Chapter Three

Steve laid next to Jaime in bed that night, watching her sleep. Silent tears of worry streamed down his face, and he had to force himself not to pull her close to him, hold her tightly and never let go. Had he forced her into making a choice she hadn't been ready for, all those years ago? They were happy together, and their commitment had never wavered, but would she have been happier with Michael? Was something being re-ignited in his wife's heart, right before his eyes? The only thing in life that ever truly terrified Steve was the thought of losing Jaime, and he'd never felt more afraid than he did right now.

The next morning, he stood in the kitchen doorway and watched as she placed beef stew ingredients into the crock pot. "You really have more wedding stuff to do today? Again?"

"You can come with us, if you want," Jaime said with her back to him. She would do anything in her power to take away Steve's pain – she ached for him – but she was also feeling a little bit angry and very hurt. He either trusted her or he didn't, and if he didn't, where did that leave their relationship?

"I'll pass," he answered sullenly. Jaime turned around and they stared at each other like strangers until Steve broke away, walking down the hall and out of the house.

Jaime flopped dejectedly into a kitchen chair and, for the second time in little more than twelve hours, she cried with all her heart.

- - - - - -

Daniel was up early that morning because before he picked up Hannah and her mother, he was going to confront his father. Nothing out of line had happened – yet – but Daniel could feel the proverbial out-of-control freight train heading straight for them, and someone was going to get hurt. It might not be his place to interfere, but for everyone's sake, Daniel was about to slam on the brakes.

He got right into it, without preliminaries. "Dad, is something going on with you and Hannah's mother?"

"With Jaime? Of course not. Why would you say that?"

"Hannah says you were staring at her all day yesterday, and the vibe it gave her, well..."

"There's been nothing between Jaime and I for years," Michael insisted.

"How many years?"

"Excuse me?"

"I know I was young when you and Mom divorced, so there was a lot I didn't understand, but you were arguing about someone named Jaime." Daniel took a deep, steadying breath and let the rest out in a tumble of words. "Did you cheat on Mom with her? And was she cheating on Colonel Austin?"

"I don't have to dignify that with an answer, but I will. Absolutely not; one thousand percent no."

"Then why -?"

"Your mother said I'd never gotten over Jaime, that three people in a marriage was one too many."

"So, did you?"

"Did I what?"

"Get over her?"

Michael stood up. "We're done here," he stated. "Why don't you and Hannah go ahead and hear the musicians by yourself? I need some time to think, and I'm sure Jaime could use a little down time."

Daniel shook his head, feeling like he was pounding it against a brick wall.

- - - - - -

When the doorbell rang an hour later, Jaime jumped up, splashed water on her face and headed for the door. The kids were early, She opened the door, ready to help the kids pick out a band for the reception, but only one person stood on the porch. Michael.

"Good morning," he said softly. "Are you ok?"

"Where are the kids?" Jaime asked.

"They can listen to music without us. I told them we were taking the day off -"

"You had no right to do that!" Jaime whirled around pushing the door to slam it in his face, but he was right behind her and already inside.

"Jaime, we need to talk," Michael insisted.

"Yeah, I guess we do," she agreed. She briefly considered suggesting a coffee shop so they weren't alone together, eliminating the chance of more accusations flying around. She knew Michael would never physically hurt her, though, and even if he had...thoughts...about something happening, nothing would. She was perfectly capable of physically stopping him by force if it came to that, and she really didn't think it would. She felt safe sitting down with him in the den.

"You were crying," he stated, concern filling his face. "Feel like talking about it?"

"Bad night turned into a bad morning," Jaime hedged. "I'll be ok."

"Our kids seem to think that you and I are -"

"So does my husband, I think," Jaime told him.

Whatever Steve had been thinking earlier, when he turned and began walking up the driveway, only to see Michael's car parked outside his house, his mind began to reel with anger and suspicion...and opportunity.

- - - - - -