Sandra’s Divorce: Navigating the Role of Ex-Husband and Stepmother

It had been two weeks since Sandra had walked into our home, her eyes fixed on Suzanne with a mixture of shock and curiosity. I had been expecting her, and Suzanne had been a trooper, standing by me as I navigated the situation.

“Hello, Sandra,” I said, my voice calm and reassuring. “I’ve been expecting you.”

“Don’t give me that, Robert,” she spat, her eyes flashing with anger. “Who is she, and what is she doing in my house?”

“To answer your first question, this lovely creature is my wife, Suzanne,” I said, smiling at Suzanne. “And to answer your second question, she lives here in her house. It’s not yours anymore, Sandra. You and I were officially divorced three weeks ago, and I was awarded the house.”

Suzanne stepped forward, her hand on my arm. “I think it’s time for you to sit down, Sandra,” she said, her voice gentle but firm.

Sandra’s eyes narrowed, but she followed Suzanne into the living room. I sat down beside her, my hand on her knee. “I know why you’re here, Sandra,” I said. “You’re broke, aren’t you?”

Sandra’s face went white, but she nodded. “How did you know?” she whispered.

“It’s simple,” I said. “I have access to your email. I saw the confirmation notices of all the sales that emptied your investment accounts. And I know Frank stole all your money.”

Suzanne leaned forward, her eyes shining with tears. “We’re going to help you, Sandra,” she said. “We’re going to get your money back for you.”

Sandra’s face crumpled, and she buried her face in her hands. I pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly as Suzanne stroked her hair.

“It’s going to be okay, Sandra,” I whispered. “We’re going to take care of you.”

As we sat there, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was what marriage was all about – taking care of each other, supporting each other through thick and thin.

“I’ve been talking to the authorities,” I said, pulling back from Sandra. “They’re going to arrest Frank and get your money back for you. And I’ve been talking to my attorney, too. We’re going to make sure you get every penny that’s owed to you.”

Sandra looked up at me, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Robert,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Anytime, Sandra,” I said, smiling at her. “That’s what family is for.”

As the days passed, Sandra settled into our home, slowly coming to terms with her new situation. Suzanne and I were patient with her, supporting her every step of the way.

And as we spent more time together, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. I was falling in love with Suzanne all over again, and I knew that this time, our love was going to last.

“I’m glad you’re happy, Sandra,” Suzanne said, smiling at her. “We’re going to get through this together, as a family.”

Sandra nodded, her eyes shining with tears. “Thank you, Suzanne,” she said. “Thank you both.”

As we sat there, holding each other close, I knew that everything was going to be okay. We were going to get through this together, as a family.

And as I looked at Suzanne, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be – in her arms, surrounded by love and support.

“I love you,” I whispered, my lips brushing against her ear.

“I love you, too,” she whispered back.

And as we sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I knew that nothing could ever tear us apart.

Later that night, Suzanne and I snuggled up in bed, our bodies entwined. We talked quietly, our voices barely above a whisper.

“I’m glad we’re doing this, aren’t you?” Suzanne whispered, her eyes shining with excitement.

“I’m thrilled,” I replied, smiling at her. “I love making love to you.”

“Me too,” she whispered, her lips brushing against mine.

As we kissed, I knew that our love was still strong, still intense. And I knew that we were going to make it through this together, as a family.

We slept soundly that night, our bodies wrapped in each other’s arms. And when we woke up the next morning, we were ready to face whatever lay ahead – together.

“I’m a little sore,” Suzanne said, wincing as she sat up.

“Sorry about that,” I replied, smiling at her. “I got a little carried away.”

Suzanne laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You always do,” she said, smiling at me.

“Hey, someone’s got to keep you on your toes,” I said, grinning at her.

Suzanne rolled her eyes, laughing. “You’re impossible,” she said, smiling at me.

“That’s what you love about me,” I said, smiling back at her.

Suzanne nodded, her eyes shining with love. “I do love you, Robert,” she said.

“I love you too, Suzanne,” I replied, my heart full of emotion.

As we sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I knew that our love was still strong, still intense. And I knew that we were going to make it through this together, as a family.

And with that thought, I fell asleep, surrounded by love and support.

But our night was far from over. As we lay there, I couldn’t help but think about the next day, and all the things we would do together.

“I have an idea,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“What is it?” Suzanne asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Let’s go to the country club,” I said, smiling at her. “We can play golf, and then grab some lunch.”

Suzanne nodded, her face lighting up with excitement. “That sounds great,” she said.

“I’ll pick you up at 9 am,” I said, smiling at her.

Suzanne nodded, her eyes shining with anticipation. “I’ll be ready,” she said.

As we lay there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be – in Suzanne’s arms, surrounded by love and support.

And with that thought, I fell asleep, my heart full of joy and anticipation.

The next morning, I woke up early, feeling refreshed and ready to go. I got out of bed, and began to get dressed.

Suzanne woke up a few minutes later, stretching her arms over her head. “I’m starving,” she said, yawning.

“I’ll make some breakfast,” I said, smiling at her.

Suzanne nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Make it something good,” she said.

“I will,” I replied, smiling at her.

As I cooked breakfast, I couldn’t help but think about the day ahead. I was excited to spend time with Suzanne, and to see what the day would bring.

When I finished cooking, I called out to Suzanne. “Breakfast is ready,” I said.

Suzanne came into the kitchen, a smile on her face. “It smells great,” she said.

“I’m glad you like it,” I replied, smiling at her.

We sat down to eat, our plates piled high with food. As we ate, we talked quietly, our voices barely above a whisper.

“I’m so glad we’re doing this,” Suzanne said, smiling at me.

“Me too,” I replied, smiling back at her.

As we finished our breakfast, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be – in Suzanne’s arms, surrounded by love and support.

And with that thought, I stood up, and began to clear the table.

“I’ll do it,” Suzanne said, her voice firm.

“No, I want to,” I replied, smiling at her.

Suzanne nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Okay, but let me help you,” she said.

Together, we cleared the table, our hands touching as we worked. And as we finished, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment.

“I’m so glad we’re together,” Suzanne said, smiling at me.

“Me too,” I replied, smiling back at her.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I knew that our love was still strong, still intense. And I knew that we were going to make it through this together, as a family.

And with that thought, I leaned in, and kissed her softly on the lips.

“I love you,” I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I love you too,” Suzanne replied, her voice full of emotion.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I knew that we were exactly where we were meant to be – in each other’s arms, surrounded by love and support.

And with that thought, I knew that everything was going to be okay.

I couldn’t help but notice the look on Steve’s face as he hesitated outside the hotel. It was clear he was uncertain about what to do next. Sandra, however, seemed to know exactly what she wanted.

“Why don’t you come to my place for a nightcap?” she suggested, her voice dripping with subtle allure. “It’s still a bit of a mess, but I’m sure I can find a clean corner for us.”

Steve’s eyes widened slightly as he considered the invitation. He glanced at the parking lot, his gaze lingering on his Toyota SUV before returning to Sandra. A faint smile played on his lips as he nodded.

“Okay, I think I’d like that,” he said, his voice a little firmer now. “Why don’t I follow you?”

The drive to Sandra’s apartment was a short one, and they parked in the lot together. As they walked to her door on the first floor, Steve couldn’t help but notice the sleek lines of her Mercedes, a testament to her refined taste. Inside, he was surprised to find the apartment spotless, a vast improvement from the chaos he’d expected.

“Can I take your jacket?” Sandra asked, her eyes sparkling as she reached for his coat. Steve handed it over, his fingers brushing against hers as he did so. A jolt of electricity ran through him, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

“What would you like to drink?” Sandra asked, her voice husky as she led him to the living room. Steve’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the tasteful decor and the subtle scent of perfume that lingered in the air.

“Just water, please,” he replied, his voice a little softer now. Sandra nodded and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving him to his thoughts. As he waited for her to return, Steve couldn’t help but wonder what the night had in store for him.

The sound of the phone ringing broke the silence, and I reached over to answer it, Suzanne excusing herself from the table as I spoke.

“Hello,” I said, trying to contain my amusement at the situation.

“Oh hi, Robert, I just wanted to call and thank you for the dinner last night,” Sandra’s voice said on the other end of the line.

“Thanks, Sandra, glad you enjoyed it,” I replied, grinning at Suzanne, who was watching me with a curious expression.

“I loved the restaurant, the food was excellent – as good as some of New York’s better restaurants, easily,” Sandra continued.

“And I must also tell you that I enjoyed the company, too,” she added, a hint of a smile in her voice.

“I’m glad you liked Suzanne, too,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the fact that Steve was still in bed with Sandra.

“I’m sure you know how much she’s in love with you,” Sandra said, her tone dripping with sincerity.

“Thanks, Sandra,” I said, chuckling, “I’d like to talk to you, but I have to be at the country club for a lesson with Steve in half an hour.”

“I wouldn’t hurry if I were you,” Sandra said, a mischievous glint in her voice.

“He’s here in bed with me and he’s still asleep,” she continued, laughing. “I think I wore him out last night.”

“Thanks for that, too,” I said, laughing along with Sandra.

“He’s really a wonderful person…and a pretty good lover, too,” Sandra added, a sly tone creeping into her voice.

“Let’s make it a couple – that’s how great it was,” I said, laughing, trying to keep the conversation light.

“I’ll do you with my mouth if you wish; just a few minutes to get myself together,” Sandra said, her tone playful.

“Tell him I’ll be there if he wakes up,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the fact that Suzanne was watching me with a raised eyebrow.

“Uh…Robert, Steve just woke up and rolled over,” Sandra said, her voice low and husky.

“I can feel he’s interested again,” she continued, a sly tone creeping into her voice.

“God, it’s as hard as it was last night,” she said, laughing. “Don’t expect him for a few days, okay?”

Suzanne and I sat on our couch, holding hands, and discussing our future together. We talked for hours, pouring over every detail, until we reached a decision. It’s what prompted us to call her parents six months later.

“Hi, Mom,” Suzanne said, her voice cheerful.

“Oh hi, Suzy—hold on a sec; I have to get the door,” Margaret replied, her tone curious.

“I don’t understand. Why are you on the phone?” Suzanne’s mom asked, shock evident in her voice.

“We wanted to make sure you were home,” I said with a smile, rolling my eyes.

“What’s the matter, Bob?” Margaret asked, confusion written across her face.

“Nothing, Margaret—it’s a Methodist thing. You wouldn’t understand,” I said, chuckling.

Suzanne shot me a look, but we both knew we couldn’t keep straight faces.

“Where’s Daddy, Mom? We need to tell you something,” Suzanne said, her excitement growing.

Stan walked into the room, looking surprised. “Geez Margaret, what with all the noise? I can’t hear the game. Suzy—Bob, why are you here?”

Suzanne took a deep breath and smiled. “You’re going to be grandparents! We wanted to tell you in person. We’re so happy!”

Margaret and Stan stood there for a moment, processing the news, before rushing to hug and kiss their daughter. They were overjoyed, and soon Suzanne and her mom were crying tears of happiness.

I stood back, giving them space, until Stan came over to shake my hand.

“This is wonderful news, Bob, and it’s so nice that you came all this way to tell us,” Stan said, beaming.

Then, overcome with emotion, he pulled me into a long hug. I guess my religion wasn’t as important as I thought.

The visit from Suzanne’s parents was a few weeks before she was due to give birth. Margaret came to help with the baby, and Stan came to watch ball games and drink my beer.

I was on the twelfth hole with the Men’s League when a cart came barreling down the fairway, forcing us to pause. It was the club pro.

“Bob, you’ve got to come with me. It’s Suzanne—she has to go to the hospital,” he said, his voice urgent.

I dropped my driver and jumped into the cart, racing back to the house. When I arrived, I found Suzanne sitting calmly on the porch with her parents.

“It’s okay, Bob. We have plenty of time. Mom phoned the doctor, and she’s expecting us,” Suzanne said, her voice calm.

I put Suzanne into the passenger seat, and her parents followed us in their car. I thought that might be a ploy to keep me from driving too fast, and I was right.

Suzanne admitted it once we were in the hospital room. I was holding her hand when she told me to call Sandra and Steve.

Sandra and Steve had become a couple after our first weekend together. They went back to bed, just like we had, but they didn’t leave until Wednesday afternoon.

Sandra moved into Steve’s house the following month. They were clearly taken with each other, but they held off on getting married, not wanting to rush things.

Considering Sandra’s recent experience with Frank, I thought it was a wise decision. I was surprised by the friendship that evolved between Sandra and Suzanne.

They quickly became the best of friends, doing almost everything together. Steve and I were often involved when we weren’t playing golf together.

We had checked with Detective Ross about the two criminal proceedings we were involved in. Suzanne and I would have to testify against Dana and Lisa.

Sandra was the primary witness against Frank, and I also had to testify. It was interesting when we were called to identify Frank and Janet in police lineups.

We had to go separately to ensure the integrity of the process, but it was silly. Frank had let his hair grow and grown a beard, thinking that would confuse us—it didn’t.

We could pick him out in a crowd of 500, let alone six men.

We had several months before we would be needed, so I organized a honeymoon to Hawaii. Flying first class enabled us to take several bags, so we each had a suitcase as well as our clubs.

We spent three weeks in Hawaii, hopping from Oahu to Kauai and finally to Maui, which has always been my favorite. We played golf, snorkeled, and sat in the sun, but mostly we made beautiful love to each other.

We not only made love, but we also made a brand new human being—our daughter, Ashley. We had a wonderful time, but every day with Suzanne was a wonderful time.

In the end, we never had to testify. Dana and Lisa pled guilty to sexual assault, sexual battery, and the drug charges. They were sentenced to thirty years, less than one-third of what they would face if the case went to trial.

Frank also pleaded guilty to several counts of grand larceny, forgery, and wire fraud. He was sentenced to fifteen years. Janet pled guilty to being an accessory and was sentenced to five years.

Sandra got almost all of her money back, including the deposit on the house and the cars, due to the fraud Frank and Janet perpetrated. I was just glad that Suzanne and I could move forward with our lives.

We decided to try for three children and wanted them as quickly as possible, so I’d be able to know and love them as they grew into adults and they would know their father.

Fifteen months after Ashley, we had another girl—Jessica—and fifteen months after that, another girl—Amanda. I had a vasectomy then—no more children for us.

I had read that there is no love like a child’s love. I found that statement to be one hundred percent true. Holding my newborn daughter for the first time was an experience that words cannot describe.

Seeing her crawl and later run to me brought me indescribable joy every time. I couldn’t wait to take her and her sisters out to the range. They were so much like their mother.

I was sure they would learn the game and love playing as much as we did.

I knew I would die many years before Suzanne. I was, after all, twenty-one years older. Life, however, was very good to me.

I lived long enough to see my three girls graduate from college before passing in my sleep at the age of 93. Suzanne followed me eleven years later.

Now we’ll spend eternity together. We’re young and fit again, and we can make love all day, every day, day after day.

Yes, there is great sex even in Heaven.