66

As always, a huge thanks to Kenji for helping me make this readable, and Paolo for his invaluable proofreading. Again, any and all mistakes are mine, as I still don't listen all the time! Thanks to you, the reader, and to those who have given me valuable comments. As I'm fairly far ahead, many are addressed in future chapters. Others? Well...Thanks...

Chapter 63

Lunch with Martin and Grace

Chrissie and Emily were in their M&S dresses, both looking stunning. I watched as they padded around in bare feet, getting everything ready. The kids were relaxed and entertaining themselves, and all was pretty good in the world.

Emily asked if she could prepare lunch for us all, but Chrissie insisted on helping her. They sat with me in the front room devising a menu, something Chrissie and I had neglected. She needed a few extra items, so she asked David to go to the shops with her. Again, it was a nice gesture. Chloe and I harassed her mother, which she took with a large pinch of salt, finally pushing us outside. We saw Emily and David pull up, so Chloe and I went to help bring in the bags.

The kids and I cleaned the outside table and left Chrissie and Emily to get everything ready. Martin and Grace showed up around twelve. I welcomed them in, shaking his hand and embracing Grace. Chrissie and Emily came through, still aproned up, and hugged them both. We introduced the kids, both a bit shy to begin with, and we all went outside.

Emily brought out the G&Ts for everyone. We sat, Martin and Grace, wanting to know all about our separate visits to London. I gave them a quick rundown, with Chrissie adding the needed detail and flavour every now and then. We reminisced about our shared experience of the city. They had never been to the market on Portobello Road, but that went on their following list of 'to dos' when they were able to get back.

Emily brought the sea bass out for us, her cooking superb. They had prepared sides of lemon rice, grilled veggies with dill and a lovely Sauvignon Blanc. They had outdone themselves. The kids were wonderful and entertaining and chatty with them both, and I was impressed with their manners.

Emily was seated on one side of me, Chrissie on the other. I thanked them for the meal, kissing Chrissie, then turning to Emily and kissing her lips. I hoped Martin and Grace had seen the gesture. Chrissie and Emily then recounted their three-day visit and interviews. They were enthralled and impressed with their interview story and subsequent job offers, and I could see how proud they were of them both.

"The Institute is going to miss you both," Grace said. "But, Emily? This is a huge development for you, hmm? You're still getting your divorce, I assume?"

"Where do I begin, Grace," she said, looking at us for encouragement. "Can I be honest with you both and...ask for your confidence?" she asked them.

"Emily. Of course. Martin and I have learned discretion over the years. Whatever is said here, stays here, all right?" Grace explained.

"I thought as much, Grace. Thank you both," she began.

Emily started her story, starting with her divorce, then the relationship with Chrissie over the years and ending with us.

"I'm in love with them both. It just...happened. It's not as easy as that, but the bottom line is that I need a change, and I need a different approach to relationships and work. It makes sense to us," she said, looking for a bit of backup from us.

"As Emily said, she knew about Chrissie and me well before I did!" I laughed. "Emily helped me see what a complex woman Chrissie is. I had no idea, and I never saw that part of her. I believe it's what we all need, for any number of reasons. We're not entering into this lightly, believe me. This will be tough, but rewarding. It's taken me by complete surprise, actually," I said.

"Am I nuts, Martin?" I laughed, both girls swatting me.

"Tom, the little I know you, I'd have to say no. You know what you're doing. True, it's a huge leap of faith, but any relationship is. Adding in your closeness with Chrissie, you have your work cut out. I'm happy for you all, though. I really am," he said, encouragingly.

The five of us talked easily and openly, and I think they understood us more.

"So, what's your timeline for London? Soon?" Grace asked.

"We're thinking mid-June when the kids get out for the school holidays. Then the

reality really starts!" Chrissie chuckled. "Schools, a house, getting settled somewhere, new jobs. Yes, I think we're mad!" she laughed. "The main thing is finding the right area. Tom's thinking Richmond? Are you two familiar with the area? The schools get great ratings, so we thought that would be a great place to begin looking. We'll probably be renting in the area until we find the right house. I don't want to move the kids from school to school. That seems to be the biggest challenge right now, but we'll do it," Chrissie said, smiling. "After all, look at who I have by my side now!"

I asked Martin if he'd like to see the house whilst the others were gabbing about the move and London. He grabbed his drink, and I brought him to the front room.

"So," I laughed. "Quite a tricky situation, eh?" I chuckled.

"Tom, yes, you certainly know how to embrace a situation. We like Emily, and we're sorry about David and her, but we understand these things. I would never have guessed she and Chrissie were an item. How did you take that, if you don't mind me asking?" he asked.

"Truthfully? Not too well. I didn't know the extent of their closeness. It caught me off guard, too. The more time we're spending together and the more I'm getting to know Chrissie, it seems to be the right path. Can I ask you something, though? You don't have to answer, but...if I wanted to marry Chrissie, is there a way? I've thought about this a lot and can't see it. I thought about a forged birth certificate, but that leads to background checks and all problems. Any idiot would see the same parents. Any ideas?" I asked.

"I know, Tom. Grace and I have been through the same dilemma. We had to just say we're married, and hope that no one asks too many questions. It's been twenty-six years, so I think we're okay now!" he laughed.

"I know throwing Emily into the mix is not for the fainthearted, but I truly believe this will work. We'll be confronted with a whole dynamic, but if we can sustain the honesty and openness, well. We all bring something different to the relationship. It's not about the sex. Really, it isn't. It's about the support they both need, that missing something in a traditional relationship. Believe me, I thought I would be enough for her. I might have been, too. I see this as more enhancing, though. Time will tell, eh? Next time you're in London, you'll have to come and see us, though? We'd like that," I told him.

"We'd love to, Tom. I will say, if any three people can make this work, I think you all can. They're both intelligent, highly motivated women. Grace and I have always been impressed with them. We'll miss you all, just as we're getting to know one another! Now, I have something to run by you. I'm certain Grace would agree with me, but...we're connected with many agents in London. Let me see what we can do for you. It may only be rental to start with, is that okay?" he asked.

"That would be wonderful, Martin. Thank you," I said.

"What's your budget? Any idea yet?" he asked.

"Well, we have only started looking, but I would think around 1.5 sterling, perhaps a bit more for the ideal place. Chrissie and Emily will both be selling their places. I'd want them both to keep 100k aside, though. I'll work on the figures, but I think a mortgage will be cheaper than using my fund. If I have grey hair the next time you see me, that's why!" I laughed.

"So, Emily doesn't know about Grace and me?" he asked.

"No, Martin. As I said, it's not our place to say anything, okay? I'm certain she can be trusted, but it's not our call," I said.

"Thank you both. We appreciate that. So, how are things with the kids? They lost their dad recently?" he asked.

I told him about the situation and thought they would be all right. I told them about Emily being their surrogate mother, and he chuckled. We chatted a while longer, then Chrissie walked in.

"What are you two conspiring about, eh?" she chuckled.

"Everything and nothing, darling," I said, as she leaned down and kissed me.

Martin and I rejoined everyone outside, the wine and conversation flowing easily. Grace and I talked about the opera whilst Emily and Chrissie kept Martin charmed with tales of their exploits, here and abroad! Chloe came over and jumped onto Emily's lap, eager for grownup gossip and talk. The afternoon was drawing to a close, so Martin and Grace decided to leave, thanking us for our welcome hospitality. I think they enjoyed themselves. Who knows, really?

With handshakes and hugs, we saw them off. We all helped clear everything, so that didn't take long. It was turning chilly, so we all stayed in and put a movie on for the kids. We all huddled together on the sofa, safe and warm. I sat between Chrissie and Emily, both heads using my shoulder for support. I lazily played with the hem of their dresses, just because.

"Did you have a nice chat with Grace?" I asked them both.

"We did, Tom. She's so natural and relaxed. You'd never believe they were worth a gazillion dollars!" she laughed. "She's a great lady. I really like her. She totally supports us, not that it matters, but it's nice she didn't think we were weird or depraved...little does she know!" Chrissie giggled.

"What was your take, Emily? You guys know her better than I do," I said.

"Yeah, I agree with Chrissie. She's great to talk with, very educated, stylish and good fun. I've always liked her wicked smile. There's more than a few secrets in there!" she laughed.

"So," she whispered. "Do they know about, you know, you both?"

"They do, Emily. I told them a while ago. I forget how the topic came up, but yeah, they both know. We trust them. I'll be sorry to not be around them. But...Martin did say he knows realtors in London and would contact them for us. I gave him an idea of what we're looking for and a few specifics. He'll also lookout for a rental, just in case. It was a nice offer of his. We'll see what he can come up with. So, Emily. You're staying the night? We have a talk later on, so...."

"Of course, I am, Tom. I have work clothes here, too. That's okay?" she asked.

I leaned into her ear and whispered, "Fucking behave, Emily." Then said out loud, "I think I can say this is your home now for both of us. All right? Anytime, understand? It's a given now, so no more asking!" I said adamantly.

"Oooo, you had better listen to him, Em. He has no qualms about spanking, you know!" she giggled.

"Hmmm," she smiled, and squeezed my leg.

Time flew by, and it was ready for the kids' bedtime. We all had our 'chores' to do, so

they were tucked up and kissed in no time. Well, an hour, but still. There was a single malt waiting for me in the front room. Chrissie and Emily were finishing off the wine and had their notebooks out.

"So..." I smiled.

Chapter 64

The Talk and Boundaries, Sunday Night

"So...I'm not sure how to do this, but just jump right in, okay? Now, have you both made your lists and read up on what we're doing?" I asked.

They both waved their notebooks at me, giggling.

"Right. So we're not in school," I laughed. "We all need to be aware of each other's concerns, ideas, fears and hopes. If this gets too intense, well, I guess it's supposed to. The way I see it, what we are proposing is outside the norm, so there are few guidelines for us. We need to make this up and learn as we go along," I said. "Chrissie? Your thoughts before we start digging?"

"Well, I think we are all taking these steps seriously, but yes, we need to be open with each other. This will be hard because I've been used to hiding things in relationships, and I realise that this has to stop now. I'm not saying it will be easy, but it's the only way to go forward," Chrissie said.

"Emily? First thoughts?" I asked her.

"Okay, well, this will be scary for all of us. I understand that, but I am also excited about it. All the reading I've done makes it seem daunting, but extremely rewarding, too...if we get it right." Emily said.

"So true, Emily. There's a lot of work to do, constantly. I'm prepared to put in the time, work, recriminations and angst to get this right. First of all, when we do this, we all have to be honest, all right? We are 'allowed', if you will, to say anything and everything. Now, you may want to keep certain feelings inside, and that's not going to work. Your worries or concerns will never be addressed then, and where does that get us, hmm? We decide what is right and wrong between us," I started. "Chrissie, what do you need and want from this, hmm?"

"Well, you tapped into the most important one, honesty. We need to be open about everything. I agree, Tom. If we bottle things up, we won't work. It's funny because we need all the things you would find in a traditional relationship or marriage, but we all lose track of that. We veer off course for any number of reasons. So yes, as an opener, honesty and openness," she stated. "We all go into a relationship for love and passion, but we can't sustain it. That scared me about us, Tom. After everything I've read, I see how this may just be the way for me, and hopefully, us."

I nodded to Emily, and she opened her notebook.

"Okay. Here goes. I need to strip away my preconceived notions of relationships. This won't work otherwise. I think this will be hard for all of us. But what I need is security in love. I've been hurt, we've all been hurt. I...I can't go through that again. I just won't," she said. "And yes, Chrissie. What you just said certainly rings true with me!"

"So, how can we give you that security? Does that just develop over time, or what? Our partners probably said, in some way, that we were secure with them, but look what happened. How can we make that real, a real focus?" I asked.

"I think you touched on it already, Tom. Complete honesty, even if my truth hurts one of you. Then we all talk it through, work through it, and move on," Emily smiled.

"You're right, Emily. We will all be hurt by what the others say at some point or another, that's normal, but it's how we deal with that which will define us. Now, my only non-negotiable is monogamy. When we begin, we are with each other, no one else. I know this is directed to you, Emily. I cannot have you dating anyone, but us. Sorry. If you feel this is too soon for you, that you'd like to have the option of dating other people, fine, then go out and do that with our blessings, but that's a deal-breaker for me. The decision is yours, darling, as it always will be. If we cannot bring you the happiness you want, you'll hopefully find it with someone else. That is my only stipulation. I get that we shouldn't be putting constraints on one another, but that's mine," I said, and looked at them both.

"Tom, Chrissie, I agree after all we've been through. Either we're on the bus or off the bus. Now, I'm taking sex off the table...for a minute," she giggled. "But, putting that aside, I see the potential in us, so yes, I agree that monogamy is the only way, too. It would kill me to know if you were cheating on us. I...I couldn't bear it. You both have my promise, all right? I want this to work. I'm willing to put in the work. I've been reading an awful lot on this, and I get it. I understand what we're getting into. Happy?" she smiled.

"Chrissie? Now, don't let us down!" I laughed. She swatted me.

"That should be a given, Tom. I think you know where my heart is already. I'm with you both. Forever, I hope," she sighed.

We all had a long drink, composing ourselves and taking in what each said.

[That was a good start, I thought].

Now for the next steps.

"Okay, we need to address a few things. First of all, the dynamic of us. Emily, you are at a disadvantage right away. I understand that, and did you read about that at all?" I asked them.

"I found that interesting," Chrissie said. "I hadn't even thought of that, but I can see how it could be a problem for Emily, if not all of us," she said.

We talked about the 'privilege' that could derail us, and the implications. Chrissie and I had to accommodate Emily into us. This couldn't be all about us, and Emily as a sideshow, almost. This one was tougher for me. I had grown so close to my sister over these past weeks. Now I had to really consider another, but I was getting there.

Chrissie talked about equity versus equality and its ramifications for us. She succinctly explained the differences, how we aren't equal, but we're all invested in this relationship.

"Equity is about everyone getting their needs met, and equality is about dividing things up to be equivalent. Equity requires many skills, including listening to fulfil those needs. This comes back to communication, Tom. For me, equity is about fairness. We all get what we need, rather than getting an equal share of something, whether it's sex, time together, work around the house, childminding, whatever," Chrissie said.

"I agree, Chrissie," Emily said. "This will take work just to identify it, much less sort it, but we can do it. If we all stay as open and honest as we are tonight, then we can do this," she smiled.

"We're doing okay, aren't we?" I laughed. I was swatted by both of them this time."Now...sleeping. What are your feelings and thoughts on this?" I asked them.

"I...I need to sleep with you every night, Tom. Sorry. That was actually on my list! I

need to be in the same bed with...both of you! For me, this is SO important. It seems silly to be even talking about it, though. Okay, there may be times when we need some 'alone' time to make love or fuck the hell out of someone, then we should go to a spare room, but always, always, always come back to our bed. And yes, there will be times when you want just me, or just Em, or me wanting just Em. Fine. I...I just never want to wake up without you, both. Does that sound too needy?" she giggled.

"Chrissie, even if it is 'needy,' so what? This is what you need to be happy so..." I said.

"I think it's a given, too, Chrissie. If I can't fall asleep and wake up with you both, then what are we doing, hmm? I like your list, Chrissie," she laughed.

"Okay, what's next. What's the big one we all have on our lists, eh?" I smirked.

"Jealousy," Emily said. "That's a huge one. Again, communication, talking, honesty, even if it hurts someone! I don't think that will be a problem for us, though, eh, Chrissie?" Emily chuckled. "It's still something we all need to be aware of. I mean, what would you feel like, Chrissie, if I was always out with Tom, doing whatever, and you weren't with us? After a while, it would get on your nerves. All the 'why not mes' would come out. This is all new for us in so many ways. So yes, Tom. Every Sunday, we do this, all right. NO excuses from anyone! We're all emotionally tied to this. Let's have that idyllic life you were talking about, Chrissie," Emily sighed.

"Well, let's put our lists away unless there's anything else pressing? Let's keep reading so we can head off any problems, okay? God knows we have enough to deal with just being in this throuple thing!" I chuckled."

"So, who gets the middle?" Chrissie giggled.

"That's going to be in flux, I think!" I joked. "Oh, one more thing. I need you both to give this a lot of thought, right? Do we keep this secret or 'out' ourselves. There are pros and cons to both. We all need to think through the ramifications of outing ourselves. You need to think of parents, grandparents, school runs, parents' evenings, and, importantly, work. How will your colleagues at work see you? There could be a subtle backlash, especially at work. If I can put my two cents in right now? I don't want you both to answer right now, but I've given this a lot of thought. Now, if you two disagree with me, we talk it through, understand? I say we come out. I don't think it would be fair otherwise. Everyone knows, for the most part, about Chrissie and me. Okay, they don't know it's incest, but hey ho," I laughed. "Seriously though, it puts you, Emily, at a huge disadvantage, and it always would. You would be seen as 'their friend', not a partner or, dare I say, wife? It's up to you both to decide. This decision will impact all of us. I understand, and I say fuck 'em. I want Emily recognised as being a part of us. Just take some time to think about it, all right?" I said. Emily looked at me, tears streaming down her face. Chrissie grabbed her and hugged her. She leaned over and hugged me, and sweetly kissed me.