As the golden years of her life unfolded, Emily chose to wed a solitary retiree. Half an hour before the vows, a chime echoed through her home. She swung the door open, struck silent by what she saw…

After the injection, Lisa insisted on tea. “Try my pie—your recipe.” The pie was good, and Emily praised it. Lisa, slyly, broached gossip. “Emily, folks say you’re walking with some guy.”

Emily blushed. “Can’t hide anything. Yeah, Lisa, he proposed.” “Marriage?” Lisa gasped. “What’re you gonna do?” “I’m thinking.”

“Don’t think, Emily, go for it.” “Why so sure?” “Someone tried breaking into my place recently. Heard the lock rattle, but my dog barked and scared them off. You don’t have a dog. Someone could break in, knock you out.

Plus, you’re still young, take care of yourself, even wear makeup. Most of us gave up without men. People think you’re fifty, no wrinkles. You’re practically a girl!” Emily laughed. “Easy, Lisa, calling me a teenager.” “If he’s decent, marry him.”..

Emily weighed the pros and cons. At their next meeting, she agreed. “Let’s try, but we listen to each other and respect our quirks. Deal?” A month later, Emily awaited Robert for their courthouse wedding. She’d visited a salon for a hairstyle and makeup, donned a new pale-green silk dress and a pearl necklace, and glanced nervously at the clock. With thirty minutes to go, the doorbell rang. She opened it and froze.

The stairwell was draped in flowers and balloons. Every neighbor from her building stood there, each holding a rose. Beside a smiling Robert stood Sarah, clutching a huge bouquet of white-pink flowers. Robert wore a black suit, white shirt, and blue bowtie. As Emily opened the door, everyone shouted, “Congratulations!” Robert took her hands. “Ready to be together till the end?” Emily’s new life began beautifully.