The coffee house was surprisingly full for such a snowy day. The big windows allowed him to see people passing on the street but it only made him more anxious. He took a long time to recognize her, even though she hadn't changed, apparently. Her long white coat made her look younger, and even at distance he could see that she was happy. She entered the coffee house looking for him, and he had forgotten how lovely she looked when she was like a child searching for him. She hanged her coat and then finally saw him, smiling as beautifully as he remembered.
- You're here! - he said, holding her hands strongly. She agreed with her head, looking deeply into his eyes, as if it were her last chance to look at them. He ordered coffee for them both while she looked at his hair, his amazing blue eyes and even his hands. They smiled again at each other, and only then he started talking.
- I thought you'd never come back from Italy, I mean... you are back, aren't you?
- Yes - she smiled, opening space for the waiter and thanking for the coffee. - I could never live there. It's a good place for spending a vacation, but it's not home.
He couldn't help loving the way she had of calling Finland "home". It always gave him hope of a better life by her side, and he didn't know whether he should feel hopeful or not about how calm she seemed talking about home - she seemed so sure, unlike before when she used to call Finland home with all her heart, but with an unknown fear in her eyes.
- How are the boys? - she asked.
- Fine. Missing you, though - she suddenly became a little sad. - Do you want to pick them up at school today?
- Of course! Do they still leave at 4?
- Yes, but we can go together.
- Better, then - she drank her coffee, looking throughthe windows to the snowy landscape. She really seemed content for being there. Trying to find courage to finally speak, he took a deep breath, and went to drink his coffee but she heard his breath and looked at him. She hesitated, but said:
- I... I don't know where, but I'll live here now. I am here to stay.
His heart started beating really fast. He tried to speak calmly:
- And do you consider living in Helsinki instead of Kuopio?
- Actually, yes. I am considering going back to college.
- Really? Start your PhD?
- Perhaps. I don't know yet, but it does seem interesting - she looked down and, seeming embarassed, continued - Perkko doesn't know that I returned.
He got really surprised. Perkko had been her boyfriend for years and wanted to marry her, but was never able to convince her to do so. She often traveled abroad leaving him behind, and Perkko always waited for her, even though she never asked for it.
- What does it mean? - he finally asked, because he couldn't understand her feelings for Perkko.
- I don't know. I guess I don't want this life anymore, you know? Perkko is adorable but I feel locked up with him. I don't want to feel like that anymore.
- Did I ever make you feel locked?
- No, for God, I was free with you - she smiled, getting very blushed. - I had the happier times with you.
He was surprised by her reaction. He would never expect her to leave Perkko. Suddenly, he felt that it was the perfect moment to speak.
- I have news for you about Perkko - he tried to find enough courage to face her reaction to these news. - Perkko is with... someone else now.
She looked at him, deeply astonished. She stayed in silence for a very long time, staring at the floor. He could barely breathe, while she was biting her lower lip, and he couldn't read anything in her eyes. After several minutes, she finally looked up at him and whispered, hesitating:
- Does it mean that... if we wanted... if we decided... we could be together, you and me?
He could expect her to say anything but this. He did not know what to say for a very long time, while he tried to dygest what he had just heard. Instead of answering, he said:
- Allow me - he picked from the floor a big bag from a store. He had kept it by his side, where she couldn't see. She was suprised too. - Open it, please.
She looked at him for some time, still confused, but then decided to open it. First, she opened a little package that had a Donald Duck mug within. Still confused, she opened the other package, and there was a Minnie pyjamas exactly her size. She looked at him, completely confused, although she'd love those gifts for whatever reason he could have given it to her. He took a deep breath and tried to explain:
- You always said that for being at home you needed to feel confortable and safe, with things that you loved. I know how much you love these Disney stuff, and I thought I could make you feel at home if you had those in my place... - his eyes started to hurt because of the water in them - that can be ours if you want to.
Her eyes gleamed with tears and her cheeks blushed. She agreed with her head and said very low:
- Let's pick up our children at school.
He agreed with his head and they left the coffee house. Once outside, she took his hand and stopped walking, looking at him at every single feature. Then, she kissed him on the lips for a moment, holding him and trying to disguise the tears. They went to his car holding hands, and when he opened the door for her, they finally smile, starting to laugh, suddenly realizing how happy they felt. But this happiness was scary, because this life that they were about to start always was impossible, and then it became more than possible, it was their reality. They hugged again, until she step away.
- We'll be late to pick up the kids - she said, smiling. He agreed and drove to their school, and a silent bliss took over them. She tried very hard not to stare at him the whole time, but it was very difficult not to look at the man she loved for so long. When they arrived at school, the kids were already going out, and she left the car very fast and ran to the gates, looking anxiously for his twin kids, but the boys saw her first. One of them saw her and then yelled "mom!" and ran into her arms, while the other followed. She smiled, opening her arms for both of them, holding them strongly, stroking their hair and kissing them both. The twins always loved how warmly she treated them, and even after all this time they still called her "mom". He stayed looking from the pavement his children and the woman who should be his wife - and finally, would be.
