Meant For You

by Tomas, G. L.

  “You guys, we have to be quick. The realtor is scheduled to be here any minute, and I don’t want them to assume we value our time more than theirs,” I lamented.

  “Fine,” he replied, a playful annoyance in his voice. “You can open your eyes now.” As his voice suddenly came up from behind me. He uncovered my eyes, forcing my blurry vision to adjust to the sight in front of me. I wouldn’t have been surprised by the living room in a normal situation, as I expected it would be spacious. It was three times bigger than our last one, and the mother and wife in me already fantasized about the plans and possibilities for the décor of the room.

  But even with all that running through my head, that wasn’t what knocked the wind out of me. The golden triangle of the room nearly stopped my heart from beating, and if Olivia wasn’t screaming “Do you like it?” over and over, I would have sworn I was in an alternative universe.

  A magnificent white wedding dress was held up by a mannequin just at the room’s center. The stunning majestic gown wasn’t like any other dress I’d encountered, tried on, owned or even window shopped and wished for, assuming I’d ever remarry.

  The dress that I had married Olli in was essentially the same color, but surviving on a shoestring budget, it had been thrifty and stopped at the knee. The gorgeous frock not only had a train that went on for days, but it also featured an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, a detail that wasn’t short on lace and silk embellishments, that was as long as any royal gown I’d seen. To make matters worse, that wasn’t even the best thing about the dress.

  The bodice was elegant and fit for a queen, guaranteed to make any woman feel like nobility. It’s slight dropped waist provided the perfect transition into a full ballroom skirt. Endless layers of romantic tulle made the dress appear as it was floating mid-air. Olivia pulled in for a closer look, and if she hadn’t, I wouldn’t have even known the mere sight of the masterpiece had cemented me in place.

  “Why don’t you help your mother into the dress,” Olli smiled. “We’ll follow through with what we talked about when we meet outside, Okay?” he said without explaining himself, as he disappeared into another part of the house and Olivia pulled me closer in the direction of the dress.

  “Olivia, what’s going on honey? What are you two keeping from me?” As she kept repeating “It’s a surprise” and I slipped down to my underwear. Olivia must’ve known this was going to happen. She had a stool and everything, assuming she’d have to zip me up.

  I don’t know how it was even possible, but the dress was made to my exact measurements. Granted, Olli knew my body, but he wasn’t keen on US measurements, and blatantly ignored my obvious weight gain. He claimed to him I looked the same as eight years ago with just a little bit more to touch. A dress of this caliber should’ve taken weeks to make. I had reason to believe it cost a fortune just to have it to try on.

  Olivia helped get the back, buttoning and zipping wherever needed. She helped me with a tray of pearls left behind, and with a mirror being the only real object in the room, I had a chance to glance at the woman staring back at me.

  This woman…she looked vibrant. She looked happy. The woman my eyes laid upon looked like she went for all the things she wanted and deserved every one of them. There were a million other things I could’ve said about her, but the only other two that mattered surfaced.

  The woman in the reflection looked in love. This woman looked complete.

  “Now see why we didn’t tell you?” Olivia whined. “If we had told you, you wouldn’t have been as happy to see the dress.” She smiled a full-toothed grin before asking if I liked the dress.

  A soft laugh rumbled in the back of my throat. “I love it.”

  “Come on, we’re supposed to be meeting Iskä outside.” As she continued to pull my arm before I was ready. I took one last look at myself in the reflection, amazed at how far I’d come. I glowed despite not having an ounce of toner, or blush, or makeup of any kind.

  “You look pretty, Mami, now let’s go!” Olivia said, ordering me with impatient enthusiasm. It took some work on both our ends, but we managed to travel through multiple rooms, as she led me through the spacious house. Glass sliding doors were at the end of the destination and I had reason to believe it was the home’s backyard.

  The astonishing site out back alone should have been enough to make my heart stop. I was confused but curious about what was happening, why it was happening and what all these secrets led to. Finally, all the clues started to have some ounce of clarity.

  Outside, the tree branches were decorated with a weaving stream of twinkling lights and ornaments. Lanterns accompanied by verdant garlands made everything look votive, with the intricacy of something that had been planned for months. Photos of the two of us hung by white satin ribbons along the bodies of each tree and throughout the trimmed lush of emerald green, including the shrub fence behind it.

  Hundreds of white petals formed a horizontal line that led straight to my Olli, who on his end, had appeared to don a dark blue custom-tailored tuxedo. I don’t know how he’d gotten dressed so fast, but boy was my man dapper. He was as handsome today as the day I met him, ripped from the page of a fairy tale, where he was always and only suited for the hero or charming prince.

  I took a deep breath before making my way past the trail of rose petals, fighting back tears with each step I took. I was drowning in them, unable to keep a straight face, as the end led to Olli, and he took my hand in his. My family was here; his family was here. I was trying to gather strength but this moment was too emotional. I don’t think I could have ever predicted this could happen. Not in a million years.

  “Benny, I am sure you are wondering what all of this is in front of you.” I nodded, unable to form words, coherent sentences or even the most minimal forms of communication. Compelled to do the next best thing, I stood back and listened, hoping it’d all be explained.

  “Today, I wanted to surprise you. It is exactly eight years from the time that I met you. From just that simple moment, I knew you were destined to be my one and only.” He wiped a tear away and lent me strength as he continued on. “I kept thinking how flashy or difficult it might be to bring both of our families together for a moment so important. But it wasn’t long before I put those pessimistic thoughts away. This was the type of wedding you always deserved. And in front of you, our daughter Olivia, your mother, and my parents, I want to admit that my biggest regret was walking away from you and our life together.”

  He didn’t have to apologize anymore; I’d already forgiven him. The moment I stepped off the plane from West Covina to Helsinki, I’d forgiven him ten times over. But it meant a lot that in front of the people who mattered most to us, that he wanted to own up to his mistake. It showed a lot of humility and growth, and I knew my mother would respect him more for doing that.

  “Everything we built had been irreplaceable. It was good and special. Most of all it was right. We were so right. We are so right.” His words weren’t helping me keep the waterworks down. By the time I’d stopped crying, I was halfway through his speech before his voice cracked in a similar whimper.

  “Lots of people speak about this feeling of wholeness. That feeling you have when you meet the person that was meant for you, and only you. I hadn’t realized how true that was for us until I tried to live without you. Without you, I couldn’t function as a full person. I owe you every dream I’ve ever had, every goal I’d ever accomplished. But most of all every memory you’ve ever given me. You gave me something I didn’t ask for, and frankly something I don’t even think I deserve. A family.” He pulled my fingers to his lips, gently placing a tender kiss on the back of my hand.

  “The only way I even know how to pay you back for the immense value you’ve added to my life is to love you unconditionally, wholeheartedly, and take care of you and our family for the rest of my life. Maria Bendición Tuominen, will you marry me all over again, and let me be the man you’ve deserved?” Overwhelmed by Olli’s word, the
only thing I could think to say was “Yes”.

  “I love you so much Olli.” As he didn’t let me say anything else before a ring materialized from his pocket. I looked into his eyes, consumed in overwhelming joy.

  “I love you too Benny. This ring, this house, and my heart? They’re all yours.” As he whispered I’d be his princess in public, but not to think for one minute I wouldn’t be his slut behind closed doors. To be honest, I couldn’t see it going any other way.

  Epilogue

  Benny

  The blend of hot steam and hearty aromas hit my face like a warm summer day. Although my feet were beginning to swell from slaving away in the kitchen, it almost made it worth it to let the smells convince me that this could be the best meal ever. Rosemary and sage were my favorite additions to anything and although a much-needed break was in order, it warmed my heart every time I decided to make my family’s favorite holiday meals. Combining ideas from both my husband’s Northern European background and my Central African one was easier than it sounded. We both loved fish, so it wasn’t hard to see that we were a fish family.

  A sense of relief washed over me as Olli entered the kitchen and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. He reached in to place a soft kiss on my neck that still managed to give me butterflies.

  “Would you like help, mi amor?” That was the thoughtfulness of my Olli. He always sensed what I needed, and more importantly when I needed it. I wasn’t sure how I could even be this lucky. Despite our less than conventional start, in addition to a rocky middle, Olli had always been the one to prove to me that a good man steps up and does everything in his power to give you the absolute best version of himself that you deserve. He was such a great husband and ever since he retired from his work due to a life-altering investment several years ago, he’s been an even better father, highly dedicated to his family. Not once had I ever worried about how everything would work out because, in our little world, everything was close to perfect.

  Olli kneeled down and opened the oven door as the baked salmon, at his request, filled the air with much-needed, festive joy as we counted down the days before Christmas. For the entire month of December, it had been a tradition of ours to end our week with memorable feasts and being that we and the kids spent eight months of the year in Olli’s motherland, the snow, the weather, and even going into the city made it feel a lot more like the sort of holidays you saw in movies. This one felt especially special.

  I ran my fingers through his thick dark hair. He looked up to give me one of his mischievous little smiles that I never got tired of. “Is there anything I can do for you while I am on my knees?” he asked, biting his lip and switching to English. If the kids weren’t coming in soon, which I predicted they’d be swarming in, testy from the sweat they worked up from playing outside, I might have just taken him up on his offer. But we had an army to feed. I leaned down to meet him, cradling his face as my lips felt at home on his.

  “The kids will be in soon…but maybe when everyone is sleeping…”

  He pressed his lips to mine a second time, giving me a taste of what could come. “You know how good I am at getting everyone in bed by nine.” He really was, I thought, laughing to myself as I attempted to walk away to finish setting the table, only for him to pull me closer for one last kiss on my fairly new three-month-old baby bump, acknowledging the presence of our fourth child together.

  “Hurry up and get out of your mother’s tummy so I can meet you.” Olli kissed my stomach again before he stood to his feet. When I looked back on our relationship, I couldn’t believe I was already on child number four. We hadn’t wasted much time after he surprised me with the renewal of our vows, we honestly couldn’t keep our hands off each other long enough to lose excitement from the last one being born. Olli was so good with them and never failed to get excited any and every time I announced being pregnant. As long as I could keep having them, he would welcome every child we’d bring into this world. But really, I just wanted a small break in between the next one. Four was enough for now, and I was looking forward to this version of our family.

  As Olli wrapped his arms around me, I couldn’t help but notice all the kisses we exchanged despite none being done under the traditional mistletoe. I was such a superstitious romantic.

  “You know, in old Nordic culture, it is said that mistletoe was often shared after murdering a colleague or a loved one.” He said setting me straight. “Perhaps it is best if we avoid the mistletoe altogether. It is however, bad luck to refuse a kiss from the person who promises to spend the rest of the night making you feel good.” He kissed me on the cheek and at the sound of collective merriment and light teasing, in unison our eyes darted towards the kitchen door to see our babies bundled up and ruddy from the blistering cold winter wonderland of outside to the cozy, warm environment that was our home.

  Olivia, who was now twelve and already as tall as me, was the proud mama bear, being the big sister I never imagined her being. Yet, the role had fit her like a badge of honor. She loved her baby bother Olli Jr—or OJ—as we called him. Despite the fact that she was seven years older, the two were like two peas in a pod. She was always helping him with everything, and I hoped he showed that same eagerness towards Marja, our youngest, who was only a year and a half younger than him.

  Olli ran over to them, showering them with hugs and kisses as he scooped young Marja up into his arms. She was so tiny in his arms, and it was funny to remember how at one point, they were all once that small. They were growing up so fast, I couldn’t stand it.

  “Hey, you guys, you want to help Iskä finish up dinner and set the table? I’d be grateful for the help since Mami’s going to lie down for a while.” With excited eagerness, all three were ecstatic to be assigned tasks to help dinner approach faster. With one last kiss from my beloved and youngest daughter, I made my way into the living room to find a comfortable spot on the sofa to rest my poor, tired feet. I wanted to turn on the TV but decided that listening to my families’ joy and laughter was just the entertainment I needed to ease the stress of a long day.

  Finally, Olli and I had everything we wanted in life. All I ever dreamed of was a man who strove to be a great father to my kids. A man that would’ve moved heaven and earth for his family. One that only wanted the chance to see his kids grow up and to be around for all of their moments. While some things felt a little hectic every once in a while, this life, my life, was much more than I ever could’ve asked for.

  The End

  Did you enjoy this story? Do you wish more stories like this existed? Consider leaving a review for Meant For You! Every review helps us consider where to go next with this planned series and we want to hear from you whether it be passion or pain, that you’d like to read more books like this from us!

  Acknowledgments

  First and foremost, the person who deserves the most credit for making this story work is Patrice. Your harsh words and red ink hit different at first, but without you Meant For You wouldn’t have been possible. The Plot Genie was amazing at taking characters and plot points we wanted but turning it into more than something just in our notebook! To Steamy Book Designs, working with you for the covers for this series has been a delight and we can’t wait to release the future books with your expertise! And to all buddies at our day job cheering us on from the time we went letter chasing for our USA Today bestselling title to constantly holding us accountable until we finished this book! None if it could’ve been done without y’all!

  Please consider reviewing Meant For You!

  Will you consider helping us grow as authors?

  Did you like/love this book? Would you like to see more from this series or even more from Benny and Olli? Please consider leaving a review! We knew as a reader you’re beat over the head with please leave a review, but reviews are one of the many parts that aid in a book’s visibility but also guide an author into knowing what their audience wants.

  Maybe we have another story cooking up! But we may not pr
ioritize it if we’re not sure the world wants it!

  Reviews help us cater to the reader and center on the series’ an author wants to finish but isn’t sure due to the radio silence. So before you flip past this page, consider reviewing this title. We’ll even make it easier for you!

  Click here to review this book!

  Spare one square for your possibly new favorite author!

  More from G.L. Tomas

  More to come from G.L. Tomas in the near future…

  Melt For You

  Leomie Coutard was just looking for a fresh start. In a new city, her career shows promise. The only thing she's yet to conquer is a romantic relationship. Her life and profession were one thing, but satisfying her personal needs required a certain something. From her experience, not just any man would do.

  When matchmaker Mistress Alice informed her that her presence has been requested, she finds herself face to face with the sexy older submissive, Damien. Too bad after their meet up, he respectfully turns her down.

  No big deal. Until she finds out she's a part of the surgical team of the intimidatingly sexy surgeon.

  Damien Singh thought his role as a submissive was a thing of the past. Taking the time to heal didn't make the need to serve go away, but the scars of past trauma made him reluctant to submit to another Domme. That is. until he saw...