Lonely Hearts
By Shelly

Chapter 1: Forgive?


Forgive

That's a mighty big word

For such a small man

And I'm not sure I can

'Cause I don't know now who I am

It's too soon for me to say

Forgive

Shayna entered the house, arms loaded with groceries. She placed them on the counter and headed back out to the car, but a noise made her stop in her tracks. Bruce would be at work and Ty and Dory were at school. As far as she knew the house was empty.

Making her way to the stairway she heard the noise again and she decided to investigate. As she climbed the stairs the noise became more frequent and louder. With a knot in her stomach she made her way to the master bedroom and silently pushed open the door. Shayna stood mortified at the sight before her. Bruce lay on their bed, his buxom, blonde secretary straddling him. Neither one had a stitch of clothing on.

"You bastard," she said, tears filling her eyes.

"Oh my God," the blonde cried. "Your wife is home!"

"No shit," Bruce said with a sigh as he watched the blonde scamper around the room collecting her clothing. She pushed past Shayna and left. Shayna stood frozen in place, unable to think straight let alone move.

"I can explain," Bruce said breaking the silence.

"Really," Shayna said brushing the tears away. "What's the explaination? She tripped, her clothes fell off and she landed on your dick?!"

"Shayna," Bruce said. "Calm down"

"Calm down?! I just caught my husband fucking his secretary and you want me to calm down?! How long? How long have you been fucking her?"

"Shayna...don't," he replied.

"How fucking long," she yelled.

"A year," he replied. Shayna flinched like she had been socked in the stomach. "Please forgive me for not telling you sooner."

"Not telling me," she replied incredulously. "You didn't tell me a damn thing! I found out on my own." She glared at him, her ice blue eyes alight with hatred. "How the hell can you ask me to forgive you?" She spun on her heel and stormed away. Bruce grabbed his robe and followed her down to the kitchen. "Forgive you? I gave you ten years of my life. Ten years! I gave you a son and damn near died giving you a daughter and you want me to forgive you for fucking some whore in our bed? OUR FUCKING BED, BRUCE!"

"Calm down," Bruce said softly. "Remember your blood pressure."

"Fuck my blood pressure," she said slamming groceries onto the counter. "Get dressed and grab some things. I want you out of the house, like yesterday!"

"What about the kids," Bruce asked.

"I'll tell them you're on a business trip," she replied, calming down at the mention of her children.

He stood staring at her a moment before he went back up to their bedroom to dress and pack. When he came back down a while later she had put all of the groceries away. She had just put away the last shopping back when he entered the kitchen. "I really am sorry you had to find out this way," he said softly as he watched her cleaning the counter with a sponge.

"Don't call here," she said, her back to him. "Not for a couple of days. I need time to sort things out."

"I wish you could forgive me," he said as he left.

Tossing the sponge into the sink Shayna let the tears fall and slid down to the floor. Forgive him? How could she forgive him for screwing around on her for a year? How could she forgive him for bringing the world as she knew it crashing down in a pile of rubble and pain?

Chapter 2: On My Own

Without him

The world around me changes

The trees are bare and everywhere the streets are full of strangers

I love him

But everyday I'm learnin'

All my life

I've only been pretending

Without me

His world will go on turnin'

The world is full of happinness that I have never known

Shayna sat on the kitchen floor crying until she heard the front door open and slam shut and the sound of the kids laughing and arguing. Getting to her feet she splashed some cold water on her face and dried it with a dish towel.

"Hey ma," Ty called as she slung his backpack onto a kitchen chair and went to the fridge for something to drink.

"Hey honey," she said softly. "Get your sister a snack and something to drink too and then get your homework started. I need to take a quick shower."

"You all right ma," Ty asked, the nine year old was aware that she was upset, but did not know why.

"I'm fine sweetie," she replied offering him a weak smile.

"When's dad coming home," he asked as he set out an apple and some milk for himself and Dory, who was checking on the stray kitten that had taken refuge from the rain in their garage.

"He's not going to be home for a couple of days," she lied. "He's on a business trip and doesn't know how long he has to be gone."

"Is that why you're upset," Ty asked. "Because dad's gonna be gone so long?"

"Yeah," she lied and went upstairs to take a quick shower, hoping that the hot water would wash away the pain in her heart. It didn't.

"What am I supposed to tell Dory and Ty," Shayna said, annoyance in her voice. "I told them you were on a business trip last week." It had been a week since she had kicked Bruce out and he had made no attempt to contact his children. "Fine," she said in a huff. "I'll tell them the truth. You'll be getting papers from my lawyer soon." With that she slammed the phone down.

"Ma," Ty said entering the master bedroom holding Dory's hand. "Did dad want to talk to us?"

"No," she replied with a sigh. She saw on their faces that it hurt that their father wanted nothing to do with them.

"Did we do something wrong," five year old Dory asked.

"No," Shayna said pulling her daughter into her lap. She motioned for Ty to sit down next to her. "Mommy and daddy are going through a really hard time right now. We're going to be getting a divorce." Ty hung his head, but Dory looked puzzled.

Before the little girl could ask the question Ty said, "It means that mom and dad won't be married anymore." Shayna nodded and smiled weakly at how smart her son was. "Dad doesn't love us anymore. That's why he won't talk to us or come see us."

"No," Shayna said. "Your dad loves you very much." She sighed. "It's me he doesn't love anymore."

"Then it's all your fault," Ty said narrowing his eyes at her. "You're the reason dad's gone. You didn't love him enough."

"Tyler Nicholas Montgomery," Shayna said. "I loved your father more than words could express. Sometimes love just isn't enough."

"It's your fault," he repeated and stormed out of the room.

"It's ok mommy," Dory said hugging her. "I believe you." Shayna wrapped her arms around her little girl and cried.

"Bruce Montgomery's office, Angela speaking."

"Angela," Shayna said in disgust. "I thought your name would be more whorish than that. Let me speak to my husband."

"He's not your husband anymore," Angela replied.

"Correction," Shayna said. "He's my husband until the divorce is final. Now let me speak to him" The only response she got was a click. "Bitch!"

It had been a week since she announced to the children that she and Bruce would be divorcing and Ty was still not talking to her. Feeling desperate she called Bruce on his cell.

"This better be important," he said answering the phone.

"Are your kids important enough," she replied. "Your son and daughter want to see you. Do you think you can..." Just then she heard giggling in the background. "Hey Bruce, do you think you can keep your dick in your pants long enough to have a weekend with your kids?"

"Yeah fine," Bruce said. "Tell them to be ready on Friday. I swing by and pick them up after school." Before he hung up she heard Angela in the background squealing with laughter.

Slamming the reciever down she sat in bed and stared off into space. "He's moving on already and where am I? Still wallowing in self pity," she mumbled to herself.

Friday rolled around and Shayna was just about to go grocery shopping when the phone rang. Answering it she found out that Bruce never picked up the kids. "Shit," she mumbled. "All right. I'll be right there to get them." She grabbed her car keys and rushed off to the school, cursing Bruce in her head. When she pulled into the school's parking lot she saw Bruce there with the kids.

"He arrived right after we hung up," the teacher said smiling. "I tried to call, but got no answer so I asked Mr Montgomery to wait for you so you wouldn't worry."

"Thank you," Shayna said and the teacher headed for her own car. "It's nearly four Bruce."

"Got caught up in a meeting. Kids say goodbye to mommy." She hugged and kissed Dory, but Ty wouldn't even look at her.

Shayna watched as the kids and Bruce got in the car and it was then that she noticed that Angela was sitting in the passenger seat. Narrowing her eyes at the woman she watched as she helped Dory with the seat belt and watched them drive off. "Go on," she muttered. "Play house all you want. He's never going to be faithful."

On her drive home she realized that she never noticed how lonely the city could be when you were alone. When you had been dumped for a newer and younger model. Bruce had moved on, but she was just started to grieve for the loss of the last ten years.

Chapter 3: Motivate Me

Motivate me

I wanna get myself out of this bed

Captivate me

I want good thoughts inside of my head

If I fall down

Would you come around

And pick me right up off the ground

If I fall down

Would you come around

And pick me right up off the ground

"Shouldn't we have called first," Sara asked as she and Mark stood on the porch and rang the doorbell to Shayna's house.

Mark looked around, a worried look on his face. The garden had been over run with weeds and he knew that it was Shayna's pride and joy. The kids' bikes and toys littered the driveway. Mark knew something was wrong. Without answering his wife he reached for the fake rock that sat by the porch and pulled out the spare key, unlocking the door and entering the house. "Shayna," Mark called.

Sara followed her husband into the house now realizing that he was worried about their friend. "Shayn," she called.

"Uncle Mark! Aunt Sara," Dory yelled and bounded down the stairs.

"Hey small fry," Mark said smiling as he lifted the five year old into the air. "Where's mommy?"

"She's lying down," Dory replied. "She doesn't feel well."

"Sara," Mark said. "Why don't you take small fry into the kitchen and get her some milk and cookies. I'm going to check on Shayna." Sara nodded and took Dory into the kitchen. Dory happily chattered away about school.

Mark made it up the stairs quickly, taking them two at a time. He entered the master bedroom and had to squint to see where Shayna was. The room was dark save for a sliver of sunlight peeking through the drawn curtains. "Shayna," he said softly.

"You should have called first," she replied and sat up in bed.

"What's going on," he asked turning on a lamp. He sat down on the bed and saw that her eyes were red, swollen and bloodshot. "Where's Bruce?"

"My guess is off fucking Angela," Shayna replied and blew her nose.

"How long has he been cheating on you," Mark asked, trying to keep his temper in check.

"A year...maybe more," she replied. "I walked in on him a couple of months ago."

"Why didn't you call me," he asked and took her hand. "You know I would have dropped everything for you. You're like my little sister."

"I guess I was embarassed. I was hoping that if I slept long enough it would go away," she replied.

"How's that working for you," he asked with a smirk.

"Not well," she said and scrunched down under the covers again.

"All right," he said standing up and yanking the covers down. "Get up."

"I can't Mark. I don't want to leave the bed."

"Well, I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter," Mark replied.

"Save your breath Uncle Mark," Ty said from the doorway. "All she does is sleep or cry."

"Hey little man," Mark said. "Aunt Sara and Dory are in the kitchen having cookies and milk. Why don't you go join them?"

"Fine," Ty grumbled and left.

"Now," Mark said turning his attention back to Shayna. "You have to get up and get in the shower 'cause you stink girl."

Shayna gave him a half smile and sat up. "I don't know what to do Mark. My marriage has fallen apart and Ty hates me."

"Ty doesn't hate you," Mark said helping her up. "He's just confused right now. He doesn't understand what's going on between you and Bruce. As for your marriage...well that's going to take time, but trust me you'll get through it. Go shower. I'll be down in the kitchen with the kids and Sara when you're done." Shayna nodded and went into the bathroom.

Let me be the one you call

If you jump I'll break your fall

Lift you up and fly away with you into the night

If you need to fall apart

I can mend a broken heart

If you need to crash then crash and burn

You're not alone

Shayna entered the kitchen about a half hour later. She wore an old T-shirt and baggy sweats. Her hair hung just past her shoulders in damp, strawberry blonde ringlets. Sara jumped up from the table and hugged her.

"Mark just told me what that bastard did," she whispered. "Has he been by to see the kids?"

"Yeah once about a month and a half ago. Last I heard he was in Tahiti with Angela." Ty's face hardened and he stormed out of the kitchen.

"All right," Mark said. "You need to stop dwelling on this thing. Not for your sake, but for the sake of the kids. That little boy does not need any more anger. He's got enough of his own." Sara nodded in agreement. "Second, you're all coming with me and Sara back to our ranch."

"Mark we couldn't," Shayna protested.

"Of course you can," Sara said. "The kids are out of school for the summer and it's just me and the horses most of the time because Mark's on the road. I could use the company."

Mark stood and enveloped Shayna in his massive, tattooed arms. "You know we won't take no for an answer. You should have called us. You know we would have been here in a heartbeat." Sara joined the hug and allowed Shayna to just cry.

"All right," she said sniffling. "I'll tell the kids and we'll come back to the ranch with you. Mark, Sara....thanks. I don't know what I'd do without you guys as my friends."

"Don't mention it," Mark said smiling warmly. "You're like my little sister. I know I've told you that before, but it's the truth. I'd do anything for you."

"Same goes for me," Sara said smiling. "I'll go let the kids know. You guys should catch up a bit."

Chapter 4: Fallen

"So, how long has he been cheating on you," Mark asked.

"He says a year," she replied and bit her lip. "The truth is...things haven't been right between us since Dory was born."

Mark reached across the table and took her hands in his. "None of us have been the same since then Shayn," he said. "We almost lost you and Dory. That sort of thing changes a person's life, especially when it's someone you consider family." Shayna nodded. "So, you should get things together and packed to come to the ranch. How long do you think? A week?" She nodded. "Good. Sara will be thrilled to have guests. We haven't had anyone out to the place since we moved in and she's been itching to have company." Shayna chuckled, knowing that Mark was telling the truth.

Within a week Shayna had gotten the kids together and had her mail forwarded to the ranch. She sighed and rolled over in bed, throwing her arm over her eyes to block out the sun. She soon heard Ty and Dory arguing. With a sigh she heaved herself out of bed and went into the hall.

"What is the problem," she said above the bickering.

"Ty said he's going to ride silver today, but Aunt Sara said I could," Dory said folding her arms across her chest.

"She's too little to ride Silver mom," Ty said.

"Sara did say that Dory could ride Silver today honey," Shayna said. "She also said that she would be riding Silver with Dory." Both kids groaned, but for different reasons. "All right," she said. "Give me a hug and go see if Aunt Sara has breakfast ready for you. I'll be down to join you once I shower." They did as they were told and she watched as they raced down the stairs.

Shayna had to admit that it was great to be able to see so much of Mark and Sara. Bruce had never liked either of them so their visits to the house were usually short and never overnight. She felt much more relaxed here and Ty was once again speaking to her. He no longer seemed to harbor the anger he had at the house and she didn't seem to drive herself insane trying to figure out what went wrong in the marriage here. Most days she was too tired from trying to keep up with the kids to think.

She hummed as she washed her hair and then stepped out of the shower. Choosing a pink tee and jean cut offs she slipped on her thongs and headed to the kitchen. She grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down next to Dory, helping her cut her french toast.

"Mark will be back from his road trip tonight," Sara said as she took a seat next to Ty with a cup of coffee. "He said he's bringing a friend with him."

"Really," Shayna said eying her friend. "Ty, take your sister upstairs to wash up please." Ty did as he was told. "Don't go getting any ideas Sara," she said. "I'm not ready to start dating."

"I didn't say a thing," Sara said innocently. "He's just staying here for a night or two because the company is in town and Mark refuses to let his best buddy stay in a hotel in our home town."

"All right," Shayna said getting up and dumping the rest of her cofee down the sink. "I'm heading out to the stables with the kids. You coming?"

"Nah," Sara replied. "I'm going to prepare the other guest room for Glen."

"All right," Shayna said. "See you at lunch time."

"I'm telling you, Glen, this is not a set up. Sara and I learned our lessons playing matchmaker with you last time," Mark said as they drove home from the airport.

"Yeah," Glen replied. "Thanks for bringing that up."

"Look, I told you I was sorry," Mark said. "I had no idea that Joely would turn out to be such a bitch. Shayna's not here for you anyway. She's going through a divorce and the break up was not amicable. He cheated on her for God knows how long and now he won't even see the kids. She's torn up about it."

"As long as it's not a set up again," Glen said as Mark pulled into the driveway.

They climbed out of the car and grabbed their bags. Sara greeted Mark with a hug and a kiss and Ty and Dory clambered around Mark asking for presents.

"Ty, Dory," Shayna scolded. "You know better than that." She smiled up at Mark. "Welcome home." She gave him a hug and kissed his cheek.

"Told you that being here would be good for you. You look a hundred times better than you did back home," Mark said. "Shayna I'd like you to meet one of my best friends in the business, Glen. Glen Jacobs this is Shayna Montgomery."

"Nice to meet you," Shayna said looking up into Glen's eyes.

Something strange has come over me

A raging wind across my seas

And girl you know that your eyes are to blame

And what am I supposed to do

If I can't get over you

And come to find that you don't feel the same

Glen stood dumbfounded for a moment as he gazed into Shayna's ice blue eyes. The pain and sorrow he saw in those eyes broke his heart and he found himself wanting to make all of her pain go away. He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and promise her that everything would be all right. He had no idea why, but he felt like his world would end if she didn't have feelings for him. Sara and Mark saw this and smiled knowingly at each other.

Glen finally found his voice and said, "Nice to meet you," he said smiling at her.

I'm holding on for my life

To keep from drowning in your eyes

Girl what have you done to me

To make me fall so desperately

Later that night Shayna couldn't sleep. She went down to the kitchen to make herself some hot tea and she found Glen sitting at the table drinking some warm milk. "That really work," she asked smelling the liquid in his cup as she waited for her water to boil.

"I don't know," he replied trying not to look her in the eyes, for fear of getting lost in them again. "This is my first night trying it. So, why can't you sleep?"

"I don't wanna bore ya with the sordid details of my life," she replied and sat down across from him with her tea.

"It won't bore me," he replied smiling. "I wouldn't mind getting to know you better. Besides if you bore me then my problem's solved." She laughed.

"All right," she said. "But not in here. Let's go get comfy on the couch and talk."

He nodded and followed her into the living room. They made themselves comfortable and she told him all about walking in on Bruce and how he's not been in his kids' lives in the past couple of months. A few times he could tell that she was close to tears so he stopped her by just taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

"So," she said. "How about you? Is there a Mrs Jacobs waiting for you at home?"

"No," he replied. "I was close to marrying someone, but it didn't work out."

"What happened?"

Glen sighed and thought a moment. "I don't really know," he finally said. "Her name was Joely and we were together for a couple of years before I proposed. I thought that we were happy, but....about a month before the wedding she started acting strange. Blowing up at me over things like place settings for the reception, floral arrangements and stuff. Well, our wedding day rolled around and she never turned up."

"Oh Glen," Shayna said sympathetically. "She left you at the altar?"

"She ran off with the travel agent that booked our honeymoon. She spent two weeks in the Bahamas with him, our honeymoon." He sighed. "I haven't really been ready to date again since then."

"How long has it been," Shayna asked.

"Almost a year now," he replied and gave her a weak smile. "It still hurts like hell when I think about it, but everyday I manage to push it a little further to the back of my mind."

"I'm so sorry to have made you talk about it," Shayna said feeling guilty for bringing up his painful memories.

"It's all right," he replied. "Somehow, it didn't hurt so much to tell you."

She smiled at him and nodded. "I felt the same way about telling you all about Bruce."

Seeing the rays of the sun poke their way into the living room windows she stretched and yawned. "Goodness! We've been up half the night. I better catch some sleep. The kids'll be coming in to wake me up in a couple of hours." She leaned over and kissed Glen on the cheek. "Thanks for talking to me. You're a great listener."

"So are you," he said. "Get some sleep. I'll tell Mark and Sara to keep the kids occupied so you can sleep in."

"Thanks," she said and headed up to bed.

Glen couldn't wipe the goofy grin off of his face. He had just spent half of the night talking to Shayna and he couldn't think of a better way to have spent it. As much as he tried to deny it to himself, he was falling in love with her and it all started by looking into her eyes.

Chapter 5: Wondering

If you want me to wait

I would wait for you

If you tell me to stay

I would stay right through

If you don't wanna say

Anything at all

I'm happy wondering

Over the course of the next couple of weeks Glen made any excuse he could to spend time with Shayna. Ty and Dory loved it when he would come pick them up. He often took them to a nearby amusement park and sat with Shayna talking while the kids rode the ferris wheel or carousel.

"You really are spoiling them too much, Glen," Shayna said as they sat on a towel on the beach, Dory's decision for the day trip.

"Ah," he said. "They should be spoiled. They're great kids." Shayna smiled at him and then went back to watching Ty helping Dory make a sand castle. "Shayna," Glen said hesitantly.

"Mmmm," she said prying her eyes off of the children.

"I need to say something to you and it's not easy for me to say," he replied.

"What is it," she asked. "You know you can tell me anything."

"There's a reason why I spend so much time at Mark and Sara's," he said.

"What reason is that," she asked, not knowing where he was going with this.

"You," he replied shyly.

Cause everybody

Needs someone that they can trust and

You're somebody

That I found just in time

Shayna averted her eyes and pretended to be watching the children. "I understand that it's too soon for you, but I had to tell you my feelings. Talking to you feels so natural. I trust you with my deepest secrets. Half of the shit I've told you Mark and Sara don't even know." She still would not look at him.

Now my life is changing

It's always rearranging

It's always getting stranger than I thought it ever could

Ever since I found you

I wanna be around you

I wanna get down to the point that I need you

"I never thought I'd love anyone after Joely," he continued. "I go on the road and I can't wait to come back to see you. When we spend time together I never want it to end." She closed her eyes, forcing the tears back. It was the sweetest thing that any man had ever said to her, but she didn't want to hear it, not now. "I want to be around you all of the time," he said.

"I should check on the children," she said opening her eyes and walking over to the sandcastle. Glen sat on the towel watching her walk away, his heart wounded by her actions.

"Stupid," he muttered. "You should have known better. Idiot!"

Shayna spent the rest of their day at the beach avoiding speaking to Glen. She built additions to the sandcastle with the children, went swimming with them and got them food.

It was not until they got back to Mark and Sara's house that Glen spoke. "Hey kids, could you let me and your mom talk for a while?"

"Sure Glen," Ty said happily as he helped Dory out of the car.

"Shayna," he said, but she silenced him with her hand.

"Glen don't," she said. "You're a very sweet man..."

Don't tell me

The bad news

Don't tell me anything at all

Just tell me

That you need me

And stay right here with me

"Don't," he said. "I know what comes next. Look, I can't help how I feel. All I know is that I started to fall the day I met you and I fall deeper and deeper every time we spend time together.

She opened the car door and got out. Glen's heart sunk. She poked her head in through the open window. "It's just too soon, Glen."

If you want me to wait

I would wait for you

If you tell me to stay

I would stay right through

If you don't wanna say

Anything at all

I'm happy wondering

He nodded in understanding. "I don't mind waiting," he replied softly. "I've never felt this way before, Shayna. Not even about Joely." Shayna gave him a nervous smile and waved before she walked into the house. Glen watched her go with a heavy heart.

"Hey," Sara said as she entered the kitchen. "How was the beach?"

"Tragic," she replied and plopped into kitchen chair.

"What happened," Mark asked.

"Glen..."

"He told you didn't he," Sara asked exchanging a knowing glance with Mark.

"You knew," Shayna asked.

"Of course we knew," Mark replied. "He gets those sick puppy dog eyes whenever you enter the room, Shayn."

"Why me," Shayna groaned.

"Because you're beautiful, smart, funny, trustworthy," Mark ticked off. "Shall I go on?" Shayna sighed loudly. "Hell, if it wasn't for the fact that I'm married and you and I are like family I'd be in love with you."

"Mark, that's just gross," she teased. "I need a bubble bath. Sara could you keep an ear out for the kids?"

"Will do," she replied. She watched as Shayna walked out of the kitchen and looked at her husband.

"She'll come around on her own," he replied before she could speak. "She needs time." Sara nodded with a small smiled and took his hand.

Chapter 6: I Knew I Loved You

Glen sat in his locker room lacing up his boots. "What's with you," Mark asked as he too laced up his boots.

"Nothing," Glen replied and slowly rose and rummaged in his bag for his mask.

"It's Shayna isn't it?"

"How'd you guess," Glen replied, sarcasm lacing his voice.

"She needs time," Mark said ingnoring his friend's tone.

"Yeah," Glen replied. "Like that's really the problem." Mark gave him a questioning look. "She's practically a goddess and I'm....."

"Chopped liver," Mark offered.

"Thanks," Glen replied and slipped on his mask.

"She's not a goddess," Mark said placing a hand on Glen's shoulder. "She's just a woman who's been hurt by the only man she's ever loved. You can't possibly expect her to just jump into another relationship."

Glen sighed. "You're right," he said. "You're always right." He looked away and then removed his mask before looking back at Mark. "If I could only convince her that I'm not like Bruce...."

"You might get your chance," Mark said smiling. "Sara is bringing Shayna and the kids to the show and then we're going to take the kids for the night and give you guys a chance to talk."

Glen smiled. "Thanks man. I owe you and Sara big for this."

"Just make sure that Sara's maid of honor and I'm best man at your wedding," Mark chuckled. Glen laughed and left the locker room in a better mood than when he entered.

"Good you made it," Mark said kissing Sara after the show. "Where's Shayna and the kids?"

"She's taking Ty and Dory around to meet some of the guys. They wanted to meet Matt and Jeff and Edge and Christian," Sara replied. Mark noticed that she looked worried.

"What's wrong?"

"The only way I could convince her to come is if she thought Glen was injured. Luckily he wrestles in a mask so she didn't recognize him. At least I hope not."

Leaving the kids with Shane and Stephanie Shayna wandered around the locker rooms until she came to the one she wanted. She traced her fingers over the letters on the door. K-A-N-E. She knew it was Glen, she'd know the hair and the body anywhere. With a deep breath she knocked on the door. There was a fleeting moment when she prayed he wouldn't answer, but then the door was pulled open and he stood before her wearing only a pair of jeans.

There's just no rhyme or reason

Only this sense of completion

And in your eyes

I see the missing pieces

I'm searching for

I think I found my way home

I know that it might sound more than

A little crazy but I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you

I think I dreamed you into life

I knew I loved you before I met you

I have been waiting all my life

"Shayna," he said, shocked to see her standing there. "Come in."

She did and took a seat. "I need to know," she said softly. "Why me?"

"Why you what," he replied sitting next to her.

"Why did you fall in love with me," she said not looking at him. "I'm hardly what you should be looking for. I mean I'm a soon to be divorced mother of two. Yeah that's sexy."

"You are," he replied and placed a hand under her chin to turn her face up to his. "I can't explain exactly why I love you, but I know I do. I feel like I've loved you forever and I have never had that happen before with anyone. When I saw you that first time at Mark and Sara's I thought that I was dreaming. You seemed too good to be true. Then I got to know you and I knew that you were the one I had been waiting for all this time."

Shayna fought back the tears. She refused to admit that that was the exact feeling that she had gotten the first time she met Glen. She refused to admit that she was falling in love with him too. She just knew that if she admitted that she loved him he'd wind up hurting her the way that Bruce had and she couldn't bear that heartache again. "That's crazy talk," she said finally and pulled away from him. "I'm no one's dream woman. You're just laying it on thick." The words were like a knife in Glen's chest. "I don't think we should be friends anymore Glen," she said fighting to keep her voice calm and level. "It'll just be too hard knowing how you feel."

Glen hung his head. "If that's what you think is best," he said softly.

"Goodbye Glen," she said and left his locker room. She ran past Mark, Sara and the kids and found the nearest ladies room. She ran to the sink and splashed cold water on her face as the tears flowed down her cheeks. Grabbing some paper towels she wiped her eyes and was blowing her nose when Sara entered.

"Honey," she said wrapping arm around Shayna's shoulders. "What happened?"

"I think it's time for the kids and I to go back home. We've stayed at the ranch for long enough. I don't want you and Mark to start feeling like a crutch," Shayna said splashing more cold water on her face. "You and Mark are welcome to visit whenever you want. Bruce isn't there to stop you anymore."

"But what happened," Sara gently pressed.

"I told Glen that we couldn't be friends anymore. I don't feel the same way about him that he feels about me and I just can't be his friend knowing that."

"All right," Sara said softly. "Do me a favor?" Shayna nodded. "Don't punish the kids. They've been so excited about traveling around with the company for a while. Let them be happy before you drag them back home. Huh?" Shayna sighed and nodded, forcing a smile.

Chapter 7: Mirror, Mirror

I'm so tired of being here

Suppressed by all of my childish fears

And if you have to leave

I wish that you would just leave

Because your presence still lingers here

And it won't leave me alone

Shayna sat in her hotel room, alone. She was thinking about Glen and all of the sweet things he'd said to her that night. She wanted nothing more than to just jump into his arms and kiss him as he spoke, but something held her back. Fear. Fear of being hurt. Fear of being completely alone. She couldn't bear to go through another break up like she had with Bruce.

"Damn it! Leave me Bruce. Why can't I get you out of my head? Why can't I erase you from my heart?" Tears streaked their way down her cheeks.

These wounds won't seem to heal

This pain is just too real

There's just too much that time cannot erase

"I wish I could just erase all of these memories. I wish I could forget our wedding day and happier days." She wiped her eyes. "It just won't stop."

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone

But though you're still with me

I've been alone all along

With a sigh Shayna stood up and went into the bathroom to wash off her face. Mark and Sara had taken the kids for the night so she was left alone with her thoughts. Thoughts of her life with Bruce. It was then that she realized how empty her life with Bruce had been. He had been there, but not really. Thinking back on it now she realized that his mind was always elsewhere.

"I was in love with a ghost," she mumbled as she turned off the cold water. "I've been alone in this marriage all along." With a sad sigh she shut off the light in the bathroom and laid down on the bed, closing her eyes and drifting off into a fitful sleep.

The morning sunlight filled the room and woke Shayna. With a groan she hauled herself out of bed and went into the shower, letting the hot water cascade off her body and wake her up. When she had dressed she went to the foggy mirror and cleared it so that she could do her hair. She gazed at her reflection and sighed.

Why don't I like the girl I see

The one who's standing right in front of me

Why don't I think before I speak

I should have listened to that voice inside me

I must be stupid, must be crazy, must be out of my mind

To say the kind of things I said last night

"What did I do," she said to her reflection. With a sigh she ran the brush through her hair and went to get the kids from Mark and Sara.

She knocked on their door and waited, hearing Sara giggling and then Mark grumbling. "Did I wake you," Shayna asked with a smirk when Mark answered the door.

"No," he said looking back over his shoulder at Sara.

"I hope you're not doing anything while my children are in there," Shayna said with a chuckle.

"Actually no," Mark replied. "Glen stopped by and asked to take them to breakfast. He was just going down to the hotel's diner."

Shayna nodded and sighed. "Thanks Mark," she replied. "Go back to your wife."

"He does care for you, Shayn," Mark said softly. "He really does. That's all I'm going to say about it. I know it has to be your decision." With that said he closed the door to his room and Shayna was alone in the hall.

Chapter 8: Give Unto Me

With a sigh she went to the elevator and rode it down to the lobby. Making a right she headed into the hotel's diner and scanned the tables and booths for Glen. Not seeing them she decided to ask around to see if anyone had seen them.

I've been watching you from a distance

The distance sees through your disguise

All I want from you is your hurting

I want to heal you

I want to save you from the dark

Glen saw her from where he sat in the far corner with the kids. Shayna was scanning the tables and booths, but not finding him or her children and the look of slight panic on her face killed him. "There's your mom," Glen said to Ty and Dory as he pointed toward the door.

"Mom," Ty called and ran to get her.

"Hey sweetie," Shayna said, her panic now disappearing. For a fleeting moment she had feared that Glen had kidnapped the kids, but she pushed the thought out of her mind.

"Glen got us french toast with lots of syrup and fruit," he said as he tugged her to the back booth.

"Hi," she said softly to Glen. "Thanks for taking them to breakfast. You really didn't have to."

"I know," he replied. "I wanted to." There was an awkward silence before Glen reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. "Hey kids," he said handing the money over to Ty. "Why don't you go check out that juke box over there and see what you can play." Ty took the change and Dory's hand and they ran off to look at the juke box. "Have a seat," he said softly to her.

"I really should go..."

"Please," he said. "We need to talk." With a sigh she slid into the booth and avoided looking at him. "I'm not Bruce."

"I know that," she replied looking at him finally. "I never said you were."

Why should I care if they hurt you

Somehow it matters more to me

Than if I were hurting myself

Save you

I'll save you

"All I wanted was to take your pain away," he admitted. "I saw how much he hurt you and my heart ached for you. I thought that if I could just show you how you should be treated then you wouldn't hurt anymore. I just wanted to take your pain away." Shayna looked away, knowing that this was not easy for Glen to talk about so openly.

Fear not the flame of my love's candle

Let it be the sun in your world of darkness

Give unto me all that frightens you

I'll have your nightmares for you

If you sleep soundly

"You don't have to fear me," he said reaching out and taking her hand. "I would die before I hurt you." She tried to pull away, but he held her with gentle pressure. "We have both been hurting," he went on. "We both know what it's like to go through heartbreak. We could be good for each other."

Shayna finally managed to pull her hand free and stood. "I should get the kids to wash up. They must be all sticky from the syrup." She made her way to the children and ushered them into the bathrooms to wash up.

"Mommy," Dory said as she soaped up her hands. "I really like Glen. He's really fun. I like him more than daddy."

Shayna squatted down to be eye level with her daughter. "You shouldn't say that," she said. "Your daddy loves you."

"But he won't let Ty and me visit with him," she said. "I haven't seen him in a long time, mommy. I don't think daddy loves me at all."

Shayna had to fight the tears and pulled her daughter into a tight embrace. "Let's get Ty and thank Glen for breakfast," she said.

Glen had paid the bill and was leaving the diner when Shayna and the kids found him. "Glen," she called. "Hang on." He stopped at the door and waited for them. Dory ran ahead of Shayna hugged Glen.

"Thanks for breakfast. It was delicious," she said smiling as Glen scooped her up into his massive arms.

"Well, you're very welcome Miss Dory," he said with a smile. Shayna and Ty had caught up by then. "I saw a poster for a local carnival," he said to Shayna. "They should just be opening up. Why don't you let me treat you and the kids?"

"Oh please, mommy," Dory said. "Can we?"

"No fair asking in front of the kids," she said with a smirk. "All right," she said. "Let's go to the carnival."

"Yay," Dory cheered and Glen laughed at her enthusiasm.

Give unto me your troubles

I'll endure your suffering

Place onto me your burden

I'll drink your deadly poison

"They have way too much energy," Glen said huffing as he plopped down next to Shayna on the bench.

"You're the one who got them the cotton candy," she said chuckling. "Where'd ya stash my kids?"

"They're on the ferris wheel," he said pointing to the top car. He watched as she stared at the car. "Have you thought about what I've said?" She nodded never taking her eyes off the children's car. "Have you come to a decision?"

"No," she replied. "I think it's time to get the kids back to the hotel. We need to get packed and then get to bed early. We all have a flight in the morning."

Glen walked them to their room and Shayna let the kids in. She turned back to Glen. "Thanks for taking the kids to the carnival. They needed to have fun."

"Did you have fun as well," he asked and brushed some hair out of her face.

"I did," she said. "I need to get in there before they kill each other. I'll see you in the morning." He nodded and left feeling like he had made some progress with her.

Chapter 9: Bring Me To Life

How can you see into my eyes like open doors

Leading you down into my core

Where I’ve become so numb

Without a soul

My spirit sleeping somewhere cold

Until you find it there and lead it back home

The flight the next morning was rather uneventful. Ty spent it reading comic books that Mark had gotten him and Dory slept with her head on Shayna's shoulder. Shayna spent much of the flight watching Glen. He was reading for a while, but felt eyes on him and turned back, his eyes connecting with hers. She blushed and looked away, aware that she had felt naked under his gaze. She knew that when he looked at her he saw right down to her soul and no man had ever looked at her like that. She made up her mind right then and there that she was going to take a chance with her life.

"Glen," she said approaching him as he grabbed his luggage. "Can you come to my room later today? I think we need to talk."

"Sure," he said, staring after her in bewilderment. Her room? She wanted him to come to her room? He wondered what was going on.

"Mark, Sara," she said huffing as she ran to catch up with them. "I need a huge favor from you guys."

"Yes," Sara said smiling. She had overheard Shayna asking Glen to come to her room. "We'll take the kids for the night."

"Thanks," Shayna replied smiling.

All this time I can't believe I couldn't see

Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me

I’ve been sleeping a thousand years it seems

Got to open my eyes to everything

Without a thought, without a voice, without a soul

Don't let me die here

There must be something more

Bring me to life

Glen showed up a few hours later. The kids had gone to be with Mark and Sara and Shayna had been pacing nervously in her room. Opening the door to her room, she smiled and welcomed him in. "What did you want to talk about," he asked. She motioned for him to sit and he took a seat on the end of the bed.

"I feel so stupid," Shayna said as she sat down next to him. "You've been just the most wonderful man and I've been so pig headed about what you've been saying to me."

"Shayna," he interrupted her. "What are you trying to tell me here?"

"I guess this," she said and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on his lips.

Glen was surprised by her actions at first and then he kissed back, running his warm tongue across her lips until they parted. His tongue massaged hers as the kiss deepened. One hand cupped her cheek while the other slid to the back of her neck and ran through her hair.

Shayna felt heat moving through her body as she kissed Glen. She felt more alive with this one kiss than she had in the ten years she and Bruce had been together. To be this close to Glen felt so good that she never wanted it to end.

"We should stop," he said softly as he broke the kiss. He was breathless.

"Why," Shayna asked suddenly insecure.

"Because if we don't I'm going to do something that I will regret and I don't ever want to regret doing anything with you," he said and ran his fingers across her cheek. She leaned into his touch and smiled.

"I can't believe how stupid I've been," she said.

"Not stupid," he replied pulling her to him. "Just cautious. I can't blame you. I was the same way when Joely left me." He kissed the tip of her nose. "So, I assume we have the rest of the night together," he began. She nodded. "What shall we do?"

"I ordered room service," she replied. "It should be here soon."

"That's good," he said smiling.

Room service arrived shortly after and they ate and talked before settling in to watch a couple of movies. Glen was about to ask Shayna what she wanted to watch next when he heard her steady breathing and knew she was sleeping. With smile he wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes, falling into a deep slumber.

Chapter 10: Truly, Madly, Deeply

"That goes in the living room," Shayna called to Mark, who was carrying a huge box.

"Where do you want this lamp," Sara asked.

"Um...not sure yet. You can just leave it there," Shayna said smiling.

"So, you're sure that you want to do this," Sara asked as she stood next to her friend and watched Mark and Glen moving boxes into the house.

"Yeah," Shayna said. "I'm sure. Weren't you and Mark the ones who wanted me to get back out there into the whole dating game?"

"Yeah," Sara replied. "But your divorce has only been final since last Tuesday and already you and Glen are moving in with each other. I mean you've only been together a couple of months."

"Maybe in this lifetime," Shayna replied and went to help Dory and Ty with their rooms. Sara watched her friend walk away and smiled. She was so happy to see Shayna happy and free.

I’ll be your dream

I’ll be your wish I’ll be your fantasy

I’ll be your hope I’ll be your love

Be everything that you need

I’ll love you more with every breath

Truly, madly, deeply do

I will be strong I will be faithful

’Cause I’m counting on

A new beginning

A reason for living

A deeper meaning

"Have I told you how much I love you," Glen said as he wrapped his arms around Shayna's waist. "That you're my reason for living?" She was staring into Ty's room watching him sleep peacefully. She had just finished doing the same with Dory.

"Not in the last ten minutes," she replied closing the bedroom door silently and turning around in Glen's massive arms. They kissed briefly and then walked to their bedroom hand in hand.

And when the stars are shining

Brightly in the velvet sky

I’ll make a wish to send it to heaven

Then make you want to cry

The tears of joy for all the

Pleasure in the certainty

That we’re surrounded by the

Comfort and protection of

The highest powers

In lonely hours

The tears devour you

They walked to their bedroom window and stared out at the stars that shone like diamonds on a huge inky black velvety blanket. Glen wrapped his arms around her and she leaned back into his chest as they just gazed out at the sky. "Oh look," she said smiling. "A shooting star. Make a wish."

"I wish for us to never fight," he said. "I wish for us to live a long, happy life together because if I ever lost you I think that I would die."

Shayna had tears in her eyes as she turned to face Glen, his arms still wrapped around her waist. "Where have you been all of my life," she said touching his cheek.

Oh can you see it baby?

You don’t have to close your eyes

’Cause it’s standing right here before you

All that you need will surely come

"I've been right here," he said smiling. "Waiting for you to find me." He lowered his head and captured her lips in a passion filled kiss.

I want to stand with you on a mountain

I want to bathe with you in the sea

I want to lay like this forever

Until the sky falls down on me

I’ll be your dream I’ll be your wish

I’ll be your fantasy

I’ll be your hope I’ll be your love

Be everything that you need

I’ll love you more with every breath

Truly, madly, deeply do

I love you

"I want to live every day of my life right her by your side," he whispered in her ear when they broke the kiss. "I want to be with you from now until eternity. I want to be your sun and moon. I want to be your everything because that's what you are to me. I love you Shayna."

"Oh Glen," she said kissing him softly. "You are my everything. I love you more than words can express.