Maureen looked out the window again. She had lived for 37 years in four different states and never seen rain like this. The tall pine and eucalyptus trees danced to rumba music turned crazy. Below them, the Bay waters were rocking and rolling to a different beat, crashing against the beach two streets below her apartment built on a hill. The wind screeched as if blown out of the mouth of an angry giant.
Maureen shivered. Why had she ever moved to this bohemian state, thousands of miles away from her home base on the East Coast? California, her friends had warned her, was uncontrollable and wild and bizarre. The weather was proving them right.
She looked at her watch and walked to the mirror in the hallway, perusing her face anxiously. Six months earlier, unsatisfied with her job and bored with her social life, she joined a chat group on the web. Within a month she had three job offers and two marriage proposals.
One of the jobs was perfect for her: an assistant to the editor of a major “city living” type of magazine. Neither of the marriage proposals was taken seriously, but one of the chatters sounded familiar when discussing his childhood, his education, and his college experiences. On a whim, Maureen typed a message to him one late evening: Green Grocer – are you by any chance R. H.? R. H. responded immediately: Multi-MediaM – e-mail me at rhanson@gmail.com.
Maureen and Robert, college sweethearts from their sophomore to senior years, had rediscovered each other. He lived in Santa Cruz, California and was a Marketing VP for a successful small chain of grocery stores. Her new job placed her near San Francisco.
The doorbell rang, and with the rain raging outside, the bell sounded as if it was 40 leagues under the sea. Maureen checked herself in the mirror once more – short, curly hair still mousy brown, now with a few added highlights, yellow-brown eyes still lively with some added crow’s feet to add interest, chin still too pointy and cheeks too round, but overall, she looked like the 20-year-old she had once been. She opened the door.
There was Rob, 16 years older, looking at her sheepishly. She wouldn’t have recognized him on a city street: he seemed taller, but stouter; his blue eyes were less troubled than the boy she had known; and he wore nicely pressed clothes. He had obviously parked his car on the street below and walked up the stairs to her front door, because his thinning sandy-brown hair was plastered on his head like wet cement.
“I look a fool,” were his first words. “Can you believe I’m this nervous about seeing an old girlfriend?”
“Watch the term “old,” fella,” Maureen replied, laughing.
“Well, are you going to invite me in?” Maureen noticed that Rob had that same wicked grin. She looked at him thoughtfully, then slowly took her shoes off, inhaled, and ran out the front door.
“What are you doing?” Rob shouted above the wind, howling in its own appreciation of her craziness.
“It’s only fair that we start off equally,” she responded, as the rain ran rivulets down her head onto her face. She was soaked in a matter of seconds.
Rob walked over to her. “Maureen?”
“Wild and crazy California, here I am!” Maureen laughed.
Rob placed his arm around her. “I think I like the California Maureen,” he said softly into her wet ear. She noticed a neighbor lift a curtain and then let it drop.
“So do I!” she said, allowing the wind to push her further into Rob. “So do I.”
I love this! You do romance so well.
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Thanks, Darlene. I think I could even “romance a stone,” as the saying goes. Romance is the watercolor of life. xo
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That it is!! 😍
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Very sweet one!
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Thanks – glad you enjoyed!
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Lovely story and wonderful recording. You may know that 11 years ago Jackie and I got together again after almost 40 years apart.
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I love your reunion story, Derrick!
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Thank you so much from us both, Jill
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I didn’t know your reunion story, Derrick, and I find it soooo …. romantic!! ❤
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Thanks a lot, Pam
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You know I love a good reunion romance, Pam. Nicely done! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and “your guy.” xo
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You and I – we are true believers in “true romance,” 🙂 ❤
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Such a sweet Valentine’s Day/weekend romance! A lovely reunion story to start off the weekend!
I know you lived in California for a time. . .
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Yes, and we return to the bay area often. These are my photos walking along the bay path. They sure could use some rain now though! ❤️
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One of your best!
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You are a romantic like me, Nancy!
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Romance in life makes all the difference. I enjoyed this one a lot!!! Celebrating “Galentines day” with my new friends on the street today. Miss you!!!
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Well you are definitely one of my galentines, Karen! 💖
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This is such a sweet Valentine’s Day gift, Pam. Much healthier than chocolate! Thanks for the smile you provided this morning.
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So glad you enjoyed my Valentine’s story gift, Amy. But you may have chocolate also! 😍
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In that case, consider it done! ❤
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That was too easy…!! 🙂 🙂
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Haha!
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What are the odds, so cheers to a rekindled romance.
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And cheers to stormy weather, which can stir up some hot romance. 💘
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Etta James and a romantic story. What a great way to start the Valentine’s Weekend!
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Can’t miss with the marvelous Etta. Love to you, Dale. 💗
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💞
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Love wins! Great story. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day.
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Love always wins . . . if we let it in. Xo ❤️
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Lovely!
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BIG hug to you, Mary. 💞
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Happy Valentine’s Day. Pam.
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That is a perfect story!! Loved it. Thanks.
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Romance with a capital R. Sometimes that’s just what we need. Happy ❤️ Day, Marlene.
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Happy Valentines Day, Pam. 🙂
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Happy Valentines day.
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Awww. I guess California isn’t so bad after all, especially on Valentine’s Day. A cute story, Pam. I think these two will be running into each other again. ❤ ❤ Happy Valentine's Day.
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To playing in the rain and the snow and finding love in the raindrops and snowflakes! Happy ❤️ Day to you!
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Awe! Love the real and written pictures!
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I imagine you recognize some of those San Francisco Bay scenes, Jeanette. 💓
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You do do romance brilliantly, Pam.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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The world and life would be no fun without romance, Donna! I have a feeling you totally agree. Happy Valentine’s Day! 💞
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Thanks for the delightful love story Pam! Just what I needed; to be reminded to have a little fun and try new things, especially if I ever hope to find romance again. 🙂
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Romance and fun must go hand-in-hand! Have a good time jumping those puddles, Brad! 😍
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LOL. thanks Pam!
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This is a terrific story, Pam. You do like romance in stormy weather if I remover some scenes from Twin Desires correctly 💖
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What a good memory, Robbie! Yes, I experienced a number of those huge rain storms in the San Francisco Bay area when I lived there so they are good fodder for my imagination. 🌧 💓
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I always remember good books, Pam. I have another of yours on my kindle. I love rain storms.
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❤️
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I like how you transport yourself from the snowy Northeast to rainy California. Writers can to that . . . escape to “wherever” land.
Sweet Valentine’s Day story, always with detail that draws me in. Huge Hugs! ((( )))
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Being able to close my eyes and time travel or in this case location travel, is quite helpful on a winter’s day! Maureen’s story helped me remember those very rainy days when I lived in the San Francisco Bay area. But the sun always came out a day or two later. Enjoy your sunny Florida weather for Valentine’s Day! ❤️
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Happy Valentine’s Day, Pamela. ❤️ Great story.
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I wish you sunshine and warmth for Valentine’s Day John. I know you’ve been getting some unusually cold weather. But may your heart always stay warm. ❤️
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With terrific wishes like yours my heart is ever warm. Thank you, Pamela. ❤️
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How perfect for Valentine’s Day Pam. As always your writing has me feeling as though I am perched beside the characters.
Now off to stick my head out for that rain. Oh wait. Here it would be frostbite.
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Oh dear. Watch that frostbite! My guy and I went for a walk today when it was 22° and I kept thinking of you. In fact your voice was in my head saying “I don’t think you’re dressed properly for this.” 🙃Whatever, may you and I continue to play in the snow! ❄️ It’s so romantic! 💗
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That made me laugh Pam. Keep getting out there and enjoying, with an extra layer or two. 🙂
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I like the way you’ve introduced love into this story Pam… a perfect narration! Happy Valentine’s Day. The last image is lovely.
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Thank you so much, Balroop. Almost all the pictures here I took when walking along the San Francisco Bay. That last one of the heart was a piece of artwork in the city. Isn’t it cool? Xo
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I love they reconnected and their playful youth surfaced. Happy Valentines Day!
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May all of us continue to (or re-learn) how to play in the rain! Or the snow in my case and your case! ❄️😁
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🙂
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Terrific story with very nice, small touches
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Thank you John. I love helping my characters find love. 💞
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It looks like romance is in the air. Nicely done, Pam! Running into an old flame is one of those weird life experiences. I remember opening up the paper one day and seeing the obituary of a long-time girlfriend. We left on good terms, but I hadn’t talked to her in a decade. That was a strange feeling to learn of her passing.
We live five hours north of San Francisco, but those bay scenes look quite familiar, and we enjoy visiting Santa Cruz.
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We lived in the bay area for 20 years and until the pandemic, returned to visit often. Our son still lives there. So I took all of these pictures during my long walks. Can’t wait to return and take more photos of this glorious area.
Yes I have a few old loves in my past and sometimes I think it would be nice to connect and just say howdy before it’s too late.
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Love wins! I’ve had one or two reunions with old flames over the years (pre-marriage, of course) but none worked out as well as this one. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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But at least you have some good material for stories – nonfiction or fiction! This story was totally fictional for me. No love reunions needed, but I know several friends who have had success with them. 💖
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You still have the romantic streak in you, Pam. I loved this story!
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My romantic streak seems to only widen with age, Anneli! 🙂 ❤
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That’s good. No harm in that.
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Ah, a lovely piece for Valentine’s Day..written beautiully…by a beautiful ‘Warrior Princess.” HAPY VALENTINE’S DAY, dear Pamela. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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To hearts and warm souls who keep the world spinning round with delight. Happy ❤️ Day, Billy Ray❣️
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Awwww! So sweet! Happy Valentine’s day, Pam.
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Sweet is what we need in this cold winter month! Happy ❤️ Day.
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Thanks, Pam. You too.
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Sweet stormy weather! 💞 Well done, Pam. xo
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Stormy weather can be so romantic! Here’s to two more snow storms expected in our upcoming week!! ❄️❣️
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What a fun story. I reunited with a long lost boyfriend once. It lasted no time at all. I like your fiction better!
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Reunion stories can be tragedy or they can be romance. I suppose it’s a tossup. I like the way Rob and Maureen’s ended up for sure!
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Delightful. Happy Valentine’s Day to you too. Hugs on the wing.
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Hugs of 💗 and winged beings to you!! 🧚
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Sweet!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you . . . and the kids & grands!
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Thanks! Happy ❤️ Day. But of course you and I celebrate love every day of the year.
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Oooh, so sweet and lovely. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your man, Pam! By the way, when I first scrolled over your last photo… well, I thought the heart represented something else. I guess your story has my head go crazy as well. I think it belongs in California. 🙂
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I took the photo of that heart artwork where it was being displayed in San Francisco. Although we don’t live there anymore we visit often. Except this year of course. 😞 but part of my heart is still there waiting for my return. 💔
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💕 Happy Valentine’s Day, Pam! You have a wonderfully imaginative and romantic heart. 💕
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I confess I am a true romantic. I suppose that’s why even my first children’s book is a love story … between birds. 🥰
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Just lovely! Happy Valentine’s Day!
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I think it’s good that we have a day to celebrate love. Perhaps we need more of them! 😍
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A happy ending to this story and the hint of a happy beginning! Great story, Pam!
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Thanks Barbara. I love an excuse to write a love story. Happy ❤️ Day.
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Happy Valentine’s Day Pam – I like the California Maureen too 🙂
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💖 To love … in rain, snow, and sun.
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A great love story for Valentine’s Day, Pam. Sounded like love at first sight all over again and happily ever after. I like how the beginning of the narrative seemed rather down and uncertain but towards the end it’s like a turnaround for the better. Brilliant writing 🙂
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Romance is like that, I think. UPs and DOWNs, and upside down until love is declared. 🙂 Many many thanks for your compliment and comment. xo
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Ahhh, yes, romance is definitely also upside down. It’s all part of the ride, one day at a time, one moment a time. Keep writing, Pam 🙂
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An interesting observation, Pam, how the trees on land may sway to a different beat than the waters. It is fascinating to see people we have not seen in many years. A fresh, contemporary love story. You again bring me right there, more than a witness. I experience what Rob and Maureen are seeing and feeling. I love a happy ending. Thank you for being part of what I love in this community, Pam. Happy Valentine’s Day.❤️
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Your words sent me on a high – of gratitude and delight. YES, reading each other’s stories – fiction and non-fiction – brings us all together in marvelous and amazing ways. We are a STRONG community of strong thinkers, doers, and believers in romance and reality, intertwined. xo
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Happy Valentines Day! Lovely read.
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Delightful to see you here, enjoying a romantic read. To love and kindness, every month of the year. ❤
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So sweet! The stuff of memories and imaginings…
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I like that – “memories and imaginings.” Without them, perhaps reunions wouldn’t occur. To the glory of romance . . . and imagination. 🙂
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This was such a good read.
And my bad, I’m reading this after Valentine’s week.
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In my book, EVERY day is a good day for romance, love, kindness, and joy. So great to see you here enjoying my post. Thank you!
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Glad to find your blog.
Let me read the book.
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😀
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Loved your rekindled long ago love story—I’d like a sequel, please!!!
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Xo You ole romantic, you!
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Very good Pam. Hight time you published a collection of your shorts which always have a touch of the unexpected.
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Thanks Roy! My first collection will be the non-fiction flashes. Real life is even more unexpected than fiction! 🤭🙃
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Just right for a Valentine Story. ❤ I love your descriptions. I really felt the rain.
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Glad you felt that romantic storm! Thank you! Xo
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What a wonderful story Pam! I could see it all in my heart’s eye 🙂 Thank you.
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Ah what a beautiful expression- “my heart’s eye.” ❤️🤩
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A beautiful and sweet story fitting for Valentines Pam. ❤
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Thanks Debby. Don’t we all need a love story right now? 🤭😍
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Most certainly! ❤
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Pam, a perfect story for Valentine’s Day! At first I was worried Maureen would be a bit boorish but love the twist at the end when her wild and reckless nature is unleashed! With finesse , and in such brief time, you create two characters for whom we care and want the best … but thinking this will never work out! As she joined Robert out in the rain I was cheering for them both! Well done and I love the music and beautiful photos to accompany the post. The heart statue with reflection at the end is amazing! Wishing you a good rest of the week, my friend! xx ❤️
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I liked seeing Maureen blossom in the rain too! 😀I suppose it’s why stormy weather can be romantic. 💗
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