As Jeff drove home his subconscious was back in the home of Bob and Mary. He could not forget the vision of Bob, Mary, Candy, and Rob as they held tightly onto one another.

As tears rolled down his face he had to keep reminding himself that this was for the best. He did not pursue Mary because he knew that she still had ties to Bob. He would not be happy and secure with Mary until he was sure that their relationship was over. He wasn't sure that things would end up as they did, with Mary back with Bob, but a nagging in the back of his mind always warned him not to encourage Mary to go home. If he hadn't tried to do what was right, Mary might be in his arms right now.

Jeff pulled over to the shoulder of the road. He had to get control of himself if he was going to continue driving. Years of truck driving made him aware of the accidents that could happen with just a few minutes of lost concentration.

He was starting to gain his composure when a wave of sadness swept over him catching him completely off guard. His sorrow and grief was more than he could bear. He shook as his sobs engulfed his very being, sobbing as if all hope for the future was lost, and it was. The love that he had been looking for was right there in front of him. Mary was kind, thoughtful, and unaware of the sweetness she shared with everyone. How could he ever be happy with anyone else once he had spent time with Mary? She never realized how much he had fallen in love with her. She never saw herself as an attractive woman, someone that anyone would give up everything in their life just to be a small part in her life. He would be happy even if he could just be a friend connecting with her periodically, but that wouldn't be practical; it would leave him tied to her forever, and he would always be an intrusion in her life. This realization brought another wave of tears and a feeling of complete loss.

Suddenly Jeff was startled by a pounding on his car window.

"Hey buddy, are you okay?"

Jeff looked to see a large burley man pounding on his window. He had a salt and pepper full beard that was neatly trimmed. His hair matched his beard in color, and was styled so that the sides were layered back and the top smoothly intertwined with the sides.

"Yes, I'm fine." Jeff answered loudly. He realized that he must have fallen asleep from exhaustion, but wanted to give the appearance that everything was fine.

"Are you sure? You look upset! Do you mind stepping out so that I can see that you are okay?"

Jeff thought for a second wondering if this guy was safe to open the door to, but he knew that he could take care of himself, so he slowly opened his door as the burley inquisitor stepped aside.

"I'm fine," Jeff stated," I have just had an emotional visit with a friend, but I'm okay."

"Hi, my name is Pete; do you mind me asking where you are headed?"

"I'm going to Midland; it is just about 150 miles away. I'll be all right."

"You know what? I'm going to Midland, too. If you don't mind I'll follow you to make sure all goes well."

"Is that your rig you're driving?

"Yes, I've owned it for two years now. All seems to be going well, no serious repairs yet. I thought it would be a good idea to own my own rig, but there is a lot of paper work that I never had to worry about before when I worked for a company."

"It must be hard on the family life being gone so much."

"I'm the only one I have to worry about, so it isn't a problem. I don't think there's anyone that would put up with me and my schedule."

"I see by the emblem on your truck you were a Marine. Semper Fi, buddy".

"Semper Fi to you, too."

"Oh, I wasn't in the Marines, but my uncle was, and I know how tight you guys are. Semper Fi, always faithful, certainly fits the camaraderie shared by all the Marines. I have a lot of respect for them. We've learned over the years that we would not have the freedom we have if it weren't for men like you."

"If you feel like you're ready, I'll follow you in. I'm getting hungry, and I think I'll need to stop pretty soon."

"I tell you what, follow me in and I will buy you supper. I have a great place in mind and the owner is a personal friend of mine."

"Give me a minute to get in my cab and we're off.

Jeff was grateful to have a distraction from his thoughts about Mary, but felt foolish that this guy thought he needed to be escorted to Midland. You don't find too many people that will go out of their way to help a stranger. Semper Fi, always faithful. Yes, that certainly fits Pete. He must be a very special guy.

Jeff pulled up to Dolly's Café parking lot with Pete following him in his semi-truck.

"Hey Dolly, we're starving, do you think you can fix that problem?" Jeff yelled to Dolly as he walked in the door.

"Well, hi Hon, I was wondering when I would hear from you again. It has been a long couple of days."

"Dolly I want you to meet Pete, he's quite a guy. He's hungry and I told him I knew of someone that could fix him up."

Dolly searched Jeff's face for some answers as to where he was, what he was doing, and if he knew that Mary had left for home.

"Not now Dolly, later," Jeff said as he winked at her. He knew it was too soon to explain to Dolly what had happened between Mary and Bob. In a louder voice he said "We want food, now."

"Okay, I'm the one that can help you," Dolly said as she put menus on the counter. She then brought two cups, full of coffee, and set them down. "I know Jeff wants coffee, how about you Pete?"

"Black would be great. I see you have a motel across the parking lot. Is that yours, too?"

"As a matter of fact, it is. Are you looking for a place to stay?"

"I am ready for a bed, shower, and maybe even to put my feet up and watch some TV.

"I can fix you up right after we get some food in your belly. What do you think? Are you ready to order?"

Pete looked to Jeff, "What would you recommend?"

"My favorite is the hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes, and lots of gravy".

"Wow! That sounds great to me. Maybe even a piece of pie for dessert."

"Two orders of hot beef coming up," Dolly said, as she turned to walk into the kitchen.

I wonder when Jeff met up with Pete, Dolly thought. She hadn't seen him before. He certainly was an interesting man. His eyes were beautiful. They always say the eyes are the window to your soul, and if that is true, this Pete is a very kind man. Dolly then shook her head. What was she doing? She didn't have any time for a man in her life. She was very happy just the way she was.

When Dolly delivered the hot beef to Jeff and Pete they were deep in conversation. Jeff must have known this Pete for some time she thought; they act like old buddies. Funny he never mentioned him before.

As she placed the plates in front of them Pete looked straight into her eyes and said, "Thanks, Hon"; and with that Jeff and Dolly exploded in laughter.

"What's wrong?" Pete said.

"Nothing's wrong" Dolly said, "but that is what I always call everyone, Hon, so I guess it's okay if you call me that, too. People will think they are hearing it in stereo." As she turned to walk away, she broke into a smile. Isn't that strange, she thought to herself.

"So tell me, Jeff," Pete said, "if you cared that much for Mary, why did you work so hard in getting her back with her husband?"

"It was difficult, but I couldn't build a future with Mary until I was sure that she...