Home is where the heart is at ~ Zachary Merrick (book 2)

~6~

~Alyssa~
I was up early the next morning to take Cookie on a long walk. When I returned, it was almost ten and Zack was still asleep.

I took off Cookie's leash and got onto the bed, jumping on it to wake up Zack. He tried to swat at my legs but missed a few times until he grabbed onto one and pulled me down.

"Get up!" I hit him with a pillow as another attempt. "No, it's too early!" I pursed my lips and grabbed his hand.

"What did you do with my boyfriend who would wake up early to go on runs and work out? Did you leave him on tour?"

He sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Maybe. Tour had us up late and we were so tired, we all slept in." I kissed his nose and he smiled.

"When we get back, you're getting back into your old schedule of waking up early and going on runs. I'll go on runs with you."

He got out of bed and I grabbed my hair brush out of my bag, taking my messy bun out and brushing it. Zack shut the bathroom door and I made sure I had everything I needed for the day.

The family was planning on going around the city today, going to the park, going to a trampoline park for the kids (and us young adults), and getting lunch together.

I sat in front of the mirror and put some makeup on. Just some eyeliner, mascara, little bit of foundation, and lip gloss.

Zack was a sucker for my watermelon lip gloss. It was my way to make him kiss me more.

I only wore it for special events but he gets so excited when he knows I'm wearing it. He walked out of the bathroom and threw on a shirt and some jeans.

I stood up and put my makeup back into my bag. I made sure I had Cookie's leash, room keys, my wallet, and one of Zack's hoodies.

We went downstairs to everyone standing around the front doors. Malachi was pulling at Dad's hand, wanting to escape from the adults.

"Malachi!" He heard my voice and got excited, finally pulling away from Dad. I picked him up and smiled. "Happy birthday, buddy! Are you excited?"

He nodded and reached for Zack. I passed him along and went up to see what the driving arrangements were.

"Zack can have three in his backseat but they'll have to have Cookie at their legs." Aunt Molly glanced at some of my cousins.

"Could Connor, Tristan, and Zoey ride with you?" I complied. "What? I'm not riding in the backseat!" I gazed at Tristan.

"You are unless you want to be stuck here by yourself." He rolled his eyes and pouted. When all the arrangements were made, everyone set out to the vehicle they were riding in.

After the boys and their little sister got in, Cookie climbed in and sat at Zoey and Connor's feet. I got into the passenger seat and Zack looked into the back.

"Is everyone buckled?" The clicks of seatbelts answered his question and we followed the train of cars, trucks, and vans leaving the hotel parking lot.

It was quiet besides the sound of Green Day playing on his radio. Zack glanced at me. "Do I smell watermelon?" I smiled slightly. "Maybe."

He playfully rolled his eyes. "How dare you?" I laughed. "It's the only one I have that I like. And it's your fault since you're the one that gave it to me."

Zoey perked up. "Watermelon lip gloss? I'm wearing the same one!" I reached behind me for a high five and Zack rolled his eyes again.