Tall Glass of Liquid

Tall Glass of Liquid

Here's a paraphrased version:

Disclaimer - Whenever I think about titles for my stories and what they'll be about, one of the first decisions I make is which category the story should belong to. I usually avoid writing two stories in a row for the same category. My previous story was in the 'Romance' category, so I figured it would be a good idea to try the 'Mature' category this time. I've received positive feedback for past entries, I hope it'll be the same for this one.

'Tall Drink of Water' - A tall, beautiful, and desirable person. Like on a hot day, a tall drink of water is very appealing. A term that has been around for a while, referring to a visually attractive man or woman.

British / Australian English is used here. There's a high chance of seeing profanity, characters getting drunk, typos, and poor grammar sometimes.

Editing and proofreading assistance provided by OhDave1. All mistakes are still mine.

Your feedback is always welcome. Love chatting with anyone who likes my work.

*****

The truth is, modern-day dating isn't as good as it's made out to be. Sure, plenty of people are meeting and falling in love every day, but for those who find it difficult to meet people face-to-face and rely on online dating and smartphone apps, the experience can be terrible.

Both men and women have certain expectations of what they want in a partner. However, there's a sense of superficiality that has become so prevalent nowadays. Men are expected to jump through hoops just to have a small chance of success, even when someone matches with you. It's hard to stand out from the crowd.

And virtual communication through messages or phone calls isn't ideal for creating a connection. To experience that spark, you need to meet someone in person, look into their eyes while talking, and observe their body language to understand their reactions to you - physical appearance, personality, ideas, and beliefs.

One issue I've encountered with online dating is my height. You may not believe me, but I'll be honest: if your height doesn't start with a six, you're effectively invisible to at least half, if not more, of the female population. They can be shorter than you, but many women demand their partner is six-feet-or-taller. Since I'm only five-foot-seven, I can't lie about my height without it being obvious when standing next to other men.

It can be quite disheartening when you converse with a woman through messages or phone calls, and the topic of height comes up. I've been asked why my height is so important, but I've yet to hear a reasonable response.

"Are you giving up and accepting being alone?" Mark asked me over beers one night. He was one of my good friends since kindergarten. But he was also 25 and married, performing better in the genetic lottery. He joked, "Well, there's your first mistake, Alex."

"I'm not turning gay, John."

"Men your age...well, there's your second mistake."

"What do you think, Scott?" I asked. "I mean, we all know online dating is usually awful for most people. There are success stories, but you can't ignore the fact that many are desperate for validation."

"Perhaps you should consider looking for older women who might be less entitled?" I contemplated. "I know they'll still have expectations, but I feel like they'll look at more important aspects, like if you're settled in life, if you've achieved your ambitions, if you can offer more than just looks that will fade over time."

"Do you remember Adam from school?" Mark asked. He hinted I knew him vaguely, and added, "I know for a fact that he married his mother's best friend, who was about twenty years older than him. They've been happily married for years. The age difference was low because she was previously married but didn't have any children, so he didn't have to introduce kids that were closer to her age than him."

"What's their reaction towards this situation?" I queried.

"They're okay with it since they truly care for each other. He proposed to her once he turned eighteen. She might have been a bit cautious about dating him, but their photographs clearly show their happiness together."

"Any thoughts on locating this 'older woman' theory?" Scott questioned.

"Nope, other than continuing with what I'm currently doing or the classic way."

Moving back home a little later, Mark had observed my growing despair over the past couple of months. I'd participated in some dating and had been in a relationship for a while, enough time for us to have moved in together and discussed our future in detail. Wouldn't take too long to guess the outcome. He arrived at my rented townhouse the following day with two six-packs in hand.

Sitting next to me as we watched the Saturday afternoon football, we were savoring the beers when he finally cleared his throat. "Would it bother you if I played Cupid?" he finally asked.

"Not really. Why?"

"Remembering what you mentioned last night, you're well aware my wife is five years older than me. That's nothing significant given that I'm twenty-five and she's only thirty..."

"Do you know them, perhaps?"

"I might know a few women who you might take an interest in. To be honest, Alex, you're a great guy and I'm not just saying that because you're my best friend, so they may show the same interest in you in return. The only problem would be the age difference, as I'm aware they're older than us by a wider margin."

"How do you know them?"

"One is an acquaintance of my mother. And admittedly, she was someone I harbored a huge crush on during my teenage years. She had this aura of sophistication and beauty about her that she knew would captivate someone going through puberty."

"And the other?"

"She's one of the managers at my office. It's a heartbreaking tale that tore almost everyone's heart apart when they got to know about it. She experienced a terrible divorce around five years ago. Her husband was scandalously engaged in sex with anything that had a vagina and a pulse. The heartbreaker was that he was betraying not only her but also her sister and her best friend."

"That's horrible..."

"Impressively, she still manages to find solace in her life. She loves her job, though I'm not a fan of the hours she puts in. She does have friends but no one else. She completely cut her sister off her life and barely interacts with her parents. She doesn't communicate with them either, although I think her father reaches out on occasions."

"Would she be open to dating someone, let alone me?"

"I'm unsure. There's another thing about her I need to mention."

"What's that?"

"She's incredibly tall, Alex. You're five-seven, right?"

"Yeah..."

"She stands at six-three."

"Wow! I've never met a woman that tall before!"

"Yes. She wears it with grace, like some men are judged for being shorter than six-foot-plus. I assume people may judge a woman like her for her height."

"Feels like I'd want to meet her so I could give her a hug. That's quite chilling."

"Amazingly, she still finds some pleasure in her life. She loves what she does at work. Though she does put in long hours, she has friends but no significant other. She severed ties with her sister and communicates rarely with her parents."

"Would she be willing to pursue a relationship, let alone me?"

"I'm not certain. However, there's one more detail about her."

"What is it?"

"She's stunningly attractive, Alex."

"Age doesn't bother me at all."

"She's also what I'd call a timeless beauty. She carries herself with finesse and grace, a quiet confidence that allowed her to keep her head high when her life was otherwise breakdowning."

"If I decide to proceed with this, how would you suggest we meet?"

"Mate, we organise such things at barbecues. You should know by now. Would you like to have a casual encounter first or are you interested in meeting Simone?"

I pondered over it, taking a sip from the can in my grip as football played on the television. Eventually, I responded, "Look, Mark, I'm searching for someone I might be compatible with in the long term. It's okay to have fun, but even that can lead to someone getting injured."

My answer got a pat on the back. "I'll discuss this with Simone and gauge how open she'd be to giving someone else a chance. I know for a fact that she hasn't been in a relationship since her divorce."

"Is height going to be an issue? Would she care that you're shorter?"

"I suspect she won't mind as long as you're a good person at heart and won't step on her feelings at the end," he reasoned.

Mark left his place later that night, implying that he'd kickstart the process for both Simone and his mother's friend, Annie. Although I'd prefer to make a connection with a woman, keeping all options open wasn't a terrible idea.

I didn't mind staying alone in my townhouse. Yes, it could be a bit lonely from time to time, but my friends frequently dropped by, and I'd visit my parents every week, as well as my twenty-two-year-old sister, who had moved out on her own. She'd cut her studies short to establish herself in a full-time job, eager to escape the nest.

"How's the dating scene going?" my sister inquired on Thursday evening while we sat at her small dining table beside the kitchen. Her apartment was cozy and friendly.

I initially shook my head, and then altered my response due to her comforting touch. "Nope, still no luck. Mark is going to set me up with a couple of ladies, though, and one's older," I added, laughing slightly.

She snickered. "Considering the behavior of my friends of your age, it's not necessarily a bad thing."

"Yep, some guys just won't grow up."

"Funny you should say that. It sounds like they're desperate to escape their families, too. Amy's been with her boyfriend Ben for a long time, and everyone adores him. And I think she's ready to fly the coop. I just wish the situation was different for her, as she'd like to attend university, but she's struggling to find decent, affordable housing that's not a slum."

I mulled this over for a moment. "I could potentially allow her to live with me, but I work far away from the city and live near the university. Inviting a partner over when she's there wouldn't be easy, and I know how much she values her privacy."

"Remember that time when I told you about losing my virginity? There's a reason I only mentioned she made love with her boyfriend."

"I recall it," I replied, smiling at her jab at my ex-girlfriend and her various attempts to belittle me. "But you two remained friends despite growing apart. You loved him for three years in high school, after all."

"Did you sense any worry about bringing up the topic?" she asked.

"Nah, just the fear that I'd be disappointed."

"Well, I know you're one of the good guys out there. She's twenty, and they're treating her sort of like a baby. They're overprotective, which doesn't help. Of course, she's keen to go to college, but if she can't find a safe place to live, she could be living with them for at least three more years."

I considered her advice. "I could possibly have her live with me, but it'd be a long commute to work, and it may be awkward if I invited a lady over when she stayed with me."

"I was there when you lost your virginity," she said.

I grinned. "So, you know how much I value your privacy."

"If you get to meet a girl, I'm sure she'll understand that you care about and protect your sisters," she assured me.

Upon leaving her place that night, we shared a warm hug. Alice expressed her continued wishes for my romantic happiness.

"There's no special occasion here," he emphasized, "You don't have to dress up and try to impress. It's February and summer. Just wear a t-shirt and shorts. Please don't wear socks and sandals."

"I've never worn that combo."

"I really need to let any guy I'm related to know about this... Yuck."

"I'll simply wear some sneakers like usual."

"A good choice."

During summer, it was the perfect time for a thin t-shirt and shorts. I didn't have a vast wardrobe. I wore a buttoned-down shirt and trousers to work five days a week, a few clothes I wore around the house, and I always wore my football shirt when going to watch a game. Many of my t-shirts featured my favorite bands, either the ones I bought at a concert or ordered online. Most were black, though, which wasn't ideal considering how hot summers in Sydney could get.

I would never show up empty-handed at a barbecue. Food was usually provided, but some people would bring their own meat if they had a particular taste. As a guy, the unwritten rule was to bring alcohol. At the very least, you'd bring a couple of six-packs, a bottle or two of wine, but a real guy would arrive with nothing less than a slab of good beer. Not the cheap swill that was sold for decades, but the good stuff they're brewing today.

Mark greeted me with his usual handshake, and his wife, Cindy, greeted me warmly with a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug. After depositing some of the bottles in an ice bucket, making sure I kept one to sip on, I was led outside, greeted by our other friends before I greeted his parents. They'd known me for almost as long as Mark had, so I was essentially their son as much as I was Mark's son to my parents.

Making my rounds, I met his neighbors before I sensed Annie was nearby. I'd met her a few times over the years. I knew she was around the same age as our parents, so likely in her early to mid-40s. She had stunning blonde hair, still keeping it relatively long, and I couldn't help but notice she was keeping an eye on me.

"I remember you, Alex," she said as I approached, greeting me with a warm smile, "Still remember you as that awkward teenager like Mark was, smitten with his mother's friends."

"How have you been, Annie?" I asked, leaning up to kiss her cheek. Annie was a few inches taller than me in flat shoes, and she was wearing heels that day, so she towered over me.

"Work takes up most of my time as usual, but I'm sure you don't want to hear about that."

"I'm sure I could entertain you with stories of how tedious each day in the office can be."

"Well, running my own business has its advantages. The fact that it can operate without me needing to micromanage is even better." Stepping closer, she smiled at me. "But let's talk about something else. How are you really doing, Alex?"

"I'm guessing Mark mentioned something. I told him not to."

"He told me you would be here tonight and still single. And I'm going to be straightforward. I'm well aware of the crush you had on me when you were a teenager. Mark had a massive crush on Julie. Whenever I see him around her, I still see that awkward seventeen-year-old trying to impress her. It's a good thing he met Cindy."

"I guess teenagers don't understand the concept of subtlety..."

"I've been single for decades and don't do long relationships. I know you're well informed about my personal life by now, Alex. What I know about you is that the woman who broke your heart still has you fixated on her. There's a part of me that wants nothing more than to help ease the pain in some way."

"Is the age difference not a concern for you?"

"I'm forty-four years old, Alex. I don't tolerate nonsense or games, whether it's in my professional or personal life. So I'm going to be blunt with you, here and now. I want to see that handsome face of yours smiling for a change. Mark has told me that you've been having a hard time with dating lately. The problem is that you're focusing on girls and not women. You need a woman right now."

She scoffed, and both of us laughed. "I've been with men younger than you, Alex. I enjoy spending time with a young, vigorous fellow in my bed for a few weeks before letting him go, having taught him how to better satisfy a woman so he can then find someone more appropriate for him and grant them what I've given them."

"Maybe we should stay and socialize... And frankly, I do require time to contemplate."

Leaning in, she kissed me softly on the lips. "'Don't ponder for too extended a period. I drove here, thus won't be imbibing heavily. And I've had time to ponder what Mark informed me earlier in the week. I'm not oblivious that I'd be assisting in fulfilling your desires. And, beholding the attractive young man you've evolved into..."

"Thanks," I murmured, experiencing a heating in my cheeks.

"Don't fall in love with me, Alex. That's my solitary warning. We'll have a great time together; I can assure that. But I have no interest in long-term commitments and, without a doubt, I will not wed."

"At the very least, I know what to anticipate. Thank you for being frank."

"I always communicate to a man where he stands prior to introducing him to my bed. Some men cannot accept it because they desire far more than I'm willing to provide. If you can accept that this will be the scenario, then we will have an extraordinary time together. We will date, appreciate each other's company, and I will provide the affection necessary. However, there will be a time limit on how long this will endure. If you encounter someone before I end this, that would be even more desirable."

"Mark didn't inform you..."

"He did mention Simone, which is why I'm thinking we should have some amusement first before you meet her. One thing is that when you meet her, if we're still enjoying ourselves, this will come to a stop." Leaning in once more, this time she kissed me softly on the lips. "Now, you should fraternize and spend time with your acquaintances. I aim to depart by 10 pm. I will ask you if you..."

"Yes," I whispered softly, "I was concerned about... But if it turns out to be more than just a single night..."

This time she kissed me ardently, feeling her tongue enter my mouth as her body molded to mine. Fortunately, I didn't hear a silence pervade around us or anything, so I presumed everyone was disregarding us. When we pulled apart, I knew my cheeks were crimson while Annie was smiling at me. "You're a talented kisser, that's for sure. I hope that your mouth will be similarly proficient elsewhere later on..."

"Wow... I like how candid you are, Annie."

"Alex, you're returning to my apartment tonight, and we'll sleep together. I'm not someone who will make a man wait, but I also don't engage in one-night stands. You'll be heating my bed for at the very least a few weeks, that I can guarantee you." Caressing my cheek again, she murmured, "Please don't fall in love with me. I'd like to remain friends when you progress."

"I'll endeavor, but it'll be challenging... Even after all these years, I still harbor that infatuation I once had."

"I comprehend, which is why I'm so eager to advance this rapidly. Normally, I'd want a bit of courtship from a love interest to purchase his way into my bed. I know the guy you are within, Alex. And I want to see you grinning once more. The last time I've seen you, that smile was absent." Kissing my cheek once more, she advised, "Now I'm going to go fraternize, and I predict I'll be inquired about this. I'll inform anyone who inquires that the attractive young man I'm currently conversing with is going home with me tonight."

Observing her saunter away, I stood there aghast for a few seconds until Mark and a couple of other individuals drew near me. The expression on my face must have revealed our discussion as I was immediately patted on the back without saying anything, merely swallowing at my drink in stillness as they instantly commenced to discuss things.

Mark's mother eventually ambled over once I was sitting alone, seating herself beside me, unoblivious to her proximity. "Annie informed me," she said quietly, "Alex... Simply don't let your heart shatter. I'm aware of what she's like and am sure she's told you as she is entirely forthright. I've never been blind to how ardently you admire her."

"We've conversed a great deal over the years. I do understand her, at least."

"You already know how I feel about this, Alex, so I'm confident you'll have a great time with her. However, she won't change for anybody. She lives her life on her terms since she left home at sixteen. Basically, she's set in her ways, but here's the blunt truth about it -- you'll be nothing more than another notch for her. If you can handle that, all I can say is enjoy your time with her but don't expect anything beyond that."

You said, "I'll take it as it comes, but find someone tofall in love with."

"You've always been like my son, Alex. I love Annie, but I don't want you to get hurt."

You replied, "I'll be fine. If I start to develop feelings, I'll end things – I think she'd notice if I was too attached."

I didn't meet Annie again until she was ready to go. It was no longer drinking time for me; I had a soda in hand, conversing about Australia's current cricket series taking place each summer in February. The main test series with South Africa had been in December and January. Currently, Pakistan was touring for a two-test series followed by a series of T20 games. I stopped going to cricket matches because they only sold weak beer at exorbitant prices.

"Are you all talking about cricket?" Annie asked, not shy about showing affection with a kiss on my cheek, finding it "so boring."

"Almost done, Annie. Just dropping off something."

"Do we need to collect anything before we go or are you good wearing the same clothes tomorrow?"

"We can straight away go to your place."

"Excellent. We'll get to bed quicker then." Annie kissed Mark on his cheek, thanking him for the invite, said her goodbyes to all her friends, and before being tugged outside by her friends, her mother hugged me tightly once more, giving me another warning. "Don't hurt yourself, Alex."

With her soft warning still echoing in my ears, we bid her friends our goodbyes. She laid her hand on my thigh, eliciting a response that caught me off guard. When she noticed, she gently squeezed it. I gasped before she leaned in for a kiss on my other cheek.

"Alone now, Alex. You're going to be the first man I've truly connected with in a long time..."

Understanding the situation, I turned to face her only at stoplights. "I assumed..."

"I meant most of it, Alex. I don't want you to get hurt, but I'm already worrying about hurting myself."

"Telling me... we're making love tonight..."

"I did imply that. I don't want to mislead you. We'll be making love tonight, but don't assume we'll be starting and ending there. Tomorrow morning, I want to make sure we're awake and I can buy us breakfast first."

We arrived at her house, and I stepped out of the car. She ushered me inside, drunk on her smile. I declined a drink before she led me to her master bedroom. Although I'd visited her home before, I'd never been in her bedroom.

Turning to face me, she kicked off her heels but was still taller. It was her smile, though, that got my heart racing. I realized I'd seen the same smile for years. Without a word, we came together, kissing each other, and exploring each other's bodies. Removing her dress was smooth sailing; she smiled at the matching bra and panties. With minimal effort, I rid myself of a shirt and shorts.

"Stay active," she whispered, her thumbs running along my chest and back.

"Been to the gym and played soccer as a kid."

"How often do you play soccer now?"

"Not often. I play tennis these days. It's a decent workout, and I like hitting the ball around."

"Any good?"

"Not good, but it's enjoyable."

Her demeanor shifted to one of sensuality, giving me expectations.

I never imagined her kissing me and gently kneeling down before revealing my ticklish spot. I thought she would find pleasure from it, which wouldn't bother me since I enjoy eating out women before making love. I had very few experiences with receiving oral sex. When her gaze met mine, I could've sworn she looked surprised.

"My beloved... I'll make you just as happy as you make me," she fondled my penis through my underwear. "And your treasure doesn't seem to disappoint."

"Definitely one of the things I've never been criticised about."

Shedding my underwear and revealing my member, I relaxed as she locked eyes with me, uncertainty possibly evident on my face and in my gaze.

"Baby... I'm about to bring you massive pleasure." She caressed my ginormous something with her sensual fingers, provoking me to wriggle. "[Your stuff] is so gratifying."

"Don't think I haven't noticed its many benefits."

I'm not the only person who becomes anxious about standing nude in front of a new lover for the first time. Once my underwear hit the floor, I let out a breath of relief, and she didn't make fun of me--even better, she didn't turn away. I couldn't contain my excitement as her red lips paid attention to my crocodile-size eggplant.

"Sugar... I'm going to devour you," I gasped, my hands cupping her luscious blonde locks as her stunning brown eyes stared into mine. Uttering her satisfied hums, she remained locked on my penis, her eyes expressing her approval. When I shared that I was close to crossing the finish line, her petite frame only moved apart long enough to explore my shaft with her wet tongue, then gracefully sucked it.

One of the best times I've ever experienced a release washed over me. Post-tantric response, I hastened to assist her out of the position, taking her address without any hesitation. Once her bra descended her exquisite bosom, I was immediately besotted. They reminded me of glorious flowers on a tree; the sparkling nipples begged for tender delicious touches. I wanted her as nude as me, so I took off her panties, admired their dampness, and breathed them in. This earned me an explosive makeout.

"Alex... Chris informed me about Simone," she whispered, "Have fun with me for now, but please... If you meet her and it blossoms into love, just tell me. It's crucial that I'm not hurt."

"Annie..."

"The last thing I want in all this is for you to be wounded, sweetie."

"Go lay on the bed, Annie. I want to admire you in all your glory."

A few moments later, she didn't stop grinning as I admired her physique. Spreading open her skinny legs, I appreciated her neat pubic patch, just teaming with satisfaction. "I'm obviously extremely excited, baby," she revealed, "Just stimulate me first before we shag."

Thrusting my tongue into her delights was something I'd dreamed of doing for ages. Enjoying this long-awaited moment, I yearned to please her and rock her world. Seeing her entranced gaze as I eeked sounds out of her paid off big time. When I made her moan, gasp, groan, and her whole body shook with bliss, I smiled.

"My darling... My third one's almost here," she yelped, gripping my back, shoes adjusting only enough for another round of pleasure and then cupping the soft pillows between her thighs. "Don't give up, darling."

"I'll never stop until you're ready."

I kissed her nose before suddenly planting inside her for the first time. Elated by her outcome exclamation, her limbs tightly coiled me, her red lips tickling my own. "How often can we meet?" she asked as I peacefully slid in and out of her.

"As frequently as you'd like. Would you like me to drop by yours?"

"By all means, but feast on me as much as you can."

I was thankful for her previous blowjob; it helped me last longer the first round. Both of us shoved together, her hands roaming up and down my back, and I loved the way she kissed any body part not too busy stroking. When she had her fourth unbelievable orgasm, I had to pause. "I wasn't planning on that," she confessed.

"It's my fantasy fulfilled. You just climaxed with our 'lovemaking,' hun."

"Keep me loaded, baby. Then I plan to shag you until you explode, as I need to ride you like a rodeo."

In the wee hours of the morning, we engaged in intimate acts. An excellent partner, Annie was up for trying anything, except inserting my penis in her rectum. She liked that I massaged her rectum while we were doggy-style, though, which only intensified her yearning.

"I'm not particularly fond of anal sex," she confessed, "But for you, I'd consider it again. Do you favor my vagina over everything else?"

"Oh God, yeah. You're already my favorite," I replied.

"Perfect. I'm on a mission to keep you blissful."

Our energy waning, a quick shower rid us of the remaining exhaustion, and as she got cosy in my embrace, her fingers caressed my chest, warming up to me. I chortled when I realized it was as if I'd watched a sexual fantasy come to life.

"I woke up into a smirking morning and found that you were working to keep the smile on my face," I confessed. "Suppose our make-out session in the car right now is a prologue to the sideshow we had last night," I said.

She moaned a little. "I want you again, baby."

"If you come inside me, I won't be able to return to work."

"Just grab a bag and then come then. I can't have you go anywhere until you've met my coworkers at least," she insisted as we made out. "I'm a hopeless person, but after all our times, I can't deny the positive changes."

"Maybe we should slow things down," I begged, trepidation not lost on me. "The possibilities turn me on, but we may be approaching self-destruction."

"Don't utter another word!" she warned menacingly. "I enjoyed this morning more than I've enjoyed sex," she said, kissing me passionately, which pushed me back against my door, causing an urge.

"I believe I'll stay with you," I said, breathing heavily. "I just need a few minutes to collect a bag of essentials."

"Please, I'll look after you. It's not about the sex. It's about two people who genuinely enjoy each other's company. I can envision a marriage or lifelong commitment occurring, but not with me," she confessed. "You're a rarity. I can't imagine letting go. At the same time, we will face the harsh reality sooner or later."

"How come?"

"It'll be a little harder on me."

It had been a while since I'd met someone who was ready and willing to commit, and I knew she wouldn't backtrack, despite her stubborn streak. I'd relish the trek and predictably dread the farewells, but here's hoping we can maintain the friendship element.

In the evening, she excelled in the kitchen, and she showed me the ropes, given my inexperience. Following dinner, we had a heart-to-heart, where we conducted a deep bonding session. Not all age gaps had compatible interests, yet we discovered the basics. Togetherness was viable for several years, and we were unsure about how we'd adjust when we eventually separated, as a parting would be inevitable. My first night with Annie was unforgettable.

"When can I see you again?" I inquired anxiously.

"Tomorrow," she promised as we curled up on her couch.

"As dreadful as it may sound, parting is inevitable," I hinted.

"If it's inevitable, why try and run from it?"

"I'm not. I just don't want people I care about to be hurt after months of falling in love."

"I view it as you're falling for that one good friend who always supersedes all others. She's not fine with a friendly arrangement, for you're changing her."

"I understand. I've been in love once, and it failed miserably. It was devastating for both sides," she shuddered. "I just don't accept failure. It's a different situation for us, though," I assured her.

"If it is, we can't ignore this sign of strongly rooted love."

She proceeded to her room, feeling an immediate rapport due to our shared bond. Eager, she climbed on top of me in a euphoric state. Then we both left for work in high spirits and scintillating anticipation.

Mark called with startling news. "I heard you're engaging in passionate affairs," he related.

"Accurate. Staying with Annie isn't total yet, but I'm at her home more regularly."

"Is it fun? Or do you see yourself spending more time with her?"

"We have an incredible relationship outside of our physical actions, and I believe it's embedded."

"A few weeks ago, you exuded animosity to relationships," he said, questioning my sudden change of heart. "Is there more?"

"Perhaps. Annie is a good person, and not many people resemble that."

"Mom and Annie have a long bond, and I caught them chatting about you once," he disclosed. "If Annie likes you this much, why second-guess the relationship?"

"I'm aware of the time constraint that's present and that's why I've been talking you up to Simone. Age is a big factor for her, and she's almost forty, so she might think someone as young as you wouldn't want children."

"You're right that there are many women who have kids in their forties now. But that wouldn't be an issue for a while, regardless. Meanwhile, I'm focusing on Annie. I don't want her to cross my mind while I'm with Simone. It wouldn't be fair to either of them."

"I understand that you don't date frequently. When I mentioned that you're currently seeing someone, Simone was perfectly all right with it. She showed great interest in Annie, asking many questions about her."

Annie and I had been dating for three months, which was the longest she'd been in a relationship in years. We'd spend most nights and weekends together. Our friends and family had grown accustomed to seeing her on my arm. I knew I was beginning to fall in love with her, but I kept my feelings to myself because I knew it would all end one day.

Annie was the one who would end our relationship, not me. I knew she couldn't bear to hear about the end of it from me, so I chose to stay silent. As I'd suspected, it was the morning after a night of fantastic lovemaking when she broke down in front of me at the breakfast table.

"This can't continue, Alex," she said, crying, "Because I'm developing feelings and it's not fair on you."

"Why isn't it fair?" I asked, moving closer to hold her hands, "There's a possibility..."

She shook her head, showing me to be quiet. She's known for her stubbornness. Perhaps she's even foolish. But I knew she wouldn't change her mind. Enveloping her in my arms, she truly started sobbing on my shoulder, clutching me back as tightly as I did. "I'm sorry," she cried, "I didn't intend..."

"I'm sorry as well."

"Will you not hold that against me?"

"Never. You've been honest with me from the start, and I knew you couldn't remain in a relationship for long. I'm glad I had three months with you. It's been the best three months of my life, if we're being honest."

"I do love you, Alex. I'm not dense, I know you do too. That's why I can't let this continue."

"I'll pack up my stuff after you've left for work. But I'll remain in your life."

"Promise?"

"It's agonizing, but I knew this would come to an end at some point. I had hoped we could hang on to our friendship afterward."

"I value you in my life, Alex. These past three months... They've been the best three months of my life, too. Nobody I've been with previously, and no one I'll be with in the future... None of them can compare to the experience we've shared."

When Annie headed off to work, I was feeling quite dejected as I continued to gather my belongings into a bag. She'd been quick to make a call, as her mother showed up at her front door while I was putting my things away in my car. Seeing her distraught daughter, Mark's mother hugged me softly.

"I'm sorry, Alex. I truly am," she said softly, "Please don't dislike her."

"I won't. But this hurts a lot more than splitting with my ex..."

"Trust me, she's feeling awful and teary right now. She's stubborn and set in her ways." She gave me a motherly kiss on the cheek. "Take some time to heal, dear." That made me smile. She'd always called me that. "I've been through other heartbreaks with Mark."

She stayed with me until I finished packing my things, placing them in my car. Before she left, she gave me a final hug and insisted I visit the family as soon as possible. Returning to my own place was a rather melancholy experience. The first thing I did was wash the sheets, as they hadn't been changed since Annie had spent the night. I didn't want any trace of her to remain in my bedroom, not even a scent. Fortunately, when I got around to cleaning up, I found nothing of hers.

These three guys, Mark, John, and Scott, showed up at my house with food and beer. We all sat down for a chat, with a platter of food in my lap, a cold beer beside me, and the football game on TV.

"You're not just going to dwell on this for who knows how long, right?" John asked me.

"Mark," he continued, "Don't let Simone find out about me and you. It would be so unfair for her to think she's just a rebound. Since she seems so sweet, I'd feel terrible if she found out. Do you think she's still interested?"

"Dude, Simone's always single. I'm not even sure what she'd say if I mentioned your name sometimes. Trust me, she's still into you. In a way, she sounds like she's looking forward to possibly meeting you some day," Mark assured me.

As we munched on our food and beer, the topic of Annie did come up. I told them how our relationship began and how honest she was with me. Scott then asked, "Have you heard from her yet?"

"Annie messaged me just before you all arrived, apologizing and telling me she'll always love me."

"Dang," Mark commented, "She's not going to change her mind?"

"My mum stopped by. I believe she did that to ensure I wasn't alone when packing my things after Annie and I split up. She gave me some advice, reminding me to remember the good times and to understand that this was the plan from the start. While it hurt, I understood it would eventually happen."

My sister also visited me, being careful not to say anything harsh about Annie. I'd made it clear that this wasn't going to be a commitment, and everybody understood it. My parents also got me to visit them weekly, and my sister would come to stay over at least twice a week.

My parents encouraged me to visit them frequently, while my little sister acted extra affectionate. Alice even came by and I was snuggled by both sisters, making a photo opportunity for my mum with her phone.

The pain lasted a few weeks, but I stayed in contact with Annie. She revealed that she wouldn't be searching for a new partner for a while, telling me that I made her feel so loved for three months that she could live off those memories.

Annie was a great distraction, and with her out of my life, I had to fill the void she left. My friends, Mark, John, and Scott, made sure I had fun with them at least on Fridays or Saturdays. My parents requested I visit them weekly and my sister showed up at my house at least twice a week after hearing we'd broken up.

It wasn't a winter of sadness, although time stretched into spring and I was still single. I decided against going back to the dating scene, preferring to spend time with friends, family, and focus on self-improvement and my work. I went to the gym almost daily, found a touch football league I could play in, and filled my time with a variety of activities and new friendships.

Spring arrived, as Mark confirmed over drinks one day, bringing sunshine, warmer weather, and barbecues. "I've been thinking of inviting Simone to this year's first barbecue," he said. "You and her might hit it off."

"It's been a few months," I said.

"And did Annie mention anything about finding a new partner yet?" Mark asked.

"She's single as well. From what she's told me, she's been occupying her life with hobbies except for another man."

"I'd have given her a piece of my mind if I could," Mark shared.

I sighed. "I'd have appreciated it. But I'm over it now. I still have feelings for her, but I'm fine. I still want to find someone special, to do those things I've always dreamt of, like falling in love, getting married, and having a family."

"Dude," Mark started laughed, "Cindy was even prepared to set you up with one of her friends to keep you from being the single guy at our barbeques."

Being solitary for a stretch of time lately has unexpectedly been beneficial.

"Do you think you're prepared to start dating once more?"

"Possibly. Could you let me know if you invite Simone that I'll be there as well?"

"I wouldn't throw that kind of surprise on her. I'd simply let her know you're attending, and she can choose whether she wants to meet up with you. Cindy suggested we set the initial gathering at the start of October, as September is still unpredictable with its weather conditions. The Football Grand Final is on the first weekend of October, so we're considering the following weekend."

"You know I wouldn't want to miss spending time with everyone. But is it friends you're speaking of, or..."

"I stay in touch with Annie, but she's made it clear that meeting up for something as casual as a cup of coffee would be too difficult for her."

"I've pondered if she's second-guessing her decision." He whispered. Although I too had occasional thoughts about that, I decided it wouldn't be appropriate to mention them. Ultimately, she'd made her choice, and she'd adhere to it no matter the circumstances. The only scenario that might alter her mind would be if she witnessed me with another person, but by then, it could be too late.

"Keep me in the loop about the specifics of the chosen date."

After a while, I couldn't help but think about the prospect of delving back into the dating scene, but the thought of depends on dating platforms unsettled me. Alternatively, friends or family might attempt to set me up with someone. Perhaps not Amy, but Alice has boasted about me on numerous occasions, so it's plausible.

A couple of weeks later, Mark called to share that he was hosting the inaugural barbecue of spring and summer the forthcoming weekend, and my presence was compulsory. Laughing about possibly setting me up with one of his wife's friends, he asserted that it wouldn't happen, but did mention he'd spoken with Simone about coming. Apart from that, I'd be on my own to flirt with her if I chose or simply continue being single.

Arriving at Mark's place with the standard contributions on a Saturday, Cindy welcomed me with her usual warmth. She's liked me for a long time and didn't hesitate to shower me with a quick kiss on the cheek and a warm embrace. She'd previously tried endeavouring to arrange a meetup with one of her friends, but I'd often dismissed the idea in order to avoid creating any potential awkwardness in my relationships with her and Mark.

"I'm pleased you managed to come," Mark voiced, extending a handshake. John and Scott stood by, with Scott's fiancée and John detailing his latest partner.

I moseyed about, making my way through the familiar faces, and couldn't help but notice Simone. Standing by herself in the shade of an umbrella, her eyes periodically rested on me. When our gazes finally met, her complexion reddened a little and she pulled her hair behind her ear.

"Feel free to approach her," Mark suggested, handing over a fresh cider. "She's a wonderful person, the nicest you'll find."

"That's what Mark has claimed."

"And he's right," Cindy agreed. She offered me a glass of wine. "This is what she's drinking. Walk over to her, introduce yourself, and just be your normal self."

Steadying my nerves, I neared her, clutching the bottle of cider in one hand and the glass of wine in the other. Fixing my gaze on hers, she displayed a coquettish smile and slight blush on her cheeks while fiddling with her hair.

"I'm Alex," I introduced myself. "And I believe you're Simone."

"I am. It's delightful to meet you, Alex. Mark has brought you up a few times."

"And you've heard about me."

"Indeed."

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Everyone has been very hospitable and welcoming. Mark suggested that we might all dive into the pool a bit later."

"Are you prepared for that?"

She reddened further. "I've already donned a bikini underneath this blouse and skirt. I prefer putting forth effort and even came with a towel, along with a scent of sunscreen."

Looking back at her, her blue eyes shone with playfulness behind her slim black-framed glasses. Her brown tresses framed her lovely face. She held my stare as she sipped her glass of wine. Her blouse had a light v-neck that hinted at her cleavage, and there was no doubt about the length of her legs. The hem of her skirt was well above her mid-thigh. She wore sandals, showing off her blue-painted toenails.

"How long have you known Mark?" she inquired.

"We've been friends since we were around five years old." I asked, "How is he as an employee?"

"He doesn't work under my department. But I see him around every day."

Spotting an unoccupied wicker lounge in the shade of an umbrella, I suggested, "Want to sit in the shade and escape the sun?"

"That sounds great. My skin's pale, so it'll get red quickly if I'm out in the sun for too long."

Taking a seat next to each other, I noticed us getting glances in our direction. Since no one was near us, it was obvious that Mark had told everyone to leave us alone for the moment. Just like Simone, I realized this when she turned to me as soon as my backside touched the chair.

"Alex..." she began, "I want to share something with you."

"Sure."

"I'm thirty-eight and six feet three inches tall. You know how old you are since Mark told me. It's obvious how much taller I am, as well."

"Age and height don't matter. I'm a short king looking for a tall queen. I don't care if you're short or tall. We're just talking now. I'd like to get to know you better."

A smile graced her face, causing my heart to beat a little faster. "I'd love to know you as well." After a pause, she moved closer, "Mark said you're incredibly handsome. I'd agree; you're still adorable for a twenty-five-year-old."

"I won't be offended by a compliment from such a pretty woman."

"Mark told me that you're a lovely young man. If I could ask, would you consider dating someone older and taller than you?"

"Age doesn't make a difference. I'm more interested in getting to know you. If we discover common ground and feel a connection, does age matter?"

"I've struggled with men finding me attractive because of my height. Being tall can be a challenge for women, just like it can be for short guys. The average male height worldwide is roughly your height."

"I try not to let it affect me, but when my ex..."

She stopped me and held my hand, "Has Mark mentioned..."

"He shared a story about an extremely kind and attractive woman he worked with who experienced a terrible ordeal." I finished, and she hugged me, "I needed some comfort for a while. The worst part is that I'll never fully recover from the betrayal."

"Do you think you could fall in love again?"

"I'd love to feel love again, to share my life with someone I care about."

She let go, and her legs curled comfortably beneath her as she hugged me back, nestling into my side. I noticed the stares from my friends, all of them smiling, with Cindy seemingly teasing Mark. We continued to chat casually for the next hour, feeling each other out and getting to know each other better.

The food eventually appeared, just your typical selection found at an Australian barbecue. Simone, being on the taller side, wouldn't be considered thin, but she did have a slimmer figure than most of the ladies there. Despite that, she sure could eat - she managed to finish off a steak, a burger, and some sides like potato salad and greens. She noticed me watching her and started blushing once more.

"I like a woman with a healthy appetite," I told her. "Nothing more annoying than going out to dinner and your date orders something tiny, and you know they're hungry while you're enjoying your meal."

"So, what's your favorite dish?" she questioned.

"Could be anything, really. I'd have steak at the local RSL or bowling club, or I'd take my date to a place serving Asian cuisine - Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese... And if I'm feeling frisky enough, I'll even try cooking something myself."

She averted her gaze, moving toward me again. "Being a wife was something I truly enjoyed. I loved taking care of my husband during the good times. I… I hate him now. Hate the sight of him. But when I loved him, I loved having him. Taking care of him was a wonderful feeling. That thought will come later."

"Well, you can see I'm no expert, but you seem like a pretty good husband catch," I chuckled.

"Why do you say that?" she asked, making sure to maintain eye contact.

"Well, how often does a man go out for a burger when there's steak at home?"

Simone tried hard to suppress her laughter, focusing on the food we'd consumed earlier. Despite the seriousness of what she brought up, her situation started to seem a bit funny. Eventually, she couldn't stifle the laughter any longer and snorted quietly before leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. "Thanks for the compliment. I just hope you see me as a good steak."

"Definitely a filet mignon. Others might prefer a different cut, but I know what I like."

Looking at me across her wine glass, she smiled and finally shifted her focus onto me. "I adore a good steak. Would you like to go to a fancy steakhouse together sometime?"

"Wherever you'd like to go, Simone."

Once the food had settled, Mark encouraged everyone to have some fun and join him in the pool. I went inside and changed into my swim shorts. When I returned outside, Simone appeared to be waiting for me, and she didn't disappoint with her bikini. My jaw hit the floor as I made my way toward her. Her breasts were impressive, both busting out of the small pieces of fabric. I tried to see if she was probably completely bare or maybe just kept herself trimmed, as the bikini bottoms did little to leave anything to the imagination.

I knew I was getting aroused surprisingly fast as she came toward me. When her fingers brushed my chest, I nearly sighed from the pleasant feeling. "Stay in shape?" she inquired.

I wasn't massive or anything, I just stayed in good shape considering other commitments. I grabbed her hand and steered her toward the pool. She brushed against me and I couldn't help but glance down her body.

"Did you take care of yourself?" she asked.

"I'll let you decide," I answered.

She giggled when we got into the pool and made our way to a ledge not far from the surface. We chatted quietly, oblivious to anyone else around us. Her hand moved to my chest, and my eyes followed to notice her gazing at me.

"I haven't felt like this in a very long time," she whispered. "My heart is racing so fast."

"Would you like to go on a date this week, Simone?"

"Are you sure you want to be with a nearly thirty-nine-year-old woman with everything that happened?"

I laid a light kiss on her lips. "It doesn't matter. I'm aware of what's going on."

"I felt like such a loser after…"

"Simone," I said firmly. "I'd love to spend some time with you. I got to know you better tonight. I plan to continue that."

The pool party didn't last long, as the chilly weather eventually drove us out. We dried off and swapped our clothes, joining those remaining in the living room. Simone had ridden in a taxi. I kept my drinking under control, so I was able to drive home, offering to take her home as well.

She wasn't living nearby, but I didn't mind driving her home. It offered us the opportunity to converse in private. I suspected she desired to share some information. Grasping her hand, I admired the soft feel against mine and shared my intentions for proper disclosure. I'd been provided with limited details of what occurred, but this needed a bottle of wine, some tissues, and us snuggled on the couch - thus allowing me to comfort her.

Simone resided in a semi-detached house on the fringe of the city. Following our conversation, she informed me she had acquired a residence in the suburbs with the anticipation of establishing a family. As per her understanding, her ex-husband seemingly occupied the house post-divorce and possibly allowed her sister to reside with him. "I had no plans of retaining it," she stated sheepishly, "He'd been sleeping with her and my best friend on our matrimonial bed for years."

As I walked her to the front door, she beamed as she leaned down for a kiss. "This is a scenario we may need to repeat while seated," I offered, "As you possess astonishingly long legs."

"Should we go out..."

"I'd like you by my side."

"I like to wear heeled shoes..."

"Then you'll tower over me even more, and I'd still deem you the most attractive lady in the venue."

When she embraced me, her tears seemed imminent. At the suggestion of a house visit, I disclosed my hesitations - though still not prepared for that degree of intimacy. I sought to fully comprehend who she was before venturing into that realm. Consequently, our kiss was exceptionally passionate before she bid me farewell, expressing her intentions to express gratitude to Mark on Monday.

My phone beeped as I returned, bringing me to a message from Simone. As an older and more accomplished individual, her query was blunt. I couldn't help but smile at the thought.

S: How long do you normally wait before bedding a partner?

Considering my answer, I was certain.

*A: If there's an instinctive connection and the relationship shows potential advancement, I wouldn't wait. *

S: Do you find my invitation unpalatable?

A: Certainly not, Simone. I simply had to exert Herculean self-discipline to decline. I'm desirous of delaying any hasty decisions.

When my phone rang, Simone inquired if I'd entertain her again.

"I'd examine suitable locations to ensure a delightful evening."

"Do you plan to return this way?"

"I relish the prospect of embracing you."

"Alex, I'm truthful. I haven't had intercourse since my final encounter with my former spouse. I'm incapable of casual affairs. I require emotional investment with the man I'm involved with."

"Let's schedule an upcoming Tuesday, where we'll assess if our connection is promising."

"Would you consider visiting my home again?"

"I'm eager to cuddle."

Monday's phone calls from Mark overflowed with inquiries as he sought details about the previous night's events, while Cindy's excitement was palpable upon learning about my rendezvous with Simone. I was uncomfortably aware of our previous collaborative futures, however, our bond was apparent. Yet, we both felt a touch apprehensive about fully investing in another.

Work provided excellent escape on Monday and Tuesday, keeping my mind from speculating over the potential outcome of my Tuesday night date. Regardless, Simone and I shared a powerful bond and my heart continued to race at the prospect of our dawning relationship. However, there existed the possibility of our first date becoming a flop and our connection disintegrating entirely. I swiftly eradicated those thoughts.

In spite of the uncertainty, my mind careened towards potential paths for our union, the happiness we could enjoy - tragically, I was reminiscing about Annie. In stark contrast, Simone's emotional investments wouldn't be time-bound.

After hastily finishing up at work on a Tuesday, I raced home to shower, change, and pack a bag. As I did, I was frequently updating Simone on my progress, hoping to time my arrival perfectly with hers. Mark had filled me in throughout the day, expressing his excitement and reporting her obvious nerves. He told me that she fancied me quite a bit already, so I'd better not mess this up.

I decided against driving to the restaurant since it was only a short walk away from her place. After enjoying dinner, we thought it'd be nice to grab a couple of drinks nearby. Although it was unlikely we'd stay out too late due to our early work schedules the next morning.

When I reached her front door, I breathed a silent sigh of relief on seeing that she was dressed and ready to go. Simone wore a stunning blue and white dress that perfectly highlighted her figure, including her bust and legs. Her glasses added a sexy librarian vibe to her entire appearance.

"Wow," was my immediate reaction.

"You looking pretty dapper yourself, Alex. I rather enjoy your stubble!" she said, rubbing my cheek.

"Really? I thought you'd prefer a beard."

"I certainly like stubble more than a full beard."

"Thanks. Shall we head inside for a moment?"

"Yeah, let me just grab my bag first."

Her home was a quaint terraced house in the inner west. Tidy, but a little cramped, it was bound to fetch a hefty price if she ever decided to sell. We left, making sure she was wearing a jacket before I took her hand. Simone and I strolled towards the main road, heading to one of the many excellent restaurants in the inner-west.

The restaurant I'd picked out had fewer than a dozen tables, and it was already crowded when we arrived. I'd reserved a spot earlier, thankfully, as we were seated at a small table. I upheld old-fashioned courtesy by allowing her to sit first and removing her jacket before joining her. Once we looked over the menu, she asked about our drink preferences.

"Do you like wine?" I queried. "All I saw you drink at her house was cider."

"No, I don't drink wine, but maybe I'll have a glass or two later if we go out for drinks."

"Then how about just a single glass for now?"

"Since this is date number one, you're paying for my meal," she smiled, "I'll gladly make it up by paying for the second date."

"A second date? Already?"

"Yep! Unless you've no interest in date number two, you might as well know. Then, we can divide the cost of our third date, and on date number four, I'll be cooking for you here. That'll ensure you'll spend the night here with me."

Grasping her hand, a familiar smile flashed across her face, our eyes met, and the waitress interrupted our private moment to take our orders. As our food arrived, we fell into an engaging conversation. Simone was thrilled with the meal, commending the chef several times before telling me how swell my taste was.

The curious gaze of other diners followed us as I led her out, my arm casually around her shoulder, her hand resting on my thigh. Simone leaned in for a kiss on the cheek, then held my hand, grinning with pride as if to say, 'There's my dapper boyfriend'.

We headed for a nearby bar specializing in craft cocktails and a chill atmosphere. Simone was keen to pay for my drinks given I'd treated her to dinner.

"What would you like?" she asked after perusing the cocktail menu.

"Does anything tickle your fancy or catch your eye?"

"Oh, there's one."

She ordered two of the same drink. Another kiss ensued as her hand drifted up my leg, flirting with the hem of my shorts. Her eyes sparkled brightly with lust, signaling that she desired me – right now!

"I'm not a fan of outrageously public displays of affection, but I just can't seem to stop myself from wanting to kiss you for the longest time."

After finishing off her third drink, she finally turned to Alex and asked, "Would you like to come back to my place with me?"

"I was starting to wonder when you'd ask," he replied, his smile growing wider.

"It was right at the end of dinner," she confessed. "But this has been such a good time."

As soon as they entered her home, she swiftly locked the front door and led him straight to the master bedroom. Turning around, she flashed him a cheeky grin. "Can you unzip me, please?" she requested.

He obliged, watching as the dress slipped down her body slowly. The back of her bra was revealed, followed by her slightly-tanned butt, her thigh-high stockings, and finally her dress fell to the floor. She kissed him again, her fingers working on the buttons of his shirt while he undid his belt and trousers.

"I've never had sex with someone so much younger than me," she admitted.

"And I've never been with someone with as much maturity as you," Alex replied, careful not to use derogatory language.

"And someone my size?"

"Definitely not," Alex said, running his hands all over her body as they stood facing each other. "You're stunning, Simone."

Simone's grin dissipated for a moment before she looked away. "Can we just... You know... Hold each other tonight? I haven't been held by a man I liked in a very long time," she whispered, her voice filled with longing.

He helped her take off her shoes, then gently peeled off her stockings, taking note of how the gasps escaped her lips every time his fingers dragged up her skin.

"I've never had sex with someone my age before," he told her, making sure he didn't call her 'old'.

Simone looked uncomfortable for a moment but then leaned in to kiss him again, her fingers moving from his shirt to his trousers. "So... Are you into giving oral sex?" she whispered, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Certainly," he said, still trying to be upfront but considerate. "In fact, I love going down on a woman."

"Then my wish is granted," Simone said, a big smile appearing on her face. "I've never been intimate with a man in such a long time."

The following day, Alex woke to find Simone spooning against him. When she felt his erection against her, she moaned softly, her other hand lightly grazing his stomach before landing on his palm.

"You can touch me," she whispered, her body clearly wanting more.

Caressing her skin gently, he moved closer to her, covering one of her breasts with his hand. Simone arched her back, her hips moving gently against his hand, moaning and whimpering in short gasps. He removed her bra before she panted, "Let's not talk about it, just kiss me."

Alex started making his way from her neck to her breasts, leaving soft kisses and nibbles along the way. He then moved down to her torso, pausing at her belly button to admire the gold stud. Finally, he reached the band of her panties, slowly peeling them off to be struck by her incredible scent.

"Oh, my god!" Simone gasped when Alex indulged in making love to her with his mouth. Grasping his hand tightly, she kept whispering, "Please, don't stop... Please, Alex..." She was starting to come apart when he reached her climax and she begged him not to stop.

"You can whenever you want from now on," she breathed, "No one should be so lucky."

Alex kissed her lips one more time before heading off to work. "Let's make it a long weekend," he said.

"I'll come to yours on Friday and stay until Monday," she offered.

When she closed her eyes briefly, she had to avert her gaze as I snuggled up beside her. Instantly, Simone twisted around and hugged me closely. "He cheated on me our entire marriage and almost the whole time we were together," she confessed, "He's the one who ruined me, Alex. I felt like a failure as a woman, as a wife, as a lover... There is no one for me now."

"I'm here for you, Simone."

She shuddered, "I'm afraid because my feelings for you are already so strong. I usually keep people at arm's length, but something about you I just couldn't do that with."

"You wouldn't have been able to push me away, Simone. You deserve love."

She whispered, "I'm already in love with you."

"Simone, I'm even imagining a future together. This is the first time I've felt like this about someone," I admitted.

We managed to rouse ourselves from bed, showering independently since she couldn't trust herself to withhold herself from further intimacy. With a promise to maintain contact till Friday, we shared one final deep kiss and I was about to divulge my feelings, yet thought better of it.

We exchanged numerous texts during the day. Surprisingly, Mark emailed me, urging me to stop messaging her, making it apparent she was preoccupied at work. However, he indicated that she was walking with a perpetual grin on her face, which was extremely contagious. Since she rarely discussed her personal life with her colleagues, her co-workers assumed she had found someone.

She asked what she should wear that night when she called me for lunch. "We're going out for dinner tonight, but I'll cook for you tomorrow night, after I treat you on Saturday," I responded.

"What's your plan?"

"There's an exhibition at UNSW, featuring paintings and sculptures sent over from Europe. I believe that would be something you'd like," I suggested.

"I've always dreamt of visiting Europe's finest galleries..."

"I can't get you to Europe just yet, but I thought a few hours there would be both educational for me and something you'd appreciate."

We agreed that she'd find her own way to my apartment. I was almost ready when she astonished me with a message, asking me to switch on the oven. I was contemplating asking but figured she had a reason for it, so I complied whilst getting dressed. Simone appeared at the door, her head covered and wearing only lingerie, a garter, suspenders, and thigh-high stockings.

"I grabbed Chinese on the way," she explained, looking at my astonished face, "We're not going out tonight, Alex. I'm going to put the food in the oven and then I'm taking you to your bedroom."

In shock, I gathered her overnight bag and placed it on the couch whilst leading her towards my room, placing her bag down. She then slipped her coat off her shoulders. Without a word, she helped me remove my clothes until I was nude, my arousal apparent as she fingers lingered along my member.

"I've wished all week about this, honey..." she breathed as her gaze locked with mine, 'My ex-husband never made me cum like that. No man has. Then again, many men still refuse to go down on a woman.'

"I promised you'd receive the pleasure you deserve, Simone."

With a smile, she knelt before me, my expression turning to shock as she lovingly tugged at my erection. Conceding to her sensual act, I sat down on the edge of the bed. Simone asked, expectantly, "Do you like what I'm wearing?"

"I adore it."

"I enjoy feeling sexy, and you make me feel sexy. The way you regard me, Alex..."

Truly aroused, I hadn't received oral pleasure in some time. My previous girlfriend enjoyed sucking cocks... if it wasn't me, inevitably. Simone, on the other hand, appeared to find oral stimulation highly pleasurable. As she fixed her gaze on mine, I experienced her lips engulfing the head of my penis. After experiencing my climax, she continued to swirl her tongue around before I embraced her for a passionate kiss and snuggle.

"I'll do that more this weekend. And I'm hoping you'd please my pussy too, Alex. I feel so confident again, except when I'm with you like this."

"Listen up, Alex, you're going to need all the energy you can get this weekend. I'm going to ensure you're completely drained by the time I'm off to work on Monday morning."

After a cozy dinner, we snuggled on the couch, watching a movie while Simone made sure my fingers were all over her body. When her underwear was finally off and I was fingering her, we agreed the movie was not that engaging and we quickly made our way back to the bedroom. Her head ended up between my legs again, this time leading to a shattered sense of fatigue when she fell asleep.

In the morning, Simone had brought along a beautiful silk robe that highlighted her legs. She asked if I liked them and I couldn't help but appreciate how tantalizing they looked. With her feet resting on the table, they weren't too big for someone her height.

"You're really into my legs, honey?" she inquired playfully.

"You're my tall goddess, Simone."

"Goddess? I love that." Leaning in for a kiss, she whispered, "You're my short king, Alex. I know that term," she added.

"Don't mind if you call it that," I responded, "I know it's not very tall compared to some people around."

"Just imagine how pleasurable your girlfriend's legs will feel when she wraps them around you during sex. Or maybe how relaxed they'll feel on your shoulders when you're making love to me for the first time," she smirked.

"I never realized I liked legs that much."

"I'm not your ordinary woman," Simone quipped. "The two close friends I've managed to keep will love you. Expect plenty of harmless flirting and teasing when you meet them."

We took the train into the city and then the tram to reach the UNSW main campus. There wasn't a massive crowd at the art gallery. After we paid the entrance fee, we wandered at our leisure around the exhibition, me with no grasp of art and Simone showing a casual interest.

"I've no art genes at all," she mentioned.

We refueled with breakfast at a nearby cafe, holding hands as we explored The Rocks district. Our journey led us to more drinks, then we made our way back to my place.

Simone secretly felt frisky upon our return and had pushed me onto the couch.

"My boyfriend needs to be appreciated," she said as I knelt between her legs. "I'm his girlfriend. I don't play around. That's why I'll be hugging my friend Mark next Monday morning and thanking him for introducing me to you."

"What are you doing to me right now, Simone?" I asked, mesmerized by her daring statements.

"I'm going to take care of my boyfriend's big cock by sucking him until he cums. Then we'll cook up dinner, spend a quiet evening cuddling on the couch. Finally, I want you to make love to me, your girlfriend, for the first time." She leaned in for another kiss. "I'm not afraid anymore because of how I feel about you, Alex."

"That word starting with L," I teased.

"Forget about that word now."

Her talented oral skills pressed me to the brink of climax. Soon, she put my penis away, leading us to the kitchen to prepare dinner. The atmosphere was light and fun. There were frequent kisses and hugs in between cooking tasks.

Simone and I worked combined magic in the kitchen, easily enjoying our meal in a romantic setting, with gentle music playing in the background and a bottle of wine for Simone and cider for me. We then cleared up our mess before returning to the living room.

Our movie was barely halfway through. Simone's legs were wrapped around my torso, indicating her readiness. Stripping my pants off, she straddled my waist and led me to the bedroom. Her pussy was stimulating and juicy, requiring no hesitation as I worshipped her with my tongue.

"Yes, Alex, take care of your tall goddess," she purred, my use of her nickname eliciting a glistening smile.

I didn't just focus on what lay between her legs, my fingers and tongue working together to create pure pleasure throughout her entire body. After ensuring she experienced multiple orgasms, something I've always prioritized in an effort to make the woman I'm with feel as loved as possible, I placed a trail of soft kisses up her body. When I felt the head of my cock press against her pussy, she pleaded, "Please," in a way guaranteed to arouse any man.

We moaned in unison as I slowly entered her. As her eyes started to blink rapidly, I leaned in for a kiss. She obeyed her word and embraced me with her legs as I thrust deeper inside. "Oh god," I groaned.

"You feel incredible inside me," she whispered. "I love you, Alex. I have to tell you now while you're with me like this. I love you."

"I love you, Simone." Without moving, I locked my gaze with hers. "It's what scares me most about this—how strong my feelings are already."

"Make love to me, my love." She proclaimed that we'd be engaged in this act all weekend. "I'll be smiling on Monday morning at the thought of you satisfying me throughout the entirety of it."

It was a harmonious experience. In spite of this being our first time, it felt as though we'd always known how to move in sync. She was tight and burning hot; her fingers desperately stroking my body. Our kisses burned away any existing inhibitions. When I warned her that I was approaching climax, she begged me not to pull out.

"I'm on birth control," she reassured me. "I wanted to feel you explode inside me," she confessed, removing any need for a condom.

"Oh f*ck," I roared.

"That's it, my love. Claim your own."

Half an hour later, she declared that she'd imagined riding me nonstop for days on end. Infatuated with her steps, I couldn't resist her caresses, but it was when my fingers teased her secretly that released the orgasm she'd been eagerly anticipating. Knocked to me, she collapsed onto my chest and wept.

"Big moment," she whispered a little later. "I knew I'd climax during the act. He never cared. I shouldn't have married him."

"We all learn from our mistakes." The implication of leaving him played a significant role in leading Simone to be there with me at that very moment. "And the best thing is that by leaving him, it led to you being here with me today."

Looking down at Simone, I admired the determined look in her eyes. "I'm going to experience multiple orgasms again before you fill me with your semen. Tomorrow is Sunday. All day, I'll be submerged in your semen, Alex. You'd best take your vitamins in the morning."

"You're quite the vixen."

By the time I awoke on Monday morning, Simone was already nuzzled comfortably by my side, my nightstand's contents giving away evidence of her tip-toeing around me. Despite my initial exhaustion, my morning erection mindlessly awoke alongside me, only to last until she gently caressed me, whispering, "I want you to bring me to climax one last time."

I can't deny my girlfriend that kind of pleasure.

The first few weeks of a new relationship should always be filled with that honeymoon euphoria. Between fielding phone calls and texts, we'd exchange incessant messages while apart. On the rare occasions we weren't spending a night together, I'd be besieged with provocative selfies, the content escalating with each passing day.

When we were together, sex was an extension of love. Sex had been this way in previous relationships, and with Simone, while her lovemaking was heavenly, being in love with her, the connection between us, it was abundantly apparent that our sexual encounters were the best I'd ever experienced. Simone often proudly confessed as she rode me, "You're the man I've been waiting for my whole life."

Her loyal group of friends had stood by her side since childhood. I met them within a month of us becoming official, and after learning of her failed marriage, they begged me to never break her heart. I promised them I'd never harm her.

Simone and I were already acquainted with Mark and familiar with my other pals. We were often treated to double dates, and my best friend happened to host parties at his expansive residence featuring a pool. Additionally, I frequently spent more time at Simone's.

When introducing my partner to my family, I didn't have anyone from her side of the family to meet. She expressed how much she wanted to introduce me to them, even saying, "You're a far better man than my ex-husband ever was."

As I drove us to my old home, she was nervous; my parents and siblings knew all about her, and they were eager to hear the details of our relationship. With her hand tightly gripping mine, we approached the front door, and I kissed her, reassuring her that my family would appreciate her and, more importantly, that I loved her unconditionally.

Upon meeting her, my parents took a liking to her right away. They were aware of the age difference, but it wasn't a topic discussed during the entire gathering. My sister, Simone, was immediately accepted as an older sibling. The night was a success, with Simone beaming throughout the drive home. Back at her place, she wore me out with her relentless energy for hours.

A few months into the relationship, she asked me to take a seat when arriving at her house on a Wednesday evening. Feeling curious, I followed her lead and she poured me some cider but kept her wine for herself. Gripping my hand, her eyes filled with tears as she revealed something significant.

"Please move in with me, honey. I don't want to live apart any longer," she said, relieved that I seemed unfazed. "I've been thinking about this for a month. We haven't been dating long enough for many to..."

"When?" I questioned.

Her eyes brightened as she hesitantly suggested, "How about this weekend?"

"What should I bring?"

"Consider this our home, Alex. Bring whatever you want, and we'll discuss it once you're here and settled." As she leaned in to kiss me, she murmured, "I want this to be forever, Alex."

I agreed, "So do I, Simone."

Led to the couch, she sat with me facing each other while holding my hand. "We've discussed the future, Alex. I need to know if you're truly serious about marriage."

"Absolutely. Once I buy you a ring, we can talk more about it."

Not wanting to sell my place, I decided to fix it up and rent it out. I left most of my belongings there and relocated the essentials to her place. Simone was ecstatic the day I moved in, cooking my favorite meal for dinner, followed by making love throughout the night.

As we cuddled afterward, fighting off tears, she declared, "I can't wait for you to make your way towards me in a white dress, my tall and handsome man."

Determined to marry her, I didn't feel hesitant about the commitment. She shared my desire for marriage and family, and the day I moved in didn't drastically change our relationship. We didn't argue much, and the transition from being alone to living together only strengthened our bond.

Simone kept her engagement and wedding rings but kept them out of sight. The only reason I requested to see them was to avoid buying her a ring that might be too similar. I received a kiss on the lips for explaining my reasoning.

"I don't want diamonds," she emphasized, "As long as you've put thought into it, Alex, I don't need an extraordinarily expensive ring. I'm looking forward to our wedding day, but we're also going to focus on our future together, hopefully starting our family soon."

"Wouldn't you want to start trying while you're still single?" I inquired.

This excited her, resulting in a joyful smile and a sizzling kiss. "I'd rather wait until we're married," she clarified, "I want to do this right, and I trust you completely."

My response was a small, understanding smile. "I completely understand."

"It'll never upset me, Simone."

Finding the appropriate ring took some time since I wanted it to be ideal. It involved speaking to more than one jeweler, explaining what I imagined Simone would prefer, until I had the ring that was just right in my possession. Upon acquiring said ring, I called Mark and asked Cindy to be present for the conversation. I knew Simone would cherish this moment, so I believed it would be even more unforgettable if her dear friends were there to share it.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure everyone is there," Mark promised.

"She'll adore this, knowing what went down with her family. Gathering her close friends will only make it more significant," Cindy agreed.

Discussing the forthcoming barbeque with Mark a few days later over dinner came as no surprise, as we often visited them. Keeping the plan a secret from Simone was tough because I couldn't contain my anticipation at the thought of proposing to her. I had shared the news with my mother and sisters, who would all be at the engagement ceremony on Saturday.

The weekend before the celebration where I would propose, I started to worry that Simone might have accidentally figured out what was going on when she treated me to a full day out on Saturday, which included visiting a restaurant I favored, then stopping by my favorite brewery for a drink, and concluding the day by taking me home, sitting me down on the couch, and performing the sexiest striptease I'd ever seen before kneeling between my legs, taking me in hand.

"I adore you so much, darling," she whispered, leaning up to give me a tender kiss. "However, I must inquire. To whom does this belong?"

"To you, Simone. Yesterday, today, forever," I answered.

"I understand... and my body will always belong to you... just the two of us, I'll give it a try no matter how uncomfortable it feels. I'm your girlfriend. One day, I hope to be your fiancé and then your wife. But in private, I'll be your naughty girl if that's what you wish," she stated.

"I think my dirty girl needs to take care of me before I make love to her and worship her as I always do."

She had to wake me up late the following morning since she'd completely drained me the day before. Spending a large portion of the Sunday at home resting was typical, and considering my previous relationships, nothing came close to the partnership I had with Simone.

"Are we bringing anything other than our usual stuff?" she enquired as the day of the get-together approached.

"I don't think so. You've got the salad down, I've got the steaks we like. I've got a dozen beers, and you've got some wine. We've got the towels," I answered.

"And to further pamper my man, I'll wear a hot bikini," she mentioned.

"Perhaps we'll have a little fun while we're there, if you know what I mean," I commented.

She raised my chin with her index finger. "Maybe I'll need to be horny for my guy while he's behind the wheel," she proposed seductively.

"You know I adore it when you put on a show for me, watching the fire in your eyes as you're being ravished."

"We could finish each other off before getting home and then worship each other as we always do," she teased.

"There might not be enough time..."

Laughing, Simone lightened the mood by placing a peck on my lips. "Sadly, arriving with my pussy stuffed with your cum would garner unwanted attention from others. While I'm not ashamed of how much I cherish you, and the fact that our sex life is heavenly, I don't want an abundance of inquisitive questions about why your cum is dribbling down my thighs," she explained. "It's important for me to always be yours," she stated, caressing my chest. "And I remember promising you that you would never wear a condom with me. You'll always impregnate my womb, honey."

Growling, I reciprocated her apparent playfulness. "I can't help it, Simone; you're the death of me."

"Well," she said with a chuckle, "the day I'm not aroused by you is the day that I'm dead."

Everybody was happy to see us as always, but Simone seemed a tad surprised that my family and sisters were present. Mark's parents, too, were in attendance since they had known about my split with Annie for some time and had seen Simone a few times. They advised me to place a ring on her finger, as did most females in my life.

The night was rocking as I approached Mark to signal that I was ready to propose. With a small box in hand, the crowd around us hushed as I made my way toward Simone, who was deep in conversation with Cindy, the perfect distraction while I prepared myself. Cindy nudged Simone, indicating my presence, and she turned to face me, beaming a smile as I dropped to one knee before her. I didn't even have to ask before her lips locked onto mine in a powerful kiss.

"Yes," she said softly, "I'll answer any question you have," she declared triumphantly. "Absolutely, one hundred percent yes." She laughed a little at my surprise. "Did you have a speech prepared?"

"It doesn't matter—you already gave me the response I was seeking. I suppose I should still ask the question, though."

"I love you, Alex," she replied without hesitation.

"Will you marry me, Simone?"

Though she'd already said yes, the words from me made her lower lip quiver as I showed her the ring and placed it onto her rapidly shaking hand. After delicate kiss, I held her in my arms. "How soon can we get married?" she asked in my ear.

"You decide."

"I don't want a big wedding. I've already experienced one, and it's not worth the hassle. All I care about is that you're my husband at the end of the day."

We talked about my mother's involvement in the wedding plans, and also agreed that my sisters should share in the organization. "It's not only about the bride," she reminded me.

The rest of the night was a blast, as the joy from everyone in the room was palpable. Simone couldn't stop smiling, showing off her engagement ring. I was content with standing back and enjoying the festivities. The wedding ceremony was our day, but it felt like Simone's spotlight. I would do anything to see her smiling.

"Fuck me, fiance," she moaned in bed, "I hope I still keep my title as tall goddess."

"You'll always be my tall goddess."

Planning the wedding was a relatively simple process. Since we weren't religious, we merely needed to find a venue. After considering our options, we decided on a park hall, where we'd nearly certainly get some breathtaking outdoor photographs. For the reception, we wanted to avoid doing any of the planning ourselves. Finally, we agreed to host it at a favorite restaurant, and were thrilled when the owners—who were friendly acquaintances—agreed to close down for our event.

"Do you want a bachelor party?" Simone asked one night in bed.

"No," I answered.

"Why not?" she inquired, intrigued at my sudden decision.

"Because I'm not mourn losing my bachelor status. I'm content to be married, and a night out with my friends for food and drinks is sufficient."

"But what about a bachelorette party?"

We spent the evening in a friend's home, binging on food, drinking wine, and chatting about sex the entire time. "I'll sing praises of your great sexual performance for everyone, my fiance."

"You're not gonna resist?"

"I'll never say no to your prowess."

Despite having similar opinions on our wedding plans, there was a minor disagreement. Simone wanted to make certain I held sincere thoughts rather than going along with decisions just to please her. "I want your honest opinion," she insisted. "I need to know you have my best interests at heart."

Knowing Simone, I agreed to work on things together—from the invitations to the decorations. She allowed my input when it was offered. "We have to consider my groom too," she stressed.

The sun shone the morning of our wedding, making for a lovely day to capture photographs. Simone remained at home with her friends while I stayed with Mark, sharing beers and stories about our lives until then.

Upon meeting the celebrant at the venue of the ceremony, Mark, my best man, was standing beside me. As Simone came into sight wearing her white dress, I managed to maintain my composure despite the temptation to break into tears. Her dress was strikingly beautiful, complementing her already attractive features. When her eyes met mine, she hurriedly approached my father and requested his handkerchief.

Holding her hands, she stood noticeably taller than me in her heels. I'd expected some light-hearted remarks from onlookers regarding my height, but I'd never cared from the moment I met her, and witnessing her in the dress she had chosen for our wedding, prepared to spend a lifetime with me, I couldn't help but be turned on by her beauty.

During the photo session following the ceremony, I didn't want her to take off her heels or do anything else that would make me look taller. The photographer had anticipated the height difference between us based on our previous encounters and skillfully captured images accordingly.

It was only when we had a moment alone, allowing everyone to move to the restaurant for the reception, that my wife needed a hug, as the absence of her family still weighed heavily on her. She had never fully forgiven her sister, and the silence of her parents who had allegedly remained neutral only made things worse.

"You do have a mother and father," I whispered, comforting her. "They've considered you their daughter since the day we met, mainly because they knew how much you loved me."

"Maybe in the future, if we have children... I've been thinking about this... I couldn't invite them to the wedding today because I still blame them somehow for what happened. Their alleged neutrality seemed like approval of it."

"It's your wedding day. Let's address this issue when we return home from our honeymoon."

"Okay..." She hesitantly took my hands, "Honey... I might contact them. I'll need your support."

"As your husband, I'll always support you."

The reception was nothing short of amazing. The food was truly delectable. Everyone was having a great time. The speeches were made to uphold certain traditions, and the first dance was amusing for some spectators since my wife was much taller than me. As the party commenced in earnest, we planned to leave in the early hours for our honeymoon. We bid farewell to all the guests, and my wife, overcome with emotion, started crying. My parents embraced her tightly, welcoming her into their family as their daughter instead of an "in-law."

Her mood lifted when we checked into our honeymoon suite.

"Wife..." She turned and smiled at me, "You've been calling me that for weeks now, right?"

"I am fully aware of your intentions, husband."

Approaching me, she placed her hands on my chest and gave me a tender kiss on the cheeks. "I've thrown away all my birth control pills," she said softly, "We've been intimate up to our wedding, but I've been timing my menstrual cycle. There's a possibility that I'll be at my most fertile during our honeymoon."

We'd both made visits to the doctor. Given Simone's age, we wanted to ensure she could conceive without complications and that her pregnancy would be healthy. I had simply gone to ensure I fathered healthy children. The doctors had predicted a high likelihood that I'd impregnate my wife without any issues.

Spending a week on a Pacific Island with my bride was the ideal way to conclude the process of wedding planning and the issues that came along with it. The only time she wore more than a bikini was when we had dinner at one of the resort's restaurants.

"You're going to get me pregnant," she moaned while straddling me on our final night, "If you haven't already. I'm amazed by the amount of your cum inside me. It almost feels like it's constantly leaking out."

"I eagerly anticipate your pregnancies. You'll look incredibly attractive."

"Even if I'm overweight and unattractive?"

"You'll never be anything but beautiful to me. As my wife and the mother of our children, you're destined for greatness."

"Will you continue having sex with me even when I'm pregnant?"

"Of course. The thought of denying sex with you is unthinkable."

While turning her onto her back, she embraced my legs, sighing loudly as she just experienced an orgasm. For the final few nights, our lovemaking escalated, reaching intensities neither of us imagined possible. Instead of regretting the consequences of our fervent passion, she requested, "Absolutely knocked me up. I'm going to be pregnant when we get home. You're going to make love to me every day and night until the test tells me I am pregnant."

>"My wife is insatiable."

>"Although she's still somewhat unnerved by how deeply in love she is with you, once you're inside her, she feels nothing but your devotion for her..." She leaned in for a kiss. "Impregnate me, dear. I wish to bear our child. I yearn to exercise my role as a mother, as much as I crave to be a mother myself. Provide me with a baby!"

Given the ordinary life we led after our return, the situation created no hardships. In fact, now and again, I would observe her admiring her left hand before glancing at me, and before I knew it, she'd be all over me, overwhelmed with affection. She could not remember a time in her life she was happier as she frequently asserted. I would usually respond by stating my happiness but struggled to sum it up properly.

Later, upon returning home from work, I found her at ease on the sofa, her exuberance evident in her expression whenever she relayed to me she was pregnant. While the physician recommended it most likely occurred during our honeymoon, in a fit of amusement I suggested to my wife whilst taking her in my arms, "The first of hopefully three."

*****

Epilogue

Our trio of children were exceptionally loud, demonstrating their excitement. Our eldest girl, Chloe, considered herself the boss and knew I could not refuse her requests. Fortunately, her mother understood that although they walked all over me when utmost control was not needed, they could also convey strict authority when necessary. our youngest boy, Thomas, looked up to his older sister and cherished his little sister, Natalie. My wife and I deemed the group 'The Three Musketeers', as we believed these three would coordinate to force their will on us.

"They'll be here soon," I announced, my wife similarly preparing the salad. "I've laid out the meat."

"Ok," she uttered quietly, and I could sense her anxiety. My wife averted her gaze to blink intensely. Instructionally, I embraced her, and she almost collapsed into my arms. "I love you, darling," I cooed softly, and ensured she'd stop dwelling on the three nuisances.

Natalie, a cute girl of three, inquired inquisitively, "Why is Mummy crying?"

Distracting her, my wife nuzzled into me, "These are joyful tears, sweetheart," she clarified our youngest daughter, "Your grandparents are coming to visit us!"

It's worth noting that my Mother and Father were simply known as 'Grandad' and 'Grandma', while her parents had been gifted the titles 'Nanna' and 'Pop'. This necessitates explanation. Eager to share news of our lives, Simone divulged on social media when her second daughter, Chloe, was born. Consequently, we were certain my father knew about our marriage and their grandkids.

Six months after welcoming Chloe into the world, he came to pay us a visit, and soon thereafter introduced himself to me, followed by asking to greet his daughter. At the sight of her father, Simone disintegrated in tears. They engaged in tense, drawn-out embraces on our living room floor, with her father weeping pathetically as he repeatedly expressed sorrow over their estrangement.

One discovery followed another over the ensuing weeks. Her father detested her sister's partner and was not present for her wedding. When he distinguished himself at the ceremony, he neglected to perform the role of his eldest daughter's father, instead remarking, >"Your sister was also carrying our first grandchild and she felt unable to let us go. While she participated in your marriage ceremonies, she preferred not to sever ties with her sister."

"She's never uttered a single apology, Dad," Simone angrily interjected.

Her father revealed, "She's been engulfed with sorrow ever since you expelled us from your home, Simone. She feels as though she has no daughters. Your sister and her spouse... They're bad parents, and despite our affection for our grandchildren, it's evident they've severed all ties with us."

Throat cleared, both pairs of eyes fixated on me as I intertwined my wife's fingers. "Ask your mother to join us for dinner," I proposed encouragingly. "I believe it's crucial for you both to reconnect and mend your relationship."

"What I do every time I go home is share our experiences with her. She's eager to see you again and can't wait to meet her grandson and your spouse."

The day mother and daughter were reunited was teary-eyed, necessitating an overflow of tissues. Unforeseen tearful torrents ensued, surprising me as I observed the room begin to flood. Harsh recriminations were traded, her mother enduring the brunt of it as my wife released all the toxic emotions during their first meeting. However, she clutched her mother dearly, embracing her tenderly as the pair sobbed together once more.

The dynamics between mother and daughter didn't change overnight, but within half a year, Simone was meeting her mother fortnightly for lunch in a bid to establish a rapport. While I was simultaneously getting along splendidly with her father. During the initial meeting of the two families, my parents maintained a welcoming stance, aware of the history and ready to facilitate a harmonious atmosphere. The mothers meshed beautifully, while the fathers hit it off over the usual guy hobbies middle-age men enjoy.

Having both sets of grandparents who were willing to babysit gave Simone and me the opportunity to relish some moments alone. We'd drop off the offspring on a Friday afternoon and return home on a Sunday afternoon, relishing the occasional private time to reignite the spark in our marriage. Although we experienced intense longing for our kids, we were grateful for the snippets of privacy to rekindle our relationship. I'd given the snip rather promptly after Natalie's birth, precluding the possibility of any more offspring.

My wife still felt a torrent of affection for everyone, overflowing in unexpected ways. As we labored to get the backyard in order, I handed her a glass of wine to steady her nerves before the front doorbell rang, and our first guests arrived.

We cherished hosting get-togethers with friends and family. Cindy and Mark had become close friends, and their children bonded with ours. My wife's parents and my family turned up as well, both my sisters now married with their own families. Amid this vibrant gathering of family and friends, kids, laughter, and chatter, my wife would still seek me out for our private moment of expression.

Despite the progress of our marriage, welcome of additional family members, and the challenging realities of modern life, Simone and I continued to set time aside for each other daily to emphasize the depth of our love. There was never any conflict. We always parted on generous terms, affirming our eternal love. And we cherished each moment we shared with our family.

I knew, unwaveringly, that she would remain my towering goddess through life's duration.

Read also:

• Chapter 7 of Barry the Lodger
• Meeting Up with Beth Again

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