Mark and Becky were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary when Mark turned to his wife Becky with a pensive expression.
“Becky, my dear, I was wondering… Have you ever – and please, be completely honest with me – have you ever cheated on me?”
Becky’s eyes widened slightly at the unexpected question, and she let out a soft sigh.
“Oh Mark, why would you ask such a thing now, of all times?” she replied, a hint of unease in her voice.
Mark reached out and gently squeezed Becky’s hand. “Yes, Becky, I really do want to know.”
Becky hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded.
“Well, all right,” she conceded. “The truth is… yes, Mark, I have cheated on you. Three times, in fact.”
Mark’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he remained composed.
“Three times, you say?” he mused. “Well then, my dear, I must insist – when were these…indiscretions?”
Becky took a deep breath before continuing.
“Well, Mark, do you remember when you were 35 years old and you were desperately trying to start your own business, but no bank would give you a loan? Remember how, out of the blue, the bank president himself came to our house and personally signed the loan papers, no questions asked?”
Mark’s eyes widened with realization.
“My goodness, Becky, are you saying that…?” he trailed off, suddenly overcome with emotion.
Becky nodded solemnly.
“Yes, Mark. I am. I did that for you, to help make your dream a reality.”
Mark was silent for a moment, his mind racing.
Then, to Becky’s surprise, a broad smile spread across his face.
“Becky, my darling, I can’t believe you would do such a thing for me!” he exclaimed, his voice thick with admiration. “To go to such lengths to support my dream – I am truly humbled.”
Becky blinked in bewilderment, but Mark pressed on.
“And what of the second time?” he asked eagerly.
“Well, Mark, do you remember when you had that terrible last heart attack, and you needed that risky surgery that no surgeon would perform? Then, out of the blue, Dr. DeBakey himself came all the way from Texas to operate on you, and you made a full recovery?”
Mark nodded, his eyes glistening with tears.
“Yes, my dear, I remember that as if it were yesterday. You…you did that for me as well, didn’t you?”
Becky reached out and tenderly cupped his face.
“I had to, Mark. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you. You mean everything to me.”
Mark pulled Becky into a fierce embrace, overwhelmed with love and admiration for his wife.
“Becky, you are truly the most extraordinary woman I have ever known,” he murmured.
“I don’t know how I could ever repay you for the sacrifices you’ve made.”
Becky chuckled softly.
“Well, Mark, there is one more time…”
Mark leaned back, gazing at her curiously. “And when was that, my dear?”
“Remember a few years ago, when you were running for president of the golf club, and you were just 17 votes short of winning?”
