The 56-year-old man accepted the Jack and Coke from his long-time online girlfriend as he sat on her sofa, across a stylish coffee table from her husband. He and the other man had exchanged pleasantries, mostly discussing the Minnesota Vikings' potential for the upcoming football season, while Emma Kay had made drinks for the three of them. The unlikely trio all knew the purpose of this pow-wow. Each of them was uncomfortable with the subject of the evening, but Charlie and the woman snuck glances at each other as they sipped at their drinks. Two out of the three people were excited for this meeting. For the resolution of an issue that had come up recently.
"Okay. So," the husband began tentatively. Emma Kay had never even told Charlie her husband's name, and the man hadn't introduced himself when they had initially shaken hands, so Charlie just thought of him as "hubby". It seemed as if that's all that Megan considered him as well.
Hubby continued. "First, I want to thank you for coming tonight. I take it as a sign of respect that BOTH of you decided to... well, to seek my approval for your relationship. My wife finally told me all about you and your online connection, and also admitted that she wanted it to become a physical relationship. So thank you for that, honey." He nodded his head towards his wife, who nodded back in a mix of respect and excitement. The woman was almost giddy, but tried to maintain a poker face.
"Charlie, as you are well aware, Megan and I have had intimacy issues for years now. Almost entirely my problem. I don't know if she has told you the specifics, and frankly, they don't matter. The simple truth is that I am physically and emotionally unable to satisfy her... needs. I have to admit that I've been selfish and even petty, keeping my wife from enjoying herself sexually.
"But I want to make it very clear to both of you that I love her very, very much. And I finally came to the realization that love must include the desire to make my partner -- my WIFE -- happy in every way. Since I am unable to satisfy her in the bedroom, she and I discussed her taking a lover. Only one. And only to satisfy her sexual desires. Based on her longstanding, intimate, and obviously caring online relationship with you, she chose you to start a physical relationship with. And based on what she has told me about you, and now meeting you, I can find no reason to object to you becoming her new... surrogate lover, for lack of a better term."
At this, the woman scooted her chair forward and took each man's hand in her own, giving them both a loving squeeze, looking at each with love in her eyes.
After taking and expelling a deep breath, Charlie looked at the man and said, "Thank you for that. I assure you that I will only treat Em -- Emma Kay -- with the highest respect and care. I do love her very much, and I know that she loves me, too. Not in the same way that she loves you, of course. She has made it clear that she loves you absolutely, and would never leave you or CHEAT on you, regardless of her lack of fulfillment sexually."
Charlie left out the part about how this man didn't give his wife ANY sort of attention or affection, physically or emotionally.
"So you need not worry about me whisking her away from you and your girls. You all have a wonderful family, and I would never do anything to break it up."
Hubby wiped a tear away from his eyes after hearing the other man's assurances. He bobbed his head at Charlie in acknowledgment. The three each took large swigs from their respective drinks.
"I greatly appreciate that, Charlie. And from you as well, my dear. And I believe you both. So as far as I'm concerned, it's settled. You have my permission, if not quite my blessing, to see each other -- on OCCASION and with prior notice -- and enjoy each other fully."
Charlie considered making a toast, but decided it would be in poor taste.
"So," hubby continued after swallowing the lump in his throat, "our girls will be home shortly. If your relationship together develops as you both seem to hope that it will, Emma Kay and I intend to introduce you to them gradually. Our oldest will understand our new... arrangement. We will only tell our youngest that you are a long-time friend of their mother's who just moved back into town."