The Magic Of Merlot

Sadie knew she would have the jitters all day long. Today was the day her divorce would be finalized. However her marriage had been over for over two years. After 27 years of marriage, 4 kids(two sets of twins-18 months apart) and many happy and not so happy memories.

Sadie had made sure she had not dated while her divorce was in process. She wanted to use that time to get to know herself again. Sadie went to workshops on self improvement, saw a therapist, spent time in nature, dated herself by going to many dinners and movies alone. Sadie learned to not only get to know herself she learned to LOVE herself and LIKE herself.

The divorce was finalized and Sadie made sure to do the obligatory social media update post: Officially divorced, ready to date....(you know it has to be facebook official). She posted that and smiled seeing all the likes and encouraging comments.

A few days after that social media update Sadie got a phone call from her friend Anna letting her know that she was setting Sadie up on a date. Sadie laughed and said "I am not ready to date, that was just facebook talk". Anna was not taking no for an answer and told Sadie "It's too late, I already gave him your number and showed him your picture, his name is Keegan and he will be calling you in just a bit and hung up.

Sadie sat in disbelief and giggling. She thought Anna had to be joking. Five minutes later the phone rings and it's a number Sadie does not recognize. Sadie does not answer. The phone stops ringing and starts ringing again. Sadie decides to answer. After she says "hello" she hears a deep voice say "Hi Sadie this is Keegan". Sadie was silent for a few moments and then she says "Hi". Sadie and Keegan chatted for almost an hour and they both laughed at how forceful Anna was in insisting they meet. As they chatted they realized they both love the outdoors, jazz music and sailing.

Over the next few weeks Sadie and Keegan chatted a lot and decided they needed to meet in person. Keegan suggested they meet at a local hiking spot and grab lunch after. Sadie agreed and was relieved that the date wouldn't be too fancy. The date was planned for the upcoming Saturday.

Sadie was dressed cute in her hiking outfit and got to the park 15 minutes before meeting time. To her surprise Keegan was already there. She saw him and her heart skipped a beat. His picture did not do him justice at all, he was beyond handsome. They said their hello's and headed up the path. As they hiked they laughed and joked alot. Sadie could not believe how relaxed she felt.

As they came back down the trail Sadie was not looking forward to this date coming to an end. As they started walking toward the parking area Keegan said "Sadie I had a great time but". Before he could get the next word out Sadie said "Thanks for the hike bye"and started walking quickly to her car. Keegan called out for Sadie but she kept walking. Just as Sadie was about to open her car door she heard footsteps behind her. As she turned around she saw Keegan with a picnic basket in his hands. Keegan said "Sadie all I was going to say was I had a great time but I must get our food". Sadies cheeks turned red and they both laughed uncontrollably.

They finally stopped laughing and made their way to the picnic area. Keegan opened the picnic basket and pulled out beautiful salads, fruit, and a bottle of merlot. Keegan filled the wine glasses and they made a toast. Sadie took her first sip and closed her eyes. The wine tasted better than any wine she had in many years.The merlot was like magic. Sadie opened her eyes and smiled big and thought "All of the obstacles were tough but this moment is what I dreamed I would get back to".