Maxerica

Date

"America Schreave, we are going on a date!"
I look up from my work at Maxon, shocked by his enthusiasm.
"We are?" I ask.
"Yes we are."
"And when do we have time for that?"
"Tonight. You. Me. Dinner."
I smile. "Seriously?"
"I would never lie to you, my dear."
"Well that sounds wonderful."
He grins at me all proud.
"But what about the kids?" I ask.
It's early in the morning so we don't have to deal with them yet, but once they're up they'll be a handful.
"Marlee agreed to watch them," he solves the problem.
"That's so nice of her."
"It is. And now I have to go."
"Go where?"
"I have to plan for the date and arrange everything."
"Oh right. Of course. Have fun storming the castle princess."
He gives me a look.
I grin. "Love you."
"I love you too, my dear."
He leaves and I don't see him again until dinner.

I startle a bit when I hear the door open, but to my pleasant surprise it's Marlee and Lucy.
"Lucy!" I yell excitedly before running over and hugging her.
She laughs and hugs me back.
"Oh my gosh it's been so long," I complain.
"I know. We just got back this morning."
"Why didn't you come see me right away?"
"Maxon wanted to surprise you."
"How have you been?"
"Great. Good. It was a bit rough for awhile but we're just happy to be back."
"Why was it rough?"
"Don't worry about it. We have to get you ready for your date."
"But I am worried."
"We'll talk later. Now come on. Maxon put a surprise in your closet."
I give in and follow the girls into my suite.
I open the closet to find a gorgeous blue dress with little flowers all over it. It's so smooth and comfortable looking, I couldn't have picked anything better myself.
"Oh wow," I breath out.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Lucy muses.
"It is."
I run my hand over the material. I was right. The material is so soft. I can't wait to put it on. Yes, I can't wait to put on a dress.
The girls help me get it on before having me sit in the chair at my desk.
Lucy starts doing my hair while Marlee starts on my makeup.
"Have you seen Osten yet?" I ask Lucy.
"I have. He's so precious," she coos. "And the other three are so grown up. I can't believe we missed so much time with them. And with you and Maxon and everyone else. I wish we would've stayed."
"You do?"
"I do."
"Well....there's no changing that now, right? So we'll just have to make up for the lost time. We can all hang out tomorrow and everyday. You guys can join us at dinner and we'll catch up. It'll be great."
"Thanks America."
"Of course Lucy. Of course."
She smiles at me in the mirror before continuing on my hair.
Not much later they finish and I'm ready for my date.
"I have no idea where I'm supposed to be going," I admit.
"Aspens waiting in the hallway," Lucy tells me with a smile. "He'll take you.
I smile and go out.
As soon as I spot him I hug him.
He laughs and hugs me back.
I suddenly move back and smack his chest, remembering I'm kinda sorta mad at him.
"What was that for?" he asks, confused.
"Being away too long."
"Right of course. I apologize your majesty. It won't happen again."
That earns him another smack.
"Watch that attitude," I order him, not capable of holding back my grin.
"Right. Or course. I apologize. Now please allow me to escort you to your surprise location."
"I guess."
I hook my arm in his and he takes me to the garden.
Maxons there, all dresses up and standing by a candle lit table in the front of the garden.
I smile as soon as I see him.
Aspen takes me over. I let go of him and hug Maxon.
"This is beautiful," I tell him.
"Not nearly as beautiful as you. Wow."
I blush a bit.
Maxon pulls out the chair and pushes it in for me after I sit.
Aspen heads inside, queuing the butlers to bring our food.
We're having filet steaks, crab, garlic potatoes, and pasta with Champaign.
"This looks amazing," I practically drool.
"Only the best for the best."
I smile at him and we start eating.
We chat about work for a bit, about the caste system and France.
"Did you enjoy your surprises?" Maxon changes the subject.
"I did! The dress is amazing. And I'm so happy they're back. I've missed them so much."
"I have to. It was their decision to come back. They weren't happy where they were."
"Then I'm glad they made that decision."
"Me too."
"I'm surprised they haven't had any kids yet. Aspens always wanted kids."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm. Maybe it's because of the area they were living in."
"Probably."
Once we're done eating we walk around the garden.
"I think the garden is my favorite place in the castle," I say.
"And why is that?"
"It holds so many memories. It's where we first met, where we've held so many parties, where we came to make out in private after the wedding, and where I told you I was pregnant for the first time."
"Now that you say it that way, I think it's my favorite too."
I smile at him, receiving a smile back.
"We should renew our vows," I suggest.
"Oh? You want to?"
"Kinda. I've been thinking about our wedding recently and I just wish I could relive that moment. It was so perfect. When I got to the end of the aisle and you were there. Looking so handsome and already tearing up."
"I was not tearing up."
"You so were!"
"Maybe just a little."
"But anyway. I love you so much Maxon."
"I love you too."
I kiss him, thinking of everything we've been through, and he kisses me back.
After a few minutes he moves back.
I look at him.
"I think there's desert back at the table if you're interested," he smiles.
"Oh I'm interested."
I grab his hand and we walk back towards the castle.