Chapter 10

Marsha and Sandra stood there not sure what to do or say.

I looked at both of the guests and said, “Ladies, I wanted to talk to you privately without my daughters. Marsha, if you’re willing, I would love for you to spend the night with me. Sandra, can you get yourself home?”

“Hell yeah, getting home is no problem since I drove Mom and I here. But, why?” Sandra inquired.

“Well, I want to spend some time with your Mom. We have so much in common and I would like to have time alone with her. Just her and me, no one else. Not even my daughters will be invited. This will be between Marsha and myself.” I responded to Sandra

“Marsha, would you be willing to spend the night here, with me?” I said with my heart in my eyes.

“I would love to spend the night here with you. I was kind of hoping we would end up like this.” Marsha said with a tear in her eyes.

Just then, the three daughters came into the bedroom with 6 or 7 bottles of Janice’s perfume.

They put the bottles on the dresser.

I told them that this perfume isn’t allowed on anyone or allowed back into this house ever again.

All three daughters gasped.

“But, Dad...” Jill exclaimed.

“No buts. I figured out tonight why I can’t get over Janice. It’s because of this perfume. I can’t find closure as long as I keep smelling this perfume.” I explained.

“Does this make any sense Sandra/Marsha?” I said looking at the two guests.

“Absolutely” said Marsha

“Of course.” said Sandra

“Well, there you have it ladies. I’m not trying to hurt you, I love you. You all are the love of my life but its time for me to get some closure about your Mother dying. I find myself looking at Marsha wondering if there might be a spark that could turn into a flame which could turn into a roaring fire. But none of it will happen if I keep reliving and missing Janice. It wouldn’t be fair to anyone. Not to you three, not to myself, and certainly not to Marsha.” I said in a calmer tone.

Jane piped up, “Dad, we didn’t realize that you ... well, that you still hadn’t had any closure about Mom. We all love you and just want to make you happy.”

The other two nodded in agreement.

“Ok, then here’s what would make me happy right now. You three go to your own beds tonight. Sandra, I really enjoyed helping you to get pregnant but if you could see your way out, I would appreciate it.” I directed.

I looked over at Marsha. She had tears running down her cheeks. I reached over and kissed the tears. This woman, so beautiful, so fragile, so angelic looking made me want to wrap my arms around her and just hold her tight.