From Rome with love (Book 3)

London/Still sick

*Maddie*
"Welcome to London Cookie". Tom say with a warm smile, and lean in to give me a quick kiss as soon as we touch down.

I look out the window, feeling butterflies tumble in my stomach. "I can't wait to get to know Your town, and visit all you special places".

"I am going to enjoy showing you everything and showing you of". He say with a warm smile.

Getting of the plane he insist on carrying my bag. At least we both only have a carry on, so we don't have to wait for luggage.

When we get close to the exit Tom gently stop me. "I am not sure there is any press, but there could be. If there is, just smile and walk on. You don't have to answer anything they might ask.

As soon as we step out we realise that there definitely press, in fact there are so many people that I wonder who they are waiting for. Tom curses under his breath when he sees them. "Sorry Cookie, it's worse than I thought".

"Tom welcome home". Someone yell. "Who is Your beautiful companion ?"

"Tom look here".

"Where have you been Tom ?"

"Who is the lovely lady you have with you ?"

The questions are thrown towards us from every side. A man dressed in a suit step up. "I am Your driver Mr Hiddleston, let me take the bags. We are right outside the door".

"Thank you". Tom sends him a grateful smile, letting him take the bags. He put an arm around me, holding up his other hand, to get their attention.

As the sounds die down he smile. "Thank you. You know I want to be accommodating, but please respect our privacy. I have been in America attending a friends wedding. It was very beautiful and romantic. The beautiful lady here is Maddie and yes, we are dating. And now I would appreciate if you could give us some space, it has been a long flight".

"Congratulations Tom". Someone say, making Tom smile even wider. He pulls me a little closer, leading me outside. The cameras are flashing, but they give us space.

When we get outside a black town car is waiting, the driver waiting with the back door open. Tom lets me slide in first, and slide in beside me. After putting on his seatbelt, he gently take my hand. "You handled that great my love".

"Not as good as you". I tell him with a proud smile. "You are good, really good. I start to see why everyone adores you".

"I thought you already knew that". He say with a teasing wink.

I giggle. "I know why I adore you".

He leans in, kissing me softly. "What do you say, pizza and a bottle of wine, some movie. Would that be an okay evening ?"

"Sure sounds great". I answer.

Tom smile happily, he is looking out the window. Seems like he missed London.

"So Your dog.. Bobby.. is it home ?" I ask a bit nervously. I am not really good with dogs. And they tend not to like me. Tom talks of the dog like it is his kid, so what will he say if it hates me ?

"Well not now. He is with my sister. But she is bringing him over tonight. He is going to love you". He say happily.

I swallow. "Don't be disappointed if he don't. Dogs don't like me".

"I can't believe that cookie. And Bobby is very sweet and well behaved. You have nothing to fear". He takes my hand, rubbing it softly.

I lean my head on his shoulder. "I really hope you are right".

*Zac*
I gently help Dahlia into bed. She looks so tired and fragile for once. "Is there anything I can get you darling ?"

"A cup of tea would be nice". She say with a soft smile. "And Thanks Zac, I know I am not easy right now. Thanks for being so patient with me".

"I think I will have good use of that patience for like, the next 6 months". I tell her with a grin. "Don't worry love, whatever it takes it is worth it".

She breathes out. "In advance, Sorry for every hard word I might utter and everytime I am demanding.. of course it's worth it, but I still hope this will get better.. soon".

"Me too, for Your sake.. and mine". I lean down kissing her nose. Before leaving to make the tea.

I walk out into the kitchen, starting on the tea. We have to stay optimistic and hope it will get better. I hate seeing her like this, it truly breaks my heart. And as long as she is this sick there is no way I can work.

When the tea is done, I pour it in a big cup and walk back i to the bedroom, only to find her sleeping. I sit the cup on her bedside table and tug the blanket around her. Before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Sleep well baby".

I walk outside, going through the garden down to the stable, watching the golden horse lift its head and look at me. "Hi girl.. ready for dinner ?"

I go into the stable, putting her grains in a bucket with a couple of carrots and go to fill it in one of the feeding cribs. Then I go get some hay, putting it in the hay feeder. I go check over the horse while she eat, making sure she hasn't gotten any scratches or anything else.

I scratch her behind the ear, and she looks at me with those calm brow eyes. "I promise we are getting you a friend soon".

The horse lifts its head and look at me, like it is thinking it's a good idea. "Yeah and Sorry girl, but Dahlia probably won't get to ride you for quite a while". Suddenly the worry becomes a bit to much and I rest my forehead against the horse, breathing in her comforting scent.

She gently pushes me in the stomach with her muzzle, and I chuckle. "Yeah Sorry for crying on you girl". I rub her neck, and she gives me one last look before going to eat her hay.

I go inside and take a quick shower, before sliding down in bed beside my beautiful wife. I pull her into me and kiss her shoulder. "I love you baby".

"I love you too Zac". She mumbles back, only half awake.