Danica

I love being in my husband's arms, but those women are staring and talking about me, and it's uncomfortable. I already heard women talk in the bathroom how they felt sorry for Megan. Clara apologized because they didn't know I was in the stall. I get it, Lane and Megan were some kind of power couple or something. I heard them say they thought she would divorce her husband for Lane if I wasn't in the picture. It hurt, but I know he loves me, and I can't let them make me feel insecure. I'm the outcast, but its okay. Lane is all that matters right now.

"I could use some air," I said.

"I'll walk out with you." He said.

"No, I'm fine, just dance with your Aunt because she's on her way over," I said.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine," I said before I kissed his cheek. His aunt had ahold of him pretty quick, so I had the perfect escape. Stepping outside in the crisp fall air felt relieving, and I took a few deep breaths.

"It's getting a bit stuffy inside." I jumped, when I heard a man's voice and turned to see a very tall man.

"I don't mean to alarm you. I'm Ron, Megan's husband." He held out his hand to shake mine.

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Danica Morgan," I said as he shook my hand.

"I know, you and Lane have been the talk of the town." He said.

"I guess when your husband is thought to be dead, that'll happen," I said.

"Yeah, Megan said she met you." He said.

I shook my head. "I'm not sure what she told you," I said.

"Not much actually. She has barely spoken a word to me since he came home." He said.

"I'm sorry about that," I said.

"Don't be, it's nobody's fault. That's the hard part, she doesn't have anyone to blame. I hope she hasn't been too harsh." He said.

"It's fine. I have met your children and they're beautiful." I said.

"They will certainly change your life. Are you planning on children?" He asked, which is a little strange.

"Actually, we're already expecting," I said.

He smiled. "That's great news, does Megan know?" He asked.

I nodded. "Oh yeah, she knows," I said.

"Well, congratulations. I haven't had the chance to meet your husband yet." He said.

I smiled. "I know he wants to meet you. He's thankful she met someone and moved on with her life." I said.

"I'm not sure she will ever move on, I'm sorry to say. Has she been to the farm much?" He asked.

"Just twice to see Hank," I said.

He nodded. "I saw you with your husband. He is all in it with you, isn't he? I mean, he's not lost in the past like Megan?" He asked.

I shook my head. "No, he's really not. We are very happy, and he's very excited to be a dad. He carries a lot of guilt over hurting so many people, and of course that his mom died before he could make it home." I said.

"He shouldn't have to feel guilty. I'm a veteran myself and served over there. I have a pretty good idea what he faced. I'm a little surprised he's so healthy, but glad he made it home. I appreciate his sacrifices." He said.

I guess I never really stopped to think about how this would affect her husband.

"Yes, I feel the same way. He's the best thing that ever happened to me." I said.

"I feel the same way about Megan, but lately she's not been well. She's in there drinking pretty hard tonight. It's not been easy on any of us. I just wish she'd let go." He said.

"She will in time," I said.

The door opened and my husband walked outside. "Lane, this is Ron. Megan's husband." I said, and Lane held out his hand.

"I really wanted to meet you tonight and thank you for everything you've both did for my parents." They shook hands.

"Your mother was a great lady. I didn't get to know her long, but Hank is a hell of a man and it's been a pleasure. I also want to thank you for your service." He said.

"I heard you gave service of your own." Lane said.

"Yeah, U.S. Army 82nd Airborn. I was over there, so I saw it, too. Glad you made it home." He said.

"You too." Lane said, then put his arm around me. "Are you cold?" He asked.

"I'm fine," I said.

"Well, it was nice meeting you." Lane said.

"Umm, do you mind if I ask you a question?" Ron asked.

"Sure." Lane said.

"How has Megan been when she's visited?" He asked.

Lane sighed. "I don't know what to say, other than she's a mess and I'm really sorry about it, I know it's my fault." Lane was talking, but Ron cut him off.

"You cannot carry that guilt, it wasn't your fault. She just hasn't been doing so great at home, and I'm just trying to figure out how bad it's gotten." He said.

Lane looked at me, and I nodded. "We did have to ask her for some space. I don't know if my wife told you, but we are expecting and she took that pretty hard. She just won't accept Danica, and my wife doesn't need that kind of negativity. This is the first baby for both of us, and we need time to settle in and finally start our lives together." Lane said.

Ron nodded. "Well, thank you, and I will try to talk to her. I will warn you she's in there drinking pretty hard. Her friends are trying to talk to her, but I think she needs to talk to a professional." He said.

"What are her friends saying?" He asked.

"That they'd like to give Danica a chance and she needs to snap out of it," Ron said, and I heard Lane let out a relieved breath.

"Good, I was a little worried they wouldn't give Danica a chance." Lane said.

"They wouldn't have come tonight to support you if that was the case. They're trying to coax her out here so we can leave." He said.

"Well, I wish you luck, and again, I'm sorry." Lane said.

"Don't apologize, it's not your fault." He said.