Dottie was the love of my life. We were married for 41 happy years. Like other couples, it took time to learn to adjust to each one's eccentricities, and we had minor fights, but in the last 20 years, our love was limitless. We used to travel abroad, from Thailand to Iceland and Brazil. We took multiple pictures that we later watched over and over again. At least twice a week we went out. It was to the movies, a great restaurant, or dancing in a nearby club. Even the sex had improved, as we experimented with new positions. We avoided the too-difficult and too-risky ones, but later in life, we even had sex on the soft carpet.
I still fondly recall the morning I woke up with a woodie. In my erotic dream, Dottie and I were on top of Mount Cadillac. We were alone, and the weather was perfect. Dottie's eyes brightened, and she posed seductively, 'Honey, this place makes me very horny. Do you think you'll be able to help me?' I looked around and saw nobody was approaching. We found a patch of grass, undressed, and were going at it... when a noise from the outside woke me up. To say I was upset would be an understatement. Dottie, who was already sipping her morning coffee, noticed my chagrin. She placed her coffee mug on the table, pushed me back to bed and gave me the best oral ever...
But as they say, all good things come to an end. A year ago, Dottie was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. She underwent palliative surgery and torturing chemotherapy, but after 3 months, she succumbed to her disease and left me in agony.
For 2 weeks I refused to shave, shower, or leave the house. I ate miserably and cared about nothing. Then, my buddy Fred, who I refused to answer his phone calls, broke my front door, entered, and dragged me into the shower. I was too weak to fight or even argue. He shaved and soaped me like a baby, gave me hot coffee, dressed me up and forced me out of the house. He stayed at my house for 3 consecutive days and nights, ensuring I ate right and consoling me each time I started to cry. By the 4th day, he told me he had to leave, but it was time to get back to normal, "Dottie would have been very upset to see you neglecting yourself. She would want you to continue living your life."
...
Gradually, I began to regain control over my new life. I was 62 years old, a retired photographer, childless, living alone in my 4 bedroom house in the suburb. I established a new routine: After breakfast, I went to the nearest health club, exercised for an hour, swam and used the sauna for another half an hour, and returned home. I watched TV or worked on my computer until lunchtime, and then rested in bed for 2 hours. Late afternoon, I strolled in the nearest park. It had a nice trail with shady places, big trees, colorful flowers, a small pond with ducks playing around, and a tiny beautiful waterfall. It had multiple benches and a couple of tables, so people could sit and watch the impressive scenery. I loved the park and brought with me my DSLR camera to shoot birds flying, blooming flowers, dogs running around, and even families enjoying a leisurely stroll.
One afternoon, I was sitting on a bench in front of the waterfall, eating a sandwich I brought with me from home. Suddenly, a cute little schnauzer stopped before me, sat on his back paws, and stared at my sandwich. I smiled, took out a small piece of cheddar cheese, and gave it to him. He ate it and continued to watch me eating my food. Seconds later, 2 older women came in my direction and saw the dog sitting.
One of them said, "Sir, we are sorry. Rexy is difficult to control. He loves to eat, and whenever he spots somebody with food, he begs as if he had nothing to eat for days."
I chuckled, "Ladies, it's OK. I had a dog once, a black lab. He used to behave the same way."
Rexy continued eyeing my sandwich with hungry eyes. I could not resist and cut for him another small piece of cheese.
The younger of the 2 women giggled, "Mister, stop doing it, otherwise, Rexy will never leave you alone."
I said, "I don't mind sharing my food with your dog. It's a beautiful day. Why don't you girls sit down too?" They gazed at each other and then sat by me.
The older lady noticed my camera and asked, "What pictures do you take with this large camera?"
"Everything I find interesting: Unusual shape of a tree, birds flirting, flowers, or changing colors with the seasons."
"Can we see your photos?"
"Sure." I started displaying the latest pictures I took. The women watched 20 consecutive photos, and then the younger one mumbled, "These are wonderful. You are a gifted photographer."
I grinned, "Thanks. Before my retirement, I used to own a photo shop on Willard street. Nowadays, I just do it for fun."
"Some of the pictures you took are so good, I would print and hang them on my wall."
"Lady, choose the ones you like, and it will be done."
"How much will it cost us to have 3 of them?"
I smiled, "I live alone and have all the money I need. Photography is now only a hobby. I can do it for free. Choose the 3 you like, and if the regular size of 11" by 8" is OK, I'll bring them here in 2 days. Lately, I come here almost every day around this time."
They selected 3 scenery pictures, thanked me, and continued their stroll. I glanced at them until they disappeared behind the curve, noticing they turned in my direction a couple of times while chatting enthusiastically. I smiled to myself, 'Women and their hungry dog...'
...
Two days later, the 3 photos were printed and even framed. I sat on the same bench as before and waited. I was eating my sandwich and had extra cheese in a Ziploc bag for Rexy. I almost finished eating when Rexy showed up and rushed toward me. He sat on his hind legs and stared at me. I giggled and gave him 3 small pieces of mozzarella cheese. He swallowed them whole and continued sitting with the hope of getting more. From a distance, I saw the 2 ladies nearing. I stood up and said, "Last time we briefly talked, but I don't recall we introduced ourselves. My name is Louis. And yours?"
The younger woman grinned, "My mother's name is Pearl, and I am Nadia."
"Nice names. Ladies, here are the photos I promised."
They inspected them thoroughly, gazed at each other, and the young one turned to me, "Louis, they look even better than we thought. Thank you very much. Are you sure you won't accept money?"
"Definitely not. It was my pleasure."
"In that case, let us invite you for dinner at our house. You are a good man who made a nice gesture despite not even knowing our names. Please come."
I smiled, "You really don't have to feel obligated to invite me. As I said; I am less busy lately, and it was a pleasure to meet you, especially Rexy."
Pearl had a raspy laugh, "I bet before we showed up here, you already fed him."
I admitted, "That is true, but not too much."
Nadia joked, "If Rexy is your favorite, do you wish we hang the picture on his dog house in the yard?" We all laughed.
I said, "It wasn't my intention, but if you want to hang something in his corner, I have pictures of playing dogs as well."
"I was just kidding. Another framed picture is not necessary, but if you can show us the dogs'-file when you arrive to dinner, it will be fantastic."
"Ladies, tell me a little about you."
"My Mom is a retired elementary school teacher, and I work as a pharmacist in the big Walmart downtown. My Dad died of a heart attack 8 years ago, and since then, it's Mom and I against the world. In the last 5 years, we traveled to a few national parks, including Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and Acadia. These days we live quiet, one might say, boring life with our 5 year old menace to society, Rexy. That's basically it. What about you?"
"As I mentioned before, I retired 2 years ago and hoped to spend the rest of my life with my wife. Unfortunately, she was found to have metastatic cancer and died about a year ago. Since then, I have lived alone in my house and tried to adjust to my new life as a widower."
Nadia and Pearl exchanged stares again, and Pearl mumbled, "Sir, in that case, you HAVE to come to dinner. How about Friday at 6 pm?"
"If it's not too much of a burden, I'll be happy to join you. Are we going to be 4 at the table?"
"What do you mean?"
"Pearl, Nadia, Rexy, and me."
Pearl grinned, "In fact, during the dinner, I'll make sure he is in one of the other rooms, otherwise, the whole time he'll interrupt and plead for food."
I suggested, "It's a beautiful day. Would it be OK if instead of sitting, we walk around the pond?"
"Good idea." She called her dog who found a giant Dane to play with, "Rexy, come back, we are going."
We strolled together for about an hour before the sun began to set. When we separated, Nadia gave me their address and her phone number, reminding me again about Friday's dinner.
...
On Friday afternoon, before leaving the house, I shaved, showered, and wore a clean white shirt, khakis, and comfortable shoes. I brought with me a small box of Neuhaus chocolates and a bottle of Chardonnay. On the way to their house, I also stopped at a flower shop and bought a bouquet of 2 dozen white and red roses.
I rang the bell right on time. Nadia opened the door. She looked very different than the times we met in the park. I guessed she was about 40, but with the makeup and lipstick on, she looked about 10 years younger. She was about 5'6", 130 pounds, with a nice figure that was emphasized by her long, gray evening gown.
I handed her the wine, chocolates, and flowers and blurted, "Nadia, you look gorgeous!"
She blushed, but recovered immediately and chortled, "I see you brought 2 color roses. In order to prevent family feud, you have to tell us which one of us gets the red ones."
I grinned, "I need to see your mother before making up my mind."
I barely finished the sentence, and Pearl entered the living room. She was about 60, slightly shorter than her daughter, and weighed about the same. Her brown and silver hair was arranged in a bun. She also had makeup on with a touch of light-red lipstick. Her black, midi-style dress clung to her younger-looking figure.
I whistled appreciatively, and said, "Ladies, I apologize. As a man and a photographer, I could not resist my amazement at both your looks tonight." I turned to Nadia, "Sorry, girl. I cannot choose. Both of you are my favorites, at least for tonight." They laughed.
Pearl mumbled, "Dinner is ready. Let's go. Louis, we forgot to ask you what were your preferred foods, and if you were allergic to certain ingredients, so we can only hope you'll like what we made."
I smiled, "I am easy. No allergy that I know of, and I eat almost anything."
They placed me at the head of the table with their seats on both my sides. The mother made last minute preparations while the daughter put large plates in the middle of the table. The meal consisted of 2 meat options: Wiener Schnitzel and/or pork shank. The other plate had baked potatoes, green beans, and pickled beets. The Chardonnay I brought was on the table with another bottle of Pinot Grigio.
The homemade food was delicious! I said it enthusiastically with my mouthful. Pearl's face was ruby-red, and Nadia explained that her mother was the chef. I turned to Pearl, "Lady, will you marry me? With such tasty food on a daily basis, I may die younger than I hope for, but until then, I'll be the happiest man alive."
