*Meri* Almost as soon as Tom has closed the door he pulls me into his arms, kissing the living daylights out of me, making me drop my bag on the floor. When he breaks the kiss he chuckles softly. "Sorry, I have just been longing to do that ever since I saw you step out from the station". "Oh no problem… I kind of wanted you to do that… really badly". I giggle. "So… ?". He bends down to pick up my bag, handing it to me. "What about a homemade cup of tea and a talk ?"I look at Nani, sitting by Tom's feet. "Sounds good, but maybe you should take off Nani's leash first". "Oh yeah… Sorry boy". He quickly gets the harness of Nani and the dog runs off to somewhere in the house. Then he takes my hand. "Come on darling, let me show you the kitchen". He pulls me with him into a spacious and light kitchen. It is held white and light wood. I look around. "Oh this is so cosy". "You are saying that like you expected something else". He lets go of my hand to go behind the counter and fill
Next day*Lumi* "Hi sis or should I say beautiful mystery blond". I say giggling, as I open the door to Meri's bedroom. She rolls over, brushing the hair out of her face. "Uh what ? Where ?" "Morning sleepyhead, up and get ready. You need to look like a million just in case anyone recognises you". She still looks at me utterly confused. "You and Tom were spotted yesterday … you my dear are all over the net". She sits up rubbing her eyes, before grabbing her iPad. It doesn't take long before she is groaning. "Did they pick all the worst pictures of me on purpose ? And the headline "Bennett's hottie" ... Seriously ?" "Well you are a hottie, why complain about that ? Believe me they could have called you a lot worse". I shake my head. "And by the way you look great in every picture". "Tom Bennett seen out and about with a young beautiful blonde, could there be love in the air for the 37 year old actor ?" She groans again. "See I knew they would comment on the age". I shake my head.
*Meri* When the doorbell rings I hurry out to open, finding a smiling Tom outside … or a huge bouquet of white and deep red long stemmed roses with Tom somewhere inside I guess. "Hi… Tom". His head pokes up over the roses. "Well hello darling, I thought I would get you a little something as it's the first time I see your home". "You didn't have to Tom". I say biting my lip, wondering if I have a vase large enough for all the flowers. "I know, but I wanted to". He holds out the flowers to me and I take them. He steps inside, closing the door. "I hope you like roses". I smile at him. "Actually, I love roses… they are my favorite. Let's just go into the kitchen and put them into some water". "Sure". He follows me into the kitchen. "Oh hi Lumi, Nice kitchen". "Well hello lover boy and thank you". She says with a smirk. Tom pulls out a single white rose and hands it to her. "For you my lady". "Oh you big gooey teddy bear you". She smiles. "He is a keeper Meri, most definitely a k
10 days later *Tom* I am shuffling about in my kitchen getting lunch ready when the doorbell rings. So I dry my hands and go to open the door. "Luca, welcome to England". "Hi Tom". He grins and we hug each other. "So this is where you live. Nice place. Very much you it seems". "Yeah we can't all be cowboys unfortunately". I grin. Luca had called me, telling me he was coming to London to read on a part and do some interviews, so I told him he could stay here. He chuckles. "Oh I am sure you would make a mighty fine cowboy Tom, with a lot of sunscreen". "Ha ha, very funny". I step aside. "Come on in, lunch is almost ready. We are just waiting for Meri". "Oh … would that happen to be that cute little blonde you keep getting snapped with. The one who you claim is just a friend ?" He walks inside, looking around. I walk up the stairs showing the way. "Well yeah … that would happen to be her … and uhm truth be told definitely more than a friend". "Yeah sorry Tom, but I think anyon
Next day *Luca* "Maybe I should just… Stay in my room. I don't think I will be in good company today Tom". I stretch. Honestly it's not a good day for me. I have a bit of a headache and I feel I fucked up the reading for the part. So the old self hate and anxiety is kind of poking a bit through, so for once being social is not on the top of my todo list. "Come on Luca, it's just Meri… and her twin sister. It'll be fun. Don't leave me alone to tackle them both". Tom halfway begs. I rub my neck, trying to relieve some of the tension. "I thought that tackling twins was every man's fantasy". "Ha ha Luca, very funny". He makes a face. "Come on, it's all down to earth and relaxed… dinner and maybe some fun board games". "Okay… if you stop pestering me". I grumble. I guess Tom doesn't want to be the only man. And well Meri seems like a nice girl so her sister probably is too. He smiles. "Great Luca, wonderful. So go take a shower and put on something nice … maybe It'll make you feel
*Lumi* The dinner has been… Let's just say, a bit tense. Meri has been looking lost and Tom has desperately been trying to smooth everything over, coming with really bad jokes to lighten the moods. Luca has been saying almost nothing to no one and I have pretended that he doesn't exist. Meri suddenly had an urge to show me the upstairs, and I am guessing it is to give Tom privacy to talk to that big headed jerk about civil behaviour. "Honestly I don't know what it is with Luca. But I am sorry he is acting like that. I was so sure you two would hit it off … he wasn't like this at all". She says, shaking her head. "Well I know what it is with him, he is an egocentric dick … a lot of men are like that". I shrug. I can't believe they tried to set me up with someone like him. She shakes her head. "You know I wouldn't set you up with an idiot. I met him yesterday, and he was just the sweetest, most charming guy … I don't know what is up. Tom says he is a good guy too and they have kno
*Meri* "Seriously Tom, how is that supposed to be 'gladiator'". Luca is throwing out his arms in frustration over not getting Tom's very complicated drawing. "Well I think it was pretty obvious ... I mean to anyone with half a brain". Lumi sips her wine. Luca glares at her, his voice dripping with venom. "Funny, I don't remember asking for your opinion". I wonder if I should jump in, but I have a feeling it would just make it all much worse, so instead I ignore it and talk to Lumi. "Okay sis, Your turn to draw … make it easy on me". She gets up to draw a card and Tom slumps down between me and Luca. "Sorry Luca, I totally thought you would get it". "I think it was well done". I say softly and Tom turns his head to press a quick kiss to my lips looking happy again. "Ready ?" My sister asks and I nod. She quickly draws two things on the paper. Luca leans forward his voice full of doubt. "Is that a tombstone and an erect penis ... what fucking movie is that ?" I giggle and so d
*Tom* We are done playing and I am standing with my arms around Meri, feeling all nervous. "I was thinking, both me and Luca had too much to drink to be driving. I could call you a cab ...". "You don't have to Tom, we can take the tube". She cuts in, making me even more nervous. "No". It comes out much more demanding than I meant it to. "I mean I don't like the idea of two women alone in the tube this late". She giggles, and places a hand on my chest. "Tom no need to worry, I had self defense classes and Lumi has been doing kickboxing for many years. We can handle ourselves". "It's just ... damn what I actually wanted to ask". I swallow. "Maybe you would like to stay ? I have a second guest-room". "Oh so me and Lumi can sleep there ?" She smiles up at me. "Sounds like a good idea". I sigh. "Yeah, that is what I meant". I feel like a teenager here. "It is ? And here I thought you were desperately fishing for me to ... sleep in you bed". She giggles and wink at me. I groan. "Y
*Lumi* I sit in the garden, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, as I watch my two-year-old son, Rasmus, playing with his cousin, Valo. Their laughter fills the air, a delightful melody that brings a smile to my face. Luca and Tom are tending to the barbecue, the tantalizing aroma of food making my stomach growl with anticipation.It's hard to believe that two years have passed since that special day when Meri and I both became mothers. My chronic leukemia, once a heavy burden, has been kept under control with the help of the new medicine. I feel healthy, alive, and grateful for every moment I get to spend with my family.The news of Meri's pregnancy fills my heart with joy. I glance over at her, as she is sitting beside me, her baby bump starting to show. I can't help but smile, I am so happy for her and Tom. "Meri," I say, excitement bubbling in my voice. "Have you found out the gender of your baby yet?" Meri's eyes light up, and a mischievous grin spreads across her face.
2 months later *Tom* The sun is blazing hot on the Texan soil as I walk into the room where Luca and I are supposed to get ready for the big day. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt, I am ignoring the faint pain in my leg… a harsh reminder of the past. "Think it's hot enough?" Luca's voice pulls me from my thoughts. He is already dressed in his new suit, looking more Hollywood than Texas, but his grin is as wide as the Rio Grande. "I think it's just right," I reply, a smirk pulling at my lips. I remember how Meri will often tease me about my British love for cooler weather. But today, even the heat seems tolerable, maybe because I finally will get to call her my wife. Luca laughs, a hearty sound that fills the room. "That's because you are about to marry the woman of your dreams. Even a Texan summer can't dampen that." "Marrying the woman of my dreams in a double wedding with her equally beautiful twin and my best friend," I add, causing
*Lumi* I walk into the room, the soft light casting a warm glow on the scene before me. My heart skips a beat as I see Luca sitting there, cradling our tiny son in his arms. A surge of love washes over me, filling every fiber of my being. Luca's eyes meet mine, and a tender smile spreads across his face. I can't help but be amazed by how effortlessly he handles our little one. It's as if he was born to be a father, his touch so gentle despite his size, his voice so soothing. After two weeks I am finally starting to feel mostly like myself again after the birth. At least in those ways that will return to being as before. The ones that won’t, Well I do not care, it was all worth it to have our little Rasmus. His name means beloved and desired and he truly is both. I watch in awe as Luca tries to make our baby boy smile. He makes funny faces and coos softly, his voice filled with pure affection. Our son's eyes fixate on him, captivated by his presence. It's a magical sight, one th
*Tom* I stand by Meri's side, holding her hand firmly as the doctor guides her through the labor. My heart swells with pride and admiration for the woman I love, as she bravely endures the pain and discomfort of bringing our son into the world. I glance over at Lumi, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, and am struck by the incredible bond between these two sisters, both going through this life-changing experience together. "Alright, Meri, when the next contraction comes, give it a good push". The doctor instructs, her voice calm and steady. Meri nods, her face flushed and sweaty, but determined. As the contraction hits, she squeezes my hand tightly, her nails digging into my skin. I wince, but refuse to let go or show any sign of discomfort. My pain is nothing compared to what she's going through right now. "You are doing amazing, love”. I whisper, trying to offer her some comfort between contractions. She manages a weak smile, her eyes filled with exhaustion but also an unwavering dete
*Luca* I watch as Lumi struggles with the electrolyte drink. I gently encourage her, saying. "It's important to stay hydrated, babe. Just a bit more”. After she has finished drinking, Lumi tells me she wants to get up and walk around. I support her as she rises, wrapping my arm around her waist. As we walk, the contractions continue to hit. Each time one comes, I gently stroke her lower back, trying to alleviate some of the pain, wishing I could remove it all. "Just breathe, Lumi. I'm here for you”. I whisper to her. Across the room, Meri is voicing her regret about not getting an epidural. Lumi, feeling her sister's pain, walks over to comfort her. "It's going to be okay, Meri. We are in this together". She reassures her sister. Seeing that Tom needs a break, having noticed him shuffle his feet for a while, I tell him, "Go ahead, man. Take a quick bathroom break. We will be here”. As Tom goes to the bathroom, I stay close to Lumi and Meri, prepared to help them through whateve
*Tom* I'm standing next to Meri, holding her hand tightly as we wait for the doctor to arrive. The room feels small, even though it's quite spacious, with both our families sharing it. I can feel the tension in the air, and my heart races with every passing moment. Meri's grip on my hand tightens as another contraction hits. I wince in sympathy, but she just lets out a string of curses that would make a sailor blush. It's a side of her I haven't seen before, and it catches me off guard. She has always been the more composed of the two sisters, but the pain seems to bring out a whole new side of her. My eyes drift over to Luca and Lumi. Luca is resting his forehead against Lumi's temple, whispering something in her ear. Lumi, who I have always known to be the more fiery and passionate of the two, seems surprisingly calm in this situation. It's a stark contrast to Meri's reaction, and it's oddly reassuring. I look back at my fiancée, trying to figure out how to help her through thi
*Meri* I'm sitting on the edge of the couch, gently rubbing my lower back as a dull ache radiates through it. Tom looks over at me with concern in his eyes. "Are you okay, love ?" he asks, setting down the book he has been reading. I nod, trying to smile through the discomfort. "Yeah, it's just my body getting ready for the birth, I think. It's probably normal". Tom's face softens, and he moves closer to me. "Let me give you a massage. It might help with the pain". I gratefully accept his offer. Tom fetches a yoga ball from the corner of the room and places it in front of the couch. I carefully lean over the yoga ball, resting my upper body on it, while Tom starts massaging my lower back. As he works on my tense muscles, I can't help but let out a small groan of relief. His strong hands expertly knead the achy area, easing my discomfort. After a while, Tom starts talking about our little boy, who is due to arrive in just a week. "I can't wait to meet him, Meri. Our lives
*Lumi* As we get ready for the appointment, I can see the worry painted across Luca's face. He's been so nervous ever since we found out about my leukemia, and now that we're expecting our first child, his concern has only grown. "Luca, I promise I've been feeling so much better since starting the new medicine," I reassure him, as we both get dressed. He nods, but his eyes still hold a hint of fear. "I know, Lumi, it's just that... I can't help but worry about you and the baby," he admits, his voice trembling slightly. I walk over to him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "We're in this together, remember? And the doctors are keeping a close eye on us. We'll be okay." He takes a deep breath and nods again, pulling me into a tight embrace. I can feel his heart racing, and I know that he's trying to be strong for both of us. We arrive at the clinic hand in hand, and check in at the reception desk. First I have to go to the nurse, having blood drawn, so the doctor can check e
*Meri* The sun is shining brightly as we enter the fair ground, and the smell of popcorn and cotton candy fills the air. "I have always loved the atmosphere of fairs". I say, grinning at Tom. He squeezes my hand and nods in agreement. Lumi and Luca walk beside us, their laughter contagious. "Remember when we used to come to carnivals as kids?" Lumi asks, her eyes sparkling. "Of course, we always had so much fun together". I reply, reminiscing. “But you never tried a Texan one”. Luca winks at us. “Cowboy style”. “Yi-ha”. Lumi cheers. It warms my heart to see her in such high spirits. As we enter the area with the games and rides, Tom spots a ring toss game and challenges Luca. "Bet I can win a stuffed animal for Meri before you can win one for Lumiøz He says, smirking. "You are on”. Luca replies, grinning. “You do remember my card toss right ? You can still bow out”. Lumi and I stand on the sidelines, cheering them on. "They are so competitive”. I laugh. "It's adorable”. Lum