I Think I'm in Trouble {Reimagined}

CXV.

After an eventful night on the town that Halloween, the night ended by eight p.m. for Stevie and Lindsey to get their sleepy girl to bed while the others went to the movies like they had planned.

It was unlike the previous years, even just the year before---Robert always had his children and they lounged at home to see scary movies if they didn't feel like going out and or if their mother wasn't home. It was something the four of them did religiously, and Stevie made it clear that they could continue the tradition, but with the lack of Jeffrey and everybody having moved on in their lives---it was time for something different and seeing a new scary movie in the theater was what felt right. Having taken his children, along with Grace and Damon, it left Stevie and Lindsey alone at home with their daughter for the night, given that Nicholas went back to the condo with his dad after they had dropped Grace off at home.

It was the perfect opportunity for Stevie and Lindsey to express just how in love they were, especially given all of the banter and innuendos from the day before---it was just what they needed considering they were hardly ever alone unless they mustered up the strength to make it to her studio or his house.

Lindsey rolled over in bed and he pressed his lips to her bare shoulder.

She turned her head and smiled softly, opening her eyes slightly after dozing off.

Over the past few months, his house was usually the end point after a romantic date of some sort---but their date nights had lessened since Nicholas had returned to school and the fall semester had begun for Shannon. Time was of the essence and both of them were pretty exhausted by the end of a regular weekday.

They made the exception that Tuesday night and took advantage of their time alone. Though it seemed, Wednesday morning had no issue finding them so quickly.

"Good morning," he whispered.

"Good morning," she repeated---eyes heavy enough to close back up.

"How'd you sleep?" he leaned in, kissing her neck.

"Pretty good, and you, lover?" she giggled---settling a hand to his arm, doing her best to avoid dozing.

"You always wear me out just the right way," he assured, allowing his hands to roam her a bit further.

"What time is it?" she glanced out, seeing that it was still dark out.

"Still early..." he assured softly. "Just can't get you out of my head ever, so when I woke up, you were my first destination."

She smirked.

"That and the fact that we're pretty child free," he smirked. "Lily's soundly sleeping."

"What she doesn't know doesn't hurt her," she giggled, turning onto her left side a bit more.

"We have until she wakes up and until I get Nick from school," he smirked.

His words caused her to recall the day before---how good of an evening they had with all of her children.

"I appreciate you being so good to my kids, Lindsey," she opened her eyes, giving him her full attention.

"What are you talking about?" he creased his brow.

"Yesterday, they had a really good time with you. I don't know how you handle it so perfectly, you're fatherly enough to make them feel safe and loved by you, but you're able to step back for Robert to be their father..."

"It's nothing," he digressed, lacing his fingers through hers.

"It's everything to me," she argued, looking up at him. "You made good friends with Jeffrey, and despite everything with Shannon---you treat her like a daughter. I swear, you're Nick's idol."