This Love

Independence Day

Malibu, USA
July 3rd, 2021
Miley's POV

When Liam and I got home, we got dressed into some comfortable clothes. We walked into the living room, and I sat on the couch. Liam sat way on the other end of the couch. We sat there in awkward silence for a few minutes, until one of us talked.

"Babe look, I didn't kiss TJ back. He kissed me, and I slapped him. I don't know how much of the conversation you heard, but after the kiss I yelled at him about how I wouldn't know what the fuck to do if a pap saw that and got a picture or something. I jumped his shit." I say, trying not to cry, then Liam looks at me.

"All I heard was you saying a friend wouldn't do that. I was getting up to go to the bathroom myself, and to look for you, then I saw him kiss you. I got there at the end of you yelling at him. Miley, I'm not pissed at you. I didn't know what exactly happened, so I got...I don't know...scared? If that's the right word."

"You can't let TJ scare you. Liam, you'll always be mine...and I'll always be yours. We aren't married but I still believe 'in sickness and health, til death do us part'. Don't let him get to you. Besides, you're the better kisser." Then Liam scoffs.

"TJ doesn't scare me. When I said scared, I meant I don't wanna lose you again. Ever again. You mean everything to me, I- I don't know what I'd do without you. I don't even know how I survived when we weren't together...I'm sorry I was kinda an ass back at the restaurant." Liam says, then I scoot closer to him on the couch, but not right next to him.

"You have the right to be worried if you saw that. If it were the other way around I would've freaked. And I don't wanna lose you ever again either." Then Liam scoots closer to me, so we're sitting right next to each other.

"Well, I'm sorry I cut the date night short." Then I smile and rest my head on his arm.

"Who said date night was over?" Then I look up at Liam, and he looks at me confused. "Well...? We aren't fighting. So why should we end it?"

"The kids are gone for the night..." Liam says. "And I did say we'd have it alone, just us..." Then I smile and kiss him.

"I knew you couldn't resist me."

"What do you wanna do then?"

"I don't know. You're the one that planned this whole thing. What was planned after dinner?" I reply.

"I was gonna give you your surprise at dinner, but that kinda got ruined."

"You can give it to me now."

"Yeah, I guess I could. But I don't want to."

"Liam." I whine. "You were saying you wanted to earlier, what changed?"

"I had a specific way I wanted to give it to you. Now that's not happening."

"Why does it matter how you give it to me? It's not a big deal I'm sure."

"It's a huge deal, Miley...that's just it. I want it- never mind. I can't say too much. I want it to be a surprise, no matter how I give it to you." Liam says, then I smile before kissing him on the lips.

"Okay, fine...if you don't wanna give me the surprise, then I have a question."

"What's that?"

"Tomorrow is the 4th of July." Then Liam nods. "Did you wanna do anything with the kids or take them anywhere?" I ask.

"Hmm, I'm not sure. I guess we can ask Jessy if she wants to go see some fireworks. She hasn't ever been anywhere to see fireworks before. It'd be a cool experience for her."