I met Ben through a college friend back in the 90's. We absorbed him into our group of friends. He was average. Average height, pleasant face, quietly intelligent, clean and polite. He lived at home with his parents and older brother. He had jobs throughout high school and as he went to trade school. He went straight into full-time work after graduating.

Our group of friends was also average, typical, law-abiding and nerdy. We played computer games on weekends, and paint ball or lazer tag for special occasions. No drugs, partying, not much alcohol. BBQ's and dinners at a nice restaurant for Birthdays.

Back in the days of Nokia phones, we had to co-ordinate a lot. Movie times, when and where to meet for dinner beforehand. Who was coming for a LAN party, etc. If Ben said he'd be there, he was. If he had other plans with his numerous cousins, he let us know. He was true to his word, reliable, and never flaked.

He wasn't a horndog, didn't make crude jokes, didn't chase poon, or talk badly about women. I didn't even think he dated. Just quietly lived his life. Saving money. Working hard. His car was as solid and reliable as he was. Neither flashy nor a piece of crap. He didn't waste money on 'collectables' or any unnecessary junk. He was the first of us to buy a house. A nice four-bedroom in the suburbs, just like his parent's. He landscaped the backyard himself.

One night out for dinner, he brought Tracy. It was immediately obvious to me she was the one. This was his future wife. This was permanent. We all welcomed her into the group and respected her; on her own merits and because Ben didn't make frivolous decisions. She had a motherly aura, but not towards him. He was always polite to me, but his full attention was on her that night. He made a gesture to her empty glass and asked if she'd like another. She beamed and said thank you. He held her hand all night. As we walked back to our cars we passed a bridal dress shop. I smirked and elbowed him in the arm. He nodded and smiled.

A few months later they were married. The wedding was lovely. Over a hundred people. She has a large family as well.

Someone from his workplace decided to start some drama and spread rumours she was having an affair with him. Everyone who heard the tale let out the same incredulous cackle of disbelief. There was no question, no doubt in anyone's mind. It was just not possible. She picked the worst person to lie about.

About a year later I broke up with my LVM and stayed with them for a night. She was four months pregnant. She cooked while Ben and I chatted. She didn't ask him to do anything, he didn't tell her to 'let him know how he can help', he just got up every now and then to take out the trash or rinse a dish. After dinner he stood up to take the plates, and made the exact same gesture towards her empty glass as before, without speaking this time. She beamed and nodded, also not speaking. daww.

She was quietly serene and secure. Her pregnancy was a breeze. Two years later they had another child. Their life is stable, secure, peaceful and happy. It's exactly what he wants. It's what he planned. It's what he worked for since high school.

Their children are ten and twelve years old, instead of her dreams being that old.