Sorting Through Life's Puzzle Pieces

Chapter 31

          "Five minutes to curtain Mr., Hiddleston." Tom was actually nervous. All the times he'd been on stage and tonight was when the nerves kicked in. He wished he could have seen Mae to her seat, but there simply wasn't an opening. Shawna had sent him a picture of her getting ready and she was stunning. It took everything in him not to call and slow tonight's progress.

Entering stage left as the opening music started he got to work. Through the whole play he was in work entertainer mode. The songs and choreography were second nature now. It was during Make 'Em Laugh that he was able to hide in the wings and take a peek. He couldn't find her right away, but when he did it was wonderful.

Maeve was shining. He watched her laugh and as the song ended she gave enthusiastic applause. He left to finish the show and he tried not to focus on her too much. She really didn't like attention being drawn to herself. She would always accept it with grace, but he could tell.

Maeve stayed as others filed out of their seats and into the gallery. I'm so proud of him, she thought to herself.

"Excuse me, miss?"

"Yes."

"I was told to bring you backstage." The young stagehand looked nervous. Poor guy must have been afraid of finding the wrong person.

"Sure thing, lead the way." She gathered up her coat and purse and followed behind him. The man knocked on a door with Tom's name on it, fidgeting a little.

"Come one in."

Maeve opened the door and was greeted by a very shirtless Tom. She took in the view with great appreciation as he pulled a sweater on.

"How was it, darling? Good work?" He pulled her into his arms, kissing her on the temple.

"Shakespeare, are you fishing for compliments?" She smiled as she teased him.

"Absolutely, darling." He grinned back at her.

"I think it was wonderful. Thank you for inviting me."

"If I had it my way, you would be here every night." She put her arms around his neck and kissed him softly. They both took a few moments just to enjoy each other's arms.

"As much as I would like that, I will be needing to turn in early a few more nights a week."

Tom took her face in his hands and surveyed her before taking stock of the rest of her body, looking for injury or illness. Memories of that spring flooding his mind. "Angel, are you ill? Should we go see a doctor?" He felt panic setting in as she took his hands in hers.

"Calm down, I've already been to see one."

"Well?" She looked at his frantic state and brushed his cheek with her palm to help calm him.

"It's nothing seven more months won't solve." His brows furrowed in confusion and she giggled at it.

"It does take a lot of energy to grow a baby, sweetie."

"You mean...we're going to be parents?!" He picked her up and spun her around before placing her back on her feet with a kiss. "Are you okay? Is this okay?"

"I'm more than okay. Come on," she pulled him towards the door. "You've got a stage door to do and I bet they are chomping at the bit to see you."

Tom's smile could not be wider as he met with fans and signed play bills. Maeve watched, and gave a little wave once when he turned to check on her. She thought over the past year and realized that while life is a puzzle, that can be easily shattered. Hers had come back together to make a picture more beautiful than she could have ever hoped for.

 I know it's short, but it's the sweetest as it is the end. Thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoyed it.

Bernie