linda would not agree to marry Jim no matter how much he pleaded or argued. He would be listed as the father on the birth certificate and the baby would have his last name, but as much as she loved him, she would not let her ex off the hook on alimony. She made that promise and she planned on keeping it.



The family moved the rest of Linda and Liz's personal items into the house. They also picked out two more horses for the daily ride. They were now a family in every way.



Martha, who had been keeping them updated on Dana's progress, called to inform them Dana would be in a TV interview the week before Christmas. She had done a small cameo part in a made for TV movie and was doing a little promo for it. She had come a long way in the last 6 months. Martha also said two autographed photos of Megan and Liz's teen idol would be arriving shortly. Dana did finally speak to him at a benefit.



The family gathered around the TV to watch the interview. It was agreed that Dana looked better than ever and had a new sincerity about her when she talked with the interviewer. The promo for the movie looked good with her performance being excellent. 



Spring brought the birth of a boy, John, named after Jim's dad. Mother and son did great. Jim proposed again, and Linda refused for the same reason. The girls were happy but wanted a sister instead.



Martha called to say Dana's life was going very well. She was going to be supporting actress in a couple of films this year. She no longer wanted to be a lead, just work enough to enjoy her profession. Dana and Martha found out they enjoyed traveling to out of the way places. As long as she dressed down, people rarely recognized Dana and she liked it. Linda told Martha about their new son and their lives since the last call.



Megan and Liz were growing up fast; soon they would be in junior high. Megan still wanted to be a vet, but Liz had become interested in the plant varieties and the greenhouse. While Megan spent Saturday down at Beth's clinic, Liz started going to the greenhouse and learning from Jim. 



He explained the differences in vegetable varieties to extend their growing season. He gave Liz some seed catalogs to look at for ideas. Jim told her they were going to add a second greenhouse, and she could have a 5 foot section to experiment growing plants in. Jim got a hug and a kiss for that. Little John was crawling now so he was keeping his mother very busy, and his constant chattering kept Jim smiling.



A year later, family night got Jim another yellow candle on his German chocolate cake. He made a wish, but told Linda he was going to order pie from now on.



Martha's call was full of excitement this year. Dana was a regular in a soap opera. She would be on 2-3 days a week. It was a nice size part but not extremely demanding. The other news was she was going to marry again. Dana had been dating the producer of the soap for months now, ever since she did a guest spot on the show. 



The viewers loved her, so a part for her was written into the program. The producer was about 5 years older than Dana, and he was very down to earth; he and Dana was a good match. They both preferred quiet time at home to the public limelight. She would be marrying him next month in a private ceremony.



Linda and Jim's life continued to grow and improve. The couple grew more comfortable and loving with each other every year. Megan and Liz were going to start high school. Megan still went to Beth's clinic and was an unofficial assistant now. Liz had an expanded section in the greenhouse, and she was growing different varieties of the same crop in an experimental section of the field outside; looking for better tasting, longer keeping, or hardier varieties. 



She had already convinced Jim to start planting herbs and that idea was very profitable. Liz was going to be a great asset to the company when she grew up. Little John now traveled with Jim around the farms. 



Little Jim was now the talkative one under Linda's feet. Jim added some more acreage and had an office built by the greenhouses. They had to hire an order clerk and a billing clerk. Linda used to do it from home but the operation was too big now.



Martha's call was one of quiet contentment. Dana and her husband were doing fine. He had been sick with the flu a few weeks but was better now. Dana enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on the show. She and her husband spend their time at home when he didn't have to work late on another project. Martha commented it was so calm now; she might have time to find a man herself.



Life had moved smoothly for the last year, as Jim stopped expanding the farm for now. He had more than enough to do as he employed a dozen men during the summer and two foremen. The green houses kept 2 women and Jim busy year round plus Liz after school. Little John was in school and Little Jim now went everywhere with his dad. 



John Sr. had a mild stroke in the spring and was now semi retired and trying to drive Marge crazy. Jim finally built a produce stand on the property so his dad would stay busy selling to the local people. Marge helped if he got busy or if an old friend stopped by. Liz and Little John helped on Saturday.



Dana called one evening to wish Megan a happy sixteenth birthday. She would like to be there personally but she had been sick the last week and didn't want to travel. She would try to see everyone for the holidays this year as she had been away from family too long. Dana also wished Liz a happy birthday too. 



She talked to Linda and Jim for about an hour hearing about John's stroke and the antics of Little John and Little Jim. She heard the girl's current career choices were still the same. Dana said Martha was still looking for that special man. Linda told her about taking the girls to Disneyworld next week for their birthday.



Little John and Little Jim stayed with their grandparents as the rest of the family flew to Orlando to stay at the Grand Floridian for the week. The girls were allowed to choose the theme park each day. After an afternoon rest and early dinner, it was back to the park until closing. 



By Friday, the family was relaxed but exhausted. Jim and Linda were relaxing in their room watching the news while the girls took a short nap before dinner. The breaking news story caught their attention when they saw the tear streaked face of Martha on the screen. Ms. Davis' assistant had found the lifeless body of Dana Davis in her bed and her husband in the closed garage with the car running. Paramedics were called but it was too late.



Jim and Linda decided to tell the girls in the morning. Let them enjoy the last night at the park.



They returned home Saturday evening, stopping at the grandparent's house first. While the gifts were handed out and the girls excitedly told their stories and showed the pictures they took, Jim drove across the street to unload the luggage.



As he stopped to get a drink after bringing in the luggage, he noticed the flashing of the answering machine. The first few were friends calling and promising to call back. 6 sales calls were next, a teary call from Dana to call back right away. A lengthy call from a tired sounding Dana. A heartbreaking call from Martha saying Dana was dead. Jim erased them all and returned to his parent's house.



***********************



Jim and Megan climbed in the limo after Martha and Jim's parents. The driver stopped by their cars in the parking lot of the funeral home.



"I'll see you tomorrow Dad," said Jim as John and Marge Davis walked to their car.

<hr pg="4" />Megan sat in the back as Jim and Martha rode in silence back to the house.



Linda and Liz finished setting out the food as the three walked in damp and in a solemn mood, the only laughter coming from the two young boys playing in the living room.



After everyone had eaten, Megan and Liz took the boys to play in their room while the adults had coffee at the table.



"I still don't understand," said a still distraught Martha, they said she died from an overdose of sleeping pills. I tried to tell them she hadn't used any in almost a year. She was sick a couple of weeks before but she was in good spirits when I left her Wednesday. 



I had some contracts to drop off to her agent and pick up next week's scripts and the schedule from the writers Thursday. I called Friday morning but she didn't answer. She had told me Wednesday, she was thinking of going out Friday morning, so if I couldn't reach her to stop over in the afternoon. 



That's when I found her in bed like she was still sleeping. When I went to wake her, she was cold. I called the paramedic but it was too late. I knew it would be. 



They found Walter, her husband, in the garage. They speculate he was drunk and passed out after closing the garage door. He forgot to turn off the car. The police said it finally ran out of gas. They ruled it accidental death by carbon monoxide poisoning. I still don't understand why she would take the pills."



"Maybe something was bothering her," speculated Linda, something she didn't tell you. Her depression may have returned or something happened Thursday to upset her. We will never know Martha. Don't let it make you sick worrying about it. There was nothing you could do to prevent it."



Martha stayed with Jim and Linda for the next three weeks until she had to clear the last details with the estate attorney. She decided she liked the peace and calm of the area. Linda helped her find a house in town and she placed bid on it that was accepted. She knew that Dana had left her $2 million in her will.



"There will be an attorney from California coming here for you Jim," Martha said, "Dana left all her estate to a charitable foundation except what she left for me. She put you in charge of the money. She told me you could always be trusted to do the right thing."



A Los Angeles detective called for Jim one day. He said three calls were made to Jim's number from Walter and Dana's house. Two Thursday night and the other Friday afternoon.



"We were on vacation in Florida then," Jim answered calmly, "When we returned I found many calls on the answering machine. The two you are talking about from Dana on Thursday both were wishing Megan, her daughter, a belated happy sixteenth birthday. The other was from her secretary Martha on Friday informing us Dana was dead. I erased all the messages after I heard them."



The detective thanked Jim. That was the last they heard until the attorney made an appointment to stop by.



Dana's estate was now settled and the foundation has $15 million in it. The only stipulation was the money had to be used for a worthy non profitable cause. Jim was in charge of the funds. Northern Trust of Chicago was managing the foundation money until Jim needed to use it. The attorney gave Jim the trustee's card.



Jim set up the Dana Davis Fund to loan money at zero interest for college to students in the county who had the grades and ambition but not the finances.



*****************



Many years passed. Megan became a veterinarian and partner in the clinic with Beth. Liz graduated with a degree in farm management and a minor in botany. She is in charge of the greenhouses and plant selections for the company. 



Little John and Little Jim are in high school. They plan on going to college and run the company someday. Martha moved to Sugar Bend. She married a wonderful divorced man who manages the feed and propane store in town. His first wife divorced him because it was too boring a life; she wanted the bright city lights. Martha thought the life and the lights of Sugar Bend were just right. 



Linda did break her promise and say yes to Jim. Her ex ran into a little bad luck and went bankrupt. Jim did tell Linda the rest of the story one evening when they were alone.



"Babe, I've been keeping something from you for many years," said a calm Jim as he let out a deep breath," and I don't know if it is going to upset you or not."



"Jim, I don't know why you would keep anything from me," said a very understanding Linda, "After all we have been through, other than you being unfaithful all these years, nothing is going to upset me."



"How about Dana killed her husband?" asked Jim to an astonished Linda as he watched her mouth fall open. "After we came home from Florida, we stopped at mom and dads. You and the girls stayed there and I came home and dropped off the luggage. I went into the kitchen to get a drink and saw the answering machine flashing. 



I was sort of relaxing drinking my Coke and listening to the messages. Most were friends just calling or salesmen. 



Then a call from Dana, she sounded really upset and wanted me to call her back. Then she called again later that night, but sounded very calm and sleepy. She said she had been feeling sick and went to the doctor and had some tests run. 



He called her Wednesday and wanted to see her right away. At his office he said she had active HIV. She said it had to be a mistake, she didn't do drugs or use needles, wasn't unfaithful having unsafe sex. He told her he had the test rerun twice with the same result. She had HIV. 



Dana went home and told Walter. He admitted finding out a few months ago when he was ill. He hoped she didn't have it because he quit having sex with her when he found out. He said he was bisexual and got it from his partner. He was sorry, it never should have happened. That's why she called on Thursday to talk. 



He came home drunk Thursday evening and passed out in the car with it still running. When she went out in the garage to see why he wasn't coming in, she saw him unconscious. She went back into the house after closing the outer garage door. 



She checked two hours later and found the garage filled with fumes. That's when she got ready for bed and took all the pills. Her last message was when she called here to confess before she passed out." 



Jim looked at Linda waiting for a response. 



Linda just took his hand and led him to bed.



The End

