We woke about three, showered quickly without getting our hair wet, and wandered over to the patio instead of fixing our own supper. The people were fun to be around and Sandy and I both wanted to be around them.
There were boxes of pizza, wings, and mini-calzones. The big guy named Charlie, who had the redheaded wife named Shawna, said, "This is only the first batch. We get some real early and a big bunch around six or seven, eat up, enjoy."
While we were snacking and having a beer in an icy mug, I suggested to Sandy, "Would you like to go with me to deliver some Valentine's cards? I need to take cards to my mom and sisters; do you want to come with me?"
"Neat," Sandy, my girl, said, "I have a card for my mom. I was going to ask to borrow your car so I could deliver it. You can meet her now. We'll have to be careful talking about our new place together. She probably wouldn't think that us moving in with each other is a good idea. What she doesn't know today won't hurt her. She'll find out soon enough."
We drove to some condos in Town and Country. Sandy called before we arrived to tell her mom she was coming. She didn't say she was bringing a friend.
When we went to the door, Sandy just unlocked it with her key, and we walked in to find her mom in front of an ironing board in only her bra and brief panties. Sandy exclaimed, "Mom, put some clothes on."
She looked up and blushed bright red. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "The damage has been done. He's already seen everything, anyway." She did leave the room and came back wearing a fluffy robe.
Sandy's mom was built a lot like Sandy, with a little wider hips and a little fuller top. She wasn't that old, or at least didn't look very old. When Sandy introduced me as Santana or Sandy Flowers, her mom looked at me very strangely. She said, "Really? You're not kidding? Sandy Flowers?"
Sandy laughed, "Really, Mom. People are already referring to us as the Sandies."
Mrs. Flowers said, "He'll just have to call you by your real name, Sandra. You know I like that better."
"Oh Mom, you just want me to be formal. Should Sandy call you Mabel, Ann, or Mrs. Flowers? I think your first name would be best."
Mrs. Flowers came over to me and jabbed her finger into my chest, "If you call me Mabel, you better be running out that door when you do, or you won't be calling anybody anything."
I had to laugh, "Gotcha, I suppose you're known as Ann."
She smiled, "Call me that or whatever. So how long have you two been going together?"
Sandy said, "It seems we've known each other forever, Mom. We are really what you would call soul mates. We have more than our names in common. We're even going to be working at the same company."
"Oh good," Mrs. Flowers exclaimed, "You've got a job. What will you be doing, where's it at, who's it with?"
Sandy laughed, "Take it easy, Mom, you knew I would get a job, it was just when, that was the problem. I'm going to work for Quality Wear clothing out near Lutz. They also are that company, Big Girls Clothes dot com. I'll be working with their attorney and some guy named Moleson, preparing presentations and reviewing contracts."
"Sounds like a good job, Sandra, how much cut in pay from your last job do you have to take?"
"None, Mom," Sandy said. "They're paying me more than I used to make at the law office."
"That's wonderful, Sandra. I guess that means you won't be moving home now. I was looking forward to having you back with me for a while."
Sandy patted her mother's hand, "I'm a big girl now, Mom, and need to be on my own. I'll have you over for dinner soon. You'll see that I can now cook too."
Mrs. Flowers looked at me and asked, "Does she cook for you too?"
I said honestly, "Not yet, but we have been eating together regularly. I live out at a place where a lot of people get together to eat with each other."
Mrs. Flowers asked, "You mean like a commune? One of those free love places, something like that?"
It was my turn to laugh, "No, just a great group of people that live and work together. They are a wonderful group."
"I'll have to meet these people. It sounds too idealistic to be real," Sandy's mom said.
"Well, Mom," Sandy said as she got up and gave her mom a hug, "I just stopped by to give you a card for tomorrow. I'll call you." She paused, "We have to deliver some cards to Sandy's sisters and mother."
When we were in the car on the way to my folk's place, out off Gunn Highway, Sandy said, "That went well. We did it. We didn't let any cats out of the bag. I didn't tell her about my car, as she could have put a lot of twos together if she knew I didn't have transportation."
I called out to Mom and Dad's and found out that my sisters and my brother, with my sister-in-law, were all at the house for the weekly Sunday evening get together. That was perfect. I didn't have to traipse around the county hunting down sisters. Thank goodness I had a Valentine for my sister-in-law. I had a small box of candy for each of the women as well.
I walked in the door, ushering Sandy in. My dad saw the new face and immediately got up to come to us. I said, "Sandy, my dad, Jack Flowers. Everyone calls him Sarge. Dad, this is Sandra, or Sandy Flowers."
My dad gave a hearty laugh, "Really? My son has found another Flowers. Nice to meet you, Sandy Flowers."
"Oh great," came from my brother, also Jack, "Another Sandy Flowers. Just what we need, dual Sandies."
My mother came into the room with her warm smile, wiping her hands on her ever-present apron, "Hi, I'm Irene, the mom of this menagerie." She stuck out her hand and added, "I heard, another Sandy is in our midst."
My sisters, Cathy and Cindy were now standing by dad. I introduced Sandy to them and then to Marsha, Jack junior's wife. Like magic, mom spirited Sandy and the other three women off to the kitchen, leaving me with Dad and Jack.
Dad elbowed me as we went toward the couch, "She's a looker, Kid. I'll bet she hotter'n a firecracker too, just like your mom."
"Oh Dad," I said, with a groan, "Too much information. Moms are those sweet little ladies that wear aprons and give you cookies."
Jack Jr. was rolling his eyes, "Right, like they had four kids just so she could feed us cookies. They did manage to get it right the first time though."
That was to continue telling me how wonderful Jack was, and that he was the oldest, as if I hadn't heard it all before.
Dad chuckled, "Junior, you're such a blowhard. Be like Sandy and be the quiet sexy guy that gets the good looking women."
Jack protested, "Marsha's a fox. She was Miss Florida State our senior year, and she's still a knockout."
"Yeah, yeah, and how many kids has the knockout knocked out? You need to get some on the deck here pretty soon. Your brother is probably going to beat you with his lady, right, Son?" Dad was laughing as he slapped me on the leg.
Jack said, "Well, Cathy and Cindy should be getting married again soon and having kids this time. They're party girls though, and aren't interested in marriage again. It'll happen, Dad, and you'll be swarmed with grandchildren."
"Damn, I sure hope so," Dad said.
I still had a handful of Valentine Day cards and a bag of boxes of candy, so I got up and went to the kitchen. When I walked in, Cathy saw me and hushed everyone up. I gave Mom a kiss, her card, and the largest box of candy. "Happy Valentine's Day, Mom. Save it until tomorrow."
I gave each of my sisters a card and small box of candy and received a hug and kiss from each. Those two were built and good-looking, and I'm sure they turned some heads.
When I handed Marsha a card and box of candy, she grabbed me in a full body hug and kissed me on the lips far more passionately than a sister-in-law should. "Oh, Sandy, that is so sweet. Thank you, now my Valentine's Day will be complete."
Mom said, "That was some lip lock you put on Sandy in front of his girl. Are you trying to be competition?"
Marsha blushed and said, "No, just thinking about the conversation we were having. That was special of Sandy to include me for Valentine's Day."
Cindy asked, "What did you get for Sandy for tomorrow? Flowers? Candy? What?"
"You'll have to wait and see. From the way you women had your heads together, I'm sure you'll find out."
Cathy said, "You know we've always told mom everything. Marsha even talks to mom about everything too. We're tight, and we have each other's ear."
Sandy said, "They are really open with each other. They do make me feel like I belong."
Cindy said, "She does fit, you better keep this one. I think you found one better looking than your sisters. Who would believe the geek of the week would have a good looking lady like you, Sandy?"
Sandy, my girl, grinned, "Where you see geek, I see stud."
Mom beamed, "She sounds just like your dad and me. I think he's a stud and he proves it all the time."
"Mom," Cathy moaned, "You're always talking so nasty, raunchy, or something. Moms don't talk like that."
Mom said, "You can tell me about every Tom, Dick, or Harry you've experimented in bed with and I can't say how great your dad is? I don't think so. I'm here to tell you, if you were to run into a guy like your dad, you better jump his body and keep him."
Sandy was laughing as my sisters and I were blushing. Mom got up, gave me a hug, and asked as she touched the bandage on my head, "What in the world happened to you?"
I said, "The apartment manager became radical when I was getting my deposit back. I said something to made her mad and she threw a big ashtray at me. I don't think she meant to hit me but she did."
Sandy said, "She's paying for it to. The ashtray broke a glass door after it bounced off Sandy, that's why Sandy's hands have those cuts. The police arrested her too."
Mom said, "Wow, you've had some excitement. Are you okay? Are you cut bad?"
I didn't want to tell mom that I had a cracked skull so I didn't mention it. Sandy was good to hold that information back as well.
Mom was standing behind me with her hands on my shoulders and said, "We're about to have some roast beef sandwiches, want to join us?"
Marsha said, "Jack brought some Guinness for all of us. Stay and have some hot roast beef with us."
I looked at Sandy; she smiled and nodded. As soon as I did, there was a flurry of activity. The five women began getting plates and flatware out, while some began preparing the food. Marsha and Sandy set the table, Mom was making gravy, Cindy was pulling a big tray of French fries from the oven, and Cathy was putting little bowls of salad on the table. Mom said, "Sandy, you, my son Sandy, slice the meat. Not too thin, not too thick, you know how I like it."
Dad and Jack wandered into the kitchen to check on the good smells that were permeating the house. Jack immediately started getting out bottles of Guinness. He asked Sandy, "You're the only one I don't know well, are you up for a Guinness with your meal? It's almost a Sunday night tradition around here."
Sandy said, "That would be great. Sounds good."
We all sat down to a juicy, sloppy open roast beef sandwich with some crisp fries and a salad. We all ate and drank our beer without a lot of conversation. Mom decided to liven up the party. "Sandy, or Sandra here, said that the two of them have rented a place together up in north county, up near Lutz. She said both of them have been hired by that company, S&S, although she says she's going to be working for Quality Wear Clothing. What do you think about that?"
I was shocked that Sandy disclosed so much to my family.
Cathy sighed, "Even the nerd is shacking up. Next thing you know he'll be bouncing kids on his knee."
Cindy said with a smile, "If he wasn't my brother, I'd be boffing him, that's for sure. He is cute and he's so damn smart. I don't think any of us kids would have gotten through math in high school if the boy wonder hadn't helped."
While nudging Marsha, Jack said, "She's right, Sandy was the only one who understood any of that stuff. He was so far ahead of everyone else that he really did help us."
I gave Jack his due, "Well, I never was the athlete you were. I was just never thick enough to be a football player. Thank goodness for baseball, or I would have been the real geek."
Dad said, "Not to worry, Kid. You were a hell of a ballplayer. You could have gone pro according to several scouts, but you wanted to continue on in school. You probably did right, as look what you know now."
Mom said, "He knows he has a good thing in Sandra here. I'm glad he's finding a partner."
Dad grinned, "Me too, I was getting worried about the guy. He wasn't chasing nearly enough for a guy his age."
"Now, Sarge," Mom said, "You didn't chase very long. I caught you early on your quest to populate the earth."
This caused some laughter. That's when mom really blew me away.
"Well, our Sandy might be doing some of that too, if these two continue. His Sandy says she's not trying to stop anything because it feels so right to keep doing what they're doing."
How about them apples? That's your mom speaking there. Got a hole I can crawl into?
What's this? Sandy, the girl, is grinning along with the other three young women at the table. Isn't there anything sacred around this family?
Jack said, "If you knock her up, I'll borrow you to do Marsha. The way she moons over you, she'd probably like to try you on for size."
I was rolling my eyes as Sandy was laughing quietly. I'm going to brain everyone in about a second.
Mom muttered under her breath, "Probably be a good idea."
I don't think what she said carried very far, but it did to Marsha who looked at me and winked. Sandy saw the wink and elbowed me.
This was the meal from hell. Christ almighty, I have to get out of here.
When we finished our sandwiches, I said, "We really need to get home to get ready for our first day at work tomorrow. I need to get some clothes ready and shine my shoes." I pushed back my chair and stood, hoping Sandy would follow my lead.
Everyone stood, and as Sandy and I were getting ready to leave, each of my sisters gave me a very intimate hug and kiss, then Marsha did another tonsil test on me. Mom hugged me and whispered, "I won't kiss you that way. I'm saving it for your dad." That got a smile from me. They all thanked me for the Valentine cards.
I shook Jack's hand and then gave dad a hug. Sandy got hugs from everyone, and gave dad a kiss on the cheek. I was thankful to be escaping my really funny, but wonderful, family.
In the car going home, I questioned Sandy, "You told them everything, right down to no protection. Don't we have any secrets?"
Sandy said, "Not with your mom and sisters. They are all so open with each other, and as you know, she doesn't hide very much. She did tell us that Jack came about three months early as your dad and mom had only been married about six months by then. She also said that as soon as they tried each other out, they were like bunnies. If your dad had a pass or leave from the army, they were in bed."
I groaned, "Too much information."
Sandy grinned, "I also know your mom had to threaten your sisters to keep them out of your pants when you were all growing up at home. It was a good thing they all talk together, as both of the girls wanted to notch their bedposts with you. Apparently they were both on the pill by fourteen and figured you would be fun to play with. I gave them the scoop. I told them you did me so good, I passed out."
I groaned again, "You said this to my mother?"
"They all loved to hear it. Your sisters drooled and your mom was proud. She kept saying you're a chip off the old block. I thought Marsha was going to have an orgasm sitting at the table. That girl really wants to try you out. I'll have to watch her."
Another groan, "I'll never be able to go home again."
"Oh, come on, your dad thinks you should be doing this sort of thing and I think he likes me."
I said, "What's not to like?"
Sandy said, "I mean, he likes that you and I are hot together. Come on, we're a match. I have to believe we were meant to be."
With another groan, "Is that why you were telling them we might be making babies. Are we stupid, dumb, or what?"
"Sandy," Sandy said, "You know how good we've been together. You know how every hour we've been together we've found out how much we are meant to be. Besides, your mom and dad were expecting before they tied the knot. In this day and time, unmarried people have babies all the time."
Sandy leaned over and kissed me on the cheek, but what got my attention was the hand that moved up my thigh to rest on my bulging zipper. That's when Sandy killed me, "I told them you were really big, really hung."
Oh no! Oh shit!
"Your mom told us all that you are just like your dad. She said when you were in diapers, she used to pick your little thing up and say you were going to grow up to be bigger than your dad."
I was going to have a very serious chat with my mom if I didn't croak from humiliation or embarrassment first.
When we let ourselves into our new home, I did feel as if we, Sandy and Sandy, were home. I pulled her to me and said, "My family is too open and you just fell in with them. You'll have to get your mom over there so the two moms can compare notes."
Sandy said, "As much as I don't want her to know my business, it would be good for her to learn how open some families are. If she was there today, she would have had a stroke and then been drooling right along with your sisters and sister-in-law. Your mom's probably drooling over the idea that you are the youthful Jack, or Sarge, reincarnated."
We both went into our big closet and pulled out what we were going to wear tomorrow. I figured on slacks, white shirt, tie, with a sport coat on the arm, if necessary. I would learn more how to dress tomorrow.
Sandy had another suit out that she said would look good with a nice knit top she had. She said it would look good without the jacket if it was appropriate.
My shoes were already shined, so I didn't have to do anything. I had clean underwear and socks for tomorrow and a couple of days into the week, so I was ready.
Sandy arranged some makeup on the shelf above one of the double sinks. There was a little rolling stool under the counter that was probably used for makeup.
We were snuggled into bed by ten. Sandy threw a leg over me and began kissing me. She said, "Come on, Lover. I think we need to pack me with some more of your good stuff. You know if Jack might be sterile, you could be too. We probably aren't doing anything but feeling great."
Somehow, I knew better. But did that deter me? Did that keep me from making love to this woman? Did that keep me from filling her with Mother Nature's elixer? Not a chance.
Sandy and I made each other totally happy in a very short period of time. We rested a while, continued to kiss, and repeated the loving process until we almost decided to change the sheets. It smelled so good in the bedroom that our libidos had us once again rutting like animals. We were really doing it good, and with no protection.
An alarm was going off. I didn't set any. I don't even have one. I wake up on my own at six to six thirty every day.
The noise went away and loving lips began kissing my neck. The kisses continued down my neck and chest until lips were locked around my morning interest. This was too good to waste, so I picked Sandy up and turned her until we were toes to nose so I could enjoy her too.
In just a couple of minutes, Sandy was near spraying me while I was filling her mouth. She spun around on me and kissed me, sharing the taste of what I had given her. The kisses continued until she was impaled on me. She was sliding up and down until she said, "Roll me over and do me. Do me, Lover."
I did and I did. In seconds, we were both reaching the second orgasm of the morning. When we relaxed, Sandy said, "Now we'll really have to wash these sheets. Probably the mattress pad too."
I noticed the alarm clock as we headed to the bathroom. It was showing five fifty-nine. Sandy said, "I hope you don't mind that I set the alarm a little early. I wanted to do what we did. Let's shower now, as Nancy said that we should come to breakfast in jeans or shorts, and change before we go to work. I think they have a cart for us to ride in to work."
We did our bathroom stuff and were in and out of the shower in record time. We did strip the bed and stuff the sheets into the washer. Both of us put on jeans and T-shirts to walk over to the patio. Before we left, I handed Sandy the card I had for her. She opened and read it before giving me a very warm hug and kiss. She dug in her purse and came out with a card for me.
We have the same idea about Valentine's Day. Hers to me was also simple, lots of hearts with cupid notching an arrow. It said, "Be my Valentine, or else."
I gave Sandy a kiss. We were ready for the day.
As we walked out of our place, Stormy was coming up the street. He waved and pointed to Shirley's house. He knocked on her door, and Betty and Shirley both came out. Shirley said, "You two have to know, Betty never gets up this early. We have some things to do this morning, so we're going to go eat with Stormy."
Sandy and Stormy were signing as we walked to the patio. Shirley said, "Stormy really likes the idea of someone else talking to him. We have a deaf boy here too that is one of the welders and sheet metal men. He'll be happy to know someone else can talk with him."
The patio was packed. There were decorations over the house door and big red paper hearts hanging from the ceiling. Everyone seemed to be in a festive mood with lots of hugs wishing each other happy Valentine's Day.
When Sandy and I sat she said, "This place is wonderful. If we weren't in a good mood before we came, we would be by now. This is a great way to get ready for the day.
A tall dark lady with a couple of kids introduced herself as Deanna and said, "You're right. This is the best way to start the day. It always makes me happy and I know it helps me to do a better job at work."
At the table, Henry came over to us and said, "When you're dressed for work, come back over and ride to work with Nancy and me. I'll have the secretary at the R&D center get you a cart. If you would, you two ride together in the future or whoever doesn't have the cart, ride with someone else. That way, there aren't too many carts at your place."
Sandy and I went home and dressed for our first day. We put the freshly washed sheets into the dryer and headed to the patio. Back at the patio Henry and Nancy rode up in their cart and waved at us. We rode over to the big Quality Wear buildings. Nancy said, "You two need to go to the cafeteria building. Go through the cafeteria to the double doors that say theatre. Someone will be there to take your name. You may be too early. If you are, just go back into the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. Coffee is always free."
The cafeteria building was as big as the rest of the buildings. The first floor housed the cafeteria, the first floor of the day care center, and we now found out, the theatre.
When we walked into the theatre, a lady met us with a clipboard. She asked for our company ID cards and when we showed them, she marked us off her list. She said, "We won't begin until eight thirty, so you can go have a coffee if you want, or you can take a seat and read the literature I put out for you."
I looked at Sandy. She looked at me and said, "I've had enough coffee, let's read what they have."
We sat as close to the front as we could and read the information about the various companies. They had brochures for several different companies and products, and even a small catalog of some kind of special tools. There was a three-page history of the companies. It told of how Steve Sharp started out with a welding shop and just kept growing. It told of how Sue Sharp had started her business out of her home with an Internet mail order business. There were multiple instances where it said someone took advantage of an opportunity. There was a constant theme that the companies' success was because of everyone striving for perfection.
Sandy said to me, "This company grew fast, didn't it? Can you believe how many people work for them now? S&S has factories in Canada, Europe, Hawaii, and now, Guam."
I said, "According to this, they have an air charter service, a pilot training school, and even a helicopter charter service. They have a boat charter service with fishing guides, as well as a sailboat charter group. They are really diverse."
"I'm really interested in the information about the military clothing contracts," Sandy said. "That's a tough, competitive business. I wonder how they win bids if they pay good wages like everyone is telling us they do."
"Did you see this," I said, pointing at the pamphlet for R&D. "They are working on miniaturization of electric turbines and generators, as well as power storage and batteries. They also have several projects in progress right now concerning electric cars. I guess that if they produce electric and gas carts, they might want to extend their time between charges. I'm getting excited."
Sandy said, "We're lucky. I'm really glad we came out here."
"Me too."
There were about forty people gathered in the theatre this morning. In this economy, that is a lot of new hires.
Henry came to the podium and said, "Welcome to S&S Enterprises and Quality Wear products, everyone. My name is Henry Sharp. You would usually be greeted by either Steve or Sue Sharp, but they are traveling this morning, so you get me, Steve's big brother. Let me tell you a little about Steve and Sue and these great companies."
Henry spoke for almost two hours with a visual presentation of product after product. The more he showed, the more items I recognized. This company was really something. Henry constantly kept talking about everyone trying to make the companies' products perfect. He kept showing pictures of doorways with a slogan over it, "Is It Perfect?"
We broke for a potty break, then returned until lunch. After lunch, a lady from personnel spoke with us about the health plans. S&S had one plan and Quality Wear had a different one, probably because of the amount of employees. We were told that we would receive additional information about our specific plans. At a little after three, we were told that we were through for the day, but they recommended we visit our workplace so we could find it easily in the morning. She said that the person at the door had directions for each of us.
At the door, Sandy received her card and I received mine. The girl asked us both to wait until she had given out all of the cards, since she needed to speak with us.
When everyone had been directed to his or her workplace, the girl said, "Sandy," and pointed to Sandy, the girl, "Go see if Charles is in. Your office will be across from his and next to Mr. Moleson's. It has your name on the door, so you should be able to find it. Say hi, but don't get involved yet. You're going to be busy from the opening bell tomorrow. They are working on some big projects."
"Sandy," she pointed to me, "Here are the keys to the bright red and blue cart in the first slot of the cart lot. Take it to the R&D center and check with them. Don't get involved over there either, as anything you start is going to keep you late. Just say hi and tell them you'll see them in the morning. Come back here, pick up Sandy, and go home. I'm told you guys are having a party at the park tonight. Enjoy and I'll see you both tomorrow. I have to go over your health insurance and 401K stuff with you tomorrow. See ya."
I told Sandy that I would be back in an hour, so be ready about four fifteen to four thirty.
The R&D guard checked my badge then had me do a thumbprint on the scanner. He said, "When you come in after hours, put your card into the slot and your thumb on the scanner. If it recognizes you, the door will unlock. If not, go home, you can't get in."
The secretary was friendly and showed me into the main lab. One of the lab techs showed me the test chambers where they had small engines being tested. He explained that the engines were for the aircraft S&S were experimenting with. I was also shown the wind turbine experiments, along with the battery storage area.
Once again, I saw the dark haired girl checking pieces of fiberglass. She looked up and smiled at me, but went right back to work. I could see that there was a lot to do here.
The lab tech took me to the offices. Right there on the door to an office was my name. Inside was pretty stark. There was a desk type workstation, a PC with three monitors, along with a drafting table, a flat work or conference table with chairs, and a large screen something on the wall. The tech said, "You can put one of your PC screens up there or use it while you're working. Some of the guys like to see what they're doing on the big screen. Hans likes to project stuff on his ceiling."
As I was getting ready to leave, an older guy came in. He introduced himself as Abe. "I'm one of the old timers around here. These engines are mostly mine. Dennis has become instrumental in their development too, as was Hans before we shipped him back to Krautland." Abe laughed and corrected himself; "That's Germany, hope that doesn't upset you. I've always teased Hans that he was a kraut or something like that. We're pretty good friends. I hated to see him leave."
Abe turned around and waved at the room, "This place is a fun place to work. I'll be in and out constantly, as will Gerry, Jeff, Dennis, Wes, and even Steve Sharp. Any one who has a project usually runs it by us out here. If we have a quality control issue, it goes through us here. You're going to be busy, so get ready."
Abe visibly relaxed, "But right now, you and I are going to go home and get ready for the surprise for our ladies. Let's get out of here."
As we went outside, I told Abe that I needed to pick Sandy up. He said he would see me in a little bit.
Sandy was waiting in the lobby for me. We went to our place, where we both washed our faces and brushed our teeth to freshen up. I kept my coat around, and when not noticed, I slipped my gift for Sandy into my pocket. I was getting excited.
I asked Sandy, "Ready for a little liquid libation? Let's go see who all is at the patio."
When we walked to the patio, we were surprised to see a monster tent covering almost half of the open yard area. The tent had sides so you couldn't see inside. There were some of the security people standing at the entrances, and people were being discouraged from going into the tent.
As soon as we went into the patio, one of the women had Sandy go with her, while Henry, Tiny, and Abe were calling me to the bar. I had a scotch on the rocks, thinking this night was going to be a real turning point in my life. This was going to be a real surprise for all the women.
No gulping of booze tonight. I sipped and when I thought I was drinking too fast, I began mixing the scotch with water. Around six twenty, there were no women on the patio, only men. How strange?
Tiny looked at his watch and said, "We're supposed to take our women to the tent at exactly six thirty. I hope they show up pretty soon."
Five minutes later, a parade of women decked out to the nines came walking into the patio. Every woman there, whether she had a man or not, was wearing a very beautiful formal gown. All of them had their hair and makeup nicely done.
Sandy was beautiful. She came up to me and gave me a kiss with her very red lips. I could taste the lipstick.
Tiny spoke up, "Ladies and Gentlemen, let's go see what's in the tent."
We all headed into the tent. The women were really impressed with how elegant the room inside the tent looked. There was soft lighting with candles on every table. Soft music was being played as we all found our assigned table.
Sandy and I were paired with Ryan and Michelle House. Ryan was like a vice-president of operations and traveled constantly. Michelle told us she traveled with Ryan when she could.
The meal was spectacular. While we ate, Sandy and Michelle explained that the women knew we were up to something, and decided to one up us with gowns. They had raided every thrift shop and Goodwill store in town to come up with all the fancy clothes. Michelle said, "You guys have exceeded our wildest expectations. This is a special Valentine's Day."
When we had been served cognac and coffee, Tiny stood and said, "At this time, I want everyone to see and hear what I have for Ruth, my wonderful wife and mate." He had Ruth stand. She was in a beautiful gown with lots of cleavage showing. Tiny smiled at her and said, "Ruth, I love you more each day and this day, Valentine's Day two thousand and eleven is special as it is our twentieth year together. Please accept this necklace as a small token of my love for you. Happy Valentine's Day, Ruth."
The diamond necklace sparkled in the light. Everyone could see it glisten. Ruth had tears running down her cheeks as Tiny fastened the necklace around her neck. When it was on, they kissed passionately. Everyone began applauding and cheering.
Tiny then said, "I think all of you have something for your lady. Now is the time."
Sandy turned to me with a wide-eyed look. I brought my hand from my pocket with the long heavy gold chain and extra large gold heart locket. I smiled at her as she leaned to give me a sweet kiss on the lips. I had her turn so I could fasten it around her neck. With her short hair, nothing got in the way.
When she turned back around, her eyes glistened the same as most of the women in the tent. I picked up the heavy locket and held it out so she could see it.
I told her, "Inside is something special, something inscribed."
I held it so she could see and pressed the catch to open the locket. Sandy gasped. Big tears ran down her cheeks as she grasped the locket and kissed me. She kept saying, "Yes, yes, oh yes."
I took the diamond ring that had been hiding inside the locket and slipped it on her left ring finger and received another kiss and hug.
Sandy said, "This is so right, so perfect, I just knew we were meant to be."
She turned the locket around so she could read the inscription and said "Yes, yes" again.
Inside the locket it read,
"Be my Valentine?"