Elude [H.S.]

FIFTY-EIGHT

Six Months Later

Heading down the stairs, my eyes being set on the sleeve I'm currently trying to make sure stays in place in the crease of my elbow, I immediately smell the delicious food being made in our large kitchen. I enter that particular room, and I see Maeve with her bottom lip tucked between her teeth as she tries to balance a full gravy boat in one hand and a dish filled with green bean casserole in another. She already has her wedges on, and I can see she's slowly trying to make her way into the dining room that was attached to the side of the kitchen.

"Maevey love," I say, hoping not to startle her too much as I walk behind her. I place one hand on her back and take the gravy boat from her so that she can hold the other dish in both of her hands. "Didn't I tell you to wait for me to set the table, hm? I don't want you messing up your dress."

"I know, H, I'm sorry," she shakes her head as we enter the dining room, and I can see that she's already got half of the dishes on the table. I give her a look and watch as her cheeks flush before she looks back to the wooden surface to find the proper spot. "I'm just so nervous. I want everything to be perfect, you know? This is the first time we're having my family over here, and I know we've already had Grey and Lyn over, but I just don't want anything to get screwed up."

Frowning, I can see the worry etched on her features as her eyes dart over everything - as if she's trying to make sure everything is in place.

"Hey," I walk around the table to her, and I take her face in my hands - tilting her head back just the slightest bit. She's way closer to my height in these wedges that she's wearing, but she's still short enough that I tower over her some. "Everything is going to be fine. You've prepared such wonderful dishes. Lyn is handling all the desserts. Your parents and Mason are bringing the alcohol. Just breathe for me."

Maeve closes her eyes and sucks in a deep breath. "You're right," she nods although I still have a hold on her - limiting her ability to do so completely. "You know how I can get sometimes though. It's like...excitement and anxiousness all wrapped into one."

I lean down to press my lips against hers in a delicate kiss, and I feel her sigh through her nose before trailing her fingertips down my forearms. "I know, baby," I whisper as I pull away. "It is very exciting, yeah? First Thanksgiving in the new house."

Biting down on my lower lip, I let my eyes trail over her dress and I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She had lightened it a bit over the summer, adding some blonde, and the additional color suited her so well.

"You look stunning," I tell her honestly, sponging a quick peck to the tip of her nose. "Absolutely breathtaking."

Maeve smiles as she tugs on the belt loops of my trousers as my hands drop to her neck. "And you look very handsome, Mr. Styles."