Here I am watching my new family from above and I couldn't be happier or more prouder. I got to watch my granddaughter take her first steps. Erin walk little Kelsey to school. I was 55 years old on November 16th, 2019 when I died. I was losing hope of ever finding or meeting someone to love me and that I could love back. I sensed even then, not knowing the future that I didn't have much time left. I never expected to find the true love of a woman, much less another woman loving me as much as a real daughter too.
She was the daughter I never had. Erin was a medium build, a very pretty dark-haired woman of 26. She was generally a happy person, often unsure of herself when making decisions. She thinks of others before herself. I first met Erin as a young newbie at work and we clicked right away. She always came to me for both work and personal advice and if she needed a ride to work or if her car broke down, I was always there for her. The favours have been returned several times. Erin's been working at the office for a few months as a receptionist and we usually met after work for coffee and a few laughs, sometimes with co-workers.
I walked into work one morning. "Hey Erin, how's it going?"
"Hi Andrew, it's going okay, I guess. My mom's birthday is coming up and I can't decide what to get her." Erin fretting.
"Well, I'm not very good at picking out presents myself, especially for women. I'm reasonably sure if you give it to her with love, that'll mean way more than any present. It's more about 'you' being with your mom and celebrating with her."
Erin gives me a hug and a little kiss on the cheek. "Thank you!!"
A few days went by. It was a hot, hazy and humid summer afternoon, Erin and I were done work and we were just heading out of the office to meet at our favourite coffee shop. The boss caught me before I got out. He wanted my approval on a new plan for a job halfway across the country. I quickly looked at the papers and they seemed good. I told him a couple caveats to look for and to check them out first. Fifteen minutes later I was finally out the door. I texted Erin, that I was on my way.
I walked into the coffee shop and sitting with her was a very pretty older blonde lady about 50 years old. She was wearing a pink tank top, white shorts with tiny red polka dots and a pair of white runners. A small white purse sat on the table.
"Hey Andrew, I want you to meet my mom Amy." Erin said with excitement.
"Hi Amy, how are you doing?"
Amy stood up, offered her hand and a hug "Hi Andrew, Erin has told me so much about you. Thank you for taking care of my daughter."
"Aww, it's no problem. She's good kid. An annoying one sometimes but otherwise a good kid." I joked.
"Hey!!, excuuuse me...what do you mean annoying!" She says with a fake pissed off look. Then we all laughed.
Amy says with a wink "I call her my little 'Ooops!'"
"MOM!!" Erin wined.
"So, by the way, Happy Birthday Amy!!" Amy gives me another hug then we sat down.
The three of us chirped away for an hour or so. Amy was as smart as she was pretty. She had nice shiny, frizzy blonde hair down to her shoulders with dark roots, big innocent baby blue eyes, a long nose and small lips with an inviting smile. Her hands were manicured with red nails. She had a nice summer tan; you could tell she liked to spend some time outdoors.
Erin handed her mother a little box from a jewelry store. I had no idea what was in it. Erin was just as pretty as her mother. She had freckles and 5'6 a good couple inches taller than Amy and me. She had Amy's eyes and nose and facial shape, also like her mother she had a pretty smile. Where Amy is petite Erin had a little larger bone structure and much bigger breasts than her mother.
"Here's your birthday present Mom, I wanted Andrew to be here when I gave it to you."
Amy looked at me, then Erin. "Thank you, what is it?"
"Unwrap it Mom and find out!" she nudged.
Amy unwrapped the present, opened the box, and pulled out a silver locket. Amy was shaking nervously; Erin was on the edge of her seat anxiously awaiting her mother's approval. Amy opened the locket. Inside were two pictures, one of her daughter, the other of her. Amy broke down with tears and hugged Erin. Amy got up and gave me a hug too.
We talked again for a few minutes longer. Erin had a date, so she left. Amy got up and pointed to an empty bench seat by the window and told me to grab the coffees. Amy ran over and got the seat. I put the coffees down while she was still standing. Amy told me to pick a seat. I sat down expecting her to sit opposite to me. Nope, she sat down right beside me.
"Does this bother you?" Amy asked.
"Hell, no" I answered. "Just a little surprised that's all."
The two of us talked again for awhile. Then about a half hour later it suddenly became very noisy in there. I looked up see what the hell's going on??
"Andrew, What's happening?"
I quickly scanned the place, looked out on the lot, and saw a big coach bus, then I clued in on what was going on.
"A big bus just came in. Those people came in off it." I pointed to the people in line then the bus.
Amy grabbed my arm. "C'mon, let's get out of here, it's too noisy to talk." I followed Amy out the door to her car.
"Andrew, I think I'm going to go now. I was wondering would you like to come to my place tomorrow, early, for breakfast? Umm...or are you working?" Amy asks.
"No, I'm off until Monday. But sure, I'd love to come over."
"Great, see you tomorrow." Amy gave me a little peck on the lips then got in her car and waved as she drove off.
I didn't get much if any sleep that night. I laid in bed tossing and turning all night long; I just couldn't get Amy out of my head.
Amy called her mom. She asked if she liked her present.
"Yes, I just love it, it must've cost you a fortune Erin, you know how I don't like you spending money on me."
"I know Mom, but I made that money clear and wanted to show how much I love you."