34 comments/ 60391 views/ 18 favorites Continuing On with My Life By: DG Hear The older we get the more we think about the end of our life. I guess we should be glad we made it this far. Here I was contemplating my past and I was only fifty-three, thinking about by life now, all the rights and wrongs of my past and where do I go from here. My wife of thirty-three years passed on last month. I had always wanted to go first but God didn't honor that request. She went home to be with her maker. There is no doubt about that. She was one wonderful woman. She left behind four wonderful kids and nine grandchildren who are all really going to miss her. At least she passed on her knowledge of cooking and all that special female knowledge stuff on to her daughters. The kids - I call them kids even though they are all in their late twenties and early thirties - are worried about me. Damn, time flies; I remember when they were all just kids and now they have families of their own. They stop by and it's, "Dad, this and, dad, that. Who's going to cook for you? Who's going to clean this house? This house is too big for you; maybe you should get a small apartment. Dad, at least get someone to help you out." I knew they all meant well but it was driving me bananas. I'm a grown man; I'm very capable of taking care of myself. There is so much they don't know about their mom's and my life. We never told them everything because they would want to get involved in our disputes and that wouldn't settle anything. When we first married, we had the greatest love life. We made it everywhere - every room of the house, in the car, outside in the park, in the pool, even once in an elevator. It was great being young. Of course as the kids were born and the responsibilities mounted, we did it a lot less. We still did it pretty often but stayed pretty much in the bedroom while the kids were sleeping. She didn't care much for oral sex; she said she didn't like giving it. I could count on both hands how many times she tried giving it in our thirty-plus years of marriage. She did like receiving it and the last time I did it for her was a week before she passed. God, I loved eating her out. I could count on one hand the number of pussies I ate in my lifetime. Her's was one I actually enjoyed doing. Maybe because she was my wife, maybe because eating her out turned her on so much and I knew it would end up as a good fuck. I don't care what the reason was as long as we both enjoyed it. To the best of my knowledge she had never had sex with another man. I say "had sex" with her because I know men had seen her naked. She never knew it though or at least I don't think she knew. I'll explain it a little later but she never had any affairs that I know of. Right to the end she told me she had been true to me. She never lied to me about anything that I knew of, so I believe she told me the truth about the sex also. I wasn't as loyal to her. I got married at eighteen; she was nineteen at the time. I remember the day she gave me her cherry. It was about six months before we got married. Once we started having sex we couldn't stop. Sex was our drug. Every time we got together we knew we were going to do it. She was my first also. Unfortunately I strayed a few times. I know it wasn't right but I did it anyway. The first time I strayed I promised myself, never again. I had all I needed at home, but again opportunity knocked and I strayed again. This happened a good half a dozen times throughout my life. Each time it got easier to stray. The funny thing was, none of them were as good as my wife - I mean, none of them! The last time I strayed was about eight years ago. I made the mistake of going back for seconds and thirds and it became an affair. I didn't love her; it was just sex with another female other than my wife. I got caught, my wife followed me and waited till I was in this woman's pussy and than walked in on us. The shit hit the fan. Needless to say the affair was over, and I was wondering if my marriage would follow the same fate. We argued and fought about it for weeks. She, my wife Carol, didn't want me in her bed anymore. I put a bed down in our basement and slept down there. We just told the kids that I woke up during the night and was always disturbing their mother so I was going to try and sleep downstairs. I don't know if they believed it but knew better than to question it. Eventually when the kids got older and as they went out on their own I made a bedroom upstairs. Carol and I never shared the same room again. There were nights that I went in and we had sex but I usually ended up back in my room. As I said we had sex, but Carol no longer put love into it. We started doing it less and less. She did however climax almost every time. I don't blame her; she could have divorced me and ended our marriage and that could have destroyed our family. We were lucky if we did it once every two or three months after the affair. There were periods I remembered going over six months. Around holidays and special occasions is when we made it. I think the alcohol loosened her up on those occasions. An example might be at a wedding; she would get drunk and horny and I might do her in another room. Usually I would start fingering her and when she got wet I would lead her into a side room and start eating her out. God, how she loved it and I loved it too. Once she got into the throes of passion I would lift up her dress and start fucking her. I didn't care who saw us anymore. I know guys walked by and would stand there and watch us. My wife's legs were spread wide open while I pumped my cum into her. After taking her home we would do it again, but the next morning she would never even talk about To this day I don't know if she had known that I let guys look at her pussy or not. She never mentioned it and I sure wasn't ever going to bring it up. She might have been too wasted to know; I'm really not sure. Of course there is a chance that she knew we were being watched but also knew I was a jealous husband and would never let anyone get close to her. I do have to say that other men seeing my naked wife can be a turn-on as long as they do nothing but look from a distance. I had a couple of guys say something about my wife's ass and I had to hurt them. They never mentioned it to me again. God, how I miss her. I even miss our arguments. No matter what we argued about she always brought up the affairs. That's one punishment I knew I would have to endure till death do us part. All but one of my kids and their families lived at least an hour or more away. Someone called me about every day to find out how I was doing. I always said the same thing. "I'm doing fine. Yes, I miss your mother but we had thirty-three wonderful years together. I'll always remember them." My son, Gary, said he talked with the others and they thought that if I was going to stay at my place that I at least needed a housekeeper or someone to stop by and make sure everything would be fine. I finally told them I would look into it. I decide to write an ad asking for a housekeeper and run it in the local newspaper. Someone to do chores and maybe cook if they were able. My Carol was a great cook and if I couldn't have good eats, I would just go to the restaurant. I had just retired three months before Carol's death. Our plant was moving out and offered early retirement to the older employees and, with over thirty years in, I took it. I was hoping Carol and I might travel or do things together. So now with Carol gone I had a lot of free time on my hands. I spent a lot of time reading stories on the Internet. I must be way older than I thought. I couldn't believe some of the stuff I was reading. Pissing on one another, ass fucking. Damn, I tried it a few times with Carol and she didn't like it and it hurt my dick. I'd take a hot pussy instead any day. Two women together - always thought that might be fun to watch but what would I do? I guess I'm supposed to watch them and jack-off. Hell, I could stay home and masturbate and it wouldn't cost me a dime. Then I read the gay stories or fucking my mom stories. To each his own but they weren't my cup of tea. Wife swapping - not my bag either; cheating wives - I don't like wimps. Shoot the mother fucker if he's messing with your wife; that's my motto. Thinking about masturbation, I have to tell you that I've been doing it for many, many years. It was a good sexual release since I didn't want to cheat on Carol. After the last affair, I needed to do something for release since Carol and I didn't do it as often. She caught me doing it one time and told me I was a pervert. I told her the truth, that if she didn't want to have sex with me and I didn't want to cheat on her that masturbation was my only other release. After that little talk, she seemed to have sex with me more often. She never received a complaint from me. Anytime she wanted it, I was available. Anyway, I put an ad in the local paper asking about a housekeeper. I probably had twenty women and even a few guys apply for the job. I had about fifty phone calls but only about twenty that I had show up for an interview. I never gave any thought to what I wanted the housekeeper to look like. Believe me, I had every size, shape, color and age woman show up. I narrowed it down to three woman. One was in her forties and the other two didn't tell me their age, only that they were mature. All three could cook as well as clean, one even said she did windows. What's so hard about cleaning windows? I was the one who cleaned ours anyway. Never could understand that one. I told all three that I would let them know by the following week who I chose. All three expected gas money or some type of travel expense. I guess that was reasonable since gas prices were so high. I had a few women asking about live in but I just couldn't see letting some sixty year old woman I didn't know roam the house. Now if she was something to look at I might have considered it. I always like to look at good looking women; I'm not a pervert, just a man with needs, even though I may be a little older. Before I tell you who I chose, I have to let you know that a few offered sex if I would hire them. Some were even married. This might sound rash but I considered it. I have an overworked libido, probably from reading those crazy stories. Sexual release could have been good. The day before I was to choose my housekeeper I was taking a long walk through the park. I was one of the older guys that really enjoyed feeding the ducks. I came upon a young woman with a child who appeared to be around ten years old. The woman was crying and the child was actually comforting her. I stopped and asked her if there was a problem. She looked up and was a sweet looking woman around thirty or so years of age. She seemed to have a very nice figure, what I could see of it. Hell, she was young enough to be my daughter. She did look somewhat familiar to me. She spoke, "No, sir, we're fine." The young girl spoke up, "My dad died and now we have to live with grandma." "Rachel, leave the man alone; he doesn't want to hear our problems." "I know, mom, but he asked. Besides what are we going to do?" "I'm sorry to have bothered you but maybe I can help. Let me give you a few dollars so you can at least get some food." "Sir, we are not a charity case. We had a little misfortune and are dealing with it." "I'm sorry. Please accept my apology for butting in where I don't belong. I didn't mean it to sound the way it came out." "Mom, he only wanted to help. Why did you treat him like that?" "Sir, my daughter's right. You didn't deserve to be spoken to harshly. It's just that we left our home and I'm returning to live with my parents. Not really a good thing." "Look, my name is Ed, Ed Jenkins. I just live up from the park. If you would like, you and your daughter can maybe freshen up a bit before you continue your journey." "Thank you, Ed ... I mean, Mr. Jenkins, but we don't usually go to houses of people we don't know. But, thank you for the offer." "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom." "You can go at the bus station, Rachel," she said. "Mom, please, I have to go. I don't think Mr. Jenkins is going to attack us. Please, mom, we only need to stay for a few minutes." "Your daughter is right; I promise not to attack you and it's only a block away." "Okay, Mr. Jenkins, thank you. We'll take you up on your offer. By the way my name is Kim, Kim Smith and you already know Rachel." "Glad to meet both of you. You look so familiar to me Kim. I know I have see before." "Do you know a Molly Jenkins? I went to school with her. We were pretty good friends, or course that was quite a few years ago." "My youngest daughter is named Molly. She went to Center high school just down the road." "That's her. That's the Molly Jenkins I hung around with. I must have been to your house a dozen times. It's the big house over on Hall Rd. isn't it?" "As a matter of fact it is. I remember you now. You were that cute somewhat skinny little girl that wanted to be a cook. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that but you turned out to be a beautiful woman. Oh, shit, there I go again. I'm sorry." Kim was laughing and so was her daughter Rachel. "Okay mom, since you know him, can we go to his house so I can use the bathroom?" "Of course, sweetheart, there will be another bus in a couple of hours." "Kim, do you mind if we stop at the corner grocery so I can pick up a couple of items? I don't have a lot of food on hand at the house anymore. You see, my wife passed away a couple of months ago and I usually eat out. I liked eating at Raymond's Restaurant because they had the best home cooked meals. Then about two weeks ago the food changed. I don't eat there anymore. I have to find me another restaurant that serves home cooked meals." Kim was smiling. "I'm sorry for smiling, it's not about your wife. I feel very saddened for you losing a loved one. I was smiling about Raymond's Restaurant. I was the cook there till two weeks ago. Let me try and explain what happened. First though, let's pick up a few items and I'll make your dinner since you apparently like my cooking." We stopped at the store and I asked Kim if she could make me one of her western omelettes? She smiled and picked up everything she would need and we headed to the house. Rachel ran looking for the bathroom and Kim headed for the kitchen. I grabbed a chair and listened to her story. "Well, Mr Jenkins, do you want to hear the life story or just the last couple of weeks?" she smiled. "First off, call me Ed please. I have nothing but time and I want you to stay around as long as possible so please give me the long version." "We do have to catch our bus tonight so I'll give you the shortened long version, if that makes any sense," she laughed. She wasn't only funny; she was damn nice to look at. Damn, why was I so old. Rachel came in and asked if she could play on the piano. She knew how to peck out a few songs. Of course I told her it was okay. "Well, Mr. Jenkins - I mean, Ed - after graduating high school I went to a cooking school and learned a lot of the traits of cooking. I got a degree and decided to look for a cooking job. I went from one diner to another looking for work. There were a lot of jobs out there but none of them paid a decent wage. I did start working at a Red Lobster and that began my career." "Why aren't you still there?" I asked. "I met my husband; of course at the time he was my boy friend. He was in the military and was shipped overseas. While he was in Germany he wrote me and asked me to come out and live there for his last two years of enlistment. When he came home on leave, we got married and I returned to Germany with him. Shortly before coming home I became pregnant with Rachel. She was our only child. After returning home, I was a stay-at-home mom with my little girl. About two years ago Rick, my husband, was killed in a car accident. It's so hard to believe; he spent six years in the military and then gets killed when he returns home." Kim had tears in her eyes and I actually got up and pulled her to my chest like I would if it was one of my daughters. The only problem was she wasn't my daughter and it felt so good. I had to release her. "Thank you, I needed that," she said, as she continued her story. "We had a nice apartment and we continued to live there, that's Rachel and I. We received social security and of course his military benefits. I went looking for a job so we had enough to survive on. Raymond offered me a job at the restaurant. He agreed to let me work hours that were suitable so I could always be there for Rachel. Ray always joked with me about sexual things. I just kind of went along as long as he never touched me or anything like that. Then one day he came in drunk and tried to force me to have sex with him. It was after closing and I was cleaning up the place. He said his wife broke up with him and he needed sex and if I didn't give it to him he was going to fire me." "My God, Kim, the stupid bastard! You don't have to tell me anymore if you don't want to." I got up and held her again for a few seconds. She was trembling so I squeezed her gently and felt a calm come over her. I let go of her and sat back down while she continued cooking. "He forced me against the wall and slid his hand up my skirt. The minute he reached my private area I went bonkers. I reached over and grabbed a frying pan and it him twice on the back and shoulder with it. I ran out of the restaurant. I thought about calling the police but I didn't have any kind of proof. I later found out I cracked his shoulder blade. He was lucky I didn't hit him over the head." "Did you ever go back? I asked. "Yes, the next day to pick up my check. His wife had to come back and help him at the restaurant since his arm was in a sling. Come to find out, she left him the night before because he was playing around with other women at the bar. Of course she realized the restaurant was her livelihood also so she came back. She asked me what happened and I told her Ray made a pass at me and I hit him with the skillet. She asked me to stay but I told her I couldn't work for a man that tried to put his hands on me. She said she understood and I took my check and left." "Boy, that sure smells good. Can I hire you?" "What? Do you own a restaurant?" She asked as she called Rachel to come and eat. "No, I need a cook and housekeeper. My kids are worried I'm not eating properly and I won't be since you left the restaurant." "Are you serious, Ed? No, never mind, it wouldn't work out." "What do you mean, 'It wouldn't work out'? Tell me what you want, what you need. Maybe we can make it work." "Ed, we gave up our apartment. We have two weeks to get our belongings out of it or we will have to pay another months rent, which we can't afford. That's why we had to move in the first place. Then there is the transportation. Even if we could afford the apartment, I don't own a car anymore. Our's was a clunker and it gave out last month. We sold it to the junk yard last month. So, you see, too many obstacles to overcome." "If I could come up with an alternative, would you at least consider it?" "Yes, Ed, we ... that's Rachel and I ... would consider it. I don't make any moves unless my girl and I agree." We went ahead and ate. I kept complementing Kim on her cooking. I had to come up with something. There is no way I wanted to lose her as a cook. Besides, she was great to look at. After we ate I put our dirty dishes in the sink and asked Kim if she wanted to take a quick look at the house. I'm not a dirty person but cleaning a house is not a big priority on my what to do list, seeing now I make up my own, 'To do' list. My house is a three bedroom ranch with a two and a half car garage. I have two baths. I put the second one in about ten years ago when we added a patio and a pool. I also had a full basement which had been remodeled, mainly for the grandkids to have somewhere to play when they came over or for parties or gatherings. Continuing On with My Life When Kim looked at the bedrooms she noticed that two didn't have any furniture in them. "Ed, what happened to your bedroom furnishings? "After the death of Carol I asked the kids if they needed any of the bedroom furniture. I gave the beds to two of the kids and the dressers to the others. With all the grandkids I knew they could use it. I can always buy another bedroom suit. I was just happy I could help the kids out." We looked out the back door and Rachel saw the pool. "Ed, does the..." She was interrupted by Kim." "Rachel, you should always say Mr. because he is an adult." "I'm sorry, mommy. Mr. Ed, does the pool still work?" I had to laugh. Apparently she didn't know Mr. Ed was a horse, of course. It was an old televisions show about a horse. I had no problem with sweet Rachel calling me Mr. Ed. She even had her mother smiling. "If you and your mommy decide to live here, I'll open the pool as soon as possible." "That was a low blow, Ed. Promising Rachel the use of the pool." "I'll also pay for piano lessons for Rachel. I know one of the ladies of the church that gives lessons. She'll come here for the lessons and of course I have a piano for Rachel to learn on." "Ed, it all sounds nice but there are other problems. We have no way of getting around. I have to get my furniture in storage or pay out more money. I just don't know, Ed." "Please, Kim, hear me out. I've come up with a solution." "Okay, Ed, I'm all ears." "I'll take my truck and we will bring your furniture here. You can use your bedroom sets and you each can have your own room. We'll take the rest of your belongings and store it in the basement. If you do some light housekeeping and cook at least one meal a day, I'll give you a hundred dollars a week and free room and board. I know that's not a lot but it will help make ends meet. I'll also give you Carols car to use since I usually drive the truck. I'll take care of the upkeep but you have to buy your own gas. The vehicle's already insured, so you want have to pay for that." "God, Ed, that's quite an offer. I don't know what to say. Why would you want to do this for us? I'm not sure I understand and it's bothering me a little." "My kids want me to have someone clean for me. I didn't really like my choices till I saw you today. You are a great cook and I enjoyed the little bit of time we spent together. I guess I'm kind of lonely and miss having someone around. Rachel seems to be a sweet girl and I know she would be fun to have around. I promise to give you all the privacy you want. I guess that's about it." "I would like a day to think about it, Ed, and talk it over with Rachel. Maybe we could go back to our apartment for tonight and let you know tomorrow." "I want to stay, mom: a pool, a piano, my own room. Besides, I like Mr. Ed; he seems like a nice man," she was smiling at me. "Listen, Kim, I know this is probably going too quickly for both of us. I don't want to take a chance on you not returning. The couch in the family room converts into a bed. You and Rachel can sleep in there tonight and make your decision tomorrow. If you decide to leave, I'll drive you to your mother's place myself." "Okay, we'll take you up on the sleep over, but I'll make you breakfast tomorrow whether we stay or not." I was so happy as I gave her a hug. Rachel was jumping up and down like a ten year old - of course that's what she was. We turned on the television and all watched it - well, maybe mostly Rachel watched it while Kim and I talked. I was growing more fond of her by the minute and I had just re-met her that day. I got them some sheets and covers for the sofa bed and bid them goodnight. I even said a prayer asking God for a little backup here. I woke up to the telephone ringing. I didn't have a phone in my room but I heard Kim answer it. All I could hear was one side of the conversation. "Jenkins residence. May I help you?" "No, I'm sorry, that position has already been filled ... no, I know the lady wants it for sure. Yes, we'll keep you in mind; thanks for calling. Bye." She's staying! I was smiling as I came out of the room. Kim was standing and smiling. "Someone wanted to know about the position. I told her it was filled. What do you want for breakfast?" she smiled at me. "Anything you make will be great. I don't even know what's in the fridge. As long as you're staying, cereal would even be good." "Ed, there is one problem I have that you will have to handle before our agreement is final. You have to tell your daughter, Molly, that I'm living here. Just so you know, when we were teenagers I told her I thought her dad was a hunk and he could put his slippers under my bed anytime. It was just girl talk. Honest, we all used to talk silly like that but now Molly might think it's not so funny." I laughed, "Thanks for the compliment and I will call Molly right after breakfast. So, you really said that?" "Drop it, Ed. You're making me blush now. If you want some bacon and eggs you better take that silly smile off your face," she laughed. "Since we're being honest here, Kim. I do think you are one beautiful woman and if I was younger I would ... never mind, I said too much already. Bacon and eggs sound great. I think I'll wake up Rachel." I left the room before she could reply. After tickling Rachel till she woke up I went back in the kitchen. "Sure does smell great in here!" "It's just bacon and eggs, Ed. You can stop the compliments, we're staying. By the way I found some hash browns also." "The complements are all real, Kim, I meant all of them, and, yes, I like potatoes." "Okay, Ed. Something else I need to tell you. My mom didn't know we were coming. I figured when she saw Rachel and me, she would let us in. You see, she got re-married recently and her new husband is just a few years older than me. I didn't think that would be a good move for Rachel and me but I was running out of options till we met you." Later that day I called Molly and told her that I found a housekeeper and cook. She was really happy about it until I told her who it was. She had mixed emotions after I told her that Kim was going to be a live-in cook and housekeeper. I told her about Kim's husband getting killed and meeting them at the park. She felt better but I know she thought about the shoes under the bed thing, until I told her Kim mentioned it to me. She said she would be over later to see Kim whom she hadn't seen in at least ten years. Molly showed up within two hours of her phone call. The minute she saw Kim it was like old times for them. I think seeing Kim put Molly's heart at ease. They started acting like two school girls. Molly looked over at me and said, "Dad, you will be having a lot of company today. I called Gary, Mike and Lisa and they will all be here. I told them about Kim and of course they all wanted to come and meet her. Sorry, dad, I didn't think before I called all of them." "It's okay, glad to have them all here. I think I'll put them all to work. I need help in getting Kim's stuff here. It's still in her apartment on the other side of town. So I guess it will be you they get mad at instead of me." I laughed. Everyone showed up. It was like a family reunion. All my kids and their families, Kim, Rachel and, of course, me. I asked my sons if they would mind help me get Kim's belongings to the house. Between us we had three pickup trucks. Gary looked at Molly and said, "You set us up, didn't you, big sister?" "No, Gary, I really didn't. I first thought of dad with a young woman here and it bothered me so I called all of you guys on an impulse. I got here and saw Kim and Rachel and I knew everything was okay. Sorry, guys, but you should be helping dad anyway." Kim spoke, "I've have an idea. I'm a cook so if all you guys go and get my stuff, I promise you a dinner you'll never forget." "Is she really a good cook, dad? If I have to break my back I want the meal to be worth it," Gary said. "It's worth it, Gary, believe me. I kind of hate to say this but she even cooks better than your mom and I always thought she was the best." Ann, Gary's wife, spoke up. "Oh, no, I'm going to get compared again. Shit! Kim, will you teach me to cook. Gary says I'm the best in bed but the worst in the kitchen." Everyone laughed. "Sure, Ann, anytime. In fact we'll have our fist lesson today. I could use a little help if this army wants to eat in a few hours." Two of the women went with the guys to make sure all the stuff was packed neatly. The other two help Kim prepare a meal fit for a king. We moved the bedroom sets into the bedrooms and took the extra stuff and put it all downstairs. We hooked up the extra fridge in the garage. Mike called it the new beer fridge. We also set the stove in the garage. No one wanted to carry it downstairs. Dinner was ready about the same time the work was done. Everyone started eating. After every bite you heard, "Umm, umm, God, this food is great; even the bread sticks taste great. My gosh, Kim, you should do this for a living." "Hold on, people, Kim's my cook. I just got her; don't take her away already." "I'm not going anywhere, Ed. At least for now, I'm not even moved in yet" She smiled. "Kim, your cooking really is an art form. I swear, I couldn't believe how quick you make a fabulous meal using the same stuff I have in our fridge. I have a feeling we will be visiting more often," said Lisa. After everyone ate and got to know Kim, they were heading for home. My son Mike called me to the side asked me if our relationship was more than a housekeeper and cook. "Well, son, if it wasn't for the age difference the answer would be yes. She is a beautiful and nice woman. I can't see where she would want a relationship with an old guy like me. You're my son and I wouldn't lie to you. I think she is one of the nicest women I've every met. I just wish I wasn't so damn old." "Dad, for the record, I hope everything works out for you. I really love you, dad, and I'm behind you, no matter what you do." I saw a tear in my son's eye. Everything went on great for the next few months. I opened up the pool and you would have thought Rachel was a fish; she spent so much time in the pool. Kim got in with her at least once a day. She wore a one piece bathing suit but I needed a towel in my lap when I saw her in it. Then she would always smile at me. A few times I had to get in the pool myself, just to hide my emotions, so to speak. Life was really good. Someone in the family would show up just about every weekend. The kids played with Rachel and the woman helped cook with Kim. She just liked cooking for everyone. You could just see the love she put into it. Kim and Molly became best friends and went everywhere together. Molly kept trying to fix Kim up with different guys. She actually went on a few dates but always came home early. It was kind of funny in a sense. I really cared for her and watched her leave for a date. I always watched Rachel for her. Rachel became like a daughter to me. We played in the pool. I listened during her piano lessons. Yes, I kept my promise and let her take lessons. She was actually doing quite well. We played board games together. I got her computer games but she said she wanted to spend time with me. One evening she asked me a question. "Mr. Ed, can I call you, dad? You do everything for me that a dad does and I get tired of telling my friends you're Mr. Ed. Some of their parents even laugh when I tell them who you are. Something about a horse. So, can I call you dad?" I had tears in my eyes. "Rachel, sure, you can call me dad. It would be an honor to have a daughter as sweet as you." She came over and gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, dad, I love you." Wow! I didn't expect that but children don't usually hide their feelings. "I love you too, Rachel," I replied. We were finishing a game of checkers when Kim came in. Boy, she looked nice. I gave her a nice smile and asked how her date went. She said it was fine and then asked Rachel why she was still up. "We were just finishing our game, mom." "Well, honey, it's time for bed now and I need to talk with Ed. So say goodnight and I'll see you in the morning, okay?" "Okay, mommy," she turned to me and said, "Goodnight, daddy, see you in the morning." She gave me a kiss and a hug; then turned to her mom and said, "Goodnight, mom. Sweet dreams," and headed off to bed. "Daddy? Ed, she called you daddy." "Yes, she asked me tonight if she could. She told me it made her feel better, so I told her it was alright with me unless you object." "No, I don't mind but it was quite a shock. You are the main father figure in her life and I know she really likes you. She tells me all the time." "What is this you want to tell me?" "Ed, I have something I need to discuss with you." "Sure, Kim, what is it. You seem a bit nervous?" "You know how much I love cooking and it's what I've always wanted to do." "Yeah, you're going to leave me, aren't you? You've gotten one of those good offers, didn't you. I knew it was going to happen some day. I just didn't know I'd feel so bad." "Ed, hold on a minute. Give me a chance to talk with you and explain." "It's okay, I understand." "No, you don't understand. Please let me explain. I don't want to leave you." "What is it then, Kim?" "You are right; I did get a number of job offers but I turned them all down till I could talk to you. I have an idea but I don't have the finances. Would you like to go into business with me? I thought about it and thought about it. We could start our own catering business. You have to put up the finances, because I don't have enough money. We can hook up my stove and refrigerator in the garage and I will use them to prepare the food. We can split the profits fifty-fifty. The overhead would be low and I could stay here and still do the housekeeping for you. We would be partners." "So you're saying I put up the start-up money for food and whatever. I would be responsible for the utilities. You would do all the cooking and catering and we would split the profits. Is that about right? "Please say yes! I want to be a cook so bad but not at the cost of our friendship. Besides, Rachel would never want to leave here. She cares for you too much and I think she feels like you're her dad." "So this is all about Rachel not wanting to leave. What do you feel?" "Ed, these last few months have been great, for both Rachel and me. I don't want to lose you either." "Okay then, it's settled. You can start your business anytime you like." "Good, we have a birthday party set for Saturday and a baptism reception to do on Sunday." "How did you know I'd say, yes?" I smiled. "Let's just say I had my fingers crossed and was praying real hard. Thank you, Ed, you're the nicest man I has ever met. I want you to know that." Her business took off great. She had parties and receptions just about every weekend. She would buy the groceries she needed during the week and start her cooking on Thursday. One thing was for certain. We ate great! What ever she made for her parties, she always made a little extra for us. I was one extremely lucky fellow. No one ate as good as I did. After about three weeks of me helping her load her little car with food I decided to surprise her. I bought a new van for her. Well, actually it was a used van but new to us. I traded in Carol's little car. Boy, was Kim ever surprised. On Thursday I asked her to drop me off at the car dealership. I didn't tell her but we needed to take the car for the trade in. So, Kim, Rachel and I got in the car and Kim asked what I needed from the dealership. I mumbled something until we got to the business. We got out and I told her to wait for me, and I would be right back. I went in and got the keys to the van. Rachel and Kim were looking at the vehicles in the lot when a garage person started taking off her license plates. "Excuse me, sir, those are our plates," Kim said. "I know, that's why I'm removing them and putting them on your van." replied the garage man. "There must be a mistake. We didn't buy a van." I walked out and looked at Kim. "Yes, we did. I can't have my partner delivering food in that teeny tiny car. This van should make it a lot easier for you. It may be in my name, but it's your van." Kim started crying again. She came to me and hugged me. "God, you're wonderful. You always say and do the right things. I really care for you, Ed. I want you to know that." I loved her and was hoping she felt the same. Neither of us ever said it. We got in our van and headed home. She told me how much more convenient it was using the van. She usually took Rachel with her to help carry the trays in. Rachel was one smart little girl. Whenever they needed more help, she had Molly or some of their friends help out. Kim usually turned down big weddings and the like. She preferred the smaller, easier to handle parties even though people begged her to do them. One of her clients convinced her to do a three hundred person wedding reception. She asked me if I would mind helping with it. It actually felt good helping. We had to use both stoves because of so much food. I swear that woman knew her shit. She cooked for all those people like most people cook a Thanksgiving dinner. I also helped her load up and serve. She dressed especially for this big wedding. She, Molly and a couple of their friends all dressed alike. I wore a vest and tie that matched the outfits. Everyone complemented Kim on the food and she received a number of future parties. The only thing that bothered me was that a number of men hit on Kim. She handled it well. I asked Molly if that happened often and she told me, "If there were men at a party, then Kim would get hit on." She said, "My God, dad, she would be a great catch. She's pretty, smart and a hell of a good cook. What more could a man want?" I couldn't tell Molly how much that really hurt me. I felt that way about Kim too; only she was twenty years younger than me. Damn, it was hell being older. Molly did tell me that for some reason Kim rarely accepted any dates, even from the single good looking guys. I know she had a right to her own life but as I mentioned earlier, I was in love with her but because of our age difference and friendship I kept quiet. I started helping her a lot more after that wedding. At one small wedding, one guy kept hitting on Kim. I stayed out of it but I could tell she was a bit annoyed. After the party was over I went to the lot to get the van. Kim was waiting by the door when the man who was hitting on her came out to talk to her. I heard her tell him to leave her alone and to please just leave. I could tell he was a bit drunk. He grabbed hold of her arm when I jumped out of the van and grabbed hold of him and pushed him up against the building. "Ed, no, don't! Please stop," cried Kim." Right then a police cruiser pulled up and two officers quickly got out of their vehicle. "What's going on here?" asked one officer as the other just listened. The drunk spoke, "I was out here with this young lady when this old man grabbed me and pushed me up against the wall." The officer asked Kim, "Is that true, were you with this man and the elderly fellow interfered?" I gave a mean look at the officer and Kim looked at him totally confused. "Um, oh, um, officer, I was waiting for my boyfriend to come back with our van when this man began harassing me. My boyfriend jumped out of our van and grabbed the man. He was just protecting me." "Your boyfriend? This old guy is your boyfriend?" The drunk asked. The officer spoke, "Well, it doesn't look like any real harm was done here." He looked at the drunk and said, "I suggest that in the future you listen to the lady. No means no. Do I make myself clear?" Continuing On with My Life "Yes, sir," replied the drunk. "I apologize, miss. I meant no harm." "Do you have a ride home? I hope you 're not driving in that condition," replied the officer. "Yes, I have friends inside; they'll drive me home," as he went back into the hall. I looked at the officer. "Elderly fellow? I ought to put you over my knee." "Easy, dad, I'm a police officer. I had to treat it as any other public disturbance." "Mike, I didn't know what to say. I didn't even know you were an officer." replied Kim. "Did you speak the truth? After all I am an officer of the law." Kim smiled, but didn't answer his question. After all she told him I was her boyfriend. Mike and his partner headed down the road and we packed up and headed for home. The following weekend there was a girls' night out. Molly, Lisa, Ann and a couple other girls were all going out together. They asked Kim to go with them. She first said no, but eventually they convinced her. The Monday after I got a call from Molly. She said she had to talk to me. It was extremely important. I told her to come on over and we could talk. She mentioned she wanted to come when Kim wasn't there. After Kim and Rachel when shopping Molly showed up. "What's the matter, honey? You sounded like a nervous wreck." "It's Kim, dad." "What about Kim?" "When we had a girls night out, we all danced with decent men. We were all married except for Kim so she got asked more than we did. She was asked out for a number of dates with some really nice men that we all knew from our jobs." "So, what's the problem? Haven't you been trying to fix her up for months now." "She turned down all the dates, dad. I asked her why and she said she was in love with one man and was waiting for him to ask her to marry him?" I had a lump in my throat. I knew this day was coming. It really hurt inside but I tried not to show it. "So, what's wrong, Molly. Isn't this what you wanted?" "Yes and no, dad, I wanted her to find a good man but she told me the man she was in love with was you, dad. It's you that Kim's in love with. What are we going to do? She's my best friend and she's in love with my father." "Sit down for a moment, Molly. I need to talk with you. I don't exactly know how to say this so I'm going to come right out with it. I've loved Molly almost from the beginning." "But, dad, she's so much younger than you." "I know, sweetheart, and that's why I have never told her. I tried to be supportive of her and not interfere with her life. Deep down I miss your mother; I miss having companionship. Kim and Rachel fill that void. I never knew what to do about it but now that I know she feels that way about me, I want to marry her." "Oh, God, dad, I'm happy but confused. Have you two been lovers?" "Molly, that's not something you should ask me but, the answer is no, we haven't. I've wanted to many times but I didn't want to ruin our relationship." "I'm sorry, dad, but I'm mixed up too. I want the best for you and I want the best for Kim. I just never thought of her being my mom." "She will never be your mom; no woman will replace your mom, but she could always be your best friend as well as my wife." "Dad, I love you so much and want you to be happy. If it's Kim that does that for you, I can live with it." "I want you to call you brothers and sister and see where everyone stands on this issue and then get back to me. I don't want to say anything to Kim till I have things figured out." "Okay, dad, I'll get back with you later." "I sat back in my chair and contemplated my future. The Conclusion: Well, things went on rather normally for the next week. I asked Kim not to plan any parties for the following week. There was a special family dinner at the Olive Garden and the family wanted to know if she could attend. She asked me what it was and I told her that Molly would explain it to her. Molly kept putting off telling her the reason for the party until Saturday when they were on their way to it. She asked Molly why I didn't go with them and that's when Molly told her what the party was about. "Dad's got a girlfriend. I don't know if you ever knew it but he's going to propose to her tonight." Kim had tears in her eyes. "Who is she? I have never seen him with a woman at the house. Will I have to move out? I don't think I could live there with him and his wife and still be the cook and housekeeper." "Dad said he's got it figured out. I'm sorry, Kim. I know you liked him a lot." "I don't think I can go in. Honestly, I can't go to this dinner. Please drive me home." "No, Kim, dad would be devastated if you didn't attend. After all, you're his best friend." "Then why is he marrying some one else if I'm his best friend? It's that stupid age thing isn't it. I'm too damn young, right? He doesn't think we can be happy together, right? I can't go in, I just can't." "Okay, you big crybaby, I'll tell you. I was only allowed to tell you if you were going to be trouble." "Trouble? Crybaby? Molly, I love your dad and I'm losing him. I have a good reason to be trouble, and mad and crying, don't you think?" "No, you don't! It's you that dad is going to propose to tonight, 'Mom'," Molly laughed. Kim started crying again, she didn't stop even when they pulled in front of the restaurant. I was standing at the door holding Rachel's hand when Kim got out of the car. She hadn't stopped crying as Rachel ran up to her and asked her, "Mom, are you going to say 'Yes' and marry dad?" Kim looked down at her daughter's happy face. "My answer is yes, honey. I loved him from the day we met him." "Me too, mommy. I loved dad from the beginning too. Now we will be a normal family, right, mom?" "We'll be a family but time will tell how normal we are, sweetheart." We all went inside and I made my grand announcement. "Okay, family, you're all here. I want to announce that I'm in love with Kim and I want to marry her. If any of you have a problem with that I want to know it now." No one said a word but one by one they stood up and started clapping until they were all applauding. Kim came up to me and I asked, "Kim, will you marry me and make me the happiest man on the planet? "Yes, Ed, I'll marry you and I'm already the luckiest woman alive." We kissed on the lips for really the first time. Then Kim looked over the guests and saw her mother and her step-father were there as well. She ran back and gave her mother a hug. We were married two weeks later. Rachel had two questions for us. "Am I Jimmy's aunt now?" asked Rachel. Jimmy was Molly's son who was the same age as Rachel. "In a sense you are but he doesn't have to call you Aunt Rachel. What's the other question? "Dad, are you too old to give me a brother or sister? Kim started laughing and said, "Let me answer that one sweetheart. No, daddy is not to old and we will start on that tonight." Isn't life great! * Thank you for reading my story Comments welcome DG Hear