Yellowstone Discovery

I took the night off before Debbie had to leave to go back to school. Debbie, myself and our parents all went out to dinner to celebrate our engagement. The three women made plans to get together over Christmas to plan the wedding. Debbie and I agreed to have a date set by then.

That night Debbie stayed over with me and we talked quietly late into the morning. This time we made definite plans to get together a least once a month during the school year. I offered to drive up to see her but she said she preferred to drive down or we would meet somewhere half way between school and home.

For her senior year at school Debbie was going to live off campus. A couple of girlfriends, including Miranda had asked her if she wanted to share a house with them. Her share of the cost wouldn't be much more than dorm fees. She told me she was tired of living on campus. And since she had a car getting to class and back would not be an issue.

The next day I kissed her goodbye and watched her climb into her loaded car and head north. She was barely to the end of the street and I was missing her already.

I settled back into the previous year's routine. Now I had a goal of having the house completed in time for our wedding. Weekends I tried to relax a little and spend more time with family. Most Sundays I had standing invitations for dinner at my folk's house or Debbie's folk's house. To be fair I alternated every other weekend. Debbie's younger sister, Sarah was commuting to college from home so she was usually there for dinner too. When she was we always had stimulating conversations and a fun time.

Debbie came home the last weekend in September for her older sisters wedding. As you would expect her and Sarah were bridesmaids. The wedding went off without a serious hitch and a great time was had by all. Debbie and I danced, drank and laughed all through the reception.

When October rolled around, Debbie and I were supposed to meet up toward the end of the month. A couple of days before she called and said they were having an early season snowstorm and the brakes on the car were acting up. She didn't think she would be able to make it down.

I told her I would drive up and stay with her. She said no, that she would prefer to postpone our get together to the following weekend. She would have the car looked at and she was sure the weather would moderate.

I changed the reservations for the motel in Mackinaw City. We met on the following Friday and spent a pleasant weekend sightseeing including one day on Mackinaw Island. When she first got there she seemed distracted and out of sorts. When I asked her what the problem was she just said that schoolwork deadlines and exams were on her mind.

As we sat at dinner that first night I was holding her hands when I noticed something. I said, "Debbie, where is your engagement ring?"

Debbie looked at her hand like she hadn't noticed. She blushed and said, "Oh I was doing dishes before I left and took it off. I just forgot to put it back on."

I then held up her other hand where her amethyst ring was evident. "I guess I am just absent minded. I must of grabbed one and forgot the other." She said unconvincingly.

"Well next time remember the diamond and forget the other." I said jokingly and dropped the matter.

Thanksgiving break came and we had a wonderful four day weekend. Debbie spent most of at it my house. I showed her the progress being made and we talked about some decorator ideas she had and I incorporated them into the list of projects. We also got some shopping done for fixtures and carpets.

When Debbie came home for Christmas she said the car was still having problems and with the record year the U.P. was having with snow she wasn't sure how many times she could get back this winter. I knew even in the best of weather the trip was a grueling six hour drive. Her dad and I looked over the car and decided it wasn't worth putting a lot of money into.

I ended up buying a two-year old Jeep still under warranty. I had a mechanic look it over and pronounce it 'healthy.' I gave it to Debbie and told her that now there was no excuse for not getting home. I said it kind of humorously but she didn't seem to think it was funny.

Debbie and the moms got the wedding plans solidified. The date was set, the parish church and a reception hall reserved. They started on all the other details and I for one was glad all I had to do was put on a tux and show up.

I drove up and met Debbie in St. Ignace for Valentine's Day weekend. It was too snowy and cold to do much but admire the rugged beauty of the coastline and the view of the bridge. But I had reserved a Jacuzzi Suite at the hotel and we were more than satisfied to spend most of our time in it making up for the six weeks we had been apart.

Debbie was planning on being home for spring break when work threw me a curve. I was asked to go to Van Nuys, California to train on the installation of some new equipment that was coming to our plant for the new model year. The training would take about two weeks and it was over the spring break period. I tried to get out of it but was told I didn't have much choice.

Debbie was as disappointed as I was when I told her. We knew our next chance to get together wouldn't be until a couple of weeks later. A few days after I broke the news to her she called me back. She asked since I wasn't going to be home for spring break if I minded her going to Florida with her roommates.

We discussed the whole idea and I made it clear I wasn't very happy about it and I didn't think it was appropriate for someone who was engaged. I would just feel better if she didn't go. Besides I wondered how she could afford it. She assured me, somewhat snippily, that she could take care of herself and I had nothing to worry about. And her roommates offered to pay most of the expenses if she would drive the Jeep.

The whole conversation left me uncomfortable. Like the call was just a formality to cover her bases and that she had already made up her mind. It was the same feeling I had the previous year when she treated me with such disregard as long as she got what she wanted.

I shook it off and went on with preparing for the trip to California. The trip was long and arduous. We worked ten, twelve hour days. And we were only able to take one day off to do some sightseeing. I was unable to stay in touch with Debbie but she did keep in contact with her parents and I kept in contact with them.

By the time I returned home Debbie was already back at school. I called her early the next morning anxious to talk to her and surprisingly a man answered the phone.

Unsure if I had the right number I asked, "Who is this?"

"Tom. Who're you looking for?"

"Debbie Koenigsknecht. Is this her number?"

"Oh sure, hang on a second." I could him hear him yell out Debbie's name.

In the background I heard Debbie say 'what?' And the man answered 'telephone'.

I thought I heard Debbie whisper 'you know you're not supposed to answer the phone. Who is it?' And the man replied, 'Don't know. Some guy.'

Debbie picked up the phone and said. "Hello?"

"It's me, Debbie." I said quietly.

"Hi honey. You're calling awfully early. How was California?" She said hurriedly.

"Didn't see much of it except for the inside of the plant, who answered your phone?"

"Oh that was Tom, Miranda's boyfriend."

"On a weekday? This early in the morning?"

"Well, he sometimes spends the night with Miranda. You know how it is Dave." She said somewhat defensively.

"Yeah, I do know how it is Debbie. But I don't like the thought of guys staying the night in my fiancées house." I said getting a little upset.

"Now Dave, you have nothing to worry about. They have been going together for quite awhile. Now are we getting together soon? I missed you over break, lover."

I let her distract me and we discussed getting together in Harbor Springs in a couple of weeks. I asked her about Florida and she vaguely offered that they had a good time and the weather was great. The conversation gave me an uneasy feeling but it got swept away in the rush toward graduation and wedding plans

Harbor Springs would the last time we would get together before school finished. Debbie was doing well in all her classes and would graduate as scheduled. It was a wonderful accomplishment. And the retail chain she had been interning at the last couple of summers had offered her a permanent job in management and she had accepted.

Debbie's parents and I had already talked about coming up for the ceremony. When I mentioned that to Debbie she tried to downplay the importance of being there. The ceremony would take only an hour and she wanted to leave immediately after. But I assured her I wouldn't miss it for the world and that was that.

As graduation neared, Carl, Angela and I made plans to travel up together. The event was being held on a Thursday morning at eleven. We were disappointed when Debbie told us she would be at a party the night before just for the graduating seniors. And the next morning her and her roommates would be busy turning over the house to the landlord and going directly to the auditorium. So even though we were driving up the night before we would not see her until after the ceremony.

Most graduation events tend to be the same. You listen to speakers from the school, honor graduates speak, the guest of honor speaks then they call the seniors up to get their diplomas. Then all the graduates throw their hats in the air and it's done.

We made our way out of the auditorium outside to where the graduates were milling around, congratulating each other and being congratulated by their families. And of course getting their pictures taken in their gowns and generally expressing relief or amazement that they finally made it through.

We finally spotted Debbie in the middle of a group of graduates posing for pictures. As we approached Debbie saw us and bolted from the pack and came over and hugged and kissed us all. She giddily showed us her diploma and we took turns taking each others pictures with her in her robes. Her dad said something to her about meeting her friends.

Debbie glanced back at the group still milling around and said quickly, "Most of them aren't really friends, just acquaintances. But there is someone you should meet. Wait here and I will get her."

And she dashed over to the crowd and plunged in. After a couple of minutes she emerged dragging a familiar face towards us.

"Mom, Dad this is Miranda. My roommate. Dave, you remember Miranda, don't you?"

I said. "Sure, it's good to see you again Miranda. It's been awhile."

Miranda looked uncomfortable as we all shook hands. We chatted for a few minutes, when I finally asked, "Miranda is Josh around? He graduated too didn't he? I was hoping to see him."

Miranda shook her head and said, "He's not here Dave. I think he accepted a job out on the west coast somewhere and he had to leave."

Debbie quickly interrupted, "Dave, mom, dad. Miranda's agreed to be my maid of honor. Isn't that great!"

They all started talking at once about the great news. I couldn't help but notice Miranda didn't seem to be overly enthused about the idea.

After a few minutes of discussion, Miranda excused herself and said she had someone she had to see. She walked away and joined a group of three or four guys who I couldn't help but notice had been staring at us. One of whom looked like he was angry about something. I mentioned it to Debbie and as soon as she looked over that way she said. "We might as well get going, my car is all packed and in the lot." She took me by the arm and started off away from the crowd with Carl and Angela following.

After stopping for a celebratory lunch at one of the nicer restaurants in town we started the long drive home. I drove the Jeep with Debbie. Her mom and dad following. It was a fun drive, Debbie and I talked about the wedding, our honeymoon plans and generally just catching up.

I was disappointed when Debbie told me she was going to spend the night with her parents. She sympathized with me but said she needed to be home for a couple of days and spend some time with them. And her parents were not receptive to her moving in with me prior to the wedding even though they were aware that we frequently spent the night together.

The weeks leading up to the wedding rushed by. We were both working and trying to get as much of the house done as possible. Most of the interior was now done except for having the hardwood floors refinished. I had roughed in my workshop over the garage but would finish it over the winter. I was beginning to wonder if the house would ever be finished.

The wedding day came and went in a blur. Debbie was a beautiful bride and everything came out great. The wedding was fairly small, only about one hundred and fifty guests. I was surprised that Miranda was the only one Debbie invited from college and she didn't even bring her boyfriend. But a good time was had by all.

The next day we left for our honeymoon on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. We spent ten wonderful days in the sun. Eating gourmet food every night. And drinking Heineken beer, French wine and Pina Coladas. I think we made love everyday.

I surprised Debbie by taking her to a couple of clothing optional beaches. At first she was reluctant and shy but after the first couple of hours she took to it like a duck to water. I found out she had a touch of exhibitionist in her. The view of her strutting around with that all over tan will stick with me the rest of my life. It didn't hurt that she was probably one of the three best looking woman on any beach we visited.

Coming back home we were relaxed and ready to settle into married life. I began a six month rotation on the day shift for the first time since starting the apprenticeship program. It limited the side jobs I was able to do but it allowed us to be together every night. It also helped us develop a social life with some old high school friends that we hadn't seen much the last few years.

Financially we were comfortable. So comfortable that at least half of Debbie's salary was going to pay back her student loans. We wanted to have a serious start on having them paid off before we started having kids.

Just about every weekend we would go to parties, or out to a rock and roll bar to dance. We even managed to go camping twice more before the weather got too cold. A group of friends based loosely on our high school associations sort of came together into a close social circle. We were all fairly young, had kids or were planning to have kids in the near future. Some of us would go out to the bars together occasionally but mostly we got together for barbecues, chili cookouts or just to party at someone's house.

I was sorry when it came time to rotate back to nights. On one hand it would make it easier to do those lucrative side jobs and work on the house but on the other hand it would limit our social activities. I was about six months from getting my journeyman's card and once I did I would be able to do more regular day shift rotations.

One side effect I hadn't considered was the decrease in our sex life. Being home every night had prolonged our honeymooning. All winter we had the fireplace going four, five nights a week. It seemed every time we cuddled up in front of the fire we would forget about everything except each other. We were having sex about every other night and sometimes several times on weekends.

When I went back to nights, other than weekends the sex all but disappeared. Debbie didn't like me waking her up in the middle of the night when I got home and in the mornings she was too rushed getting ready for work to try to wake me to get something started.

We finally resorted to one of us taking a half a day off during the week just to make connections. She would either take an afternoon off or I would take a half an evening off once a week. It wasn't ideal but it was the best we good do.

Winter gave way to spring and I was rushing to get a couple of house projects done before summer. I was just about done installing a sunken hot tub for the deck and I had contracted out the privacy fence installation. I was also finishing my workshop over the garage. And we had started to talk about having a baby and what we wanted to do about a nursery.

One time the conversation turned to baby safety and the benefit of using baby monitors to keep track of the little ones. Since I was an electrician I took the thought one step further and installed an intercom system throughout the house. I even wired the deck and my workshop. Now no matter where you were in the house or garage the nursery could be monitored.

About this time several of the other electricians invited me to be a junior partner in a business they were forming. The outside work was picking up and we decided we wanted to run it like a legal business. I had a second phone line run into the house and my workshop to handle it separately. Not absolutely necessary but it was a tax write off.

As the weather got warmer Debbie and I managed to get out camping for a long weekend about once a month. Sometimes we would go with one or two other couples from our group. Sometimes we would go alone.

Debbie completed her first year on the job in June. That milestone was the trigger for Debbie to go off the pill. And in July was our first anniversary. We wanted to do something special and had often talked about going to Yellowstone Park. We decided August was the time and John and Kathy asked if they could go with us.

Slowly I came out of my daze and realized I was sitting in a lounge chair on our deck staring into space. I had finished washing the van and didn't even remember doing it. Three years, three years Debbie and I had been dating, engaged or married. She was the only thing I every wanted from the time I met her. Could she be doing this to me?

I thought about John and what I knew about him. He had graduated a year ahead of Debbie from Gabriel's High School. They had known each other but were not friends back then. John was an owner of a construction company now with a couple of partners including his best friend Craig. Craig and his wife were also part of our social circle. I had known who John was for several years but had not gotten to be friends until Debbie moved back from school.

I remembered hearing a story a while back that John had a previous partner who left the business suddenly amidst rumors that John was messing around with his wife. Nothing else came of it and figured it was just bar talk.

John and Craig were real party animals. They had a standing arrangement to do happy hour on Friday evenings with some other construction guys. They touted it as a business networking opportunity. I remember hearing John's wife, Kathy complaining bitterly that it was just an excuse to get drunk and stay out until the bars close.

As I sat there mulling over the jumble of thoughts racing around in my head I suddenly remembered an odd incident. Last winter, just before I rotated off of days, I was working on some equipment in the auto plant. I had noticed four, five guys in suits and hard hats walking down the isle. I watched them idly when it occurred to me one of them looked familiar. It was my old college roommate Josh!

I called out to him and he stopped and his face lit up when he saw me. We hugged and pounded each others back. He had some time so we got a cup of coffee in the cafeteria. It turned out he had gotten that position with a company in California as a manufacturer's rep for a line of machinery they carried. But he worked out of their Chicago office and General Motors was one of his clients.

Indiana, Ohio and Michigan were his territory. He said every week he spent Monday's in the office then went on the road Tuesday through Friday. We talked about our jobs and I told him all about the apprenticeship program and my intent to someday return to school and get my degree.