Learning to Trust Again

Chapter 6

Maks joined Meryl on the couch when he was finished. He had changed into shorts and a light pink shirt that would match the dress he had picked out for Meryl.

"Looking good handsome. I have some good news for you."

"Thank you beautiful. And what might that news be?"

"I talked to my mom while you were in the shower." A smile grew on her face. She couldn't read his face.

"About what?"

"The skating trip... You can come."

"Are you serious, Meryl?"

"I'm serious! You can come. I can't wait!"

"Oh Meryl! Thank you!" Maks threw his arms around her. His smile was so big, if it got any bigger, it might have ripped his face.

"I'm excited for you to meet my family. I know they are going to love you."

"I can't wait to meet them too. Would you be willing to meet my parents one day while we are in New York?"

"I would love that Maks."

"Oh great. My Mom is going to love you. I mean my Dad will too but my Mom... well she shows her emotions better than my Dad does."

"If they are anything like you, I know I'll love them."

"Oh Meryl. You're so sweet. How about we head to the grocery store? You up for that?"

"Will we, um... will there be..."

"Meryl, the grocery store that I'll take you too is like the coffee shop we went to this morning. I always go there and I've never seen paparazzi there. Sometimes people shopping recognize me but they are respectful and never say anything. Are you comfortable with that?"

"Yes... Thank you. That makes me feel better. I um... after the announcements, the retirement and the pregnancy, I am going to be all over the news. Right now I just want to lay low so, I really appreciate you taking me to these secret places."

"I completely understand. I will be here with you every step of the way if you'll let me."

"I wouldn't want anyone else by my side."

"We'll get through all this together. I promise I'll never leave you or hurt you."

"Thank you Maks. Now let's go shopping."

"Of course! Let's go." Meryl was the first to stand and took his hand to help him up. He grabbed the keys and ushered her out the door to the car.

~

Meryl and Maks both loved the feeling of shopping together. It was like the most normal thing ever. It was like she wasn't pregnant with someone else's baby and they hadn't just met two days ago. They hadn't talked about their feelings but they both knew there was something there.

Back at Meryl's townhouse, they put her groceries away together and made a quick lunch before Maks got to work putting together Meryl's things that were not yet put together. Meryl put small things away and set other things where she wanted them. They worked for about 3 hours until Meryl made Maks take a break. He agreed and they sat down on her bed in her master bedroom. They were in there because she was putting her clothes in her closet and dresser and Maks was putting together her bedside tables.

"So are you still up for going to my place to meet Val and watch a movie?"

"Of course! I can't wait to meet him."

"Awesome! Let me text him to let him know."

"Ok. I'll be right back. I need to use the bathroom."