"Madeline! Your breakfast is getting cold!" Carrie shouted up the stairwell.
"I'm coming! I'm coming!" She exclaimed, appearing at the top of the steps seconds later. "Sorry, I couldn't find my notebook."
"Your dad's taking you to school this morning. I have an early meeting to get to." Carrie explained, setting her plate in front of her at the kitchen counter. "I'll be there to pick you up at 3."
"I have a student government meeting until 3:30." The 15 year old replied, eating her bagel quickly.
"Got it. I'll be there at 3:30 then." Carrie smiled.
"Good morning my gorgeous girls." Mike came down the stairs smiling.
"Morning" Madeline grinned as Mike kissed her forehead.
"Good morning handsome." Carrie smiled, kissing him softly. He placed his arm on the small of her back, pulling her closer.
"Um, PDA." Madeline coughed, making her presence known. Carrie and Mike laughed as they pulled away.
"You almost ready hun?"
"I just have to go brush my teeth real quick!" Madeline handed Carrie her empty plate and rushed back upstairs.
"What's your meeting this morning?" Mike asked, sitting down on one of the barstools.
"Calia meeting with the product managers. Hopefully shouldn't be more than a few hours." Carrie said, putting the dishes into the dishwasher.
"Ready!" Madeline appeared back at the bottom of the steps, backpack on her back.
"Have a great day. I love you." Carrie smiled.
"Love you too Mom!" Madeline gave her a quick hug, then followed Mike across the room.
"Drive safe." Carrie added as Mike opened the door.
"Love you." He winked. He shut the door, leaving her alone in the quiet house.
Carrie smiled. She watched the two of them walk to Mike's car and hop in, pulling out of the driveway quickly.
Her heart fluttered. She loved the relationship they'd built over the past ten years. He'd filled a large hole in both of their hearts, filling it with more love than either of them could have imagined.
"Hi, I'm Mike."
Carrie froze, her mouth almost dropping at the sight of the man on her porch. Ivey had told her he was cute, but she'd failed to mention that he was easily one of the hottest men she'd ever met.
"Carrie." She snapped out of her daze, bringing herself back into reality as she shook his hand.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes." Carrie smiled. "I just have to lock up."
Carrie quickly locked the door and followed him down the two porch steps. She straightened her light pink dress out, hoping she looked okay. She was suddenly more nervous than she expected.
He opened the door for her, helping her up into the truck. Carrie smiled. Sam had never done that for her.
He took her to Salt and Vine, one of her favorite restaurants that Ivey had suggested to him. The two talked for over two hours, the conversation never fading. Carrie felt so comfortable around him. She didn't feel judged my what she said, she wasn't afraid he was going to yell at her, and she could actually enjoy herself.
"I had a really great time tonight." Mike said, walking her up to the door.
"I did too." Carrie blushed.
"I'll call you?"
"I'll look forward to it." She smiled.
"Have a great night. Talk to you soon." Mike turned around, heading hack to his car.
Carrie went inside, leaning against the door as she smiled like an idiot.
Mike made her feel some kind of way that she couldn't explain. He was the first person she'd been on a date with since Sam. She'd only known him for a couple hours, but somehow she felt like she'd known him for her whole life.
She didn't know much, but she knew that was falling hard and fast for Mike Fisher.
