John was thoroughly enjoying this workshop. He was in Springfield, IL, the home of Lincoln. One solid week of Lincoln, all expenses paid. He was also only a few hours away from Beth. He hadn't seen her since Cape Cod and that was over two months ago. They emailed each other and that seemed to be enough. The distance made it easier to be apart. Then this workshop came up and John jumped at the chance to get closer. They talked and planned to meet again.
The workshop ran from Monday to Friday. It ended at 12 noon so that gave them time. John would drive to her house to meet her. Beth said her husband wouldn't be home til late that night so they could have some time together. John couldn't wait.
As he sat in the class his phone rang. He didn't answer it and let it go to voicemail. During the first break, he listened to the message. It was from Branndon, Beth's husband and he asked John to call him if he got the chance.
John thought it odd but called.
"Hi Branndon. What's up?"
"Hi John. Beth said you were in Springfield and might come by," Branndon said
"It was a possibility," John replied, unwilling to commit himself.
"I wish you would. It would good to see you," Branndon continued. "I would like to talk to you."
"Any problem?" There was a little doubt creeping into the question.
"No problem. Just want to talk."
The call ended with John telling Branndon when the workshop ended and he would try his best to get there. As he went back to his seat, his mind tried to think of all the things Branndon would want to talk about. He couldn't think of anything good.
John was good to his word and showed up at Beth's within a few minutes of when he said he would. Branndon greeted him at the door and invited him in. He offered John a beer as they headed for the screened in porch.
"Beth got called into work. She'll be home later."
The two men sat and talked. They covered all the subjects; sports, politics, the family and of course the wedding. Branndon then leaned forward.
"Beth is a pretty special woman, don't you think?" he asked.
John almost choked on his beer. "Why, yes, yes I do."
"Let's get to the point," Branndon stated.
"Ok"
"I know about you and Beth. I'm not blind. I know you and her have been talking together for over 20 years."
John started to talk.
"No, let me finished," Branndon raised his hand. "Beth is in love with you and has been for a long time. I know that and it doesn't bother me. Does that surprise you?"
"Yes, it does."
"It doesn't bother me because she is in love with me too. She's been a great wife, a great mother to our children. What more can I want?"
John put his beer down. "So what are you proposing?"
"What I'm saying is we both love her. Maybe it's time we show her."
John stood up and walked away from the table. He turned around. "Are you saying what I think you saying?"
"Yes," Branndon nodded. "Want a second beer?"
As Beth entered the house, she was greeted by Branndon. He kissed her on the cheek. "Hey look who dropped by."
John stepped out from the kitchen and smiled. "Hi," he waved.
Beth was taken aback. She had texted John a message about working and Branndon being home so she didn't expect to see him here. She went to him and gave him a kiss. "I didn't expect to see you here." She gave him a quizzical look.
"Well the workshop ended early and Branndon gave me a call. He asked if I could stop by. I said yes since my flight isn't until late tomorrow."
"You look tired, Beth," Branndon said. "We ordered pizza and they will be delivering it. I asked John to stay for dinner. Is that ok?"
"Fine," she answered quickly.
The pizza came soon after and the three of them sat in the kitchen talking. Beth kept giving John looks and trying to get him alone to talk to him. She never could.
At dinner's end Branndon looked at his watch. "Wow, it is later than I thought. Beth, why don't you go up to bed. John and I will clean up. Then I'll see him out."