Maxerica

Double Date

"We're going to be late," Maxon rushes.
"I'm going as fast as I can," I reply, putting the heart necklace on.
"We'll all be starved to death any minute now."
"Maxon."
I give him a look.
"Sorry."
"It's fine," I say, taking one last look in the mirror.
He does an exaggerated sigh.
I roll my eyes and go over to him. He smirks at me.
"You're lucky I love you," I tell him.
He kisses me. I kiss him back until he pulls away.
We hold hands and walk to the balcony. Marlee and Carter are already there.
We go over and sit next to them.
"Hey," Marlee says with a smile at me.
"Hey. How are you two?" I ask.
"We're great. We've been so excited for this."
"I'm glad. Sorry we were a bit late."
"It's totally fine. I was worried you wouldn't be able to come."
"We wouldn't miss it."
A waitress brings over wine and water. Another waitress follows her and gives us fresh honey buns and each of us a potato soup bowl.
"Did you guys find a house?" Maxon asks.
"No not yet," Marlee replies.
"We're still looking, but I don't think we're gonna find anything," Carter adds.
"You don't?" I question.
"Well we really love it here with you guys so if we get a house it has to be exactly perfect," Marlee explains.
"Aww. You love it here?"
"Of course. We love our jobs and you guys are like family to us."
"That's so sweet. You guys are family to us for sure."
She smiles at me and smiles back.
"What kind of house are you looking for?" Maxon asks.
"We want a big yard for the kids and we don't want the houses close together," Carter says.
"We want at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms," Marlee adds.
"Maybe you can look more into the county," Maxon suggests.
"We want to stay close to here though," Marlee says.
" Well the houses around here are pretty close together but they're big at least."
"We're going to look more but I really don't think we're going to find anything."
"If you don't that's ok."
"Maybe we should just stop looking."
"Do whatever would make happy. That's what really matters," I join in.
"You're right. We'll look a little more," Marlee says.
I nod.
Two Maids bring in our plates of dinner.
I got chicken alfredo, Maxon got stuffed shells, Marlee got a salad, and Carter got a lasagna.
The chefs told us that we could all pick our own meal since tonight was a special occasion.
"How are the kids?" Maxon asks.
"Good. Josie is so happy here. She loves the idea of being royal and living in a palace," Marlee replies.
"That's so cute," I say.
"Kyle on the other hand wants to leave. He likes it here, but you know how it feels sometimes when you don't have a choice but to stay in the same place all day," Carter adds.
"Oh," I look down.
Marlee gives Carter a scolding look.
Maxon puts his arm around me and rubs my shoulder in a comforting way.
"We all love it here America," Marlee states.
"You don't have to lie," I tell her.
"I'm not. We all really really love it here."
"You do?"
"Of course. Kyle is just a kid. He'll learn how lucky he is soon enough."
I sniffle and nod.
"Don't cry dear," Maxon says softly.
"I'm not."
We continue eating.
"How about you guys? The kids doing ok?" Carter brings up.
"They're good. All three of them get along so well. Eadlyn's been trying to play violin," Maxon informs.
"Taking after her mom huh."
"For sure. They all love to color too. They're so creative just like their mom."
That earns a smile off of me.
Once we're done eating we all get up.
"Thanks for this," Marlee says.
"There's no need to thank us. It was a much needed break on both sides," Maxon tells her with a smile. He smiles back then looks at me.
Marlee and I hug while the boys shake hands, then we go watch a movie together.

"Mommy?" Kaden calls.
I finish tucking in Ahren then go over.
"Yes sweetie?"
"Can I have a hug?"
"Of course."
He sits up and I hug him. He hugs me back.
"I love you mommy."
"I love you too Kaden."
"I missed you today."
"I'm sorry honey."
I barely got to see the kids because I was finishing up work before we went to the dinner.
"It's ok. Can we play together tomorrow?"
"I'd love to."
"Ok. Night night mommy."
"Night night sweetie."
He lays down. I tuck him in and turn the lights out as I leave.

"Come on!" I beg.
"I don't want you to get sick," Maxon says.
"I won't."
"It's dark and raining. No."
I pout.
"Then I'll go out by myself," I threaten.
"America. Stop it."
"Please Maxon," I beg.
"Five minutes. You're getting a hot shower right after."
"Ok!" I agree with a smile.
We go out into the rain together on the balcony of the prince's suit.
"I can't believe we're going this," Maxon says.
"We've done it before."
"That just proves how crazy we are."
I smile at him. He smiles back.
He takes my hand and we dance together for a bit. I put my arms around his neck.
The rain feels cool as it slips down my shoulders and face.
"I love you," I say.
"I love you too."