Was She a Hooker Coming Toward Me?

To those who feel abandoned and lonely.

------[]----[]------

My lunch at a Parisian café was memorable, and not only in the manner I hoped.

A friend told me about this place, not far from Sacré-Cœur, but far enough not to be filled with tourists. His favorite neighborhood café, he said.

I sat at a table outside and was not in a hurry. I know retired people who hurry from one thing to another, but isn't that one of the reasons to retire?

I was looking at the menu, but noticed a woman not far away--an attractive woman--who was looking at me. My first impression was hooker. I'd been approached like that before. Nicely dressed American + Alone = Target.

I glanced back in time to see her stand up and walk in my direction. I looked back at my menu.

"May I sit here with you?"

"The one over there didn't work for you? Look, I'm really not interested in a date or whatever lines you girls are using these days."

She was looking at me with her mouth open, then she shook her head and laughed.

"I apologize. I obviously came across wrong, but I can understand how that may have sounded. I'm just another tourist."

"I'm so sorry! I know you might take this wrong, but it was your beauty that made me think your profession was one of the old ones."

"I'm too beautiful for anything else? Is that what I'm hearing?"

"I knew that comment could be trouble. How about if I start over? Would you like to share the table for lunch?"

"I'd like that."

I stood and held the chair for her to sit.

"Have you ordered?"

"Yes. This café makes a great French onion soup. That's what I come here for."

"Then I'll have the same, when my server comes. My name is Nelson, from Idaho originally, but I spent most of my life in Portland."

"I'm Monique. I was born here, but when I was 5, my parents moved to New York. They wanted to learn English, so I only learned a little French."

Her server spotted her and brought her soup. Monique then spoke fluent French to her and explained I wanted the same thing.

"I thought you said you didn't speak French."

"No, I only learned a little from my parents. I studied in college and lived here for a while, but I still speak with an American accent. ... How long will you be here in Paris, Nelson?"

"Until I decide to go somewhere else. How about you?"

"I have a ticket to Ireland--Shannon--three days from now. If I don't change it."

"Where are you staying?"

"In a hotel near Place de la Concorde."

"So am I--at the Sofitel."

"I'm at the Maison Delano. We're only a couple of streets apart."

My soup arrived. She watched me taste it. "Your verdict?"

"Marvelous. Maybe the best French onion I've had."

"It is the best I've had. That's why I keep coming back."

We chatted as we ate. We were both laughing a lot. We also discovered a lot in common.

"Monique, why did you come over to sit with me?"

"I thought you were handsome, someone I'd like to get to know. I already know I look like a hooker, so that's your interest level."

She laughed as she said it.

"I can see you aren't going to let go of that. What can I do to be forgiven?"

"You can ask me to dinner tonight at Epicure. Do you have a suit?"

"Monique, will you join me for dinner tonight at Epicure? How do I make a reservation?"

"I think we can do that online."

She found it quickly on her phone and we agreed on 8 pm. I would get a cab, come and pick her up and then continue to the restaurant.

We also exchanged phone numbers, and decided to share a cab to our hotels, first to hers and then to mine so I could pay.

She held my hand in the taxi.

------[]----[]------

That evening I texted her when the taxi picked me up, when we pulled up to her hotel, I got out and waved to her, and was stunned at her beauty. She was wearing a little black dress that was cut very low in front and very high above her knees. I still had no idea how old she was, but that vision had a pronounced effect on me.

I opened the door of the taxi and helped her in and then ran around to the other side and got in.

"Nelson, you look even more handsome tonight."

She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

"Well, I hardly know what to say about how beautiful you are tonight. A lot of people will watch you at the restaurant."

"I only care about you watching."

Once we were seated, Monique ordered sole and I ordered lamb. Each of our dishes were over a hundred euros, plus the dessert we shared that was 49 euros. I could afford it, and I was willing to spend the money on Monique, but the flavors of the food alone warranted the price. It was fabulous.

"Have you been here before?"

"No, but I've heard so much about it. I hope you don't mind that I invited myself to dinner."

"I asked how I could be forgiven and you said this."

"Nelson, why are you single?"

"I was married for 21 years, then my wife decided she didn't love me anymore. That was 25 years ago, but the funny thing was, I was in the first years of a startup company. Twenty years later, I sold it to Google for a sum I'm not allowed to disclose, but it was between 8 and 9 figures. She was pissed when she heard."

"Serves her right for bailing on you."

"What's your story?"

"I was married at 18, and 29 years later my husband decided to trade me in on another 18 year-old. He was a successful plastic surgeon--the LA type, for huge dollars--so I collected about $12 million and he's paying me $10,000 a month in alimony."

"Did he marry the babe?"

"Yeah, and then divorced her a year later and begged me to take him back."

"Were you at all tempted?"

"Not in the slightest. Trade me in for an airhead 18 year old with fake boobs, there's no coming back from that."

"Were her fake boobs his handiwork?"

"Just the way he wanted them. Mine, on the other hand, were made by God."

"I can see God does nice work. It still hurts though, doesn't it?"

Her eyes filled with tears and she looked away while she wiped away the tears.

"It does. I feel like I should be over it, but it still hurts."

"It's been 25 years for me and it still hurts."

"Do you have children, Nelson?"

"I have a son and a daughter, ages 45 and 42. Both married happily. I have five grandchildren, and my first great-grandchild is in the oven,"

"Would you mind me asking your age?"

"I'm 68. How about you?"

"I guess since I asked, I have to tell. I'm 52."

"That surprises me. I thought you were no more than 45."

"I'll accept the compliment. I have three children, ages 33, 30 and 28, all married. I have 6 grandchildren."

"Grandchildren are fun, aren't they?"

"I love them."

"Monique, where do we go from here? I don't mean physically where, but I'd like to spend more time with you."

"I'd like that, too."

"This is the first time I've been in Paris as a tourist. Would you be upset if I saw Paris with you?"

"I'd love to show you my favorite city in the world. I hope I don't bore you."

"That sounds unlikely. What time shall we meet in the morning?"

"I'll take a cab to your hotel and get there about 8. Let's have breakfast together in your hotel restaurant and we can plan out our day."

"I'm looking forward to it, and not just seeing Paris, but spending more time with you."

Monique leaned toward me and we kissed. It was long enough to promise of more to come, but too short to fully satisfy either of us.

------[]----[]------

After breakfast the next morning, we headed out. Monique had picked up Metro passes for us, so she showed me how to get around. We did a bunch of touristy things, including a visit to Shakespeare and Company. It was late afternoon, with the sun going down, when we rode the elevator to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower.

As we stood there looking out over Paris, I stood behind Monique and put my arms around her. When we reached the ground level, we stood and kissed.

"Nelson, I've never asked your last name."

"Meade. Nelson Thomas Meade."

"Monique Patterson, born Dubois."

"Well, Miss Monique Dubois, I have a proposal for you. Feel free to slap me if it's out of line. When I checked into my hotel, the only room available was a suite with two queen beds. If you want, you could check out of your hotel and use that extra bed."

"I'm trying to decide whether I'll sound like a hooker if I accept, but I like that idea. We get to spend more time together as well. Let's go to my hotel and I can pack."

------[]----[]------

That night we sat on the sofa and talked.

"You said you were headed for Ireland, flying into Shannon. What are your plans there?"

"I don't really know. I've never been there. Have you?"

"Quite a bit. I know County Clare very well, as well as County Kerry. I've also spent time in Tipperary and Wicklow. Oh, and Kilkenny, my favorite city in Ireland."

"You sound like you love Ireland."

"I do. I've made many trips there. Mostly business at first, but then I started taking extra days and vacationing there as well."

"Nelson, after another day of showing you Paris, would you fly with me and show me Ireland?"

"I'd love that, but we need to rent a car, and maybe tonight we can work out where we're going. How long do you have?"

"I've got as long as I want. Promise me something?"

"Ok, what am I promising?"

"If you're tired of traveling together, tell me? Be honest."

"Good advice. Goes both ways, ok?"

She kissed me on the cheek and squeezed my hand.

That night I told her about places I recommended, starting in County Clare, then we could take the ferry across the Shannon River to County Kerry and drive to Dingle. Along the way we'd plan a little more.

I emailed my favorite B&B in County Clare and got a confirmation. Then I did the same for Dingle. Both of the rooms I reserved could be set up as two twin beds.

I suddenly realized I needed a flight and a rental car. I couldn't get on the same flight as Monique, but I found one that left a little earlier and got in ahead of hers. Then I reserved a rental car. I love driving in Ireland, and getting used to right-hand drive isn't hard.

Monique and I got ready for bed and talked about the next day until she fell asleep.

------[]----[]------

The next day we visited the Louvre and Sainte-Chapelle, then Notre-Dame Cathedral. We both wanted a last bowl of French onion soup, so we went back to the café where we met.

"Should I sit at another table first and do my hooker approach?"

"I thought you were going to let that go."

"It's too much fun to let go."

"Ok, go over there and make your approach."

She was laughing, but got her act together and played her role flawlessly.

"Would you like some company tonight?"

"Oh, I'd like to, but I'm waiting for this gorgeous babe I just met. Maybe next time."

She kissed me, and not on my cheek. We were both breathing hard after the kiss, and looking into each other's eyes.

We held hands as we walked to the Metro. When we got to our room, we started packing. Monique was quiet.

"Is there something on your mind?"

"Yeah, but I'm embarrassed."

"Come sit down with me. Talk to me."

"I'm so excited to see Ireland with you,"

"Ummm, that's the embarrassing thing?"

She was laughing, and leaned on my shoulder.

"No, I'm happy we're not saying goodbye. I just wanted to ask ... well, would you be upset if I asked to sleep next to you tonight?"

"I think it would be nice. Look, Monique, I have a crap load of money, but money is no cure for loneliness. I've been lonely for 25 years. It'll feel nice to have your warm body next to me."

Monique was crying. I didn't see that coming.

"What's wrong?"

"I've been lonely for 5 years, and it hurts. I'm like you, though. I have more money than I know what to do with, but you're right. Money doesn't cure loneliness."

I held her in my arms. "Come sleep next to me. We both need that."

We got in bed and I put my arm around Monique. She turned toward me and put her arm across me.

"I want to tell you something, and I don't want you to think I'm saying the opposite, so hear me out. I've been divorced for 25 years. In all that time, I haven't had sex. I've certainly had opportunities, perhaps especially since I sold my business. I want you to know I won't use our closeness here to have sex with you."

Monique squeezed me with her arm and kissed my cheek.

"Thanks for that. I trust you."

It was wonderful to sleep together that night. I got up a couple of times to go to the bathroom--after all, I'm male and 68--both times, when I got back to the bed, Monique mumbled something about missing me and moved back into my embrace.

The next morning, we had breakfast downstairs and then came back to finish packing and leave for the airport.

When I walked off the plane, I found the gate where her flight would arrive and waited for her. When she saw me, she ran into my arms.

"Did you think I was going to ditch you?"

"No, I 'm just happy being with you."

We claimed our luggage and picked up our rental car. We put our luggage in the trunk and Monique walked over to the right side of the car.

"Are you driving?"

Monique looked at the car and laughed.

"I'm going to make this easy for you. I'll always open the car door for you, so follow my lead."

"You continue to amaze me, Nelson."

"By remembering which side of the car is mine?"

"Opening my door. My asshole ex never once did that for me."

"My mother taught me right."

------[]----[]------

We were staying at the Wild Honey Inn, just outside Lisdoonvarna. It's an elegant hotel/B&B with beautiful views over the Irish countryside. Before going there, however, I took her to the Cliffs of Moher.

"Do you have a sweater or sweatshirt? It's usually windy here and I'm afraid you'll be cold."

"Can you get my case out of the trunk?"

She found a sweatshirt and put it on.

We paid for our entry tickets and walked out to the first viewpoint. It was a clear day, but cold in the wind. There were whitecaps on the sea. As we walked north, toward O'Brien's Tower, we could see the Aran Islands.

After about 45 minutes out there, I could see Monique was cold, so we headed for the visitors center, which is built into the side of a hill. We found excellent hot chocolate there and warmed up. It was mid-afternoon, so we were torn between lunch or waiting for dinner.

"Is dinner at a good place tonight?"

"It's a typical Irish pub, but the food is truly exceptional."

"How about if we each get something like one of those big cookies--or even split one?"

From there, we drove to Lisdoonvarna and checked in. When we walked into the room, Monique took one look and turned to hug me.

"This is such a romantic place! I love it. I see there's only one bed, so we know where we'll be sleeping tonight."

"I assumed we would choose to be in the same bed anyway."

"I know I only want to be next to you, especially if the night is cold."

"Then I'm hoping for a bitter cold night."

We kissed and it was hot and long.

"How far is the pub?"

"300 meters."

"Good. I want you to keep kissing me."

About 7, we drove the short distance to The Roadside Inn, where we each ordered a bowl of the soup of the day and then shared a fish and chips order that was delicious. We also tried a Sauvignon Blanc from Chile that was as good as any I've ever had in France. I finished off with a Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey that was very smooth.

------[]----[]------

The next morning, Monique learned about a Full Irish Breakfast. I love it, because it generally consists of bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and a black pudding. Pudding is a seemingly random word, because it's a sausage.

Monique loved the breakfast as well. She drank tea, but I have never been a fan, so I contented myself with orange juice.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

"I always do when I snuggle next to you. I noticed you were up a couple of times."

"Yeah, old man syndrome. Never pass up a bathroom. Up two or three times to pee. Did I wake you?"

"Only when I realized your arm wasn't around me and I was cold. As soon as you returned I was out again. ... What are you taking me to see today?"

"Well, today we're going to drive two of my favorite roads. First northeast out of Lisdoonvarna, then down Corkscrew Hill with its great view of the Burren."

I handed her my phone with a Wikipedia article about the Burren, including my favorite quote from a soldier in the 1600s: "a country where there is not water enough to drown a man, wood enough to hang one nor earth enough to bury one."

"We're going to drive over part of the Burren, because it's littered with prehistoric ruins. We'll make a couple of stops at special things there, and then drive a little farther south to a castle I love, but not many people find."

"I'm loving the beautiful, rugged land here."

"It gets to you, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, but so do you."

------[]----[]------

We had a fun day in the Burren. The road up there is narrow and winding, but the star attraction makes it worthwhile. The Poulnabrone Dolmen is amazing to see and even more difficult to imagine standing there for 5,000 years.

We visited O'Dea Castle and climbed the stairs to the roof for a view over the surrounding countryside. I took Monique in my arms and kissed her.

"It's been a long time since I last fell in love, but I remember it felt like this."

She put her head on my chest.

"I love you, Nelson. I'm equally surprised, but so happy."

"Are we still in the middle of one long first date, or does each day count separately?"

"I think each one counts as another date, but why does it matter?"

"I was just wondering whether you had a personal rule against sex on the first date."

"I do, but I think this is at least our fifth date. Maybe sixth."

"Would you be offended if I wanted to make love to you tonight?"

She kissed me until breathing again became necessary.

"Does that answer your question?"

"It seemed like a good hint."

"Well, maybe this will help."

She took my hand and placed it on her breast.

"In some ways, I feel as though I'm still 18."

"Hard?"

"Painfully."

"I'm tired of sightseeing for today. Let's go back to the B&B and get more comfortable."

------[]----[]------

Making love with Monique was one of the most romantic experiences of my life. We undressed each other, a process of discovery and appreciation. She held me in her hand and I kissed her breasts.

When we got in bed we kissed and fondled until I entered her, sliding slowly to her depths. She climaxed with a soft moan and rolled her head back. I was thrusting slowly, loving the feeling of my hardness caressed by her soft flesh.

I pulled out and turned her over, then entered her again, doggy style. Soon she was panting, urging me on.

"Faster, Nelson. Please."

My thrusts were faster and deeper and she was moaning with each thrust. I soon felt my climax building.

"I'm so close."

"Inside me!"

I exploded and the throbbing continued for a long time as I pushed as deep into her as I could get.

I remained on her back until I softened and slipped out, then rolled off her and pulled her to me.

I looked into her eyes and they were filled with tears.

"Are those happy tears?"

"Joyful. That was wonderful. I love you."

"I love you, too. I hope you understand, the reason I haven't had sex in years is I haven't fallen in love until now."

"I wasn't convinced I would ever love again. I was wrong."

We snuggled for a few minutes, before Monique discovered something.

"You're still hard!"

She pushed me onto my back and sat on me, then slowly slid her open pussy lips up and down my hard cock.

"This is mine, now. For my pleasure."

She held it up and positioned it carefully. Her slow descent down my rigid pole nearly made me cum. I grabbed her thighs and held her down."

"Wait a few seconds."

She kissed me and then began to slowly work me in and out of her. She was whimpering with each descent. Within minutes both of us came again. She was lying on me, so we kissed.

"Come on, let's go shower together."

"One of my favorite things."

"Because it often turns into more sex?"

"Exactly."

It did. Against the wall of the walk-in shower.

We lay in bed together, naked. She was drawing circles in my chest hair.

"I'm glad you didn't turn out to be a hooker."

"So am I!"

"I sure didn't see this coming when you walked over to me."

"I felt you were someone I'd like to know."

"Well, now you know me in the Biblical sense, too."

"Except I won't be bearing your child."

"Do you want another baby?

"No. That's for young people. My grandchildren visit, wear me out, and go home. Then I take a nap. Why? Do you?"

"No. I'd be nearing 90 for high school graduation."

"And they would have grand-nieces and -nephews older than them. Too weird."

"Are you still, umm, well, still on birth control?"

"You were wondering whether I had gone through menopause. No, and yes, I'm on the pill. Relieved?"

"No, it wasn't that at all. I was just curious if you had hot flashes to look forward to."

"Still regular as a Swiss clock."

"Are you hungry?"

"Starving. We burned a lot of calories together."

"Let' s go back to the Roadside Inn. It's close and we know it's good. Then we can talk about tomorrow and the next day."

------[]----[]------

"I know you said you made your money from a startup company you later sold. What was your background? What did you study in school?"

"I had a double major in college, in Computer Science and IT Management. I came out of there able to design operating systems and to manage large computer systems. The software and the hardware, I suppose. What about you?"

"This will probably surprise you, but I got a degree in accounting, with a minor in statistics. I never used either of them in a job setting, but they've been good for managing my personal life. You see, I had a successful career in modeling. I never became one of the big supermodels, but for about twenty years, I did a lot of regional and national work. I made a good living. Mostly, though, I think I was arm candy for my husband."

"What do you mean?"

"He was one of those celebrity plastic surgeons, and it helped his image to have a gorgeous wife. I think most people assumed I was one of this patients as well, sort of a walking billboard."

"Is that how you saw yourself?"

There were tears in her eyes.

"I felt that way a lot of the time. He went to a lot of parties to meet people, and he insisted I go with him. He never made me feel like a treasured wife and partner."

Now the tears were flowing, so I wiped them away and kissed her.

"He was a fool, Monique. I think you're amazing. A perfect combination of brains and beauty."

"I'll be right back after I fix my makeup."

I sat and thought about her, about all I had learned. I resolved to make sure she always knew how much she meant to me.

When she returned, she clearly wanted out of the spotlight emotionally. Tell me about your children, Nelson."

"My oldest is Grayson. He's 45 and happily married to an attorney. He's an architect. They have three children of their own, who are now ... let's see if I can do this ... 23, 20 and 18, I think. The 23 year-old is a married daughter, and she's due with her first in about 3-4 months.

"My other child is a daughter, Heather. She's 42 and has been able to be a stay-at-home mom. Her husband's an investment banker and makes more money than anyone else I know. They have two children, ages ... I have to think about this. I think they are 19 and 16. One in college and one still in high school, that much I'm certain about."

"And you live in Portland?"

"In Lake Oswego, one of those areas where the homes cost several million dollars and no one knows their neighbor. I moved there after pocketing a fortune. I love my home, but It's probably too big. Not just probably, it is too big. Four bedrooms, six baths, a theater room, fabulous kitchen. A pool inside and a hot tub outside. A dock on a lake. About 5,000 square feet."

"That's huge, but it sounds like mine."

"In New York?"

"No, I'm such a parody. I moved to Florida and bought a home in Coral Gables. I paid $2.5 million for a home that is beautiful, only to discover it's not a home, but an expensive residence. I came to that realization earlier this year, so I did what's instinctive for me. I ran to Paris, hoping to find myself. Then I found you."

I paid for our dinner and we walked out to the car, hand in hand. I opened the car door for her, but we stood and kissed.

"Nelson, why were you in Paris? It didn't represent anything to you, did it?"

"I was there because it was on my bucket list and because I wasn't happy sitting at home. I didn't know what I hoped to find, but I thought I'd start in Paris. As you said, 'Then I found you.' Let's go back to the hotel and make love."

Our love-making was different this time. Not two sex-starved people, but two people who sensed something special in the other. Love-making full of love.

Afterwards, we lay together, her head on my shoulder.

"How did you meet your wife?"

"It was in school at the University of Oregon, in Eugene. Eileen was studying political science, planning on law school. We met at a party and got married the next year, right after graduation. I wanted to start a business up in the tech corridor west of Portland. She wanted to start a family and postpone law school. I think that was a decision she later resented and blamed me for."

"Why blame you? She wanted to be a mother and focus there, didn't she?"

"She said so, but I think inside she blamed me. Anyway, as I said, she later divorced me. Kudos to her, though, she now has a successful law practice."

"She found what mattered most to her, I suppose. It wasn't you."

"No. It wasn't."

"Are you close to your children?"

"I am. I think they blame Eileen for the divorce, and we've stayed close, although Heather and her husband live in Manhattan. Grayson and his wife are in Portland, well, on the Washington side, in Vancouver. Opposite side of Portland from me, but we get together once a month for dinner."

"Paul and I also met at a party, a party full of beautiful people. Just his kind of crowd. We were in New York. I had just graduated from Boston College and my modeling career was taking off in a big way. I went home with him that night and we slept together. I was certain it was just a conquest and I was too loose back then anyway.

"To my surprise, Paul kept calling and taking me out. I actually fell in love, and I think he fell in love with me. I wanted a family, so I got pregnant right after we married. My kids are still in the Northeast. New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. My youngest is an aspiring artist, with a studio up north near Gorham. She does beautiful work that's sold in galleries in Boston. That's Amber. Married to a writer who's still writing the great work of his life, but enjoying the solitude as much as Amber. No children.

"My oldest is Neal, a CPA in Hartford. He and Julie have three kids. My middle child is Monty, a real estate attorney on Long Island. Very successful practice. His wife, April is a sweetheart who adores him. They also have three children. I used to see them the most. No one has come to Florida yet, after two years."

"Do you like Coral Gables?"

"It's pretty, but I hate the climate. I know, I'm supposed to love it, but it's too hot and humid for me, and hurricanes terrify me. I've been thinking of selling, but I decided to wait and decide where I wanted to live."

"Would you ever live in Paris?"

"I like to visit. Can I speak my mind ... I mean be a little forward?"

"Of course."

"I'd like to see your home. Nelson ... I don't know ... It's probably too early to say this, but we might have a special future."

"It's not too soon. I feel that way as well."

"Tell me more about your home."

"I bought it because it backs up to the lake, Oswego Lake. I have a private boat dock and a boat. I love spending time relaxing on the lake. When Grayson's kids were younger, they liked boating with me. They'll be back when they settle down and raise families."

"Can I suggest a change for our itinerary? I know there's more we can see together in Ireland, but I'm hoping you'll invite me to see your home and go boating."

"I think that's a wonderful idea. Let's see when we can get a flight."

It took a little work, but Monique's return ticket was refundable, and we got a flight out of Shannon, first class, for the next day, Shannon to JFK, then a non-stop to Portland. As we flew, we talked a lot, some serious, about families, and some quite light-hearted.

"Do you have portfolios of your modeling work?"

"I should have thrown them out. It's probably a vanity I cling to, but I do. You can also find some of me online. When we land in JFK I can show you. Even some lingerie work. I did a couple of the Victoria's Secret Shows in the 90s."

"Do you have any embarrassing photos of yourself online?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"That's too bad. Those might end you teasing me about the hooker thing."

I was surprised when we got off the plane in Portland, but I knew I loved Monique more than when we left Ireland. I've never talked and laughed so much on a flight.

------[]----[]------

We took an Uber from the airport to my home. When we got out and dragged our luggage to the front door, Monique stopped, threw her head back and made a show of smelling the air.

"This smells wonderful here, and the temperature is what I like. Show me the lake."

We went inside and opened windows to let the house air out. Then I led her upstairs and through the master bedroom to its large private balcony. We stood at the rail as I pointed down to my dock and as much of the lake as we could see.

"Nelson, this is beautiful."

"Could you see yourself living here?"

"Only under the right conditions."

"And what would it take?"

"If you asked me to marry you and live here."

"Well, now I know, but don't you dare propose to me."

"I wouldn't think of it. The last time I tried anything like that ..."

I held my hand over her mouth and we both laughed hard.

We stood on that balcony and kissed.

"Come to the basement with me, and see the pool."

When I opened the pool room and turned on partial lighting, she kissed me on the cheek.

"I want to make love in this pool. No swimming suits."

"We will definitely do that here, and in the hot tub. Maybe on the dining room table, too.

"How about dinner? I know a nice place with tables on a deck overlooking the lake. My favorite dish there is spaghetti with crab, but they have a number of French-inspired dishes I think you would love."

"That sounds wonderful. Do they have oysters?"

"They do. Is that what you want?"

"I'm recommending them to you, but I'll share."

She had me laughing again.

"Nelson, I'd like to do some shopping at a lingerie store tomorrow."

"I can definitely find time for that! The Washington Square Mall is one of the largest in the region and has a Nordstrom's and a Macy's, and may have a few lingerie stores. I can take you there tomorrow."

------[]----[]------

Dinner, as I predicted, wowed Monique. We shared the oysters on the half shell appetizer, and I got my spaghetti. Monique ordered Seared Sea Scallops Provençal, and pronounced it 'fabulous.'

When we returned home, we decided to unpack.

"Do you want me to unpack in here, or to take one of the other bedrooms."

"Where do you want to sleep?"

"With you."

"There's your answer. This is our bedroom. No other woman has ever lived here with me."

Monique walked over to me with tears in her eyes and hugged me.

"I love you, Nelson."

"Well, you know how crazy in love I am with you."

We unpacked as I showed her all the drawers available to her, including a massive walk-in closet.

Later, we were standing on the balcony, watching the last fading light of the day reflected on the lake.

"In addition to shopping for lingerie, we might want to shop for something else."

I dropped to one knee and took Monique's hand. She covered her mouth with her other hand and her eyes were already full of tears.

"Monique, you have been a source of great happiness in the short time we've known each other. I don't ever remember feeling so much love for a woman. Will you marry me?"

She was trying to control her emotions, but losing, so I stood and put my arms around her.

She finally spoke. "I'm sorry I couldn't speak. I thought you might propose, but I was overcome with emotion. Yes, I'll marry you, and this is where I want to live. I love it here already."

"Let's shop for rings tomorrow."

------[]----[]------

We sat on a sofa downstairs, talking about when and where to marry. How to meet with all the children. Honeymoon ideas.

I finally put some romantic music on my phone and bluetoothed it to my speaker system. I stood and pulled Monique to her feet, and we danced for several numbers. I undressed her and she undressed me. I picked her up and carried her to the dining room table and laid her there.

I sat in a chair to enjoy her orally until she came, then stood and held her hips as I plunged deeply into her. I came inside her as she climaxed again.

As I carried her up the stairs, she was kissing my neck.

"Baby, tonight sometime, will you do me doggy style again? Take complete control and have your way with me, ok?"

"I think I can rise to that challenge."

That made her laugh. Then she reached down and held me in her hand.

"What do you mean, 'rise,' you're hard again already."

I put Monique down so she was standing and steered her to the wall, where I shoved her against it and took her from behind. I grabbed a bunch of her hair and pulled her head back as entered her.

As my thrusts increased in speed and depth, I was slamming her against the wall, and she was crying out with each impact. I was also lifting her to her tiptoes as I exploded with a roar and held her there. Pinned by my cock.

As we gradually relaxed I pulled out, picked her up and carried her to bed.

"Now that's what I'm talking about! I loved that."

She snuggled against me. My arm held her tight.

------[]----[]------

The next day I bought Monique a beautiful engagement ring, and we also bought wedding bands for each other.

Monique apparently found lingerie. After making me wait at a coffee shop, she showed up with two sacks.

That evening I called Grayson and asked whether he and Susie would join me for dinner, at my house.

"You're cooking?"

I was laughing. "Are you trying to tell me something?"

"Just giving you a bad time. Is anyone else coming"

"I have a date, but other than that, no one else."

"A date?"

"Yup, and she will assist with the cooking."

------[]----[]------

Grayson and Susie would be at our house for dinner in two days, Saturday night. I discovered Monique is a remarkable cook, so she planned the menu and I promised to cut up anything she needed.

I also called Heather and asked whether I could have a video call with her and Nick on Monday. Monique called her kids and set up a video call for Tuesday.

When I answered the door and welcomed Grayson and Susie, Monique came out of the kitchen with her apron to meet them.

"Monique and I met in Paris. She was born there, but was raised in the U. S. She's our chef tonight."

"I'm relieved to hear that!"

We were all laughing over that remark.

Grayson came over to me and we hugged. Then he whispered to me, "Have you noticed she's wearing a diamond ring on her ring finger?"

"No, I hadn't noticed, so I'm glad you said something to me. I'll have to ask her about it."

Dinner was fabulous. Monique treated us to French onion soup and then beef medallions with a rich sauce. It was restaurant-worthy.

As we ate, I was stifling every impulse to smile when I looked at Monique. I had whispered to her that Grayson wondered about her ring. She laughed but managed to keep it silent.

"Monique had a successful modeling career but also got degrees in accounting and statistics."

"That's impressive. Have you worked as an accountant?"

"No, my first husband was a plastic surgeon in LA, and made a fortune at it. Unfortunately, he took an 18 year-old and made her the image he wanted, and replaced me."

"I hope you took him to the cleaners in the divorce," said Susie.

"I did, but I would have preferred a happy marriage. The divorce was five years ago and I have a lot of money, but I wasn't happy. I decided to go back to Paris and find happiness.

"I saw Nelson at my favorite cafe, and thought he was handsome, so I walked over and asked whether I could sit with him. He thought I was a prostitute, but other than that, we've spent almost every moment together since."

"So if I'm guessing correctly, Dad not only knew about the ring you're wearing, but gave it to you," said Grayson.

Monique looked at me and her eyes filled with tears. Grayson, I love your father, and yes, he asked me to marry him."

"I think that's wonderful. I knew from the way you two look at each other there was a love affair at the least. When do you plan to marry?"

"We would like to marry soon, but Monique and I want to sign a pre-nup first, to protect my children and hers from inheritance claims. Susie, do you have experience with those?"

"I don't, but there's a partner in our firm who does. We'll also need to find an attorney for Monique. I can call you tomorrow with a couple of names."

"I'm calling Heather and Nick Monday, and Monique has a video call with her three children on Tuesday. Once we have the pre-nup ready, we'll arrange a wedding."

"Dad, why don't you have it here? Pick a date, like four weeks from now, and give all her kids and Heather and me a chance to come? I'm sure we can find a local minister to perform the marriage."

That's exactly what we did. Four weeks later, I met Neal, Monty and Amber and their spouses. Monique had bought tickets and paid for hotel rooms for them.

Heather and Nick flew in as well, and of course, Grayson and Susie were there.

The problem of a local minister was solved by Susie, who located a local bishop from the Mormon Church, whose congregation includes the area where my home is located.

He and I talked on the phone and he was happy to come and meet us and soon agreed to perform our wedding. He refused any payment as well, but he also became our immediate friend.

The wedding was wonderful. All our children there and all the women crying. Including Monique. We had catered a luncheon and Bishop Thompson and his wife, Shannon, stayed to have lunch with us.

Bishop Thompson's first name is Keith, and he and I agreed to get together soon for boating on the lake.

Grayson emceed the luncheon and had everyone laughing hard. I was the most obvious victim of stories he told, but he had managed to get contact information for Neal, Monty and Amber as well. We were regaled with favorite memories growing up and funny stories about Monique.

------[]----[]------

Two days later, Monique and I boarded a plane to Vancouver Island, where we were met by a private car to drive us north along the eastern shore to Villa Eyrie, a wonderfully romantic place I discovered several years before when an important business dinner was held at the restaurant there.

When we walked into the room and Monique walked to the big picture window looking down in Saanich Sound, she came and hugged me.

"This is one of the most beautiful hotel rooms I've seen. You continue to spoil me."

Monique and I began our marriage in a beautiful place and found ourselves more in love than ever. We took long walks in the surrounding woods and garden.

We made love at least once each day, usually twice, and understood better how to please each other.

I loved hearing Monique cry out as I entered her, feeling her cling to me as I thrust into her, and watching the ecstasy on her face as she orgasmed. She certainly knew how to make me explode, whether inside her or in her mouth.

It was a magical time for us, and set the stage for all the joy that followed. And the surprises.

As soon as we got home, Monique called her ex to tell him he was off the hook for alimony because she had remarried. I think she enjoyed rubbing his face in it.

We made a point of visiting each of our children over the next few months. Then, after we had been married for about six months, we decided to finish our trip to Ireland. We began planning the trip, but one morning Monique was crying after breakfast. I put my arms around her and asked what was wrong.

"I'm so sorry. It's my fault and I promise I didn't plan it."

"Didn't plan what?"

She showed me a pregnancy tester. Positive.

"I went to see my doctor. I've been careless lately. I've missed a few days here and there taking my birth control. I'm so sorry."

I kissed Monique and held her tight.

"I think this is wonderful news. Sure, we didn't plan this, and it's a little awkward at our ages, but you and I are having a baby!"

"You're not mad?"

"Absolutely not. I love you, and experience tells me our love will grow even stronger as we share this event. When can we find out if it's a boy or girl?"

"In about six weeks."

"Is your doctor concerned?"

"She said I will automatically be treated as high risk, but she says I'm healthy and should have a normal pregnancy."

"Babe, let's get dressed up and go out for a nice dinner to celebrate. Wear one of your sexiest dresses, and we'll come home and make love. This is going to be a wonderful adventure."

"I love you, Nelson. I was so worried you'd be angry."

"Are you excited?"

"Now that my fear for your reaction is gone, I'm excited to have your baby. You stud, you knocked me up!"

"You and I need to be prepared for judgmental people."

"I know, but we also need to tell our own kids. Soon."

We took care of that.

Grayson, Nathan and Monty were thrilled for us. Amber and Heather seemed a little reserved, but I took that as a realistic concern for our ages.

Keith Thompson and I took the boat out on the lake that week. We docked near a favorite cafe and had lunch. I told him about our news. I was surprised at the depth of his questions. Most of his concern was naturally for Monique, but for a reason I had not considered.

"Women often need to confide in other women, and she doesn't know anyone here. With your permission, of course, I'd like to ask a few women in our ward---our congregation---to do something, maybe a baby shower, so she can get to know a few of her neighbors."

"I appreciate that. Done right, I think she would love making some friends here."

A few days later a woman named Cheryl came by and introduced herself. She lives a couple of streets away. She and Monique talked for about an hour and I could hear a lot of laughter. Afterwards, Monique was excited.

"Cheryl invited me over for lunch the day after tomorrow, and said she would have a couple of neighbors over as well. She was fun to talk to and we talked about our surprise baby. She said she had one ten years after what she thought would be her last. She was 48."

She came home from that lunch excited to have several new friends. One of them speaks French and lived in France for a year or so. The women loved her story of how we met.

------[]----[]------

We went for a sonogram and learned we were having a baby girl and that everything looked good. I admit, I shed some tears.

Monique invited her new friends over for lunch at our house the next week. She was happier than ever, certainly happier than she had been in Coral Gables. She announced we were having a daughter.

A month later, Monique was invited to a friend's house, but walked into a surprise baby shower. She came home that night to tell me all about it, and she was emotional talking about the fun they had together.

At first she told them she didn't need baby clothes, but they asked whether she had really kept them from her last baby, more than twenty-eight years earlier. She was excited to show me the cute outfits for our daughter.

We never did take that trip to Ireland. Before long, she was too close to delivery to fly anyway.

Once a month, Monique got together with her new group of friends, and Keith and I, often with another man from our neighborhood, went to lunch together.

Her water broke while we were fixing breakfast one morning. I was soon reliving my two prior experiences in the delivery room, holding Monique's hand and trying to comfort her.

Our daughter's first cry caused both of us to cry for joy. Soon, Monique held our daughter in her arms.

We had been unable to settle on a name, but Monique looked up and said, "Simone Dubois Meade."

"I like the way that captures her heritage. Simone."

Soon after Monique was moved to her own room, Cheryl and another friend whose name I didn't know arrived to see Monique and Simone. Monique nursed Simone for the first time and all three women cried.

The next day I brought them home and we were looking at Simone in her crib. I was holding Monique in my arms when the doorbell rang. I ran to the door and there was Cheryl and her husband Bob. They brought us dinner.

Monique came out and hugged them, then took them back to see Simone.

Bob shook my hand. Congratulations, Nelson. That's a beautiful daughter. I feel envious of you."

After they left, Monique said Cheryl had organized their friends to bring us dinner for the next few days. Monique had tears in her eyes.

"They have been such wonderful friends. I worried at first about people being judgmental about us having a baby, but there hasn't been any of that. Just joy and support."

That weekend, Grayson and Susie came to meet Simone.

"I never thought I would have a new little sister to pick on! Now Heather's off the hook."

------[]----[]------

A few months later, Simone was perfectly healthy and Monique was slowly transitioning her to formula.

"Now that we've had one together, do you want another?"

Monique gave me a funny look and got tears in her eyes.

"Nelson, I've been reluctant to say anything, but I loved having Simone. Am I crazy to be thinking about another?"

"You just turned 54, but you had no troubles with that pregnancy. Go talk to your doctor. If she thinks it's not a big risk, I'd love to make another baby with you. Just remember, in a couple of months I'll turn 70. I won't be around for key events in their lives.

"I know. It's just that I hate to raise Simone as an only child, without a sibling to play with. She'll be healthier growing up if she has a brother or sister."

Two weeks later, Monique wore her sexiest lingerie to bed and whispered she wanted me to impregnate her.

"I should be able to conceive this week. I stopped the pill when we talked and my doctor saw no reason not to. Knock me up again, my stud."

Nine months later, Edward Nelson Meade was born. As I watched her nurse Eddie, I was grateful for Monique's health and stamina, but we both knew the baby business was over for us.

Within a few years, Simmie and Eddie spent most of their time playing together. Simmie loved mothering her little brother, and Monique and I loved watching them.

"Are you glad you took a chance on meeting a hooker that day in Paris?"

"My most rewarding call-girl ever!"

"I know I've never told you this, but when I watched your embarrassment over calling me a hooker, that was the moment I started to fall in love with you."

"For me it was standing on the Eiffel Tower and putting my arms around you. I knew I didn't ever want to be apart."

"Can you believe that was six years ago?"

"I could never have predicted all of this, marrying you, the babies and especially the joy. Are you happy, Monique?"

"I sometimes wonder how it happened, but it was serendipitous that we met in Paris and fell in love there and in Ireland."

"We never made it back to Ireland. Let's finish exploring there with Simmie and Eddie someday."

"It might not be as romantic, but I think it will be just as filled with love. I never expected to love again. Certainly not like this."