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I like the loving wives category but it can be difficult to come up with something different and the comments are often ruthless. I try to explore alternate realities or situations with angst.

I do spell and grammar checks and proof read but bound to miss some. If that bothers you too much maybe think about reading something else.

Please check the tags, don't read it if it's not your thing. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy it, they are free and they are just stories.

Best Wishes, Satin

***

Beth was away seeing her sister, I 'Dan' was left with the kids. Thankfully they had the best Godparents ever; Sally and Richard were a blessing, so supportive and hands on. I guess it was because they couldn't have their own family and were already in their 40's when our eldest son Harry was born. Beth had told me most of the story, some problem with Sally and Richard not wishing to adopt. Beth looked surprised when I agreed... thinking I'd prefer not having kids if I was in their situation. They had been lifelong friends with Beth's family and became Godparents to all four of our children and had done a sterling job for the past 16 years.

I juggled work with the school runs, sports and dance clubs. Making a pretty good stab at being a domestic goddess; thanks in no small part to Sally's prompts and reminders. Beth called, probably checking I hadn't caused any permanent damage and to remind the kids she was missing them and loved us all.

It's not that I can't cook but Sally and Richard either invited us over or turned up to lend a hand at dinner times; that generally involved Sally doing all of the cooking. Thankfully they were local; we actually rented a house from them on the extensive land that they owned.

By the time of her trip we'd been married over 18 years. Harry was 16, and he'd been joined by 14 year old Molly, 12 year old Chloe and our 7 year old Jake. It wasn't all a bed of roses, but it was close and the minor bumps in the road were just that.

Beth was an attractive woman, she'd been quite plain at school and struggled to find friendships and her own confidence. But many of the starlets from her youth were now looking decidedly frumpy and she easily outshone them. We worked alongside Richard and Sally in their business, Beth was the Office Manager and I was the Chief Technician. I kept myself fit, it helped being hands on at work installing production line machines for clients. With sandy hair and at 5ft 10 I didn't stand out from the crowd, which I was quietly comfortable about.

***

Our life was great, at times Richard and Sally could become a little overly involved, but it wasn't a major issue and Sally was quick to pick on Beth's hints to ease back a bit. I mean they were great but it was a bit much at times. They invited us on holidays but we tried not to go every time despite the exotic locations. They helped with all the clubs, activities and parties involving the kids.

There were a couple of events which irritated me; the main one was Richard offering to enrol the kids in to private schools, he could easily afford it... we certainly couldn't. I thanked him but rejected the offer, it just didn't sit right with me and the local schools had a good reputation. He kept going on about the advantages private education provided. I was more disappointed in Beth; she wanted to enrol them as well. We had a huge argument about it, with Beth saying my ego was risking our children's education.

It was Sally who advised Richard to back off; then the discussion came to a shuddering halt when our eldest Harry casually remarked he had absolutely no intention of changing schools and that he wanted to stick with his mates, Molly was quick to agree with her elder brother.

Beth was not happy, I tried to explain school was more than qualifications, it was about experiences and friends and being comfortable, but she didn't accept it. When I said it wasn't right to take that much money from Richard and it was our job to support our kids, she finally relented.

It wasn't the first time we'd argued about money, Richard and Sally had offered expensive trips to Asia and the States and wanted to teach the kids skiing. I said it was too much and wanted to take them camping, at their young age that was a big adventure anyway and we had an amazing time.

***

We were all at one of Harry's football matches; it was a close game against their local rivals and as ever fraught. The kids generally handled it far better than the parents. Harry went on a mazy run down the left wing, the crowd picked up interest. He put a great cross in and our centre forward got on the end of it, to give us the lead.

I heard Richard shout, "Go on son!"

I should explain that in our area, calling someone 'son' isn't necessarily anything to do with parentage, it is more an indication of age, used often to denote anyone younger. I still got called 'son' by most of the older guys at our local pub. I saw the frown from Beth, I wondered if she was thinking the same as me: that Richard was getting too close to the kids; it was probably nothing but it niggled a bit.

It was with that thought in my mind, when Richard and Sally invited us around to their place to discuss their will of all things. Harry was old enough to watch the others now, so we went over and shared a few drinks. Richard and Sally were proposing a trust should anything happen to them. The trust would give most of their worldly goods to our kids, with me and Beth as executors and fund managers until the kids they reached the age of majority.

Beth seemed to already know about it, while I was completely blindsided. I stammered a response, "I know you don't have kids, but you have siblings and cousins, surely it should go to them!"

"No, you, Beth and the kids are our family and you helped us build the business; we'll still give the family something."

"We can't accept this, it's far too much!"

Sally as calm as ever said, "Just think it over Dan; we know it's a lot to take in, but we'd rather do this than start donating it all to charities."

"We walked back towards home, Beth was adamant we should accept, saying it would set all of the kids up for life."

Something just didn't feel right to me, "Is there something I don't know Beth, you three seem to have this all worked out."

"No, not at all, our families have been close friends for generations and they are like second parents to the kids, it's a natural decision."

The doubt in her eye was fleeting, but it was there, "Tell me Beth, why would Richard leave everything to people who are unrelated and why did he call Harry son the other day?"

Beth threw what I can only describe as a tantrum, "What exactly are you accusing me of, only you could find a problem in such generosity. They are just nice people... for fucks sake grow up!"

The reaction was weird and so out of character; I knew then that something serious was going on.

***

Things remained tense; Beth seemed to be on the phone a lot, to Sally at a guess. I'd had enough, once the kids were dropped off at my mums I went to get some answers out of her.

"Tell me what is going on Beth, there is something!"

Silence... fuck!

"I can arrange DNA tests, they are simple these days."

She dropped her head and started crying.

My brain was mush, incapable of working out what was happening. Why would Beth have an affair with Richard of all people? He was 15 years her senior, a young Adonis would have made more sense. I just had more and more questions. Was Harry mine? What about Molly, Chloe and James, they were all mentioned in the draft will.

"I need some answers, now!"

She nodded, the first words out of her mouth dumfounded me, "It's because you are sterile!"

"What on earth are are you talking about?"

"When we didn't get pregnant, I asked your mum if there had been any issues, she said that when you were 16 you had a severe case of mumps. You had complications and inflammation and a side effect was infertility or a really low sperm count. "

"But I was never tested and those side effects are extremely rare?"

"Yeah, but less so if you had inflammation, it fitted when we tried for over a year but didn't get pregnant. I knew how much you wanted children but then you said: if you couldn't have your own, you'd prefer not to have any. I was devastated... you know how desperately I always wanted a family and if you found out you were sterile, we'd never have one!

I spoke to Richard after getting really upset at work. He was so understanding but I was adamant he had no idea how it felt. It turns out he knew exactly, as Sally couldn't have children either. He was distraught that he couldn't continue his family, the end of seven generations since emigrating from Ireland and they had no one to pass the business on to.

I wanted to experience pregnancy and being a mum. We didn't have the money to consider donor insemination, the fees were extortionate and the idea of some random donor felt awful.

I kept talking to Richard and Sally; it was Sally who proposed a sort of sponsorship! They couldn't have kids and Sally was wrecked with guilt about it. Richard being a donor potentially gave all of us what we wanted. At that time nothing was working and I was so stressed that I thought I'd never get pregnant.

Richard and Sally offered to pay for the clinics and help support us and the kids. And it worked, I got pregnant with Harry. Later we both got promoted and we got this place cheap, that meant we could have as many kids as we liked. And they supported us with all the holidays and gifts as well as just being there for us.

"So Richard is the father of Harry or...?"

Beth nodded, "He is the biological father of all of them. It gave us the family we desperately wanted. Richard and Sally got what they needed, or as close to it as possible. They helped us so much and have been the best friends and Godparents."

"Don't you mean parent, they are his after all!"

"No, they are ours, you're their true father."

"He has always been there, prompting, offering help, now it all makes sense, in the back seat... the real father."

"I made sure Richard didn't embarrass you or take precedence. I told him to back off when he got carried away. You had more say than the rest of us about the schools and everything. He wanted to be part of their lives and to support us; we got all the benefits possible. You can't deny it has worked. What they offered in the will is life changing for the children."

"I paid for the food and clothes.... he provided treats, always the fucking hero. I have no rights; I'm not the father after all. I don't have a leg to stand on! With clinics and anonymous donors there are legalities and protections for everyone involved."

"But no love or connection and this was done out of love."

"Is that what it is Beth... love. You always seemed close, I've seen how you look at him; the father of your children is a powerful draw."

"You never said anything; I didn't mean to do that. I guess having the children did give us a connection of sorts but I have only ever loved you."

"So they paid for the clinic every time?"

"Yes,"

"You know I can check?"

Beth looked down... the hesitation said it all.

"You have to be fucking joking; Jesus Beth... why?

Her words poured out, desperately trying to explain herself, "Do you have to ask, look at our family photo, that's your answer! I had to try something else and it was such a simple solution for all of our benefit, just look at the kids. I am not apologising for bringing them into this world... I am just not! They are a gift to all of us. It isn't like what you are thinking, the insemination wasn't working and we were all so stressed. So we did it naturally when you were away on a trip and it worked, so that seemed to be the best way. We have the perfect family, it's more than we could have ever dreamed of."

"I didn't dream of an unfaithful wife. Are you sure it wasn't so you could really enjoy it and go for it, all very romantic; it's an affair Beth, not a procedure. You even had me and Sally minding his kids during your trysts, having sex while I was on the trips that he organised for work for fuck's sake.! Jesus he took you on those works trips as well!"

"They are our kids! The trips away were easier, kinder to both you and Sally, we tried to be respectful."

Shit, there was that full week away for the holiday I couldn't make, you were pregnant soon after. Four pregnancies and all of the trying before that, just how many times have you fucked him?

Beth ignored the question, "We did something special to have children, please see the good in this. He was the perfect donor, we knew him, he is intelligent, kind, much better than an anonymous sperm donor, it was important the children were full siblings."

"I am such a naïve fool; you were always too impressed by him and by the money. So how was it, just how much fun did you have. It must have added an edge... him trying to breed you!"

"Please don't... I don't want to describe it to you, it was... fine, he was considerate and knew what he was doing."

"I can imagine, he's quite the charmer; I bet you enjoyed making your sordid plans together. Let's see where was it: Budapest, Rome, Vienna all the places we wanted to see together and you went with him and were fucking him. You came back with designer dresses... were they mementos?"

"We had to do it to get me pregnant; the dresses were a memory... hopefully of a conception for us... me and you I mean. It was special; it didn't feel sordid or like an affair, but that we were creating life."

"So the sex was good then, hardly a chore; more a romance and relationship... years of you fucking him and enjoying it. Have you had sex at times you weren't trying to get pregnant?"

Beth looked panicky, "No, you have to believe me; he wanted more and said we had a connection and that it was special, but I refused."

"Why do I have to believe you, I can't trust you at all now. It's not a romance novel Beth; it's a complete fucking disaster. My family, job, home... it's all a lie; you're a cheat and a liar, you must realise this is the end for us!"

"Jesus Dan, don't you dare say that, I'd be absolutely lost without you, the kids would be as well!"

"Shit the kids, what the hell do we tell them? I want DNA tests to make sure before we say anything."

"Why, it changes nothing, they are yours. Are you going to stop loving them all of a sudden... I know you better than that. They don't need to know, it would only hurt them."

"I'd rather not live with any uncertainty as well as the betrayal, and the kids deserve to know the truth, there are all sorts of implications. Does Sally know?"

"She knows Richard was the donor and that's all. You have seen how she is with the kids; she is like a second mother to them. Please don't tell her... it would destroy her. This was for you as well; you're the best father in the world."

"Except I am not... am I? Don't contact anyone, and don't tell the kids anything... I need time to think."

***

Knowing Richard was at a function, I went over to see Sally and didn't beat about the bush, "Did you know the kids were his?"

Sally looked like she physically deflated, "You had better come through Dan."

We sat in the lounge, "Yes I knew, we thought it was a much better option than some random donor with who knows what background. It was almost a miracle for me and Richard and Beth was relieved more than anything. Beth was petrified that you wouldn't want children once you found out that you were sterile. It was my idea to pay for the clinics. I didn't want to see Beth experience what I had gone through."

"Sounds perfect, shame no one thought to run it by me."

"We didn't think you'd be comfortable with the idea, having Richard, 'the father' about, well... it could prove to be difficult for you and we didn't want to put your relationship at risk."

"It wouldn't be at risk because I would have never agreed. Richard has money and that comes with a certain arrogance. He will love the fact that he can get her pregnant, that must be a real rush for him."

"Yes Richard can come across as arrogant, ruthless in business even, but he desperately wanted a family; that's what drove this and nothing else. It's obvious how much Beth loves you."

"So you think it was all achieved clinically?"

"Look I suspect they might have got together a few times but can't be sure. They were alone for a time on holiday when I played with the kids. Richard was so desperate; if you love someone you try and give them everything. It made him so happy and I didn't think it would hurt you or me."

"Really, so the sex doesn't bother you, you are more accepting of that than I am?"

"Of course it bothers me, but I can live with it a few times as it resulted in those beautiful children."

"I wish it was few times Sally, it was all the work trips. It sounds like they didn't bother at all with clinics after the real thing worked with Harry and she didn't always get pregnant quickly. He got to fuck Beth hundreds of times and you should know he asked her to keep going as well. I don't know if they did or not! Beth is denying it but he always had a soft spot for her, she is the mother of his children after all."

"No that can't be right, it was just for the children! That bastard, how could he! I made so many sacrifices so he could have them."

"So did I, I just didn't know it at the time."

***

I spent a couple of days at my brothers place. My new found lawyer advised Beth was sure to get custody; I didn't have a legal or biological claim. It was pointless even trying to take it to court. I could fight it, but they had everything on their side and had enough resources to draw things out and drain my funds.

Over the next couple of weeks I drifted between home. doing things with the kids, avoiding Beth and staying with my brother. I finally agreed to talk to Richard, Beth and Sally to try and sort things out.

They went over their reasons again. Each of us getting the family we wanted; the benefits for the kids; the most dedicated and generous godparents with all the support possible and the legacy for the kids.

Beth added, "And it worked, Sally and Richard shared our joy, our family is everything we hoped for, it has been idyllic for all of us."

Richard continued, "I tried to make sure I stayed in the background and only offered support, we did what Beth and you wanted. You're the father, we tried not to embarrass you or interfere."

"But you couldn't resist, the holiday arguments, the private schools, calling Harry son, you just couldn't help yourself could you? None of you were honest with me, I was the only one left in the dark!"

"We thought not being able to have kids was hard enough to cope with. A donor was difficult, but knowing the actual biological father was constantly present was something you'd never agree to. We could both do things which pissed each other off."

"What... like fucking my wife you mean?"

"I am sorry Dan, we were desperate and the clinics weren't working; once it worked it was easier to continue that way. It wasn't an affair; it was just the times you wanted to have kids."

"I doubt you are sorry about it at all, probably quite proud of yourself, getting the job done in my place. And Beth was just so keen to have a fourth child, were you missing him by then?"

"It's ancient history Dan, the last time was 8 years ago for James. It was an arrangement... a sponsorship to provide our family. Please come back home, I love you so much and the kids need you."

"An arrangement... don't make me laugh! it was hundreds of times, a full on affair... he did ask you to continue after all?"

I could see Sally shift uneasily as Richard tried to explain, "I was so happy about the children, I got carried away with all of the emotions Dan... that should of never happened."