Down by the Lake, an Update

Down by the lake was honestly my first effort at writing a story. It was as if I felt compelled to write it. I feel it has held up well.

I've been going through and correcting errors, harvesting out a ton of commas and generally just polishing.

To everyone who commented in the first version; I thank you compliments were appreciated, criticisms taken in the spirit given.

Enjoy a revisit with Josh, Madge, Jeannie, and everyone else.

BSB

One

1

There is a lake bordering the southwest corner of my property; it's fairly large, and I have several hundred feet of shoreline - mostly trees and brush with a few open areas. The rest of the lake is surrounded by National Forest, with a county road running along the western tip.

Every so often campers will wander onto my land, so I make it a habit of checking over there weekly during the summer months. Usually I just point out where they are, and if they seem nice enough I let them stay.

Well, early in June a few years ago my dog Bogart and I were making a pass down there and encountered a couple with a tent set up and signs they were planning a longish stay. They looked in their late twenties or early thirties, he was 5-7 or 8, brown hair, with the tanned look of a man that worked outdoors. She was maybe 5-3, medium length brown hair, freckles over pale skin. More than that I couldn't tell since it was a chilly day and they were dressed for warmth.

When I come on a camp I like to announce my presence before stepping in, so I called "Hello the camp!"

They both sort of jumped, then he called me in.

I introduced myself, then explained they were on my land.

That's when the first problem cropped up: he said his name was Dave Jensen and she was Marjorie Franklin, and he was sorry he didn't realize they were on private land. Her head did a quick twitch, and in fact, so did mine.

"Son, I came from over along the road, and if you're driving a blue Ford pickup you just lied to me, and that's no way to start out."

His eyes widened and he took a deep breath, then he dropped them down and mumbled an apology; "I'm sorry, we got here last night and didn't know..."

At that point I cut him off: "That's two. You're parked within twenty feet of a 'private property' sign, you walked right past it to get here. I think you should camp elsewhere."

That's when she spoke up; "We're running out of places to go."

"Are you broke? Homeless?"

"Yes. We've both lost our jobs, ran out of unemployment, and never did have much in savings. I sold my car and moved in with Dave when I couldn't afford my apartment, and a few weeks ago he lost his and we've been living in campgrounds, but now... we don't have the money for camping fees and food and gas."

"What sort of work did you do?"

"Well I was in real estate, then office work, then anything I could do that pays."

"And you?"

"Construction. Mostly rough framer, but really anything that pays."

"Alright. My name is Murphy, you can stay here for a while, but I do require you keep a clean camp. Also, you may want to move farther up in the trees; you'll get more shelter from the wind and the bugs are less bothersome."

"And dig a pit toilet well away from the water."

I whistled up the dog and headed back up to the house, thinking as I went. I remembered early adulthood when I was scuffling for work with a wife and two young kids. I'd take any job I could find. Even worked in a porn shop for a while, but was happy to find something better. Never did have to tent live though.

*****

I should give you some personal background: my name is Murphy, Josh Murphy. I'm in my mid - sixties, pretty fit, but with the aches that come from working hard for a living. I'm only 5'6", and at that time I was 200 pounds, and I liked to think most of that was muscle.

I was in the Navy after high school, made rate in electronics and served aboard a destroyer with several tours off Viet Nam. After the service I worked at several aircraft companies in Southern California and married. Eventually we moved up to Northwest, where I caught on with a local utility and found a career.

3

By then we had had two kids, a house, a couple cars, and of course the usual cats and dogs. I made good money, was reasonably lucky in my investing, and had a decent pension when I retired. My wife and I bought this 25 acre parcel in the Cascade foothills thirty years ago, when land was reasonably cheap. We built a four bedroom, two bath cabin at the upper portion of the meadow, in the wind shadow of a large hill. There are several out buildings including a barn I use as a garage for my truck, the two cars I restored, and a small tractor. In the loft we set up a small apartment.

We had been married thirty years when she developed cancer, and within three years she had passed. Since then - almost five years, I had lived alone; the last three retired.

The next week I was busy; working around the place, running into town, meeting up with a couple friends - you know the usual stuff we all do. When I finally checked back on the couple I was impressed with the site; they had done as I suggested and the camp was clean. Dave wasn't around and when I called 'hello the camp' Marjorie responded with 'Hello the landlord'.

A sense of humor. I liked that.

So I sat and we talked. Bogart came over, gave her the sniff test, and then sat with his chin in her lap, she idly rubbing his ears as we chatted. That big black dog knew a softie when he saw one.

Dave, it turned out, had found a couple days work and would be back around sunset. She was staying busy around camp, then just walking the woods. But not being a 'nature girl' didn't know what she was looking at.

The more we talked, the more I got the impression of a smart woman finding herself in a difficult situation, and trying to make the best of it. I also had a better look at her since she wasn't wearing three layers of clothing; she may have weighed 120 pounds, and her shape was pretty nice, if still covered by jeans and a sweat shirt. Her eyes were blue-grey with golden flecks. There were the beginnings of lines around her eyes and mouth, probably indicative of the stress she had been going through.

After a while I suggested we walk around a bit and I would give her a few nature lessons.

As we strolled I named the various trees and plants, pointed out a few of the birds around us including an Osprey sitting in a tree at the side of the lake. I noticed how stiffly she walked and commented on it.

"I'm not used to sleeping on the ground." She said with a wry smile.

"What about Dave?"

"He's not much better, but working helps him get the kinks out."

"I may have a solution. You two come up to the house when Dave returns and I'll buy you dinner." I pointed up the hill, and then Bogart and I headed home.

I wanted to keep things simple, yet fancier than camp food, so opted for spaghetti, salad and wine. Before they were due I grabbed a shower and shaved several days of stubble off my cheeks, then donned clean jeans and shirt. I was feeling nervous but put it down to not having entertained for several years. Even so, I kept fussing with my shirt, combing my beard, pacing about.

They came up the hill just after 7; she had changed to a flannel shirt, and he was in jeans and a sweat shirt with cut-off arms.

I welcomed them in and both took a moment looking around. He was first to speak; "Wow... this is a nice place. Looks well built."

She just said; "It looks very homey, but I don't see much of a woman's touch."

I realized I hadn't mentioned my wife, so I gave them a brief run down as we did a short tour of the down stairs. Back in the kitchen I put the spaghetti on - it only takes ten minutes to be just right, and the sauce and salad were ready. The wine was a merlot, and I served a glass while the pasta cooked.

Before the pasta was finished Dave had drained his glass and was looking around as if expecting another. I shot a glance at Marjorie, who had barely touched her's, and she cast a worried look towards him. I poured him another, smaller amount. He looked up at me but said nothing.

We sat at the table and they ate as if it had been a long time between meals. Luckily I had made a lot of spaghetti and they, especially Dave made deep inroads in it.

When everyone was finally satisfied I got up, reaching to clear the table. Dave sat back, but Marjorie jumped up insisting that since I had cooked she would take care of it.

5

Dave still hadn't moved, except to pour the last of the wine, and throw it down in one move.

I looked toward the kitchen and there she was; doing the dishes and humming. I started to say something, but she just said; "Let me do this."

"Okay, but make it quick, we need to talk, and it's going to be dark when you head back."

She quickly finished up and joined. Dave had taken my easy chair, so Marjorie and I sat on the couch.

"Ok," I began; "I have a rough but serviceable apartment over the barn. I'll make you a deal: in exchange for a roof, a bed, and running water, Marjorie..."

"Call me Madge."

"Ok... Madge, will do some housekeeping for me and you Dave, perhaps you can do some of the stuff I've been neglecting." Almost before the words were out of my mouth Madge was nodding and Dave was frowning. "Well what if I have a job?"

"We can work around that. Perhaps do things in the evening or on weekends."

"Hmm, I'd like to think over your offer." "Fair enough. Let me know." After a little more small talk, with Madge looking at Dave in a way I'd seen from my wife when I had screwed up, they headed back to camp. Even before I had closed the door I heard Marge saying; "What do you mean you need to think it over?" After that they were out of earshot, but I had a good idea the kind of night Dave had ahead of him.

I closed up, heading to bed. Sleep did not come quickly, as it normally does. Instead I kept picturing those beautiful eyes and auburn hair. The fact she jumped in to help, and readily accepted my offer impressed me, but I suspect she felt anything was better than that tent.

The next morning, while I was having my first cup of coffee, there was a knock on the front door. Well I know there aren't many people that would stop by at 6:30, and Bogart would have barked if a car came up the drive, so I just shouted 'come in' and took another sip of eye opener.

In came Marge, breathing a bit hard and all red in the face. "Are you ok?"

"Oh yes... I just wanted to catch you before you went anywhere. And yes, I'd like

to take you up on the apartment, and doing housework would be a pleasure after that tent."

"And Dave?"

"He's still thinking, but he'll come around after he takes one more cold bath in that lake." The smile said she was never going back in that lake again - and didn't care if Dave did or not.

"Well that's fine. Would you like some breakfast? I have ham, eggs, toast, and of course the coffee is on the counter. Help yourself."

"That sounds delicious. I'm getting real tired of granola bars for breakfast. You just stay there, I'll cook. How do you want your eggs, and how many?"

"Two, over medium. I'll do the toast."

We whipped out breakfast, and again I was astonished how quickly she ate.

She caught me looking at her and said; "I'm sorry, this is only the second real meal I've had in weeks. Everything else has just been the very basic stuff I could cook down there." Waving in the general direction of the lake.

Once we were satisfied, we pushed our chairs back, drew more coffee and studied each other for a few moments.

When Madge took her coat off I had noticed a nice fit of her jeans; suggesting a curvy shape, but little fat. But now, looking at her directly, I could tell she had medium sized breasts, a slim waist, and no extra weight. Her face was lightly tanned and her freckles stood out proudly.

Meanwhile she was looking me over. Now, I'm not handsome; just an average looking older guy whose hair and beard are going gray, and a small paunch in place of the flat stomach of a few years before. After a long look she broke into a big smile and proclaimed I was the best looking Santa Claus she had ever seen.

I decided she was the best looking Elf I had seen, and said so.

With that the ice was broken and she just started chattering at me. I guess being alone so much, she had a lot of words stored up. It seems she had known Dave from her real estate days; she was one of several agents, and he would do maintenance and repairs on properties the agency owned. I gathered they had been friendly, but that was the extent of it.

7

When the office pared back both had been let go. She picked up work as an office temp, then in retail for a while, then clerking in a convenience store, then nothing after that. She went through her unemployment, her savings, then sold her car. When she lost her her apartment, Dave lent her his spare bedroom.

"What about your family?"

"My dad died when I was young. I don't see mom much."

During that time Dave had been able to pick up day jobs to keep himself going, but those started getting farther apart and he lost his apartment also. For the next few weeks they lived in campgrounds around the area, but when the choice came down to fees or food, they found my place.

"I was surprised when Dave lied to you. Once was bad enough, but twice? I am sorry."

"You didn't lie so no need to apologize. Just how well do you know him? Are you guys more than friends?"

"No; he'd like to be, but... I just haven't felt that 'tingle' - you know what I mean?"

"Sure. I had that with my wife when we met. She must have too because a few months later she told me she was sure I was her 'The One'. Ten months later we married, and I never regretted it."

"Did you ever fight?"

"Oh yeah, we had some real donny brooks, but luckily we both didn't say 'divorce' at the same time. The making up was just as intense as the fighting. After a few years the fighting dropped off and the love making became calmer... but still intense."

"Do you miss her?"

"Sure; but life goes on. And I still have the kids."

"Where are they?"

" "He's in San Diego, she's in Denver. He's a corporate recruiter. She's a lawyer"

"Wow, pretty good."

"Yes, I'd like to think so... hmph, look at the time, if you're going to do this I should show you the apartment."

We strolled over to the barn, up the stairs. The apartment was really one large room with a separate half-bath. When she saw no bath tub or shower a look of disappointment flicked across her face. Madge took a deep breath and said it would do.

I'm a softy when it comes to the women anyway, and this one was near my daughter's age. Good looking too. There was no way I was going to deny her a hot bath; so I suggested we get her stuff and then she could clean up at the house.

With a squeal she jumped into my arms, declared she loved me, and planted a big kiss smack on my lips. I may have been surprised, but I wasn't about to turn that down! She stayed in my arms for several moments more, looking solemnly into my eyes, then broke into a big smile. "let's go get my stuff!"

We hiked down the hill to the camp site; Bogart running all over as he always does, Madge seemingly holding herself back from a full sprint. Probably in deference to the old guy. When we got there everything of hers was already packed, ready to go.

"Ahh, does Dave know you're moving? Isn't he going to be pissed if you're not here?"

"He knows and I don't care if he's happy or not. Right now there are only two things I care about; a hot bath and a soft bed. After that I'll worry about anything else." With that we picked up her few things and headed back up the hill, but a bit slower than coming down.

Except for the dog of course, who always went nuts over all the scents he picked up.

Once again we chatted as we walked. Or I should say she did. I just nodded, or threw in the odd word here and there. But she was happily talking, and I didn't mind as I was enjoying the sound of her voice.

Suddenly she stopped, looked at me for about ten seconds (which felt like forever), and out of the blue just asked me; "How do you know if you feel the 'tingle'?"

All I could say without betraying the quiver in my throat was; "You'll know." Again she just stood there looking at me; "I thought so." Then she quickly turned and headed up the hill. After about twenty feet she turned to look at me, rooted to the ground in shock, and asked if I was coming or not.

All I could think was 'anywhere'. Again she turned to look at me and I realized I had said that aloud. She gave me a smile, turned and strode off again. I couldn't help but notice how well the jeans fit her shapely butt.

When we got back to the house she turned towards the barn, but I stopped and asked where she was going. She paused and started to point to the barn apartment, but I shook my head and pointed to the house. "I have four bedrooms, three unused. I'm sure we can find you one."

"Really?"

"Yeah, come on, there's a bath waiting for you."

Well, she looked through the three bedrooms and picked the one she liked. I pointed out her bathroom, the hall closet full of towels, told her to enjoy.

An hour and a half later she finally reappeared. Her hair shone with red highlights, she had lightly applied make-up, and she had on a clean pair of jeans and a light colored tee shirt. On her feet were sandals and her toe nails appeared to be freshly painted.

"Better?"

"You have no idea! Thank you, thank you, thank you. But what changed your mind about the barn?"

"Just call me Softy. Would you like lunch? Then we can discuss your duties around here."

While we ate we discussed how I wanted things done. I explained most of the house had been just ignored, so the first thing had to be dusting and cleaning,. Probably tackling the sheets in her bedroom should be done first. She just kept smiling and nodding her head, and as soon as we finished eating she cleared the table and got busy. I went outside to take care of a few things I had noticed.

Around four I came back in. Madge was busy in the laundry; there was a pile of sheets on the floor and the washer and dryer were humming away.

"What would you like for dinner?" she said: "I'm cooking."

"You see what's in the freezer and surprise me. I'm going to get a shower."

As I was coming back into the kitchen, still drying my hair, I saw Dave's pick-up pulling into the yard. I stepped out out to greet him as he opened his door and swung out. "Is Madge here?"

"Yeah, she's inside cooking. Come on in."

"Thanks. I was a little worried about her. I was pretty sure she was up here but still..." he paused; "We may be just friends, but I feel responsible for her right now." Marge saw him come in, gave him a hug, and told him he was just in time for dinner, and could wash up while she set the table.

I reached for the dishes, only to find myself being shooshed out of the kitchen. "No, no. I said I'll do it. From now this is MY kitchen. you stop at the door."

"What if I want coffee? Or a snack?"

"There will be a pot on the counter. And you don't need a snack. Except fruit maybe. I want you to lose a few pounds."

"Wait, what?"

"We'll talk later. Go. Sit. I'll take care of things."

About then Dave came back, asking what was going on. All I could do was shrug my shoulders and say I thought I had been kicked out of my own kitchen.

We sat in the den, just talking about the job he'd been on. He did apologize for the lies when we first met, explaining he just couldn't admit to being homeless. "At least at a camp ground I could half-pretend I was on vacation."

That's when Madge called us to the table. It was nicely set and she had made up a dinner of yellow potatoes, ham slices, and vegetables, with rolls on the side. As we sat she explained she had done the best she could with the limited supplies I had. She had made enough to include Dave as she was sure he would be there.

That was probably the best meal I had had (out side of a restaurant) in years.

As we ate, Dave explained his current job was over and he had decided there just wasn't enough in the area to sustain all the carpenters in the local, plus all the nonunion guys, so he had checked the books and it looked like there was more work in the San Francisco area. He planned on heading south in the morning, but wanted to be sure Madge was okay with that.

"You need to go where the work is. I'm fine here. Really."

I told him to go pack his gear, if he hadn't already. He could sleep in a bed tonight.

While he was gone Madge and I cleared the table, at my insistence, then she made sure a bed was made up for him.

When he returned I pointed out the bedroom and the bathroom, told him to feel free to enjoy a shower, and then join us on the deck for a drink and a view of the sunset.

The large deck with a variety of chairs, tables, and chaise faces west toward the Olympics. The view was the usual early summer sunset; reds and oranges, fading through purples to blues and grays as the sun disappeared behind the mountains.

We were quiet as the sky slowly transitioned to night.

Finally Madge let out a breath and said; "Wow... I can see why you sit out here in the evening. Is it like this every night?"

"No. Some nights are better, some have more clouds, we even get rain, especially from October on. I take them as they come."

With that we headed to bed. I put the cushions away to protect them from the morning dew. Madge picked up our glasses, turned off the lone light in the kitchen, and went to her room.

Dave went to his, but I stood in the middle of the house for a moment; sensing other bodies in the house for the first time in years.

Once again I tossed and turned; pictures of Madge as she came from her bath running through my head. This began to worry me, as I hadn't been concerned about women since my wife's death, and she was much younger than me. She was, moreover a good looking woman with an easy smile and beautiful eyes.

I was definitely feeling confused; worried I may have made a mistake inviting her into my home.

I did finally sleep, and when I woke the next morning I felt much more rested than expected.

At breakfast we talked more with Dave, hearing his plans to find more permanent work, get another apartment. Just settle down.

"It'll probably be years before I want to go camping again," he said with a small smile; "but eventually I'll explore the Sierras, maybe Death Valley too."

While we walked Dave out to his truck I carefully asked how he was fixed for money. "I have a couple hundred from this last job. Would you like part for Madge?"

"No, no. I just wanted to be sure you'll be alright. Will you have enough for your needs? You know gas, food, motel?"

"I can make 'Frisco in about fifteen or twenty hours, so I may only need one night in a motel. I should be fine, but thanks for asking."

I shook his hand, wishing him luck. She hugged him, saying thanks for all he had done, telling him to keep in touch. As he drove down the driveway, Madge stepped next to me and put her left arm around my waist. I automatically put my right around her shoulder.

She leaned into my side, quietly saying; "I'm going to like it here."

"And just how long do you think you're going to be here?"

She looked at me, smiled, and said; "A very long time."

Two

The week after Dave left we fell into a routine; Madge busily cleaning the house, and me outside doing the maintenance I had been ignoring. Using my tractor I mowed the dry grass around the house, then switched to a blade and filled some holes in the driveway. After that I hooked on the trailer and hauled firewood down from the trees behind the house. Madge meanwhile, went through every room in the house; cleaning, dusting, washing all the linens. When I did see her she was covered in dust.

After a couple days she was running out of clothes so she borrowed a t-shirt of mine, and I must admit it looked much better on her. Especially with her nipples poking through the cotton.

Dave left on Saturday and by Wednesday night I realized Madge was washing the same clothes every other day. Considering the little we had brought up the hill, she couldn't have much. Thursday morning I went out to the barn, pulled the dust cover off the '66 Mustang, checked all the fluids and made sure the tires were properly inflated. Then I fired her up. She'd been sitting for months, but started on the first try. After a minute she settled to a pleasant idle. I watched all the gauges, and when I was sure all was good quietly pulled around to the front of the house just in time for lunch.

Madge had lunch on the table as I walked in, so I washed and sat down. While we ate I coughed, then asked how she was doing for clothing.

"Oh, ok, I guess."

"Nonsense. I've noticed the same blouse every other day. How long would it take you to get ready for some shopping?"

With a happy squeal she shouted; "Really? Where will we go? I don't care. I can be ready in ten minutes!" And she was gone! (My sense of survival kicked in and I realized I had better eat now or forget it.) I was still swallowing while she stood in the door, tapping her foot.

Slipping my wallet in my back pocket, I took my time ambling to her while she gave me a look that said 'HURRY UP!'. In less than ten minutes that woman had changed cloths, washed up, brushed her hair, and applied makeup.

She was motivated!

We stepped onto the porch and when she saw the Mustang cooed; "Oohh nice."

I held the passenger door open for her, and for my efforts got a smile and a 'Thank you, sir'.

As we drove she wanted to know where we were going, what she could get, why was I doing this, how much she could go, where did I get the car... I finally just called 'Time!'.

"Naomi spotted her sitting with a 'for sale' sign and just had to have her. I restored her, and Naomi drove her everywhere. We'll cruise down to the South Hill Mall. they have good shops, and I'm sure we can find what you need. I'm doing this because you need clothes, and while it would be interesting to watch you running around in next to nothing, that isn't why I offered you a place to stay. How much you get is open, we'll see what we find, but you'll probably want some shorts, tops,... and how are you fixed for underwear?"

She sighed; "You're right. I do need all that, and more. I didn't consciously realize how little I had until you brought it up."

"Ok, let's do this: we'll start at Sears for pants and tops, maybe a jacket, then go on from there. I have to warn you though... I haven't been clothes shopping with a woman in years, so I'm out of practice."

At the mall I parked away from other cars, as I've learned there are idiots out there that really don't care if they ding up someone else's car, but howl if a bird craps on theirs.

We strolled into the mall with Madge holding my left arm lightly but firmly. Our first stop was Sears, where she quickly picked out half a dozen tops, three or four shorts, several pants, and some things in the underwear section, then led me to the changing rooms.

There are no seats for men to wait on, so I was one of four men idling away while their women tried things on. Women would come out ask their husbands opinions, and then disappear back into their cubicles.

Finally Madge appeared; and all the men perked up as she walked over to me. Now, she was just in tan jeans and a light top, but those guys couldn't take their eyes off her. One wife came out and had to nudge her husband.

"You know you have an audience, don't you?"

"Do you like this on me? Oh, I hadn't noticed them. What do you think, should we get this?"

"Turn around, slowly... yes, it's a perfect fit. And the top goes great with your hair and eyes."

"You just wanted to check out my butt. Wait, you know my eye color?"

"From day one." She gave a little spin and strolled back to the cubicles, looking over her shoulder. She threw a little extra wiggle into her walk while looking me in the eye. When she came back out she was dressed, with her selections over her arm, ready to check out.

"Don't you need to try on more?"

"Nope. These will do. Can we go find some shoes, maybe a jacket?" We moved down the mall, first hitting a shoe store for some new training shoes, a pair of dressy boots, sandals, and a couple other pairs I can only call stylish. then another shop where she found 'just the right' jacket. I have to say it looked perfect on her; snug around her waist, and shapely over her breasts.

Across the court was a lingerie shop and she pulled me to the display in the window;

"Can we go in? Please, just to look?"

Now, I have to tell you; I hadn't been in one of these shops in many years, and it had been a form of agony back then. Well, I was breaking out in a cold sweat and stammering I'd wait in the mall, but Madge would have none of that. "Don't be silly, you'll be fine. We're just going to look anyway."

As we stepped in a clerk asked if she could be of help, then suddenly said; "Madge?"

"Jeannie! When did you start here? How have you been?"

"Well let's see - you and I were at Macy's for Christmas, we were let go a little after New Years, and I lost track of you. One day at Macy's I had a conversation with a lady I was helping. Mrs. Patrick. She's the owner of this shop, and wasn't happy with the girl she had in here. Soo... she asked me to stop in when I had a chance, and when the Christmas rush was over I had a lot of time, so I dropped in. The girl that was working here was slovenly and rude, and I knew why sales were down. When Mrs. Patrick came out of the office she took a look at me, then the other girl, and asked me to step into the office. "

"Girl, that had to be the fastest interview I've ever had! Within five minutes she asked me when I could start, and five minutes after that she had me signed up and the other girl given notice. That was lucky for me because the next day we got our notices from Macy's."

"Wow, that worked out well for you. Oh, by the way, this is my boss: Josh Murphy. He's helping me out some."

Madge filled her in about the last seven months, and where she had met me. Jeannie brows went up when she heard I was buying clothes for Madge. "Well, if I had known there was such knight out there, I might have tried my luck."

"Easy girl, this knight is taken." They broke into gleeful laughter and strolled arm in arm deeper into the shop. I just tagged along, looking at the two of them. What a contrast: Madge with her feminine shape, and flowing auburn hair, and Jeannie; a few years younger, taller, slim - almost boyish in shape - although you would never mistake her shapely butt for a boy's. Her hair light brown, tending to blond, cut close to her face.

As they moved from rack to rack they caught up more with each other, and from the way they rubbed against each other I sensed how just how comfortable they were together. Jeannie would remove a set here and a set there, handing them to Madge, and after twenty or thirty minutes led her back to a changing room, then showed me a bench. "Can I get you something... water, maybe?"

"Not right now thanks. Shouldn't you be doing something?"

"Oh I am," She said with a smile; "I'm helping you spend money."

"And what makes you think I'm spending?" Again she smiled; "Two things; one, I've seen how you look at her... and two, wait until she shows you what she's trying on. I've been here long enough to know what effect she will have. She's already a beauty. Wait until you see that icing."

That's when Madge stepped from behind the curtain. I think I audibly caught my breath.

"Told you."

Madge strode to me and did a slow turn, her eyes never leaving my face. If I hadn't known before how gorgeous was, I did now. She was wearing a light green set; it just covered the tips of her breasts, the pink of her nipples peeking through the material. The panties barely covered any more; riding high on her hips, and then sweeping gracefully over her cheeks and between her legs. When she faced me the material came to to just above her pussy, leaving some auburn wisps exposed over the top.

"Oh Honey," Said Jeannie; "We're going to have to mow that lawn if you're going to wear something like this."

"Josh, what do you think? Do you like this on me... should we trim the lawn... Can you speak?"

"Don't laugh at me - I'm an old man; so much beauty in one moment like this could kill me. You look marvelous, and Jeannie - you're right - it is icing on the cake."

"What else do you have back there?"

Madge spun again and strolled back behind the curtain, Jeannie following with offers of help.

They didn't close the curtain all the way - I could watch them in the wall mounted mirror; Madge quickly removed the set, while Jeannie selected another.

I could see Madge clearly. She bent forward, her breasts swinging freely, as she pulled the next panties up her legs. As she stood, Jeannie slid another bra over Madge's breasts, her hands lingering in a gentle caress. Madge leaned back, her cheek brushing Jeannie's; they exchanged whispers, then looked at me in the mirror. Slowly Jeannie brought the back straps together, hooking them, and then she held the curtain open.

Again I was looking at a vision of loveliness. She was breathing rapidly and her eyes had a lidded, smoky look; "Do you like what you see? Shall we get it?"

All I could do was nod; words just couldn't get past my dry lips.

Madge examined my face for a long moment and then stepped back into the dressing room. Several minutes later she came back out with several items in her hand. As we stepped to the register, Jeannie commented what good choices Madge had made, and only wished she could afford them. Madge looked at me with a raised eyebrow. Totally smitten by now, I just told Jeannie to pick something out and add it to my account

"Josh, can we invite Jeannie up to the cabin? I'd like to catch up with her more, and" she said with a smile; "she could model her choice for you."

"Sure. When are you next off Jeannie?"

"I have to be here over the weekend, but I'm off Monday and Tuesday, so I can do it either day."

"Josh, do you mind if she's there both days?"

"No, not at all. I'm sure we'll enjoy having her."

After we finished the business part of our conversation I wrote directions to the cabin, including my phone number in case she got lost.

Madge and I were heading toward the Mustang when once again she tugged on my arm; this time pulling me into a cafe. We sat at a table away from others; Madge insisting I sit beside her, then she moved right against me. In a low voice she said; " I really want to thank you for all this, but I also want to ask you something."

"Sure, what is it?"

She was interrupted by the waitress asking if we would like to order.

"Two coffees, and a couple danish."

I could see, Madge mulling her question, then she asked when I had felt 'the tingle' with my wife.

As I thought back to when we had met, the hum of the cafe receded.

"It was while I was in the Navy. I was staying with a shipmate and his wife - Earl and Cathy - at their apartment in Long Beach. One day I was working on my car - well actually, under it - and this great pair of legs slowly walked by. All I could see were heels, bare legs, and white shorts. I tried getting a better look, but by the time I had scooted out she had turned a corner."

Well I'll tell you, memories washed over me as I remembered.

"Later that night we were playing cards when a friend of theirs came in; she was about my height, very nicely curved, still in heels and shorts. She was wearing a light, tight, sweater and her hair was platinum blonde. Madge,... right then my heart stopped. If anyone ever felt a 'tingle', I did then. Cathy introduced us; her name was Naomi. I picked up a term in Hong Kong; 'gob smacked'. I never understood it, but right then I did. And I was."

"She joined us at cards but I wasn't following them. If we had been playing for money I'd have lost everything. She kept looking up at me, then asked if I were the legs she saw under the car? Before I could even answer she just she just nodded to herself and smiled."

Madge was watching me intently, a tear glistening in an eye.

"Well, long story slightly shortened, we started dating, and within a few months were engaged. I was off on another WesPac cruise the rest of the year, but Naomi and I wrote while I was gone. No cell phones then - there could be weeks between letters. I got back to the States in April, left the Navy in August, and we married in September. I moved around in a few jobs in Southern California, but eventually we moved up here. In among all that we had a couple kids."

"Wow... you're telling me all that happened just because the two of you saw each other's legs?"

"After we married she told me about her 'tingle', and how she knew we would be married."

Madge sat quietly, sipping her coffee, then asked if we could go home.

All the way back she seemed to be in deep thought, just staring out the side window. I felt it best to leave her to her thoughts. Stopping at Jerry's Pizza in town I picked up one to go, then headed up the hill to the house. Madge took dinner, and her bags into the house while I put the car in the barn, re-covering it.

Back in the house, the pizza was on plates with a pair of beers, opened. We took them out to the deck in time for sunset.

The summer sunsets in the Pacific Northwest are drawn out affairs; the sky slowly losing color long after the sun passes behind the Olympics on the western horizon. The stars take just as long to appear; often not showing until 10 pm. It was only as the last light faded away that Madge finally spoke, and then in a low voice I had to strain to hear.

"You were so lucky. You found your love... and she found hers."

I sat quietly; she was looking for words to match her thoughts. My sense was to wait.

"I have been in three relationships that might have been considered serious. None had that feeling. I missed that."

"Marjorie... don't give up on yourself, or on life, or the fates, or the gods if you will. We never know what may be around the next turn of our lives. You can go down the same road a hundred times and nothing happens. And on one hundred and one you go around a corner and, BINGO, there's a unicorn. I don't have some magic power that lets me see the future, but I'm sure your life has a major change in it. Let it come to you."

"Will you hold me? I feel cold."

"Come sit on my lap, I'll keep you warm."

She slid into my lap, her arms around my neck, her head on my shoulder. I wrapped her in my arms, whispering into her ear; "You'll always be safe with me.

We watched the summer constellations come out, and when the Moon's light

began to wash them out moved into the house, "It's late, we should get some sleep."

"Josh... can I sleep with you tonight? Please..."

"Of course, join me when you're ready."

I went to my room, and contrary to my usual practice put on shorts. Minutes later Madge came in, clad in a long sleep shirt she spooned against me so I could hold her in my arms. "Thank you. I needed this."

"Why so sad?"

"I don't have anyone loving me the way you and Naomi loved each other."

"Darlin' don't count yourself short. I watched Jeannie with you today. There is real affection there."

She rolled in my arms; breasts pressing into my chest, her belly and legs against mine, my cock pressed against her and getting firmer by the second. Her sweet breath brushed my cheek. "What about Jeannie? Do you think she's into women?"

"That I don't know... but she was genuinely happy to see you... and couldn't stop touching you. And she really got into caressing you. Remember?"

"Emm yes, that did feel so good. And you enjoyed watching. I saw you in the mirror."

"You were beautiful together. Anyone would enjoy seeing you. And you haven't been lovers?"

"No... could you accept me having a woman lover?"

"I accept you the way you are. I don't need you changing to please me."

"You know I felt the 'tingle'." "When?"

"Down by the lake. I thought so the first time we met. I was sure when you came back and we sat and talked. You were polite, and respectful, and willing to listen to me. And I knew. And today, at Jeannie's shop, I knew you felt it too. Jeannie spotted it on me, and as we left the shop she told me she saw it on you also."

I lay there - thinking back. "It was much the same for me too. That first day all I could see were your hair and your eyes. Oh, and your freckles. But the next time I was happy you were alone, and I was more than willing to sit and listen and look and just take in your essence... Yes, I felt it also. And right now this is where you should be; in my arms. But can we talk more tomorrow? "

The bed was empty when I woke Friday morning. It was after eight, much later than I normally slept. The house was still. Quickly dressing in sweat pants and slippers I went down to the kitchen. There was fresh coffee in the maker, and my cup sitting next to it.

Pouring coffee, I looked around; Madge's bags from yesterday were still on the table, and the doors to the deck were open. Sitting on a chaise, her feet drawn up and cup to her lips, Madge was looking out over the lake and trees. Bogart lay curled next to the chaise, chin on paws.

"Good morning. Are you all right?"

"Yes, thank you. I was just thinking... a several things have me confused; last night, when you held me on your lap, you said I would always be safe with you. And last night in bed I felt your cock pressing against me. But you didn't try anything. Why?"

"I'll answer in reverse order... by that time it was Oh Dark Thirty. Naomi wouldn't have gotten action out of me then. I'm an old man, I need my sleep. It's what keeps my wrinkles smooth. Now, part two; as long as you stay with me, no one will harm you. You are safe."

"That's it? I'm physically safe, that's what you meant?"

"Not just physically. Look... it's early and I may not say this just the way I mean it. But I'll try."

I gathered my thoughts as I sipped my cooling coffee; "I feel a connection with you. The last person I felt this strongly with was Naomi. But I don't know where we are going. Not yet anyway. I don't have sex randomly; I don't just fuck for the sake of fucking. If, or when we join, it will be an act of love. That is how I am."

Then it occurred to me; "You said there several things confusing you; what else?"

"Wow. That's a deeper answer than I expected, and yet maybe no less than I should expect from you.... Ok... we were talking about me and Jeannie... you said if we were lovers, you could accept that. That you wouldn't expect me to change?"

"Let's go make some breakfast, this is going to be a long conversation."

While she made breakfast I fed Bogart, and then poured us more coffee - carrying the cups out to the deck. Just as Madge stepped out, a herd of deer moved out of the tree line to the south. Holding up a hand, I pointed them out. Putting the plates down, she backed against me so I could hold her as we watched them move to the east.

Once they had disappeared back into the trees she turned, gave me a light kiss, and sat.

We ate in silence, simply enjoying each other's presence.

Breakfast finished, Madge cleared the dishes and brought out more coffee. Bogart worked his way around the yard, sniffing as he went. He picked up the deers' scent, tracking them a bit before coming back on the deck and flopping at Madge's feet.

"Well," I began; "when Naomi and I first married we didn't have a lot, it might have been a good year or more until we bought a small TV. There were only four or five channels available, so it didn't matter much anyway. But we had a radio - and a stereo for music, we spent a lot of time on the beach, and we read. Boy did we read! We read westerns, sci-fi, mysteries. Almost anything we could get our hands on. It seemed we spent more time in used book stores than at the grocery. She was into romance novels. I was reading anything that looked sexy."

"One of the authors I came across was Rimmer, Robert Rimmer. He had several books out; one was about an experimental college, another about a man with two wives. I read those books several tines, mainly because I felt an underlying message and I wanted to dig it out."

"One night it came to me: we are capable - if we let ourselves - we have an ability to love more than one person at a time. Equally and without reservation.

I couldn't wait to share this revelation with Naomi, but when I tried I was stammering all over myself I was so excited."

I paused, remembering back. "She had me go through it twice, then asked to read the books herself. A week later we were having evening drinks when she told me she had finished Rimmer, and yes she could see what I meant; if what he wrote were true, it was possible to love more than one. Then she hit me with the hammer."

"What!"

"Not literally. She said; 'I see where this could be a beautiful way to expand our lives. I've never expected you to meet all my wants or needs, and I'm sure I can't meet all of yours...'."

"Now, I'm sitting there licking my lips like a kitten at a bowl of cream when she finished her thought; "I could have a lover, or a second husband too."

"NO! She didn't! Oh that's hilarious! here you thought it was going to be you and multiple wives, and she turned it on you. I wish I could have seen your face."

"Well I'm glad you think it was funny. I sure didn't. I had this picture of me and a couple doting wives and all the loving I could handle. Naomi flipped that idea on it's head. As she told me later: "What's good for the Gander is good for the Goose."

"What did you do?"

"Went off in a corner and sulked."

"You did what?"

"Well, not really sulked. I sat and thought. And slowly came to the realization she was right; for this philosophy to work I would have to shed my sense of ownership - privilege, if you will - and freely share."

"Thinking back on the books, the women weren't subservient to the men - they were equals. It took many days of thinking to get it all straight in my head, and Naomi patiently waited. Although she seemed to have a little smile whenever we were together. Also remember I was working so I didn't always have the opportunity to just sit and think. But when I did, that's where my mind was."

Thinking way back, it was almost as if I was going through it all again.

"Anyway, I started doing mental exercises; picturing different scenarios; me with another woman, how would Naomi react? Naomi with another man - how would I react? The two of us with a third - man or woman? After a week or so I had the basics worked out in my head, and we started talking it over more. The funny thing is that she had simply assimilated the idea and was perfectly comfortable with it."

"What about jealousy?"

"Ah, the big one. That's the one I had the most trouble with. I would picture her with someone and feel a tightness in my chest. But the more I visualized, the less impact they had. Eventually it was a minor tickle in the back of my brain."

"Did you guys ever do anything?"

"Oh yes. After that we were open to the possibilities, but unsure where to find this mysterious 'other'. We looked into swinging but didn't like the premise of sex for sex sake. There was also a line of thought called 'Open Marriage", which basically seemed to be; I can have lovers, and you can have lovers, we just won't talk about it. That didn't feel right us either. If she had another man, or I a woman, we wanted them as a part of our mutual lives."

"In bed and everything?"

"We talked about that too. In fact we talked a lot about everything. But yeah, we considered that also."

"And...?"

"We couldn't see it as a constant, but once in a while - if the vibes were right - yes, it would add a spice to things. We would imagine Naomi with me and another man as the center of attention. Another time her and another woman with me in the center."

"What about her and the woman? Or you and the man?"

"Ah, the final barriers. I guess women may be more open to that sort of experimentation than men, especially back then. That was another scenario we worked through: whether we could have same sex partners. Naomi could picture the sensuousness of another woman - think of yourself and Jeannie. I wasn't so sure. The thought of kissing a guy, let alone playing with his equipment - I didn't know if I could."

"Did you ever find someone else? How about Naomi?"

"We both did. Not at the same time, it seldom works that way. But yeah, we did. Unfortunately, they didn't work out over the long run; he was always nervous around me, I guess he couldn't take the openness."

"And the woman you found?"

"She wanted me to choose between Naomi and her. That was a no-win for her. She didn't understand the dynamics. But, these short affairs showed us we could handle it long term, with the right people."

"And all this based on a some novels."

"Yes and no. I learned years later Rimmer's philosophy was based on actual experience; he and his wife had a relationship with another couple for over twenty years."

"Wow."

It was noon, we were getting pretty warm on the deck, and hunger was raising it's head.

"Let's go inside, we can talk more over lunch."

In the kitchen I headed for the refrigerator, only to be cut off by Madge. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Lunch."

"I said the kitchen is mine. Shoo. And what were you planning on?"
 "Ham sandwich, chips, maybe a beer. You know - lunch."

"Nope. You're slimming down and shaping up. If I'm sticking around, so are you. You get a salad and water. And no arguing, do you hear?"

"You're serious, aren't you?"

Now, you might ask why I put up with being bossed around in my own home. Well that's easy; first, she said everything with a smile. Second, she was right about my diet. Third; the 'tingle'. And finally there is no way I could turn down anything that beauty asked of me.

So I ate my salad like a good boy, drank my water as if I enjoyed it, and got a big smile and an even larger hug for my efforts. As I ate I asked about Madge's family: what was her life like after her dad died? Where was her mother now? Any siblings?

"After Dad died things were rough for us. Mom collected Dad's life insurance, and that paid off the house. but there wasn't much left after that. She was already working as an office assistant, so we were ok there. She still lives in Tacoma."

"Me? Junior high was rough. Kids can be cruel, and they were about my dad. I became a loner, stayed away from almost everyone else outside of classes. I had a couple friends, but when we went to high school they went to one, and I went to another. In high school I formed a couple new friendships in my freshman year. By my junior year I had come out of my shell, had joined several school groups, and was dating. I gave up my virginity at seventeen to a guy on the football team. What a cliche. I didn't date anyone seriously in my senior year - didn't even go to the prom."

"I went to community college, thinking I'd get my Associate degree then move on to UW. But that didn't happen."

"Why not?"

"Money. I didn't have it. So I joined the real estate office as an associate, taking courses evenings, doing what ever they needed during the day. That's where I met Dave. We became friends, but that's all. When I had my license I started selling, and I made decent money, but I wasn't getting the big commission sales. The owner gave those to his favorites. And I wasn't one of his favorites."

"Why not?"

"I kept my legs closed."

"Oh."

"I was there about seven years. The rest you know; lost job, lost job, lost job. And now I'm here."

"Is being here a... problem?"

"Oh lord no! You said change is coming in my life, I hope so. And please, Dear God, let you be one of them."

I opened my arms, and she slid into my lap.

We seemed to be doing that a lot these last few days.

There were tears on her cheeks; I kissed them away, then her eyes and the corner of her mouth, and then her lips.

One of us groaned, maybe both. I pulled her against me, she tightened her arms around me, and our kiss grew more passionate. I slid my hand up her neck - under her hair, pulling her as tightly to my lips as I could.

When she finally pulled away it was to pull my shirt off. She dipped to my nipple; licking and kissing as she went, and when she reached her target, began sucking and biting. If I wasn't alive before, I was then!

Sensations I hadn't felt in almost ten years ran through my body. My nipples felt every touch, my cock sprang to life, and a moan rolled from my throat.

My hands weren't idle either; I pulled her shirt up as far as possible, cupping her breasts in my hands. her nipples - hot in my hands - grew hard and pointed, her breathing became ragged, she squirmed in my lap rubbing my cock into a hardness I had all but forgotten.

"Stop." I whispered; "Let's get more comfortable."

I pulled Madge to her feet, then up the stairs to my bedroom.

A breeze wafting through the open window and warmed by the sun felt wonderful on my bare skin.

Quickly I finished removing her shirt, then knelt before her; pulling shorts and panties down in one motion.

Her hands on my head drew me to her softly rounded belly. I laid the softest of touches there before slowly laying a line of kisses to her pussy; parting her auburn hair with my fingertips I admired a drop of moisture gleaming on her lower lips. Extending my tongue I tasted a delicious mixture reminiscent of strawberries and honey. I had to press my lips against her!

Slowly she backed to the bed, holding me to her. When her legs met the edge, she laid back, still holding me to her pussy. I slowly opened her to my gaze admiring the wonder of pink lips engorged in excitement. Holding her open, I drew circles with my tongue - searching for each delicious drop.

She was moaning, then sighing, then lightly moaning again, until, suddenly, she closed her legs about my head. Pulling my face hard against her pussy, she arched up. A low, growling groan came from deep within her.

She held us there for several moments and then slowly eased back down releasing me.

As her breathing slowed, she tugged me up 'til we were face to face. "It's going to be your turn in a minute, but I do need to catch my breath. Where did you learn that? Never mind... tell me another time. Just kiss me now... umm, is that me on your lips? I taste good."

"No one has ever gone down on me before. I like that. Will you do it again? Tell me later, right now I want you on your back. It's my turn now!"

Obviously she had her breath back, because with a quick flip she had us reversed; now I was on my back and she was diving for the waist band of my sweat pants. In one swift motion she had me bare.

Kneeling over me, she scanned me. Licking her lips, a gleam in her eyes, she slowly bent to my lips.

We kissed. A long, slow kiss that she slowly pulled down my chin to my throat, to my chest, and then back to my nipples. Moving back and forth, from one to the other, she had them as hard as they could be. Then she began kissing kissing down my stomach - hands remaining on my chest, nails scrapping nipples.

She stopped only briefly at my navel, and then moved that little bit more to the tip of my cock. Kisses were planted all around the head, then down one side, and then up the large vein of the bottom.

Again she planted kisses; down the other side and up the vein. When she reached the head her lips engulfed me; sliding down until she reached her throat, then up and down until I was on the verge of coming.

"Stop! I'll cum if you don't!"

"I want to taste you. Like you tasted me."

"Later. Now I must be in you. I have to feel us become one." "God, you do know how to sweet talk a girl! Don't move, let me do this."

She lifted herself, bringing her hips over mine; then holding my cock in one hand positioned me at her entrance. She lowered herself until my cock head was just in her... looked me in the eyes... and slid down in one move.

That low rumble came from her throat again, and I could feel her pussy clamping and vibrating around me.

As she began to rise I stopped her. "Wait. I want to feel you like this. I always want to remember this moment - my first time in you. Come down here, kiss me."

We held like that for several minutes, kissing lightly - almost nibbling on each other's lips, but soon the need to move became paramount; she rising and falling, me pushing up, into her.

Soon we were going as hard, as fast as we could.

Until I could hold back no longer. Thrusting up, the cum rushing through me; I moaned out my release.

As I thrust into her, Madge arched, inhaled deeply, and with a low, rumbling groan joined me in heaven.

Slowly we came back to Earth; holding each other, not wanting the moment to pass. I held her to me, her weight but a feather. The kisses we exchanged had a new flavor, a new meaning to them.

Again she looked at me, a smile dancing over her lips.

"What just happened? I've never felt so alive, not like this. What did you do to me?"

"Darling, I told you; I only do this for love."

"Well don't stop loving me; it feels so good."

I rolled her to my side, trying to not break the connection, but my cock finally deflated and slid out.

After a moment I needed to pee, and whispered I'd be right back.

Madge had drifted asleep when I joined her, so I carefully moved back into bed, pulling just a sheet over us. Taking her into my arms, studying her face, I too drifted off.

"JESUS CHRIST! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?"

Scrambling to get my senses as I sat up... Marge sitting next to me, the sheet clutched around her, eyes as large as saucers.

"Wha...?"

"Something cold just stuck into my butt!"

Wiping sleep from my eyes, I looked over her shoulder, then flopped back onto my pillow. Laughing so hard it hurt, all I could choke out was; "Welcome to the family. Bogart just checked you out."

She spun, finding the big black dog sitting next to the bed; what had to be a dog smile all over his face, tongue hanging to one side.

Have you ever heard a dog laugh? It's a kind of breathy; 'huh, huh, huh'.

And THAT was Bogart!

"You put him up to that - didn't you?"

"Not me. If anyone's going to have his nose in your butt - it'll be me."

"And I'd believe you were upset if you were't trying so hard at not laughing."

"Gawd that was a shock. Why didn't you warn me he was back there? Am I going to have to keep an eye on him from now on?"

"I don't think so, although you can never be too sure. He does seem to like you."

"Well I like him too, but that's going too far. Or getting too close. Or something. Damn!"

*****

Three

Still chuckling, I suggested we see about some food.

We padded down to the kitchen, clothes not necessary. Madge cobbled up sandwiches while I opened pop.

We moved back out to the deck; soaking sunshine into every exposed pore.

"Mmm... this feels so exotic; hot sun, no clothes. I want to do this all the time."

"You may not like it in January; but sure, why not? We'd see anyone coming up the road in plenty of time to dress. Naomi and I, the kids too, would run around naked as jay birds from June into September. We just have to coat up the bits that haven't had much sun."

"I'll do you if you do me."

"There's a deal."

We spent the rest of the day - and the evening - cuddling, kissing, and talking.

And Saturday.

And - except - for a grocery run in the morning - Sunday.

Sure, we took time to eat and clean up, and shower, but if we weren't on the deck we were in bed, and in between, showering off the sweat we generated.

******

Bogart got fed, but not by Madge; she said she wasn't going to bend over anywhere near that damn dog.

He just wandered around behind her, that silly grin on his face, going; 'huh, huh, huh'.

*****

When it came to love making I found Madge eager for every position imaginable. Whether she was on her back, on her hands and knees, or on her stomach with me sliding in, she was an eager lover.

Being the old guy, I relied as much - or more - on my hands, fingers, and tongue to please her as my cock - I held nothing back.

By Sunday afternoon we were sated; content to lie out on the deck, soaking in the sun.

Lying there it occurred to me how seedy it was looking; it was, after all, as old as the house.

"I wonder... Madge, what would you think of a spa out here? Maybe over on the west side, where it can be sheltered from the winter winds?"

"What about the rain?"

"I'm sure we could come up with a roof that would protect us and still leave the view open. I have the house drawings in the office. I'll see what's possible."

In the office I'd pulled the plans from their tube when my phone rang. Not having pockets just then, I had to search for the phone. I found it just as the ringing stopped.

Checking the number, and not seeing one I recognized, I was about to forget about it when Madge asked from the deck if that was Jeannie.

Oops, better call back and find out.

It was.

"I was afraid I had a wrong number. Are we still on for Monday? Can I come out?"

"Sure, but I should warn you there have been some changes here."

"You bedded her. Didn't you? I can hear it in your voice. Was she good? Were you? I want to know!"

"I'll never tell." I said with a laugh. "But that's not what I was going to warn you about. Madge has discovered the joy of running around nude. We may not put on clothes until the first frost."

"Oh is that all? It's just that much less I'll have to pack. And I do owe you a fashion show."

"Now that I'm looking forward to. When can I look for, I mean expect you?"

"You're near Fairfax?"

"Uh huh."

"It'll take me about an hour to get there... say about ten?"

Sunday night we were in bed - the door closed, for some reason - me slowly stroking into her from behind; her back arched, and she pushed against me. Dropping her head, she gave a low moan and a shudder, and then held still.

Looking over her shoulder - Lord, what a beautiful sight - she asked if I wanted to make love to Jeannie.

"I don't know... I don't know her well enough. Do you?"

Another shudder, her pussy clamping on me, her head dropping again.

"Yes... if she does. Ever since you mentioned her touching me, she's been in the back of my mind."

"Oh, push like that again... I've always liked her, but there has been 'something' around her that has kept me back a little."

"Do you want time alone with her?"

"No... hold still... I feel a small one coming... oh that was nice. You're so good to me. No, anything we do, I want you there. No secrets. Now finish me! FUCK ME!"

*****

Monday came with an overcast sky. Not rainy, just a slow-to-burn-off cover with the probability of a warm day, maybe a light breeze. I laid in bed watching a bird on the window sill, mulling over the past two weeks, amazed at the changes in my life.

When I told Madge she had changes ahead of her, little did I know the changes in store for me; I went from an 'I didn't know I was lonely' widower, to the gray beard with the sexiest woman in three counties.

It finally occurred to me I was in an empty bed. Sitting up, I hadn't felt this alive since Naomi was healthy; cares I had been carrying for years faded to the far reaches of my mind.

Stretching, I reached for my clothes, then remembered I didn't need them.

Getting up; it was into the shower, shave, trim the beard, and then down to the kitchen where I found Madge sitting at the table - cup in hand - staring at the dog who was studiously keeping his back to her.

"Good morning," I said with a kiss; "ah, what's going on?"

"He won't look at me. I've put out his food, but he turns his back on me."

"What did you expect? You locked him out of the bedroom."

"Yes, but..."

"Darling, he considers himself a member of the family. Give him a few hours, then offer a treat. He'll come around. Now, what's for breakfast?"

Later I was sitting in the office, going over my ideas for the spa. Bogart lay next to my chair; chin on paws, when Madge came in. She ignored him while we went over the drawing. There were some suggestions on her part, 'what ifs' on mine, when she jumped; Bogart had sat up and was nudging her pocket. She just gave a small smile and let him convince her to give up a treat.

After that they were the best of friends, and she never closed a door on him.

She did keep her butt covered. Just in case.

A little after ten, Jeannie came up the drive, horn blaring and shouting; "I'm here! Let the orgy begin!"

Bogart was out the door like a shot to see what was what.

Madge and I followed - only to find Bogart, with paws on her window edge, keeping Jeannie pinned in her car.

"Help! Get this wolf off me!"

Laughing, Madge called the dog to her, allowing Jeannie out of her car.

She stepped out, pretty as could be; sandals and tight shorts high-lighted her legs, a loose top fluttered softly in the breeze, showing off her pointed breasts.

One of us said 'Wow' - I know I was thinking it.

Madge complimented her on her entrance.

Taking two quick steps into Madge's arms, Jeannie kissed her fully on the lips, holding it for many more seconds than I would expect in a friendly greeting. I could hear her quietly saying how much she had missed Madge.

For her part, Madge replied she too had missed Jeannie, then looked over at me saying; "Maybe you are right."

"About what?" Jeannie asked; looking between us.

"We'll explain later. Welcome to our home. Don't I get a kiss too?"

"Oh yes you do! And I owe you a fashion show too. I hadn't forgotten."

She jumped into my arms, wrapping hers around my neck and planting a kiss that curled my toes.

No, really, I felt my toes curl.

She pulled her legs up, leaving me holding her butt in my hands. I didn't mind. Not at all. If I hadn't been wearing shorts...

Still in my arms, she leaned back, looking over at Madge; "Can we share him? I love the way he kisses."

"Whoa girl, let's do some catching up before you try cutting in. Besides, I suspect you and I are going to have a serious convo."

"Oh all right, you can have him back. But I call seconds!"

Tension broken. I put her down, somewhat reluctantly I must admit, and we showed her into the house. Me carrying bags of course.

And not just one or two - three - and a large purse. For Two days.

Not that I'm complaining you understand; I was trailing two beautiful asses, being supported by four gorgeous legs. If I'd had a free hand I'd have smacked myself to be sure I was awake.

They stopped in the kitchen just long enough to pour coffee, then Madge led Jeannie through the house. Me? I was schlepping luggage to what would be Jeannie's bedroom.

Having done all the work I planned on, it was back to the kitchen, and then out to the deck. The morning clouds had burned off and the air was warming nicely. I considered stripping down, but settled with just taking off my shirt. Bogart was in his usual spot; next to my chair. Life was good.

Ten minutes later the women came bustling out, talking up a storm. Bogart looked up, groaned, and ambled to the far edge of the deck and flopped down. I picked up their conversation mid topic; "... and Mrs. Patrick has been great to work for, but I'm still not making enough to get a place of my own. My parents have been great, never a complaint, and they love having the kids around, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind having some peace and quiet."

"How old are they?"

"My parents? in their fifties. They're getting up there."

I choked on that one. Madge shot me a look. "No, the kids."

My ears were on 'Full Function' at that bit of news, but I stayed quiet.

With a quick glance my way Jeannie replied the two boys were eight and six.

I chimed in; "What are their names?"

"JD is eight, just a bundle of energy; there isn't a tree he won't climb, or a game he won't try. Clark is six. He's more studious. He'll play, and he loves riding his bike, but he can read above his grade level, and math fascinates him."

"Where's the father?" I asked.

"North Dakota. Well, that's the last I heard from him. And that was months ago. We're divorced and he's supposed to be sending child support; but big whoop, it never seems to happen."

"Bummer."

"Yeah. Now can we get to happier things? Where's the swimming pool? Can I get naked? What are we doing this afternoon... hmm?'

"You want to get naked?"

"Josh..."

"Yes Madge?"

"I think she's kidding you."

"Or are you?" with an up turned eyebrow to our guest.

"Just kidding. Although..."

After that it was kidding back at each other, easing the little tension that had risen. I had the impression this was common between them; Jeannie would tease, Madge would react. Yet it appeared they both enjoyed the game.

We broke for lunch; salad, pitas, pop. Yeah, my diet was full-on.

Carrying it back to the deck, they sat shoulder to shoulder while I sat across the table; watching. Again I noticed Jeannie regularly placing a hand on Marge's arm or brushing fingers over her skin. Occasionally a blush would flash across Jeannie's face and chest, and she would pause in mid-sentence.

The third time it happened Madge put her hand on Jeannie's arm; "Honey, can I ask you a question?"

Without waiting she went on; "Are you in love with me?"

Jeannie half rose, but Madge pulled her back down. "It's ok if you are; I think I have a lot of affection for you too. If you do, let's just get it into the open. And if not... oops, my bad."

"How... how did you know?"

"Josh spotted it at the shop. AND pointed out my reactions. Even though he's sitting right there, and he'll get a swelled head, I have to say he's very perceptive."

"Can we talk about this later? Alone?"

"No Honey; we'll do it with Josh. I don't want any secrets between us. He's been helping me see sides I didn't know I had, let alone existed."

For the next hour they talked. I just kept the water (and tissues) coming. By the time they finished they had cried, and hugged, then cried and hugged again. Honest to God I was wrung out too. And I hadn't said a word.

When they had been wound down for a while I suggested a walk; a chance to show Jeannie some of the property.

Whistling up Bogart, we strolled toward the lake; Madge pointing out where she and Dave had camped, where she and I had sat and talked. "That's where I knew he was for me."

"Just like that?"

"Um hm."

"And now?"

She looked over at me; "Oh, I guess I love him. Not that he's done anything to earn it this afternoon."

"Kinda slow is he?"
 "Hey wait! No fair! We've had company. My car wouldn't start. I had a flat tire. My suit's at the cleaners! Baby, Forgive Me!" As I dropped to one knee.

"Oooohh you," Madge said as she tackled me. We rolled around, trying to tickle each other, laughing.

"Hey, I'm still here you know."

Madge and I looked up, and in unison said; "Get her!"

"No! Wait! I didn't mean..."

Too late. We had her on the ground; tickling, caressing - soon kissing, touching. It didn't matter who kissed who; and soon where didn't matter either; I found myself kissing Madge one moment, Jeannie the next. I had Madge's shirt off, licking her nipples, while she was kissing Jeannie. Someone's hand was in my shorts fondling my cock, then I had Jeannie's small, pointy tits in my mouth.

A moment later we were in a three-way kiss.

Eventually we stopped; everyone breathing heavily. I pulled the girls to me, kissed both, and asked if they were ready to head back.

"Maybe in a minute." Said one, "Umm, what she said." From the other.

Just over Madge's shoulder, Bogart stood; head crooked to one side.

Finally we meandered up the hill; they carrying their tops, me brushing the 'dirt' from their bottoms. Gently of course.

Back at the deck they shared a chaise, while I sprawled in a chair.

Madge looked over Jeannie's shoulder, silently asking if I minded.

I blew her a kiss and mouthed 'enjoy'.

She turned back to Jeannie, laying kisses around her ear, along the jaw, and on to her mouth.

Jeannie responded by cupping a hand along Madge's face; pulling her in for deeper kisses. For the longest time they lay together; kissing, murmuring, stopping to look into each other's eyes.

They seemed to see only each other.

They didn't seem to be building to a peak; rather I sensed it was more of an awakening, a realization they did love each other.

When they did roll toward me the smiles were a mile wide, and the sparkle in their eyes just as deep.

Madge thanked me for being so understanding; "I love you for that."

"He doesn't mind?"

"Jeannie... the two of you are so perfect together, there is no way I could mind."

"I don't own Madge; she is free to love you all she wants. It doesn't diminish my love for her, and I hope it doesn't diminish her love for me."

"Don't you feel jealous? Even a little? Or is the girl on girl turning you on?"

"That 'girl on girl' is a turn on. especially with those sweet nipples glowing in the sun, but I'm not jealous. I learned how to get past that years ago; now I see beauty, and I bathe in it. And I am happy to be here, now."

"Madge... can we take him him to bed? I want to make love, and feel love, and I want both of you now!"

"Yes Honey, we'll take him to bed. And we'll fuck him into a stupor, then love each other, then sleep a bit, and then start all over again."

*****

Upstairs, Jeannie wanted to strip me first, but Madge and I unbuttoned her shorts first; sliding them down, caressing her legs as we went, then siding our hands ever so gently back up. We looked at each other - knowing each move we were about to make. Together our hands roamed her thighs, her butt, came around to her belly, dipping back down the front of her thighs, up either side of her pussy, and then taking turns pressing her mons.

Quiveringly, Jeannie made small mewing sounds.

Nodding her head, Madge tugged the moist panties down, and I leaned in; first taking a deep breath, then admiring the closely trimmed patch and her swelling lips - open and inviting. On it's own my tongue swiped from bottom to top, and Jeannie's knees buckled.

We lowered her to the bed, Madge on her right, me to the left, dropping to those sweet breasts; no more than a small handful but topped with half-dollar sized areola and quarter-inch nipples. I kissed left, she right; sucking, pulling, biting (gently).

Jeannie arched, holding us in place; and with a low, keening cry came for the first time.

As she settled back Madge moved to her lips; kissing and sucking on them. I ran a trail of kisses across her belly, through her navel, and on to her pussy. Avoiding her clit, I used my tongue along her thighs, over her pubic mound, and then between her lips. First over the outers, then deeper; I tasted her. Driving my tongue ever deeper I searched for the source of her nectar.

Soon it was her clit I turned to; like her nipples, it stood proud - clear of it's hood, calling for my attention. And like her nipples, I kissed, I nibbled, and most of all, I sucked on that wondrous button.

Suddenly her thighs clamped over my ears, and from a distance I heard a muffled and extended; "Oooohhh... GAAAWWDDD!"

I focused on her clit: sucking it in, then flicking my tongue everywhere. I bit, then sucked, then bit again. I felt myself rising.

She was rising; arching her ass clear of the bed, coming once again.

Cupping her butt in my hands; squeezing as I lifted, pressing her to my face, I lapped all the juices within reach.

Slowly, Jeannie eased down; spent.

Her legs opened, allowing me a breath. My gaze traveled the length of her body.

Madge wiggled her fingers; signaling I should move up to her.

Kissing my way up Jeannie's body, I met Madge's lips. She tasted the sweet juices for the first time. She smiled and licked me again. " She's delicious."

"Almost as good as you."

"I'll bet you say that to all the women you go down on."

"Only those in the last week."

"Mmmm... guys... you know I'm still here don't you?"

"Oh, we know. How are you doing?"

"Very, very good. And he hasn't even fucked me yet."

I dipped my mouth to Jeannie's ear; whispering it was Madge's turn.

Jeannie pulled her down for a kiss, wrapping Madge in her arms while I pulled her shorts and panties down.

They did a quick roll, Jeannie planting kisses all over her face.

I joined in; running hands over Madge's breasts, cupping and pinching nipples, caressing her belly, running fingers into her pussy.

Jeannie moved to a breast while I explored Madge's soaking pussy; searching for all her sensitive spots. When I brushed the first she lifted with an indrawn breath, with the second she moaned, calling my name. And when I hit the rough spot below her clit she arched in a small spasm.

"My turn. I want to taste her."

"She's delicious. Like you. have you done this before? Ok, I'll show you where to start; run a finger along her pussy - just the way you like it. That's right... gently... lean in, blow gently."

"See the beads forming? You did that too. Run a finger along them; taste. Delicious isn't she? Now you're on your own. I'm going to the other lips; let's drive her crazy."

I kissed my way up; stopping to lick and suck on her nipples, then moved on to an ear. "How's she doing?"

"Oooh Josh; I could so easily get used to this... oh... she just found a spot... you guys are too good to me. Kiss me... hold me... I'm coming... ahhhh... oh, that was a nice one. Jeannie... don't stop... oh gawd here it comes..."

Her face flushed, Madge pulled Jeannie's mouth to her pussy; "Harder, please, more... oh Jeannie... I love you!"

Jeannie held her position, tongue flicking softly against Madge's clit, until she collapsed.

We laid quietly for several minutes; savoring the moment while the blush receded from Madge's chest.

Jeannie crawled up to kiss her; whispering how much she loved loved her. She stretched across to kiss me and murmured; "Thank you."

Four

I was lying in my bed; flowing auburn hair on my right shoulder and close cut, rumpled brown on my left. My arms around women I loved more every minute. Jeannie eased up on my chest while laying kisses around my nipple. playfully smiling at Madge she semi-whispered; "It's his turn now, any suggestions?"

"Mm hm. His cock is so hard; I want him in you. I need to see him loving you. No more waiting. Do it."

Jeannie turned her hazel eyes to me: "What do you want? Shall I tease you, maybe hold you on the edge for a while?"
 "Jeannie, I've been on the edge since you jumped into my arms. Do you want top or bottom? That's all that matters."

"Extend your arms over your head... now keep them there."

She rolled onto my chest, lifted a little, and guided my cock into her pussy. Taking several swipes with the head through her free flowing juices, she positioned me at her entrance, sat straight up, and looking first at me and then at Madge, slid slowly down to fully engulf me. With closed eyes and smiling, she clamped and released my cock, and whispered to Madge; "This is nice. I love you. I love Josh, I even love that crazy dog. Please... don't let this be a one time thing."

I thrust upward, spurring Jeannie's response; her hands dropped to my chest, fingers clenching skin as she lifted and fell, accelerating until she was bucking, quivering - crying out in a wordless shout.

As she reached her peak I hit mine; I thrust up, my hands pulling her hips down, grinding us together. I shot cum that had been building all day.

She slumped forward, resting a cheek on my shoulder. My hands slipped down to cup her ass and hold her to me.

Jeannie gasped for air, then took a deep breath, and looked over at Madge; "How was that?"

"Beautiful. You have me all turned on again, but I couldn't move. I didn't want to miss a moment."

"Give me a minute and we'll fix that."

Slowly she slid off me and moved to Madge. Once again they kissed. Jeannie's right hand sought Madge's pussy; sliding between the lips, and drawing a moan.

Madge guided Jeannie's breasts to her waiting mouth, her tongue searching for hardening nipples.

As I watched, Jeannie dug fingers in to her lover's pussy forcefully, causing Madge to answer with her now signature guttural moan. Frozen in place, they kissed, panted, and babbled incoherently, and then finally crashed back to the bed - spent.

Totally worn, I crawled from the bed, reeled to the shower, and just stood under the hot water.

Refreshed, I looked in on the girls. They were again loving each other; Jeannie on her stomach, Madge kneeling over her thighs; caressing from neck to buttocks, kisses following hands.

Jeannie's face - turned toward me - glowed in the joy she felt. Her eyes focused on me enough that she could give me a small smile, and then lost focus again.

*****

Downstairs I poured myself a shot of scotch and sat on the deck. Bogart put his chin on my lap; wanting his ears rubbed.

Have you ever had times when you just sit - no thoughts - just letting events flow? That was me until the girls finally came out an hour later. They were holding hands, freshly showered, bare as could be.

We sat looking out over the meadow, no one wanting to break the spell.

Bogart rose, moved over to Madge's lap for an ear rub.

"That dog really likes you."

"Honey, you have no idea."

Jeannie seemed overpowered by events, so I asked what she was thinking.

"Well... contrary to what happened today, I don't fuck on a first date... I've never had sex with a woman... I've never been in a three-way... I've never been in love with a woman. And those are just what I can think of right now. I know I talk a great game, but really, I've only been with two guys, and I married the second one."

She took a deep breath; "I'm a stay-at-home mom. Well except for work. This is my first time away from the kids since before my divorce. When I told my folks of your offer; you know, coming up for a couple days, they thought it would do me some good."

She paused; "Boy! Little did they know. Now I wonder; did I just blow up everything that I've been repressing, or is this real?"

Tears welled in Madge's eyes; "Honey... I can only hope it's real. But if it is just this once, I'll hold it in my heart. You showed me something rare, and I can't lose it." "Jeannie, Madge, I'm amazed how fast this is happening and time will tell how real this is. I suggest we get dressed, go into town and hit Jerry's Pizza for dinner, and then come back in time for the sunset show."

We dressed, and I made sure Bogart had food and water, and we jumped into the pick up.

*****

In town it was the usual Monday evening quiet; a few people hitting the grocery, someone filling up at the gas station, the last of the Postal customers coming out. Jerry's is busy on Friday night, and all weekends and holidays, so he'll have a waitress or two, but the rest of the week it's just Jerry. Now, I've known him - and the rest of the town - more than twenty years. They knew Naomi in the good times, and helped me during the tough ones.

Occasionally someone would tease me that i should find another 'Good Woman'.

I parked at the curb just in front of Jerry's walked around to the passenger side, held the door open, and extended my hand.

Did I mention the girls had dressed in shorts and light blouses? Well... they did.

The first pair of legs to slide out were Jeannie's. she stepped aside as I helped Madge step out. In the corner of my eye the two guys at the gas station had frozen in place, and the Post Mistress - Mrs. Jepson fumbled at her lock.

With just a little swagger I led my two beauties inside.

*****

Jerry was busy behind the counter tending his oven, and not even looking up shouted he'd be with us. I sat Madge and Jeannie at a table near the window and ambled to the counter. "Hey Jerry, how about cooking up a family combo for me? I'll have it here."

"Murph! When did you last need that big an order? What did you bring, an army?"

"Well sorta, and we'll need three beers. We're over at the window." and I waved toward the table

"Jesus," he whispered; "Are they with you?"

"As they say in Maine: 'Ayep'. Come on over and I'll introduce you."

I had barely gotten back to the table when Jerry brought the beers, smiling from ear to ear, and looking at the girls eagerly. I introduced everyone, explained how long I had known him and how he and his wife had helped me after Naomi's death. Generally, I made him into such a nice guy he actually glowered at me.

Then I told him Madge was staying with me and Jeannie was our guest.

About then he had to hustle back to get our order in the oven.

"Why didn't you tell him about us?"

Madge darlin', look at his left ear; he's hooked to his phone - it lets him work and take calls. I'll bet he's already telling his wife everything we said. If he keeps glancing over, she's asking what you look like, and he's filling in every detail. By seven tonight everyone in town will know you two gorgeous pieces of feminine art are with me. Then the real fun begins."

"What do you mean?"

"Well Jeannie, I'm obviously two old for you, so there'll be all kinds of speculation."

"It's entirely possible they'll have you as my nieces, or even granddaughters. I may have fun with this. Oops, hold on; here comes Marie Jepson."

Marie Jepson was scanning the room as she came through the door, when she spotted us she came over. Smiling, she said; "Hello, Mr. Murphy. How nice to see you."

"Mr' Murphy? When did I become Mr?"

"Let me introduce Marjorie and Jeannie. Marjorie is staying with me, and Jeannie is visiting."

I turned to my table mates; "This is Marie Jepson, our Postmistress and a very good friend. When Naomi was dying - and then after she passed, Marie and several other women in town made sure I ate, stayed clean, and generally helped me make it through that time. Honestly, I think they saved me."

"Oh go on. We only did what any neighbor would do."

"Neighbor? Marie, you live what - eight, ten miles from me."

"That's nothing. Neighbor isn't measured in miles. Just like friendship can't be limited. And besides; look how often you visit my Carl."

"Carl," I told the girls, "had been exposed to Agent Orange in 'Nam. It's giving him problems."

"He was a Marine." Marie proudly told them.

"Tell him I'll swing by later in the week. And he should restock his lies - Jarheads can't remember but three stories at a time."

Laughing, she turned to leave. "I'll tell him."

"Darlin's, I just saved you from a major inquisition, and... whoop, here comes Jerry. "Pizza's here! Piping hot! Be careful, and enjoy."

"Did you get Sandy all filled in?"

"Huh, what... what?"

"Come on Jerry, it's me. How many times have I sat over there at the counter while you told her who was here, and who they were with? You don't think I know this town is all wired together?"

The girls were choking back laughter, and clearly losing the battle. Jerry soo wanted to pump me, but there was no way he could try now. he slouched back back behind the counter, hand to ear; I suspected Sandy was on the phone again.

I just raised an eyebrow at Madge and Jeannie. And they let it all out! They ended up leaning against each other, tears running down their cheeks, laughing till it hurt.

Jerry just looked at them, sadly.

Eventually we dug into the pizza, Jerry brought more beers, and I gave them a brief background of Fairfax; once a coal mining town, it almost died when the coal ran out. They tried logging for a while, but then that faded. The town had only half a dozen businesses now, no one was getting rich, but no one wanted to leave. Many of the younger residents commuted to Tacoma or Seattle.

*****

Near seven we piled back into the truck and headed up the hill. The girls were in a cheerful mood, giggling about their reception in town. At the house they ran in, shedding clothes, giggling, telling me to hurry. After putting the truck away in the barn, I joined them on the deck leaving a line of clothes behind. Madge had a bottle of wine and glasses waiting, Jeannie had pulled chaise together, and Bogart sat off to one side watching; head cocked.

When we had settled in for the nightly show Madge asked if Naomi and I had ever found someone up here.

"What are we talking about?"

"Oh, I forgot you didn't know... Josh and Naomi developed an idea they could have lovers."

"Sure, swinging. I've heard of it but I could never do that."

"No. He say's it's different. Josh, will you explain?"

So I gave jeannie a short version of our discoveries. Then I addressed Madge's question; "We did find someone. Well actually, two. A couple; Claire and Wally."

"We loved them for close to ten years; until he was offered a VP slot in his company. They had to move to Houston and it broke our hearts, but it was just too good an offer for them."

"Did you live together?"

"Technically no. We maintained separate residence, but we were in one house or the other continuously - sometimes all together, sometimes as couples."

"So you were lovers?"

"Jeannie, we were more than that. It was as if we had a bond between the four of us. Naomi loved Claire as much as Wally."

"What about you and Wally? Did you play with Wally's willy?"

"Damn! No puns, please!... Yes."

I thought back to my time with them. "Occasionally Wally and I would be together. Not as much as Naomi and Claire - they were inseparable at times - but yes, every now and then we needed to make love also."

"Where are they now?"

"Still in Houston. He's CEO now. They came up for Naomi's funeral and we spent some time reminiscing, but we had all changed over the years."

Jeannie looked toward the sunset; "So you got all this out of two books?"

"Oh no. Many books; some philosophy, some religious, even some science fiction. Heinlein posited cultures of multi-family lines over generations. Virtually all the books and magazines are still in the den. You can read any of them Oh, and don't forget 'LovingMore' - it's a magazine in there."

"So you guys really researched it before you did it."

"We probably spent twenty hours rehearsing to every hour reading."

"Rehearsing?"

"As I told Madge, we did a lot of mental work on it; picturing scenarios then working through our reactions. After a while, the thought of Naomi loving another man didn't cause me pain - it brought joy."

"Joy?"

"Em hmm. There is a term that has reached prominence in the poly community; 'compersion'. It's the opposite of jealousy. We had that feeling long before we knew the word."

"Poly community?"

"Yes. It is estimated there are at least three million people in this country practicing polyamory; the open loving of more than one."

"Whew... you've given me a lot to think about, and now I'm sleepy."

"Josh, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure Madge, what is it?"

"You told me you only had sex when you loved someone, but Jeannie hasn't been here a day... and you've definitely fucked her."

"Language young lady." But I ran the day - the week through my brain. "Just as I knew you were for me, I sense Jeannie may be for us. If that is what she wants."

We trooped to bed after the evening routine of putting things away, shutting doors, turning off lights. Madge of course, joined me, and Jeannie went to her room. I had barely cuddled to Madge's back when there was a knock and Jeannie standing at the door, nude, asking if she could join us.

Never one to turn a lady down, I waved her in as I rolled to my back. We settled into a cozy group; Madge sleepily welcoming Jeannie, then drifting off tucked into my right side with a breast pressed into me, and a light kiss good night.

I decided I didn't want to wake from this dream.

Later I had to go to the bathroom, and when I returned they had moved around; Madge in the middle of the bed, Jeannie spooned to her back. Shrugging, I slipped in, spooning my butt to Madge, and drifted back off.

The morning sun had me stirring; Madge's breasts pressed my back, her arms around me, she breathing lightly in my ear. She began to stir, rubbing my chest, fingering a nipple. A hand slid to my cock. It twitched in response, anticipating her hand...

"JESUS! WHAT WAS THAT?"

I jumped. Madge's hand clenched on my cock. Without even turning, Madge asked; "Was it cold?"

"Yes! What was that?"

"In your butt?"

"Yeah, wha...?"

Giggling: "That was Bogart. Welcome to the family."

All thought of sex had passed, so I stumbled out of bed, Madge following me, both laughing. Bogart sat at the door, head cocked, tongue hanging out; "Huh, huh, huh."

Jeannie sat in the middle of the bed, sheet clutched around her, staring at the dog."You put him up to that, didn't you?"

"Not me. Did you Honey?"

"Nope. I should tell you he got me the other day. You've been officially 'nosed, into the family."

Laughing softly, Madge led the way to the kitchen. Jeannie followed me, head turned, one eye on the dog.

The girls sat at the counter - facing the room. Both kept wary eyes on Bogart. I guess he had made his 'point' because he ignored them and came to me for attention.

Checking her phone, Madge said she had a text from Dave; "He says he's outside SF (I guess that's San Francisco) and has a job. More details later. That's good to see."

*****

We decided a brisk walk after breakfast would do us good. Madge had seen some parts of the property, Jeannie less, so we did the tour. In the barn I pointed out the Mustang and Spitfire under their covers, the bikes hanging from the wall, and the canoe hanging from the rafters.

Madge thought we should use the bikes; 'to get you into shape', Jeannie was captivated by the canoe; "I always wanted to learn how to use one."

"Perhaps the next time you come up."

"That'd be great, but it might be a while - I don't think my parents are going to go for this every week. Oh, and Friday is the Fourth of July. We're having a major sale at the store. Mrs. Patrick needs me for inventory on Monday."

"How about you bring the boys the week after? They'll love it, and you folks will get a break."

Coming back to the house, I teased the girls that they still hadn't delivered on the fashion show.

"Buster, you go park on the deck; we'll give you a show!"

"Yeah. And you may want to shed those shorts; things might get tight, you know."

Pulling a beer from the refrigerator, I made myself comfortable. Taking Jeannie's advice, I shucked all my clothing and stretched on a chaise, waiting and letting the sun warm my skin. Bogart flopped on the deck beside me. Life was good.

I'm not sure how long I waited; it seemed forever, and yet just a moment, when music came from the den. A giggling, squeaking voice announced; "Ladies and Gentlemen! I am proud to offer for your viewing pleasure... Miss Marjorie!"

The curtains parted and an auburn haired vision stepped onto the deck. Her hair was brushed to a high sheen, makeup accented the color of her eyes and the shape of her mouth.

But it was what she wore that held my gaze: white heels to accent her tanned legs led my eyes to lacy white panties that extended from her navel down over her clefted mound, an auburn tint just showing through. My eyes traveled up; over her softly rounded belly to her globular breasts - encased in a lacy bra matching the panties. She strode to me in an exaggerated model's walk, did a slow turn that allowed me to appreciate the curves of her legs and the way the thin panties clung to her cheeks; revealing yet covering still. She stood for a moment, legs spread, glowing in the sunlight. As she strode back to the curtain I admired the sway of her hips.

I sat frozen in awe.

Behind the curtain I heard whispering, and then a feminine voice; "And now - the sleek, the sexy, Lady Jeannine!"

Out stepped Jeannie; wearing deep (I think some call it Royal) purple; heels, cling top nylons a narrow wedge of panties, and a matching semi-sheer, vest like top. Her conical breasts pushed proudly against the material. She stopped directly in front of me, eyes half closed, watching me as she did a slow turn. A thin wedge of material separated her cheeks. Truly, a gorgeous sight, and I told her so.

Several minutes passed and then both stepped out in matching sets: Black bras and panties that just concealed nipples and pussies. They strode toward me, did a pair of slow turns, and retreated behind the curtain.

Again a pause. Once again Jeannie stepped out; sun shining off her skin, and the filmy pink bra encasing her lovely tits. A tiny piece of material cupped her lips as it disappeared between her legs, as if presenting them. She turned to reveal a thin strip materializing above her cheeks. All I could do was whisper how beautiful she was.

She smiled over her shoulder; "Thank you sir."

Behind the curtain I could hear excited whispering, but not what was being said. I took a deep drink of my nearly forgotten beer, eagerly awaiting the next presentation.

Again I heard Jeannie's voice: "And now sir, our finale; The Lovely, The Lovable, The Delicious... MARJORIE!"

It was the filmy green number from the shop. In the sunlight the gauzy material was no more than a brush stroke of color over her breasts.

She stepped to me, slowly turning, allowing me a view of all; her ass - round and toned, encased in the same green brush of color. Then, as she turned, her mons pushing against the wisp of material, her lips visible yet not. Standing before me; legs spread and hands on hips, she gave me plenty of time to admire her.

Finally she pivoted on the balls of her feet, and walking in the exaggerated manor of a model, disappeared into the den.

Totally stunned, I sat for a minute or more - they must have been waiting for my reaction - then I jumped up applauding and calling for them. When they reappeared, I raved how beautiful they were. The smiles were priceless. I swept them into my arms; kissing one, then the other, telling her how beautiful she was - how enticing.

Hands encompassed my cock.

I hadn't realized just how hard I had become, but once I did I couldn't keep my hands off them.

Guiding my beauties to adjoining chaise I removed each thin piece of clothing carefully, laying a trail of kisses. I moved from Madge to Jeannie, Jeannie to Madge; relishing the differences in shape, color, taste, in their tits, bellies, pussies.

I buried my face in labia; licking, sucking, gently biting. Drawing clits in with a suctioning move, then, when fully extended, thrumming with my tongue.

First Madge, then Jeannie, they climaxed; each with her distinctive cry, one low and gutteral, the other high and keening.

Exhausted, they lay before me. Opening her legs, I slid into Jeannie. Stroking slowly as I waited for her response, then deeper as she urged me on.

I moved to Madge; sliding into that wonderful silken caress, again thrusting slowly while she lifted knees - clasping me to her.

We danced like this for several minutes, and then leaning down, I kissed her, whispering, 'I will be back', and moved back to Jeannie. She was ready for me; legs encircled my waist and ankles locked behind my back, telling me I wasn't leaving until she had come.

I drove into her. We built speed and force.

We neared climax... and she crashed through, hips lifting, and legs clamping tightly.

How I held back? I'm not sure. I only knew Madge waited.

Slowly Jeannie released her grip; arms and legs splayed out, eyes closed but a smile on her lips.

I moved back to Madge, who had been rubbing her clit as she watched. Now on her own ragged edge, she pulled me into her, legs locked, thrusting up to ensure full penetration. All I could do now was hang on for the ride. She was a mad woman; lifting, clasping, groaning, mumbling, and urging me on; "Harder!... More... Yes, deeper... again, again,... Oh Gawd... I'm Coming, I'm Coming... Aaahhh... Aaahhhh."

We came together. Everything that had been building in me poured out. I just barely held my weight off her. Slowly we rolled to her side as we returned to the here/now. I called Jeannie to us and pulled her into our embrace. Madge and I kissed her, whispering words of endearment and caressing her arms and shoulders, urging her to be one with us.

As we returned to the present we realized clouds had swept in, covering the sun and cooling us. Smelling the rain coming, I ushered the two lovelies in the house, and then picked up the cushions and wisps of clothing scattered about the deck. They had gone to shower, but I chose to sit and contemplate my new life - something I seemed to be doing quite a bit lately.

Their return shook me from my reverie. Smiling, i announced my turn for the shower, asking they make lunch. "And please... no salad... I need my strength!"

Laughter echoed in my ears as I took myself off for a long and well deserved shower.

Rain was falling as we ate. Madge was asking more about Jeannie's kids, her parents, and how it was living with them. I sat quietly, listening. A pattern was emerging and I sensed where where this would lead. determined to not act hastily (riiight), I waited for the question I knew would eventually come. To buy myself a few days I suggested once again that Jeannie should bring the kids next time.

"You know that will cut back on our sex?"

"Yes... but those kids are an important part of you; I'd like to know them."

Later in the day, Jeannie had to go. She kissed me tenderly, saying she would miss me. I returned the kiss and the comments. I really would miss her. She moved into Madge's arms; they kissed, whispering to each other with tears on cheeks.

Then she got into her car and drove down the hill.

Bogart sat on the porch, whining as her car disappeared.

FIVE

Jeannie had no sooner disappeared from sight than Madge turned to me; "We need to get her back here. Josh, I love you. And I love Jeannie. How can we make this work? Not just for a couple days now and then, but long term?"

Holding her to me I answered; "Ive been thinking on it. Let's start with the kids. We need to know them. See if they are compatible with us, and up here. Face it - if those boys are miserable, she will be too. And if she isn't... well, she won't be the woman - or mother - I think she is."

Over the next twelve days they talked almost every day, sometimes for just a few minutes, other days an hour or more. Jeannie and I talked also, but I don't do phone conversations well, so we would speak for a few minutes, and then I would pass the phone off to Madge. Day five or six Madge asked me about that, because Jeannie was wondering if I really wanted her back. I explained to Madge, and Jeannie the next time she called, that I am normally short on the phone. It wasn't a dislike of Jeannie, I just ran out of things to say. Quickly.

We stayed busy during those days; Madge readied a bedroom for the boys, and she sent me to a furniture store for beds and dressers, and of course that meant the correct linens and blankets. She wanted space ships or cowboys, I kept it simple on the theory that we didn't know them yet. I found a bunk set that would convert to two singles when necessary.

*****

Friday was July Fourth. In town all the shops had bunting. Flags and streamers were everywhere. Main street was packed; people from miles around came to the celebration every year. John Sundgren, at the General Store, handed out free ice cream cones to the kids (and some of the oldsters too). Every fancy car in the area parked at Charlie's garage for an informal car show; I brought Naomi's Mustang as I did every year. Jerry was selling pizza by the slice, and barely keeping up with demand.

Madge and I strolled about, her arm tucked in mine, and Bogart on a leash beside her. Everywhere we went I was introducing her. I'm sure my proud manner told all how much I loved her.

At the General Store we stopped for cones. John said; "No charge today for geezers. And I'll give your Grand Daughter a free one also."

"Geezer? You're at least as old as me, and twice as ugly."

"Well, standing next to this beautiful woman, you look a lot older."

Turning to Madge; "Welcome to Fairfax, I'm John, if you need anything, just ask."

Down the street we found Marie Jepson and her husband, Carl. He's been doing poorly over the last few years, due to Agent Orange exposure in 'Nam, but normally refused to be glum about it. He was walking carefully with a walker.

I introduced Madge, then looking at Marie, I raised an eyebrow.

"He will not let me push him in the chair."

"Jarhead, you are one stubborn s. o. b., I know you don't want to be seen being pushed by Marie, but why don't you get one of those motorized jobs? I'm sure VA would buy it."

"Squid, you're always bustin' my chops about somethin'."

"Maybe so, but where does she have the chair stashed today - the Post Office?"

He looked at me for the longest time, then glanced at Madge and Marie; "Yeah... maybe I should go that route. I'll think on it."

"Don't think, do. I thought you Gyrenes were 'Men of Action'."

"Aarrgh, outta my face."

"See ya Marie." And I waved as we parted.

"Are you guys like that all the time?"

"No Hon, today he's in a good mood. Meds must be working."

*****

Down at Charly's, Doug Foster had his BBQ running; it's a trailer mounted cooker he custom built.

To say Doug was serious about barbecue would be an understatement. Sure it was his hobby, but so much more. The prices he charged just paid for the supplies, there was no way to put a price on his expertise. Customers lined up, waiting for the next batch; everyone chatting, catching up with neighbors they may not have seen in months.

Bogart kept tugging at his leash, saliva running off his chin. he knew about barbecue. When we reached the front of the line Doug greeted Bogart first, serving the dog a special bone he'd been saving.

We meandered over to the cars; paper wrapped sandwiches in one hand, wads of napkins in the other. Bogart happily carrying 'his' bone.

'Big Swede' Johansen had his Camaro next to the Mustang. A few cars over, Charly had his E Type Jag, and next to him sat Shelly and her MGB. We strolled along the line, admiring each car. These weren't 'Trailer Queens'; every car had been driven here. They may only come out in good weather, but they all came on their own wheels.

Shelly greeted me with a big hug, and after introductions, wrapped Madge in one of her patented hugs. "Shelly," I explained; "has been a good friend forever. When Naomi got seriously ill, she was one of the women that watched over me."

"I was just doing a neighborly thing. Besides, you and Naomi cared for me when Will was killed."

"Her husband died in a traffic accident, what... ten years ago?"

"Today."

"Ohh, that's right. Are you ok?"

"I'm staying busy. It'll get me through the day."

Shelly turned to Madge; "Marie say's you're staying with Josh; come over and visit. I'm just a couple miles up the road."

As darkness fell, everyone gathered at what was a lumber mill, just north of town. Everyone had contributed towards fireworks, and now we waited for our show. Madge and I stood at the edge of the crowd, arms around each other, Bogart stretched out next to us. Shelly walked over, kissed me on the cheek, and smiled at Madge; "I really mean it. Come over. I'd like to know you."

Sunday I pulled the canoe out of the barn; giving it a good going over. I've owned this custom built cedar boat for over twenty-five years. Varnish had been scraped in a couple places, and mice had nested in her, but overall she was in much better shape than I expected. We put the boat on my tractor's trailer, added life preservers and a picnic lunch, and took it down to the lake.

Madge had no experience with boats, so was leery of it initially. But once she learned the proper position and felt the stability, she relaxed.

We paddled around the lake; she in the bow, me aft - paddling and steering. We snuck up on a family of Canadian geese foraging among the reeds, then moved further along. Looking down, a large trout caught her eye; slowly working it's way through a bed of grass.

Looking back, she asked if I ever fished the lake.

"Sure, but not in the last few years."

"Why not?"

"No real reason. just haven't felt like it."

"Naomi?"

"Yeah... when she got really bad, I took a lot of time off to care for her. it didn't feel right to play when she couldn't."

"And now?"

"Some things have changed. You've come into my life. I'm awake again. I want to experience life again."

"Teach me to paddle."

I showed her how to hold the paddle, the proper stroke, how to put a twist in the stroke to turn the boat, how to correct a drift.

She picked it up easily, relishing the sense of control on the craft. After some practice we pulled into the bank, traded places, moved back into the lake. Now she was paddling and steering; I could correct if necessary. It wasn't.

*****

Back at our launch point we had lunch, and then laid back to watch the high clouds.

"Josh..."

"Mmm."

"Do you think Naomi knows I'm here?"

"Mmm hmm."

"How do you know?"

"I know. I feel her. I don't want to say 'her presence'. just a sense she has an awareness of what is going on."

We rolled together; hands roaming freely, lips coming together. I lifted her blouse. Enthralled with her breasts, pink nipples glowing in the sun, I just had to kiss them. Gently, I kissed each one - drawing out the moment, not wanting it to end. Madge held me to her, whispering her love.

I laid her back; unbuttoned her shorts, pulled them off as she lifted her hips. She had clipped most of the hair from her pussy, leaving just a tuft on her mons.

"Do you like my little surprise?"

"Like it? I love it. Let me kiss my beautiful gift."

I am truly in love with the wonderful taste of her pussy - and that day - with the sun warming us, it was the best ever. I brought her to a slow climax; licking from bottom to top of her lips, circling her clitoris, and then moving back down. I sucked the lips, drove my tongue as deep as I could. When she arched, I slid my hands to grip her ass; lifting her forcefully to my lips. My thumbs spread her cheeks, slid to her rosebud, and pressed firmly as she came. She quivered, growled, panted, finally asking me to stop.

She pushed me to my back, yanked my shorts off, dipped down to suck my cock. "Hey! YOU trimmed!"

"Two can do surprises. I figured if I didn't like hair in my teeth, you wouldn't either."

She engulfed me in one move, getting it even harder than before. When she had me at full attention she moved up, throwing a leg over my hip. Reaching down, she guided me into her. Sinking down in slow, jerky moves, she took me in. Hands clasping my shoulders, she rose.

Arching her back she lifted her hands; running them through her auburn hair, and then stretching to the sky. Her tits glowed in the sun - pink nipples calling me. I pinched those lovely tips; extending and then twisting.

We thrust together; faster and faster, until I could hold out no longer. Rolling us over, I was pistoning as fast and as hard as possible.

Moaning deeply I pushed all my essence into her. Madge responded with a guttural growl, clasping me to her, quivering through her climax.

As we lay quietly recovering I asked; "Did you hear a car horn, or was that my imagination?"

"Oh, that was Shelly going by. I waved back."

*****

Wednesday I drove the Spitfire over to Carl's place. I hadn't visited in several weeks and felt bad (But I had been busy you know). I knew he got lonely while Marie was at the Post Office, and that could lead to depression. We chatted for a couple hours over games of gin rummy. At one point he complimented on my good fortune with Madge. Well actually he said; "I don't know how an ugly old fart like you could latch onto someone like that."

I didn't argue about 'ugly' or 'old', but did point out that he was totally outclassed by Marie. "Some in town think you're holding a dark secret on her, otherwise she'd be down the road."

"I gotta admit, and I hate sayin' it to a squid, but yeah, I married way above me."

He had contacted VA, but would have to go to either Seattle or American Lake to arrange for an electric chair. I offered to make one up for him, no charge. I'd even run it off my meter for the twenty seconds we'd need.

"No fuckin' squid's gonna do me in!"

When I left, we were both laughing and he thanked me for coming by. I offered to drive him to the VA whenever he wanted.

"Not in that little thing. I wanna ride in Naomi's Mustang."

Not long after I got home Madge drove the pickup in. She bounced out and into my arms. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. Where did you go?"

"Shelly's. She's really nice. She told me all about you; how either you or Naomi stayed with her when her husband was killed. Did you know it was a drunken kid that hit him head on? She said you held her head while she vomited, cleaned her up, even showered with her when she needed help. You know she loves you, don't you? She told me Naomi would bring her meals for weeks on end until she finally brought herself around. She said you don't visit nearly enough, and if she'd known you were back on the market, she'd have been shopping. She asked me how long I've known you, how we met, was I in love with you, what attracted me to you. She said she can see what attracted you to me, but she wasn't being catty. She said we looked hot down by the lake. I really like her."

Finally she broke for air.

I'm reasonably sure I heard everything she said, but it took upward of an hour for all of it to permeate. By that time we were sitting at dinner, she was going on about her plans for the house, and I just called 'TIME'.

"Hon,... what do you mean she loves me? Don't you mean she likes me? or considers me a good friend?"

"No silly. She didn't say it in so many words. But it was there. And you know... for a woman in her forties..."

"Fifties."

"Fifties? She's in pretty good shape. You couldn't have done any better if you'd hooked up with her."
 "I think I did pretty well. Of course if you get too snotty I can always boot you out; maybe bring in Jeannie or Shelly."

"Don't you dare!"

"What? Kick you out?"

"No. Replace me. Well, at least not with Jeannie..."

Do you ever wish you could take something back? Maybe go back a little in time and slap your mouth shut? This was one of those moments. Tears were running down her cheeks, and there was a sob in her voice.

"I'm sorry Honey. That was a poor thing to say. I thought I was joking. You are not replaceable. Not for me. Let's start fresh. As trite as it sounds; can we kiss and make up?"

*****

Thursday morning started cloudy with showers. Madge was puttering around the house - she had really taken over - and I was in the office looking at my idea's for the deck. As she came sweeping through I asked her to sit with me, there were a couple things I wanted to go over. I laid out the plans with my additions; "I'm looking at a couple possibilities, and since you're permanent here, I value your input. I'm putting a spa here, with a fold back roof. That way on good nights we can watch the stars. Over here - at the other end of the deck - I want to add a pool. It won't be huge, maybe one of those plasticy ones, but large enough to have some fun in. We'll be able to teach the kids how to swim."

The silence was deafening.

Tears ran down her cheeks, the strangest look on her face. Finally, in a choking whisper; "I'm permanent?"

"I thought that was understood. What made you think otherwise?"

"Last night you said you'd replace me..."

(Note to self: Men and women don't always remember events exactly the same way.)

"First of all; I love you. Secondly, I was trying to joke with you. Obviously that fell flat. And I apologized. Now I'm wondering what's behind this; you and I have joked about a lot of things, and this is the first that has fallen flat. I truly need to know."

She sat quiet for several minutes. I've learned to be patient, so I sat and held her hand.

"The day before my dad died, I was acting badly. Really giving him a hard time the way only girls hitting puberty can. I guess I was really bad... 'cause he said if I didn't straighten up, he could replace me with a stray dog."

Tears were streaming. "I was so horrible. I never had a chance to say I was sorry. I never made up with him. The last words he heard from me was; 'I hate you'..."

Holding her in my arms, she cried on my shoulder. When she calmed, I asked if she would like to make amends with her dad.

"How can I do that? He's dead."

"His body, yes. But not his spirit. I might be able to teach you to... if not contact him, at least leave a message."

"You can do that?"

"See all this gray? It makes me an excellent telepath."

"Go on." That brought a smile. "You're teasing me now. How can I learn?"

"There are just two steps. First I teach you how. Second, you'll do. Do you have a picture?"

"No... not any more."

"Would your mom have one?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"But I haven't talked to her in a long time."
 "Do you want to?"

"Yes. I do miss her. I avoided her for a long time, then I was afraid she wouldn't want to see me. So I didn't try."

"Okay, here's what we'll do; I have to call a couple contractors for bids. You go wash your face, put on some really loose and comfortable clothes, and meet me in the den."

I made my calls, put some 'New Age' music on in the den and tossed some large pillows on the floor.

When she returned - naked as a jaybird, she said; "Can't get looser than this." and smiled.

I grumbled about distractions, shed my shorts, and then demonstrated a Lotus position on a pillow. When she tried I helped her with posture, then explained proper breathing.

"Do you know anything about Yoga?"

"Not really. Is that what we're doing? I thought that is just a form of exercise."

"Yes, and no. I'm going to teach you breathing, and then a form of meditation. Through the meditation I'll teach you how to reach out to your dad."

We worked through a series of breathing exercises, and a few basic yoga postures. After thirty minutes I called a stop. "That's enough for now. You're getting the idea. We'll do it again tomorrow, adding more as we go."

"How long will this take?"

"The basics; a few days. After that? As long as you want."

We continued over the next few days. The more she sat, doing the breathing, the more relaxed she became.

*****

I'd called two contractors I had worked with before: John Brady, and Lars "Big Swede" Johansen. John is one of the few blacks in the area, and absolutely trusted for the quality of his work. Johansen, like Brady has a solid reputation the area. (He's only 5'4", but weighs 180 pounds. In high school he took state wrestling titles three years straight. In training, he would practice with guys two weight classes above him. (Seven times out of ten he'd beat them.) Both men are usually booked solid the whole season. Their crews are dead serious about their reputations for quality builds. Watching them work is watching construction art.

They both arrived Thursday, just before ten. Madge greeted them, coffee cups in hand, then followed while I led them out to the deck; showing what I had in mind.

The plans were laid out on a table, and I walked them through what I thought was possible, which spa I wanted, and the pool I thought would do. They pondered my desires, played with their calculations, made notes on pads.

Interestingly, they didn't split apart to do this. They actually sat together comparing notes. Then they pulled up their calendars, and compared again.

Watching all this, Madge whispered; "Is this kosher? Them comparing? How do you know you'll get the best price?"

"I probably won't get the cheapest price, but I'll get the best job. No matter which one gets it."

Eventually they turned to us. John spoke first; "We're within two fifty of each other overall. Swede can do the pool for three less than me, I can do the spa for fifty less than him."

Swede spoke up; "What we're proposing is to split the work. He'll do the spa, me the pool. We agree on the electrical contractor and the plumber we would like to use. If you agree, we can lay out a schedule that meets your needs, and keeps our crews working."

"When can you start?"

"Once you get permits, we can schedule. Not before."

"And if you give me the plans, I'll go over them tonight, get them back tomorrow with the changes to meet code."

They left, with John carrying the plans.

"That's it?"

"Yep. That's it. Next week I'll go see the county. When I get the permits those two will put together a building schedule.

*****

The next few days were pretty busy; Madge and I were slowly moving into meditation. I wanted her solidly grounded before we moved to the deeper stages. We still had our normal work around the place, and she had added exercise and bike riding to my day. Somewhere in there I found time to pay the bills, and on Saturday we made a major grocery run in anticipation of Jeannie and the kids on Monday. One thing I insisted on was keeping our menu as is. If those kids were going to be compatible, it had to be based on how we really were.

While in town I picked up life vests I hoped were the right sizes for the boys. Madge reminded me the boys should have fishing gear suitable for their size. I snuck in gear for Madge and Jeannie.

Monday, and Madge was up at the crack of dawn, cleaning a house already spotless. She went through the kid's bedroom twice, checking everything. Jeannie's room got the same treatment. Did I mention she never sat?

She was driving me nuts, so finally I insisted she sit and practice her breathing. Several minutes later calmness returned. "Thanks, I needed that."

"Not as much as me!"

Calmed, she finished her preparations, poured a cup of coffee, and sat on the deck scratching Bogart's ears.

Now I began pacing! I realized just how much I had missed Jeannie. Madge caught me checking down the driveway, then looking at my watch. "Josh, come sit down and do your breathing. She'll be here soon."

So this time I did the breathing, brought myself back to my center. "Thanks, I needed that."

"Not as much as me!" She replied, laughing.

Just before ten we saw her coming up the hill. Madge jumped up, smoothing her shorts and blouse as she moved to the front door. I must admit a lump in my throat, and an attempt at smoothing my hair.

We stepped onto the porch just as the car came to a stop. Jeannie slid out of the car, and then opened the back door for her sons. (I liked that - she was thinking of them.) They followed her to Madge and I; the older boy looking around, then focusing on Bogart, who sat on the porch.

"Guys, this is Mr. Murphy and Madge, our hosts. Madge, Josh, these are my sons: JD and Clark."

They just looked at us, and nodded. Madge dropped to a knee welcoming them. I just said; "Welcome boys. Come on in, I'll show you where you'll be bunking the next couple days."

In the corner of my eye I saw Madge and Jeannie hugging.

In the bedroom I told the boys they could work out who had the upper. "From here on, you can call me Mr. Murphy, or Josh, or like some people - Murph. I'm comfortable with any of those. In a little while we'll give you a tour of the property. Any questions?"

"Yes Sir. Was that a real wolf? Mommy says you have a wolf."

"Bogart? No, he's not a wolf. He's about as friendly a dog as I've ever known. But he's not real used to having kids around, so if you're bugging him and he gives you a warning growl, back off. Later I'll introduce you to him properly. Anything else?"

"Mom says you have a lake?"

"Well, JD... right? I border on a lake, and I'll show it to you later. Meantime, toss your clothes in the dresser. Did you bring shorts? Ok, put'em on and come out to the deck. I'm going to say 'hi' to your mom."

On the deck, Madge and Jeannie were hugging. I suspect they'd been in each other's arms since I took the boys in the house.

Jeannie ran into my arms. "God! I really missed you. Kiss me!"

Well, I did my duty alright. I kissed her just as hard as she kissed me, maybe a little more. We were still hugging when the boys came out, making things awkward for a moment, but she was ready; "I told you I've been missing these two. I love them, and they love me."

"Mommy, more than me?"

"No Clark. No one can ever take the place in my heart for you two. I love these guys in a different way, an adult way. I've really missed them. I wanted you to meet them because all you guys are important to me."

Madge asked if the boys were hungry, then led them into the kitchen. She had milk and donuts waiting for them. (I never get donuts.) While they were busy, Jeannie turned back into my arms, asking that I hold her.

"Are you ok?"

"I am now. I sorta let slip some of what happened the last time I was up here."

"To who? Your parents?"

"Yeah,... there isn't much they can do about it, but they do disapprove."

"Have they been giving you a hard time?"
 "A bit. They haven't said much, but Dad has been radiating."

Madge and the kids came back out, and from the look between the girls I knew Madge had already been filled in.

We sat in the sun; the kids munching away, me having coffee (and eyeballing those donuts), the girls had pop. I began telling Jeannie our plans for the deck area. She liked the spa, the boys perked up at the sound of a pool. JD had been taking lessons at a local pool, and Jeannie planned that Clark would go next.

"Well, I don't know when all of this will be done. The contractors are waiting on the permits, then they'll give me a schedule."

I noticed the boys had finished eating and looked bored. I asked them to put their glasses in the kitchen, and told the girls we were going to walk around, but they could sit and talk. In the kitchen, I slipped the boys a couple dog treats; "Put these in your pockets When Bogart smells them he'll be begging you for them. Let him take them from your hands, one at a time. He'll be your friend after that."

That caught their interest. We ambled over to the barn, where I showed them the pickup, the two cars, and the canoe on the trailer. Those kids had a hundred questions. I pulled the covers off the cars; JD was drawn to the Mustang, Clark had to sit in the Spit's driver seat. He couldn't see over the dash, but that didn't matter. Over at the Mustang, his brother was looking everything over; scanning all the gauges, looking through the wheel. He asked if he could see the engine, so I popped the hood. I doubt he'd ever seen a car engine before, 'cause he wanted to know the name of everything.

Over at the canoe, I lifted them up so they could sit in it. I explained the proper sitting position, and why it was, then gave them the paddles so the could 'practice' paddling.

*****

Eventually we returned to the house, the boys running ahead, and yelling for their mom, then hurriedly telling her about everything they saw and did. Madge brought out water bottles for everyone.

While the boys were gulping theirs down, Bogart started nosing around them. I quietly reminded of my instructions. We watched as he nosed JD's pocket, then pushed harder, until the boy pulled a treat out.

Holding it in his open hand, he looked over at me - as if asking if he was doing it right. I just nodded as Bogart gently took it from his hand.

I called him over to me, leaving Clark and Bogart together. The dog picked up on another treat, Clark more nervous than his older brother, but stood his ground. Bogart nosed again, and the boy held out his hand. While Bogart munched away, Clark stood next to him, running hand though the dog's fur. From then, Bogart accepted their presence.

After lunch I hooked the trailer to the tractor, put the boys in the boat, and headed for the lake with Madge and Jeannie walking along side. At shore side we put the boat in the water, I jumped in and did a quick demonstration for everyone. Coming back to shore, I'd hardly said; "Who wants a ride?", and both boys were jumping up and down.

Putting JD in the bow, Clark 'midships, and life vests mandatory, we paddled into the lake. In truth, I did most of the work, but both were trying. We did a circuit of the lake, stopping periodically so they could see something, then moving on.

Back at the landing I asked Jeannie if she were ready.

"I don't know... take Madge first."

"I was out the other day. It's your turn."

"Go on Mom, it's cool!"

"Yeah Mom, I really liked it!"

Madge helped her into a vest, then into the boat - showing where and how to kneel. then pushed us back into the lake.

At first She was tense, responding in jerky manner to the boat's movements. "Relax Honey, I won't let anything happen."

I pointed out sights, named trees, explained some of the grasses and bushes along the shore. Slowly her shoulders relaxed and when I thought she was ready, instructed her in paddling. She picked it up just as easily as Madge - and I told her so. She paddled strongly and surely as we returned to shore, and turned to me with a big grin after we nosed up to shore.

Clambering out, she was chattering with Madge and the boys about how great that was and how she wanted to do it again.

Back at the house we put the tractor, trailer, and boat away - the boys helped me wipe down and brush out the canoe. Dinner time was near, and as planned I fired off the BBQ. We were having 'burgers or hot dogs, potato salad. chips and pop. I know, I know - I'd said regular menu, but as Madge pointed out; "Kids don't eat salad."

I let them choose which they wanted, reminding them to leave a little space for dessert.

We sat around the big table; the boys happily munching away while we adults talked about the day. Jeannie brought us up to date and everything else (almost). Madge filled her in on the Fourth, Shelly (almost), and everyone else she met in town.

The boys got bored with us, asking if they could play. I pointed to a ball on the deck, and told them to play catch in the yard. They were having fun when it went over Clark's head. Bogart leaped on it - running off. Laughing, I called him over, and showed the boys how to play with the dog. They got into it; throwing the ball, and then chasing after Bogart to get it back.

Eventually the three collapsed on the deck, tired.

*****

By eight o'clock Bogart had gone off to his bed, and the boys were worn out also. Jeannie took them in, cleaned them up, and brought them out to say good night. JD said good night to Madge, then came to me. "Thanks for the boat ride, I really had fun, good night." All in one rush of words.

Clark was next. He gave Madge a hug, also saying good night, then he surprised me by hugging and saying; "Thank you Mr. Murphy. I had a good day."

Jeannie took them in: Madge just gaped at me, hand to mouth. At last she said; "He hugged us. I could just cry, I'm so happy."

I just nodded. I was that surprised. Jeannie came out. "Wow, they're still talking about today. You're a big hit with the boat."

"I'm impressed with them. You're doing a great job raising them."

We talked quietly, watching the sunset. At one point Jeannie checked on the boys, and when she came back slid into my lap. "I hope you don't mind Madge, they're fast asleep, and I need some manly lovin'."

"I've had him the last ten days. I love you both. Take him to bed, I'll join you later."

In the bedroom, we took turns with each other's clothes; she pulled up my shirt - kissing my face, then chest, then sucking my nipples. When she came up for air it was my turn. Pulling her blouse off I was pleasantly surprised to find her braless.

Now I began with her lips, slowly kissing along her jaw, then down her throat. I swept across her chest, and then down to her right breast - kissing in circles until I reached her nipple. Her tits were firm and hot, her nipples extended and hard. I spent many minutes on the right breast, then kissed my way to the left. Again I kissed, sucked, and nibbled on that luscious tip. She was moaning, whispering my name, holding me to her.

My hands moved to her waist. Hooking fingers into the waist band, I pushed her shorts and panties down in one move. kneeling before her I laid my head against her belly for a moment, my arms around her. Then I dipped to her pussy. My fingers spread her labia; I gazed on the beautiful pink slit, drops of moisture forming on them. Almost involuntarily, I bent forward and took small laps at her pussy. The taste reawakened memories of the last time I'd been there.

Her hands held me in place, I could feel her bending over me. "Please lick me... ooohhh, that feels so good... I've missed this... don't stop, please, I'm coming..."

As her knees buckled I eased her onto the bed. Quickly skinning out of my shorts, I crawled up her body, kissing as I went. At her lips, we spent many minutes kissing, licking, murmuring words of endearment. I rose, placed the head of my cock at her entrance.

Looking in her eyes, I pushed. She looked up at me, and lifted her hips, urging me in. Her knees clasped my sides, her hands pushed down on my butt, and we moaned together.

"Love me. Take me. Don't stop. I love you. I want to be with you always. Push harder now. harder, harder... oh gawd... I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm...

I'm no Superman. I was gritting my teeth, holding on just as long as possible. But finally I crashed through - coming with everything I had.

God, I had truly missed her. We held each other, slowly regaining our breath.

Holding my weight, I bent to kiss the other woman I loved; telling how I had missed her, wanted her to stay with us forever.

"Oh Josh, I so want to stay. I've missed this, I've missed Madge. I've never had so much loving in such a short time."

We drifted into a dream state until Madge joined us, cuddling against Jeannie's back.

Jeannie rolled into Madge's arms; kissing, expressing love, caressing. They drifted into each other. I could make out hands rubbing tits, pinching nipples, even as they continued kissing deeply. Soon hands disappeared between them. Hips pushed against hips. They ground against each other, moaning, then groaning, as they shook and quivered in climax.

Eventually Jeannie rolled back to me. Madge's hands clasped her breasts as she obviously nibbled on a bare shoulder. She leaned into me again, a hand holding my cock. "Josh, i love you. Madge, I love you. I never want to leave you. Being here, in this bed, feels so... right. Unfortunately I must go to the other bed tonight. I can't have my kids looking for me in the morning."

Madge murmured words of encouragement in Jeannie's ear. We understood what she was saying. We didn't want her to leave us, but knew she had to.

I stood, picked up her clothes, held my hand to her. I kissed her good night. Then kissed her again.

Tuesday morning Madge was up first. I rose a little after 6:30, went through my morning routine, and went to the kitchen feeling invigorated. my beautiful Madge sat at the table, cup in hand. Seeing me, she rose, and with a smile, poured me a cup. By now she'd learned I needed that first cup to be functional, so she waited patiently (sort of).

As I poured my second cup I said; "Ok, get it out, Honey."

"We need her here."

"Yes."

"How can we do it?"

"This conversation absolutely must include her. I love you. I agree with you. But she must be an equal partner. Which means you and I must wait."

"Can I get her up, ask her?"

"No, let her kids wake her if she's still asleep. Meantime how about some pancakes and eggs."

Madge began breakfast, humming as she cooked. I retrieved the paper from the porch, scanned sports, then moved on to general news. Jeannie shuffled in as I read the editorials, grasped a cup of coffee, then plopped down at the table.

"Morning sunshine."

"Mmmph"

"Did you sleep well? I did. I kept dreaming of you..."

"Is he always this chipper in the morning?"

"Pretty much... after his first cup."

"Deals off. I'm going home so I can wake up in peace."

"Don't you dare joke about that! He will be quiet!"

Madge busied herself in the kitchen, soon placing a plate before me. Jeannie eyed my breakfast, then giving Madge a small smile; "If I promise to stay, can I have some too?"

Walking over, Madge kissed her; "Good morning Darling. Of course you can. How do you like your eggs?"

We sat, enjoying the early morning, and eating quietly. Just after seven the boys appeared, looking sleepy and a bit disorientated. They went to their mother; hugging against her, and looking around.

"Mornin' boys. Would you like some pancakes?"

"Yes sir, thank you."

"Madge honey, would you like to do your magic again?"

"Guys, how do you like your eggs?"

Bogart wandered in while the boys ate, looked around, and flopped next to his bowl with a groan. I took care of the big guy, then rubbed his ears.

Happily fed, the boys wanted to know what we were doing next.

"Well generally we clean up the house, get the dishes knocked out, and then get on with the day. Why don' you guys go make your beds, get dressed, and join me in the barn."

"OK!" And they were off!

I finished my coffee, put on my shoes, and ambled toward the barn. I had just pulled the tractor and trailer out when they came running up. They watched as I loaded fishing gear in the canoe; rods went into built in holders, tackle box in it's spot. Marge brought out two thermoses, and a bag of sandwiches.

"Mount up boys." They scrambled up the trailer, and I made sure they were seated properly. Then we headed to the lake.

We had a good morning on the lake. The boys paddled as I taught them, I backed off my efforts so they could feel the water pressure in their muscles. We stopped at a grass patch that normally held fish. They had no fishing experience, so listened avidly as I gave them the basics. I made some demonstration casts with my rig, then had them try - one at a time.

JD's first casts were so-so, but an open-face reel lets you get away with mistakes - saves you from snarls. He was hitting about ten yards out; "Let the lure drop through the water now, ok, start reeling it back - quick, then slow, good, good, now quick again. Ok, you're getting it."

Clark was up next. He'd been watching his brother's lessons, so when I called his name he quickly flicked his rod, dropping the lure a good five to seven yards further out. With no direction from me, he did an excellent job on the retrieve. I looked at JD. "I think we have a ringer here."

"What's a ringer?"

"A ringer is someone that is very good at something - like a sport, that acts like he knows nothing. Then, when the game is on the line, shows how good he really is. Your brother has been fishing all his life, and just didn't tell us."

"Mr. Murphy! I never did this before. Honest!"

"Ok, I'm just teasing you, but you picked up on what I told JD right away. can you tell me how?"

"Well, Mr. Murphy..."

"Stop. We're in a boat. Fishing. Call me Josh, or Murph, but put the Mr. away. Ok? Now; can you tell me how you learned to cast?"

"Well Mr.... Josh, when you told JD how to do it, I could see it too. Then I just did it."

"You just did it? You did fine. Boys, i'll set the canoe over the grass. Clark you cast left, JD - you go right. Don't go for distance, try for consistency - drop in the same area each time."

For the next fifteen minutes they would cast, retrieve, cast again. When they tired, we paddled around the lake. Under some trees I had them practicing a side-arm cast.

Again Clark picked it up quickly, but JD seemed as awkward as hell. Watching him, it occurred to me he might not be a natural righty.

"JD, I want you to try something. Shift to your other hand and cast."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Grandpa says I have to use my right hand." Clark nodded in agreement.

"I'd like you to try this once. We won't mention it."

He shifted hands, made a few tentative tries, looked back at me as if to say; 'see?'.

"Keep trying, it'll take a bit to loosen your arm."

Suddenly he laid a cast twenty yards out. Two looks sped across his face; absolute surprise, then elation.

"WOW!"

"Clark, I have to agree with you."

The rest of the morning we moved around the lake. They had a good time, and it was good for me too. Watching them learn touched something in me that had been dormant a very long time.

When one of them started squirming I'd pull into the bank, they'd disappear behind a tree, and I'd stretch my legs. Shortly before noon we were back at the tractor.

"MOM! MOM! We were fishing and Josh showed us how to cast, and I did really good, and I was better than JD, and then he switched to his other hand and then he was better than me, and can we come here again? Huh, Mom, huh?"

Jeannie and Madge had been sitting on the deck as we drove into the yard. I think the torrent of words left them stunned, at least for a moment. They both looked at Clark as if he'd been speaking Swahili or something. Then over at me. Jeannie was essentially at a loss for words, so I explained.

"They picked up on fishing easily. Both of them, but JD seemed to have problems casting with his right hand, so I had him try with his left. The boy's a natural southpaw. He says your dad won't let him use his left. Is that true?"

"I didn't know, JD, will you do me a favor, honey? You and Clark throw the ball back and forth. Do it with both hands so I can see what Josh is talking about."

JD looked over at me, I just nodded. They played a little toss; JD first throwing right, then left. He needed some warm up, but again it suddenly clicked in - dropping the ball right into Clark's hands.

After lunch Jeannie had the boys lie down for a bit 'just to rest'. The three of us gathered on the deck. She was still raving about what I had done with the boys - especially JD.

"I won't say it was nothing, but the kids have natural abilities. Clark picked it up just listening to me, and watching what JD did. His brother had a breakthrough this morning. What you're going to do about your dad is up to you."

"But enough of that now. Madge has wanted this talk all day. Do you want to move up here? It would mean uprooting the boys and a lot longer drive to work. And possibly problems with your folks."

"We talked while you were gone with the boys. Yes, I really want to live with you. Both of you. Now more than ever. What you did with JD... my dad loves the boys, but he has this thing about left handedness. Work, that'll take about thirty or forty minutes, each way. Probably longer this winter. To me, it's worth it. What about school? How will it be for the boys?"

I didn't think school would be a major problem. The kids were young enough to make new friends. The larger difficulty, in my mind at least, was there were no other kids close by.

"We have a really good grade school in Fairfax. Middle and High schools are in Buckley. But we can cross that bridge when we get to it."

"I'm more concerned with your parents... and your mother, Madge. I want them to accept you living here in an unconventional household. For that matter, I want them to feel welcome at any time. So here's what I have in mind; let's do a barbecue up here next Monday. We'll invite everybody up, feed's well, let them look me over, and send them away happy."

"Josh... do you really think it'll be that easy?"

"Madge, honey. Anything is possible if you approach it with the right attitude. Look around; would you have thought this possible two months ago?"

We spent the rest of the afternoon planning, and when the boys came out, rubbing eyes, Jeannie broached the subject.

"Can I have my own room?"

Jeannie looked over at me, then said; "JD, as long as you keep it neat and clean - yes. You can even put up posters and stuff."

"Cool, can I bring my bike."

"Yep," I said; "do you both have bikes?"

They nodded, then ran off to play ball. JD used his left hand.

Wednesday, Madge and I drove into Tacoma. First stop was the County offices for our building permits. that went smoothly; John Brady's revisions were accepted, and the permits issued. I called him, telling him to get the scheduling set up, and let me know when they could begin.

He laughed, said he and Johansen had confidence in me and had planned on next Wednesday.

We had lunch, toured the Glass Museum, walked along the esplanade. We were killing time until her mother would be home. Madge was getting more and more nervous, until I sat her down and insisted she do her breathing. I know it's hard to remember something that simple when you're stressed, but it's amazing what some slow breathing can do. Once she calmed, we drove over to her mother's.

We pulled up in front of a single story house, neatly painted and well tended. Madge took a deep breathe, gathered herself, and stepped out of the car. I held her hand as we walked to the door. She looked over at me, rang the bell. A woman in her fifties answered the door. At first she looked at me. "Yes?... Marjorie?"

Breaking into tears, she said; "Oh Mom. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I missed you."

The woman stood there; looking from her daughter, to me, and back. Her hand went to her mouth, and tears started in the corners of her eyes.

She stepped aside and wordlessly waved us in. She led us to the living room, asked us to sit. "Can, can I get you anything?"

Madge nodded; "Water?"

Once the ice broke, each apologized, each saying she was at fault, the other saying 'no it was me'. Eventually Madge's mother looked over at me; a question in her eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry. This is Josh. Josh Murphy. I live with him. Josh, my mother - Nancy."

We exchanged 'nice to meet you', but she was looking me over; taking in my creases and gray hair. Probably figuring my age within two years.

I sat back, letting Madge do all the talking. They brought each other up to date, the undertone being they'd missed each other a lot.

I took it all in. Nancy had the look of a tired woman. Someone that had worked too hard for too long. And there was something else, in the background. "Mrs. Franklin, pardon my interruption, and if I'm out of line, tell me to mind my own business, but are you alright?"

Madge's head snapped around. She looked at me, then back to Nancy; "Mom - are you ok? You do look as if something is going on."

She sighed; "It's nothing, just some arthritis. I take medicine for it. I'm fine."

Softly I interjected; "What kind of arthritis?"

77

She looked at me closely. She may have suspected I knew a bit about arthritis. "Rheumatoid. But it's under control."

I let it go at that. Madge looked over at me again, a question in her eyes. Fortunately she waited with her questions.

Eventually they began to wind down, the conversational gaps widening. I mentioned our barbecue plans for Monday, asked if she'd like to join us. "It'll let you see the home Madge is boss in."

"Yes, I'd like that. I can take Monday off, I have lots of vacation time.

"Can you take Tuesday also Mom? We have the space, and you can spend the night."

Six

At home, Madge went about her business. She was pensive; moving through her routine, but her mind elsewhere. About ten I found her sitting on the deck, her back against the house. Bogart's chin in her lap as she gently stroked his head.

I sat next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. She looked my way, tears glistening.

"Are you okay, Honey?"

"Josh, will she be alright? The arthritis I mean. You seem to know about it."

Some of that depends on how far along she is. Also how she's taking care of herself. And, strangely enough, how much tension she has in her life."

"what can I do?"

"You've begun; she knows you are alive and well. She watched the interaction between you and I, and I think she's reassured that you're safe. Next week, she'll see you here, in your home.

"What about Jeannie? The boys? What will she think then?"

"She might well think I'm crazy. However, let her watch us; see the love we have for each other. If she has questions - answer them. Even if you think the answer puts us in a bad light, or if you don't have an answer, be truthful. She'll be more accepting if she senses you're being honest."

*****

Once again we were busy all week.

Thursday I ran Carl over to American Lake (neither of us wanted to deal with Seattle traffic), I sat in a waiting room while he talked with a counselor. Saw a magazine from 1996. Sure glad I brought a book. Two hours later, Carl finally shuffled out. "Thanks Murph. C'mon, I'll buy you coffee."

At the Canteen, I learned he was looking at two to four weeks before a representative of the chair company could come to his home for a fitting. Then it was a matter of awaiting delivery. And that depended on the chair company.

At his request, we took the long way home. The Mustang enjoyed the run, and he was content to sit back and watch the scenery go by.

Carl used to be very active; a hunter, fly fisher, drove his pickup everywhere. Now he relied on others to get around.

And he's my age.

We drove in silence; Carl with his thoughts, and me unsure of what I could possibly say. Eventually I pulled into his driveway. he shook himself, and then said; "thanks Murph. I really appreciate you taking the time. You know Marie can't leave the Post Office unattended for half a day. It'd have been a bitch trying to get over there on my own."

"Hey, always willing to help a fellow navy guy."

"NAVY? No fuckin' way!"

"Bud, last I looked, Marines are a Branch of the United States Navy. And I know that was true back in your day."

"Argghh, get the fuck outta my face, squid."

"See ya bud."

"Thanks Murph."

*****

Friday started out sunny and warm with a promise of only getting better. After our morning routines, Madge and I walked down to the lake. We had found a spot under a tree where we could sit and meditate comfortably. She had picked up the technique easily.

After half an hour I handed her the picture of her dad.

"Look into the face before you. Do not try to form thoughts, only let the face be. We shall do this exercise every day until you are ready."

"How will we know I'm ready?"

"You'll tell me."

She sat, looking into the picture for about twenty minutes, then came back with a shake. "I felt 'something' towards the end, but, I don't know..."

"That's ok. Don't expect great breakthroughs; forcing this only hinders progress."

"How did you learn this?"

"Naomi and I got into it years ago. After Claire and Wally. We had been having problems communicating, and she thought this might be a way to get back to us. I was skeptical at first, but rather than chance losing her, I stuck to it. After a while we were back in sync; picking up each other's thoughts, completing sentences, things like that."

"Is that why you sense her?"

"Um hmm. I don't get 'thoughts', just a feeling of awareness. Like she approves of us. And Jeannie too. Probably wishful thinking, I prefer to think it's her."

*****

Saturday, and again on Sunday, we returned to our meditation spot.

Looking around, I realized this had been where Naomi and I had meditated. I guess in my mind this had become a 'Sacred Spot'.

Each day we sat; going through our routines, releasing our thoughts. Some gurus call it staring at your navel, I see it as looking within yourself. Each day Madge would look into the picture, and when she came out - it would be with a shake.

Monday, even though we had a boatload of people coming, I insisted we maintain our meditation routine. We had just settled into our breathing when Madge whispered; "Josh, they're here!"

"Who?"

"Naomi... and Dad."

"And...?"

"Naomi is smiling, she says I have chosen well. I'm surrounded by love. Treasure it,... she's gone."

She paused.

"Now it's Dad... he knows I'm sorry. He knew I didn't mean it. He's sorry we couldn't... he says watches over Mom... she'll be ok... she missed me... raise the boys as if they are my own... he loves me... he's gone now."

I'd watched her through the whole episode; tears ran down her cheeks, but she had a smile too. A burden seemed to have lifted from her.

"Josh... he knew about the boys. Has he been watching me? Like Naomi has been watching you... us?"

*****

On the way back up the hill I asked Madge if she minded me inviting Shelly and Carl for the barbecue. I thought that mixing in some of the neighbors would ease tensions between us and Jeannie's folks.

"I was just having the same thought!"

*****

Shelly was all for it - she truly liked Madge. I asked if she would pick up Carl as Marie would be at work. "Should I take the MG?"

Only if you want to make another trip home. Carl can't get that low."

*****

Guests began arriving about eleven. First up the driveway was Shelly and Carl. She gave me her usual huge hug, and a bigger kiss. On the lips. Way more of a kiss than she used to.

I looked over at Carl, who just held up his hands. "I ain't never kissed a squid, ain't gonna start now!"

"Hi Carl, glad you could make it."

"Changed my mind after you called; was goin' to tell Shelly to go on without me. Damn that woman is persuasive. And what's with you and all these women? Shelly tells me you've got another one comin' up the hill today?"

"And her mom and dad. Oh, and Madge's mom as well."

"Shelly says you want us to play interference."

"Not quite. I'm thinking if you're here things may stay calmer. I met Madge's mother the other day, nice lady. I think she'll be fine. Jeannie's folks, on the other hand, I haven't met. I'm worried they may have some wrong thoughts about me, and Madge."

"Alright, got your back."

Shelly and Madge were over on the deck when the next car came up the road. Shielding her eye, Madge jumped up to greet her mom. I gave them a couple minutes, and then strolled over. We'd barely exchanged hellos when two more cars arrived; Jeannie leading her parents.

Madge ran over, hugging Jeannie as she exited. "That's Jeannie."

"My goodness, they are close, aren't they?"

"Very much so. I hope she has her kids with her. I think you'll like them; she's doing a great job as a single mom."

"And the other car?"

"That should be her folks. I haven't met them yet. Now, if you'll excuse me?"

"Hello Lover. We've missed you. Where are the kids?"
 "They rode up with mom and dad. My car is loaded."

"Oh? Planning on staying? You haven't even hugged me yet."
 "Madge! he's picking on me."
 "Sorry love, he's right. Not even a hug, let alone a kiss."

Bam! She was in my arms! The kiss she delivered curled my toes. Again. That woman can kiss!

"Josh! Josh!..."

Here came JD, with Clark right behind him. they wrapped around me; chattering about what they had done all week, when could we take out the boat, can we go fishing...

"Boys, boys. Let me do my duties as host. We'll have lots of time later."

I turned, holding out my hand to the tall gentleman approaching. he looked disapprovingly at me, and man, did he start off on the wrong foot.

"I'll tell you right now; I don't like the idea of my daughter and grandsons living with you!"

"Mm hmm. Look around. You are a guest on my property. All twenty five acres. I greeted you with an outstretched hand. If you want to start this way - fine. Or, take a breath, and introduce me to the lovely lady next to you. Then we can get to know each other."

I paused; "That's my plan. Otherwise I go with my first impression: you're an asshole."

I turned to the lady I was certain was Jeannie's mother. "Good afternoon. I'm Josh Murphy. I love your daughter. And I think the kids are the world's best."

Smiling back, holding out her hand; "Well, you know how to silence my husband. I'm Mary James, and this obnoxious person is my husband, Ronald. he just worries about our Jeannie... she's our only child, and they've always been close. He didn't approve of her first husband. Be patient with him will you? Jeannie has told me everything about you and Marjorie. And I saw how the boys were when they came home last week. And we've been hearing all week about fishing and did you really teach them how to paddle a canoe?"

"It wasn't so much teaching, as demonstrating. They just picked it up. They're smart kids. I understand you two have had a lot to do with them over the last couple years."

I turned back to Ronald, stuck my hand out again. He took it this time; giving me a firm grip. I felt a ring on his hand; looking down I caught a brief glimpse of a familiar looking ring. "Marine?"

"Yes. You?"

"No, but if you'll come with me, I'll introduce you to Carl Jepson. He's been a curse on the community for years."

I looked around as we looked for Carl. The women had all gathered on one end of the deck; Jeannie and Madge were exchanging introductions. Carl sat in the shade at the other end, watching the gathering.

"Carl, I hate to impose on you, seeing as you're working on your tan. This is Mr. James. Jeannie's father. Looking around, it would seem you two are the only Leathernecks in the county. Can I get you to swap lies with him?"

"Squid - you gotta show respect."
 "Yeah. That'll be the day. Can I get you something? Mr James?"

"Murph, you know I'd love a beer, but Marie would kill me, so I'll take my usual coffee."
 "Done. Mr. James?"

"Ron, call me Ron. I'll have coffee too."
 Turning to Carl he asked; "Marine?"

"3rd of the 3rd. You?"
 "2nd of the 9th."

"Semper Fi."

"Oh God. You guys have fun."

As I walked away I heard; "What's with him?"

"Squid, but otherwise okay."

I took them their coffee. They were sitting head to head; rattling off arcane terms that must have been Jarhead speak. They were having a good time. I wandered over to the women. Jeannie and Madge kissed me- their moms looking on. Shelly circled around, volunteering that I owed her a kiss too.

Not one to say no to a lady, I puckered up. (Probably looked like a goldfish) She laughed, saying; "Oh no you don't. You give me a proper one."
 So I did.

A minute or so later, I turned her loose. She looked over at the girls. In unison they said; "Told you so." Then busted out laughing.

Nancy and Mary just stood with mouths half open.

Ron and Carl had been watching also. Carl smiled and flicked a thumbs up.

I went looking for the boys, found them throwing the ball over by the barn; Bogart watching, waiting. I suggested some three-way. Forming a triangle, we tossed the ball around. JD was using his left, and throwing for a kid his age. Clark was holding his own, being just a little wild.

The kids were having fun, shouting back and forth, encouraging each other. Ron came around the corner of the house, probably drawn by our noise. He watched for several minutes, then asked to join in.

"Boys, what do you think?"

"C'mon Grandpa, this is fun!"

After a while I excused myself - leaving Ron having a good time with his grandsons. It was time to fire off the BBQ. I used to use charcoal, but this is one area I just don't have the patience. I'm too damn old to wait for charcoal to get hot!

I flicked on the gas, and got the burgers and dogs going. Madge had made up a huge potato salad, and we had corn on the cob steaming

Everyone loaded up; I was pleased to see Nancy eating a healthy amount, and Ron seemed to be enjoying my 'cooking'. With a reminder to everyone to save room for watermelon, I too dug in.

It was, as usual, exceptional cooking. If I may say so myself.

Carl was happily munching a burger. A mixture of mayo and mustard on his chin. I gave him a 'wipe your chin' sign, but he just happily took another bite. The boys had opted for 'dogs, and were sitting on the edge of the deck, grandfather beside them. He smiled over at me, nodded, then turned back to the boys.

When it looked as if everyone had reached saturation, I dragged out the ice filled wash tub with two watermelons and a couple cantaloupe.

Can you believe it: someone actually moaned!

Pointing out that I had warned them to save space, I asked who was first.

(I really didn't expect anyone)

Carl just waved me away. Mary, Nancy, and Shelly just shook their heads. Ron and the boys were stretched out on the deck.

I cut myself a chunk of melon.

Jeannie just shook her head and told me I was a cruel man.

I smiled.

Eventually the boys fell asleep on the deck, curled up with Bogart. Ron and I scooped them up, and he followed me to their room. We just put them in the lower bunk, tossed a blanket over them, and tip-toed out.

On the deck Madge was telling the rest of the group our plans for a pool and spa. Ron listened for quite a while then asked how I could afford all that.

"Well, my expenses haven't been that much the last couple years, and we always did save quite a bit."

Soon the girls were chattering on about how we met, how we loved each other, and what the plans were for the boys. I swear I got tired just hearing their plans for me. And they weren't even mentioning the sex.

Nancy sat quietly, just watching everyone. My sense of her was a person that didn't say much, but heard everything, and then made a judgement.

Ron and Mary (but mostly Ron) asked a lot about us, the kids, school, other kids. They really wanted to be reassured.

Shelly and Carl just sat back, taking it all in. Most of this was new to them too.

*****

The boys shuffled out, rubbing their eyes; Clark climbed into his mother's lap. JD looked around and went to his grandmother. Obviously, I didn't want them coming to me. Not yet; I'd have lost all the ground I'd made with Mary and Ron.

When they looked a little more awake I asked if now they wanted watermelon. Nodding vigorously they jumped down and met me at the tub. I cut slices and put them on plates, the boys delivered to the adults. Then I gave them what they wanted, and pointed them back to the deck edge.

Juice ran, napkins rose and fell, and compliments flowed on the sweetness of the melon.

Just as the melon-swooning reached a climax, Marie came up the drive; honking, asking if there was any food left for her. "Yeah Honey," yelled back Carl; "There's a couple melon rinds over here!"

I introduced her around, handed her a chunk of melon, and promised her a burger in a little while.

Near eight Ron pulled me aside. "I've been watching all afternoon, and Carl has told me a lot about you and your first wife. But let me ask a question; did you have him here to distract me?"

"Yes and no. Carl is one of my best friends, he suffers from Agent Orange induced problems. He doesn't get out much, so gathering like this is good for him. Shelly is also a good friend. Lives up the road. She stays so busy she doesn't socialize as much as she should."

" But yes, I also thought about you having someone else to talk to. It wasn't a setup though. Oh, and I didn't know you had been in the Marines. And I didn't ask him to speak for me..."

"He told me about your wife. How did you cope?"

"Not well. Marie and Carl, Shelly and a few others helped me get through it. I think if I'd been left alone... I wouldn't have lived."

"Carl said they worried about that."

"I didn't realize it was that obvious... that explains someone always with me for a while there."

"He also said you've helped him, and Shelly, and a few others around here."

"They're neighbors. We do that."

"Do you love my daughter?"

"I was waiting for that... Yes, yes I do."

"And Madge too?"

"How? How can you love two women at once? More importantly how can you get them to accept that?"

"Let me turn that around. You've been watching us. In your shoes, I would too. You've seen Madge, you know Jeannie. Just thinking about the two of them; how can I not? They are different enough that I will never mistake one for the other, yet they are both loving women that hold nothing back in their loving. There isn't a hint of dishonesty in either. You and Mary must have set one hell of an example for Jeannie."

"But two? Isn't that illegal?"

"Unfortunately, it is. IF I tried marrying both. I'm not yet certain how this will all shake out, but if it's long term I'm determined to make it as close to legal as I can."

"And... if they outlive you?"

"They almost surely will. I'll see they are protected."

"How can you get them to accept each other as your wife?"

"I'm not revealing any secrets when I say they love each other."

"They do?"

"You didn't pick up on that?"

"Thinking about it... I guess maybe I did. At least a bit. What about the boys? What do you have in mind for them?"

"We have an outstanding school here in town. The kids come from at least ten miles around. There's a tradition here - the older kids look out for the younger. The classes are relatively small, so they get plenty of attention. I have satellite hookup for internet, so I'm going to get them started in some online classes right away."

"You've been thinking this through."

"Ron, a guy looking at having two wives better be thinking ahead, or he's always be behind."

He laughed. "Yeah, I guess you got that right."

"One thing we need to have clear; you and Mary are always welcome up here. All I ask is that you call ahead."

"Fair enough."

*****

After everyone else left, Nancy indicated she wanted to talk. I asked if it was just me, or all of us. "All of you."

Jeannie and Madge put the boys to bed - which was more like pouring than anything else. I took drink orders.

On the deck, drinks in hand and awaiting the sunset; Nancy looked at the three of us. "Earlier I could see your father - Ron (?), was anxious to talk to Mr. Murphy about this situation, so I thought I would wait - say my piece now."

"Having been raised in the Church... this is hard for me to say... but looking around... unless you've all been acting, and I don't think so..."

We could see her wrestling with her thoughts, so we waited. Madge held her mother's hand; wordlessly reassuring. "I'm okay. Mr. Murphy - last week at my house, you asked after my health. Why? What did you see that you would ask?"

"Please, just call me Josh, or Murph, or even Murphy if you want. But drop the Mr., we're equals here. Now, in answer to your question... my wife; Naomi, had RA. It didn't kill her, but it was one of several diseases that wore her down."

"I suspect, but no doctor would ever agree in so many words, it debilitated her enough that cancer gained a foot hold in her - probably masked early symptoms. I saw the same look of fatigue on you, as I saw in her RA phase. Of course later she was much more worn down."

"Do you think I'm a candidate for cancer?"

"I have no idea, and I'm surely not trying to link you in that way. I'm just saying I saw fatigue."

"Thank you."

She turned to her daughter; "Marjorie... I was so shocked... and so happy... to see you. I didn't tell you then, but I must now; you've grown so much. And from the way you carry yourself, and the way you are with... Josh... I think you are with the right person. he so obviously loves you, it took me several minutes to realize your age difference. I see the way you are here. This is your home."

"Ohh Mom..."

"Shh, I have more to say. Jeannie. is it? You are a beautiful woman... and your boys... I envy your mother having such wonderful grandchildren. may I consider them mine also? I understand you'll be living here also; apparently as a wife, and I'm not sure how I feel about that yet, the Church be damned. I'm looking at three people in love, one I dearly love and have missed. And I don't want to lose again. I see three people in love and... inside... I know it must be right."

The three women formed a tear filled group hug. I waited - never interfere in happiness. When they all sat again, Looked Nancy in the eye; "Rest assured. I love them both. yes, I met Madge first, and through her; Jeannie. But they are equal in my heart. Do you believe in serendipity? I thinks it's been at play here. As far as I'm concerned - just like I told Ron - you're welcome up here any time. I only ask that you call ahead to ensure someone is here. I'd hate to have you come all that distance just to cool your heels."

By now we were into the whole sunset show, so everyone just sat back and enjoyed. As the last of the color faded Nancy bade us goodnight.

The girls skooched their chairs closer to me and we just talked in hushed tones about our day. Madge was happy her mother had accepted the situation, but worried about her health. Jeannie asked what her dad had said, then told us her mother had looked around and simply said Jeannie was making a good choice. "Mom is like that - and maybe I take after her - she looks at things, decides, and moves on. If she's right - she's right. If not - she accepts it, adapts, and moves on."

The love making that night was slow and quiet. More bonding than lust. truly, we made love to each other.

*****

Tuesday morning Madge was humming away in the kitchen, her mother at the table - cup in hand. I mumbled my usual 'good morning' as I poured my first cup, and looked around for the paper.

Nancy greeted me with a cheery; "Good Morning, I hope you slept well?" And yes, the capitals were there. "I slept very well and..."

Did I mention I hate cheery before my first cup?

"Mom, Josh is a very nice man, as men go, but not until he's had his first cup."

"He's just like your father that way..." I went into the den.

A little later I heard Jeannie asking about me; "Did he sleep in?"

"No... in the den... Mom drove him out."

"Well, I didn't mean to, I was just saying..."

"I know mom, but we give him his morning time, he gives us the best of the day."

Do you ever have moments when you feel proud and shitty?

Maybe an hour later the boys wandered out. Over the next several days a pattern developed, but this morning I first saw it: JD; slow to waken, then a ball of energy after breakfast. Clark however, seemed more awake right away and steadier throughout the morning.

By now I was back at the table, breakfast finished and reading through the paper. The women were chattering away at the other end, while Madge prepared breakfast for the boys.

"Josh..."

"Yes Clark?"
 "Do I live here now?"

"Yeah Buddy, you do. is that okay?"
 "Well... Does Miss Madge do the cooking?"

"Most of it."

"Oh good. she cooks better than Mom."

"What?"

"Now Jeannie, he's just a child He can only tell the truth."

Madge and her mother watched with hands to mouth.

"But Josh. I can cook!"

"Wait a minute. Clark, what do you like about Madge's cooking?"

"Cookies. She makes real good cookies."

"Jeannie darlin', can you go with that?"

"Cookies? My whole reputation depended on cookies? She sighed. "Okay, I can live with that. After all, part of the rationale for us is that no one can be everything to everyone."

Jeannie looked over at the other women, who were trying mightily to not laugh, "Not a word from you two!"

And the dam broke.

I gotta say; since these two joined my life, there has been a hell of a lot of laughter going on.

Even Jeannie joined in.

Clark looked up at me. "Clark, let this be your first lesson about women; never say you don't like their cooking. But if you are honest, you have a good chance of coming out alright."

"Jeannie - you said your car was packed to the gills?"

*****

After we'd emptied the car - and most of it was kid's stuff - Madge and I gathered our things for our morning routine at the lake. her mother asked to join us, and when we explained the where and why, she asked if we could teach her.

At our 'Sacred Spot' Madge settled into her breathing, then transitioned into a meditative state. Nancy watched the look of serenity bloom on her face. "Can I do that?"

"Like daughter, like mother. You'll probably pick it up as well as her. You just have to practice every day." Within half an hour she had the basics down.

"Can you come back up this weekend? We'll get you started on the next phase."

*****

Nancy left a little after three. The lines on her face seemed to have eased slightly, and there was less tiredness in her voice. Madge and Jeannie hugged her goodby, and the boys came running up; "Grandma Nancy. When are you coming back?"

I must have missed something, but I'd been busy lately.

She smiled, knelt, hugged them too. "I'll see you Saturday. You be good for your mothers."

"We will." And they were off again.

*****

Just as Jeannie headed off to work on Wednesday, Brady and Johansen drove in with a couple of their guys. Madge greeted everyone with coffee and cookies.

Brady did a bit of a double-take and then asked her; "Are you going to serve coffee every time I show up?"

"I just want you to know how much I appreciate you doing this so quickly."

"Ma'am, flattery will get you everything!" Then he turned to me; "Josh - you setting me up?"

"John, that's all her doin'. It's just the way she is."

"Well, I think you're a nice guy, but not nice enough to deserve her!"

"Get to work before I go find a gypsy carpenter."

The bosses soon had their guys cutting out sections of deck, and laying out the dimensions of their projects. Just as in the bidding, they collaborated on everything; helping with string lines, setting stakes, determining where the plumbing and electrical would go.

They broke for lunch right at 12, and at 12:30 went back to work. 2PM saw the plumbing and electrical contractors arrive. Right away they sat down with Brady and Johansen, pouring over the drawings. Then they split up, took their measurements, made notes, and were gone.

Near the end of the day Brady, Johansen, and I sat together. they laid out the projected time table for everything, and then told me it was money time. I wrote two checks; covering one third of the estimates. "What about the plumber and electrician?"
 "They're working for us, we'll handle them. Don't worry, these guys are very good; Mitch has been in plumbing over twenty years, started as a one man operation, and has never advertised. He stays very busy just by word-of-mouth.

Johansen joined in; "Hatch used to be a lineman, retired five years ago. He does this to stay busy, keep his hand in."

"I thought he looked familiar. Didn't he work for Ohop Mutual?"

*****

The boys were fascinated by all the activity, but to distract them I reminded JD he wanted his own room.

Very solemnly he studied his choices: keep this room, and Clark would move. Or Clark stays and JD takes the next bedroom. I warned him however - once the decision was made, that was it.

"Josh?"

"Yes, Clark?"

"Why does JD get to choose? Why not me?"

"Good question, and I'll give you a fair answer. I'm a union man. I believe in seniority. JD has been on the job two years more than you. He gets to pick."

JD had been listening. He puffed his chest out - began strutting about the room.

"However," I added, "with seniority comes responsibility. I'll expect more from JD."

That brought him back to earth!

He picked his room (the other one), we moved beds and furniture, toted clothes and toys, and generally worked it out. Realistically I expected they would spend as much time in each others room as their own.

*****

Jeannie came in just after six. We held dinner as I wanted everyone to be together. She told us about her day, but only after the boys filled her in completely about the construction, moving rooms, and of course seniority.

"Seniority?"

"Yeah Mom. Josh says this is a union house and I've been on the job two more years than Clark, so I have seniority."

Yaknow, if I had set this up purposely it couldn't have worked any better. She looked over at me; "Job? What job?"

"Why being a kid of course!"

*****

Once the kids were settled (and that took a while), we gathered in the den. "I need to go over a few things with you, and then we can get on to the important business. Madge; I know you don't have health insurance - Jeannie; what about you and the kids? No? Ok, we'll look into that. Madge; you need a car. You can't keep driving the truck - there'll be times I need it."

"What about the Mustang?"

"Don't take this wrong; that was Naomi's car. Soon it goes to Jessie in Denver. I want you in your own car. Start watching the ads. Nothing new - let someone else pay the depreciation. Find something that says 'Madge'."

"Jeannie, how old is that thing you're driving? what kind of mileage does it get? You'll be driving a considerable distance now, and I'd feel better if we got you into something newer."

"And I'd like to get you both on my phone plan so I don't have to worry about you. And I've talked to my credit union this afternoon; you'll be on my account by the end of next week. I just need signatures on enrollment cards, and they are being mailed."

Every now and then a guy can do something that stuns a woman. I hit a double!

I don't know if it was everything I had just laid out, or what, but they sat there - just staring. Eventually Madge looked over at Jeannie, then back to me; "If that was the little things you wanted to go over... what's the important business?"

"Making love my darlings, making love."

Upstairs, I began with stripping Jeannie. "But I haven't had a shower yet. I'm stinky."

Sure, she had a sheen of perspiration, and yes some odor. But it was her; sweet, somewhat musky, a little tangy. I ran my tongue over her nipples - inhaling her tits and her aroma all in one move.

We laid her on the bed, me returning to those sweet cones. There was a muffled moan - Madge's auburn hair enveloped both faces as they kissed deeply. Madge's hands held Jeannie's face, Jeannie's pulled Madge to her.

Moving down her belly; laving with my tongue, following with kisses. my hand feeling for the button on her slacks. It released, and I pulled slacks and panties off.

We'd placed her diagonally on the bed; head on one corner, legs dangling on the other side. I knelt to pay homage at her temple, but Madge had thrown off her clothes, and dove in to take my place. Growling like a tiger, she lapped at Jeannie's cunt - forcing her tongue deep within.

It was as if Madge wanted to become one with Jeannie. To remove all barriers.

The onslaught on her pussy had Jeannie arching in orgasm, forcing Madge deeper. She shouted her joy, called to Madge, begged for more.

I could only watch. I loved these women, and to see them so... wrapped... into each other had my soul soaring.

Slowly, catching their breath, they returned to me. Jeannie had a glazed look to her. Madge looked almost shocked at how forceful she had been. I gathered them to me; licking the juices from Madge's face, and whispering how awe inspiring she was. I turned to Jeannie, whispered how loved she was, how we'd missed her today, how happy I was to have her in my life.

*****

Seven

Have you ever noticed how much work is involved when you want others to work for you?

Friday I called the spa company, ordered the unit I wanted. They assured me it wouldn't be delivered until I was ready; just give them twenty-four hours notice.

The pool company was a bit different; they wanted their own people doing site prep, or they could't guarantee the pool. We compromised; they could inspect the hole before delivery.

At first they were hesitant about waiting, but when I said 'Big Swede', the man on the phone just gave a chuckle; that's the guy we contract with. I'd just be inspecting my own crew."

Jeannie went to work at nine, and Madge and I took the boys down to the lake. No canoe this time, but they brought their rods.

We settled Madge in her spot, and then wandered along the shore looking for places to fish. The boys settled in a couple yard apart and began casting.

Now that he was using his left, JD was getting a good twenty yards out. Clark seemed to have a ten-twelve yard limit, so I directed him toward a grass bed to his left. "Just drop it out there, then retrieve the way I taught you."

After a bit, boredom set in and they put the poles aside and started running all over. I tried to keep them away from Madge, but when Bogart joined in the game of tag - all was lost. That finished her meditation for the day. "Sorry 'bout that. I'd forgotten about the short attention span of youngsters."

"It's okay, That's just something we'll adjust to. Besides, I think I had finished anyway."

Gathering everything, we hiked up the hill for lunch.

*****

Brady's guys had the spa site leveled and were in the process of framing it. They were confident we would pour concrete on Monday, if the plumber and electrician were done. And they were expected in the afternoon. Their next phase would be the roof, but that would wait until the spa was in place.

At the other end of the deck Johansen's crew had cleared the area needed for the pool. Theirs was the more complicated job, as a hole had to be dug, and excess dirt hauled off. They asked if we could wait until after the concrete pour to bring in the excavator.

This is what these guys did for a living - as long as the job got done, their plan was my plan.

*****

While the boys napped I took Madge to bed. We slowly undressed, watching each other, and then reaching to touch, caress, linger on special spots. Already we had slowed in our lovemaking, but now it felt deeper - more intense.

I entered her slowly; not stopping until our pelvis touched. Wrapping arms and legs about me, she held me to her. "Naomi says I should do this..."
 A familiar rhythmic movement within her pussy. A rippling, grasping that moved up and down my cock.

There was no resisting the sensations. Not when Naomi did it, certainly not with Madge.

Without a single move on my part - I came. As I returned to awareness I watched a flush sweep across her face and chest. Again a rippling over my cock. Then quiet.

She slowly opened her eyes. "I didn't know I could do that."

"I didn't think anyone but Naomi could, When did you learn that?"

"This morning. She taught me... while you were with the boys."

*****

Madge's mom came back up on Saturday. She looked even more relaxed than when she left.

We set her up in the one spare bedroom, as she was staying the weekend. Madge took her down to the lake while I kept the boys busy at the house.

They returned a little more than an hour later. Both looked quite relaxed.

After lunch I had the boys 'rest'. We sat on the deck (or what was left of it), chatting. Mostly it was mundane things; the everyday stuff. Nancy was getting to know me, re-connect with Madge, get more of a sense of us. She proved to be like her daughter - smart and insightful. She had a grasp on current affairs, an opinion on the coming elections, and of the ongoing wars. She suggested several websites for the boys, including a couple that stressed learning.

But mostly we just relaxed.

Being Saturday, Jeannie didn't get home 'til ten. Totally exhausted, all she wanted was a small snack and sleep. We poured her into bed, and then returned to Nancy.

"You know... if she keeps this up, it will splinter you."

"Yeah... this was the first Saturday that she's had to come up here after work. And it's summer. I hate to think of December and January.

"Does she know anything about real estate? I have a friend in Buckley with an office. Maybe she could use someone."

"Mom, I know real estate. I'm a licensed agent."

"Josh, would you mind if I went back to work?"

"I don't want to force you into anything - or keep you from something. But you do realize you'll be working weekends too?"

"That's a problem. You'd be here alone with The Dervishes. Let's talk things over with Jeannie on Monday when she's relaxed. Maybe we'll come up with something."

*****

Monday proved interesting; Brady's crew arrived at eight, the concrete at nine, and by twelve - all were gone. The plumber and electrician just stood by to ensure their work was ok.

*****

Nancy called n the early afternoon; her friend was looking for part time help, and if Marjorie called she would be happy to set an interview.

We broached the subject, but Jeannie wasn't receptive to quitting the shop. We understood - it wasn't the highest paying job, but she enjoyed it.

Jeannie's mom came up the hill while the pour was going on. The boys were so engrossed in the construction they barely acknowledge her. However, once the crew folded up, not only did they realize she was here, but their bikes too! They spent the rest of the afternoon blasting around the house on their bikes.

Jeannie and Mary watched them from the deck - the boys going in circles, laughing, mom and grandma smiling.

By four they were exhausted. Jeannie gave them juice, parking them in a corner of the den.

All that mad action gave me an idea. Leading Jeannie, Mary, and Madge behind the barn, I laid out a track for the boys. They could peddle to their hearts content and not lay a cloud of dust on the house. Three heads bobbed in unison.

I had my next project.

*****

Tuesday opened with the arrival of the excavator and dump truck The boys could hardly eat they were that excited. All morning they parked on the deck - one of us nearby.

I asked the dump driver to take his first load behind the barn, explaining what I had in mind. He had three boys - understood instantly. When I explained it to the excavator operator he just said; "No problem, we'll make this first load topsoil, the hardpan further down will go elsewhere."

Maybe it's genetics - their father being an equipment operator, but the boys ate up every move the track hoe was doing. By four, the hole was shaped. Johansen came by, asked for some adjustments, pronounced it good.

"Tomorrow we bring in sand to cushion the pool. By Thursday I should be able to set the pool in for first fit."

"First fit? How many are there?"

"Hopefully one, but usually several. I don't want any voids between the pool and the sand."

*****

The boys went to bed early. They were exhausted.

Bikes are good for my love life.

Madge and I took our lovely Jeannie into the den. Madge laid a comforter on the floor, I brought in wine.

After only a few sips, Madge tugged Jeannie down, laying kisses over her lips and face. Soon she sat up, pulled her shirt off, and then leaned forward to offer a nipple to Jeannie's waiting mouth.

Lovingly she extended her tongue, swiped across the hardening pink cone.

Madge lowered, feeding more tit into her lover's grasp, moaning all the while. I could just hear; "Jeannie, sweet Jeannie, love me..."

She swayed, moving tits across Jeannie's lips, teasing both. When she'd had enough Madge sat up, pulled her lover's blouse off, and began tenderly dancing her tongue from nipple to nipple, finally dropping to encompass a breast completely.

Jeannie gasped, held her breath, and then exhaled with an extended swoosh. She pulled Madge up to her and they kissed tenderly.

After a moment they reached down and pushed shorts past their knees, wiggling to get them the rest of the way off.

fingers searched for labia. Lips met lips. They stroked, drawing each other higher.

Pressing breast to breast, my two beauties brought each other to the brink, then eased back, and then to the edge again. Never breaking eye contact, they tumbled into roiling climax; fingers digging and searching for every extended moment.

When they returned, their arms opened and they welcomed me with kisses. They pushed me to my back, with Jeannie kissing and licking her way from my stomach to my cock. Meanwhile I had Madge all over my face; kissing and licking everywhere, while she moaned loving sounds.

She moved up, offering her tits to my waiting mouth. First one than another, glorious orb tantalized my lips. Soon, she inched further upward - leading me to kiss my way along her belly, licking into her navel (that brought a giggle), and on down over and through the small patch of auburn on her mons.

She lifted, straddling my shoulders, and teased my nose with her strawberry-scented essence. As she lowered herself, I moaned and pulled her fully to me.

At my hips, Jeannie had drawn me fully into her mouth, hardening me as I have seldom been. I felt her release me; the cool air tingling my cock, and then some shifting. Her legs pressed my hips, a hand grasped my cock, and the moisture of a pussy surrounded my head. She lowered herself, and I moaned into Madge, who ground herself into my face.

If the were saying anything, I couldn't tell, not with Madge's thighs clamped around my head. I didn't mind; my focus was sucking every drop from her luscious slit. Even as Jeannie rode my cock.

I held Madge by the hips; lifting when I needed air, and then pulling her back for more loving.

Jeannie was surging up and down; her velvet pussy clamping on me - trying to fuck every drop from me.

Over the years I've had a few climax that could be termed 'religious', this time, when I came, I spewed deep into Jeannie not just my sperm, but every bit of myself. There was no feeling of time or space. No Now - just us, the three, melded into one.

The pressure eased off my face as Madge, in slow motion, tumbled to the side. Jeannie still sat on my hips - quivering, and I could feel the pussy juices that coated my face. No one spoke for the longest time. Madge crawled back into my arms while Jeannie just laid out on my chest.

Finally Jeannie hoarsely whispered; "I like your idea of 'important stuff'."

*****

Wednesday I took the boys into town. We stopped at the General Store for ice cream cones. John came over to meet JD and Clark. "Murph - you doin' ok?"

"Sure. Why?"

"Oh, it's just that you're looking a little tuckered. You getting enough sleep with these guys around the house?"

"We're not keeping Josh awake, really!"

"Yeah, me and JD go to bed on time."

Sundgren just lifted an eyebrow. "Maybe you just need vitamins. I have a big bottle of 'Supers' behind the counter. And he was gone.

"Josh, what did he mean?"

"He's just bustin' my chops."

"What's that mean?"

"Oh. Why?"

"He thinks I look tired."

"Are you? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, JD. I've just been workin' harder than I'm used to lately. Maybe I'd better get those vitamins."

*****

"Momma Madge! Mr. Sundgren says Josh is tired!"

"Yeah. He said Josh was tuckered. Is that bad?"

Madge looked over at me; "Tuckered?"
 "That's what Sundgren said. I guess I am kinda spent. But it's ok, I got vitamins. See..."

I put the large bottle on the counter with a thunk. She picked it up, began to read the label... and burst out laughing. "These are horse vitamins!"

"Yeah, John said if I was gonna be put out to stud, I should at least have the right pills.

That night I had steak for dinner.

Thursday morning the spa arrived.

For the Brady crew this was the easiest stage. being a self contained unit, they just had to locate it, and check for level. The plumber and electrician would do the rest. Meantime they began plotting out the retractable roof.

Over at the pool side, Johansen's crew awaited their delivery. This was much more complicated: being an oversized load, it required plenty of maneuvering room at the site. Not to mention the crane.

The boys were glued to the deck, taking it all in avidly. There's just something about young boys and big machinery.

Madge was busy handing out coffee and fresh cinnamon rolls as the workers arrived.

Hey! I got one too!

Johansen was overseeing this part of the job. First the crane set up, then the pool was backed into position. Slings were set, and the crane operator lifted just enough to check balance. These guys had done this many times so they were within inches of perfect.

While Madge, the boys, and I watched the pool was picked, rotated and lowered. The crew scrambled to guide it down, then jumped in to spot it - aligning with the drain plumbing. They let it settle until some of the weight was off the slings, and then lifted it back out. Johansen jumped into the hole, checking the imprint on the wet sand. More sand was added at his direction, and then he climbed out and the pool lowered again. Levels were broken out, everything checked and re-checked. Finally Swede was satisfied, and he ordered sand added around the sides of the pool. The crew tamped it to within four inches of ground level.

The crane folded up, the truck departed, and the crew took a long breather. Everyone being done for the day (and it being a hot day) I handed out well deserved beers.

Brady had hung around to watch the pool lift, so he just happened to be there for a beer. Plus it was check time again. After finishing that I asked about their work loads after Labor Day. Johansen was pretty booked into October, but Brady had some open time in mid-September. Both were curious why I asked.

"Well, as you've seen, my family has grown. Plus, I've acquired a few in-laws. And they like coming up here. So I'm thinking I need more guest space. Now, I have a rough apartment in the barn, and I'm thinking it could be cleaned up, maybe insulated - make it a decent place to stash guests."

"Damn Murphy, you're sure spending a lot around here."

"Yeah, I know. Some of this - like the spa, I'd been thinking on before all this started, The pool, yeah that's an add-on, and the apartment is just because I don't have enough bedrooms if they all come at once."

*****

If you're getting the impression things were busy around my place, you don't know the half of it. Along with the construction going on, Madge had me exercising and bike riding. We meditated every day, and we had the boys (now officially known as The Dervishes) to look after. And that include on-line at some math sites. And there was still the maintenance around the place.

We still found personal time, usually cuddling and "making out". When Jeannie was home Madge and I always made time for her. Sometimes together, sometimes separately.

Madge now did most of the grocery shopping, and that was good for her because she met everyone in town. Bad for me because I didn't get into town much.

And she did most of the cooking and cleaning. Impressed? Damn right I was impressed.

*****

Moving into August, my new normal was: Busy.

On Friday Madge met with the Realtor in Buckley. They hit it off, but until Madge came up with a suitable vehicle there was no job offer. Coming home, she wasn't sure if she should be happy or sad. I parked her in front of the computer, told her to search for a vehicle. Carl called, asked me to drop by, he needed some advice.

He was thinking about the new electric chair he had coming and how he could get back to driving again. He was thinking ramps, but thought they'd be too heavy and too long.

I suggested a lift gate: with the right controls he could ride the chair up to the pickup bed and lash it down, then ride it back down so he could drive. "I saw all kinds of these when I worked; you can't beat them for convenience."

Once all that was worked out we settled down for a few games of Gin and the usual gabbin'.

"Murph, I gotta ask you somethin'."

"Sure, what is it?"

"It's not my business, but you're a friend... how do you know you can trust those women? You're a lot older, maybe they're just takin' you."

"If I thought you were asking just to be snoopy, I'd be pissed and tell you to go to hell. But I don't think that's it. Gyrene, I do believe you're worried about me!"

"Not me, Marie..."

"Bull. She'd ask me direct. It's okay. Do I trust them? Yeah, and I'll tell you why; I believe most people are good. I'm willing to trust someone until they show me I shouldn't. So far they haven't given me any reason to doubt them. And you met their parents - they are about as honest as anyone I've ever met."

"And if you're wrong?"

"I'll have a lot of pleasant memories I wasn't going to have. And life right now is a lot better than last year."

"You've thought this out?"

"A lot."

"What about your kids?"

"I do have to talk with them. Maybe I should get Jessie out here to collect the Mustang. I could talk to her then."

"Naomi's?"

"Yeah, I promised it. Now would be a good time."

Saturday morning, after discussing it with Madge and Jeannie, I called the kids and invited them up for Labor Day. I explained to Bob his mother's car was going to Denver with Jessie. He wasn't surprised.

I also told him there was more, but we'd talk about it when he got here.

Talking to Jessie, I let her know she was taking the Mustang back with her. "Dad, are you sure? That's Mom's car!"

"I promised her you'd get it when the time is right. I think now is the time. I've also invited Bob up; there are some things we need to talk about."

"Dad. Are you alright? Are you sick? Losing the cabin? What's going on?"

"None of the above Pumpkin. Just a change in my life. Oh, can you still practice law in Washington?"

"Sure. Is there something I should know?"

"All in good time. It may be something, it may be nothing. I'm pretty sure I'll know by the time you guys get here."

*****

Sunday Madge found her car. Actually she found two. We sat at the computer going over her choices. "I can go two way; number one is a Miata. This one is three years old, and my research tells me the owner is asking a slightly high price, but he may come down on a fair offer."
 "What about real estate, don't you need something to haul clients around?"

"No, most people prefer to do their own driving. Generally they only want to see one or two houses at a time"

"Okay, the makes sense. What's number two?"

"This."

"A van? That's quite a changeup."

"I know, but there's good reason."
 "Such as?"

"Well... in case you haven't noticed, The Dervishes call me Momma Madge. With Jeannie working, somebody has to run them around and you can't always do it. And let's face it - they're not as safe in the pickup as they would be in a van. Plus, there will be times all five of us go somewhere together."

"You'd rather have the van?"

"If it means I'm Momma Madge - Yes."

"Okay, what do you know about the van?"

*****

Monday I woke to my lovelies kissing each other. What a beautiful sight. The two, sleep ruffled hair and no makeup, waking in each other's arms.

Weekends were tough; Jeannie was usually too tired for much more than eat and sleep in the evenings. Monday became her catchup day; usually she'd start with Madge, and while they 'slept in' I took care of the boys.

Madge called on the van and arranged to see it.

Later in the morning we ran into Tacoma, hit the credit union for a certified check, and met the van's owner. It was a two year old Freestar, nice and clean, low miles. It even had maintenance records. The owner and I did dicker a bit, but he felt he got his price, and we hit the check's amount on the nose.

*****

Back home everyone admired the van; oohing and aching over it's pristine condition, and all the space.

Jeannie pulled me aside. "Josh, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I don't want another car. This one is mine and I want to keep it."

"Is that all?"

"No, You've done a lot, and plan on doing more - but I don't want you, or me, feeling I'm staying with you for things. Or to milk you. Or anything else."

"Has anyone suggested that? Me or anyone else?"

"Josh Murphy! You listen to me! This is important to all of us! If I feel I'm here for 'things', The boys and I are gone! It won't be right. It won't be for love. And I don't want that, and I don't want my sons to think that's the way it should be. I want to stay! I want to be with you and Madge for a very long time!"

"Honey - neither you or Madge has given me any reason to think otherwise. She got clothes because she needed them. And practicality had her accepting without an argument. The same with the van. Do you know the main reason she picked the van? She's Momma Madge."

"Momma Madge?"
 "You haven't heard that yet? That's what the boys call her. It's very important to her."

"No... Wow! Momma Madge!"

"Yeah. Now, when did you begin worrying this was about things?"

"When you were telling us about cell phones, and insurance, and everything you wanted to do."

"So in other words - I just told, I didn't ask?"
 "Pretty much."

"I'm sorry. I guess I've become too used to making decisions without consulting others. can we send your car to a shop for a thorough check up?"

"Yes Dear. If it'll make you feel better."

*****

Later that afternoon the boys and I got started on their track. We paced it out; figuring turns, small jumps, straights. All told this was coming in at a quarter mile per lap. Once the basics were laid out I brought the tractor and blade around, and we created.

Throwing dirt must be inherent in boys 'cause they hustled, helping with the shaping. After an hour they were pooped.

Already the track was paying off.

While the boys napped, I found Jeannie stretched out, face down, on our bed.

She wore a thin blouse and loose shorts, and her beautifully shaped ass - aimed toward the door - drew me in. Walking in quietly, I knelt and laid the softest of kisses on her legs. The first generated a squeak, but after that - lots of encouraging moans.

Slipping hands under her shorts, I smoothed her lovely bottom. It wasn't long and I folded to temptation; pulling her shorts off I laid kisses all over those enticing globes, licked my way down to the split between the her cheeks. I laved the rose bud I found. My hands lifted her hips; opening her to more attention. "Josh... you do know how to turn me on. Don't stop now... whatever you do, don't... stop... now..."

There was movement in the corner of my eye. Madge - sitting in a chair, smiling. Since she wanted a show, I determined to give her one. Lifting Jeannie to her knees, my hands spread her wondrous cheeks and I dove into her ass. I bit each side, rubbed where I had just been, kissed the marks I left.

Madge moved closer, whispering words of encouragement, urging me on. "Love our Jeannie. Show her how we love her. Josh, show her."

Show her I did. By now her pussy was dripping, she was moaning, and I was hard as I could be. Tugging my shorts down, pressing my cock to her pussy; I teased her. Sliding just the head in, then back, maybe a little more, and back again I held her on edge.

Just as I rammed in, I pushed my thumb against her ass, and then in as she came. I was right behind her, driving as hard as I could..

We came together. Jeannie's pussy quivered around me.

I slumped forward, kissing her neck and shoulders.

Madge gave us a silent applause and slipped out the door.

Eight

The rest of August was just your average (busy) month; the women worked, the kids played, and when I could I visited.

Jeannie, of course continued at the shop. Mrs. Patrick adjusted her hours so she could be home at a more reasonable hour. Partially it was possible because she brought in an assistant for Jeannie.

Now I know I'm bragging here, and I'll stand by it; My Jeannie, with her warm personality, had doubled sales in her first eight months. Mrs. Patrick could afford more help.

Madge had called Rose Johnson, the Realtor on Monday afternoon (I don't think the van had even cooled). By Wednesday she had the latest listings and maps of the area, with instructions to learn her way around. On Saturday and Sunday she was assigned to Open House duty. Mostly to answer questions. By mid-August she made her first sale.

That did her ego a world of good! That night she strutted about the bedroom - nude - recounting how well she negotiated the deal. What a sight!

Brady's crew finished the spa and roof by the tenth. The girls and I celebrated in the spa that evening with champagne. Followed by blow jobs and pussy eating. A good night indeed.

The Dervishes kept us busy. Everyone. Every third day I'd take them down to the lake. They'd fish, paddle around in the canoe, and splash around in the shallows. The rest of the time, if I didn't have them on the computer or reading, they'd be biking all over the upper reaches of the property. (They weren't allowed out of sight of the house) One day they got curious about the stand of trees up slope of the house. We found the tree house my kids had built some twenty five years before. Well, just a little of it. They wanted one of their own, so we hauled wood up there and I let them build it themselves. Well I did give them some pointers, but they did the work.

Ugly thing, but it was theirs, and they were proud.

So was I.

Mid-month I dropped in on Carl; He'd gotten John Biddle to convert his tail gate to a lift.

Biddle had a farm up the road from the Jepsons. He did welding, shoeing, anything to bring in spare money. He did a really nice job. They'd found a surplus one over in South Prairie at a fair price. A week later and it was good to go.

Carl had his new chair - it was more like a scooter than a wheel chair. Damn, I hadn't seen him that happy in a long time.

While we were playing cards I noticed a dog around the house. It came over and checked me. Probably smelled Bogart. She looked like a Cattle Dog; rusty orange with speckles, short and stout. "Man, what are you doing with a high energy dog like that?"

"Some son-of-a-bitch abandoned her. I watched him from the window. came to a halt, put the dog out, and took off at high speed. She just stood there. Lowlifes like that should be left out in the woods. Way out in the woods."

"How did you get her up here?"

"Hobbled down to the road with a pack of hot dogs. just figured I'd give her somethin'. She followed me back."

"What are you going to do with her? Does she always pace around?"

"I dunno what I can do with her. Yeah, she paces a lot. I know she needs exercise, but I can't do it. Marie walks her at night, but it's not enough. Can't keep her, and I'm sure not takin' her to the pound. Just don't know."

"How about I bring Jeannie and the kids over to visit? you haven't seen them since the barbecue."
 "Squid, you're up to somethin'. Ya got that look."
 "Not me Jarhead. Just being neighborly. But don't get rid of that dog yet."

*****

The following Monday we went over to visit. I'd told Jeannie and the kids I liked to visit Carl, and would like them to come with me and meet him. Jeannie vaguely remembered him, the kids not at all. I didn't tell Jeannie about the dog - I wanted to see her reaction. I knew what the kid's would be.

115

I'd filled Madge in and she was all for bringing the dog back.

We all trooped in; Madge and Jeannie fussing over Carl, the boys and I standing back. Then I introduced them to Carl, who very formally shook their hands with a 'Nice to meet you'.

Just as he was saying it was too bad Marie wasn't home, an orange streak came flying in from the kitchen. She came straight to me, butt wiggling a mile a minute. She spotted the boys are was all over them - sniffing, wiggling, rubbing against them.

She couldn't hold still!

She must have been used to kids, because she didn't jump on them, but she did do everything short of that.

Madge and Jeannie complimented him on his dog - Madge just barely avoiding giving the game away - Which gave him a chance to tell his story.

The next thing I know, Jeannie is on her knees talking to the dog!

The boys were jumping around; asking if we could have her, Jeannie was giving me calf eyes, and Madge is behind all of them - stifling laughter.

It was hard, but I let them talk me into taking her. "We'll have to come up with a name."

"She had a collar on her. Her name is Katie."

"What do you think? Jeannie, Madge, boys? Do we keep her Katie?

Madge looked over at the dog and just said; "Katie?"

The dog went straight to her, tail wagging. Katie it was.

*****

We still had one more vote on Katie: Bogart. If he didn't accept her, it was no-go. I explained it to the boys very carefully, and very fully. What it came down to was Seniority. Bogart's.

Not to worry. The dogs circled, sniffed, did dog stuff. Then Katie flopped onto her back, submissive. He checked her again, nudged her. She jumped up, running around and challenging him to play. Soon the two were running all over the yard. She was accepted.

Jeannie got us an appointment with the vet for the next day.

The vet trip was just that - a trip. Not only did Jeannie and I go, but so did the boys AND Madge. I'd thought I would go in the exam room with the dog, Nope, every one crowded in.

Doc Privett wondered what was going on. "I've got a posse."

"Looks more like a herd."

He checked her over, said she was just over a year old, had a litter. He recommended spaying, and other than catching up on shots, she was fine. Didn't even have fleas.

We celebrated with cones at Sundgrens, and the boys spotted collars and leashes. Of course we had to buy new ones for Katie. And toys for Bogart.

*****

Over the next week we put Katie through an intensive training program; I wanted her to walk on leash with anybody, especially Clark. She took to training quickly. That dog wanted to learn.

Unlike Bogart, who slept all over the house, Katie slept mostly in our bedroom. Madge and Jeannie were concerned; they'd hoped she would want to be with the boys. I thought she was just insecure.

*****

While all this was going on, Jeannie took the boys to school for registration. JD would be in third grade, Clark in first.

She looked upset when she returned. "What's up? How did it go at school?"

"Signing up was alright, until I gave them our address. The clerk asked if that wasn't the Murphy place, and gave me the strangest look."

"Did she say much else?"
 "No, but her face screwed up all weird."

As we neared the end of the month and Labor Day, we all sat down for a talk. I had been doing a lot of thinking about the future; some decisions had to be made, and I wanted input from the women on things that affected them. And even though I had consulted them in advance, I didn't want them feeling blind-sided by the kids coming up.

For the time they were here, I needed the boys to double up. They understood the need and worked it out. Once that was done - back out the door, and onto their bikes they went.

After they cleared the room, I turned to the my loves. "You know I invited the kids up for the weekend. Not just to meet you, but to also help me with some legal aspects. I'd like your opinions on some things I have in mind. Let me lay them out, then chime in."

I shuffled through my notes, which also gave me a chance to gather myself back together.

"The very first thing I want to do is make us as legal as possible. If I can't marry both of you, well, I want us as close as the law will allow."

"Secondly, knowing I won't out live you, I want to provide for the future..."

"But Josh..."

"Wait, let me get this all out. Third, I want to provide for JD and Clark. They're smart kids and I want to be sure they can go to college, if that's what they want. That's the gist of it."
 Jeannie led off: "Aren't you worried about your kids? What they'll think of us? The three of us together?"

"No. Remember, they were raised in this house, with all the books and magazines, Claire and Wally around all the time - the discussions we were always having. I don't think it's a problem."

"Well I didn't join with you for property or things! I'm a bit insulted it's coming to this."
 "Madge, I love you. I never thought you're here for 'things'. Quite the contrary. This is me looking way down the road. Knowing several things; not the least is that someone has to inherit this land. Also, I think of the boys as mine. I want them to do well."

"So... we don't have a say in this?"

"Jeannie, we're doing this precisely so you do have a say. If you two don't want me doing these things, I won't."

"You want to marry us?"
 "Madge, I most certainly do. And if anyone can set this up, it'll be Jessie."

"Well, I like the idea of us being married..."

"So do I!"

*****

Four days before the Labor Day weekend, Johansen's crew finished the deck around the pool. We spent Wednesday scrubbing it out, and then filled it. We still had a heater to install, but three days of sun should warm it sufficiently.

We truly appreciated the work of both crews, so I asked them to a huge barbecue on Saturday.

*****

Jessie and Bob arrived on Friday, it timed out that Bob could rent a car and pick her up. I don't know what they talked about on the way up, but Bob looked worried as he stepped from the car.

Madge and Jeannie had been plotting, asking me to dress in a certain way when the kids arrived, so when I stepped onto the porch to greet them - I was barefoot, had on ragged overalls and a torn flannel shirt. Oh, and straw in my mouth.

As my kids gaped at me, Madge and Jeannie came out; long gingham dresses, bonnets, straw in their mouths. Just to add to the look, Jeannie had stuffed pillow under her dress. She probably looked fifteen months pregnant.

Ten seconds later The Dervishes came racing around the corner. Yep, coveralls and bare feet.

Bob and Jessie must have stood there a good minute, then busted out laughing. We held our silence maybe three seconds and then we were laughing too.

Well, we were laughing, kids running around yelling, dogs chasing them and barking. All in all - a pretty good welcome!

I finally plopped down on the top step - just watching.

"So, Dad - anything interesting going on?"

"No Bob, it's been pretty quiet around here.

*****

We gathered on the deck after I shed the overalls and flannel. Comfortable once again in shorts and a tee. The girls had also shed their costumes. I think Jessie and Bob were relieved when a slim Jeannie reappeared. The boys loved their coveralls.

"Alright Dad, what's going on?"

"I'm sure it's no surprise I've been alone since your mother died. And when I met these two, well... I wasn't looking for anyone. I was settled in being alone. But I found these two instead."

"Well that's no surprise."

"Umm, meaning?"

"C'mon Dad! Bob and I grew up in this house, and the one in town. We saw how you took Aunt Claire and Uncle Wally's leaving."
 "And we read all the books and magazines too. It wasn't as if you hid them. Jess and I knew about multiple lovers long ago."

"So, Dad, getting any lately?"

"Jessica! What kind of question is that for your father?"

"After you called me, I worried you might be ill or something. So I made a few calls."
 "Calls?"

"Yeah, you know - the usual sources; Marie, Sandy, Shelly. They gave me an overview of what's been going on. And Madge, Jeannie - they were all positive when they talked about you."

"Hmmph. Marie and Sandy I figure for motor mouths, but Shelly?"
 "Barely a word from her - just re-assurances. Now give us your version."

So I filled them in on how it all happened, how I loved them, what I wanted to do in the future We talked for an hour or so; Jessie and Bob asking questions not just of me but Jeannie and Madge as well. When we wound down, Jessie asked the important question; "So. How can I help?"

"I've talked it over with Madge and Jeannie. I want us to be as legal as we can possibly make it. If you and Bob don't mind, I'd like them to inherit the property, and the boys to have a college fund."

"And if this doesn't work out?"

"Then something else will be set up."

Jessie turned to my two ladies; "How do you feel about this?"

Both were well aware of my plans, had helped me lay it out, so they just nodded.

Jessie sat in thought for a few minutes. "Okay, I have to do some research. Washington law may be different on this than Colorado or California."

"Have you done this before?"

"Oh sure. Remember, I practice family law."

"In California too?"

"Just the one time."
 "Anyone I know?" I asked, glancing over at Bob. Sometimes you start getting an inkling of something going on as much by what's not said, as by what is.

"Ah hum, well... Sue and I share the house with someone."

"Share? C'mon, you share now. I told you about my two lovers. Fill me in."

"Sue and I have shared a lover for the last year and a half."
 "This lover - does she have a name?"
 "Emm, he. He has a name; Mark."

"Ok."

"That's all? Just ok?"

"Sure. It's not like I'm going to judge."

Another thought occurred to me. Turning to my innocent looking daughter Too innocent, in fact. "And you, Missy?"
 "Michelle."
 


Nine

On the day I'd invited and Bob and Jessie out, I also called Doug. I suspected we were in for a huge gathering - way more than I was willing to cook.

He was booked Sunday and Monday, but still had Saturday available. He just needed to know how many we were feeding.

"Ahh, I'm not sure. How much lead time do you need?"

"Wednesday is as late as I can wait - and that's pushing it."
 "Gotcha. I'll get back as soon as I can. Thanks Doug, I appreciate this."

I called him back Tuesday night. "Man, I don't believe the number I came up with!"

He laughed. "Talk to me."

"OK, here goes; there's me and the girls, and our two kids of course. Then there are their parents. That puts us at eight. Then my kids are flying in, that makes ten. I invited Shelly - eleven. The Jepsons, thirteen. Now comes the fun: I invited Brady's crew, and their families, so that's ten more, and I don't know how many kids."
 "That's doable. Tight, but doable."
 "Yeah, but..."

"But? What's left?"

"Well... Johansens crew was working over here too. I couldn't invite one bunch and not the other..."

"Jesus! What's that - eight, nine more? Plus wives and kids?"

"Yeah. Um, can you do this?"

"Let's see: twenty five or so adults, an unknown number of kids. Forget ribs - this'll be burgers and dogs. You supply potato salad, slaw, whatever else you want. I'll do the cooking. BUT, you have to contribute five bucks a head to the fire department."

*****

I sent Madge to Costco on Friday. She came back with ten pounds of cole slaw, twenty-five of potato salad (That's a hell of a lot of potato salad), half a dozen watermelons, and a ton of paper plates and other stuff. I don't even know how much pop and beer.

And she said there were orders larger than hers!

*****

A lot of Saturday is a blur. Doug arrived about nine, his cooker in tow and the meat locker in his pickup loaded. We set him up, began setting up tables and such. The first guest to arrive were Jeannie's folks, with Nancy right behind - they joined in setting up. After that it was just a rush!

The area over by the barn was packed with cars, kids were running all over, adults standing around yakking and drinking beer.

I remember Shelly, Carl and Marie being there, but I have no idea when they arrived.

One o'clock we served burgers and all. Damned if the Sheriff's Deputies didn't show up right on time. Those guys couldn't smell a bale of weed if they were laying on it, but can find a cookout from across the county! "Willis! Pierce! You guys are right on time. How do you manage it?"

"Murph... you hurt me. We just happened to be patrolling by here, saw the crowd. Thought we should make sure everything was alright."

I just pointed toward Doug; who already had Willis' burger ready, and was putting Pierce's on a plate. Doug seems to be prepared for these guys. (Maybe they tap into his computer for his schedule.)

There were kids and adults in and out of the new pool all afternoon. I remember hearing Johansen's crew bragging about the job they did, Brad's crew pointing out how much more complicated theirs had been. Everybody was laughing and eating.

Nancy, Ron, and Mary looked shell-shocked by the crowd. But that didn't faze their eating.

*****

Jeannie, Madge, and I kept circulating; making sure everyone was taken care of, all the while keeping an eye on kids in the pool.

Somewhere around five the crowd began to thin, by six most had gone. They all picked up after themselves, so we had almost no mess in the yard.

I settled up with Doug, including the 'donation', and we sent him home with an empty meat locker. Ron and Mary thanked us for a good time and headed down the hill.

Nancy asked if she could go down to the lake, do a little meditation. Madge went with her, and when they returned an hour later both looked much calmer.

Marie and Carl were among the last to go. They'd had a great time; and with his scooter, he didn't get tired.

Shelly clamped onto me and dragged me behind the barn. She didn't say anything, just laid a kiss on me. I had to think she'd taken lessons from Jeannie 'cause my toes curled. She just smiled at me and walked to her car.

I guess my mouth was hanging open as I stood there because Jeannie came over; "Husband mine - you better be careful. You might have three of us to keep happy."

*****

Jeannie worked on Monday ( she'd swapped for Saturday). Madge took Clark and the dogs into town for the parade and barbecue. I followed in the Spitfire with JD beside me. Jessie and Bob brought Naomi's Mustang for one more show. The boys looked over the cars; JD was impressed with Swede's Camaro, Clark bounced between Shelly's MG and Charly's E-type. Looking around, I thought I should find another car - maybe something fancy to drive the girls around in.

On the way home it was Clark's turn in the passenger seat. I took a few extra twisty roads ( yeah, a little out of my way, but...) Did that kid ever have a smile on his face.

All the way home.

I'd hooked him on roadsters!

*****

Bob headed for the airport early Tuesday. I told him to say 'hi' to Sue and Mark.

Jessie departed a little later. I followed her on Hwy. 410 as far as Greenwater, where she pulled over and we exchanged hugs. She said she'd get back to me about the legal stuff.

"Where are you stopping tonight?"

"Probably Coeur d'Alene. Tomorrow I expect Billings, maybe Sheridan. Then down to Denver. I should be good weather all the way. An easy drive. I'll let you know when I stop for the night; I know you'll worry if I don't"

*****

Jeannie dropped the boys at school on Wednesday - it was their first day and she wanted to be with them. She went on to work, but they knew I'd pick them up. The dogs looked lost, especially Katie; no kids to play with.

Madge and I went back to bed. We had some lovemaking to catch up on. There was no subtlety; we shed clothes and jumped into bed. I dove for her cunt. It had been a while since I'd enjoyed her nectar, and I needed a fix!

She didn't last two minutes - she was that ready. I licked her through her first orgasm and then settled down for to a loving exploration of that beautiful pussy; I found every fold, followed it to the next, and the one after that - finally ending at her clit.

When she's excited it stands clear of the hood. It was well clear. I sucked and licked, rolled my lips over it, then came back with tongue flicking going left and right.

I was rewarded with a low, guttural, moan. "Please, enough. It's my turn, Honey."

Rolling onto my back, I brought her with me; her stomach on my face. Trailed kisses as she slid down. She swayed side-to-side so I could play with her tits - sucking one, then the other, until she groaned and slid further. Now we were lip to lip.

Nibbling at each other, sucking each other's tongues, hands roaming.

We were having a good time.

She slid down, leaving kisses on my chest, tits, stomach, until my cock was engulfed. In one slurpy movement she took me to her throat.

Her tongue danced all over me as she bobbed up and down on my cock. Just when I thought I'd come, she'd clamp fingers around my base, holding me in her mouth. When she felt the moment had passed she'd begin again.

"Enough Woman Get up here!"

She placed me at her entrance, drawing little circles, her juices flowing onto me.

Slowly, very slowly, she lowered onto me. When she bottomed out, she leaned forward, a smile playing in the corners of her mouth; "Should I wait more?"
 "God! No!"

I pushed up just as hard as I could - urging her on. She sat up (I so love that sight), squeezing me between her thighs, clamping her pussy, and suddenly going into the rolling spasm she'd learned from Naomi. We came simultaneously; I arched up into her, she quivered, froze, held the pose for a moment, and then collapsed onto my chest. I held her, smoothing her back, telling her how much I loved her.

We slept for a bit (the old guy needed a nap). When we woke it was just after noon and I felt hungry.

For the first time in weeks we could pad around the house naked.

It did feel good.

*****

We had sandwiches and beer, relaxed in the sun on our refurbished deck, held hands.

Soon enough it was time to get dressed and go after the boys.

*****

On day one the teachers wanted to meet the parents picking up the kids, so I trooped from third grade to first, JD in tow. The third grade teacher - Mrs. Cox, seemed alright. We exchanged pleasantries, and the JD and I were out the door.

At the first grade room, Miss Coburn seemed a bit overwhelmed.

A little conversation revealed this was her first teaching job where she wasn't an assistant. She'd interned, did practice teaching, but this was her first real day.

"Don't let it get you down. What's the worst that could happen? You'd kill a couple of them, the parents would run you out of town on a rail, or you'd get a job flippin' burgers. Don't worry too much about it; nobody's been run out of town in a couple years."

"Wh... What?"

"I'm kidding. Everything will settle down. Just give it some time. But keep a big stick close by. Just in case."

"Papa Murph, are you teasing Miss Coburn?"

"Yes Clark, I am."

*****

We got home, and the boys went to their rooms to change. The dogs were eagerly waiting, so they all went charging out the door. After a while, They came in and I sat them at their notebooks.

By now, both were two or three grades ahead of most kids in both math and reading. And the way they soaked it all in, I felt it was time to start them on science.

Just after six Jeannie came in. Madge had dinner cooking, I sat at the table, enjoying the view. Madge and I got big kisses, then she went looking for the boys. They came back into the dining room with the boys chattering up a storm about their day.

Once we'd settled at the table Jeannie filled us in on her day. It seemed Mrs. Patrick was so taken with the way Jeannie had improved sales that she was considering opening another store. And Jeannie would be in charge of one of them.

"What about you guys? Did you get caught up on work?"

The smile said she knew what work we caught up on.

"Yes, and next week you can get caught up on yours."

"Thanks Madge, I'm looking forward to it."

"Um, guys," I broke in; "we may have something developing, and I'm not sure I'll like it."

"What's that Honey?"

"Well, when I picked the boys up at school today, Clark called me Poppa."

"What's wrong with that? You are his poppa, aren't you?"
 "Yes Jeannie, I am. But the exact phrase he used was Poppa Murph."

"And?"

"That's getting awfully close to something else."

"What am I missing?"

Madge leaned over, whispered in Jeannie's ear. I clearly saw her mouth form 'Smurf'.

"What? Really? Oh, you're kidding."

And the two of them broke out laughing. The boys were wondering what the joke was.

I put up with their behavior as well as I could, finally throwing my napkin down. "That's it! If you're going to laugh at my concerns, I'm going to the den!"

Needless to say, laughter followed my dismal retreat.

Eventually they followed me to the den where I was nursing a scotch. They began to apologize for laughing until my smile was spotted.

They both jumped me, and I barely saved the scotch. And then we were rolling on the floor, tickling.

The boys heard the uproar, came running in to join the pile.

And the dogs were circling everyone - barking up a storm.

Altogether, I'd say we'd had a good day.

*****

Johansen's guys came by on Thursday with the pool heater, the electrician right behind them. The whole thing was hooked up, tested, and good by noon.

The rest of the week, and the weekend were normal and quiet; Jeannie and Madge worked, I kept the boys busy. Jessie called from Denver, happy to arrive and not a bit of trouble from the car.

*****

Monday was Jeannie's turn to get caught up on 'things'. The buses were picking up kids now, so once the boys were out the door, Jeannie headed back to bed.

I gave her an hour or so, then strolled in. "Good morning Miss. Are you ready for your massage?"

"Oh Honey, that sounds so divine, I would love one."

"Very well, remove your clothing and stretch out on your stomach please." That began one of the best hours of my life: I lightly massaged, deep massaged, smoothed, caressed, and ultimately kissed every inch of her body.

When she became so limp, that she could't move, I licked her pussy.

When she responded, fingers joined tongue; seeking her special spots, as she arched to me a thumb probed her rosebud. And when she came, tears came to my eyes.

I had brought her joy.

I knelt up, ever so slowly sinking into her. Waiting. And when she gripped me with her thighs I began our slow tango.

We would push and pull against each other, then stop to kiss. Dance again, and again. When we did finally come, it wasn't fast and furious - it was slow, and deep, and seemed to go on forever.

I held her to me; kissing her face, telling of my love for her

Not wanting to let her go.

She whispered back, thanking me for loving her, telling me of her love.

Finally we were quiet.

"That was beautiful. I love you guys together."

I waved Madge to bed with us. We fell asleep in each other's arms.

*****

Ten

September settled into a routine: kids to school, women to work, Murphy busy around the old homestead.

You know how we old guys like our routines.

Once a week I'd get together with Carl. We'd play cards, swap lies, generally have a good time.

The weather, as always, was plenty hot during the day but cooling in the evening. Really, one of my favorite times of the year. We saw more deer in the woods and along the lower meadow. Now and then I'd see a fox or coyote - but they kept their distance.

Brady came by early in the month - he wanted to look over the barn for my changes. On the fifteenth he re-appeared with three guys. They stripped out what little there was on the apartment walls, framed in a bathroom and small kitchenette. They probably spent as much time sealing holes in the sidewalls and insulating as the rest of the job.

While they were busy upstairs I moved everything out of the lower area. I re-insulated, painted, and re-organized. Moving the vehicles back in, there was a hole where the Mustang had been. Time to begin the search.

Shelly was coming around more than ever before. Mostly to visit with Madge and Jeannie, but she'd tease me every now and then; things like running fingers along my arm (or licking her lips) as we talked. And I sure couldn't forget the intense kisses at odd times. Sometimes right in front of Jeannie or Madge!

I wasn't worried about what the girls might say; they were teasing me about adding Shelly to the harem. I worried about where this was headed; I can't eat enough, or take enough vitamins (even horse pills) to keep up with three.

We had always been easy around each other - best of friends, but now I could feel a slow escalation between us, and I was being dragged deeper. Now, I didn't mind her kissing me (only a fool would), or the teasing, or even her rubbing against me, I just wasn't sure where this would go.

I also knew eventually I would have to talk this over with Madge and Jeannie.

*****

Jessie put me in touch with a lawyer in Tacoma. She listened to my needs and concerns, then got busy on paper work. She was sure something was possible, probably along the lines of a limited partnership.

*****

Bob called from San Diego. He might have found a replacement for the Mustang. "You said you wanted something a little more elegant. What do you know about Bentleys? I found a T2 with left hand steering down here."

"I know what they are, and I know how expensive they can be. But I don't know a T2 specifically. I'd have to do some research. Is this something I can work on? And what about parts availability?"

"This is a '78, one owner. He's worked on the car all the time he's had it. If he sells it parts and tools are included."

"If he sells it?"

"He's picky where his baby is going. Dad, this guy is in his eighties. I know him because I've done searches for his company. The only reason he's selling is because his eyesight is failing. He knows he won't pass the next test."

"Okay... How about I call him, talk to him?"

"I'll talk to him, set it up. Maybe you'll have a chance to come down for a visit."

*****

A T2 Bentley with left hand steering was a rare bird indeed. There might have been half a dozen in the U. S. More sporting than it's Rolls-Royce cousin, it definitely rang my bell.

Insurance wouldn't be much more than I'd paid on the Mustang, and parts availability, while tough, wasn't impossible. I just might have to wait a while. And there was a Rolls dealer in Seattle, so experts were in the area.

*****

Bob had set up my calling, but I'll tell you; that was like going through a job interview. Or talking to a father on your first date with a girl. He did (finally) invite me down to see the car, but without assurance I'd get it. Oh, and there was no budging on the price.

A week later I was headed south by Alaska Air.

Shelly was quite willing to meet the bus after school on days Madge or Jeannie couldn't, and stay with the boys on the weekend if I was still gone. She drove me up to Sea-Tac for the flight; the goodby kiss I got curled my toes (again). "That's so you don't forget your way home."

I spent pretty much the whole flight mulling her over. She was definitely upping her game.

*****

Bob met me at the airport looking tan and relaxed. You'd think he just spent his days on the beach instead of trying to find candidates for top rank executive spots at companies around the country.

Sue greeted me with a cold beer and a warm hug, and we spent the next hour or so out on their deck getting caught up. Eventually she broached the subject of their 'room mate'; "Bob say's he told you about Mark. Do you mind?"

"You know... I was surprised at first. Not because you guys were sharing someone, but because it's a man. But what's the difference between that and me having two women? Nothing. As long as your happy..."

Mark came in about six. He hugged and kissed Sue and Bob and shook my hand. He seemed to be a nice guy, maybe a few years older than Bob and Sue. Near six foot in height, he looked tanned and fit. He had an easy smile, but behind the eyes I could tell he was sizing me up.

Well, I was sizing him, so I guess it was all fair.

We had a pleasant dinner, more drinks out on the patio, easy conversation. I was finished by ten, excused myself to the guest bedroom.

*****

The next day was just spent laying around in the sun and killing time - my appointment to see the car was the following day. It was kinda nice to just kick back and visit. Bob had his things to do, but took breaks to sit with me and reminisce. Sue's a professor at one of the area colleges, so she was gone most of the day. When she was home she'd strip down to shorts and a top. At one point I turned to Bob; "What is it about us Murphys? We always seem to end up with beautiful women."

You know I said that when she was near.

*****

The next morning Bob and I headed for La Jolla. There's a reason I stay away from Seattle; the traffic. The San Diego area makes Seattle look like a piece of cake. Bob laughed and assured me it was easy once you got used to it.

We arrived at a huge house that looked as if the Spaniards had built it. Mr. Carswell met us with a firm handshake and a steady voice, and as he led us to the garage had no problem walking. I commented on how well he was doing and that I was surprised he was selling the car.

"Well... if I could see the damn road, and pass the eye test..."

I nodded, no one wants to quit driving one day sooner than they must.

"By the way," He asked; "how old are you?"

"Sixty five. Hopefully I have twenty good years in front of me."
 "Where do you plan on keeping my car?"

Man, he gets right to it. "I had an idea you might ask, so I brought some pictures of my barn."

"I'll look at them later, here's the car."

We were looking at a large sedan (the Brits call them saloons), smoky grey in color with a tan leather interior. Correction; Matching, Connelly Leather, Interior. The car was immaculate! Not a scratch or ding, the paint had the patina that says well cared for, never repainted. The interior looked new, except for some wear on the driver's seat.

He opened the hood; the engine was sparkling clean. I found it hard to believe this car was thirty years old. And I told him so. In the trunk was the tool set That looked never used. A spare sat under a cover, yep - new.

Sitting in the driver's seat was a totally different experience: you felt regal, almost as if I should wave at the commoners. Looking down at the carpet; there was a little wear under the pedals - that was it.

He had been watching me while I looked the car over, I felt I should have been wearing white gloves. But he seemed satisfied with me so far, because he offered a drive. I started toward the passenger side, but he said no, I should drive.

I have never felt more nervous. Ever. I'm driving an almost one-of-a-kind car. In traffic.

We headed north, once we past Scripps I could get into the throttle. We drove up to Del Mar, had lunch at a restaurant he selected, and drove back.

During lunch Mr. Carswell pumped me about my life, home, family. smiled when I talked about restoring the Mustang, nodded when I mentioned Naomi's passing, and raised an eyebrow at mention of my new family.

Other than mentioning his wife had enjoyed this drive, he didn't say much. He sat back, eyes closed, just taking in the ride.

Bob had been in back the whole trip, and never said a word after the initial introduction.

Back at the house, I was going to put the car into the garage; "Don't bother, you'll get the car. I believe it's going to good hands.

It took an hour to load parts and tools into Bob's Honda. Some items had to go into the Bentley; there just wasn't room in Bob's car. They were all carefully wrapped and placed. I was already wondering how I would get it all north.

As I started the car, Mr. Carswell stepped to the window with tears in his eyes. "Mr. Murphy, there is one more thing. Please take these, I won't be needing them any longer."

He'd given me his leather driving gloves! I shook his hand, promised to take good care of her.

"Not her, This is Nelson, take good care of him"

*****

I followed Bob home. Sue looked in awe at Nelson. She wouldn't even touch him. I finally got her to sit in the front passenger seat and took her around the neighborhood.

You just can't slump in a Bentley. Well, maybe if you're a stoned rock star. But a normal human being? No way. Sue sat bolt upright, looking about, with the most amazing half smile.

I spent the next day in a combination of loading everything into the Bentley - it all fit, and with room to spare, and visiting with Sue, Bob, and Mark. My sense was they loved one another, but I didn't ask; they would tell me what they wanted me to know.

Sue did pull me aside to ask me how I managed two women. "With a lot of love. Oh, and lots of vitamins."

*****

The drive north was nerve racking until I got beyond the Los Angeles area. After that it was I-5 north. Nelson just loped along. We were doing a steady seventy five, and he wasn't even breathing hard. We went over the grapevine passing cars easily. I swear that car was smiling!

I did get pulled over by a trooper near Stockton, but he just wanted to gab and look the car over. It turned out he liked British iron and had a big Healey.

I stopped at Red Bluff for the night. Tossed and turned, worrying about the car outside. We were up early Monday, grabbed a quick breakfast and gas and headed out again. the forecast through the Siskyous was good and I wanted to test him out through the mountains.

Now, doing mountains on an interstate highway isn't the same as competing in the Monte Carlo Rallye, but I-5 through the mountains is a swoopy drive with enough twists to make it interesting. I was pulled over just south of the Oregon border - another looky-loo trooper. We had a great conversation about cars; he had an ALFA and a Lancia, laughed then I told him my other car was a Spitfire.

*****

Just north of Medford we were pulled over again. Now, I don't mind talking cars, it's my second favorite subject, but this was getting tiresome. This one wanted to be sure the car wasn't stolen. I was good with that, brought out the paper work showing the sale and ownership transfer. I even had proof of insurance.

After that we talked cars (of course), he had a '69 Mustang and was just beginning a restoration. I was able to share some of the things I went through on Naomi's car, and pointed him at a few parts sources.

Getting tired, I sent the night in Eugene and put in a request for an early call. We made it through Portland and across the Columbia by eight.

At the first rest stop north of Vancouver I took an hour's rest - I guess long drivers are tougher than they used to be.

One more nap at a weigh station south of fort Lewis and then on home.

All told we used 55 gallons of gas and no oil (in just over 1200 miles), I was impressed.

So were the girls when I drove in. Nelson looked a bit dirty, but they liked the way he looked.

Shelly was there also, and was the first to lay a kiss on me; another toe curler. Madge and Jeannie seemed to hang back just a little, giving Shelly first chance. If I hadn't suspected some collusion before, I knew it now.

They all kissed and hugged, I kissed, hugged, and caressed, squeezed. All of them. If Shelly wanted to be part of us, well, she'd get the same treatment.

After all the greeting, I called time; I was worn out from the drive. Not the driving you understand, just the drive itself.

*****

It took me two days to remove everything from the car, sorting and arranging on shelves as I went. Another day was just cleaning inside and out, waxing and polishing - making him shine!

Then I was ready to take my women for a drive.

While I held the rear door open, they piled in; oohing and cooing about the luxurious back seats. I drove over to Shelly's, held the front door for her, then headed into town.

Driving at a stately pace, Nelson seemed to be prancing, as if he felt on display.

Pulling up in front of Jerry's, I again held the doors; first the front, then the rear.

I have to say I'd gotten used to creating a little scene when two beautiful women slide out of my pickup, but three? From a Bentley? Now we're talking a scene!

We spent the next hour having lunch, and then cones as we ambled about town. I had one woman or the other on my arm the whole time. And again, it seemed Shelly was getting most of the time.

Heading home, Madge and Shelly traded places and I had a few quiet words with Madge about Shelly. She confirmed that she and Jeannie were giving us time together.

At her house, I held the door for Shelly and she gave me a slow kiss that went on forever. Looking her in the eye I said; "We've got a serious talk coming up, don't we?"

"Why, what ever could you mean?"

"Oh, I think you know. And they know. And I know. In a few days - we'll talk."

*****

I dropped the girls off at the house, then Nelson and I headed back down the hill, much less stately this time. Nelson needed to stretch a bit.

I had to get the boys at school. Hey, fair is fair. They had been waiting for a ride too.

*****

That evening, after the boys were settled for the night, I poured myself a scotch, made drinks for Jeannie and Madge, and opened the discussion: "I need some clarity. You two have been encouraging Shelly's affection with me over the last several weeks. What do you two have in mind?"

"Shouldn't you be asking Shelly that?"

"No Jeannie, not yet. You are my partners, I need to know what's going on from you first."

Madge spoke up; "Shelly loves you. I've known that since I first met her. She 's just becoming more obvious about it. Maybe she's just acknowledging it to herself. I... we have you, she doesn't. That's not fair. She should be able to love you openly too. After all; what's one more?"

"What's one more? Fifty percent more, that's what. I'm not saying I'm against loving her, I could easily. My concern is what it might do to this household. I don't want to risk losing you two. I haven't even finishing setting up things legally for the three of us!"

"We talked to her about what she wants. She doesn't want to leave her house. That's her home... I'm not sure she knows how she wants this to go, she just wants some of the loving that's going on."

"You talked to her? And you two are alright with that? Once this goes the next step... well, once I took the step with you two, there was no going back."

"Yes dear, I'm okay with it."

"Me too dear, Treat her nice."

*****

"Shelly, you know I'm in love with Jeannie and Madge... and you have been getting more and more affectionate over the last few months, I'm flattered, and I'm not rejecting you. Not a bit. But I need to see where this will go... yeah, yeah, I know - I'm not saying this well, but I don't know how else to say it."

"Josh honey, that was horrible. If I were her, I'd throw you out and never talk to you again."

"Madge, I'm at a loss here. How do I do this?"

'The same way you did with me, and with Jeannie. Be yourself. Just take her to dinner, let the conversation go where it will. there's no rush... it's not like you're not getting any you know."

"But with you it was spontaneous. This feels planned."

"Honey, I hate to break it to you - and after all this time you don't know? -it's never spontaneous. Women know how far they're willing to go long before men do. I knew on the first day you sat and talked with me. Jeannie knew the first time she came up here. I think she knew before we even left the store; I think I felt it then."

"So... I'm just a pawn in a woman's world?"

"Don't be silly dear, we never consider you a pawn. Now go to Shelly like a good boy."

It's a good thing I love her.

*****

We went to an Italian restaurant in Puyallup. A family owned bistro with excellent food, and a quiet atmosphere. Shelly was great company and I relaxed. We just talked about anything and everything, and after a while scooted our chairs closer, talked lower, brought our heads closer.

At some point I found myself looking into her eyes, and then leaning in and kissing her.

Her response was light, just touching, teasing. "Let's continue this at my place."

I paid the check, walked her out to Nelson. She was wrapped around my arm.

Driving back she was leaning against me, a hand rubbing my thigh, lips tickling my ear, the light scent of perfume intoxicating.

*****

She kicked off her shoes, draped her shawl over a chair, invited me to remove my jacket and loosen my tie.

Opening a bottle of wine, she led me to her couch. We sat together; sipping wine and looking into each other's eyes - not really saying much. I saw her in a whole new light; it was still the familiar Shelly, but there was a different woman before me - sexy, coy, desirous.

I caressed her cheek, She leaned into my hand. We kissed, softly, and then with more intensity.

Someone moaned, we pushed together. Tongues dueled, lips crushed lips.

She fumbled at my shirt buttons; getting a hand onto my skin, feeling for a nipple - flicking, pinching. Had the girls been coaching her?

I ran a hand up her back, smoothing the muscles.

We took a break, but just long enough for her to peel her blouse and bra, and me shed my shirt.

I took time to admire her: sure she was just into her fifties, but her skin was taut, her breasts firm, and her nipples poked out a good quarter inch.

I bent forward to draw one in - holding it, teasing it with my tongue. She shivered, and said just above a whisper; "Oh yes... Josh... I have waited so long for this. Love me now."

We sank back on the couch, my lips searching her skin; wanting to give her all the pleasure she had waited for. She had a scattering of freckles across her chest and down over her breasts. I kissed everyone, following them back and forth, spelling her name in freckle-kisses.

Her belly attracted me next; I kissed and licked down to her navel, flicking in and out and getting a giggle for my efforts. The waist band of her pants now hindered my path - until she flicked a button.

As I tugged, she lifted her hips, and they slipped down and off. Now all that was between me and her pussy was a thin piece of semi-sheer pink material.

Her legs opened, the invitation there, hands led my lips to her damp panties. her aroma aroused me, my tongue speared out, tasted the the dampness.

I buried my face into her panty clad puss - trying to get closer, finally pulling material aside and spearing deep into her. Sucking her clit brought an immediate reaction: legs clamped over my ears, she pushed up against me.

A moment later she relaxed and her legs dropped away from my ears.

"Whew, the girls are right. You do give good head."

"So they've been talking, have they?"

"A little."

"Did they encourage you in this?"

"I didn't need much, but yes, when I asked them they said yes."

"Aha... so if I were to say 'let's go to bed'?"

"I'd say let's go."

And we did. She shed the panties and led me to her bed.

I hung back just enough to admire her ass; I had been seeing it for years, encased in denim. Now it was on full display. It may not have been the finely shaped ass of Madge or Jeannie, but you sure wouldn't turn down a chance to play.

A mature woman yes, but she was tightly shaped; her butt still round and firm, her belly rounded and taut, and her tits full and pendulous.

She led me into her bedroom, stopped and turned, and with spread legs, looked me over. "You do know you're over dressed, don't you?"

I was shucking pants, shoes and socks as fast as I could. Briefs? They went with the pants.

"Much better. Come here."

Clearly, she had taken charge.

"I have you all night. And I plan to send you home tired and smiling. Any problem with that?"

"No ma'am. Just be gentle with me, I don't have much experience with women."

"Oohh, you're going to pay for that fib!"

And pay I did. She pinned me to the bed. (You know I really fought that) She just sucked my cock into her mouth, and then deep in her throat, swirled her tongue, and came up for air. "How was that?"
 "You got my attention, turn around and we'll do each other."

We spent the night exploring each other. She loved having her pussy eaten. She completely delighted in sucking cock. And when I pushed my thumb into her ass, she pushed back and murmured; "More."

And when we fucked, it was long, slow, and loving. She held me to her with arms and legs, rolled us so she could be on top - a marvelous sight - and accepted it later when I rolled her again. She cooed as I sucked tits, and gasped as she came.

We lay together, regaining our breath, whispering to each other, and then began again.

*****

In the morning she made breakfast. In the nude. Truly a delightful sight.

I realized she had but a few curly wisps of hair on her pussy - I was a bit busy before. Otherwise it was bare. Her lips stood swollen and red.

She would rub fingers over them periodically, drawing juices to the surface.

I leant forward, ran a finger through the slit, tasted a sample. Then I dropped to my knees, pulled her to me, and buried my face in her pussy again.

I didn't rise until she sagged at the knees, quivering.

*****

Jeannie's car was gone when I got home, so I knew she'd gone to work. I parked Nelson next to the garage, and strolled into the house.

The boys were in the den, but came running. "Papa Josh! Where were you last night?"

"Oh, I was visiting with Shelly."

"Is she sick?"

"Nope. Just visiting."
 "Okay." And they were gone again

Madge had been watching with what can only be described as a smirk (that's my polite way of saying 'shit-eating grin). "Just visiting huh?"

"Hey, you helped set it up!"

"I know, and Shelly said thanks, and wants to know if it was one time or what?"

"If I had to think about it... I'd say 'what', but right now I need food and rest."

"Okay, Loverboy, breakfast coming up.

*****

Eleven

October proved interesting.

We began preparing for winter, I had to get Nelson put to bed, teacher conferences to attend, Madge and Jeannie to be loved, and Shelly added to my schedule. Oh, and all the other things already in my day's agenda.

We're twelve hundred feet above sea level, which means we get frosts long before the areas downhill. We're also on the front face of the Cascades, which means we also get snow earlier. So I began stocking up; along with plenty of food, fire wood and gasoline, I also made sure everyone had plenty of warm clothing, the cars all had chains, and we always had at least one hundred pounds of dog food.

There were school conferences in mid-October. That proved interesting. Jeannie, Madge, and I attended them - which threw off the teachers.

Oh well, the parents are here. Talk to them.

First up was Miss Coburn for Clark in the first grade.

"Clark is one of the smartest children I have seen in my short career, but we have a major problem; he won't sit quietly when we are doing arithmetic or reading."

"Is he running around, making noise?"

"No, he's talking to other kids. I can't have him disrupting class."

Clark was waiting in another part of the room, so I went to him. "Clark, Miss Coburn says you're talking to other kids when you should be doing your math. Is that right?"

"Yes Sir. I do my work, then I help Larry. He can't do pluses and minuses."

"Do you help him do the work, or do you help him understand?"

"Oh, I can't do that. That would be cheating?"

"Ok, you wait here."

I sat down with the three women again. Miss Coburn was talking about how well Clark got along with the other kids.

"Miss Coburn, is Clark's work done on time? And is it correct?"

"Yes... but..."

"Were you aware he's helping other kids that aren't understanding some things?"

"Why, no..."

"Clark. Come here. Tell Miss Coburn why you're talking to Larry."

"He can't do it. So I help him. I show him how we do it at home."

"How you do it at home?"

"Yes Miss Coburn. Me and JD do it on the 'puter."

She looked up at us; "They do math on a computer?"

Jeannie smiled; "As soon as we moved in, Josh insisted the boys get used to doing math and reading. Now he's started them on basic biology."

"I just did it to get some quiet time."

"Yes, but... what am I supposed to do with him?"

"Try to keep up!" Laughed Marge.

*****

Mrs Cox was next, and it was more of the same: great kid, well liked, always talking to others.

This time Madge took the lead; "Is his work done, and is it correct?"

"Why... yes, it is."

Jeannie stepped in; "JD, are you talking to the other kids when they are doing their work?"

"Yes."

"Why are you talking to them?"

"They need help. So I show them."

Then Madge again; "Are you doing the work for them?"

"No, I just help them. They still do it."

Madge explained about our home computer time and how well the kids did on it.

"What is this program, and how can I get it?"

So I laid out the what and where for her. I had the feeling many of her kids were going to get computer homework from then on.

*****

We celebrated the good grades with ice cream at Sundgren's. Shelly came in as we were ordering, came over and gave me a big hug. Sundgren just sighed, dug out another cone, scooped where she indicated. "Murph, should I get you more horse pills?"

"Double the order."

*****

We all sat together; Clark and JD telling Shelly about school, the rest of us just nodding along.

Once again the girls had arranged that Shelly would be next to me, and she took advantage by playing with my leg. Madge and Jeannie just smiled as if nothing were going on. But they knew.

*****

As we were leaving, Shelly invited me to her place, and before I could answer, Jeannie stepped in. "Tonight he's with me. I won't have much time the rest of the week, so Mondays and Tuesdays are mine."

She said it pleasantly enough, but there was no mistaking the message; 'We'll share, but don't encroach on my time.'

"Oh honey, I'm sorry. I didn't realize. We'll do it another day."

Madge stepped in; "Come over to the house and we'll set up a schedule that's fair to all."

"Don't I get a say?"

"You can always say you don't want to love one of us. Is that what you're saying?"

"Not me. Just keep the food and vitamins coming."

"Good answer!" said three voices at once.

*****

Soon the rains came, and the wind, and everyone was happy to stay inside whenever possible. The coastal cities get 20 -30 inches of rain in a year - we get that much in three months; so we prepare for it.

One day I took everyone down to the lake - actually to the creek the lake drains through. This was the first time they saw a salmon run; fish thrashing up the stream ten and twelve at a time. They'd rest in the lake a day or so, then push up the feeder creek as far as possible to spawn in the gravel beds.

"Josh, I thought salmon were a beautiful fish, these don't look too healthy."

"Jeannie, these guys haven't eaten since they left salt water. After they spawn, they die."

"Papa Josh, do they have to die?"

"Yes JD, they do. Their death helps feed the river, which helps feed the young fish when they hatch out in the spring. Plus the bears feed on them too."

"Bears?"

"Yeah, they'll be a little way up the feeder - where it gets shallow."

"Do they come down here?"

"Madge, they go where ever they want. We don't argue with them. I always figured this was their territory first. Generally they prefer to stay away from us, but if one gets too persistent about hanging around, we'll scare it off."

*****

Twice a week I'd go to Shelly's for dinner and then stay the night.

Loving Shelly was a new experience in a way: I'd known her for years, and we had a bond that allowed us more friendly ribbing while fucking; she would tease me about having to keep up with an old gal, I would joke back she was just getting what she deserved. We didn't mind long foreplay - spending twenty or thirty minutes going down on each other, breaking for a drink, then sucking on something or other.

Shelly loved ass play; I could slowly swirl a finger around her rosebud, and it would start opening like a welcoming flower. I'd stroke slowly with a finger, gradually penetrating and opening, then add another finger, until she'd clamp down; "Enough! Cock! I want cock! Fuck me now!"

And I would lube my cock un her pussy a few strokes, move to her ass and slide in. She'd lift her ass to take me in, locking legs around my waist and hunching up against my cock as I drove into her. The faster I drove in, the harder she would hunch up (it was as if she were doing Super Crunches). We would urge each other on; me gritting teeth, dripping sweat, aching in every muscle. When we did crest, it would be great shouting explosion - both just making noise!

*****

One (non-sexual) problem did crop up. And it seemed to have originated at school; the clerk Jeannie met when signing up the boys, Mrs. Hoffman, was bad mouthing my family - not only at school, but also at her church.

Now, I'm not religious, but I do think that if you're going to claim to be Christian, then you should act like one. She wasn't.

The people around town that knew us didn't listen to her, but a lot of others did, and if they had kids, weren't allowing them to associate with mine. I let it go for a while, but after a few weeks of my kids not understanding what was going on (and kids saying they weren't allowed to play with Clark or JD), I'd had enough.

I went into town by myself - straight to the principal's office. I didn't have an appointment, didn't want one. I walked past that Mrs. Hoffman, waving her to follow as I went through the office door. She had developed a worried look, as well she should.

The Principal, Mrs. Wayne, looked up in surprise, phone in hand. "I'll call you back, I may have a situation."

"My name is Murphy, and we have a problem that must be resolved to my satisfaction."

"Oh yes, JD and Clark - they live with you."

"No. Let's get a few things clarified; they are my sons."

"Not according to our records..."

"Mrs. Hoffman, I will not argue semantics with you. Especially you."

"Mrs Wayne..." I took a breathe to calm myself. "This woman has been going about town making derogatory statements about my family. I'm here to get this solver amicably. If not... well. don't piss me off more!"

"Mrs Wayne, he has two women living with him, doing God knows what!"

The principal's head snapped around to the clerk. "So you're the one that has been spreading those stories. Go to your desk. We will talk about this in a few minutes."

"Mr Murphy, I had heard some of the rumors, but I didn't realize they were coming from my office. How you live is not our business, as long as I feel the kids are not being harmed. And from what I've seen of JD and Clark, you have done remarkably well. Many of my friends in town have commented about your 'unusual', shall we say, household. But those boys are bright, happy, and healthy. So it's not for me to judge."

"Can we try something? I don't want Mrs. Hoffman punished without a chance to change her mind about us on her own. I would like to invite you and her up to the house for a... shall we call it a conference?"

"You don't want her disciplined?"

"Only if there's no other way."

"Well... it's an unusual request, but she really is a good, if a bit mis-guided, person. Tell me when, and we'll be there."

"I'll talk it over with the mothers and get back to you."

"Mothers?"

"Of course. The boys have two. And love it."


*****

We invited them over for the following Monday. I hadn't told Jeannie or Madge why we were having a home conference, just left the impression the principal was curious about us. But when Mrs. Hoffman appeared at our door, both women's hackles went up: they had heard the stories also. And knew where they originated.

I took them aside; "Be as calm and pleasant as you can. I'm trying to defuse her, and if we can do it nicely that's better than starting a fight in a small town. It's not good when people are picking sides."

So we got on with the visit and after a while the girls calmed down. Mrs. Wayne seemed to enjoy the visit; the boys showed her their laptops, then took her out to the barn to see the canoe and their bikes.

Mrs. Hoffman remained in the house, having coffee and talking with us.

It turns out she was divorced with two kids about the same age as ours. Slowly she began telling us more; no child support payments, no help at all.

Soon Jeannie, and then Madge were consoling her, offering tissue for tears, comforting words. They couldn't change her situation, but could at least offer a friendly shoulder.

She realized she'd resented how things were working for Jeannie, and apologized for the stories.

Towards the end of all that, Mrs. Wayne had returned, heard part of it. "Evelyn, if you had come to me I could at least have lent a friendly ear."

"But... I didn't want to be a burden."
 "Nonsense, we've worked together quite a while now. Besides, if Mr. Murphy hadn't invited us up here, you could have been facing disciplinary action."

"Oh. I... I hadn't thought of that."

"As long as the stories stop, and you tell everyone you were mistaken about the Murphys, we'll put this to bed. Understand?"

"Yes Ma'am. And I'm sorry to all of you."

Jeannie and Evelyn Hoffman became good friends, in fact Evelyn became one of

our strongest supporters in town. Jeannie helped her get her kids involved with the on-line schooling we were doing, and their grades quickly improved.

(Fortunately, no one offered me for stud duty, I wouldn't have been able to keep up the pace!)

*****

The Dervishes spent halloween weekend at their grandparents. Just by telling you that you know the adults had the run of the house. All of it. Well, not the kids' rooms. But everything, everywhere else. Plus we had Shelly over for the whole weekend.

Jeannie arranged to have Friday and Saturday off, so she got in on he majority of the fun.

We began on Friday with a costume ball: the theme was Roman Orgy, and we dressed just that way. I had a short - really short - toga that left everything in the breeze. Shelly chose a long, flowing affair; draped over her left breast, the right completely bare, slits up both sides to expose her beautiful legs. Her hair flowed around her face, makeup highlighting her eyes.

Jeannie chose a shorter version of Shelly's; draped over her right breast, the conical left tit pointing straight out, nipple rouged.

And then there was Madge; playing up her auburn hair, lots of makeup around her eyes, and a diaphanous white smock covering both breasts, but barely covering her ass.

We sat to a dinner of pheasant and wild rice, with roasted vegetables and wine. lots of wine.

Dinner finished, I put music on that we could dance to. Or fuck to.

I took Shelly in my arms first; rubbing her back and sides as we danced. Then Madge cut in, and we caressed each other.

Shelly and Jeannie 'danced' also, although it was more kissing and touching, than actual dance. "Look at them," I whispered; "they are lovely together."

"I know. They've been building to this. That may be their first kiss. Hmm, I'm going to have to try her too."

"Try me for a while first, then we'll all do Shelly."

"Mmmm, I like that idea. I wonder how she eats pussy."

For the next hour or so we played with each other; a caress of a tit, a hand against a cock, maybe a finger drawn through a pussy, and then licked seductively. The women's nipples were constantly at attention, and my cock tented my toga.

It was bewitching to watch the smaller Jeannie lead Shelly to the center of the den, pulling her face down for a kiss. Madge stood in my arms, my hands cupping her breasts as we watched the final stages of Shelly's seduction. As they kissed, Jeannie's fingers danced over Shelly's exposed tit; tweaking the nipple, then smoothing it. As they kissed, the clasp on Shelly's shoulder was released, the tunic captured between them for a moment, and then sliding down to her feet. Jeannie circled her - caressing breasts, sides, back, ass, and legs. Shelly shivered in anticipation.

Shelly stood, nude, before us. Jeannie's hands roaming over breasts,, sliding between legs, dipping through labia. Shelly looked up at us, eyes glazed over, a half smile on her face - a long moan escaped her.

Madge moved to them, running hands over backs, then breasts, nipples.

Shelly was moaning and murmuring, occasionally coherent words about how nice it all felt. Jeannie was kissing and caressing her face, Madge sucking nipples, running fingers into flowing pussies, and then offering them to the other women to suck clean.

Eventually Shelly reached her limit, and buckled to the rug, pulling Jeannie with her; fingers tugging at Jeannie's nipples, hardening them even more. Madge and Jeannie returned the favor; working as a team they went after Shelly's breast - smoothing them, sucking them, pulling, biting. Shelly would arch left, then right - trying for more attention on each tit. The girls ran fingers into Shelly's pussy, seeking every fold, pressing in, then back out, drawing up each side of her clit, and then taking turns strumming.

But it was when Jeannie took that beautiful clit into her mouth, humming and sucking, that Shelly hit her peak: first arching up, then spasming into a tight ball, and clamping Jeannie to her pussy.

Shelly quivered, and after several seconds relaxed, her legs splayed open.

Jeannie gasped for air, but smiled broadly.

When Shelly's eye opened, and she had regained focus, she looked around, and smiled at the women; "Wow!... That's the most intense orgasm I've had in a long time. I may want to do that again."

I offered wine all around while everyone regained their breathe; "That was beautiful - the three of you together - I'm happy that worked."

"I've never had a woman make love to me before, I think I've been missing something. Jeannie, you really got me going."

"Would you believe you're only the second woman I've made love to?"

"You could have fooled me."

"Well," Madge chimed in, "We've been learning as we go."

*****

After a short break Shelly took Jeannie by the hand, leading her to the center of the room. Now it was her turn as aggressor; ripping the toga away, Shelly inhaled her tits, sucking them to sharp points, then moving down her belly until she reached the little tuft of clipped and shaped hair. Her tongue searched for Jeannie's clit before moving further down. she buried her nose in Jeannie's vagina, inhaling deeply; "Mmm, smells lovely. Mmm, tastes good too. I think I like girl sex."

While we watched, they shifted into a 69; licking pussies and nibbling on clits. Hands clasped asses - pulling vaginas to mouths, while thighs tightened and flexed.

Madge and I were awe struck by the display. Sure, we could have been fucking, but to watch those two... I knew Madge and I would be together that night, but we felt we would never see this intensity again.

They did finally slow down, break apart, and look over at us, both faces covered in huge smiles and gallons of pussy juice. "Josh..."

"Yes dear?"

"Can we keep her?"

"Well... Shelly does have a vote..."

"I want to be kept if it means more of this!"

*****

We took another break, sipping wine and talking when Jeannie asked about anal sex; "Shelly says she loves it, but wouldn't that hurt? I know I'm not into pain!"

Now, I'd often dreamt about Jeannie's ass. It is beautiful; just the finest shape, like an inverted heart tapering into her waist above and shapely legs below.

I chose to sit out this discussion, waiting to see if Shelly, who loves anal, would speak up.

"Mmm, butt fucking, I love it. It's so... Primal... And Josh does it so well. I just love having him slid into me back there. It's so different from pussy fucking, even as tender as Josh can be..."

"Doesn't it hurt?"
 "Not if you're properly prepared. And of course the more you practice, the easier it gets."

"Can I learn? Will you teach me?"

"Josh, should we teach her?"

"Jeannie, I love your ass. It's gorgeous. I would delight in teaching you, but only if you really want to, because it takes a bit of preparation. And a lot of trust on your part."

"Josh Honey, you have never done anything to make me distrust you. I'll trust you and Shelly on this because I really want to try it. What did she call it? Butt Fucking. I want to be Butt Fucked!"

While Madge went to the bedroom for lube, Shelly and I began turning Jeannie on; we kissed her, we stroked her, we caressed her, all the time raising her sexual temperature. We rolled her to her stomach, all the while massaging her back and legs. Gradually we moved the focus to her butt, hands roaming everywhere, but always returning closer and closer to her rosebud.

By now Madge had returned with the oil, and would squeeze a little down onto her cheeks, where Shelly and I could smooth it around.

All this time, Jeannie squirmed under our attentions - occasionally mumbling words of appreciation.

I sat back, watching as Madge and Shelly focused more and more on that beautiful rose - the center of my desire, my cock straining.

While Madge stroked oil over the firm mounds, Shelly's fingers danced over Jeannie's anus, strumming, tickling, and finally penetrating - first one, then two, well oiled fingers.

Jeannie was arching up, stretching her butt towards the intruding fingers, moaning for more.

Madge reached over to my cock with well oiled fingers, stroking me to an even greater hardness. Then she tugged me to Jeannie.

When I placed hands to her hips, Jeannie looked back; pure lust in her eyes. She nodded, and then pushed back to me.

Madge held me to her, my cock head resting against her half open rose, and I waited for Jeannie to press to me.

Shelly had moved up to whisper encouragement and at the same time was playing with Jeannie's nipples.

I heard a gasp as my cock pressed into her, but Shelly kept up a steady rhythm of urging; "That's it... push gently... Josh will let you set the pace... can you feel it?... breathe... breathe... push more... push more"

I felt my cock slip past the first ring - she clamped down, but relaxed to Shelly's voice. A hand came back to my thigh; a warning to stop. I waited, then she pushed back again. We continued like this until I was fully impaled.

"My God! I didn't think it was possible. What's that feel like?"

"Madge... It's like someone shoved a log up my ass. I feel so full... but..."

By now Shelly's fingers were strumming at Jeannie's clit, Madge stroking her back and hair, and I knelt frozen as she explored the new sensations.

I ground against her, pulling her hard against me. She responded by grinding back, and then pulling a bit forward, before pushing into me again.

We soon had a strong rhythm; her pushing to me, and I jamming into her until my balls were slapping into her pussy.

"Oh God Shelly! That's amazing! I feel every bit of him. It feels good now."

"Josh, fuck me, fuck me now... fuck me... OH GOD, I'M COMING... COMING... ohhh... ohh... so good."

And she slipped down, taking me with her. I had so concentrated on her, and her feelings that I hadn't come. Shelly quickly cleaned my cock and then leaned back; pulling me into her pussy.

By now I was desperate to come - stroking forcefully into her quim, driving in with all the power I had - and I couldn't come!

Shelly reached around me, and clasping my butt cheeks, pulled me into her, finally jamming a finger in my ass. I came with a roar! I felt like I'd never stop, but of course, eventually I did, collapsing onto my lover. I just didn't have the strength to hold myself off her, but she did a slow roll, depositing me next to Jeannie.

I looked over at her; all sweaty and lazy eyed; "How was that honey?"

"Jeez... has my butt closed up? I feel like there's a gale blowing back there. Josh Honey, that was awesome, you can have my ass any time you want it. But can we wait a while? I don't know that I can move right now."

"Honey, the only other gal that took it so well on her first go was Shelly, and she wore me out too. I love you."

" I love you too, but I think I'll sleep now."

"Yeah, I think I'll join you."

Madge and Shelly brought us pillows and covered us.

I woke a little later, but Jeannie still slept. God she looked beautiful lying there; hair all tangled, makeup a bit messy, sweat drying on her. But she had this smile... just the cutest smile. I do believe there is nothing more beautiful than a satisfied woman.

Feeling thirsty, I headed for the kitchen, then realized the other two weren't in sight. Thirst quenched, I went looking, which didn't take long. The happy noises from the our bedroom led me to them.

They laid face to face, kissing and caressing, hands exploring, while lips nibbled lips.

I must have made a noise, they looked over at me, smiled, and then turned back to each other.

I left them to their fun, returning to the den where Jeannie was stirring. "Hi Beautiful, would you like to come to bed with me?"

"I feel messy, how can you say I'm beautiful?"

"Trust me; you are. Come sleep with me."

*****

Saturday we slept in. With two busy kids, that's a luxury. And we did enjoy it.

I woke to Jeannie looking at me from about three inches away. All I could see were eyes, nose and mouth. So I kissed each. "Good morning Beautiful. Have you been awake long?"

"No, just a minute or two. Did you really take my cherry?"

"You don't remember?"

"Oh, I remember all right. And my butt's reminding me right now. But you can do it again."

"Well what would you like to do right now?"
 "Breakfast. I'm starved. But I think a shower first. Where's Madge and Shelly?"

"They were busy in the other bed when we came to bed. You were out when you hit the pillow."

*****

We had breakfast well on the way when the other two straggled in. Everyone was dressed, a little, as the house warmed up; I wore shorts, the ladies all wore large tees.

Breakfast was a relaxed affair; bacon, eggs, pancakes, and coffee - lots of coffee. As we ate, the women joked about last night, with Jeannie getting her butt patted and comments about how well she took things. Of course I came in for my share; I hadn't kept up with them, leaving Madge hanging.

"Huh, it seemed to me the only place Madge was hanging, was onto Shelly's pussy!"

"Hanging? They were so wrapped around each other you couldn't tell who was eating who!"

They all just laughed and carried on. Happy women are fun to have around.

Once the house warmed up, we all shed the few clothes we had on. Not only was it great having naked women all around me, it just felt good not being covered. We took advantage of the nudity; I'd pass behind Madge and caress her butt, or sidle next to Shelly, passing a hand over a full tit. They were just as busy; some one was always tickling my balls or rubbing my ass, and they were all over each other. My cock was at half mast or better at least four hours out of six. But no one was in a hurry - we knew that come evening... everyone was coming.

*****

In the early afternoon the women disappeared into the master bedroom, and from the sounds they had the bathroom tied up too. No worries, I had the other. While they did whatever they were doing - and believe me, my imagination was working overtime - I put together a light dinner of salmon, small potatoes, salad, and wine.

When they came out their total wardrobes were loin clothes - small ones. All nipples had been rouged, and of course full makeup and brushed hair.

We sat on pillows around the coffee table, everyone sharing tastes with each other. Acceptance was always a big production; lots of lip smacking, tonguing, sloow inhaling, and of course seductive finger licking. And of course if something were to miss it's mark - maybe a bit of fish dropped to a breast - someone was always eager to clean it up.

We all laughed at each other's sexy acts, and the caressing turned into stroking, which turned into groping. Hands had a way of playing in my lap, and I found ways to return the favor. When we reached a point where the groping was getting more interest than the food (and that really didn't take very long), we cleared everything to the kitchen. Empty hands were busy hands as we'd be back to groping someone, somewhere.

Back in the den, soft music on the speakers, we started in again. I knew I'd end my evening with Madge, so I began withe Shelly; we 'danced' to the music, holding each other tenderly, smoothing skin with light touches, exchanging kisses. I felt her nipples hardening against my chest, she felt my cock swelling at her belly. "Too bad we can't use that right now."

"I know... I'd love having you wrapped around it. But I'll have you tomorrow, you can be sure of it!"

We played some more, getting ever more excited as we did. Her butt felt great in my hands, and she'd shiver when my fingers traced down her cleft, tickling her rose bud.

"I'm going to play with Madge while you warm Jeannie up for me."

Jeannie came into my arms, glowing from her time with Madge. Those two could turn on a log, so you can just imagine what they could do to each other.

"Mmmm... I'm having such a good time."

"You look it too. Being turned on becomes you."

I did my part by dipping to a nipple. They were already sharp cones, so I knew Madge had been there already. Jeannie just kept moaning and guiding my lips from tit to tit, her hands caressing my head as she moved it about. I traded hands for lips, coming back up to share kisses with her, then moved my right hand around to her ass. Those beautiful taut globes were warm and responsive to the touch. Now that she was aware of her butt, every touch was a turn on.

Soon she moved over to Shelly. Their hands all over each other.

This may have only been day two of Shelly with a woman, but she was a quick and willing learner, and was hitting all of Jeannie's hot spots.

Meanwhile Madge had moved into my arms.

She too was panting; Shelly had continued what Jeannie had started.

While we watched the other two, my hands roamed Madge's body; caressing breasts and nipples, stroking down over her belly to rub (lightly) her pussy, and then coming up to brush her clit.

This went on for several minutes, and then she grabbed my hand; "I've watched enough. Fuck me Josh, fuck me now!"

We dropped to the floor next to the other pair, Shelly on her back and Jeannie tonguing her pussy madly.

Madge watched them as I took tongue-swipes of her pussy. She reached towards Shelly's tit, rubbing hard, exciting her more.

Madge rolled up to her knees, dropped to suck a tit, pushed a hand down to Shelly's exposed clit, rubbing it as Jeannie tongued.

I moved behind Madge, swirled my tongue down between her cheeks, searching for the rose. when it was nice and wet, my finger began pressing and swirling. She kept twitching her butt side to side, seeking more stimulation.

My tongue was flicking all over; from her clit to her butt hole and above, then back down.

Jeannie brought out the lube, pressing a large amount against a now opening rose. With one hand I spread the lube around and into her anus, swirling my finger as it penetrated.

My other hand sought her pussy and clit, stroking and petting.

Shelly was massaging her tits and whispering reassuringly.

When Shelly nodded, I moved in behind her; first rubbing my cock against her ass, then taking little swipes into her pussy, and then back up to her anus. By now it was opening in anticipation of my cock.

Seeing that, I slowly pressed the head into her opening. With almost no resistance I popped past her sphincter. 
 "Oh! I felt that."
 I waited while she adjusted, my hands resting on her hips.

Ready, she pushed back, drawing me in. She rocked back and forth until my hips were against her butt, waited a few seconds, and then rocked again.

I let her set the pace while I held her hips or caressed her back. Soon she was grunting with every push back, inhaling deeply as she rocked forward on my cock.

Jeannie and Shelly were constantly rubbing her, whispering, encouraging.

Sweat ran from every pore of my body as I grit my teeth, holding on, trying to wait on my lover.

Suddenly she began yelling, moaning, swearing - totally incoherent as a climax was pulled from her.

And then she gave the deepest guttural growl I have ever heard. Her but squeezed my cock so hard it hurt, and by now I was so close all I could do was pound into her ass.

Then I felt myself coming; from somewhere beyond my toes, every bit of energy I have ever possessed rushed to my cock, spurting deep into her bowels.

Madge growled again, and then just dropped to the floor. My cock popped out, still shooting the last of my cum onto her cheeks.

Totally wiped out, I sat back on my ankles, trying to get air into my raggedly panting lungs.

Madge lay curled in a ball, the others soothing her. After a few minutes she looked back at me; "Once in a while. Not often though. It's just too intense. for me."

All I could do was nod.

*****

Sunday we rested

*****

Twelve

The last several years have seen us meld into one big happy family.

In November of our first year we signed papers making us a Limited liability Corporation. Madge, Jeannie and I are the partners, with survivors retaining the corporation. Obviously I expect them to survive me. Shelly is considered part of the family, but since she owns her own property, isn't part of the LLC.

Also in November we posed for Christmas card photos. At first someone proposed just a photo of the two dogs. I said if I wanted cute, it'd be the two boys instead. I insisted we were a family, and it would be a family in the photo. So the six of us sat for the shoot, with the dogs in the picture as well. (I'm just glad we didn't have ducks!)

And yes, we made sure Shelly was in the picture!

The photographer had a hard grasping the relationships at first, but after a while she was asking questions about how it we made it work - and then mentioned her husband and a girl friend. maybe we were infecting the area (we hoped).

We sent cards out to friends and relatives; some of the responses were negative, some more like 'Now what?', others quite positive. Rob and Sue sent back a card of their own that featured Mark. She asked what brand of vitamins I took.

Jessie also responded with a threesome card: herself, husband Don, and Michelle - a beautiful woman of apparently mixed background. She reminded me of French-Thai women I had met in Bangkok.

Mrs. Hoffman has become friends with Jeannie and Madge, but she stays away from me - I don't really mind; I have enough women in my life.

Madge is doing quite well in real estate; her sales numbers are steady and she's enjoying herself. Last year she bought a new van - the other had passed 200,000 miles, and showed it. What with all the running around she did, new just made sense. The new one was selected, and bought, by Madge. With money Madge had earned. The pride of ownership was obvious.

*****

Jeannie now manages her own shop in partnership with Shelly. In that first year she helped Mrs. Patrick set up a second lingerie shop at the South Center Mall in time for the Christmas season, and Jeannie took over the original shop. but after two years she wanted her own business. We had a long family discussion (any discussion with four strong-minded adults will be long) about the what and where, and Shelly asked if she could be part of the store.

They found a great location in Puyallup, and sell lingerie and antique clothing. I thought it was a strange combination, but what do I know? I'm more interested in the 'getting it off' stage. They've been in operation just over a year now, and are nearing break-even in monthly receipts. If things keep up, they'll be in the black by fall.

*****

One year after we met we had a Commitment Ceremony down by the lake. Not only was that where Madge and I had met, it was also a sacred place to us. We chose June because the weather was pleasant, but my kids could join us.

The We included me, Madge, Jeannie, and Shelly. The women wore frilly summer dresses that complimented their beauty, I wore a grey suit that complimented my beard.

One of the best parts of the gathering was meeting Michelle. A lawyer like Jessie, they worked in the same office. She has a warm personality and obviously loves Jessie and Don. They too have formed an LLC and are currently looking for a larger house. I was right about her ethnicity; her mother is Thai with French ancestors. Her father an American serviceman. Not only is she an accomplished lawyer, but a musician as well. Her instrument of choice? The Banjo! Yeah, picture that. She played for us while they were here - she's good!

At one point Jessie took me aside, and told me she felt Naomi was there. And approved. All I could say was; "I know, she told me."

*****

Last year Shelly met a man - a great guy. He knows about us, has been over to the house, and he and I have taken her out to dinner; talk about envious looks from the other women! She's happy and I'm happy she'll have someone else in her life.

*****

The boys. Let me tell you about the boys:

Clark is nine - almost ten. He reads and does math way above his grade level. The teachers have learned to use his help in class, he has a way of helping the other kids without them feeling small. We could accelerate him, but we think he would miss a lot of being a kid his age, with kids his age. Perhaps in high school he'll go for the Advanced placement courses. But that's not for a while.

JD is in middle school now, which means the longer bus rides to and from Buckley. He too is well ahead of his classmates in several subjects - our problem is keeping him challenged. he plays football and baseball well, but we don't encourage dreams of a pro career. we want him thinking academics in college, sports a distant second.

(By the way, I can't lay any claim for these kids' brilliance. I lay all the blame on their mother!)

*****

I'm doing fine for a guy knocking on the door of seventy. I have three loving women to keep me well fed and exercised. The boys keep me busy when they're around, and the dogs always want to roam the property. Aside from a few aches, I'm doing fine.

Nelson gets run regularly. Mr. Carswell passed the January after I bought the car. In his will he included a few things for me: all the logs dating back to the original delivery; the last entry reads; "Sept. 19, dr to Del Mar -- Mr. Murphy driving. 20 Mi. RT. Sold to Mr. Murphy."

Included in the packet were the original build sheet and bill of sale.

*****

The dogs are the best of friends, and truthfully, in the years after Naomi and before I met the girls, Bogart was my best friend and sounding board. He's showing more grey in the muzzle, and he's slowed a step or two, but if I whistle him up he's always ready for a walk or a truck ride.

*****

Yes, we are happy.

Who knew what a change I would make in my life, and the rippling effect it would have on many others, when I decided one June day to walk down by the lake.

*******

Epilogue

Hard to believe, but it has been almost a dozen years now, but well, life happens and we go with it.

Of course the big event was Covid. Fairfax damn near disappeared. All the shops had to close, only a few reopened. Sad. They were all good people.

Quite a few of my neighbors came down with it. Most survived, a few didn't.

Marie - being Postmistress - was deemed essential and had to keep working. Her husband Carl, with his exposure to Agent Orange had a high exposure risk so Marie rented a room in town. Carl was lonely and I don't blame him. At least i could visit with him once a week because I was staying away from almost everyone but my family.

"Swede" Johanson had it bad. He survived, but just. His wife runs the company now.

Brady lost everything. The last I heard he was working for a contractor in Seattle.

Fuck Covid.

Madge was selling houses left and right. Everyone wanted to get out of the cities.

Jeannie's shop almost went under, but she got smart and went on-line to generate sales. I understand she and Shellie came out alright, now they have the shop and a website.

My gals are smart.

*****

The boys. No longer Dervishes.

They survived Covid easily. Yeah they missed being around their school friends, but everyone had computer access so they could at least get face time. They kept up with classes so well that JD was offered a full scholarship.

JD ( by the way JD stands for John Donald. Took me a year to learn that.) is a Junior up at UW. Has a Major in Computer Sciences and a Minor in History.

He plays Varsity baseball (second base) but has no desire to go pro. He's already being recruited by the big tech companies.

He talked to Bob about what he should do career wise.

"Go with a smaller company. You'll get exposed to many more options than at a Microsoft or Apple. You won't get rich, but will learn a lot more. If you follow my plan, in five years I'll put you in a top spot."

I guess we'll see.

Clark is a Freshman at a Community College. No, he had the grades to go straight to a four year, but this was his choice. He still lives at home. Helps me around the place and of course is always right there if anything has to be done with Nelson.

He has his own car, a late nineties Mustang. Does all his own maintenance.

He doesn't know it yet, but he'll inherit Nelson.

Bogart died six years ago. Just saying that brings tears to my eyes. Katie really missed him, it was months before she was back to her happy self. She goes with me everywhere. She's about fourteen now. I can see she's slowing down but she hasn't given up yet. She'll still walk down to the lake with me. Just have to give her plenty of time to get back up the hill.

Now me.

I'm getting close to eighty but still have energy and I can go anywhere, do anything. Just a little slower.

Funny, my brain doesn't feel as old as my body.

But I can still make love to my women!

Maybe not as much as once, and it's more fingers and tongue, but I still love them, and when even that is gone, I'll still find some way to show them.

Anyway, life has been good to me. I've had four women in my life that I have loved deeply. Four kids I'm proud of. And friends that helped me live this long.

If you get the chance to love as much as I, take it. maybe it'll work out, maybe not. If it works, savor it. If it doesn't, learn from it, and watch for another opportunity. It took several tries for Naomi and I. And that success prepared me for Madge and Jeannie.

I think of that when Katie and I walk down by the lake.

*******

Twelve

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