That's Life
written by:
DG Hear

That's Life By DG Hear

Note from Jake Rivers,

This is my eighth semi-annual "invitational." The current effort consists of stories based on songs by Frank Sinatra, Ol' Blues Eyes. Please read the stories and give feedback to the participating authors. Unless I'm convinced otherwise, I'll probably stop after the tenth invitational. Regards, Jake

I chose ‘That's Life' as my invitational song. A big thank you to WanderingScot for editing this story for me. I hope you enjoy the story. Regards, DG Hear

Chapter one - The loss of my wife.

"That's life, That's what all the people say, You're riding high in April, Shot down in May But I know I'm gonna change that tune, When I'm back on top, back on top in June"

Here I was listening to Ol' Blue Eyes singing on the radio as I was driving to a party to celebrate my retirement. Forty-two years of service at one place, the Ford Motor Company. Mary and I had looked forward to my retiring our whole life. We were finally going to go all those places we thought about through the years.

The only problem is my sweet Mary died of cancer two years ago. I now lived alone in the big house. I figured that after I retired I would find a nice place for myself. Too many memories and just too big of a house to take care of. Hell, I was sixty-two years old now.

I spent the last two years working and taking care of the house, while working. Doing most anything to keep busy. Now it was time to move on. While listening to Frank on the radio I drove along thinking about my life.

I was drafted and served my two years. Dad had gotten me a job at Fords right out of high school. After being drafted they saved my job for me. They even let my continuity of service continue while serving my country. That's why I now had forty-two years of service. Not many people spend their whole life at one employer anymore.

I met Mary shortly after I returned from the service. I attended a friend's wedding and Mary was one of the bridesmaids. My friend told me that Mary and her boyfriend had recently broken up and Mary was alone at the wedding. It didn't take me long to introduce myself. We ended up spending the whole night together and I don't mean just at the wedding.

Maybe it was just being out of the service or the fact that I was a horny twenty-two year old but I wanted Mary. It was kind of the love at first sight but I chalked it up to being horny.

After the wedding reception I took her to my place and we had sex. Her body was so soft and warm. She looked and smelled great. I went down on her and when I finally entered her I knew I wanted her to be my girlfriend. I don't know how many times we did it that night.

The next morning she apologized and said she wasn't the kind of woman that slept around. It must have been the drinking at the wedding and me catching her on the rebound.

I asked her if she was sober now and she said of course she was. "Will you let me make love to you now, while you have your senses?"

We went back to the bedroom and made love. I knew right then that we would be together forever. We started dating and had sex all the time. If I wasn't working I would be with Mary. She worked as a clerk at the local drug store.

It was only three months after the wedding we attended that she told me she was pregnant. I didn't hesitate to ask her to marry me. We went to a judge and had a small reception with family and friends. In the next sixteen years we had six kids. She even had two miscarriages.

Our life was what I considered normal growing up. We had both the good and bad times. We spent most of the time going to the kid's activities. Four boys and two girls and I think they belonged to everything possible. It seemed we had something to go to just about every day.

Of course Mary always put the kids first. Even when we had a vacation we spent it as a family. I don't think Mary and I ever had a vacation alone. She would say we can go by ourselves after the kids left the nest and I retired. Well, here I was, retired and alone.

Needless to say our sex life dropped off pretty drastically after the first couple of kids. It was hard enough to just get some alone time let alone time to make love. We still had a few special times like our anniversary when we would really do the nasty.

I had to figure that most married couples go through the same thing. Just part of life. If we got together even once a month we were lucky.

After our fourth child we needed a bigger house. My grandparents were getting on in age and offered to sell me their farm for a really cheap price. There were three hundred acres and a big six bedroom house, with barns and other out buildings. I told granddad that I wasn't a farmer.

He told me I could live in the house and lease out the land to local area farmers and it would help make the house payment. I knew he wanted me to have the farm so Mary and I talked it over and we bought it.

The kids loved it. Now every one of them wanted pets. They all were in 4-H throughout the years and we had a menagerie of animals all through their school years.

I was able to get on the maintenance program at Fords and eventually became a pipe fitter. I got my journeyman card and was now making the big money, at least for a factory worker. Maintenance workers were the highest paid hourly workers.

Between leasing the land to local area farmers and making a decent wage we were able to pay off the farm in twenty five years. That along with the kids starting college we never did much for ourselves. It was always, "We'll have time after the kids are gone," said Mary.

Looking back, I don't regret my life but I do wish I could have done more for Mary. She was happy just being around the kids and being a mother and grandma. We did have our bad times too. The kids becoming sick or Mary and I arguing over what now seems like piddly shit. However we did have one huge argument after which I left for over a week.

Every five years Mary went to her class reunion. She loved seeing her old friends. I never went to mine so I sure had no desire to go to hers. Anyway when her fifteen year reunion came up she asked me to go. I decided at one of my weaker moments to say yes. Mary was ecstatic so I guess I made her happy.

I knew most of her girlfriends whom I met over the years but few of the boys, now men, in her class. I guess my jealous streak showed a little when she began dancing with all these old classmates. One in particular was paying too much attention to her in my opinion.

I did my best not to make any trouble but I would talk to Mary about it later. I danced a couple of dances with her but otherwise just sat there and drank my beer. I began wondering if Mary had ever slept with any of these guys? I knew she wasn't a virgin since we slept together on our first date. I also wondered if one of them might be the guy she broke up with before meeting me.

Mary never gave me any reason to distrust her but watching her dance in another man's arms and me drinking too much was not a good combination for me. She was hugging them goodnight when we were leaving. She hugged this Brad fellow a little too long for my taste.

I kept quiet all the way home. Mary had her fun and I wasn't in the mood for a blowout argument right now. I had to work the next day and our kids were going on an outing with the church. I just headed upstairs and went to bed.

I was hung over the next morning at work and nothing seemed to be going right. My boss said we had to get this job done before we could leave for the day. I called Mary and told her that I would be late getting home and to not hold supper for me. She reminded me that the kids were gone for the day and she wasn't cooking today anyway.

At work we got lucky and got the job done earlier than expected. Finally, I thought, something went right. I would be home ahead of schedule. When I pulled up to the drive there was a strange car in the drive. It was a rental car. I had to wonder who it belonged to.

I opened the front door and there was Mary and this Brad guy hugging. It looked like I broke up a kiss when I opened the door. His hands were on Mary's ass.

"What the hell is going on?" I yelled.

"John, it's not what it looks like..."

"It looks like this mother fucker has a hold of your ass."

Mary pushed his hands away as I approached him. He held up his hands and said, "Nothing happened John, I was just saying goodbye."

I pushed him and he fell over the coffee table. I grabbed him and was about to hit him when Mary was screaming at me.

"John, please stop, we didn't do anything wrong, He was just getting ready to..."

"I don't want any more lies. I saw you with my own two eyes. You want this fucker, you can have him. Hell, for all I know you already have and he‘s probably Jeff‘s father." I hit him once and walked out the front door. I had no idea where I was going.

I regretted saying that part about Jeff but I was mad and we all have a tendency to say things we can't take back. I've always believed Jeff was my biological son.

I heard Mary yelling at me but I wasn't listening. I got in my truck and drove away. I drove around a few minutes and decided to head back and beat the shit out of the guy. When I got near the house I could see his car was gone. I wasn't about to go talk to Mary so I headed into town and found a cheap motel. There was a bar next door so I went in and decided to get drunk.

I walked over to the juke box and hit ‘That's Life'. It's a song I always liked listening to. I was listening to the part where Frank sings.

"I've been up and down and over and out And I know one thing Each time I find myself laying Flat on my face I just pick myself up and get back in the race"

That's when I said to myself that if Mary could fuck around, so could I. I met this gal in the bar and bought her a drink. She told me she was married and her husband was on a business trip with his secretary. "I know he's fucking her. This isn't his first time."

We sat there and got drunk together and headed to my room. It was walking distance to my room. I took my revenge against Mary out on this woman. We must have fucked most of the night. I think it was even more than Evelyn bargained for.

I will honestly say it was the only time in my life that I ever cheated on Mary. I was so mad at her for what I thought she had done to me.

The next morning cooler heads prevailed. I called work and told them I wouldn't be in that day. Evelyn took a shower and said she should be getting home. As for me I wasn't sure what my future held. I went home since I knew the kids would be in school, the young ones at day care and Mary would be at work.

I packed myself a couple of suitcases and headed back to the motel. I sat around, drank a few beers and tried to figure out what my next move would be. I knew I would have to talk to Mary eventually. I almost wished I would have stayed at the house, just beat the mother fucker up and had it out with Mary.

Now I had to wonder why he took off so soon after I left? I'm sure that I saw his hands on her ass. It was so stupid to leave my own home. My mind was working overtime. I headed back to the bar and ate dinner there. Had a few more beers and decided to head back to my room and sleep it off. I had to work the next day.

At work, Paul, a friend of mind asked me how I was doing. His wife Judy was friends with Mary. I figured he might know something.

"Judy asked me if you were at work yesterday. When I told her you weren't she told me that Mary said that you and her had an argument. She wouldn't tell me what is was about but said it was just a big misunderstanding and if I saw you to tell you Mary needs to talk to you and straighten it all out."

"I need a few days to think. Thanks for letting me know what Judy said. Right now I'm just going to keep my problems to myself. No offence Paul."

"I prefer to stay out of other people's business. No offence taken."

A couple of days later when I got off work Judy was waiting to pick up Paul. Actually I think Mary sent her to see me.

"John, Mary asked me to tell you to please call her if I see you. She needs to talk to you. John, I know Mary and she's scared that you mistook what you saw. She really loves you John, no one else, just you. Please give her a chance to explain. She did tell me what happened and I believe her."

"Thanks for passing along the message Judy but I think this is between Mary and me. You're her friend, I would figure you would side with her."

"She didn't cheat on you John, believe me, if she did I would never side with her. Just give her a chance to tell you what happened."

Paul came out and got in his car. "See you tomorrow John," he said.

I waved at him and went back to the motel. I called the house and my oldest son Jeff answered the phone. I knew Mary wouldn't be home yet and I wanted to make sure the kids were ok.

"Dad, where are you? When are you coming home. Mom said you and her got into an argument. Dad, please come home we all miss you."

"I'll be there in a couple of days. I need a couple of days to clear my head before I talk to your mother. Is everything ok? Are you kids listening to your mother?"

"Everything's fine dad except for mom worrying about you. Please come home soon." The kids that were home all talked to me. All asking me when I was coming home.

I have to admit that even though it was only a couple of days, I missed them. I went and got something to eat and stopped at the bar for a couple of beers. I thought about picking up a bar broad but decided against it. I already cheated on Mary that first night and wasn't proud of it now. I headed back to my room.

At work the next day, Dave my supervisor told me I received a call and it was Mary. She asked me to call her as soon as possible. We were always told that we shouldn't receive calls at work unless they were really important. I wondered if one of the kids might be sick or something so I went and called Mary. It was her work number.

"Mary, what's the problem that you had to call me at work?"

"I need to talk to you. You haven't called me and I'm worried."

"You know that we're only to get important calls at work. What do you want Mary?"

"This is a very important call, John. You see, I love you and you never gave me a chance to tell you exactly what happened. Please come home after work so we can talk and let me tell you what really happened. The kids miss you and I miss you too."

I thought for a moment and decided that we might as well put our cards on the table. "Ok Mary, I'll be there tomorrow after work. No lies and no bullshit, I want the truth."

"I promise to tell you the truth John. I love you," she said as she hung up the phone.

The kids were happy to see me when I got home. They were asking a lot of questions but I was able to dodge them. Mary arrived home with the youngest kid which she picked up at day care. She looked happy to see me. I kept a stone face for now.

We sent the kids out to play telling them that I we needed to talk. Some went outside and others to their room to do their homework. Mary and I went and sat on the back porch for a little more privacy.

As soon as we sat down Mary said, "Nothing happened, I swear!"

"Let me tell you what I know and saw Mary. First, I called you to tell you I'd be home late. You reminded me that the kids when on an outing with the church. I was going to talk with you about that asshole Brad being a little too friendly with you at the reunion but didn't want to spoil your evening. I came home and find you in the arms of this asshole with his hands on your ass."

"Let me explain John, please!"

"Let me finish and then I will listen to you." I was trying to stay calm.

"Anyway, I have no idea what the two of you had already done or what might have happened if I didn't show up early. Now, I'll listen to what you have to say." I was surprised that I was as calm as I was. Mary on the other hand was nervous and wanted to talk.

"I didn't do anything and nothing really happen and wasn't going to. Brad was only here about fifteen minutes. He stopped by and said he had an hour before he had to return his vehicle and catch his plane home. He said he thought he would stop by and see me and we could have a cup of coffee."

"How did he know you would be home alone?" I asked.

"I don't know, maybe we said something about you working or the kids church activity, I really don't know. So I invited him in for a cup of coffee and that was all.

"When we sat down his conversation was a bit personal. He started talking about when we went together and how he missed me, things like that. I told him that was a long time ago and that I was very happy in my marriage and he should probably leave. I was becoming a bit uncomfortable.

"We got up and he took my hand and asked if he could at least get a hug and goodbye kiss. It did make me smile, after all he was an old friend. I told him ok but just on the cheek. He put his arms around me and when I went to kiss his cheek, he turned his head and pulled me into him and kissed me on the lips.

"I pushed him away and he lowered his hands to my butt. Sometime during that exchange you walked in. You know what happened after that. As far as the reunion went, I was just having a nice time with old friends. I didn't mean anything by it.

"I'm sorry if you saw it any other way. I love you John and would never do anything to hurt our marriage. I do have to say that it really hurt me when you said Jeff probably wasn't your kid."

"In the heat of anger we all say things we regret later," I replied.

"John, I swear to you that all our kids are yours. I haven't been with another man since the day I met you. And, so you know, it was Bart Benson that I broke up with just before I met you, not Brad."

"Bart, Brad, I knew it started with a B. I'm just glad I hit him I wish I would have hit him more."

"I'm glad you hit him too. I don't want anyone coming between us. He got up off the floor as soon as you left and asked me for some ice to put on his eye but I told him to get the hell out of my house and never come back. I told him he could get ice at the store down the road.

"He wanted to apologize but I told him to just get out and he wasn't welcome back. After he left I looked out the window and saw your car go by. I waited and waited for you to come back but you never did. I was so worried.

"The kids asked about you when they came home. I told them that you went to see a friend. When you didn't come home the next day and I heard that you didn't go to work I looked around and found that some of your things were missing. I sat down and cried. Honest, John, I really didn't do anything wrong. I guess I shouldn't have let Brad in but I had no idea he would try anything. Please forgive me." Mary started crying.

I hated seeing her cry and took her into my arms. I really did love her and I knew her well enough to believe she was telling me the truth.

"Hey, gather up the kids and let's take them to McDonalds." She smiled at me and knew everything would be alright."

That night in bed we made love. We had to keep it down some because of the kids. I believe that was the night that Justin was conceived. A little over a year and a half later Sandy our youngest was born. It was time for a vasectomy. Six offspring was enough but we loved all of them and they did turn out great, thanks to Mary.

Our sex life improved but after Sandy was born we did cut back some. Just not enough time alone or Mary was just too tired. She was willing for my benefit but I didn't push her. We did however have some good sexual romps every now and then.

As far as her reunions go, I attended everyone with her and she spent most of her time with me. Brad never made it to another reunion. Rumor had it that he was divorced and remarried.

****

I arrived at the hall where my retirement party was being held. I couldn't believe all the people that showed up. Most of my close co-workers, a lot of friends and neighbors and some of our relatives attended. All six of my offspring were there with their families.

I couldn't help it, I broke out in tears. The only person that was missing was Mary. I know she would have enjoyed this party with all our family and friends.

Everyone was asking me about my future plans. I explained to them that I was working on a couple of ideas but would either be selling or leasing the homestead. It was just too big for one person. None of my kids were interested in it, they preferred the city.

The kids were a bit surprised but agreed that it was a lot to take care of. For the last two years they would come out and see me when they could but now, being retired I would be alone twenty-four seven. Another thing I noticed is that they visited a lot more when their mother was living. I'm not surprised because who wants to go visit an old man all the time.

I know my kids loved me but they had families and lives of their own. They did invite me to one of their houses for dinner most every Sunday. As Sandy, my youngest daughter said, "You need to eat something besides spam and eggs."

I told her I like spam and eggs and it was easy for me to make. It was one of the few things I could cook. Breakfast was usually cereal and toast. Lunch, when I ate it was lunch meat sandwiches and then spam and eggs for dinner.

At the party I talked with Jeff and Justin, two of my sons, about selling or renting the farm. Jeff was an accountant and Justin worked for a real estate agency. They had been looking at the value and numbers to help me decide what to do.

I did have a great time at the party and thanked everyone for attending. I knew I probably wouldn't be seeing much of most of them again. I wasn't the run around and visit people type person and I doubted most would be coming to visit me.

Over the next month I found a great place to live. It was in an enclosed condominium housing area. There were a few openings. They were rental units for people at least fifty-five years of age. Rentals were $1,400 to $1,600 per mo. You had to sign rental agreements for a minimum of two years. My son said it was a bit high but it had many added benefits. The question was, could I afford it?

I called all my kids together and explained to them that I was going to sell the farm. I got an offer of a million dollars for all the land. A developer was going to build a housing development and my neighbors had already agreed to sell. I held out for the price I wanted. Since I was in the middle of the development area and had all the acreage, I got the big offer.

In the following month we had an auction and sold most all the personal belonging. We had some farm equipment and tons of personal items. When all was said and done I was able to give each one of my kids a hundred thousand dollars and put the rest in investments and savings.

Stuart, my third son said I should keep the money to live on. I explained to him that it was part of their inheritance and I figured they could all use it now. I know I could have at their age.

I let them know that I received Social Security now. Also, my pension from Ford's as well as a monthly check from my savings and security program which I started when I first began working.

I did rent a condo in the mini village. It was really nice. There were four units attached, I don't know how many units all together but there were a lot. I bought new furniture for my condo but brought along my favorite chair which I bought at my own auction.

My kids helped me move in and after putting in shelving paper and all my stuff in the drawers, they took a walk around the gated community. They came back telling me about the pool and hot tub.

"This is a pretty nice place Dad, and safe too. We talked with a couple of men in the community enter and they told us they play hausey (a card game) on Tuesday nights and invited you to join them," mentioned Jeff.

"I'll look into it Jeff, always liked playing cards," I replied.

"Watch out for some of these women here Dad," said Sandy. "You don't want to go getting anyone pregnant." She was laughing, Mary always talked about safe sex with the kids. They all knew I had a vasectomy after Sandy was born.

I said goodbye to the kids and told Julie I would see her the following Sunday. I actually had to write on the calendar which kids house I was suppose to go to and when. The nice part was they were glad to have me visit. That makes every dad feel good.

When the owner of the condo units heard I was a former plumber he asked me if I would mind being the plumber for the condo units. Whenever a plumber was needed I would be called. He said I would be paid twenty dollars an hour with an hour minimum.

I thought this might be a great idea to give me something to do. All the units were only a few years old and most jobs would be leaky faucets and backed up toilets. He had a custodian who did most of the odd jobs needed but he wasn't the best plumber. But in a pinch I had a back-up.

My third day in my apartment I received my first plumbing job. A woman's grandson had tried to flush his plastic toy down the commode. She was a friendly enough woman and apologized over and over again.

I told her it wasn't a problem, that was what I was here for. I had to take the commode up and found the plastic toy. I replaced the ring and used new bolts to fasten the commode down. I was done in about two hours. It was a pretty easy forty dollars.

I averaged three calls a week for the first two weeks. Most jobs took less than an hour.

On Tuesday night I did go to the community center and met the men playing cards. They told me they got together every Tuesday, it got them away from their wives for a few hours. That week there were eight guys playing cards. Of the ones I met, only one other man was widowed.

I went again the following week. Most of the men who played cards were retired. Mostly business men, a few still owned small businesses but had others do most of the work now.

It was funny all the stories these men told. Mostly about their wives and how since they retired they didn't get hardly any rest at all. That was why some of them moved into this retirement community. They had a lot less work to do now.

They talked about how women seem to argue about every little thing. Saying things like, "They just don't know how to just enjoy life." "Always griping about something." I swear these men gossiped as much as women do.

They talked about other women and how their wives would get jealous if they looked too long at the divorced or single women. They didn't mind their husbands looking at the married ones quite as much.

"What about Nora," asked Bob. "My wife didn't like me looking at her even when she was married. She's a looker, that one is."

Bill replied, "I used to dance with her but after Rob died, my wife would get jealous if I just talked to her. She doesn't even come to the dances anymore and very rarely to the pool."

"She walks just about every morning," said Ben. "She sure keeps in shape. I still go to her to get my hair cut but tell my wife I go to a barber."

"Same with me," said Glenn. "She's just such a nice person. She's one you ought to meet John."

"Maybe someday I will. She sounds pretty nice," I replied. I had no idea who they were talking about but just joined in the conversation.

"Hey John, do you like baseball?" asked Ben.

"Yeah, I used to take my kids to the games when they were growing up."

"Well, our committee has booked a bus trip to Cincinnati to see a game in a couple of weeks. You ought to sign up. For some of us it's a day away from the wife."

After he said the last statement he said, "Sorry John, I keep forgetting you lost your wife," replied Ben.

"It's ok, I felt the same way when she was alive but you don't know what you have till you've lost it. I just might go to the game."

Two days later I received another call. It was rather late in the evening. Mrs. Norman said that her sink was clogged. I told her if it wasn't an emergency I would be over first thing in the morning around eight if it was alright with her.

She agreed and I was there first thing in the morning. A middle aged woman answered the door. She looked to be in her forties. I'm not the best with guessing ages but this gal was pretty much a beauty. I figured Mrs. Norman must be her mother.

Chapter 2 Start of a new life

"You must be John Mason, the plumber. I'm Nora Norman."

"Hi, pleased to meet you. So you have a clogged sink?" I asked.

"Yes, I do hair styling on the side and I think too much must have gone down the drain. It takes ten minutes for the water to recede."

Then it struck me that this just might be the Nora the guys at card club was talking about.

She had a room set aside for her business. It had a special type sink for washing hair. She turned on the tap and showed me how the water wouldn't drain.

All the time she was showing me the problem I couldn't help looking at her, she was so beautiful. Not all fancy and made up but she had natural beauty. She had on white shorts and a blouse but she looked sexy without even trying.

I was finally able to take my eyes off of her and get down on my knees to look at the drain pipe. I took out my pipe wrench and put a small bucket under the trap, along with some old towels I brought along. I knew once I took off the trap the water in the sink would pour out of the pipe.

I was just about ready to undo the trap when I looked back and Nora was smiling. "Ok, what's so funny?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, but I always heard about plumbers and their butt crack. When I thought about it, it made me laugh."

"You can't see mine! I have a long shirt on for that exact purpose. I don't think people care to see an old man's butt crack." I had to chuckle myself.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have never told you. It was very wrong of me," said Nora.

"It's ok, if you ever want to play ‘you show me yours and I'll show you mine', let me know. Right now I better get back to cleaning out this trap."

Nora was laughing as she left the room and I proceeded on with my work. I turned the wrench and the water gushed down into the bucket. She was right and the trap was full of hair. I cleaned out the trap and put the sink back in order.

I took the old towels and cleaned up some of the spilt water. Nora came back and asked me if I would like a cup of coffee. I said yes and after finishing my work I joined her in the kitchenette.

I had so many questions for her but wasn't sure where to start. After all she was just a customer at this point.

"Mrs. Norman, is this your apartment? I'm sorry for asking and you can tell me to butt out if you like, but I thought you had to be at least fifty-five to live in these condos? I can hardly believe you're that old. When I first came in I figured it was your mom's condo."

She smiled which was a good sign. I also noticed she was wearing a wedding ring. I wish I had seen it before asking her anything.

"First off, please call me Nora and this is my apartment for now. Thank you for the complement about my age. You are correct though, I'm not fifty-five, I'm fifty-three."

"Well, your husband is a very lucky man to have such a nice looking wife."

"Rod, my husband died last year."

That‘s when I remember the men at card club saying she was a widow. "I'm so sorry, I don't know what to say. My wife died two years ago and I think about her all the time."

She touched my hand and I felt a genuine warmth radiate from her. "I'm sorry for your loss also. I guess we do have something in common. Rod was killed in a plane accident last year. I took it pretty hard even though we were only married a few years. It was my second marriage."

Not only was she easy on the eyes but was also easy to talk to. We must have drunk the whole pot of coffee while we talked. She explained to me that her husband was fifty-five when they got their condo five years ago. They signed a three year lease and renewed it two years ago for another three years.

Now her problem was that her lease would run out next year and she would only be fifty-four. The rules definitely say you must be fifty-five and she wondered if they would renew it when the time came.

We talked for awhile. She asked me how long I have lived in the condo since she has never seen me before.

I told her I had only been there a few weeks and really didn't know much about the neighborhood. She asked me if I would like her to show me around and explain some of the activities that they held there.

We agreed that she would take me on a tour the next day and even have lunch together at the local restaurant. I almost hated leaving but she told me she had a hair appointment and some of the locals already gossiped about her.

The next morning I showered and shaved and put on one of my better shirts and dress pants. When I arrived at her apartment she looked great.

"Nora, excuse me but I have to tell you that you look awesome, as my grandkids would say."

"You don't look to bad yourself," she then smiled. I loved to see her smile, it was so real.

We started out by walking to the community center. I didn't tell her I had been there to play cards on Tuesdays. She explained that they had dances and bingo as well, and some of the men and women had card clubs there.

The center could be used for birthdays and celebrations if anyone wanted to use it. Family was always welcome to visit and even stay overnight at the apartments. They just couldn't live there permanently.

"So have you been to any of the dances here?" I asked.

"Rod and I used to go every month. It was so much fun. After he passed away I tried to go by myself once but a few of the local wives didn't like me being there. I guess they were afraid their husband might want to dance with me."

"Stupid old prunes," I said, "but I can see where they might become jealous." It earned me another smile from Nora.

"Do you play bingo?" asked Nora.

"No, I don't hardly think so." I had to laugh.

"Really, you should go at least once and try it. I bet you'll have fun."

"I'm more into sports. Want to go to a ballgame with me?" I joked but it looked like she was thinking about it.

"I make you a deal John, you go to bingo with me on Saturday and I'll go a ballgame with you."

I couldn't believe she was serious. Why would this good looking woman want to go out with me? "Are you serious?" I asked. "Why me?"

"John, since Rob's death I haven't been anywhere except with my sister. I haven't dated a man in over a year. For some reason I think you understand and I'm willing to take a chance with you. I can use a friend."

I could tell she was serious. "I haven't really dated anyone since Mary's death either. I usually just attend family events but I'm willing if you are."

We made a date to go play bingo on Saturday. I also told her I was going to order tickets to a major league ballgame for the following week.

We left the center and she took me to the pool area. She told me the same rules apply at the pool. You can invite family but you have to be with them while they are there. They also had two hot tubs in an enclosed building with changing rooms and all. I asked her if she used them and again she said not since Rob's accident.

I could picture her in a bathing suit. I saw a smile cross her face, she must have been able to read my mind because she said, "Let's do the bingo and ballgame first and see how it works out.

After showing me the walking paths and other areas of the condo neighborhood she said it was time to see the surrounding neighborhood. We got in her car and she showed me where the different stores and restaurants were.

Being with her felt good. I hadn't felt that way around any woman since I lost Mary. We ended up at a little café and had lunch. She said we would both pay for our own lunch.

"No Nora, you went through all this trouble to show me around and the lunch is on me."

"It isn't necessary..."

"I insist Nora, I'm still old school. The man should pay for his date. When we play bingo you can pay for your own card." We both laughed.

"So, you consider this a date? asked Nora.

"I don't know, it's been so long since I asked a woman out." I have no idea why I felt close with this woman. She was nine years my junior and looked even younger. Beautiful, pleasant personality, and fun to be around.

There were things I wanted to know about her but didn't want to ruin the relationship with my new found friend. We ate lunch and talked some more. She told me a little about her life and I told her a little about mine. I honestly have to say ‘opposites attract' at least in my case.

Nora told me that Rob was her second marriage. She had been married before for over twenty years. Her husband was an executive in a company. He was gone a lot and so she started her own beauty salon to keep busy. She has one son who lives in Germany. She has seen him three times in the last fifteen years.

The first time was when he was getting married, she and her husband flew over for the wedding. Four years later she flew over to see her new grandbaby. The last time was when he came home for his father's funeral. That was over seven years ago.

After his death she put all her time into her salon. She met her second husband Rob in the salon. He was a friend of her first husband. He was divorced and got his hair cut in her salon. He always asked for Nora when he went there.

They began dating and eventually got married. He was a business executive also but didn't travel quite as much. He retired early and that is when they moved into the condo.

She sold her business but did hair out of her apartment. She would also go to her friends condos and cut their hair there. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were the only three days she worked.

When I told her how nice she looked she did mention that she always did her best to keep in shape by walking or jogging most every morning when her schedule permitted it.

"If you're ever interested in walking in the mornings, let me know. It really is a good exercise and yet easy. Besides, it would be nice not always walking alone."

I told her that I would keep that in mind. It sure would be a good way to see her more often. It probably wouldn't hurt a get a little exercise either.

On Saturday afternoon I walked to Nora's apartment which was about a block away from mine. She met me at the door and we headed over to the community center to play bingo. It was hard for me to believe I was doing this. I hadn't played bingo except with the kids when they were little. I was always the caller.

I've never gave any thought to playing bingo for real even though Mary would go once in awhile. I guess it just didn't seem manly.

The place was really crowded. There was probably ninety percent woman but at least there were a few men there. I only saw one that I had met when I fixed his leaky faucet.

A lot of women were happy to see Nora, they were even more surprised that she was with a man. While she was talking to a couple of women I got in line to get my bingo card. A couple of minutes later Nora was behind me smiling.

When I got to the desk the man asked, "How many cards sir?"

"Just one," I replied. He looked at me kind of odd as I gave him a dollar for the card.

"I stood to the side while Nora got her cards, "Sixteen please," she said.

I couldn't believe it. How the hell was she going to look at sixteen cards. Now I felt kind of stupid only having one. I asked the guy for another card and gave him another dollar. Nora smiled.

Nora and I found a table to sit at where she would sit across from me. As she spread out all her cards I asked her how she could keep track of all of them?

She laughed and said, "I usually play twenty four but I figured we might talk some so I ordered less."

The games started and Nora had no trouble what so ever. We had played seven games and I wasn't even close to a bingo. A couple of times I missed putting a dot on my number and Nora spotted it and dotted it for me.

The next game I needed B5 for a bingo. I really felt excited until they called B6 and some old broad yelled out bingo. I know I was mad and swore under my breath. It made Nora laugh and of course it made me laugh.

I went and got us both a beverage. Nora played my cards while I was gone. I heard her yell bingo as I was headed back.

"Did you win?" I asked.

"No, you did," she replied. I looked down and saw my straight.

Nora had a bingo a couple of games later. All in all I was ahead two dollars and Nora broke even. I reminded her that next Saturday we would be taking the bus to the ball game.

"John, would you go with me to the mall on Monday? I want to buy a Reds shirt to wear to the game."

Not only did I play bingo but I was actually going shopping with Nora on Monday. It was when I began to realize I really liked this woman.

I did have dinner with one of my kids on Sunday. When they asked me how I liked my new place I told them I was really enjoying it. I never told them about Nora but did say I played cards on Tuesday nights and was going to a ballgame the following Saturday. They were really happy for me.

On Monday I showed up at Nora's door at nine a.m. "John, what are you doing here so early, the stores won't open for another hour or two?"

"I decided to take you up on the walking. I figured I would try it on Monday. Wednesday and Friday."

"Oh John, I wish you would have said something. I just got back from my walk. I usually go around seven in the morning. I‘m so sorry, do you want to come in for coffee?"

I could see she was sweating through her jogging suit and figured she was getting ready to take a shower. "No, I'll just come back in an hour and we can head to the mall. I think I need a good pair of walking shoes anyway."

When I got back she was all cleaned up. I went in and had that cup of coffee before heading to the mall.

We headed to the sports shop where she was looking at different sports shirts. She found one she liked and went to try it on. When she came out of the dressing room she looked like a young girl. Her shirt was red and buttoned down the front and spelled Cincinnati across her chest. She also had on a baseball cap with the Cincinnati logo on it.

"So, how do I look?" She was smiling at me.

"You look like a teenager going to her first major league ball game. I think you should undo a few buttons on the top though." I was smiling.

"John, that would show my boobs." She looked around to make sure no one was looking and undid the three top buttons. "There is that better?" She laughed and quickly buttoned two back up. But not before I got a look at her bra covered breasts.

"Ok, pervert, let's go find you a shirt and a pair of walking shoes." I ended up getting a pullover shirt with the Reds emblem on it. I couldn't believe I paid sixty-five dollars for a pair of sneakers just to walk in. Nora assured me if I walk regularly, I would be glad I bought a good pair.

We went to lunch and I learned more about Nora. She had two sisters and a brother. One sister Lynn and her brother Max both live in the condo community. Lynn with her spouse, Max was divorced. I hadn't met either of them that I was aware of. Nora asked me if we could sit with her sister and her husband Dave, they were going to the game also.

I was a bit surprised but also happy that she had family living there. It would be good to meet them. The way the bus trip worked was everyone who signed up would get their ticket to the game which would be passed out after getting on the bus. All tickets were grouped in the same area so it wouldn't be a problem to get tickets to sit together.

When Nora and I got on the bus the guys from card club couldn't believe it. Of course they all said hi to Nora and Lynn. There were only two other women on the bus. I have to admit that I felt like the king of the hill when I sat down with Nora. I know I had a shit eating grin on my face.

"Why are you smiling so hard?" asked Nora.

"Being with you and seeing the faces of the guys from the card club when they saw we were together." Nora just smiled, I had no idea what she was thinking.

During the bus ride Dave asked me how Nora and I met.

"She called me one evening and asked me if I could clean her pipes, and I said yes."

We all started laughing because of the way it sounded. I got a laugh and a hit on the arm from Nora. "He's a plumber for the condo association and yes he did clean out my pipes." She looked just a bit embarrassed when she realized she said pretty much what I did.

"They were clogged," she said while still laughing.

That was the start of a wonderful day. I couldn't believe she was so happy at the game. She was rooting for the Reds and cheering them on. She even had a beer and hot dog with me and at the seventh inning stretch she sang ‘Take Me out to the Ballgame' with everyone.

On the bus trip home she was a bit tired and put a pillow on my shoulder and leaned against me. Lynn did pretty much the same with Dave.

Sunday was back to one of the kid's houses for dinner. I told them about the game but still didn't mention Nora. I just wasn't sure what to say when if they started asking questions.

I was at Nora's condo first thing Monday morning ready to walk. She really seemed happy to see me. We would walk about two miles. Nora usually ran about five miles when she was alone. The days we walked together she would run three miles later in the evening.

We were the talk of the condo neighborhood but yet just friends. We held hands at the game and sat across from each other at bingo. We joked but never did anything sexual. I can't say I didn't want to but was more afraid of losing a friend if I tried and failed.

In the following month we went to a museum, art institute and another ball game. We decided that it would only be fair to take turns doing things that the other liked.

Nora was a sophisticated woman and appreciated many of the arts. She used to go with Lynn but now it was with me. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed some of the art museums. On our way home from a ball game Lynn asked Nora if she was going to the dance the following weekend.

She hadn't gone since the loss of her husband. Looking over at me I could tell she was ready to ask me if I danced.

"I'm not the best on my feet but if you need a date I'll go." I never really was much on dancing but it was just another chance to help build a relationship with Nora. I was really taking it slow.

I noticed my thoughts of Mary were lessening as my thoughts of Nora intensified. I guess that's the way life is. It did make me think how much better my marriage to Mary might have been if we would have done more things together. Instead we were going to wait till I retired. What a mistake.

Lynn was a pretty woman and a couple of years older than Nora. She was a little heavier since she didn't exercise like Nora did. Dave retired from Management in a large manufacturing firm. They seemed to really enjoy life together. I'm mentioning this because I got a lot of information about Nora from Lynn. She and her sister were best friends even if they didn't agree on everything.

When we entered the dance hall, again Nora and I caught everyone's eye. I'll admit Nora did look great but she wasn't really over dressed. She just looked good in whatever she wore.

The four of us sat at a table together and Dave ordered a round of drinks. He and I had a beer and the women diet sodas. We let the first couple of fast songs pass before they played a slow one. It was now or never when I took Nora in my arms for the first time.

I moved around the best I knew how and she had no problem following me. I wasn't sure how close to hold her until she said, "John, you can hold me closer, I don't mind."

It was all I needed as I pulled her close and told her how beautiful she looked and smelled. She smiled and said thank you and told me I didn't look to bad myself. I was almost mad when the song ended.

The stupid band played two more fast songs and Lynn and Nora danced together. Dave and I had another beer and watched them. It was nice seeing them having fun and laughing.

I danced with Nora again on the next slow song. I pulled her close and held her in the old traditional method with one arm around the waist and holding the other arm out. She let go of my hand and put both arms around my neck. I had both of my arms around her.

"I like this way much better," she said.

"I can't agree with you more," I replied.

We danced to two songs in a row before sitting down. The next song was a fast one so I went to get us all another drink. By the time I got back to the table another slow song had started. Some guy had come over and asked Nora to dance. Dave and Lynn were also dancing.

A feeling of jealousy came over me. I remembered dancing with Mary and her smiling at the other men while she danced. It was happening again with Nora. When the dance was over and they all came back to the table I gave the guy a dirty look. Nora didn't see it but Lynn did.

I tried to act normal but my thoughts weren't. I drank down my beer during the next song. When another slow one started Lynn asked me to dance and told Dave to dance with Nora.

"John, I need to talk to you. Nora's my sister and tells me most everything. I saw how you got jealous when she danced with another man. Try not to be, I know it's hard but it's just a dance. She really cares for you.

"We're just good friends, Lynn," I replied.

"Bullshit, I said she cares for you and I know her better than anyone including her past husbands. Don't mess it all up over a stupid dance. If someone would try anything with her believe me she would let them know it. It's just a dance; it means nothing.

"Look at her and then look at me. Why would she care about a retired plumber?"

"John, quit selling yourself short. Just because you weren't a big business man doesn't mean shit. Whether you believe it or not, you're a decent looking guy, great personality and fun to be around. Nora's a special woman. She's not good by herself. What I mean is that her first two husbands were not all that nice.

"She was arm candy to them. Yes, they liked her, mostly for her personality and looks. They both cheated on her and when she found out she came to me. She decided to just live her life the best she could. That's when she opened her salon just in case her husband found greener pastures.

"She is a one man woman and never cheated on either husband. God knows she could have with most any man she wanted. She ran her salon, took care of Jason, her son, and played the dutiful wife at all the engagements.

"As they say what goes around comes around. Her first husband was a playboy and ran up a lot of debt. After paying off all his debt and final expenses she wasn‘t left with much. Good thing she had the salon. She inherited a lot of money from the death of her second husband."

The song stopped and they started another slow one and we kept dancing. I saw Nora looking over at me. She and Dave were still dancing, I waved to her and she smiled and waved back.

Lynn continued talking. "She stayed with her first husband mainly because of Jason. He worshiped his father. I guess he never knew he screwed around on his mother. When her husband died, Jason took it hard. When she remarried he wouldn't even talk to her. Eventually he did take her calls when she wanted to talk to her grandkids. She has two but never gets to see them.

"Jason joined the Marines and was stationed in Germany. He met his wife there and decided to stay there. Nora wanted to visit him and his family but Jason told her not to come. After Rod died he began to talk to her again. I think she wants to try and go see Jason again."

"She married Rod on the rebound. He was a little better than Jim but was a playboy also. We figured he would settle down when they moved to the condo and only work part-time but we later found out he did play on the side. In fact in the plane crash he was killed in he wasn't alone. It was one of his affairs."

"Why are you telling me all of this? It's none of my business."

"John, you care deeply for Nora, I can see it by the way you look at her. I also know she cares for you as much. All I ask is that you not hurt her. She's been through enough. If you want to date other women or whatever, don't string Nora on."

The song ended before I could reply. I had no idea what all Nora went through. It made me want her all the more.

"Lynn, what were you two jabbering about for two whole dances. You're lips were moving a mile a minute," asked Nora.

"I was telling him what a spoiled brat you were when we were growing up and always got your way because you were the youngest," replied Lynn.

"That's not true! You and Max picked on me all the time," said Nora, they were both laughing.

About that time Ray from the card club came over and asked Nora to dance. She looked over at me and said, "Thank you Ray but I promised this dance to John, maybe later." Needless to say there wasn't a promise but I quickly got up and took Nora and my arms.

Ray did dance with Nora later. She had already made the point that she was with me. I didn't feel jealous now but proud. I looked over at Lynn and she smiled at me.

When Nora came back to the table Lynn said she had an idea. "Let's leave this dance and go get in the hot tub. There won't be anybody there this late and the party people are here."

"You're crazy Lynn. We can't just go like that," replied Nora.

"Why not, it's open twenty-four seven and when I was dancing with John he said he wondered what you look like in a bathing suit," remarked Lynn while laughing.

Nora looked at me. "Is that true John?"

"Which part? Did I say it or would I like to see you in a bathing suit?" I was smiling.

"You two are bad. Mom always said you were the black sheep in the family," said Nora to her sister.

"So, let's leave this place and meet at the hot tub in fifteen minutes," replied Lynn.

She didn't wait for an answer. She and a smiling Dave stood up and got ready to leave.

Nora looked at me. "So, do you want to do this?"

"Sweetheart, I'd be nuts to not want to see you in a swimsuit." I didn't realize I called her sweetheart. We got up and left also.

I drove by my place and ran in and got my swim trunks and then we went to her condo to change. I changed in the bathroom and she changed in her bedroom. She put on a robe before I got a chance to see her. I wore a tee-shirt and my swim trunks.

"I can't believe we're doing this," said Nora.

"Oh, it's just like being teenagers again only there's no one to stop us," I replied.

When we got there Lynn and Dave were already in the hot tub. I took off my tee-shirt and Nora her robe. "Damn," I said. "I bet you would even look good in nothing." I think Nora was blushing.

I don't know why I said it but I must have been thinking out loud. "You're almost as bad as Lynn," Nora said to me. I laughed.

I helped Nora into the hot tub. "Oh, that feels so good," said Nora when Dave turned on the bubbles. Since I had talked with Lynn earlier, I think I became braver. I sat next to Nora and put my arm around her shoulder on and rested it on the hot tub rail. I couldn't believe it when Nora scooted down and rested her head on my arm.

We left it dark in the hot tub room except for the light in the tub itself. It gave just enough glow for me to see how beautiful Nora was. After about a half hour we decided it was time to head back to the condo. We said goodnight to Lynn and Dave and headed back to Nora's place.

When we arrived at her condo I went in to change my clothes. Before I reached the bathroom Nora called to me. I turned around and she came up to me and kissed me. It was a soft wonderful kiss.

"John, I know you care for me and I care for you. I figure if we were to be together at all that I would have to be the one to start it."

"Nora, I've wanted you almost from the first time I met you. I just didn't want to take a chance and ruin our friendship. You mean too much to me."

She kissed me again and asked me to remove my swim trunks and meet her in the bedroom. I did remove my trunks and slipped on my underwear and went to her room. The lights were dimmed and she still had on her robe.

"John, I want our relationship to go to the next step. If you feel the same I want you to make love to me. If you feel you're not ready, I understand."

I just walked up to her and kissed her. While doing so I was untying her robe. She was naked underneath. I pushed the robe off her shoulders and asked her to lie on the bed. I honestly have to say for her age, I had never seen a more beautiful body. I removed my underwear and joined her on the bed.

She had nice breasts which I began to suckle on. It wasn't but a few minutes that her nipples became hard. "Oh, John, please make love to me."

I kissed down her body and spent a few minutes on her tummy area. While doing so I slid my hand down over her trimmed muff and began rubbing the nub above her pussy. She was moaning and telling me how good it felt.

I did push two fingers into her wet cunt. I kept fingering her while I lowered my face to her muff. I wanted it to last a long time. I replaced my fingers with my tongue. She was so wet and I could smell and taste her juices.

I fucked her with my tongue while pushing my face into her. I couldn't get enough of her. I felt her orgasm while my face was pushed against her. She grabbed my head with both hands and held me tight against her pussy. As her orgasm subsided she let go of my head.

"Kiss me John, I want you to know how much I care for you." I did kiss her with a face full of her juices.

I then knelt upright and she reached down grabbing my cock in her hand and guiding into her wonderful wet pussy. I didn't rush but fucked her with a methodical motion. I pushed my cock in her and pulled it back time and time again. She kept telling me how good it felt.

I started to speed up. She was pushing up against me on every plunge into her. I laid down on her for only a few seconds, wrapped my arms around her and rolled over and she was on top with me still buried in her.

She sat up and began riding my cock. I loved it when she pressed down hard and we rubbed pelvic areas. I also gave me a chance to rub her breasts. I massaged them slowly tweaking her nipples.

I guess one of the nice things about being older is that I can go a long time before coming. I watched the sweat on her tits and belly. She looked so damn hot. I couldn't wait any longer. I put my hands on her hips and held her into place. I know she felt me coming.

As I came in her she began to ride me harder. All of a sudden she screamed out and lay on my chest. I felt her pussy muscle contractions while she came for at least the second time. She laid there on my chest with my cock buried in her for a good ten minutes.

She rolled off me and lay next to me. "John would you like to stay with me tonight?"

"There's nothing I would like more," I replied.

She reached up, turned off the light and cuddled up to me and laid her head on my shoulder. I was one happy man.

When I awoke the next morning I have to admit I was a little embarrassed. I was lying in Nora's bed naked. After leaving the dance the night before everything seem to go so fast. I put on my underwear and went into the kitchen. Nora was dressed in her jogging suit.

"Good Morning," said Nora. "Did you sleep well?"

"Nora, what exactly happened last night? I know we made love but what really happened between us?"

She poured me a cup of coffee and we sat down and talked.

"John, you're so different from my former husbands. You're kind, considerate, honest, and fun to be with. I felt a strong attraction to you especially after the first ballgame you took me to.

"You weren't out to just see if you could get a piece of ass. You really wanted to be with me. We became friends, good friends. I was sure you liked me by all your actions but you never even tried to kiss me."

"It's because I didn't want to take a chance on ruining our relationship. If I tried to kiss you and got rejected or disappointed you, our friendship would have changed. You're the best thing that has happen to me and I was afraid to lose you.

"I thought you might feel that way and that's why Lynn and I set up the whole hot tub thing. I wasn't sure how to approach you either. John, I don't know where this relationship is going to lead but I care for you so much.

"The time we spend together is the best part of my day. I want us to continue to be best friends and doing things together. The only commitment I ask of you is to be honest with me. If it doesn't seem to work out between us, I want you to tell me so."

"I need a commitment also," I said. "Nora, I'm somewhat jealous of other men."

"Yes, I saw that a number of times when men looked at me. Especially last night when I was dancing with another man. I won't be a hermit or not talk to other men. I will promise you that no other man will lay a hand on me. I'm a one man woman and I want that one man to be you. If you feel I'm over stepping the boundaries all I ask is that you tell me so."

"That sounds fair enough. Can I tell anyone that we are more than friends or do you want to keep it quiet and between us?" I asked.

"In case you haven't noticed, everyone already knows. I would ask that you keep our bedroom antics to just between you and me."

"Are you saying we will be doing it again?" I was smiling.

"Don't let this go to your head but I can't remember the last time I came so hard and so many times. Whether you know it or not, you are quite the lover."

It was Sunday and I had to go see one of the kids today. Nora said she was going out for her morning jog and to lock up after I got dressed. She would see me the following morning for our usual walk. She gave me a light kiss and headed out the door.

I was headed over to Justin's house today for dinner. I have to admit that Mary and I did a great job with our kids. I've always felt welcome to their houses

"Hi Dad, my daughter in law Amber said to me. You sure seem happy today."

"That's Life! As Old Frankie would say." I started to sing part of his song.

" I've been a puppet, a pauper, A pirate, a poet, A pawn and a king, I've been up and down and over and out, And I know one thing"

Amber was laughing. "Ok Dad, I know that's your favorite song and you're in a good mood. I'm glad to see that. We're grilling steaks today. Justin is outside doing the cooking. Julie and her family will be here today also."

I went outside and said hi to my son. About that time Julie and her family arrived. We were having a good time and Amber asked me how it was going at my new place.

"Going great, I've met some new friends and have been going different places. I do a few plumbing jobs every week and keep busy. I belong to card club and play most every Tuesday and I've been walking with a friend three mornings a week."

"That's so great to hear Dad," said Julie." "You seem happy and deserve a good life. By the way, we are having a big cookout next Sunday at my house. The whole family is going to be there."

"Can I bring a friend?" I asked. "She's my walking partner and we go places together."

"You're dating, Dad?"

"Yes, I have a friend who lives in the condo neighborhood. Her name is Nora and she's a widow. I want you all to meet her."

"Sounds serious dad, how long have you known her?" asked Justin.

"What are you guys going to do, grill me now? Look, I met her months ago. We go to events together on the association bus trips. It's better than going alone. We've become good friends and I want to introduce her to my family."

"Why haven't you told us about her before, Dad?" asked Julie.

"For just this reason. I don't like answering questions. You can ask her all the questions you want next week, if she comes. We are just good friends."

"Sorry Dad, said Julie. "Of course she can come. It was just a surprise to here you were dating. We all want you to be happy."

****

On Monday morning while we took our morning walk I told Nora about the family event at my kids house on Sunday and asked her if she would like to come.

"I should tell you that I have never brought a woman to meet my family. They will probably ask you a thousand questions. They are good kids but I guess protective of me."

Nora smiled: "I'd love to go with you. Is there anything I should know before talking with them?"

"I just told them we walk together and have been on bus tours together. I didn't tell them we made love." Nora gave me that beautiful smile.

"I hope not but they probably figured that out already seeing you asked me over. We're not kids anymore and I know your kids could figure out the rest. What should we bring?"

"What do you mean? It's a cookout, the kids do the cooking."

"That's because all you know how to cook is spam and eggs. They wouldn't want that at a cookout. When you talk to your daughter tell her we'll bring Sweet Potatoes and I'll make some kind of Jell-O salad."

I didn't say anymore on the topic because what would I say. I did call Julie and told her what Nora said we were bringing.

"That would be great Dad, please thank her for me. I can't wait to meet her."

On Wednesday evening I had a plumbing job three doors down from Nora's place. It was early evening and I figured she would be done with her hair appointments for that day so I thought I'd stop and see her. I figured I'd just walk since it was only three doors down.

I put my stuff in the truck and walked to her house. Right when I got in front of her house I could see the door was open. Just inside the door was Nora hugging a man who was dressed in a suit. She was smiling and looked very happy.

The first thing I got was flashbacks from when I caught Mary. I wanted to turn around and leave but this time I decided to see it through. As I started up her walk, Nora smiled at me. I really didn't get it. I just caught her hugging this man.

"John, what are you doing here?" She said as she let go of her friend and they both looked at me.

Before I could reply with, "What the hell are you doing?" Nora said,

"John, I want you to meet another special man in my life. This is my brother Max. He stopped by to get his hair cut. He travels a lot and I don't get to see him much.

"Max, this is John my really good friend."

"Glad to meet you John." He held out his hand to shake.

After recovering from my evil thoughts, I told him it was nice to meet him too.

"So, what brings you here John?" asked Nora.

"I had a repair job a couple of houses down and thought I would stop by for a few minutes."

"I wish I could stay and talk but I have to get ready for another trip. John, it was nice meeting you. You take care of my little sister, she deserves a good life." he said, smiling.

"Sweetheart, you seem so happy, I love seeing you this way. You take care now." She hugged him again and gave him a light kiss.

As he left Nora told me I should probably move my truck into her drive. I went and got it and parked it in her drive. When I walked in the door I was met with a really big kiss.

"John, I saw the look on your face when you saw me hugging Max. I want you to know that I would never do anything behind your back to hurt you. Never!"

"Nora, I want to see you more often. Maybe dinner twice a week or we can watch TV together. I know we see each other three mornings a week and are together on Saturday but I want to see more of you."

"I would like to see you more too John. What about Monday and Thursday nights. We can have dinner here or go out and eat. We can rent movies or just watch TV. You already have card club on Tuesday and I have ladies card club on Wednesday. Friday is the day I spend with my sister, we have Saturday together and you see your family on Sunday."

"Sounds great. I'll come by around six tomorrow," I replied. We'll go to that little diner and then rent a movie." I kissed her goodnight and headed home for some spam and eggs. She had card club.

The next evening after we went to the diner I asked her what movie she wanted to see. I liked action thrillers and she like romance stories. We decided that we would get a comedy. We headed back to her place and she said she was going to put on something more comfortable.

When I saw her in those baby doll pajamas we didn't see much of the movie. We were sitting on the couch and she put her legs on my lap. I kept staring at her and she asked me if I liked the movie. I started rubbing her legs. When I got my hand on her thigh we both knew we wouldn't be watching the movie. We started making love right there on the couch.

I slid off her bottoms and started fingering her. She was already wet. I removed my pants and she gave me a lap dance only neither of us had pants on. God, I loved the way she kept moving her hips. All I had to do is push forward and she did the rest. While I was buried in her, I removed her top and suckled her breasts.

I know we are older but we were like two teenagers making out on the sofa. As I said before, one good point about being older is that I could last a lot longer. I had both of my hands under her ass and pulled her in tight to me and came. I felt my cock pulsating in her. She pushed down hard until she reached a climax.

We sat there that way for a few minutes until she started to get a cramp in her leg. We couldn't help but laugh even though she was hurting as she got off of me and lay on the couch. I put her leg on my shoulder and kept rubbing her leg till the cramp subsided. All the time staring at her wet glistening pussy. Damn she was quite the woman.

"I guess I'm not as young as I used to be," she said smiling.

"Nora, I think you know I'm falling in love with you. I just wanted you to know."

"I know John, I feel the same way about you."

We kissed, cuddled up without pants on and finished watching the comedy. I kept fingering her during the movie. She did slap my hand but I knew she loved it.

Chapter 3 Meeting the kids.

I picked up Nora and we headed over to Julie's place. Nora brought her covered dishes. She really looked nice, but she always did. As we pulled up to the house some of the younger grandkids came running out to the car.

"Hi Grandpa," said Ashley. She had just turned four. After she gave me a hug and a kiss she looked at Nora. "Are you my new Grandma?" she asked.

Nora smiled at Ashley. "No Sweetheart, I'm just a good friend of your grandpa's. You can call me Nora if you like."

"Your pretty Nora," Ashley took Nora by the hand and walked with her to the back yard. I reached in the car and brought the food.

I could tell Julie was surprised when she first saw Nora. I think she expected to see a much older woman. She was however nice to her and introduced her to everyone as my friend. I received kind of an odd look from Julie but she still welcomed me to the party.

My son Jordan came up to me and asked me a few questions about Nora. "Dad, she seems really nice and no question she looks good but she seems fairly young. Is she a girlfriend or just a friend?" Jordan was my very forward son. He never beat around the bush.

"Yes, she is beautiful, very nice and is my girlfriend. I care for her a lot. She is older than she looks because she takes care of herself and exercises every day."

"To me she looks to be mid forties; how old is she dad?"

"Jordan, you can be a pain sometimes. Just so you know she's fifty-three."

"Damn, Dad, I hope Ellen looks that good when she's fifty-three." Right then Ellen walked up to me and looked over at Jordan.

"Hi Dad," she said to me and gave me a kiss. "Look like what when I'm fifty-three?" she asked Jordan.

"Dad's friend Nora is fifty-three. I just told dad I hoped we looked as good at fifty-three." He added the ‘we' in there to keep out of trouble.

"She really seems nice Dad. I'm happy for you," replied Ellen.

All my kid's spouses called me dad. It made me feel good.

I figured I better go sit with Nora. She was sitting there with a half dozen kids asking her questions. That's the thing about young kids, they love attention from adults. Nora was smiling when I sat down and was telling me all the things my grandkids talked to her about.

Justin came over and gave Nora a wine cooler and me a beer. He had asked Nora a few minutes earlier if she would like something to drink. He always knew to just bring me a beer.

A couple of the older kids (pre-teen) came over and talked with Nora and me. They told us about playing ball and asked Nora if she would like to come and see them play.

Nora looked over at me, "Well it all depends on your grandpa. Let me talk with him and we'll see if we can make a couple of games." The kids were elated.

Julie yelled out to everyone that it was time to eat. It gave Nora and I a little reprieve and after we ate a time to talk. During the dinner everyone was asking Nora questions about where she lived, did she work and so on.

She was so nice and trying to answer their question. I will say the kids did ask in a nice way. Nora also had a way of reversing the conversation and asking the kids about their life and families. She was quite the woman.

The kids told Nora they loved her sweet potatoes and Jell-o dish. She told them that she loved to cook but being alone she didn't do it very often. "No fun cooking just for yourself," she said.

"Dad, did you hear her? She likes to cook and you like to eat. Sounds like a good combination. Nora, can you make spam and eggs? It's dad's favorite," said Justin. Of course everyone started laughing.

We took a walk after we ate and she asked me about seeing some of the grandkids games and other things at their school.

"John, I would be happy to go with you to different school events. I know we can't make everything since you have eighteen grandkids so far but we could set up a calendar and make some of the events."

"I've wanted to go to some of their events but since Mary died, but I hated always going alone and just stopped all together. I'd love to go especially with you at my side."

I know Nora missed her two grandkids who lived in Germany. It was like she was willing to adopt mine. When we got back to the picnic Nora explained to the children that she and I would come to some of their events. It was up to each one of them to give us a copy of their games schedule and other events like band and choir concerts.

She told them that there was no way we could make them all but we would see as many as possible on our free nights. They all ran to their mothers and asked for schedules of their events. We all knew that mothers always have a little calendar or in today's society an electronic book of some sort to keep track of their daily doings.

It was hectic with all the kids getting the schedules from their mothers. Nora realized all the commotion it caused and told the kids to go play and she would talk with their mothers and get their schedules. All the mom's really seemed relieved.

Nora sat with each one of my kids or daughter-in-laws and went over each kid's schedule. She put it in her own electronic device. She listed the date, child, event, and time. It would be up to her and I to sort out which ones we could attend.

The women were putting the food away and the guys couldn't help talking about Nora. "Dad, I'm really happy for you. All I ask is that you take it slow. I'd hate to see you get hurt," mentioned Jordan.

"How would I get hurt? We're friends, good friends. We go places together and even walk a few times a week."

"Dad, I think what Jordan means if that you've never dated since mom died over two years ago. Along comes a beautiful woman and you become attracted to her. We don't want you to get hurt," said Justin.

"Ok, I think I get what you guys are talking about. I really do care for Nora but believe me we're taking it slow. Right now we are just good friends, hopefully it could become more."

"Dad, financially we mean. We hope that she isn't just looking for someone to take care of her. She told us she was a hairdresser and I doubt if she makes all that much money part-time." I started laughing.

"What's so funny?" asked Justin. "There are a lot of women out there, good looking women who are out to get a man who has money."

"Justin, you're thinking like a banker. Let me clue you in on a big surprise. Nora's net worth is three or four times what mine is. She pays her own way half the time and sometimes for mine. She does hair because she enjoys it, just like I do the plumbing on the side."

"Sorry Dad, we didn't know. We've worried about you ever since mom's death. We should have realized that you're able to take care of yourself," replied Stuart.

"It's ok boys, I'm glad to know you're still worried about me but believe me I'm ok and Nora is one of the best things that happened to me in a long time. If our relationship doesn't last then it wasn't meant to be. Never be afraid to talk to me. I'm actually glad we had this conversation."

"Dad, I do want to say that I think Nora is one nice lady and very easy on the eyes," replied Jordan. All the other guys agreed.

Jordan smiled and asked, "Dad, how's your se..."

"Don't even go there," I laughed. "But it's great."

About that time all the women were back outside and we played yard games. On the way home Nora told me she loved my family and I told her they loved her too.

She did tell me I needed a blackberry or something to keep track of the grandkids events. I told her a blackberry is a fruit you eat. I'll buy a calendar and write the information on it. It made Nora laugh; I loved to see her happy.

We stopped at my place and she came in and took my calendar and transferred all the info my kids gave her to it.

"Nora you don't have to do this, you know, go to my grandkid's outings."

"John, I really want to. I really like the kids and you being there will make them so happy. Of course it will give me more time to be with you." She leaned over and gave me a kiss.

When we got it figured out we would be together Monday, Thursday, and Fridays to attend the kids games and events. Saturday was our day to do things together but if one of the kids had a doing we'd be there.

Over the next couple of months, life was good. We attended a lot of the kids games. I made my spam and eggs on Tuesday's and Wednesday, the nights I didn't see Nora. We both had our card clubs. We ate out most nights but at least once a week Nora cooked dinner. On top of all her other qualities the woman could really cook.

On the sexual side we made love on an average of once a week. I do have to say we did do a lot of cuddling and I rubbed her body rather often. I actually missed her when I wasn't with her.

On Sundays I still went to see my kids. Nora started seeing her sister on that day since we were always gone of Fridays. On special occasions we were always together.

Nora was always the topic of conversation when I went to the kids for dinner. On one occasion when Nora was with me at a family event, Stuart asked me how Nora chose to be with me.

"Son, that's something you'll have to ask Nora," I replied.

Nora came over and saw me smiling. "Ok, what's so funny?"

"My son Stuart here wants to know why a gorgeous, wonderful, and pleasant woman like you would want to be with a guy like me."

"Dad, I didn't say it that way. It's just that.."

"I know son, I wonder the same thing."

"Ok, guys," said Nora. "Stuart, your dad is a wonderful caring man. He treats me with love, respect and dignity. He's also a very handsome man. You may not see him that way but believe me a lot of women do. I was drawn to him when I first saw him.

"We both lost spouses and he treated me with the utmost kindness and respect. Neither of us was on the rebound but we were basically alone. We bonded and became best friends. From there we became lovers." Nora laughed and gave me a kiss.

Stuart was almost lost for words. Having a woman especially one like Nora calling his sixty-two year old father her lover was almost too much.

"All I can say is Dad is one lucky man," said Stuart and walked away.

"Did you mean everything you said?" I asked Nora.

"Of course I did, especially the lover part." Nora smiled and kissed me again.

Julie saw us kissing and said, "Ok kids, maybe you two ought to get a room." We all laughed.

Time was going by and life couldn't be better. One day I stopped by to see Nora and she seemed sad. "What's the matter Honey?" I asked.

She handed me a letter. It said that the condo association met and she wouldn't be able to renew her lease. There was a lot of mumbo jumbo but they stated that Lessees had to be fifty-five. Of course Nora was going to still be fifty-three going on fifty-four when her lease ran out.

They did write a personal note and said they had nothing against Nora but if they changed the rules for her they would be opening a can of worms. However they would put her name on a waiting list after she turned fifty-five.

I told her not to worry that things would work out. I decide to attend the next meeting of the association. Nora went with me. I told them who I was.

"Mr. Mason, we know you're here on behalf of Nora Norman, but there is nothing we can do. I'm sorry but that is the way it is."

"Sir, I understand your ruling and have no problem with it." Nora looked at me surprised. "The reason I'm here is to ask if I can change condos in the middle of my contract. I would like to lease Nora's condo. It's larger than mine and I like the location much better."

The council looked surprised but glanced through their rules and told me that yes, I could change condos but I would have to sign a new three year lease. Nora sat there quietly wondering what I was doing.

"Mr. Mason no one can live there with you who hasn't attained age fifty-five." He knew where I was going. Figuring I'd ask Nora to live with me.

"That's not quite true sir. According to my understanding, my wife does not have to be fifty-five. Am I correct on that issue?" I asked.

"Yes Mr. Mason that is true but you and Mrs. Norman aren't married."

"We will be by the time her lease runs out if she will have me." Nora looked at me and broke out in tears.

The council was smiling. They did like Nora but had to follow the rules. "In that case we will transfer the condo into your name when the lease runs out. Your present condo will need to be evacuated on said date.

"We hope congratulations are in order and of course we will need to see the marriage certificate."

Nora was still crying as we left the meeting. "Well, are you going to give me an answer? Will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?"

"I thought you said you would never marry again, John."

"It was before I got to know you. Life was lonely after Mary's death and I never thought I'd love another person. Then I met you. Nora, you are my life now. I know I have kids and grandkids and love them all but you are that very special person in my life and I want to be with you till the day I die."

"Don't speak of death. I want nothing more than to spend my life with you. I've never met a man as kind as you. I might also add I've never had a better lover. Everything I said to your son Stuart that day is true. I truly do love you and yes I'll marry you."

****

I called all the family and told them we were having a family cookout at the condo the following Sunday. No excuses, just be there. It was the first time that the whole family was at the condo at the same time. We had great food with Nora doing most of the cooking. The kids loved playing in the pool and getting in the hot tub.

It was time for my announcement. "Ok everyone I have something to say. Nora and I are getting married." The kids smiled.

"It's not a big surprise Dad," said Julie. "We knew it was going to happen but wondered when. We all love Nora and wish you two the best. So, when is this happening?

"It's got to be by the end of next month. It's when Nora's lease runs out. I know it might sound odd but we want a church wedding. You can get with Nora on any details. I'll rent the hall here for the reception. Nora and I contacted a local caterer and they are available. They just needed an approximate head count.

"We don't have time to send out invitations so invite whoever you kids think we should. Just let us know how many are coming. Nora will take care of her friends and family."

I knew the kids were happy for me and Nora. She said she would invite her brother, sisters and their families. Lynn had two married kids and two grandkids. Nora would invite her son but knew he wouldn't be there. She said her brother Max could give her away. Max was divorced but had a daughter and two grandkids also. They would try to make it. She said her other sister lived out of state and probably couldn't make it.

It was something how quickly the plan was coming together. We went to a small church and the pastor agreed to marry us. Date and time was now set. I went to the association and leased the club house for the wedding reception. While I was there I invited the committee to the wedding.

Nora said Max, Lynn and their families were all coming. She e-mailed her son Jason but never got a reply. I know she wanted to be on friendlier terms with her son. He just held her getting remarried so soon after his father's death against her.

I got his phone number and decided to call him when I was alone. At first he was a bit cold to me but I told him I had six kids of my own plus eighteen grandkids. I told him how much his mother loved him and how she was so sad at times when thinking about her grandkids and him.

I let him know about our upcoming marriage which was three weeks away. I told him I would like him to come and give his mother away.

"Mr. Mason," said Jason.

"Please call me John," I replied.

"Well, John, even though I would like to come I'm afraid we just don't have the money. I'm sorry."

"Jason, I really want you to be here. I would be willing to pay for the air fares and expenses while you're here. Your family can stay at my condo since I still would have it for another month. Your only other expenses would be whatever you spent while here."

He seemed a nice enough guy and said he wanted to talk with his wife and would get back to me the next day. He did call back and accepted my offer. He said neither his wife or kids had ever been to the United States. He also told me he really missed his mother and would be happy to be part of the wedding.

I did mention to him that I wanted to surprise Nora and we would meet him and his family at the airport. I telegraphed him five thousand dollars to make his reservations. I also figured he might want to rent a vehicle so he had something to drive during the week. I ordered one for him.

As time passed everything had fallen into place. Nora did tell me that she got an e-mail from her son. He told her that he missed her and loved her. He sent a family picture of his family and Nora copied it and put it in a frame.

She was so happy that he had at least written to her. She said he wished her the best. I did let a couple of my kids know that Jason was coming to the wedding. I also told Lynn and Max but told them to keep it a secret.

Two days before the wedding I asked Nora if she would ride to the airport with me. A friend was coming to the wedding and I wanted her to meet him. The nice part about Nora was she almost always went along with me. I don't know if we ever argued. I know we disagreed but we never raised our voices.

We went to the terminal and I got us a beverage to drink while waiting on the plane. Nora kept asking me questions about my friend.

"Honey, once you meet him, you'll love him as much as you do me," I said.

"I don't think that's even possible," laughed Nora.

The plane landed and as the passengers were getting off she saw her two grandkids. She recognized them from the photo that Jason had sent her.

"Oh my God, it's my babies!" Nora yelled out as her grandkids ran to her. She was crying but it was tears of joy. Then she saw her son Jason and his wife Gwen. Jason had tears in his eyes as he approached his mother.

Nora and Jason were hugging. She hugged Gwen and then she decided to introduce me. "Jason, Gwen, I want you to meet the other man in my life who I truly love."

"Jason, it's nice to finally meet you. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have you here," I said. Nora hugged her son again.

"Nora, they will be here for a week. You'll have plenty of time to get reacquainted. Right now they need to get their luggage and the rental car. They can follow us back to the condo."

Nora's grandkids, Jennifer and Raymond asked if they could ride back with us. Of course Nora wanted them with us too.

When we got back to the condo I took them to my place so they could get adjusted. I gave them a key and told them the place was theirs for the week. I would be spending the next two days with their Uncle Max and after that I would be with Nora.

We were up most of the night, Nora and her family were getting reacquainted. Lynn and her husband Dave came over also. For the next two days Nora, her son and his family talked.

Dave and Lynn stopped by Nora's condo for a few minutes. Lynn had let it slip out while we were talking that I gave Jason the money for the trip. She didn't know that I had never told Nora that I paid her son's way. Nora cried when she found out I had sent Jason the money for the trip.

She leaned over and told me how much she loved me and then kissed me.

****

At the wedding I introduced all my family to Jason and his family. They all got along great. The little church was full of family and friends. I took my place up front with Dave as my best man.

Two of my grandkids came down the aisle first. One as the ring bearer and the other was the flower girl. They were followed by Lynn as the Matron of honor.

The music started and everyone stood up. Coming down the aisle was the most beautiful woman in the world to me. She was in a light blue dress. She was on the arm of her son who was dressed in his uniform. I could see the tears on everyone's face as Nora came down the aisle with her son. They both had eyes full of tears as well.

The pastor asked, "Who gives this woman to this man".

Jason stood and said, "I give my mother to this man," and sat down.

After I had kissed the bride we all headed to the reception. It was so good to see how happy our families got along and all were happy for us. Nora had danced with every man there. I in turn danced with a goodly number of women.

We had a DJ and told him to have music for all ages. I told him just to make sure he had ‘That's Life' by Frank Sinatra. When they played that song everyone got off the dance floor except for me and Nora. My family knew it was my favorite song.

While dancing with Nora I asked her what was her favorite song. She had told me before that she had a lot of favorites. "You'll hear it pretty soon. The DJ is playing it next.

Then I heard it start, it was Elvis singing, "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You."

I held her close and about a fourth of the way through the song we had everyone join us.

"Take my hand, take my whole life too, For I can't help falling in love with you."

After the reception I went home with Nora. We made love most of the night. We started by cuddling and then we just took our time. I began kissing and massaging, every part of her body. I even took a Viagra for the first time in my life to make sure I would last the night.

I honestly couldn't get enough of her. I sucked and kissed her pussy till she came. I put her first and in turn I was treated to the hottest sex of my life. I have no idea how many times she came. I know I came twice but it must have been about an hour apart.

The next day we went over to see Jason. Nora said she wanted to talk to him. At the wedding he told her he had something he wanted to tell her but it could wait another day.

"Mom, I'm so sorry that I was so mad at you after dad's death. It was that you got married so soon and it was to a friend of dad's." said Jason.

"Honey, let me do my best to explain. After your father's death I was alone. You were in Germany and I was here alone. Your father didn't leave me with much money after paying off his debts and final expenses.

"His friend Rob would come in and get his hair cut. He asked me out to dinner and offered companionship. After a few months he asked me to marry him. You have to understand that I was alone and very vulnerable at the time. Rob treated me nice and I did like him so I said yes.

"Jason, I never cheated on your father with Rob or anyone else. You have to believe me."

"I do now Mom, but at the time all I remember is my dad was dead and you were dating his friend and then married him."

"I'm so sorry Honey, there's nothing I can do now to change that. Believe me I didn't do anything wrong unless it was getting married to soon after your father's death. What is it you wanted to tell me?"

"In six months my tour of duty will end. I can either reenlist in which case I can stay in Germany or transfer to the states but I can't relocate in this area. My other choice is not reenlist and move back to the states.

"Gwen and the kids said they would like to move here. That's one of the reasons we wanted to come for the wedding. I wanted to see if you would mind if we moved somewhere in the area."

"God, I would love for you to move back. I could see you and my grandkids all the time." Nora began to cry again.

"I talked with John's son Justin at the reception and he said he was a real estate agent and would do his best to find me a place we could afford. I'm an electronics expert and shouldn't have a problem finding a job. We don't have much savings. It pretty much takes my whole check to survive.

"If it wasn't for John, we couldn't have afforded to come to the wedding."

She looked over at me, I was just sitting there listening.

"Mom, we didn't want to take his money but he insisted. He said having us at the wedding was more important than the money. Didn't he tell you?"

"Yes, but not till after you arrived, that's the kind of man he is. He always puts me first. He knew there was nothing I wanted more than to have you at my wedding and your family part of my life."

"Mom, I know it's none of my business but how can you afford to live in these condos? I heard they were very expensive."

"There is something I want to tell you. Even though you hated Rob he was well insured. He was a partner in his firm and when he was killed in the plane crash the partners had to buy me out. I received a very large settlement.

"I talked with John and told him I wanted to do something special for you and your family."

"Special? Like what Mom?" asked Jason

"He suggested I put some money in an account for you. We went over this morning and opened a saving account for you. I deposited five hundred thousand dollars to the account this morning."

"What? You're giving me a half million dollars after the way I treated you." He started crying.

"Jason, you're my son and I love you, I always have. I also opened two college fund accounts for the kids. I put twenty-five thousand dollars in each account. Hopefully with interest they will have it for college when they are ready.

"So here is your credit card to the account. It should be good anywhere in the world. I hope you use it to buy a house here near me in the future."

I watched them hug and knew everything was going to be fine. About that time Gwen came in with the kids and said how much they liked the pool. Jason looked at Gwen and asked her if she would like to move to Ohio near his mother. That's when Nora and Gwen both started crying and the kids were happy as can be.

Epilogue:

It's been a year since the wedding. Nora and I couldn't be happier. We had to add her grandkids on our ‘to see' events calendar. Jason and Gwen bought a house that Justin found for them. It was only two miles from where we live and just down the street from Julie and her family.

Jason and Gwen are now part of our extended family. My kids treat them like their brother and sister. Jason opened up his own electronics shop and is big in computer repair.

All my grandkids now call Nora grandma. She tells everyone that she has twenty grandkids. Looking at her they wondered how she did it. We still walk together most every day. Sometimes you might see us on bicycles.

We still go on our bus trips and in the evenings we cuddle on the couch. At least once every week or so we make love. If we want a really big night she hands me one of those little blue pills.

As Frank would say, "That's life."

Thank you for reading my story Comments are welcome and appreciated DG Hear