PREFACE

This story has been years in the making, and it is still not finished. However, because so much of it has already been written, I figured I could share it in some easy installments and finish the remainder as I go. Thanks steemit! I must have started it back in 2011 or 2012, so, here's the introduction.

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CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

It is getting late in the corner of a ritzy restaurant. A young couple, obviously deeply in love, has just finished placing their order. Gary gently caresses the hand of his wife. She leans towards him and using her bare foot, Julie plays with his leg, her shoe having dropped to the floor. An elderly couple at a nearby table notices. The woman, obviously touched by the love she sees being displayed, nudges her husband. The old man looks, and then appropriately takes his wife’s hand and kisses it, smiling into her delighted eyes. Gary kisses Julie’s cheek and raises his wine glass. He begins a toast, but stops when Julie shakes her head. She raises her glass of water and says a toast of her own. Gary’s eyes widen and a great smile grows across his face. Their glasses chime and they each take a sip. Gary leans around the edge of the table again and hugs his wife excitedly. The appetizers they just ordered arrive, the young couple thanks the waitress, and they bow their heads to pray.

Once they finish dinner, Gary pulls his wife’s chair out and Julie rises. They do not notice Gary’s credit card still protruding from the bill book as they head to the coat rack. Outside the rain has started again. It’s been going on for days now. Julie waits while Gary fetches the car. He pulls up shortly and runs back to his wife. Shedding his jacket, he covers her as they return to the car, sheltering his young love from the downpour. Gary opens her door and gently shuts Julie in the car. As he returns to the driver’s seat, a puzzled look appears on his face and he starts to search his billfold and pockets. Realizing he left his credit card inside, he confesses his error to Julie. As he leans to sneak another kiss, his hand brushes Julie’s belly and she places hers upon his.

In a moment, Gary rushes outside back through the downpour and into the restaurant. The card has remained where he left it, so Gary easily reclaims it. As he exits again, he can’t help but notice his loving wife beaming back at him.

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Gary pauses to ponder how amazingly fortunate he is to have such an incredible wife.

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As he steps back into the rain, headlights light up the vehicle. Loud thunder echoes in his ears as a truck smashes into his car with devastating force. Metal flies, glass shatters, steam rises and blood covers the window. Gary stumbles and falls as he attempts to leap toward his wife. He hits the concrete, hard.

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I know it's kind of a teaser, but that's how the introduction ends. I'll post the next chapter in a couple of days.

Thanks, @papa-pepper