November Rain

Chapter 10

1980 (4 years later)

Sandra couldn't believe how much her life has changed in just over four years. After her divorce from Robert, she thought that she would never find happiness again when it came to relationships. Steven Johnson was the answer to her prayers. He saved her from the cruel destiny that was awaiting her. When he asked her if she would want to work in his accounting office she agreed immediately. He did have a very convincing proposal back then. How could she refuse? Two weeks later she talked to Holly and told her that she would be quitting. Holly was not offended at all. She wished her good luck and she told Sandra that she was destined for better things. Sandra would never forget Holly Richards. If it wasn't for Holly, Sandra would have never gotten to know Steven and eventually marry him. The Riverside Diner was a very special place for Sandra that was filled with great memories that she would cherish forever.

#

1979 (Flashback)

Sandra and Steven bought a new house after they got married. Sandra didn't want to live in the house that she shared with Robert. That house was surrounded with so many terrible memories. Everything in that house reminded her of Robert. She wanted a new place where she could make new memories with her new husband and her daughter. Steven felt the same way about the house he bought with Charlotte. Sandra and Steven agreed that it was time to bury the past and move forward.

Steven moved some of his old furniture into the new home. He only brought items that had sentimental value for him. He got rid of his old furniture. He didn't want anything to remind him of his ex-wife. Sandra also moved some of her things into their new house. It felt good to be living in a new place. Sandra felt that a weight was lifted off her shoulders.

Another thing that made Sandra so happy in her new marriage was how quickly Amanda accepted Steven into their lives. The kid must have some kind of a sixth sense, Sandra thought. Steven was also surprised with that acceptance as well. He assumed that Amanda will see him as a stranger who decided to get involved in their lives. It was the total opposite of that.

Sandra also couldn't believe how Amanda and Steven were like two peas in a pod. Steven would always be telling jokes to Amanda and she always laughed. She still didn't call him dad yet, but Steven took no offense to that. He understood that it would take time and the right moment will come.

#

One evening Sandra and Steven were sitting in the living room while Amanda was asleep in her room. They were drinking wine after their dinner.

"Steve, it's been two years since we got married. Doesn't it bother you that Amanda still doesn't call you dad?" Sandra asked while she was holding her glass.

"No, Sandra. I'm not offended at all. You can't force her to say it. She will refer to me by that term when she is ready. You have to see it from her point of view. She already lost one parent. She can't recover just like that. It's not a dead end yet. She always laughs at my jokes. Also, I took her hiking to the trail that was after your old house. We had a lot of fun. After that I took her for ice cream and we had lunch. I know she doesn't hate me, but she's starting to accept me. That's good enough for me."

Wow, Sandra thought. This man had the patience of a saint. How did he show up in her life? Was he real?

"You're amazing." Sandra whispered.

"Well, I do try." Steven replied and he smirked at her.

"Stop being modest, Steve. You are good with Amanda. You're very patient with her. Not many people would be willing to do what you are doing now: being married to a divorced woman with a kid and raising a kid that is not even yours." Sandra said while she touched his cheek. He smiled at her and kissed her palm.