From Rome with love (Book 3)

Meeting mom

*Maddie*
"Are you okay with it ? Elseway you just have to say so. I can go alone if you don't feel comfortable with it". Tom asks me the next morning as we are getting dressed. "I just want my mother to hear it from me".

I smile at him. "It's okay Tom. Actually I would really like to meet Your mom. I mean raising a man like you she must be quite extraordinary".

He walks slowly over to me, sliding his arms around me. "Mom is going to totally ˋadore you and.. Well.. she might be just a bit relieved about me finally taking this step.. so don't be scared if she starts talking about grandchildren".

"I am not easily scared". I tell him, giving him a quick kiss. "Now let me get dressed boo".

He chuckles and gives me one last kiss, before going to pull on a blue sweater. Then he run a hand through his hair and heads for the door.

"Have you ever heard of a comb Tom". I call after him and he stops at the doorway, and turns to grin at me. "I mean I know it is short right now, but maybe you don't want to visit Your mom with it looking like we got our groove on in the car".

"Who says we won't ?" He winks at me, making be glare at him and he reluctantly waddles to the bathroom to try and get the hair under control.

Twenty minutes later I get into the passenger seat of his navy jaguar. I run my hand over the seat. "This is a nice car Tom, a really nice car. And it fits you well, sleek, british and sexy".

"Well thank you". He say wiggling his eyebrow. "I got to say that you make it look even more sexy".

"You damn charming bastard". I make a face at him. "You better behave when we visit Your mom".

He turn on the car, and flashes me a big smile. "Oh believe me, I always behave when my mom is there".

As soon as we are through the dense traffic of London's center, Tom's hand comes over to rest on my thigh, as he manoures the car expertly with one hand. I can't help watching him as his tongue pokes slightly out through his teeth in concentration.

Finally we pull up in front of a beautiful victorian style house and Tom removes his hand as he parks the car. "Ready cookie ?"

"Sure boo". I send him a smile. Okay I'm a bit more nervous than I let him see. After all meeting his mom is kind of huge.

He gets out and comes around to open my door. Taking my hand in his and leading me up to the front door. He doesn't knock or anything, but simply walks in, calling out. "Hi mom, it's me".

"Thomas". I hear a warm voice call back. "I am in the kitchen my dear. Just come on in".

I look at Tom, my voice low. "Tell me Thomas my dear, haven't you told Your mother that you are bringing someone ?"

He sends me a rather sheepish grin. "Well no, I wanted it to be a surprise.. and well the last time I brought a woman to meet her it.. Well let's say it didn't went to well.. but she is going to love you".

"Hi mom". Tom opens a door, pulling me with him. His mother, a friendly looking lady with white hair dries of her hands in he apron, then she looks up and stop in her track, staring at me. "Mom this is Maddie, my girlfriend".

"Oh". His mom say. Then she walks to the window, looking outside, before looking at Tom. "No press and paps this time ?"

Tom closes his eyes and sigh. "No mom and I have told you sorry like a million times okay ? We are not like that, Maddie is not like that.. She is a nurse".

"I am sorry to just barge in like this Mrs Hiddleston. I thought Tom had told that he would bring me". I smile at her, casting a side glance at Tom.

She sigh and then walk over. "It is okay my dear, I know my son, so I am not blaming you. And please to call me Diana".

"It is such a pleasure to meet you Diana". I say, holding out my hand, but she pulls me in for a hug.

"In this family we hug. And it's a pleasure meeting you too Maddie. Sorry for being a bit guarded, but this one has pulled some bad stunts on me before". She say nodding towards Tom.

*Tom*
I watch my mom and Maddie chat over lunch and feels so very relieved. My mom seems to have taken to Maddie and I hope this will make her forgive my past mistakes as well.

"So Maddie, for how long are you here in London ?" My mom ask, and I see Maddie glance at me, asking what to say. I nod, telling her it's okay to tell the truth.

"Well I have taken a job here in London, so for now I am staying here". She say, taking my hand. "Tom was so sweet to offer me to move in with him".

His mom stare at him with huge eyes, that suddenly looks suspiciously shining. "Thomas ! Is this right ? Are you two actually living together ?"

"Yes mom, I asked Maddie to move in with me. So yeah we are living together". Tom say, sending me a loving smile, rubbing my hand.

"Oh you don't know how happy I am to hear this". Diana says happily, clapping her hands together. "You are going to make me a grandmother after all".

Tom groans, rubbing his face. "Mom, please don't. You'll just scare her away".

"Nonsens Thomas, the way she looks at you says it all". His mom just answers, smiling at me.

"Sorry about that". Tom leans in to kiss my cheek, whispering in my ear.

I turn my head, whispering back. "Don't worry, I am not easily scared".