Rob turned off the TV. He immediately glanced at Laura, wondering what her reaction was. They'd just been watching a documentary on an actress. After many years with no success, she'd eventually found fame on Broadway.

As he waited for Laura to say something, his mind drifted back. He and Laura had been married for over fifty years. Not only that, but they remained every bit as in love as they'd been years ago. Even with all that had changed in these decades, that would always be true. When it was clear Laura wasn't saying anything, Rob chuckled nervously. "Are you OK? I mean, you're not usually this quiet."

"Yes," Laura said. "I'm fine."

But something about her answer didn't sound sincere. "Are you sure?"

Again, Laura nodded.

Rob still wasn't convinced. "Did something in that show upset you?"

"No….." But Laura's hesitation told another story.

"Honey, are you having regrets? I mean, I know you love me and Richie, but does a part of you wonder, what if?"

Laura sighed. Of course Rob could read her like a book. "Well, sort of..." She winced, hating to admit this. It had nothing to do with her feelings for Rob or their son. "I mean, I love you, and I wouldn't change a thing about our story." She reached over, taking her husband's hand. She desperately wanted him to understand. "But I can't help wondering….If I had taken another path, would I have been happy?"

Rob knew without a doubt he wouldn't have been happy. He'd loved her for so long, and he couldn't even imagine a life without her in it. But he knew Laura's question had nothing to do with him. "I don't know," he finally said. It was the only answer he could give.

"It might have been nice to see where I could've gone," Laura admitted. "I was a dancer once, you know."

Rob smiled. He could never forget seeing her dance at the USO. From that moment, he knew he had to get to know her. "I remember."

"Who knows? Maybe I could've won a Tony, maybe done a few musicals." She smiled, picturing the scene. She saw herself onstage, taking yet another bow as a crowded cheered loudly. But a moment later, she returned to reality.

Rob waited, seeing that her mind was elsewhere. He understood. She'd made a choice years ago, giving up a life of performing to instead be a wife and mother. She'd never once expressed regret. Still, the urge to play What if could be irresistible.

"I'm sure I would have enjoyed that life," she said with a smile. "I mean, what's not to like, right?" She laughed. "But, Rob, if I had done that, I wouldn't have you or Richie. How could I ever trade that, even for all the awards in the world?"

Rob couldn't deny the wave of relief he felt. He'd never questioned their life together. Sure, there had been a few tense moments here and there, but he knew they were happy. At least, he had been.

Laura saw the look of worry on his face. She smiled, kissing him. He was still as handsome as he'd been all those years ago. "Don't you see?"

"See what?" Rob chuckled. He wondered if she was still picturing her name in lights.

"I was never meant to end up on Broadway. Otherwise, I wouldn't have met you and fallen in love. I think this was the path I was supposed to end up on."

"I'm so glad you see that," Rob said. "I would never have been happy without you. I know that."

"You might've found someone else. You'd probably love her just as much as you love me." She gave him a teasing glance.

"No," Rob replied. She might have been making a joke, but he was dead serious. "I could never feel this way about anyone else."

Laura smiled. He loved her more than she could ever deserve. No matter what other scenario her mind might conjure up, nothing would ever compare to the way he looked at her now. She moved closer to him on the couch. As always, she fit perfectly into his arms. There was no safer place in the world. "Thank you," she whispered.

"For what?" Rob asked, bewildered.

"For not being upset. I've always been happy with our life, and I never gave much thought to what could have been. I guess that show just brought up a few things."

Rob nodded. "I guess I never thought about it either. I mean, writing for Alan Brady was all I ever wanted to do. And Buddy and Sally were the best friends I could have asked for. But you never had that."

"I was so young when we got married," Laura said. "Only seventeen!" She could still recall when that secret came out. She'd been so terrified, but of course it was resolved quickly. "If things had been different, I might have waited. I might have wanted a career. But we'll never know. And of course I'm thrilled with the way things worked out." She kissed him for a long moment.

As always, Rob enjoyed the feel of his wife's lips on his. He could never tire of this. When they finally came up for air, he sighed. It was clear to both of them that they ended up on the perfect path.

The End