I hope you have taken the time to read Chapter 1 to truly understand. As I had said in last chapter Marie had moved in to live with Karen and me for her final days. The old girl may have had some years on her and not the body she had in the past, but as I was to find out, at 71 the coals still had some spark just waiting the right person and right time.
Karen was to leave for a shopping spree that was to start that Thursday and she would return on Sunday. This was a yearly thing she had done with her friend from high school for many years, girl's weekend out. I was to stay at home and watch Marie and finish some much needed home projects. Thursday morning came and Karen gave me a kiss and said, " Mom make sure John behaves," and out the door she and into her friend's car. All morning I reminisced about that kiss that I had received many years before, when Marie was in her late 40s. I wondered if she still kissed like she did that night under the mistletoe. I also wondered if I had the courage to ask for a second kiss.
It was almost lunch time and I asked Marie if she would like to go to the local diner to get a sandwich. Now at 71 years of age Marie doesn't get asked out on a date too much and jumped at the opportunity. All through the lunch I was trying to find a way to mention the kiss but just didn't dare. On the way home we took the long scenic route and talked about many things we both enjoyed. Finally with butterflies in my belly, and worried how she would react I said, "Marie, I need to ask you something and I need you to give your word it will not ever be mentioned to Karen". Marie looked confused but agreed it would be our secret.
I said, " Marie do you remember the night at Christmas many years ago when you kissed me under the mistletoe?" Marie shook her head no.