There were many reasons not to see Fabian again.
But Fiona just couldn't resist. And, as she has feared, it was wonderful to see him again.
Fiona put a lot of effort in showing that she wasn't interested in a romantic relationship. And Fabian took the message. Apart from a friendly hug, there where no physical contact between them.
- It was so lovely to see you again Fiona!
- Yeah, likewise! Let's do this again next time you are in town! Fiona could hear for herself how hollow it sounded.
In fact, they both knew they would not see each other again. It would simply be too difficult to be "just friends".
The coming weeks Fiona had a lot of doubts. She was torn. She wanted to call Fabian, but never did.
- I can not expose my kids for another boyfriend, it's not fair to them!, she thought to herself. Too many persons have come and gone in their life. I will forget him. I must.
She kept herself very busy with all kinds of diversions. However, she didn't smile quite as often as before. There were always a touch of sadness around her. When friends asked her she never admitted anything. - I'm just a little stressed at work at the moment, she might say. Or: "I'm just worried about the mortgage." Or "I'm just upset with Filipa after an argument this morning."
Many believed her. Stavroulla didn't. Not her daughters either.
The co-therapy with Niels turned out to be a great success. They cooperated so well with the kids, and there was a trust between them that they never shared the years they were married. At the same time they both knew they would never get back together. They had outgrown each other.
- I always felt that you held back when we were together, Niels admitted during one session. Emotionally you always pushed me away, you didn't really want me to come close to you, that's how I felt. I always knew you were going to leave me, and that fear, and frustration, was part of the problem for me. No excuse for what I did of course, but an explanation.
A couple of days later Fiona met Niels coincidently in town.
- You know, you were so right in what you said, she explained to Niels. I've done this in all my relationships. And I still do actually. I'm afraid to become close to someone! Because when I do, they will hurt me.
- Fiona you know that isn't true., Niels said. And you deserve to be loved. Believe me, I know! I really hope the best for you, and that you soon will find someone who appreciate you and love you for what you are.
- Actually, I think I did find someone, I just didn't see how special that was.
The following weeks Fiona had a lot of thoughts going through her heads, but at the same time she tried to focus on what was closest to her.
- I have such wonderful children! They are my little diamonds! They deserve to have a happy mother, don't you agree Stavroulla?
- Absolutely! Stavroulla answered, and the worst, or maybe it is the best, is that they always copy what you do and are, not what you say or pretend. So if you are happy, they will be happy too.
- I know! By the way, have you seen how Nora mimic everything Filipa does? It is so sweet! And Filipa is great big sister. She can drive me crazy sometimes, but I know she has a good heart. She is so observant and attentive that girl, it is spooky sometimes!
Fiona couldn't be more right. Filipa was very attentive indeed. She had figured out how her mother felt about Fabian. And when she met him in the park one afternoon she decided to confront him.
- Why don't you ask my mother out again? I think she would like going out with you. And I know for a fact that Nora and I wouldn't mind. You DO like her don't you? I can babysit Harry on Friday, there is a great film at the Ruby Movie Theatre that night. A romantic film. You should see it.
- You have it all figured out don't you? Fabian had to laugh. But he did call Fiona.
And Fiona did go out with him. And there where no holding back anymore. They were deeply in love with each other.
Fabian found it easy to build a good and sound relationship with Fiona's children as well. It was not difficult, they all loved Fabian's down to earth, no nonsense way of being. And they loved the effect he had on their mother.
Soon he became a common guest at the breakfast table whenever he was in town. And in April he moved in for good. Fiona and Fabian were now officially a couple.
Apart from that, two important things happened that year. Nora became a teenager. She was rebellious, grumpy and acting out.
- She is creative and headstrong. That will come in handy later in life. She wont have any problems saying No, that's for sure!
The other thing was that Fiona was pregnant. It was carefully planned, and a very wanted baby.
At the Christmas party Fiona announced it to everybody, including her two exes. Yes, they were both invited with their new spouses, and nobody had any problems at all.
- I know it's the talk of the town, she said to Stavroulla, but you know what? I don't care. If my children have a good relationship with both their parents, it can never be a bad thing. They deserve it. And we are all family in a way, and the rest is just practicalities and nobody else's business.
By next Christmas little Francois was born. He became the center of attention immediately, was spoiled rotten.
- Mon coeur... Fabian whispered to his little son. You are so perfect! My life is now perfect because of you! Well, there is just this small detail missing, but not for long I hope!
- My darling Fiona. Don't you think it is time? Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Officially I mean?
Fiona didn't have to think about it. And just four weeks after, they got married.
It became a very special wedding. Very, very special.
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