Greta and Mrs. Horton were enjoying some of Alice’s wonderful homemade donuts and coffee when there was a knock on the back door.
“I’ll get it.” Greta said jumping up to answer the door. “Eric! Hi, what are you doing here so early? Greta exclaimed after she opened the door to Eric’s smiling face.
“I smelled Mrs. Horton’s great donuts and came running over to see if I could have some” Eric joked as he came in. “Good morning Mrs. Horton” Eric said as he greeted Alice by giving her a soft kiss on the cheek.
“Hi Eric, Alice said laughing, please help yourself to as many donuts as you want, there’s coffee to.
“Thanks, I will.” Eric replied reaching for a donut. Yum, there great as usual.” Eric said after taking a bite.
“ So what’s your real reason for coming by, besides the donuts?” Greta asked handing Eric a cup of coffee and smiling.
“Well, if you must know, I came by to see you and to find out what you had planned for today to be honest.” Eric finally confessed.
“Well, I was thinking about going apartment hunting why?” Greta responded.
“Well, I have some good news to share with you and I feel like celebrating by driving out to the countryside and taking some pictures and going on a picnic. Want to join me?”
Eric asked giving Greta a warm smile.
“Yes, I would love to join you, but what are we celebrating? Greta asked smiling.
“You know that I’ve been looking for work right,well, I got a call early this morning from a friend of mine who is also a photographer and he wants to come to Salem and open a studio and he wanted to know if I’d be interested in becoming his partner. I jumped at the chance, and he should be here sometime next week.” Eric said excitedly.
“Eric, that’s wonderful” Greta exclaimed. And now before I forget again I have a surprise for you. Wait here,. I’ll be right back.” Greta said as she left the kitchen to retrieve Eric’s gift.
“What on earth did she get me Mrs. Horton?” Eric asked turning to Alice while they waited for Greta to return.
“I don’t know Eric, but something tells me its special and something you’ll love.”
Alice said with a smile. “Eric, I’m so happy that you and Greta are dating now. She needs someone like you in her life and you need someone like her in yours. I’ve watched the two of you together, and its very obvious that you care for each other.” Mrs. Hoton said looking at the young man in front of her.
“Thanks Mrs. Horton, I appreciate your words of encouragement. Your right, we do care a lot about each other and need each other very much. I feel so blessed to have Greta in my life now especially after all the heartache I went through with Nicole.” Eric responded reaching over and gently squeezing the elderly ladies hand and smiling.
“Sorry I took so long, it took me a while to find where I put your surprise.” Greta said rejoining them in the kitchen.
“That’s fine, Alice and I we were just having a lice little chat while you were gone” Eric replied winking at Mrs. Horton. So what’s my big surprise? Eric asked looking at the brightly wrapped box in Greta’s arms.
“Here, why don’t you open it and find out?” Greta responded with a twinkle in her eyes.
Eric unwrapped the box and exposed a box that read “Salem Camera Shop” Greta, what have you done?” Eric asked looking at her inquiringly.
“Just open it Eric and find out!” Greta responded smiling. Hurry up, the suspense is killing me!
“OK, OK. Eric said laughing and lifting the box top to reveal the digital camera inside.
“Greta, how did you know I wanted this camera?” Eric asked lifting the expensive camera from the box and looking at it.
“You mentioned it while we were in Paris, and I wanted to get you a thank you gift for everything you’ve done for me since I came to Salem, so I decided to buy you the camera. I hope you like it Greta said.
“I love it thank you so much, although it was unnecessary you know. I wanted to help you. Eric responded giving Greta a hug and a kiss.
“Eric!” Greta exclaimed blushing and looking at Mrs. Horton.
“What? you don’t think Alice has seen a couple hug and kiss before?” Eric said laughing with a twinkle in his hazel eyes.
“Its all right Greta I assure you” Mrs. Horton said laughing along with Eric. I have seen many couples hug and kiss before and it usually makes me very happy. Please don’t be embarrassed, it just confirms to me what I’ve known for awhile now. You and Eric are meant to be together. Cherish and enjoy every moment, don’t shy away from it Greta.”
Mrs. Horton said smiling at the couple. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I must go get ready for a date with my great grandson, he’ll be here soon. Have a great time and enjoy the day and each other’s company.” Alice said before she left them alone.
“She is a very wise woman” Eric said smiling as he held Greta in his arms.
“Yes, she is Greta replied softly. Shall we take that drive now?” Greta asked looking up at Eric.
“Let’s go. “ Eric replied opening the door and allowing Greta to go ahead of him through the door.
They drove for about an hour before Eric reached a spot were he wanted to take pictures.
“This spot is beautiful and the lighting is just right” Eric said as they got out of the car and he grabbed his camera equipment. After taking several different shots he stopped.
“Greta, would you pose for me please?
“Eric, don’t you have enough picture of me, you took several when we were in Paris remember?” Greta responded.
I know, but I want to take some to put in my portfolio” Eric responded.
“You want to put pictures of me in your personal portfolio, why?” Greta asked looking surprised.
“Because your beautiful and I want you to be in it, please?” Eric responded looking at her smiling, but pleading with his eyes.
“Eric, I’m not the modeling type you know that!” Greta said.
“Come on, please, remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder and besides I’ll take natural beauty over a professional model’s any day!” Eric said cheerfully.
“Oh I see, so if the person behind the camera loves you, the person in front of the camera will love having there picture taken is that it? Greta responded laughing.
“Exactly!” Eric replied.
“OK, OK, I’ll do it how do you want me to pose?” Greta said finally giving in.

Two hours later........
“Well, I think I have enough poses to choose from now. Shall we partake of that picnic now?” Eric asked closing the shutter of his camera.
“Sounds good to me, I’m staving, I never knew posing for pictures was such hard work! Greta replied spreading out a blanket while Eric grabbed the picnic basket from the car.
“So tell me more about this friend of yours from Colorado who wants to open a studio” Greta said as they enjoyed their picnic.
“We met when I lived in Colorado with my grandparents. His name is Chad Martin and he lived next door to my grandparents. We became good friends and ended up going to the same college and had the same interests. We’re the same age and he has been doing the same type of work that I did for Titan before I quit and now Chad’s decided he doesn’t want to work for a publishing company anymore either so he’s coming to Salem to open his own studio and he wants me to join him.” Eric replied.
“So what type of pictures will you be taking?” Greta asked.
“Well, whatever type people hire us to take but will be able to accept or reject whatever type of work we want or don’t want and will be able to set our own hours, work at our own pace, and be our own boss.”
“That sounds like its just the type of work your looking for” Greta said with a smile.
“It is, and best of all I won’t have to deal with Lucas, Nicole, or Kate Roberts anymore!” Eric responded. “Well, I suppose we should start heading back although I hate too, its so peaceful out here” Eric said changing the subject.
“OK,” Greta replied packing up the remains of their picnic.
“What do you say we get a newspaper when we get back to Salem and look and see how many apartments there are for rent?” Eric said taking Greta’s hand and helping her up off the blanket.
“That sounds good to me” Greta replied.

“How about going to .COM while we look through the apartment rental ads?” Eric asked as he and Greta passed the popular Salem hang out.
“That’s fine with me, I could use something warm to drink.” Greta replied.
OK, you go in and order for us, and find somewhere to sit and I’ll go grab a couple copies of the Spectator.” Eric responded.
Greta entered the cyber cafe and ordered mochas for bother her and Eric. Looking around she found and empty table and sat down to wait for Eric with their drinks.
“Here you go” Eric said handing Greta a copy of the newspaper. “I figured if we both had a copy to look at we’d find possibility faster.”
“Good idea, I ordered you a mocha, I hope that’s OK?” Greta said sliding the drink across the table to Eric.
“Perfect” Eric said taking a sip. Shall we begin our search? Eric asked handing Greta a pen to circle possible apartment prospects.

Several minutes pass in silence..........
“Here’s one” Greta said breaking the silence between them. “Spacious one bedroom apartment for rent. Fully furnished with a large kitchen space. Out side deck with a great view of Salem. Also includes recreational facilities,workout room, indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub. Must see to appreciate. Salem Heights Apartments please call for a viewing apartment.” Greta said circling the ad.
“Sounds good to me, why don’t you call and see if we can make an appointment?” Eric responded.
“OK.” Greta replied reaching for her cell phone.
“Salem Heights Apartments this is Amy, how can I help you?”
“Hello, My name is Greta Von Amberg, and I’m calling about your advertisement in the Salem Spectator.”
“Yes miss Von Amberg, we still have several units available would you like to view one?”
“Yes please, as soon as possible.” Greta replied.
“How about an hour from now?”
“Perfect, we’ll see you then, thank you so much good-bye.” Greta said pushing the end call button on her phone. “We have an appointment in an hour Greta said excitedly.
“Great, Lets go.” Eric responded dumping their empty coffee cups in a near by trash can.

An hour later......
“Well, what do you think Eric?” Greta asked as they stood together looking around the spacious living space.
“I like it, it seems like the perfect place for you.” Eric said laughing at the excitement he saw reflected in Greta’s face.
“Really, are you sure?” Greta asked. I want you to like the place to Eric. I want my home to be a place that you like and feel at home in when you come over.” Greta responded looking into Eric’s eyes.
“Greta, I’ll be happy and at home wherever you are, don’t you know that by now?” Eric asked looking at the beautiful woman in front of him. “The only thing that matters to me is that we’re happy and together.” Eric said taking Greta in his arms and giving her a gentle kiss. “So, have we found you a new home?” Eric asked softly against Greta’s hair.
“Yes, let’s go find Amy so that I can sign all the paperwork and get the keys to my wonderful new home.” Greta said taking Eric’s hand in hers and walking toward the door.

To Be Continued..... Coming soon Picture of Love