Chapter 28: The Third Times A Charm

Enjoy!

With the destruction of the house, Kimberly had no other choice than to move in with Tommy until she can find the energy not to destroy anything else in the house and clean up. Rosie offered to go back to the house and clean, but Kimberly told her not even dare. She made the mess due to her madness. She was the only going back into that house to clean and clear out. The boys were happy to be back in the house. Tommy kept things basically the same, of course without Kim's great interior decorating design. Tim couldn't believe the mess he walked into. He had listened to the story from Tommy, since Kimberly was not available to talk. After dropping Adela off, Tim went to examine the damage. Destruction maybe just wasn't enough of an adjective. The house was beyond demolished. An earthquake would have left less damage than Hurricane Kimberly.

Next Day

Tommy was fixing breakfast for everyone before he left for his classes; as Kimberly was lying upstairs in the bedroom, sadden still after last night. Zeke still had school too. Tim would be looking after Chuck while Tommy had to go to school. Kimberly had practically become mute again since she left the house. It was like when she found out Tommy went missing after the island exploded. She was stone in the bed, just staring off as the tears rolled down her face. Noel had tried calling, and calling. Kimberly would see his number and simply hit ignore. Tommy made a tray for Kimberly after fixing his boys a plate of eggs, bacons and waffles.

"I'll be back."

"Is Mommy okay Dad?" Zeke asked getting a biscuit.

"No, not right now son."

"But she will be right?"

"I don't know, I hope so son."

Tommy came into his bedroom. Kimberly was in the spot he saw her drop into a few hours ago. Her cell phone buzzed on the nightstand. Kim's hand came up and covered the cell phone. Kimberly stood up. She went to the window and lifted it up.

"Kimberly!" With all her might, Kimberly threw her cell phone out the window. It hit a tree, and exploded into many pieces before falling to the ground. "You are really going to regret that when you get that bill." Kimberly turned to Tommy. "I brought breakfast."

"I'm not hungry." Kimberly went and laid back down on the bed.

"I understood last night you weren't hungry, but it's morning now, you have to eat."

"Seriously Tommy, I can't…"

"Just a little bit of eggs and some juice." Kimberly sighed. She sat up, moving some hair out her face as she took the juice from the tray and drank it down. She took 2 spoonfuls of eggs, bite angrily at her biscuit.

"Happy?" Kimberly flung herself back to the bed. Tommy sighed, taking the tray with him as stood up.

"How can I be happy, when you aren't?" Tommy closed the door behind him. Kimberly started crying immediately. She had no right to be a bitch to Tommy. He didn't have to offer his place. He didn't have to offer to make her breakfast. He was too good a man. He was too good of a man for the likes of her. How did could she have ever giving him up?

Kimberly didn't move when Tommy came to check on her again later that day once he got back from class. That night, as Tommy was putting Charles into his bed with Zeke asking about Noel. Zeke had tried to ask all day, but Tommy just couldn't come up with a good answer. Adela was still in the bathtub, splashing and playing. Tim didn't have the heart to tell his babygirl no. Kimberly was always much better at giving the bath. Tim was a sucker to just let Adela do what she wanted for however long she wanted. Tommy knew Kimberly wasn't ready to answer any questions, especially that question. Zeke had gone into the bedroom several times, but was immediately pushed out by Tommy, since Kimberly just wasn't up to talking or even being awake. She made the room into a cave, completely blocking all light from outside. What would he say to his son? What should he say to his son?

"Why were Noel and Mommy fighting yesterday, Dad?"

"Son, I told you, right now is not the right time for that questions."

"Please… I'm not a baby like Chuck!"

"I know you are not a baby, son, but right now, you need to understand, this is grown-up business. And you are still too young!"

"What happened?"

"Noel did a very bad thing to your mother okay."

"Did he hurt her?"

"Not physically."

"What does that mean?"

"Exactly, you are too young to understand."

"He was having an affair!"

"What's affair?" Charles asked.

"Nothing you need to know right now. Come to sleep." Tommy tucked Chuck in better and gave him a kiss. "Goodnight son."

"Night Daddy!" Chuck smiled. Tommy turned on the nightlight and walked to the door with Zeke leaving the room first. Tommy left Chuck's door slightly ajar.

"Do you know what the word affair means?" Tommy asked Zeke walking him down to his bedroom.

"Yes."

"You do?"

"Yes! Noel was with another woman, not Mom."

"Yes, and that is wrong."

"So, since Noel with another woman, does that mean Mommy is leaving him like she left you?"

"You mean a divorce?" Zeke nodded. "I suspect so, but I can't truly answer that. Your mother has to be the one to make that decision."

"But she must! She doesn't love Noel!"

"Your mother…"

"She loves you! You and Mommy should be together again!"

"I know you want that buddy. But, I can't guess what your mother is thinking about. She's just really hurt right now. We have to give her time and space to make up her mind."

"Okay."

Tommy came into the bedroom after leaving Zeke in his room. Tommy grabbed some pajamas after having to sleep on the couch in his clothes since he didn't want to disturb Kimberly any last night. Kimberly turned over as Tommy was searching some dressers in the dark. She clicked on the lamp.

"Hey, sorry if I woke you. You hungry?" Kimberly shook her head. "I just need to get some things."

"You should take your bed back."

"No, you have it."

"Tommy, I'm smaller than you. I can handle the couch better. I don't want to be an inconvenient to you anymore than I have been already."

"You think you're an inconvenient? You never could be that to me."

"You said you wouldn't be there for me, why are you now?" Kimberly asked.

"I was mad at you, I said that out of anger."

"But it was true."

"No. That was the biggest lie I have ever told. Like, I could ever turn my back on you, whether or not you want my help Kimberly, I will always be there for you. I promised you that many, many years ago." Tears filled Kim's eyes. "And that's one promise I will never break." Tommy walked slowly over to Kimberly. She held her arms out for him. Tommy immediately sat on the bed and they hugged. Kimberly cried into his shoulder as she hugged him tight.

Next Morning

Mrs. Oliver came over to the house to see Tommy when she found Kimberly and her grandsons. Kimberly opened the door. Kimberly couldn't go back to the house so soon, so she sent Aisha to get a bag of some clothes for her. She still had the same clothes on for 2 days now. She needed to change and perhaps come out of this funk. Aisha told her the house looked like no one, not even Noel has been there. None of Noel's clothes were missing, his side of the closet didn't looked touched. Kimberly assumed he had enough money to afford to get stuff with his mistress.
"Kimberly?"

"Hi, Mrs. Oliver..."

"Am I in the wrong house..." Kimberly smiled as Mrs. Oliver looked around, checking out the numbers on the house.

"Tommy went to get breakfast since he forgot to go shopping this weekend."

"Grandma!" The boys yelled.

"Oh my boys!" Mrs. Oliver hugged and lifted up her grandsons. "Yes, my very forgetful son. I knew he would forget since he had that study session. I was going to offer breakfast at Denny's. What are you doing here?"

"We're stay with Daddy again, isn't it great!" Zeke said.

"Oh, that is, interesting..." Mrs. Oliver looked at Kimberly. But Kimberly just wasn't ready to explain anything.

Friday Morning

Kimberly was cleaning up after Chuck since Zeke had left for school. Kimberly had pretty much a boring, non-productive week. She had yet to step foot in her own home. It was still a mess from Tim's account. Kimberly had an anxiety attack just thinking about going back into that house and seeing Noel again. She couldn't get that image out of her head of Noel in bed with another woman. The rage would just fill her soul again; she knew she needed more time to deal with that anger. If she returned to the house she would just end up destroying it more than fixing anything. Tommy was about to leave for classes. Kimberly practically stayed at home, not taking calls for work. Aisha understood. Unlike Aisha, Kimberly wasn't the type of person to just throw herself into something half-hearted. Kimberly needed this time to heal herself and figure out how she was going to fix her life.

"So, I'll pick up the suits and dresses for the wedding after school." Kimberly dropped a few bowls. Tommy knew Kimberly wouldn't be up to going to the dinner party tonight, he would have to just go alone with the boys.

"Oh shit! Jason and Katherine's wedding is tomorrow. I completely forgot!"

"It's been a long week."

"I didn't even remember their presents or…" Kimberly started crying as she cleaned up the water she spilt from the sink. "Their dinner party is tonight and here I am just…I'm so stupid." Tommy immediately hugged her.

"You're not stupid. You just had a hard week." Kimberly shook her head, pulling away from Tommy.

"That's just it. I always think of myself. Completely consumed in my own problems, I forgot about the outside world. I have sulking and depressing everyone around for what… over a man that cheated on me. Over a guy I gave everything up who just turned around to spit it back in my face. Who does that?" Kimberly threw the wet cloth into the sink.

"Kimberly, it's not your fault. It's okay to be sad, no one wants a marriage to end, especially over that. Besides, I already picked them up your gifts."

"What? When?"

"Aisha told me what you wanted to give Jason and Katherine at Macy's. I went after school yesterday. The gifts are upstairs in my closet. I didn't want Zeke, or Chuck, or even Adela to find it and think it was theirs." Kimberly couldn't believe she missed that. She must have been sleeping away the day yet again to even notice Tommy with a bag of gifts.

"You got my gifts?"

"Yes, I needed to pick up mine as well. They are wrapped and bowed just like you wanted. So, everything is basically done for you. Aisha will have your dress ready today and I'll pick up the boys suits along with mine, so you have nothing to worry about."

"Why are you so good to me?"

"You know why."

Kimberly arrived to Katherine and Jason's dinner party before their wedding tomorrow. Tommy had left earlier because he had to be there as the best man. Kimberly didn't want to go at all, but Aisha, who was already there, begged her. Kimberly didn't want to be a distraction, since she probably knew everyone else knew about Noel's affair. Kimberly stood in her black empire strapless dress with pink sweetheart bodice and black pumps. She had stopped by the shop and took a dress from the stock that wasn't even on sale yet to wear tonight. Katherine immediately hugged Kimberly when she saw her.

"Jason told me."

"I really wish he didn't."

"Sweetie, it's okay. I wish you would have called me earlier."

"I just… I don't want to be a distraction. This is your weekend, your wedding's tomorrow, you don't need my problems."

"My wedding is going to be okay, but the real question here is, will you be?"

"I don't know. Everything is still so confusing."

"Well, you take your time then and… know your friends are here for you."

"Thanks." A few tears formed in Kim's eyes. She hugged Katherine again. "You're going to be just perfect for Jason." Katherine smiled.

"I'm happy to have his sister's approval."

"I know you guys are going to have a long and happy life together."

"Thanks." Katherine and Kimberly hugged again. Katherine looked up to see Tommy. She smiled as she pulled from Kimberly's embrace. "And don't give up on your happy ending either. It's probably closer than you think." Kimberly looked back to see Tommy standing there. He saw Kimberly there and smiled. Katherine and Kimberly shared a smile.

Saturday Morning was a mad rush to get the Chapel. It was Valentine's Day, and the wedding day, so it was double special day. Katherine insisted on their wedding in a church she come to love when she moved to Angel Grove all those years ago. Jason wouldn't dare go against the honor his wife with her plans. Jason had Tommy as his best man of course, as Tanya was the maid of honor. Kimberly was happy for a change not to be apart of the wedding, along with Aisha. She got to sit and enjoy the day instead of stressing behind it. Chuck was the only other member in the wedding party as the ring boy. Norah had a daughter to cover as flower girl. Chuck and Leah had only met once and Leah took a heavy liking to Chuck, though she was over a year older. Kimberly was rushing around trying to figure out how to fix Chuck's pant. The tailor had made the pants a bit too long for his size and Tommy lacked in the supplies to fix clothes and Kimberly refused to go to the house to find her sewing kit. Aisha rushed from the shop, dressed in her yellow sleeveless satin dress with halter neckline.

"I got the pins!"

"Oh thank god!" Kimberly took the kit from Aisha's hands.

"What time is it?" Tommy asked fixing Zeke's bow tie.

"Almost 12."

"We were supposed to be leaving here at 12. It's an hour drive to Angel Grove."

"Give me 5 minutes…" Kimberly was already dressed in her pale pink strapless satin tea-length dress with rhinestone belt. She bent down to fix Chuck's pants. "Now, sweetie don't mess with them."

"Yes Mommy." They loaded into Billy's SUV since he was driving them to Angel Grove. Kimberly was very surprised to find Aisha and Billy had rekindled their friendship and turned it into so much more. Their relationship was still new, only about a few weeks, but going stronger with each passing day. Secretly Kimberly always assumed Aisha would go again with Rocky, but she guessed once with him was enough in anyone's lifetime.

The wedding chapel was beautiful. The wedding was at 3pm. The Chapel looked somewhat like medieval church. Kimberly took her seat with Zeke at one side, Tim at Zeke's other side and Adela in his lap. Aisha sat next to Kimberly, her hand intertwined with Billy. The Chapel was filled with Jason's large family and all of Katherine's family from Australia. The men looked lovely in their suits, not tuxedos. Katherine insisted on suits. And the bridesmaids looked amazing in their purple sleeveless long jersey dresses, especially Tanya in her plum 1-shoulder long jersey dress with Charmeuse bust and cascade back. There was a bit of comical part, as Chuck refused to walk down the aisle. Kimberly tried to coax her son down the aisle, but he refused, almost in tears. Everyone somewhat chuckled as Chuck froze there right at the door. Tommy had to quickly leave Jason's side and carry Chuck down the aisle. He held Chuck as the wedding continued. And Katherine was the highlight of the wedding, as she came down in this gorgeous ivory strapless a-line allover beaded corded lace gown.

During the ceremony, Kimberly couldn't take her eyes off Tommy, and neither could he. It was like they were exchanging their vows all over again. Tommy kept his stare only breaking it twice, the give Jason his vows on post cards and when the rings needed to be exchanged and Jason turned to him for the rings. At the kiss shared between Katherine and Jason, everyone stood and clapped. Aisha looked at Kimberly took her hand. Kimberly looked at Aisha with tears in her eyes. Aisha smiled and nodded. Kimberly brushed away some tears, as she smiled and cheered with everyone else. Jason and Katherine exchanged hugs and kisses with everyone. Tommy brought Chuck over to Kimberly, since he needed to follow the rest for pictures before the reception. Tommy brought his hand up and cupped Kimberly's cheek brushing away some tears with his thumbs. Kimberly smiled. Kimberly and Tommy stared deep into each other's eyes. Tommy bent down and kissed Kimberly on the cheek as she held Chuck on her hip. It was a quick exchange, but meant everything.

There was a short drive to the reception party at the Angel Grove Grand Hall. Jason had suggested the Youth Center, but with Ernie having gone back to Hawaii years ago, the Youth Center was closed down. The city had wanted to turn it into community mall. All the family and friends were waiting on the bride and groom to arrive, but Jason convinced Katherine on a long ride around Angel Grove. The placed was packed with everyone waiting on Jason and Katherine. The Reception went off without missing a beat once the happy newlyweds arrived. Tommy found Kimberly standing alone at the bar. She was thinking over what she wanted to order. Kimberly looked back at the dance floor to see Billy attempting to keep up with Aisha during the electric slide. Kimberly smiled slightly. Tommy came up beside her.

"You look beautiful." Kimberly slightly jumped, having not even noticed Tommy coming toward her. "Sorry."

"It's okay. Thanks."

"I don't think I said that to you today."

"You did, earlier, but it's always great to hear it again," Kimberly said.

"What are you drinking?"

"Uh, probably a soda."

"Nothing stronger?"

"Jack and coke." Tommy nodded. He turned to the bartender.

"2 Jack and cokes please." Tommy and Kimberly cheered their drinks to each other before taking a long sip. Tommy drank down his though. "How about a dance?"

"You, dancing?" Kimberly smiled.

"I got my liquid courage," Tommy said shaking his empty glass at Kimberly. She smiled before doing the same with her drink.

"Let's dance." Kimberly took Tommy's hand and led him to the dance floor. Aisha smiled when she saw the couple joining the dance floor. Aisha gave Kimberly a thumbs up, but Kimberly just shook her head.

Aisha and Billy were slow dancing now to the new song at the wedding. The song was about falling in love. Tim was dancing with one of Katherine's bridesmaids. Tim was surprised to see Aisha in Billy's arms. Though he shouldn't be that surprised. Aisha was a beautiful woman, any guy would be lucky to have her. Billy and Aisha excused themselves to get a drink. Tim kissed Norah's cheek and thanked her for the dance. Norah bit her lip as Tim walked away. Tim gave her a smile as he looked back at her. Tim went over to the bar area after Billy walked away toward the bathroom. .

"Hello."

"Hello Tim," Aisha said. Aisha picked up her glass.

"Great wedding huh?"

"Yup, very great."

"Beautiful reception too."

"Yup."

"You look good too."

"Really Tim…"

"What? Can't a guy tell a woman when she's pretty?"

"What do you want?"

"Nothing. You look happy."

"I am happy. For the first time in a long time."

"Great." Aisha shook her head. "I'm happy for you."

"Really Tim?"

"Really! I mean, after all this time, I hoped we were friends again. We are friends right?"

"Of course! You are practically family." Aisha touched Tim's hand.

"Good." Billy returned.

"Hello Tim."

"Hey Bills…well, I better head to check on my babygirl." Tim patted Billy on the arm. Tim stopped and turned back to the happy couple. Aisha had just planted a tiny kiss on Billy's lips. "Oh and Billy, just so you know. She's a biter, so be prepared to scream." Aisha smirked at Tim. Tim smiled.

"You know I always liked you in high school," Billy said.

"Really?" Billy nodded.

"I just always assumed you saw me as a… geek."

"Handsome geek, Billy. Always handsome."

Tommy left the big table to join Kimberly's table with the children. Kimberly was happy to have company, since Aisha kept bugging her about the kiss at the wedding. It was a tiny kiss on the cheek didn't mean they were getting back together. It was way too soon to even think about assuming that. Kimberly and Tommy were helping both trying to help Chuck eat with little success. He was a stubborn boy, like his father, as Kimberly would note. Tommy just rolled his eyes. They were talking when Kimberly looked up to see Noel. Kimberly gasped. Tommy turned in his seat. He snarled. Kimberly started breathing hard. Noel motioned for Kimberly. Kimberly wiped her hands as she slowly stood up. Tommy stopped her.

"You don't have to go." Kimberly looked at Tommy. She placed her hand on Tommy's shoulder.

"I know, but I would much rather get him out of here before he ruins Katherine and Jason's reception."

"I'll come with you."

"No! Stay with Chuck, feed your son. I'll be fine."

"You sure?"

"Yes." Kimberly bent down and kissed Tommy's cheek as he squeezed the hand on his shoulder. "Thanks."

Kimberly walked over to Noel. She led the way out the Hall away from anyone. Noel stopped Kimberly by grabbing her arm since he knew they were far enough away.

"Don't touch me." Kimberly tore away from Noel's touch.

"Sorry." Noel held up his hands. "I didn't mean to grab you like that."

"Don't…"

"Kimberly, we…"

"Noel, you should just leave. I don't have anything to say to you right now."

"I know you are upset…"

"Upset! You think I'm just upset!"

"I just… you won't accept my calls and…"

"I lost my phone."

"Oh."

"Out a window."

"Oh."

"You shouldn't have come here. Not today. This is a big day for 2 of very best friends, one being a brother to me and I don't want to take anything away from that."

"I understand that Kim. I just had to see you."

"Noel, just go."

"It's been a week Kim, I needed to see you, speak to you and hope that…"

"That what, I would forgive you?"

"If you would just…"

"I will never forgive you!"

"Please Kimberly, you need to understand I…"

"Don't!" Kimberly turned her back on Noel. "Don't you even try and tell me you love me when you were sleeping with another woman!" Kimberly yelled.

"It was just sex, it meant nothing!"

"If it meant nothing, you shouldn't have done it!" Kimberly yelled back.

"I'm sorry. I love you."

"Love me? You don't know love."

"I know I love you! I made a mistake!"

"A mistake? Okay, how many times did you sleep with her?" Noel's mouth opened to speak, but he closed it. "Exactly. You repeatedly slept with her. That's not a mistake Noel. You put your desires before our marriage."

"It's not like I haven't had to deal with being second best to you."

"Oh, so now you want to blame me for your cheating?!"

"No! I didn't mean it like that."

"I didn't force you to sleep with that woman or any other woman!"

"It's only been Gene."

"Oh! I don't want to know her name!" Kimberly covered her ears.

"I'm sorry. It's just with my father and… that face that Tommy was always there…"

"Tommy was never the problem and you know that."

"I did? How about the many times did I caught you kissing him?"

"Kissing, once…"

"Try at our wedding."

"That was…"

"Nothing. It was our wedding day, he interrupted what was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives and then I see you kissing him!"

"I didn't kiss him."

"You sure as hell didn't pull away."

"Fine, a kiss, but if it truly meant something, meant anything, I would left you that day, but I didn't. I went on, because I loved you and wanted to marry you."

"And the dance?" Kimberly sighed.

"This is not the day to hash this out." Noel grabbed Kimberly's arm.

"This is the perfect day to hash this out! I have always been put second to you and your love of that man!" Kimberly slapped Noel.

"Don't you fucking touch me! That man is a better man than you ever could be. He wouldn't cheat on me!"

"It was just sex!"

"Stop saying that like it makes it better! Tommy kissed me twice, you sleep with another woman repeatedly, those 2 things don't equate and you know it Noel! You broke our vows, you broke my heart!"

"And you broke mine!" Kimberly stared at Noel shaking her head. "You never truly moved on from Tommy. It was all a lie. Our marriage was a shame from the start."

"How could you…even think that?"

"How can I not! You still love him, by God you are here with him!"

"Because of you! I should be here with my husband! But my husband is lying, cheating piece of shit who sleeps around, and goes to strip clubs when he was supposed to be working!"

"Don't act like it's all my fault! You always run to Tommy! He is always in your heart, he is always the one you truly love and want! Him and those perfect boys you two have are always first!"

"If that was true then why I did even listen to you and let Tommy go."

"You may have let him go in your mind, but your heart still lingered for him then and today."

"If you truly believed that, then why are you even here?"

"Because for whatever reason, I can't… I can't let you go. I have never loved someone as much as I love you and I can't lose you."

"You lost me the moment I found you in bed with Gene."

"Don't say that. Please, we can work this out Kim. I promise, I won't ever look at another woman again, I can't lose you."

"Just go Noel. It's over. It's so over." Kimberly walked away from Noel; she didn't even look back, knowing she had said enough. Noel watched Kimberly walked back inside to the reception. But he wasn't going to let her go that easily, especially for her to go back to Tommy.

Tommy was waiting for Kimberly by the door. He had the urge twice to just go outside and save her from Noel, knowing this was the day nor the time for them to be talking. Tommy was about a second from going when he saw Kimberly. Kimberly was trying to wipe away some tears as she opened the door.

"Hey, what's wrong? Did he hurt you?" Tommy was immediately holding her arms.

"No. No! I'm fine." Tommy wiped away a tear. "I'm fine."

"You sure?" Kimberly nodded. "Okay."

"Let's just enjoy the evening and forget that ever happened." Tommy nodded putting his arm around Kimberly's shoulders. Noel looked from the door to see that. His hands balled into fists.

"You will not take her from me Tommy boy."

Aisha tried to drag Kimberly with her once it was time to throw the bouquet, but Kimberly refused. It was like a football rumble for the flowers. Women were shoving and pulling each other to get the bouquet. The men were on the side laughing and pointing, as the ladies were fighting for the flowers. As if fated, Kimberly was sitting at the table with Chuck asleep in her lap and Zeke trying to down more cake, the bouquet just miraculously flew from the crowd of savage women and landed right on Kim's table in front of her. Kimberly slightly jumped in her seat when the flowers landed right in front of her. She slowly touched the bouquet in utter surprise. All the ladies that were fighting over the bouquet groaned knowing the prize had been claimed. Kimberly picked up the bouquet.

Jason had fun getting the lacy garter from Katherine's leg. It was the men's turn to fight over the prize, but there was a secret. And when Jason tossed the garter at the line of men, every male stepped aside. Well, actually, they all practically flew from the area, leaving Tommy standing there. Tommy picked up the garter with a shrug. All the men laughed and clapped. Aisha took Chuck from Kimberly and pulled her to take her seat in the middle for Tommy to put the garter on her leg, since it was traditional for the man that caught the garter to put it on the next bride to be. Kimberly somewhat smiled as Tommy slid the garter up her leg slowly. Tommy and Kimberly were made to sit in the chair and take a photo together before they were ushered to dance their solo dance.

"Well, I guess the saying is true, the third times a charm," Katherine said with her arms wrapped around Jason.

"I swear they are our Ross and Rachel," Aisha whispered.

"Yeah, but Kim's Ross," Rocky said. "And Tommy is definitely Rachel." Everyone laughed.

Kimberly was looking in the yellow pages for a good divorce lawyer. She was tired of listening to Noel's pleas of sorry, like that was going to fix things during their marriage counsel session. Once a cheater, always a cheater as Kim's mother told her. And Kimberly saw what cheating did to her parent's relationship. They were doomed the moment both their parents found partners while still married. Secrets, especially infidelities, destroy any marriage. Tommy was on lunch from class when he saw Kimberly daydreaming into space with the yellow book opened in front of her and a pink highlighter in her hand.

"Hey." Tommy passed Kimberly, but still nothing. Tommy settled his bag of lunch on the countertop. Kimberly flinched.

"Hey! Didn't see ya there."

"I noticed, deep in thought?" Kimberly sighed. "What are you looking for…" Tommy examined the page. "A lawyer?"

"Divorce lawyer. Reid and Associates don't do divorce cases anymore." Kimberly used Reid Morris back when she got her divorce from Tommy. Just bringing up the name of Reid brought Tommy back to that solitude dark place of their relationship. Kimberly saw Tommy's face when she mentioned his name.

"So you're going through with the divorce?" Tommy asked opening some containers of take-out. It had been a few weeks since Jason and Katherine's wedding. It was now March. Tommy had been worried since Kimberly agreed in part of talk to a marriage counselor with Noel. Tommy knew that if it was left to Noel and his hopes, just a few sit-downs together could fix their marriage.

"I just… I can't keep pretending that every time I look at Noel I don't see that woman under him, moaning." Kimberly slammed the yellow book. "I just won't anymore." Tommy handed over a container with soup and a sandwich. "Thanks." Tommy nodded.

Kimberly was waiting for Noel to show up to their final marriage counsel session. The doctor looked at the clock again with Kimberly. It was almost 7pm.

"He's almost 30 minutes late," Kimberly said with a sigh.

"He'll be here," the doctor said. "This is important to Noel. He doesn't want things to end like this."

"Well then, he shouldn't have cheated."

"Kimberly…" Kimberly looked at the doctor. "I thought we were moving pass the angry." Another 20 minutes passed. Kimberly sighed.

"He's not coming."

"Let's just give him 5 more minutes."

"I have given him one more week. That is more than enough. If he comes, tell him, if he wants to talk to me again, he'll have to do it through Neil and Leon Associates. They are my lawyers. I want a quick divorce." Kimberly picked up her jacket and purse.

"Kimberly…" Kimberly walked out the office. She was just about to get into her car when she received a text.

I'm sorry…

Noel

Kimberly closed her cell phone. She got into her car. Her cell phone went off. Kimberly groaned as she saw it was Noel.

"Noel! I do not want to talk to…"

"Miss, this is Gates at Tubby Tavern, your husband is very drunk here. I think you need to come here."

"First of all, he's my soon to be ex-husband, and if he's causing such a disturbance, call the cops."

"Miss, please… he looks bad." Kimberly sighed.

"Fine, where are you?"

Kimberly arrived outside Tubby Tavern. It was bar in the wrong parts of LA. Kimberly closed her car door behind her as she looked around, wondering how someone like Noel found such a place. It was a shabby place, hence the name Tubby. Kimberly went to the door and pushed it open, and sighed. Noel was drunkenly trying to talk the bartender into another drink.

"You have had enough man." Kimberly came up behind him.

"Noel, let's go." Noel turned slowly.

"You came?"

"Let's go."

"You came." Kimberly picked up Noel's jacket and grabbed his wallet and phone at the bar.

"Yes, now let's go."

"Everyone! Look, my wife, she actually left her lover for me!"

"Noel!"

"It's the truth! I was never good enough for you, it was always Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy… the perfect husband. The perfect man!"

"Noel, shut up and let's go."

"Isn't that why you went back on the pill?"

"Noel!"

"You wouldn't have loved our child as much as you love your boys with Tommy."

"Noel, you know that's not true!"

"Then why! Why didn't you want to have children with me?!"

"Noel, can we not do this here!"

"Why not here?! Why not let everyone see what I saw, you were always a selfish bitch!" Kimberly bit her lip to hold back her tears of angry.

"If that was true, I should leave your ass here."

"Why don't you? You never truly loved me anyway."

"Fine." Kimberly shoved Noel's things back into his chest. "I won't ever make this mistake again." Kimberly stormed out.

Kimberly was fumbling with her keys when Noel came out.

"Why didn't you love me?" Kimberly turned to face Noel.

"Who said I didn't?!"

"I do. You never wanted me, not really. You always wanted Tommy. Tommy and your perfect boys were first. You never wanted children with me."

"You were always too busy with work and your father's wishes and I already raised 2 children with an absent father!"

"My father hated you! All he ever wanted was one grandson from me. My sisters had girls, and you had already had 2 son!"

"You married me for a son?"

"You never wanted to move on from Tommy!"

"I married you for love! But obviously that wasn't enough for you!"

"You married me, because you knew it would hurt Tommy!"

"Tommy has nothing to do with you and your affair! You did that because you are the selfish one! I loved you, I wanted a life with you, and perhaps a child, but you… you…"

"You never loved me… not like you love Tommy."

"And now I'm glad I didn't. It would have been a waste loving you." Noel slapped Kimberly. Hard. Kimberly gasped, holding her cheek.

"Kimberly…. I'm sorry… I didn't…" Kimberly moved back as Noel moved forward toward her. Kimberly quickly got into her car and drove off.

Tommy had finished putting Zeke to bed; Chuck had already passed out after dinner when Kimberly came in. Tear-stained cheeks, red eyes, filled her face. Tommy immediately rushed to her side when he saw the red cheek.

"Kimberly!" Tommy held her arms "What happened? Who did this to you!" Kimberly just buried her face into his chest. "Did Noel… did he hit you?"

"He was drunk and…"

"He hit you!" Tommy immediately pulled away and grabbed his jacket.

"Tommy!"

"I'm gonna kill him!"

"He's not worth it!"

"He hit you!"

"Tommy, please… I just…it's over. It's over." Kimberly wrapped her arms around Tommy's neck and hugged him. "It's over."

Tommy slowly led Kimberly by her by the hand up the stairs toward the bedroom. Their bedroom. Kimberly looked up at Tommy; he was so beautiful in the dark. So open and free. He may call her his 'Beautiful' but to her and any other woman, Tommy was just as beautiful, if not more because of his heart and strength. Tommy opened the door and led her inside. Kissing her again, he pushed her up against the door as soon as the door was closed behind her, letting his hand wander over her body. He had touched her, hadn't been intimate with any woman frankly since that night before her wedding. Tommy was ached for Kimberly. All those lonely night in this bedroom without her, was almost too much to bear. And now Tommy had Kimberly. He had her in his arms, the way things were meant to be. From her face to her neck, Tommy kissed down to her round full breasts, his hands caressing her waist and hips then reached around and pulled her ass closer to him, making a moan escape Kim's lips.

"Tommy…" Kimberly managed to say between heavy breaths and moans. He kissed her again, feeling her mouth with his tongue. It was passionate; it was Kimberly and Tommy, the greatest love of a lifetime. Tommy took Kimberly by the hand again Tommy led Kimberly to the bed. He kissed her once more, pushing her down onto the bed. Kimberly caught herself slightly on her hands, as Tommy brought his hands to her thighs before kissing her hotly on the lips. Kimberly moaned loudly, as Tommy's hands slowly moved up her thigh and under her dress, grabbing at her black lace thong and pulling it down in one swipe. Tommy kissed Kim's stomach, as she moved herself up higher onto the bed, forcing him to crawl up after her like an animal. The need in his eyes revealed his intent as he looked at her, and upon seeing his desire reflected in her eyes, he started kissing up her leg. She moaned as he started getting close to sweet treasure she held between her legs.

"I love you." Suddenly Tommy reached up and grabbed her ass, pulling her to him. He then lifted up the bottom of her dress and took in his first glance at the wet and moist area of his true desire. Tommy bent down and kissed it, letting his tongue slip past his lips and explore her beautiful mound. Kimberly gasped, clenching Tommy's head. Between the delicate lips of her pussy, up to that small bump that indicated her pleasure center. Tommy teased it at first, just rubbing one finger in a circle over her clit.

"Oh! Tommy!" Kimberly moaned as Tommy continued his feasting, licking and pulling at her lips. His moans and grunts of pleasure soon joined hers as he felt her body tensing and writhing under him. Tommy slid one finger into her wet channel, before another. "Tommy… I'm… I'm gonna…"

"Come for me Beautiful. Let me drink you." Tommy licked her pussy all over and sucked on her clit as he moved his fingers quickly in and out of her, pushing hard with his fingertips when they were in deep to fully stimulate that heavenly spot.

"Oh YES! Fuck!" Kimberly cried out, grabbing for his head with her hands and guiding him with her body movements, feeling the intense pleasure roll over her in small spasms. Kimberly came hard, but Tommy didn't stop, licking, and sucking from her. He removed his fingers and started licking up her juices, moaning with pleasure at the taste of it. He then momentarily abandoned the wet, pulsing area as he kissed up stomach, removing the dress as he went. Kimberly sat up slightly, helping him remove her dress.

With one sly movement, Tommy reached his hand around Kimberly's back and undid the clasp the held them. And after he threw the last piece of her garments to the floor, he leaned back to get the full view of her. She smiled at him as he looked at her amazed.

"Oh Kim, I never seen anyone as perfect as you. You are as beautiful as a goddess," he stated, looking down at her with hunger in his eyes. "And you taste like one too." A smile so inviting and so confident came over his face that made her tingle all over again.

"You're not so bad yourself handsome," Kimberly replied coyly. She then sat herself up and reached for his mouth, taking charge this time by pushing him down on his back. Kimberly straddled Tommy; she released his mouth and started kissing and sucking on his neck. Encouraged by his moans of pleasure and his hand on her neck, pushing her closer, she started biting and sucking harder. Soon his hunger overcame him and he copied her movements. Holding each other close, they bit and licked at each other moaning and grinding their bodies together. Her hands found his stomach and she moved down and continued her feasting there as she pushed his shirt up. Then, just as she did, he say up slightly and removed his shirt himself. Tommy tossed his shirt aside after roughly pulling over his head.

"There, better Beautiful?"

"Uh huh," Kimberly moaned as her hands and mouth found every inch of his chest. She licked and sucked at his nipples, feeling with him with her mouth and tongue. Kimberly fumbled with Tommy's jeans and boxers getting them down his legs as Tommy struggled kicking off his sneakers and socks. Tommy cupped one of her breasts and slowly massaged it making more moans escape from her lips. But before long she pushed him back again and gave him that enticing, beautiful and mesmerizing smile of hers.

"My turn, now." Kimberly said with that innocent smile. She moved to his side and continued kissing his stomach, only this time one of her hands reached down and started rubbing his throbbing member. Tommy moaned.

As Kimberly's kisses moved slowly down, he could feel his excitement rising and fought furiously to keep his desire maintained. He thought he couldn't hold it when he felt her tongue on his shaft. Tommy moaned even louder when he suddenly felt her mouth take him all in. All his years of meditation and control nearly flew out the window when Kimberly swallowed him into her mouth. With every time she went down, he deeper in her mouth than before. Tommy tried hard to keep himself from calling out in ecstasy. She used one of her hands to fondle his balls while using the other to aid her sucking and licking of his engorged manhood.

"You're going to make me loose control if you keep going like that." Kimberly smiled. Tommy's hands found their way to her head, burying deep into her hair, she continued, almost knowing instinctively how much he could take. Just when he thought he would explode, she would relax and slow down. Kimberly knew Tommy's tendency. She knew when to slow down to bring the pleasure to maximum. Tommy gasped, pulling Kimberly off him softly. He cupped her face, kissing her.

"I wasn't done."

"But I almost was and I would much rather come deep inside you." Kimberly moaned.

"Well, tiger… do your best." Tommy pulled Kimberly up by her arms, laying her lengthwise on top of his body. Tommy kissed and suckled at Kim's neck, his hands roaming her back, as Kimberly's hands clinched at Tommy's short spikes. Tommy exploded her body, letting his hands remember her body again. It had been a long time, but the curves, dips were the same. Tommy rolled them over, with him hovering on top.

"You are a goddess." Kimberly kissed him.

"You're not so bad yourself handsome." Tommy fondling her breasts with one hand and clutching her ass with the other. He moved his lips down and kissed her breasts, taking as much of them as he could in his mouth. He felt and heard her moans, which only encouraged him further. She held his head and neck as he sucked and licked her. She felt herself grow wet and hot once more, and tingles of pleasure rained throughout her body.

"Never has or will another woman make my desires be filled so completely. Never have I felt so much for you like I feel tonight. And yet I need more of you. I need you, body and soul, Beautiful."

"Tommy… I just can't…"

"Not tonight. Tonight is not about can't, tonight is about us, about us becoming one as we were always meant to be." Kimberly bit her bottom lip. "I love you."

"I love you too." Kimberly cupped his face and kissed him. Tommy started caressing her body again, feeling every curve, every dip. And as his hands explored her body, her hands explored his. He rolled over on top of her and kissed and suckled at her neck, He stopped and looked into her eyes with such desire, her breath caught and her heart skipped.

Kimberly just smiled at him, and pulled his face down to her own. And with that she kissed him more deeply and more passionately that she ever has before.

"I want to make love to you, I want to feel you wrapped around me, so hot, so tightly… I want to feel you cum around me. I need you Beautiful…" And as she felt him kissing her neck once more, causing her eyes to close. "I need you…"

"You first," Kimberly whispered. Tommy looked up and smiled at her, noticing the mischievous smile she gave him. "Tommy…. Make love to me. Make love to me right now." But before she could finish Tommy kissed her again, almost making Kimberly forget her own name.

"Kimberly," Tommy whispered softly, looking for an instant of regret, that maybe they were moving too fast. She wasn't even in the start of the divorce from Noel and yet here they were. Tommy knew Kimberly would never go back to Noel, and after tonight he was definitely sure she wouldn't. "Kimberly. I need you so much. You are a dream, my dream, and all I want is to make love to you as a way of showing the desire I have inside." Just then, he noticed for an instant she looked like tears were in her eyes. Kimberly shook her head; she wouldn't ruin this moment with silly happy tears. Kimberly quickly smiled so beautifully across her face and she kissed him again. Passion again flowed through both their veins as she wrapped her legs around his waist, and with one hand guided his hard cock into her waiting moist opening. Tommy groaned, as he found himself buried deep inside her with one thrust.

"Show me tiger. Show me…"

Moans escaped both their lips as he thrusted over and over deeper inside Kimberly. She wrapped her legs around him tighter as his tempo became faster and harder. Matching each thrust of his with her own rocking hips, Kimberly pulled Tommy closer, digging her nails into his back. They couldn't be too loud with both boys sleeping just a hall away. Tommy and Kimberly's lips were bruised with kisses. Their mouth locked together to silence the other. Tommy let out a groan when he felt Kimberly clamped down on him. She exclaimed as complete ecstasy electrified through her body. And at one last thrust, they both cried out as they released themselves together.

Tommy felt exhausted as he collapsed on top of Kimberly, breathing heavily and unable to move. Finally he pushed up and looked into her eyes, unable to express what just happened. Tommy kissed Kimberly, hoping it would help convey his meaning. And when he looked at her again, he knew that he succeeded. He rolled over onto his back and pulled her close to him. She cuddled up to him and let her hand caress his chest. Kimberly smiled.

"Are you happy, Beautiful?" She moaned, snuggling up against him more.

"Yes. Are you?"

"Completely."

"Tommy… this doesn't mean…"

"I know. I know it's too soon to be thinking that. But we will be together again, and this time it's going to be forever." Tommy kissed Kimberly's forever. "Because that is the way it was meant to be."

"Meant to be." Kimberly snuggled her cheek against Tommy's chest as she closed her eyes to Tommy's kisses on her forehead again.

Kimberly found out when Tommy graduates and earns his master's degree this May, he would be given an offer to work as teacher in Reefside for the fall. Kimberly had seen the contract, left unsigned by Tommy. Tommy hadn't even mentioned this to her, they weren't completely back together. Kimberly was still in negotiations for her divorce from Noel. Noel was holding back in the hopes of winning Kimberly back. Kimberly couldn't believe Tommy was not going to take up this teaching opportunity. Tommy saw Kimberly with the papers.

"Hey."

"Hey," Kimberly said. She turned to him. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because there's nothing to tell Beautiful. I'm not taking the job."

"Why not?"

"I won't leave LA or you, or the boys, not when I finally got you back." Kimberly shook her head. In that instant, her mind was made up. She knew what she had to do. As much as it would kill her to do this, she had to part ways with Tommy. She had to do this for him.

"I can't be with you Tommy."

"What? Why not?" Tommy asked.

"Because it's just not the right time. I can't keep failing in and out love with you."

"I have never fallen out of love…"

"I know, but for a time, I did," Kimberly said. She was lying, but she had to. "You will always be in my heart Tommy. And I… I hope in the future, we will find each other again." Tommy took the papers from Kimberly tossing them in the trash, shaking his head.

"No, no, I know what you are trying to do here, but…I love you."

"And I love you, but right now, you have live your life and I have live mine. I refused to be that woman, that woman that has to be a guy. I need to be alone for a while and re-think my life so far. I haven't finished my divorce and here I am back with you, it's not right. It's not right Tommy to be moving so quickly."

"And our boys… what about… that night… did it, did it mean nothing to you?"

"Quite the opposite. It was amazing, it is always amazing with you, but it's not what I need and it's not what we need."

"Haven't we been apart long enough?"

"I just need more time."

"I have given you years Kimberly! Years!"

"No, I have taken years, but you haven't. I have moved on, and it's time you try."

"Please…please don't do this…" Kimberly had tears in her eyes. Tommy was on the verge of crying himself. Kimberly handed Tommy back the papers from the trash

"Sign the papers. Go to Reefside Tommy. Go."

"Not without you."

"Yes, without me. It's the best thing for you and for us. Go to Reefside, it's the best thing for us." Kimberly walked away from Tommy.

AN: Thanks much guys and gals! Reviews are much appreciated! Just 2 more chapters to go I feel! I know, sad, sad, but onto another horizon, and an OOV possibility of being back in the works, plus new stuff too. I am giddy with excitement, Christmas around the corner, and new ideas! Woohoo! Next installment: The Love, a quick overview of Dino Thunder is next. Tommy is living in Reefside, but how long will he truly be alone?