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}
{\info{\creatim\yr2012\mo6\dy5\hr23\min9}{\revtim\yr0\mo0\dy0\hr0\min0}{\printim\yr0\mo0\dy0\hr0\min0}{\comment StarWriter}{\vern3200}}\deftab500
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{\pgdsc0\pgdscuse195\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1134\margrsxn1134\margtsxn1134\margbsxn1134\pgdscnxt0 Standard;}}
{\*\pgdscno0}\paperh15840\paperw12240\margl1134\margr1134\margt1134\margb1134\sectd\sbknone\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1134\margrsxn1134\margtsxn1134\margbsxn1134\ftnbj\ftnstart1\ftnrstcont\ftnnar\aenddoc\aftnrstcont\aftnstart1\aftnnrlc
\pard\plain \ltrpar\s34\cf0\qc\tx0{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs48\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs48\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\i0\b Chapter 12}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s33\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\keepn\rtlch\af4\afs60\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs60\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs60\lang1033\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs60\lang1033\i0\b And They All Lived}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s33\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\sa120\keepn\rtlch\af4\afs60\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs60\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs60\lang1033\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs60\lang1033\i0\b Happily Ever After}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s34\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi-1152\sa240\rtlch\af4\afs48\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs48\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\i0\b by knight_b_4@hotmail.com}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\sa240\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\b\loch\b Story codes:}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0  Mff, hum, les, rom, preg}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\b\loch\b Author\'92s Note:}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0   This story involves sexual activity between a variety of people, some of whom are underage. If it is illegal in your jurisdiction to read about such things, please delete this story immediately. (And know that you have my sympathies for liv
ing in such a repressive atmosphere.) This story is entirely a work of fiction; none of the events described herein actually took place (at least not to the author\'92s knowledge). The author does not condone sexual activity with minors, although he {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i does }reco
mmend most of the following if done with a consenting adult.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s35\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi283\sa240\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 This story may be posted {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i with no changes or deletions }on a free site, or the free area of a commercial site. The work is copyright 2012 by the author, and all rights are reserved.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 And they all lived happily ever after. That\'92s the way it would end if this were a fairy tale, but it\'92s not. Oh, everything turned out reasonably well, but it wasn\'92t all roses.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Judge Olmacher was indeed sympathetic, and the guardianship was quietly made legal and filed away. Since we lived in a different part of the district, I got Christie transferred to a much newer and nicer school, the same one Lily attended. I was surprised,
 although I suppose I shouldn\'92t have been, to find out what a good student Christie was. She\'92d been pulling a B+ average at her old school, and did even better in the new one, eventually graduating very near the top of her class. I knew she was smart, I ju
st hadn\'92t realized she was studious, too.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Junior finally decided to join us a little over three months after the rescue, after nearly 30 hours of fairly hard labor. The hospital was reluctant to let me in the delivery room, even after I showed them the guardianship forms, but Lily finally bulldoze
d them into letting both of us in. He was a little over 5 pounds, small but healthy, and already sporting a thick cap of auburn hair. Newborns are ugly; they\'92re purplish, covered in white crud, prunish and nasty looking. He was the most beautiful thing I\'92d
 ever seen.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Christie had told me she was going to name him Jason Edward, but when it came time to fill in the birth certificate, she named him Harold (for me) Christopher (for her). When I asked why she\'92d changed her mind, she said she hadn\'92t- she\'92d planned that name 
since shortly after we got together and just wanted to surprise me. Little Harry, as he quickly became known, suffered the curse of all newborns of having to train his parents, but we were quick learners and it seemed like almost no time at all before he w
as crawling and then toddling happily around the house.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 In October, Christie turned 14 and Lily and I decided to throw a big surprise birthday bash for her. It wasn\'92t a real surprise to find out this was the first birthday party she\'92d ever had, and we set out to make it memorable. We invited friends from school
, the Crenshaws, the Towsleys (since she\'92d become fast friends with Sheila), Charlene, Joanne, Rose and a handful of others. I had the local bakery make a huge sheet cake with her picture on it and had them mix in 14 (well washed) $1 gold coins. Whoever fo
und a gold coin got to pick a prize from the prize table.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 We had barbecued chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and a ton more food and drinks. (We were still eating the leftovers a week later.) We played games, cranked the stereo up too loud, danced, and had a great time.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The last guest finally left at nearly midnight, even though it was a school night. Lily had permission from her parents to spend the night, so she stayed and helped Christie and I finish the cleaning up. When the last bit of food was packed away, the last 
bit of trash picked up, and the cake carefully covered in plastic, we all collapsed on the couch. Christie cuddled up next to me, while Little Harry slept in his baby carrier.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Thank you, you two, for the best birthday ever,\'94 Christie said. \'93You guys are great, and I love you both so much.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I grinned. \'93Seems like it wasn\'92t that long ago that you couldn\'92t even say \'91the L word\'92.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 You make it easy for me, handsome,\'94 she said, smiling. \'93I {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i feel }loved, for the first time ever. And I\'92m safe, and I\'92m happy, and life is good, and I have the sweetest little baby in the world, and a wonderful wonderful man who loves me, and a horny little 
slut of a best friend who loves me too.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Does that mean I can lick your pussy later,\'94 Lily asked.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Christie laughed. \'93Maybe. If you ask nice. And can get Harry\'92s dick out of it long enough.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 You know, dear,\'94 I said, \'93the day isn\'92t quite over yet. There\'92s still one more birthday surprise for my little sweetheart.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Oh, Harry, you\'92ve done so much. What\'92s left?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I walked over to the computer desk and pulled out the second form I\'92d had Christie\'92s mother sign. I walked back to the couch and went down on one knee.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 In this state, a girl can get married at 14 with a parent or guardian\'92s approval.\'94 I unfolded the paper and handed it to her. \'93I got your mother to sign a consent form when she signed the guardianship papers. And so, Christie Moore, now that you\'92re offici
ally 14, would you consider marrying an old man who loves you very, very much?\'94 Her eyes were wide and shiny, and got wider and started leaking tears when I reached into my pocket and pulled out a jewelry box with an opal engagement ring.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Oh, Harry,\'94 she whispered. \'93You can\'92t mean it.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I do indeed, my lovely love. I can\'92t imagine life without you and Little Harry. I love you both with all my heart and soul, and I\'92ll be the best husband I can possibly be and try as hard as I can to help you be happy.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 She threw herself off the couch, tackling me and kissing me all over the face, then wrapping me in a tight hug and sobbing into my shoulder. I held her and stroked her hair.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 So, is that a yes?\'94 I finally asked.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 She laughed. \'93Of course it is. Oh, I love you so much. But you don\'92t have to marry me. I\'92ll live with you forever and ever or as long as you want me, no matter what.\'94 I pulled back and looked deeply into those shiny green eyes.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I want to. So very much. I want the world to know how much I love you. I don\'92t want to be Mr. Potter and his ward Christie Moore. I want to be Mr. and Mrs. Potter, now and forever.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 We were married that December, the best Christmas present I\'92ve ever had.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It might\'92ve raised questions if I as her guardian had granted her permission to marry me, her guardian. That was why I\'92d had Christie\'92s mother sign the marriage paper. Doug had another quiet word with Judge Olmacher, the guardianship paper disappeared, and
 the consent to marriage form was approved. It was a small wedding at Christie\'92s request, performed in Judge Olmacher\'92s courtroom. Christie was radiant in a lavender dress, and Lily stood up as maid of honor with Joanne as matron of honor. Doug was my best
 man, and Mr. T. was my only groomsman. The Crenshaws were there, and Sheila, and half a dozen school friends, and that was all.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 That was 25 years ago and here it is, 2031. I\'92m 71 now, and my darling teen goddess is a grown woman nearing 40 (and still a goddess). I adopted Little Harry shortly after we married, and he\'92s now a grown man with three kids of his own, two-year-old twin g
irls and a newborn son. His sister, Lily Joanne, is 22 and just finished earning her bachelor\'92s degree in journalism. Younger sister Carmen Marie (Carmen is Christie\'92s middle name, and Marie was my mother) just graduated high school, and will start college
 in the fall. She\'92s not sure what she\'92s going to major in yet, but she\'92s as smart and determined as her mother and siblings, so whatever it is she picks, she\'92ll be good at it.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It hasn\'92t all been happily ever after. Like any other married couple, we\'92ve had our fights and arguments, especially during those early years. Christie was, after all, a teenager. And even if she wasn\'92t a typical teen, there were still times of stubbornnes
s and teen rebellion, and angry words, and stupid arguments. But we always worked it out, and we never stayed mad long and overall we probably had fewer problems than most married couples.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Christie graduated near the top of her high school class despite being pregnant with Little Lily most of her junior year. Since I worked from the house, I was able to take care of Little Harry and then Lily when she came along, and I have to say I really e
njoyed being \'93Mr. Mom\'94.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 We stuck to that routine after we moved to a bigger house and Christie enrolled in the university. She earned her degree in elementary education, just missing being valedictorian by a few points. After a year spent as a substitute, the school district hire
d her full time, and Mrs. Potter became a fourth grade teacher. She still is, although she\'92s had years when she\'92s taught third or fifth grade instead. She never wanted to become a principal or any kind of administrator; she was a teacher and proud of it, a
nd thought that was a better job.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I finally quit working about three years ago. We have more than enough saved up, and she\'92s earning a pretty good income now. I putter about the house, go over and spoil my grandchildren, do the housekeeping, and just generally goof off. Like Sheila, I\'92ve d
eveloped arthritis, but it isn\'92t too bad yet, and I still manage to move around fairly well.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The Towsleys, of course, died years ago, but not before \'93adopting\'94 Christie and eventually Lily. When she died, Sheila left Christie a locket, one Christie had admired. One side had a picture of the Towsleys as a young couple, and the other side was blank.
 Christie put a picture of us in the other side and has rarely taken if off since.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 As for Lily, well, she\'92s still Lily. I don\'92t know if she actually popped Little Harry\'92s cherry or not, but they certainly had opportunity. I never asked, and don\'92t really want to know. Certainly the two adored each other from the start, and Lily claims she
 was the first one he smiled at. (\'93Gas my ass, that was a smile, damnit!\'94) Growing up, Little Harry was never far from his Aunt Lily whenever she was around. If she was his first, he was a lucky kid, not just because Lily was very good in bed, but because 
his first time would\'92ve been with someone patient and caring, and someone who loved him very much. Who could ask for a better partner in losing your virginity?}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 She was a frequent guest in our home (and in our bed) all through her high school and college years, and later. She too graduated at the top of her high school class, and went on to college to become an architect. (You may have heard of her- she designed t
he new National Gallery of Art building in Washington after they decided the old one had to be replaced.) She\'92s still the horniest gal I know, even if she\'92s toned it down over the years and has actually learned discretion. Her husband has been a big help i
n that. He has no problems with her having sex with others, and he has the same freedom. Neither regard it as cheating or infidelity; they tell each other about their escapades, and the stories often lead to torrid sessions with each other. They have one o
f the happiest, healthiest marriages I know of.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Joanne never married, and is still at Murray\'92s. She owns the place now; Murray retired and sold it to her on very good terms. The original diner was destroyed in a fire about 5 years ago, but she rebuilt it bigger and better and it\'92s always packed these da
ys. Murray still drops in once or twice a week \'93just to see how the place is doing and if you need any help.\'94 He and I usually meet there Tuesday mornings and sit around drinking coffee and chatting, \'93just a couple of old farts with too much time but not e
nough energy to get into trouble\'94 as Murray says. Joanne\'92s a doting grandmother and now a great-grandmother, too. Her son\'92s eldest daughter, Anne Marie, married Little Harry, so now we\'92re related to the lady who helped get Christie and me together.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Charlene, like Christie, had a rough young life, and also like Christie managed to overcome it. She enrolled in the university in the fall of the year Christie and I got together, and spent the next five years working at least two jobs and working on her d
egree. We helped when we could, although she was always a little touchy about wanting to make it on her own. She graduated fairly high in her class with a degree in business management and got a job with one of the local manufacturing firms. While in colle
ge, she met a young girl (14 at the time) and fell deeply in love. The two of them stayed together and when the girl turned 18, she and Charlene moved to Massachusetts and got married. As I write this, the two of them are still together and have two health
y, happy children, one about to graduate high school and the other just entering it. (The children are not adopted; Charlene and Alexis each had a child with a different surrogate father. I\'92m more than a little proud to say Charlene asked me to be the fath
er of her daughter, Katrina. Katrina doesn\'92t know I\'92m her father, but Christie and I do, and even if we don\'92t see her often, we\'92re proud of her.) Charlene\'92s a mid-level manager at one of the bigger Boston banks, and Alexis works for a small but growing nat
ural history museum.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Christie\'92s mother? Well, Lily had a little talk with her friends Tom and Ryan, and the following Friday night, the guy Christie\'92s mother was with was pulled over for drunk driving. He was arrested for that, and she was arrested for drunk and disorderly whe
n she started screaming at them. He got jail time (third offense) and she got probation (first offense). When her next \'93date\'94 was pulled over the following Friday, she kept her mouth shut and avoided arrest, but went home (in a cab) alone. And the next nig
ht, Saturday, she and her man-of-the-moment were again pulled over. This time, the officers suggested that she might want to find another place to do her drinking, perhaps in a distant town.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 But Christie\'92s mother is stupid as well as stubborn. It took two more weeks and four more arrests (and no sex for her that whole time) before she gave up. A week later, she left town and we never heard from or about her again. (I tried looking her up on th
e net one time, but didn\'92t find anything conclusive. There was a Diane Moore in Kentucky who was killed in a drunk driving accident about three years later, but we couldn\'92t be sure it was her. When I told Christie, she wasn\'92t at all upset. \'93If it was, so w
hat?\'94)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Christie\'92s need to have sex with anyone and everyone diminished fairly quickly once she had a stable home life and someone to love her. Oh, she still had sex with other guys and even a few women over the years, sometimes with my participation, and always w
ith my knowledge and consent. She\'92s set me up with a few women over the years too, and even one instance with a guy. (I decided it was OK, but not something I wanted to repeat. Dicks are for chicks, you know?) It hasn\'92t hurt our marriage either. We too rea
lize, like Lily and her husband, that an orgasm with another person doesn\'92t mean there\'92s one less for our spouse. It\'92s an infinitely renewable resource, and a very pleasant one at that.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\sa240\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 So that\'92s the story of Christie and me. We\'92ve had a great life together, raised three kids, lived, loved, tried to be happy. We\'92ve shared joy and sorrow, struggled through hard times, enjoyed the good ones. And through it all, we\'92ve loved each other just a
s hard as we can. I was truly blessed the day a teen goddess decided to assault an old man in a bookstore.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s34\cf0\qc\tx0{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi-1152\sa120\rtlch\af4\afs48\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs48\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\i0\b Epilogue}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 This is Christie, finishing this story for Harry. I never knew he\'92d done this; he never showed it to me or even mentioned he\'92d written it. Oh, the memories it brings back, and the joys and the heartaches. I found it when I finally worked up the courage to 
go through his things.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 You see, we buried Harry about a month ago. (And in the back of my head, I can hear him saying, \'93Well, you sort of had to, since I was dead and would start stinking up the place.\'94) He died peacefully in his sleep at 77, not really old as things are these d
ays but after a full, long, rich life. Harry lived long enough to see his namesake Harry get married and have four kids, daughter Lily have two, and Carmen get engaged. Together, we raised three fine kids, and I think our grandkids are going to turn out to
 be good people too.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Harry always had a blind spot about the young girl he met in that bookstore. He always saw me as his \'93teen goddess\'94 instead of the seriously screwed-up kid I really was. He never realized I wasn\'92t \'93a sweet little lady who was comfortable with her sexuality
 at a young age,\'94 the way he saw me. Instead, I was a fucked-up little girl who tried to use sex to replace the love I craved from a father I never knew and a mother who never cared. Or maybe he did know, but could see beyond the screwed-up little slut I w
as to the loving, responsible person I could become- with his help. I\'92ll never know for sure. I just know I\'92d have had a pretty crummy life without Harry walking into it.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Almost 30 years of marriage, and Harry was always faithful to me. Oh, I don\'92t mean he never had sex with another woman; I know he did, because I was there for most of \'91em and arranged more than a few. But his heart was always mine, no matter where his peni
s was, just as my heart was always his. I think we exchanged them that first day in the bookstore, even if we didn\'92t realize it at first. Or at least, I didn\'92t.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Harry is gone now, but he was a good man. And the influence of a good man is never gone completely. It\'92ll live on as long as our children or grandchildren, or the friends and kids of friends we met along the way, still benefit from the lessons Harry taught
- self-love, self-respect, and daring to dream your life could be better.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Rest well, Harry. You were loved while you were here, and you\'92re missed now that you\'92re gone. And thank you. From your \'93teen goddess\'94 Christie, your children and grandchildren, and from all those others you loved and who loved you.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\sa120\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 And thank you for helping me finally learn how to say it- I love you.}
\par }