I told my brothers and mother everything. I was shocked to hear my mother say, "Matthew, I knew all about it."

What? "How?"

"When your father took off for a weekend of "fishing", I knew something was wrong. It was confirmed when his doctor called and asked me to talk to him about having the surgery. The doctor knew he shouldn't be telling me, but your father and I had a standing rule that either of us could find out anything about the other health-wise and the doctor knew that. When he told me what was wrong and what your father said, I knew he had made up his mind and he didn't want me to know. So, I played along."

"But Mom," Malcolm yelled, "why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you make him have the surgery?"

"Malcolm, it wouldn't have mattered. If he'd have known that I knew, he'd have been upset. He was trying to give me memories to last a lifetime; and he did. If you boys had known, you'd have hounded him to have the surgery and then you would have all been mad at each other and not spent time talking. He knew what he was doing."

When she looked at me, I saw sadness in her eyes, "I'm sorry he placed such a burden on you, Matthew. I'm sorry that he made you keep his promise and it has been eating you up. Let it go now. There was nothing else you could have done. You know this, I know this… we all know this. None of this was your fault."

Mom came over and hugged me and I felt the tension leave my body. She was right; there was nothing I could have done differently. When I looked up, I saw my wife standing in the doorway watching us. She had a smile on her face and I couldn't help but smile back at her. When Mom let me go, I walked over to Steph and wrapped her up in my arms.

"Did you know she knew?" I asked her. When I felt her head nod, I asked, "When and why didn't you say something?"

"She told me at the hospital that she knew what was going on and that she wanted to tell you boys, but she didn't want to go against his wishes. So, I figured if you told them what you knew, not only would it help you to get it off your chest, it would also give your mother a chance to admit what she knew and let herself get rid of the guilt."

Stephanie looked up at me with unsure eyes, "I was only trying to help. I know this isn't my family and we haven't been married long, but it felt like the right thing to do. I'm sorry if I over stepped."

"Honey, you didn't overstep. This IS your family; don't ever doubt that. I told you, you've kept me grounded and guided me to do the right thing. This is just another example of you doing what you do best. I love you and am very grateful you made me tell them. I feel a lot better getting that out in the open."

I kissed her lips and held her tight for a few moments before I felt a presence behind us. Turning my head, I saw my mom standing there waiting. When I stepped away from my wife, my mother grabbed her up for an embrace, "Thank you," she quietly said.

After a few more hours, Steph and I decided to take a walk. Heading out to the woods behind the house, I led her to my favorite spot. The trees were still there on the ground, so I held her hand and helped her sit. Sitting down next to her, I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

She looked at me and smiled, "I have some idea. I'd say it's about the same as I love you."

Kissing her softly, I couldn't help but thank the powers that be for giving me her as my wife. "I probably shouldn't say this, but I'm glad we got drunk that night." I saw the look she gave me and figured I'd better explain, "Had we not been that drunk, I don't know that I'd have had the balls to even ask you for a date, let alone ever to marry me."

"I know what you mean. I always swore I'd never get married again after the Dickie disaster. I never knew it could be like this." She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment and I knew if I just waited, she'd tell me what was on her mind. "I guess I can tell you now. For the past few years, I was secretly hoping you'd ask me out. I wanted to ask you out a few times, but it's not something girls do. I thought about leaving hints but wasn't sure how they'd be received. So, I just sat back and waited to see what would happen. Then, when we started hanging out, I didn't want to ask for more because I was afraid that if I did, you'd just stop coming around and I didn't want that. I cherished every moment we spent together."

Well knock me over with a fucking feather! The girl that has starred in so many of my dreams has liked me all along. Damn, how much time did we waste? Honestly, if I think about it, we didn't waste anytime. We spent time together getting to know each other and not rushing into anything… well, except a marriage, but hey, who's gonna complain about that? Not me!

A few days later, Chase, Stephanie, and I headed back to Trenton. It was tough to leave Mom, but I knew she'd be okay. She had her friends all around and two of my brothers were staying. As much as I wanted to stay with her, I knew I needed to get back to my life and work.

The ride home was a lot like the ride down. Chase drove while Steph and I sat in the back. My lap became her pillow once again and, of course, the soldier stood at attention. Or was he begging for attention? Either way, I knew it was going to take forever to get home.

We were about half way home when Chase pulled into a rest-area and parked. Turning around, he looked at me, "I'm going to go hit the head and walk around to stretch my legs for a little bit."

I nodded and looked down at my wife. She was still asleep. I didn't need the restroom, so I just laid my head back and closed my eyes. Chase locked the doors when he left, but I was still on alert. Or so I thought I was. I don't know how it happened or exactly how long after he left, but all I know is what happened made me realize that I was not aware of my surroundings.

I didn't even know my wife was awake but when her mouth encased my cock, I was fully aware she was awake. Looking down at her, I saw her gorgeous blue eyes staring back at me with love, lust, and amusement. Her eyes closed as she swallowed me and I swear to God my hips shot off the seat.

When she slipped me from her mouth, she looked up and smiled, "I was wondering when he'd finally pull over for a break."

"Jesus, woman. You tryin to kill me?" I asked as my hand snaked between us and wandered under her shirt. Oh fuck… when did she take her bra off? My fingers landed on a very hard nipple. I heard her moan as I rolled her nipple between my finger and thumb. Before I could do more, her mouth was on my cock once again and I swear if she didn't loosen up the pressure, I'd be cumming any second.

"Steph, I'm not gonna last if you keep that up," I told her.

"I know. We don't have much time and you were so hard when I woke up that I figured I'd help you out. Don't hold back," she said as she went back to sucking. I hit the back of her throat and growled as I felt her take me farther in. Never, in my entire sexual life, has anyone ever taken me so far. I never knew it could feel so damn wonderful. When she began to hum around me, I lost it. I tried not to choke her, but she wasn't letting up.

Finally, she sat up and smiled at me, "Feel better?"

Holy fucking shit yes! "Much. But damn woman. Where the hell did you learn that?"

"I have my secrets, you know. I can't share everything with you."

"Well, you can feel free to share that with me anytime," I told her and I fixed her shirt. "I wish we had time for me to help you out, but I see Chase starting to walk back here."

Steph sat up and kissed me, "When we get home," she said with a smile and hopped out of the truck. "My turn for the restroom," she told me as she winked and shut the door.

Hell no, I wasn't about to let her walk into the rest area alone in the middle of the night. Quickly fixing my pants, I hopped out and ran after her. Catching up to her, I wrapped an arm around and hugged her close, "You know, they do have family restrooms."

"Ummm… ewwwww, no thank you! That is disgusting!" she laughed.

"I know, but I'm willing."

Once we had both used the restroom, separately of course, we headed back to the truck. Chase was already in the driver seat with a steaming cup of coffee. Steph and I hopped in the back and, this time, we both fell asleep for the remainder of the ride.