David, I just came back across your thread. I will say I wasn’t a believer but I now say I will eat crow. Congratulations to you and Shelly. It sounds like it’s working for you three.
If I might I would like to make a suggestion. I think it would be a grand idea if you suggested to both Shelly and Marcus they spend the Christmas and NewYearholidays together. You could tell them both you wanted them to enjoy their first Christmas and New Year’s day together as a couple. Pure excitement on your part knowing they would be able to go out and be a true couple. Perhaps entertaining friends at his condo or going to holiday parties.
I know you said you already had a week planned with Shelly but I think this could be a real win win for all three of you. Of course, Marcus would like it being the dominant alpha he is because it would allow him to take Shelly to meet more of his family and friends. A true coming out with his woman. For you, by showing Shelly how much you love her by allowing her to enjoy her Christmas with her new lover and boyfriend. She would have to respect and love you even more for being so understanding. For Shelly, from the pure excitement and nervous energy of spending Christmas with Marcus rather than her husband. It would have to be a hell’va turn on!
In addition, it would allow you and Shelly to explain her absence to your and her family. An opportunity to let it be known she is spending the holidays with someone else by mutual agreement. You could explain you don’t know what the future will bring but for now it’s what you both want and you both are happy with the decision. End of subject. To really make it meaningful, you could tell both Marcus and Shelly together you think they should stay together through the New Year holiday starting this next weekend. That would give them time to enjoy the whole experience as mentioned above such as shopping together, parades, etc.
Hope you consider the idea. Take care and good luck.