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Terry's eyes fluttered as the richness; the creaminess of the custard played along her tongue. The light crispy lady fingers just added that firmness to her bite. The slight tartness of the strawberries and raspberries countered the overly sweet nature of the custard very well. Then her eyes fell on Max's tart before darting up as her lips were still wrapped around the prongs of her fork. Blowing him a kiss when Max was offering her to try a bite.
"Okay, that," pointing her fork at the tart while cupping her hand before her mouth, "is really good," Terry said, knowing if they ever came back as a couple, she was definitely going to have to get one for herself. Watching how Carl and her sister had swapped a bite of each of their desserts so they could each try it.
"Sis, you've got to try that; it's so good," Stephine said, holding up her plate with the last portion of her custard treat remaining. Becoming giddy when Terry passed her what remained of her own dessert. They always did so when the other was having something the other hadn't ever tried before. "Okay, Max, I got to admit, you were right; this is rich and sweet."
"This isn't half bad, not as good as that though," Terry said, noticing how only a quarter of Max's tart remained. Her eyes lit up when Max pushed his plate towards her. "Knew you loved me..." All commotion stopped around their table when those words left her lips. Terry's heart was racing like mad as Max just gazed at her. Stephine's left hand shot to her mouth while her right quickly tapped on Carl's left arm as she was nearly bouncing in her seat.
"Max, I..." Terry's words seemed to fail her as Max reached for his wine glass.
"So you love me, huh?" Max asked, drawing the wait out. Noting from the corner of his eye at how red Terry's face was getting. "Love you too, Terry," he stated, smiling into his glass as Stephine released a squeal of joy before Terry launched herself at him.
Terry's eyes burned with a passion as her lips left his. Loving how Max tasted on her lips. She would never grow tired of it. Not in this lifetime. Rolling her eyes when Stephine went into her little taunt and dance, as she always did when the 'L' word was involved.
"I'll just be a minute," Max said, getting up from his seat once he had paid the bill.
"Where are you going?" Terry asked curiously.
"To say goodnight to Anna, she'd kill me if I left without saying goodbye to her."
"You better come back quick, or I'll hunt you down," Terry uttered in a teasing manner.
The sounds of the kitchen were loud in Max's ears as he stepped into it. Standing off to the side so he wouldn't be in the way as Anna belted out orders. Watching how she controlled her kitchen like she was some general on the battlefield. Seeing her face lighting up when she finally spotted him.
"You heading out?" Anna asked as she stepped up to him.
"We are. As always, Anna, the meal was delicious!" Max stated as she hugged him goodbye.
"You take care of yourself, Max, come back and see us any time," Anna spoke as she pulled away. "This summer is going to be amazing."
"I'm sure it will be," Max nodded in agreement before slipping back out the door. Seeing the three of them getting to their feet once Terry had spotted him. "You ready?"
"Mmmhmm," Terry hummed in contentment as she leaned her head against his shoulder as she walked arm in arm beside him. "Thank you for such a wonderful night, Max."
"My pleasure, Terry," Max said, waving to Paro as they neared the front door of the restaurant.
"Guys, I know it's almost ten o'clock, how about we head to a little dance club for an hour? What do you say?" Stephine asked, not wishing to end this wonderful night.
"I don't know, Stephine; I have surgery very early in the morning," Terry muttered as they stood on the sidewalk.
"Please, sis, I know your work means a lot to you, but when's the last time we've had this much fun on a date?" Stephine inquired with a pleading look.
"True, would you mind?" Terry asked, looking over at Max, who shrugged.
"You know me, any chance I can get to see you shaking that ass of yours." Max chuckled when Terry slapped his arm.
Feeling her body heating by how much Max wanted her, she knew how much she wanted him as well. Praying, Orin wises up and signs the divorce papers quickly. She knew it was the only thing holding them back from moving their relationship forward.
"You up for a little dancing?" Stephine asked, peering over at Carl.
"With you? Definitely," Carl nodded.
Terry bit the inside of her cheek at how her sister dropped her chin slightly to hide her reddening face. That was the sign she knew Stephine was truly interested in the man. She never did that with any of the men she's seen her with in the years before she stopped going out altogether. She did hope the man would be good for her sister. Terry really wanted Stephine to find that right person. Their voices filled the night air as the four of them walked towards Max's car.
August, four months later...
"I can't believe we're really here?!" Terry said in wonder as she stared in awe of the villa Max had rented for them and Paro and his wife. They would be on the east wing, while Anna and Paro would have the west wing all to themselves. Leaping into Max's arms once he had sat their bags on the floor of the entranceway. Her tongue rolling within his mouth. Loving the feeling of having Max in her arms, and that feeling hadn't demised one bit in their six months of dating. Orin had finally signed the divorce papers when she threatened to have his ass tossed into jail when he tried to break into her parents' house in another of his drunken stupors. She was finally free of her ex-husband, and she planned on making a future with Max. She just hasn't told him that yet. However, Terry knew Max was smart, so she figured he would figure it out on his own in time.
"Ah, just smell that air; that's home!" Paro uttered, breathing in deeply as he and his wife entered after the two of them.
"Mmmhmm, nothing like it," Anna sighed as she leaned into her husband as he squeezed her into his side.
"Once we get settled, we're going to see our family, you two... of course, you will be, you got Max with you," Paro said, smiling at Terry, who snuggled closer to his friend.
"Come on, honey, I'm sure the two of them want to explore the place," Anna said, flashing Terry a knowing smile. She and Terry had hit it off after the third time Max had brought her to their restaurant. "I promise, Terry, you are just going to love it here."
"I think I will," Terry uttered in a dreamy tone.
"Tomorrow, dinner just us four, seven o'clock, don't be late," Anna said as she and her husband walked towards their bedroom.
Terry jumped when her phone went off in her purse. "Shut up," Terry huffed when Max chuckled. Smiling when he placed a kiss on her cheek before carrying their bags to their room. "Hello?"
"Terry?! Are you there yet?" Stephine's voice came over the line.
"Yep, we just got to the villa, and it's beautiful!" Terry sighed as she ambled around the common area.
"Oh, now I'm fucking jealous!" Stephine exclaimed once Terry had sent photos of the place and how it looked out onto the Gironde Estuary. "Terry, promise me you'll talk Max in letting me tag along next time. I promise I'll keep out of your hair; I swear?!"
"I don't know, sis, I think I might want to keep this our little hideaway," Terry teased, grinning madly at Stephine's groan. Stepping outside so her conversation wouldn't be overheard by Paro and Anna.
Max looked down when his own phone rang when he set their bags onto their bed. Pursing his lips together when he saw his mother's caller ID on the screen of his phone. After six months, she's the only one that bothers to call. Not that he was complaining. He was rather ecstatic not having to hear his father's voice any longer. His sister didn't call him anyway, which, as you can imagine, was just fine with him. He had nothing to say to Darcy unless it was to cuss her out.
"What?" Max answered once he brought his phone to his ear. Opening up the double, glass French doors that led to a little balcony that was only a few feet off the ground that overlooked the front of the estate.
"Maxwell, where are you? I came over to see if you were alright since we haven't spoken in a while, and your neighbor told me you had left on vacation."
"How the hell do you know where I live?" Max was rather shocked, to say the least. He thought his parents were allergic to that side of town, i.e., where the common folk lived.
"Maxwell, I'm your mother; I've always known where you've lived. What mother doesn't keep an eye on her child?"
"Uh-huh," Max muttered, not believing a word that was for good intentions and not so she could keep tabs on him so he wouldn't embarrass the family.
"Maxwell, I know we have our difficulties. I know that. I'm not saying let's fix them. I doubt you would even bother if I asked. I'm just saying you are my son, whether or not you believe that I do care, I might not have ever shown it to you, but I do care. I didn't give birth to you and not care about you. Why do you think you can still access your trust fund? Your father wanted to cut you off the moment you moved out when you were eighteen. I was the one that told him that if he touched it, Darcy would have to figure out how to live off the twenty dollars she had in her pocket. I'll admit: I thought I would have to keep it afloat like I had to do with Darcy's for the first few years after she moved out. But I was amazed that wasn't the case as I watched it grow all on its own. I'm just wondering where you are, that's all." Max arched an eyebrow when it did sound like his mother was genuinely concerned about his welfare. It was an odd experience, to say the least.
"France."
"France! Really?! Where in France?!" Max was feeling rather strange with how excited his mother sounded and interested in his life; it was rather creepy to Max's thinking.
"Bordeaux."
"Oh, that's such a lovely city; we haven't been there in five years; I can still remember it like it was yesterday. So are you alone, or did you take Terry Archer with you?"
"What's with all the questions and the sudden interest in my life?" Max finally asked.
"I've always been interested in your life; I might have said and done some things that pitted you against me. That doesn't mean I didn't watch over you, son. Yes, we did spoil Darcy, your father, more so than I. I was against how he pitted her against you. I thought it was wrong. I tried to stop it. Tried to show Darcy that siblings shouldn't be adversaries, but you know how stubborn your sister is; just like your father. So she just dug in her feet and then, well, you know what happened. So answer my question, Maxwell; I've answered plenty of yours."
"Yes, she's here with me," Max sighed, knowing it was a tit-for-tat with his mother. Waving to Anna and Paro as they left.
"Oh? Is it serious? Has to be if you took her to France with you." Max was not enjoying how his mother was getting enjoyment out of his discomfort. "Well, I'll let you go. I hope you enjoy your trip, Maxwell."
"Max?" Terry called out as she entered the room. "Something wrong?"
"I have no idea," Max muttered, looking at his phone.
"Baby, tell me, what is it?"
"I think something is wrong with my mother," Max stated truthfully.
"Oh? Why? What happened?" Terry asked, moving quickly around the bed. "Max, tell me, what's wrong?" she pleaded with a tremble in her voice.
"My mother was actually nice to me."
"What? That's not... okay, maybe it is weird for you. But is it so bad that she's being nice to you?" Terry asked, trying not to make light of how perturbed Max appeared to be.
"Kind of, yeah?!"
"Max, I know it's hard for you to accept, given how they were throughout your life. I'm not saying to forgive and forget," laying her hands on his chest, "nor am I saying run to her and sing kumbaya with her. Just that you see where it goes. Keep her at a distance or as close as you feel comfortable with. Now, how about you come and break in this bed with me," Terry said with a lustful smile on her face.
Terry felt her body humming as she snuggled against Max as they walked down the streets of Bordeaux. Hearing the voices of the people of the city on the air as they window shopped. Pointing out the items she thought would look good on Max, and Max pointed out the items he knew would look extremely well on her, namely in the bedroom. Watching Terry's face heat when he wiggled his eyebrows. Only to be dragged into the shops, where Max had to admit he had trouble standing after Terry would show off the outfits to him. The wide smile on her lips told him she enjoyed how she could get him flustered in simple lingerie. Naturally, she just had to buy a few pairs to keep her man hot and bothered, namely in the bedroom. Terry did enjoy keeping Max on edge in the bedroom. It's led to many, many nights of her moaning and screaming in bliss as he took her over and over again.
"Max?" Terry uttered, stopping them in front of a jewelry store as she eyed the engagement section. No matter how poor of a husband Orin was, she loved being married, and they had been dating for over six months now. She wondered if he wanted more out of their relationship or if he was content with the way things were. She knew as the years progressed, her chances of getting pregnant were shrinking. She did love Max, there was no doubt about that, and she loved how he treated her. Yet there came the point in any relationship that they had to either move forward or seek other paths in life. She was twenty-nine now, and she knew if they didn't cement their relationship, her pickings for a man that she could grow old with and have children with were shrinking by the day.
"Hmm?" Max hummed as he stopped to peer back at her. Noting how Terry's eyes were lingering on the shop's interior. He wasn't blind; he had seen the little hints she'd been dropping around his apartment. Since Terry had practically moved in with him at this point. Not that he minded, he rather enjoyed having her in his arms every night. He wouldn't deny feeling her ass pressed against him throughout the night was divine.
"Do you want more out of this relationship than me just being your girlfriend?" Terry asked; she knew this wasn't the time or the place for this conversation, yet the words just came out.
"And you want to discuss that here, on the street?" Max asked with a curious look, equally more intrigued as Terry nodded.
"I know it's one of the big talks, but I've been thinking about this a lot for a month..."
"Okay," looking around for a quiet café where they could speak without having too much of an audience, "this way," Max said, taking hold of her hand and leading Terry across the street. Ordering them something to drink so they wouldn't be needlessly taking up a table for no reason as he held Terry into her seat. "Okay, Terry, let's talk."
"I'm sorry, Max, for bringing this up now when you brought us here to this beautiful city. I'm not trying to ruin it for us, please know that," seeing how he nodded, she continued, "you know I love you, far more than I ever loved Orin," again, she was met with his nod, "and I know you love me, it's in the way you look at me," Terry said sweetly, reaching across the table and taking hold of his hand. "I know I'm the only one you look at," gesturing to the beautiful women around them, and yet Max's gaze never left her, "so I know I mean just as much to you as you do to me," she stated, brushing her thumb along his fingers.
"But I need more; I need to know there's something here for us, something that we can build on, to grow together. I'm not getting any younger, and I want children. I want to be married again, and I want to grow old with you. I am sorry if this puts a damper on our vacation. But you're the man I want, the man I should have married in the first place. You've shown me what love and loyalty are truly like, and I hope you know I'd never ever hurt you by breaking the trust you have placed in me. But if you can't cross that bridge with me, if your mistrust of women is still too ingrained into your being that I can't overcome it after all this time, then I think we need to end it here before I get too involved with you," Terry spoke with tears reaming her eyes in hopes that she just hadn't ended their relationship.
"Marriage? Babies?" Max muttered; he knew she was dropping hints about marriage, given the little articles about some celebrity or some elite that he would know of, given his upbringing had gotten engaged. He just didn't know she wanted children.
"Yes, Maxwell," smiling using his given name, "I want to be married to you; I know we would make a wonderful man and wife. I like to think we would make good parents as well," Terry said with blushing cheeks. "You know, I never once thought about having children with Orin. Yet, with you, you, I can see that, hear their tiny feet, their laughter, you holding them in the air just smiling up at them. With you, I can see a life, not just surviving, going through the motions like I was with Orin, more so in the last few years of that disaster.
Ever since that day in the elevator, you've had me off-kilter; every day since that momentary flirting, you've had my mind solely on you. I don't know why that was, you certainly weren't the first man to hit on me, and I know women do the same to you. But... ever since that day, you have always been on my mind in one form or another. I'm not asking you to answer me right this second. That would be silly, and I'd rather you really think about it instead of giving me a spur-of-the-moment answer in the heat of the moment. I'd rather wait for your answer than live the rest of our lives together, always thinking you weren't ready for this kind of commitment." Her grey eyes studied Max's face, hoping and praying she hadn't ruined the best thing in her life.
"Okay, Terry, I promise I'll give it some thought," Max said sincerely. "So if I infer what you're saying if say we were to get hitched," watching Terry's eyes light up, he did find the act rather beautiful in his opinion, "I take it you won't wish to live in my one-bedroom apartment anymore?"
"Well," feeling her face heat at the smile on Max's face as she wiggled her butt into the seat of her chair as she sat straighter in it, "I was thinking, maybe you'd like to get a bigger place if we're going to be married that is," Terry said, watching him take a sip of his drink, all the while his eyes held a mirthful light to them. "I know you've been at your apartment for quite some time, and I know that can create some attachments to the place. Like how I loved the house, I once had. But it'll be a little small and cramped with little ones, don't you think?" she asked, so very happy that he wasn't totally writing her wants off like Orin would've done.
"I'm going to assume you already have a place in mind?"
"Maybe," Terry said bashfully as she brushed her hair behind her ear.
"The only stipulation I have for a house is that it has to have a pool."
"Can I ask why?" Terry muttered, slightly confused about that request since he hadn't once gone swimming when they went to her parent's lake house.
"If we're going to buy a house, you can be damn sure I'll want to gaze lecherously at the angelum lucis every chance I can get when she's out by the pool," Max retorted with a sinful smile.
"Max?!" Terry uttered breathlessly as she felt her heart pounding in her chest. "What if the one we find doesn't have one? Would you consider having one installed?" she asked, feeling her body heating beneath his gaze and at how sensuous his words were.
"I don't have a problem with that."
"Okay, then, what do you say if, and I only say if, when we get back, we start looking just in case you want to be my husband?" Terry asked; she had a feeling he was going to ask her, just not when he was; it was just a feeling she got when she looked into his eyes. Since not five feet to his right, there was a rather stunning, far more attractive woman sitting beside him, and his eyes hadn't once left her. She wasn't saying there weren't attractive men there either, she noticed, yet they didn't hold a candle to Max, at least not in her mind.
"Sure, but..."
"But?" Terry uttered, knowing that didn't sound good.
"You know my family, you know what they're like, not in person yet, but through my dealings with them," Max said, leaning forward, seeing her nod as he took her hands into his. "I only say this not because I don't trust you; we wouldn't be here if I didn't," referencing the months they've been together, not the location they were at, "but to protect you from them, in case something happened to us or to me..."
"Are you talking about a prenup?" Terry interrupted.
"I am," Max nodded.
"Oh, baby, I totally understand, you're a Monroe, and you think I don't know about the money you have?" Terry mused with a coy smirk. "I'm so happy you think about protecting me from them, I really am," she said, feeling the quickening of his heart as she brushed her finger over his pulse. So very glad she wasn't the only one whose heart still raced when they were around each other. "I'm fine with signing one as long as it's favorable to me, too."
"Give me a few days, okay?" Max muttered.
"Of course, baby, I just need to know there is something here, something that we can move towards, instead of just making sweet, hours-long love in your bed, not that I'm complaining about that. I do enjoy our Saturday mornings," Terry said in a sweet, yet sinful tone.
"And you think I don't love having that... mmm, sexy little body of yours wrapped around me all morning?" Max asked in the same lustful tone as hers. Smirking devilishly when that got a moan out of his girlfriend, watching how her nipples were pressing against her shirt. "So how about we continue our shopping, hmm?"
"Yes, please," Terry said excitedly. Not just because they were in France visiting some of the best stores, but the fact that there was hope that her dreams might come true.
"So, out of curiosity, just what size ring do you wear?"
"A size five, why?" Terry asked, hoping her voice didn't give anything away.
"Just curious is all," Max stated with a coy look as he led Terry off to some of the fancier shops in town.
Three days later...
Terry couldn't believe how jealous Stephine was when she showed off all the new clothes Max had bought her on their shopping spree. She knew he was using the money from his trust fund, given the card he was using and not the account where his paychecks were deposited. She knew that account could take the hit, given she knew how much money was in it when she had first checked him out. Not out of malice, but as a form of protection for herself so she wouldn't end up with another abusive asshole on her hands. She's dealt with that enough from her ex-husband. She wasn't about to put herself back into that position again.
"God, this place is just so beautiful, Max," Terry sighed into the wind as it lifted her red, bordering on the shade of a carrot, hair floating on the breeze behind her as she walked a few steps in front of him.
"The scenery has nothing on the woman before me," Max said in a charming voice as the setting sun played along the waters of the Gironde Estuary as they walked along its banks. Knowing what he had thought of months ago paled in comparison to the sight taking place before him as the setting rays bathed the woman he was in love with in their warmth. Something he thought would never happen given the years he had kept his heart closed to everyone, at least the opposite sex. Flipping the ring box in his hand, which rested in his pocket, what she had said three days ago was true. He could see a future with Terry. He had to admit to himself that she was very good for him and knew if he lost her, then his life would just be a shadow of itself.
"So what'cha want to do with the last two days we have here?" Terry asked, turning around. The love she had for him burned in her eyes as she gazed longingly at his face.
"What do you think about a day cruise?" Max asked; he didn't care what they did; long as he was with her, it really didn't matter to him. Slyly glancing to his right, noting the boat he had chartered making its way to the staging point he had predetermined.
"Sounds like it could be fun," Terry replied with a warm smile on her face. Turning around as the fog horn of a boat caught her attention, looking oddly at the French that scrolled along the screen of the LCD display. Thinking it was meant for someone else or for advertising until her name appeared in English. Her gasp played along the air as her hands flew to her mouth, her eyes widened then quivered, instantly turning back to Max, only to find him on one knee and holding a velvet box in the palm of his hand. The diamond of the engagement ring caught the last flickers of sunlight that were in the air. Her heart was pounding like a freight train in her chest as she stared down into his blue eyes; she couldn't believe this was happening, at least not this soon. She thought it might be a few weeks, not days, before he had made his decision.
"Terry LuAnn Archer, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Recalling the conversation he had when he spoke to Stephine about how their parents would handle the news of marrying into the Monroe family. The scream and the ensuing squeal that came afterwards pretty much told him what he needed to know. Greg and Darla were rather reserved in their answer as compared to their daughter, yet he could still hear their happiness in their words.
"Oh, God, yes! A thousand times, yes! I will marry you!" Terry squealed in joy as she danced in place, her feet kicking up the sand as she did. Fanning her face as the ring slid onto her finger, spinning around in amazement at the sight of it. Leaping into Max's arms, grinning madly at the thought he chose her, that he broke through that barrier of mistrust for her, chose to spend the rest of their lives together. Passionately kissing him as her legs wrapped around his waist. Her hand gently caressed his face, her sheer happiness burned brightly in her eyes as she stared wantonly into his pools of blue. Her scream of joy rang out in the darkening sky as she swung her arm along that descending curtain of black. Announcing to the world what she knew to be true in her heart ever since that day in the elevator, she never wanted to admit it. "Kiss your wife, baby," Terry whispered as her wide, happy smile graced her face as hers inched lower to his.
One year and three months later...
"Want to tell me again why I'm doing this?" Max asked, standing in his best suit in an unoccupied office on the top floor of Werther's Enterprises. His mind flashed back to over a month ago when he made a fateful trip to his childhood home. Not that he wanted to, yet in order to get the house he would need once the world learned that he was a Monroe and to keep Terry and their unborn child safe from those that would try to use his family name to extort money from him if, on the off chance, they were kidnapped and held for ransom. He wasn't saying it happened often, yet as the old saying goes, better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Hence why he was heading to his parent's home in hopes he could speak to them about getting a loan for the house that was within the community. Terry loved it; after all, she had picked it out, and Max knew how good the security was; it was the only reason he was even thinking about moving back there. He would swallow his pride if it meant keeping his future wife and child safe from those that would see them as a quick payday. He had dreaded every step as he drew near to their front door. He had once pledged never to return, yet this was about Terry and their child, not himself.
Blowing out a breath as the doorbell rang loudly throughout the vast expanse of his parents' home. Repeating to himself that this wasn't about him, to think about Terry and the baby, who they had just learned was five weeks along at that point in time. Their wedding was still a few months away, they had planned a month-long European tour of all the places he's been to and some new ones so they could have their own memories of the place. Hearing the footsteps approaching, he knew who it was. The man had worked for his family as long as he had been alive.
"Ah, Master Maxwell, a pleasure to see you here on this dreary morning," the man said, referencing the grey overcast sky. "What brings you here?" Gesturing for Max to enter the house.
"I need to speak to my parents; tell them I will be waiting for them to grace me with their presence in the parlor," Max answered, pointing to the grand, ornate room off to his left just so he didn't have to go deeper into their home.
"Of course, sir, I will let them know," the man said, inclining his head to Max before departing to find Tera and Dereck in their own parts of the house.
Max tapped the folder that held the proposal for the loan he was requesting from his parents. He had every intention of paying it back, yet as it was, he didn't have the capital to both buy the house Terry wanted and buy ten percent of Werther's Enterprises with an option to buy twenty-five percent of the company in ten years. He and Greg, along with Stephine and Terry, all had a discussion. More like a business meeting since they all had a stake in the business, and since Max had a degree in business, Greg put the offer to him to rise through the ranks of the company, learning what every division did so when the time came, Max could take over running it on the off chance something happened to him or when he retired, and so that his family could maintain the lifestyle they were accustomed to. While they would control the vast majority of the business on the off chance that Greg died, Max would be the de facto CEO. Any large purchases like land or raising a new branch office would have to be put up to a family vote. The rest he would be given free rein to see to the company's needs. He knew, given the time scale he had placed on the loan he would be asking for, he could repay it in five years. He just hoped his parents didn't place some outrageous stipulations on it.
Max had to fight against his instincts when he saw the smug smirk on his father's face as he walked into the room, followed by his mother, who had a rather happy look in her eye at the sight of him. Repeating the mantra 'This is for Terry; this is for Terry' in his head to keep himself from speaking how he normally would to his parents.
"So you finally decided to come crawling home, huh?" Dereck taunted.
"Hardly," Max responded in a deadpan voice.
"Dereck, hush, greet our son as a son and not some rival competitor," Tera chided, which, as you can imagine, still weirded Max out when she was pleasant to him. It seemed so unnatural to him, given the years of his childhood. "Don't let your father get you riled up, son; I'm very happy to see you," she said, pushing Dereck into his seat as he grumbled. "I heard from Mrs. Archer that congratulations are in order. Is that why you're here, to hopefully invite us to your wedding, as an olive branch of sorts?"
"No," Max answered in a deadpan voice, seeing the sadness in his mother's eyes. Again, not something he was used to when dealing with his mother. "I'm here to ask for a loan," he said, pulling out the proposal he had brought along. Holding it out to them as he leaned across the divide. His eyes glanced to his father as Dereck snorted, something Max thought would happen.
"And exactly why do you need a loan from us?" Dereck asked, crossing his arms, wearing a questioning look as he did.
"To buy a house, that is why, if you actually took the time to read what I have outlined for you in there, you would see that I have written up how much I would need for the loan and how quickly I plan on repaying said loan," Max said, trying to keep his voice as placid as possible.
"You're moving here!" Tera's voice rose when she noted the price, the picture of the home, a place she knew very well, given she knew the former owners before the man was charged with embezzling. Her heart was racing at the thought of having her son back within reach of her.
"Yes, why I need the loan, as I have outlined before you," Max answered in a level tone.
"Why? We all know you have enough money to buy some other house out there that doesn't require this level of capital. Why are you buying a home in this community?" Dereck asked very pointedly.
"That is very true; I could, yet everywhere else does not have the security to keep Terry or our baby safe like this place does..."
"Baby!" Tera yelled in a mixture of surprise and happiness; Dereck just sat there rather speechless when they just learned they were going to become grandparents. "Are you telling us that Terry Archer is pregnant with your child, that we are going to become grandparents? That we're going to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet?!"
"Yes, Mom, that's exactly what I'm telling you." Max recounted how her hands flew to her face, cupping her mouth to hide her trembling lips. Yet there was no way she could hide the tears in her eyes.
"That may be; still, I don't think that warrants me..."
"Dereck, shut the hell up!" Tera snapped, clearly taking Max and Dereck by surprise. Arching an eyebrow when his mother tossed his proposal off to the side. "I have a counteroffer for you, son."
"I'm listening," Max said, gesturing for her to continue.
"We will give you the forty million you're asking for... I said shut the hell up, Dereck!" Tera hissed when her husband started to speak. "This is your fault! This animosity is your creation, and I'll be damned if I'm going to be cut out of my son's life and my grandchild's life because you pitted our daughter and son against one another for some twisted perversion of yours! Am I fucking clear!?" Max wasn't the only shocked one when she laid into his father. His father was very clearly beside himself at the anger directed at him. "So either sit there and keep that mouth closed, or I will divorce you, and you know I will leave you penniless and still give Maxwell the money." Max kept his amusement to himself as his father just sat back and grumbled incoherently in his seat. "As I was saying, Max, we will give you the money you're asking for on five conditions."
"Which are?" Max knew there would be stipulations when he put together his proposal.
"One: you invite me to your and Terry's wedding. Just me, I know you will not want Darcy there, and I do not wish to soil your happy day with her there. Your father will stay behind, of course. Two: you inform your restaurant that I at least have a table there once every month. It was everything I had imagined it would be; thank you for allowing me to experience it. Three: when the time comes for Terry to give birth you allow me to be there so I can witness the birth of my first grandchild and every one after. Four: you allow me to visit you at your home, so I may see my grandbaby(s) as much as I want, under your supervision, of course. Five: you allow me to take you and your family on family trips at least once a year. Now, are those conditions suitable?" Tera asked, resting her folded hands on her knee when she crossed her legs.
"And this just pertains to you? No one else, not Dad, and definitely not Darcy and her wife?" Max asked for clarification.
"Just me, son, I know how you feel about the two of them," Tera said, gesturing to her husband, that sat to the left of her. "I do not wish to cause strife in your home or to hurt my grandbaby," she uttered.
It wasn't hard to miss his mother's wide smile that hadn't left her face if you discount her yelling at his father since learning about their baby. Max leaned back while what his mother was asking wasn't all that intrusive or outlandish. Still, that did mean he would at least have some form of contact with her, yet was that any different than what they had now? Yet he knew without the money, he would have to put himself into the poorhouse just to afford it all, which meant tapping out his trust fund. Sighing into his mind, knowing this was for the good of Terry and their child.
"Very well, your terms are acceptable," Max said, relenting.
"Excellent!" Tera clapped her hands in joy. "I'll make sure to have the money transferred to your trust fund right after you take me to see my future daughter-in-law and so I can see my little wee one."
Pulling out his phone, texting Terry, who was at her parent's home while he was dealing with his parents, telling her to expect company that he was bringing his mother over. Telling her that he would discuss what had transpired later that night when they returned to his apartment. Silently gesturing towards the door, telling her to come along if she was tagging along.
"You know why?" Terry cooed as she stood in one of her best dresses as she slowly eased up Max's red power tie. Her grey eyes shimmered in her love for him, counting down the days until they were married. Her face heated at the soft touch of Max's hand on her stomach; her little belly bump was detailed by how fitting her dress was. Not that she cared, she wanted the whole world to know that she was with child and that she loved the man who helped bring that life into the world. "You knew about this photo shoot for two weeks now."
"Yeah, still doesn't mean I have to like it," Max teased.
"Well, you do have to look forward to rubbing the fact that you'll be running a software company in your father's face," Terry stated, running her hands down the lapels of Max's suit jacket. Seeing that grin of his lifting the corners of his lips. "That and rubbing it in your sister's face."
"True, very true; how did I get so lucky in finding you?" Max asked as he lightly pulled her into him.
"Well, this angelum lucis needed a man to show her what she was missing from her life," Terry cooed in a loving tone as she brought Max down to her lips. The smacking of their lips filled the room as they turned towards the office door as it opened, and in stepped Stephine dressed in her best attire.
"You two ready?" Stephine asked, keeping her sadness from her eyes from her breakup with Carl. Who tried to siphon off some of her trust fund to cover his losses. It was because of the safeguards she had in place that kept him come moving a single cent from it. Even Max was surprised by that when she had came over to their apartment and didn't leave his couch for two days.
"To be photographed with the beautiful, radiant Archer women? Who could pass that up," Max said, trying to lift Stephine's mood.
"Flatterer, keep it up," Stephine teased, sticking her nose in the air. "They're waiting on us, so if you two are done making out...?"
"Nope, I'm never done making out with my man," Terry cooed up at Max. "But we mustn't keep those magazine people waiting."
"Thanks for being my friend when I needed it," Stephine said, quickly hugging Max before the three of them left the office.
Max felt silly striking the poses that the photographer directed them into. Especially the one where he and Greg stood nearly back to back with their arms across their chests and looking right at the camera. Still, it was going to be on the cover of the business magazine they were posing for, and he knew that would irk the piss out of his father and sister. So Max put up with it; it was the interview afterwards that he wasn't going to enjoy. It was the reason he and Terry had bought that home for, so their private life would remain private. He had even caught his sister, sometimes alone and sometimes with MJ, driving by his house. Even from the distance from the house to the street, he could see the peeved look on Darcy's face at the fact he had a place within the community, and all she had was a condo in the city. Kissing Terry goodbye when she had to get back to her practice once the photoshoot was over. Promising Stephine that he would stop by her desk and chat for a bit once their interview was over. Hugging his future mother-in-law, who treated him like a son once he and Terry announced that they were getting married.
"Please, don't be alarmed; this is for our website," the reporter said, gesturing to the woman who was manning the camera. "So our readers can see and hear little clips of you two."
Max glanced at Greg, who nodded. It was normal when he slyly gave him that look. That he's had dozens of interviews that went about how this was structured. So he took Greg's lead on this since this was all new to him.
"So, Mr. Archer, how does it feel knowing that someday your company will be in the hands of the man beside you?"
"He's a little green, yet he knows the people of this company; he has seen what bad management looks like up close. I have no doubt in the coming years he will do well enough to handle the reins of the company," Greg said factually.
"Mr. Archer, are you aware the man that's sitting beside you is living under a false name? Can you really trust someone whose name doesn't even appear anywhere in county records until a little over six years ago?"
"I know his reasons; your question isn't the 'gotcha' as you think it is," Greg stated, brushing off the question.
"Then you know, this man," waving to Max, "is none other than Maxwell Colin Monroe, the youngest son of the Monroe family, who has ties to every business on the east coast and them some?"
"Of course I do," Greg said, rolling his eyes. "He told us himself."
"And aren't you worried that this could be some scheme from the Monroe's to..."
"I'm going to stop you right there," Max cut in. "You are way off base with your accusations. Even if my family was trying to worm their way into this company, they certainly don't need me to do it, nor would I ever help them to do so in the first place."
"Then please, explain why the son of one of the richest families in the country pretends to be this Maxwell Larson?"
"I am Maxwell Larson; it's my legal name; as you should know, if you went through the county records like it appears that you have done, you would know that. And I prefer Max, not Maxwell. As to the reason I do not use my family name is, well, money isn't everything in the world. It doesn't keep you warm. It doesn't love you. All it does is make you very selfish and petty and bring out the worst in people."
"Yet, everyone knows the name, Monroe? Why not use it? Surely it would have helped to propel you into your career?"
"That's kind of the point; I don't need my family name to achieve what I want out of this life. How would I know if I got to where I am; would it be based on my merit, my work, our by their name?" Max stated as calmly as he could.
"Surely your name had to be of some factor when you became a silent partner of La Panoramique?"
"No, it did not; my business partners didn't even know my last name until they signed the contract. They're good people, just needed a helping hand at the time. It doesn't hurt that Anna is one of the best cooks I know. So I knew my investment would be recouped in no time," Max said, seeing the glance Greg was giving him. Knowing he still owed his future father and mother-in-law lunch at the restaurant.
"And Mr. Archer, how do you feel knowing your protégé is pulled in so many directions, given we were able to suss out that he has his fingers in a few other businesses around the city."
"As long as it doesn't interfere with his job here, that's his business," Greg answered truthfully.
"Excuse me," Max interrupted as his phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. Showing Greg the confirmation on their lunch when Terry had sent him a text since they had been pretty packed since they had returned from France. Plus, Paro and Anna were catering their wedding, so Terry was there almost every other day, or Paro and Anna were over at their house.
Max sighed once the interview was over as he and Greg walked out of the room they had been in. Feeling Greg's hand patting him on his back as they walked towards his office. Who pulled out his own phone when Darla called it the moment she knew he would be free. Listening to Greg chuckle at how excited Darla was as Max could hear her voice coming over the line.
"What'cha think? You think Stephine would want to join us for lunch?" Max asked, causing Stephine's head to shoot up. Knowing Terry, she had probably already told her sister where they were going for lunch.
"Don't tease me, Max," Stephine warned with a pointed look.
"Who said I was teasing?"
"You know if you're going to La Panoramique, I so want in?!" Stephine said sternly.
"Then you best get your work done before twelve-thirty," Greg mused, passing his daughter's desk as he led Max into his office.
As Max sat around that table, listening to their happy chatter. He never thought this day would ever come. To be accepted, to be treated like a part of a family. To not have to worry about some plot his parents or sister cooked up. To just simply relax and enjoy the comradery that the Archer family was willing to offer to him. Smiling at his future wife, he knew whatever the future held, it wouldn't stand a chance against them.
"Okay, that," pointing her fork at the tart while cupping her hand before her mouth, "is really good," Terry said, knowing if they ever came back as a couple, she was definitely going to have to get one for herself. Watching how Carl and her sister had swapped a bite of each of their desserts so they could each try it.
"Sis, you've got to try that; it's so good," Stephine said, holding up her plate with the last portion of her custard treat remaining. Becoming giddy when Terry passed her what remained of her own dessert. They always did so when the other was having something the other hadn't ever tried before. "Okay, Max, I got to admit, you were right; this is rich and sweet."
"This isn't half bad, not as good as that though," Terry said, noticing how only a quarter of Max's tart remained. Her eyes lit up when Max pushed his plate towards her. "Knew you loved me..." All commotion stopped around their table when those words left her lips. Terry's heart was racing like mad as Max just gazed at her. Stephine's left hand shot to her mouth while her right quickly tapped on Carl's left arm as she was nearly bouncing in her seat.
"Max, I..." Terry's words seemed to fail her as Max reached for his wine glass.
"So you love me, huh?" Max asked, drawing the wait out. Noting from the corner of his eye at how red Terry's face was getting. "Love you too, Terry," he stated, smiling into his glass as Stephine released a squeal of joy before Terry launched herself at him.
Terry's eyes burned with a passion as her lips left his. Loving how Max tasted on her lips. She would never grow tired of it. Not in this lifetime. Rolling her eyes when Stephine went into her little taunt and dance, as she always did when the 'L' word was involved.
"I'll just be a minute," Max said, getting up from his seat once he had paid the bill.
"Where are you going?" Terry asked curiously.
"To say goodnight to Anna, she'd kill me if I left without saying goodbye to her."
"You better come back quick, or I'll hunt you down," Terry uttered in a teasing manner.
The sounds of the kitchen were loud in Max's ears as he stepped into it. Standing off to the side so he wouldn't be in the way as Anna belted out orders. Watching how she controlled her kitchen like she was some general on the battlefield. Seeing her face lighting up when she finally spotted him.
"You heading out?" Anna asked as she stepped up to him.
"We are. As always, Anna, the meal was delicious!" Max stated as she hugged him goodbye.
"You take care of yourself, Max, come back and see us any time," Anna spoke as she pulled away. "This summer is going to be amazing."
"I'm sure it will be," Max nodded in agreement before slipping back out the door. Seeing the three of them getting to their feet once Terry had spotted him. "You ready?"
"Mmmhmm," Terry hummed in contentment as she leaned her head against his shoulder as she walked arm in arm beside him. "Thank you for such a wonderful night, Max."
"My pleasure, Terry," Max said, waving to Paro as they neared the front door of the restaurant.
"Guys, I know it's almost ten o'clock, how about we head to a little dance club for an hour? What do you say?" Stephine asked, not wishing to end this wonderful night.
"I don't know, Stephine; I have surgery very early in the morning," Terry muttered as they stood on the sidewalk.
"Please, sis, I know your work means a lot to you, but when's the last time we've had this much fun on a date?" Stephine inquired with a pleading look.
"True, would you mind?" Terry asked, looking over at Max, who shrugged.
"You know me, any chance I can get to see you shaking that ass of yours." Max chuckled when Terry slapped his arm.
Feeling her body heating by how much Max wanted her, she knew how much she wanted him as well. Praying, Orin wises up and signs the divorce papers quickly. She knew it was the only thing holding them back from moving their relationship forward.
"You up for a little dancing?" Stephine asked, peering over at Carl.
"With you? Definitely," Carl nodded.
Terry bit the inside of her cheek at how her sister dropped her chin slightly to hide her reddening face. That was the sign she knew Stephine was truly interested in the man. She never did that with any of the men she's seen her with in the years before she stopped going out altogether. She did hope the man would be good for her sister. Terry really wanted Stephine to find that right person. Their voices filled the night air as the four of them walked towards Max's car.
August, four months later...
"I can't believe we're really here?!" Terry said in wonder as she stared in awe of the villa Max had rented for them and Paro and his wife. They would be on the east wing, while Anna and Paro would have the west wing all to themselves. Leaping into Max's arms once he had sat their bags on the floor of the entranceway. Her tongue rolling within his mouth. Loving the feeling of having Max in her arms, and that feeling hadn't demised one bit in their six months of dating. Orin had finally signed the divorce papers when she threatened to have his ass tossed into jail when he tried to break into her parents' house in another of his drunken stupors. She was finally free of her ex-husband, and she planned on making a future with Max. She just hasn't told him that yet. However, Terry knew Max was smart, so she figured he would figure it out on his own in time.
"Ah, just smell that air; that's home!" Paro uttered, breathing in deeply as he and his wife entered after the two of them.
"Mmmhmm, nothing like it," Anna sighed as she leaned into her husband as he squeezed her into his side.
"Once we get settled, we're going to see our family, you two... of course, you will be, you got Max with you," Paro said, smiling at Terry, who snuggled closer to his friend.
"Come on, honey, I'm sure the two of them want to explore the place," Anna said, flashing Terry a knowing smile. She and Terry had hit it off after the third time Max had brought her to their restaurant. "I promise, Terry, you are just going to love it here."
"I think I will," Terry uttered in a dreamy tone.
"Tomorrow, dinner just us four, seven o'clock, don't be late," Anna said as she and her husband walked towards their bedroom.
Terry jumped when her phone went off in her purse. "Shut up," Terry huffed when Max chuckled. Smiling when he placed a kiss on her cheek before carrying their bags to their room. "Hello?"
"Terry?! Are you there yet?" Stephine's voice came over the line.
"Yep, we just got to the villa, and it's beautiful!" Terry sighed as she ambled around the common area.
"Oh, now I'm fucking jealous!" Stephine exclaimed once Terry had sent photos of the place and how it looked out onto the Gironde Estuary. "Terry, promise me you'll talk Max in letting me tag along next time. I promise I'll keep out of your hair; I swear?!"
"I don't know, sis, I think I might want to keep this our little hideaway," Terry teased, grinning madly at Stephine's groan. Stepping outside so her conversation wouldn't be overheard by Paro and Anna.
Max looked down when his own phone rang when he set their bags onto their bed. Pursing his lips together when he saw his mother's caller ID on the screen of his phone. After six months, she's the only one that bothers to call. Not that he was complaining. He was rather ecstatic not having to hear his father's voice any longer. His sister didn't call him anyway, which, as you can imagine, was just fine with him. He had nothing to say to Darcy unless it was to cuss her out.
"What?" Max answered once he brought his phone to his ear. Opening up the double, glass French doors that led to a little balcony that was only a few feet off the ground that overlooked the front of the estate.
"Maxwell, where are you? I came over to see if you were alright since we haven't spoken in a while, and your neighbor told me you had left on vacation."
"How the hell do you know where I live?" Max was rather shocked, to say the least. He thought his parents were allergic to that side of town, i.e., where the common folk lived.
"Maxwell, I'm your mother; I've always known where you've lived. What mother doesn't keep an eye on her child?"
"Uh-huh," Max muttered, not believing a word that was for good intentions and not so she could keep tabs on him so he wouldn't embarrass the family.
"Maxwell, I know we have our difficulties. I know that. I'm not saying let's fix them. I doubt you would even bother if I asked. I'm just saying you are my son, whether or not you believe that I do care, I might not have ever shown it to you, but I do care. I didn't give birth to you and not care about you. Why do you think you can still access your trust fund? Your father wanted to cut you off the moment you moved out when you were eighteen. I was the one that told him that if he touched it, Darcy would have to figure out how to live off the twenty dollars she had in her pocket. I'll admit: I thought I would have to keep it afloat like I had to do with Darcy's for the first few years after she moved out. But I was amazed that wasn't the case as I watched it grow all on its own. I'm just wondering where you are, that's all." Max arched an eyebrow when it did sound like his mother was genuinely concerned about his welfare. It was an odd experience, to say the least.
"France."
"France! Really?! Where in France?!" Max was feeling rather strange with how excited his mother sounded and interested in his life; it was rather creepy to Max's thinking.
"Bordeaux."
"Oh, that's such a lovely city; we haven't been there in five years; I can still remember it like it was yesterday. So are you alone, or did you take Terry Archer with you?"
"What's with all the questions and the sudden interest in my life?" Max finally asked.
"I've always been interested in your life; I might have said and done some things that pitted you against me. That doesn't mean I didn't watch over you, son. Yes, we did spoil Darcy, your father, more so than I. I was against how he pitted her against you. I thought it was wrong. I tried to stop it. Tried to show Darcy that siblings shouldn't be adversaries, but you know how stubborn your sister is; just like your father. So she just dug in her feet and then, well, you know what happened. So answer my question, Maxwell; I've answered plenty of yours."
"Yes, she's here with me," Max sighed, knowing it was a tit-for-tat with his mother. Waving to Anna and Paro as they left.
"Oh? Is it serious? Has to be if you took her to France with you." Max was not enjoying how his mother was getting enjoyment out of his discomfort. "Well, I'll let you go. I hope you enjoy your trip, Maxwell."
"Max?" Terry called out as she entered the room. "Something wrong?"
"I have no idea," Max muttered, looking at his phone.
"Baby, tell me, what is it?"
"I think something is wrong with my mother," Max stated truthfully.
"Oh? Why? What happened?" Terry asked, moving quickly around the bed. "Max, tell me, what's wrong?" she pleaded with a tremble in her voice.
"My mother was actually nice to me."
"What? That's not... okay, maybe it is weird for you. But is it so bad that she's being nice to you?" Terry asked, trying not to make light of how perturbed Max appeared to be.
"Kind of, yeah?!"
"Max, I know it's hard for you to accept, given how they were throughout your life. I'm not saying to forgive and forget," laying her hands on his chest, "nor am I saying run to her and sing kumbaya with her. Just that you see where it goes. Keep her at a distance or as close as you feel comfortable with. Now, how about you come and break in this bed with me," Terry said with a lustful smile on her face.
Terry felt her body humming as she snuggled against Max as they walked down the streets of Bordeaux. Hearing the voices of the people of the city on the air as they window shopped. Pointing out the items she thought would look good on Max, and Max pointed out the items he knew would look extremely well on her, namely in the bedroom. Watching Terry's face heat when he wiggled his eyebrows. Only to be dragged into the shops, where Max had to admit he had trouble standing after Terry would show off the outfits to him. The wide smile on her lips told him she enjoyed how she could get him flustered in simple lingerie. Naturally, she just had to buy a few pairs to keep her man hot and bothered, namely in the bedroom. Terry did enjoy keeping Max on edge in the bedroom. It's led to many, many nights of her moaning and screaming in bliss as he took her over and over again.
"Max?" Terry uttered, stopping them in front of a jewelry store as she eyed the engagement section. No matter how poor of a husband Orin was, she loved being married, and they had been dating for over six months now. She wondered if he wanted more out of their relationship or if he was content with the way things were. She knew as the years progressed, her chances of getting pregnant were shrinking. She did love Max, there was no doubt about that, and she loved how he treated her. Yet there came the point in any relationship that they had to either move forward or seek other paths in life. She was twenty-nine now, and she knew if they didn't cement their relationship, her pickings for a man that she could grow old with and have children with were shrinking by the day.
"Hmm?" Max hummed as he stopped to peer back at her. Noting how Terry's eyes were lingering on the shop's interior. He wasn't blind; he had seen the little hints she'd been dropping around his apartment. Since Terry had practically moved in with him at this point. Not that he minded, he rather enjoyed having her in his arms every night. He wouldn't deny feeling her ass pressed against him throughout the night was divine.
"Do you want more out of this relationship than me just being your girlfriend?" Terry asked; she knew this wasn't the time or the place for this conversation, yet the words just came out.
"And you want to discuss that here, on the street?" Max asked with a curious look, equally more intrigued as Terry nodded.
"I know it's one of the big talks, but I've been thinking about this a lot for a month..."
"Okay," looking around for a quiet café where they could speak without having too much of an audience, "this way," Max said, taking hold of her hand and leading Terry across the street. Ordering them something to drink so they wouldn't be needlessly taking up a table for no reason as he held Terry into her seat. "Okay, Terry, let's talk."
"I'm sorry, Max, for bringing this up now when you brought us here to this beautiful city. I'm not trying to ruin it for us, please know that," seeing how he nodded, she continued, "you know I love you, far more than I ever loved Orin," again, she was met with his nod, "and I know you love me, it's in the way you look at me," Terry said sweetly, reaching across the table and taking hold of his hand. "I know I'm the only one you look at," gesturing to the beautiful women around them, and yet Max's gaze never left her, "so I know I mean just as much to you as you do to me," she stated, brushing her thumb along his fingers.
"But I need more; I need to know there's something here for us, something that we can build on, to grow together. I'm not getting any younger, and I want children. I want to be married again, and I want to grow old with you. I am sorry if this puts a damper on our vacation. But you're the man I want, the man I should have married in the first place. You've shown me what love and loyalty are truly like, and I hope you know I'd never ever hurt you by breaking the trust you have placed in me. But if you can't cross that bridge with me, if your mistrust of women is still too ingrained into your being that I can't overcome it after all this time, then I think we need to end it here before I get too involved with you," Terry spoke with tears reaming her eyes in hopes that she just hadn't ended their relationship.
"Marriage? Babies?" Max muttered; he knew she was dropping hints about marriage, given the little articles about some celebrity or some elite that he would know of, given his upbringing had gotten engaged. He just didn't know she wanted children.
"Yes, Maxwell," smiling using his given name, "I want to be married to you; I know we would make a wonderful man and wife. I like to think we would make good parents as well," Terry said with blushing cheeks. "You know, I never once thought about having children with Orin. Yet, with you, you, I can see that, hear their tiny feet, their laughter, you holding them in the air just smiling up at them. With you, I can see a life, not just surviving, going through the motions like I was with Orin, more so in the last few years of that disaster.
Ever since that day in the elevator, you've had me off-kilter; every day since that momentary flirting, you've had my mind solely on you. I don't know why that was, you certainly weren't the first man to hit on me, and I know women do the same to you. But... ever since that day, you have always been on my mind in one form or another. I'm not asking you to answer me right this second. That would be silly, and I'd rather you really think about it instead of giving me a spur-of-the-moment answer in the heat of the moment. I'd rather wait for your answer than live the rest of our lives together, always thinking you weren't ready for this kind of commitment." Her grey eyes studied Max's face, hoping and praying she hadn't ruined the best thing in her life.
"Okay, Terry, I promise I'll give it some thought," Max said sincerely. "So if I infer what you're saying if say we were to get hitched," watching Terry's eyes light up, he did find the act rather beautiful in his opinion, "I take it you won't wish to live in my one-bedroom apartment anymore?"
"Well," feeling her face heat at the smile on Max's face as she wiggled her butt into the seat of her chair as she sat straighter in it, "I was thinking, maybe you'd like to get a bigger place if we're going to be married that is," Terry said, watching him take a sip of his drink, all the while his eyes held a mirthful light to them. "I know you've been at your apartment for quite some time, and I know that can create some attachments to the place. Like how I loved the house, I once had. But it'll be a little small and cramped with little ones, don't you think?" she asked, so very happy that he wasn't totally writing her wants off like Orin would've done.
"I'm going to assume you already have a place in mind?"
"Maybe," Terry said bashfully as she brushed her hair behind her ear.
"The only stipulation I have for a house is that it has to have a pool."
"Can I ask why?" Terry muttered, slightly confused about that request since he hadn't once gone swimming when they went to her parent's lake house.
"If we're going to buy a house, you can be damn sure I'll want to gaze lecherously at the angelum lucis every chance I can get when she's out by the pool," Max retorted with a sinful smile.
"Max?!" Terry uttered breathlessly as she felt her heart pounding in her chest. "What if the one we find doesn't have one? Would you consider having one installed?" she asked, feeling her body heating beneath his gaze and at how sensuous his words were.
"I don't have a problem with that."
"Okay, then, what do you say if, and I only say if, when we get back, we start looking just in case you want to be my husband?" Terry asked; she had a feeling he was going to ask her, just not when he was; it was just a feeling she got when she looked into his eyes. Since not five feet to his right, there was a rather stunning, far more attractive woman sitting beside him, and his eyes hadn't once left her. She wasn't saying there weren't attractive men there either, she noticed, yet they didn't hold a candle to Max, at least not in her mind.
"Sure, but..."
"But?" Terry uttered, knowing that didn't sound good.
"You know my family, you know what they're like, not in person yet, but through my dealings with them," Max said, leaning forward, seeing her nod as he took her hands into his. "I only say this not because I don't trust you; we wouldn't be here if I didn't," referencing the months they've been together, not the location they were at, "but to protect you from them, in case something happened to us or to me..."
"Are you talking about a prenup?" Terry interrupted.
"I am," Max nodded.
"Oh, baby, I totally understand, you're a Monroe, and you think I don't know about the money you have?" Terry mused with a coy smirk. "I'm so happy you think about protecting me from them, I really am," she said, feeling the quickening of his heart as she brushed her finger over his pulse. So very glad she wasn't the only one whose heart still raced when they were around each other. "I'm fine with signing one as long as it's favorable to me, too."
"Give me a few days, okay?" Max muttered.
"Of course, baby, I just need to know there is something here, something that we can move towards, instead of just making sweet, hours-long love in your bed, not that I'm complaining about that. I do enjoy our Saturday mornings," Terry said in a sweet, yet sinful tone.
"And you think I don't love having that... mmm, sexy little body of yours wrapped around me all morning?" Max asked in the same lustful tone as hers. Smirking devilishly when that got a moan out of his girlfriend, watching how her nipples were pressing against her shirt. "So how about we continue our shopping, hmm?"
"Yes, please," Terry said excitedly. Not just because they were in France visiting some of the best stores, but the fact that there was hope that her dreams might come true.
"So, out of curiosity, just what size ring do you wear?"
"A size five, why?" Terry asked, hoping her voice didn't give anything away.
"Just curious is all," Max stated with a coy look as he led Terry off to some of the fancier shops in town.
Three days later...
Terry couldn't believe how jealous Stephine was when she showed off all the new clothes Max had bought her on their shopping spree. She knew he was using the money from his trust fund, given the card he was using and not the account where his paychecks were deposited. She knew that account could take the hit, given she knew how much money was in it when she had first checked him out. Not out of malice, but as a form of protection for herself so she wouldn't end up with another abusive asshole on her hands. She's dealt with that enough from her ex-husband. She wasn't about to put herself back into that position again.
"God, this place is just so beautiful, Max," Terry sighed into the wind as it lifted her red, bordering on the shade of a carrot, hair floating on the breeze behind her as she walked a few steps in front of him.
"The scenery has nothing on the woman before me," Max said in a charming voice as the setting sun played along the waters of the Gironde Estuary as they walked along its banks. Knowing what he had thought of months ago paled in comparison to the sight taking place before him as the setting rays bathed the woman he was in love with in their warmth. Something he thought would never happen given the years he had kept his heart closed to everyone, at least the opposite sex. Flipping the ring box in his hand, which rested in his pocket, what she had said three days ago was true. He could see a future with Terry. He had to admit to himself that she was very good for him and knew if he lost her, then his life would just be a shadow of itself.
"So what'cha want to do with the last two days we have here?" Terry asked, turning around. The love she had for him burned in her eyes as she gazed longingly at his face.
"What do you think about a day cruise?" Max asked; he didn't care what they did; long as he was with her, it really didn't matter to him. Slyly glancing to his right, noting the boat he had chartered making its way to the staging point he had predetermined.
"Sounds like it could be fun," Terry replied with a warm smile on her face. Turning around as the fog horn of a boat caught her attention, looking oddly at the French that scrolled along the screen of the LCD display. Thinking it was meant for someone else or for advertising until her name appeared in English. Her gasp played along the air as her hands flew to her mouth, her eyes widened then quivered, instantly turning back to Max, only to find him on one knee and holding a velvet box in the palm of his hand. The diamond of the engagement ring caught the last flickers of sunlight that were in the air. Her heart was pounding like a freight train in her chest as she stared down into his blue eyes; she couldn't believe this was happening, at least not this soon. She thought it might be a few weeks, not days, before he had made his decision.
"Terry LuAnn Archer, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Recalling the conversation he had when he spoke to Stephine about how their parents would handle the news of marrying into the Monroe family. The scream and the ensuing squeal that came afterwards pretty much told him what he needed to know. Greg and Darla were rather reserved in their answer as compared to their daughter, yet he could still hear their happiness in their words.
"Oh, God, yes! A thousand times, yes! I will marry you!" Terry squealed in joy as she danced in place, her feet kicking up the sand as she did. Fanning her face as the ring slid onto her finger, spinning around in amazement at the sight of it. Leaping into Max's arms, grinning madly at the thought he chose her, that he broke through that barrier of mistrust for her, chose to spend the rest of their lives together. Passionately kissing him as her legs wrapped around his waist. Her hand gently caressed his face, her sheer happiness burned brightly in her eyes as she stared wantonly into his pools of blue. Her scream of joy rang out in the darkening sky as she swung her arm along that descending curtain of black. Announcing to the world what she knew to be true in her heart ever since that day in the elevator, she never wanted to admit it. "Kiss your wife, baby," Terry whispered as her wide, happy smile graced her face as hers inched lower to his.
One year and three months later...
"Want to tell me again why I'm doing this?" Max asked, standing in his best suit in an unoccupied office on the top floor of Werther's Enterprises. His mind flashed back to over a month ago when he made a fateful trip to his childhood home. Not that he wanted to, yet in order to get the house he would need once the world learned that he was a Monroe and to keep Terry and their unborn child safe from those that would try to use his family name to extort money from him if, on the off chance, they were kidnapped and held for ransom. He wasn't saying it happened often, yet as the old saying goes, better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Hence why he was heading to his parent's home in hopes he could speak to them about getting a loan for the house that was within the community. Terry loved it; after all, she had picked it out, and Max knew how good the security was; it was the only reason he was even thinking about moving back there. He would swallow his pride if it meant keeping his future wife and child safe from those that would see them as a quick payday. He had dreaded every step as he drew near to their front door. He had once pledged never to return, yet this was about Terry and their child, not himself.
Blowing out a breath as the doorbell rang loudly throughout the vast expanse of his parents' home. Repeating to himself that this wasn't about him, to think about Terry and the baby, who they had just learned was five weeks along at that point in time. Their wedding was still a few months away, they had planned a month-long European tour of all the places he's been to and some new ones so they could have their own memories of the place. Hearing the footsteps approaching, he knew who it was. The man had worked for his family as long as he had been alive.
"Ah, Master Maxwell, a pleasure to see you here on this dreary morning," the man said, referencing the grey overcast sky. "What brings you here?" Gesturing for Max to enter the house.
"I need to speak to my parents; tell them I will be waiting for them to grace me with their presence in the parlor," Max answered, pointing to the grand, ornate room off to his left just so he didn't have to go deeper into their home.
"Of course, sir, I will let them know," the man said, inclining his head to Max before departing to find Tera and Dereck in their own parts of the house.
Max tapped the folder that held the proposal for the loan he was requesting from his parents. He had every intention of paying it back, yet as it was, he didn't have the capital to both buy the house Terry wanted and buy ten percent of Werther's Enterprises with an option to buy twenty-five percent of the company in ten years. He and Greg, along with Stephine and Terry, all had a discussion. More like a business meeting since they all had a stake in the business, and since Max had a degree in business, Greg put the offer to him to rise through the ranks of the company, learning what every division did so when the time came, Max could take over running it on the off chance something happened to him or when he retired, and so that his family could maintain the lifestyle they were accustomed to. While they would control the vast majority of the business on the off chance that Greg died, Max would be the de facto CEO. Any large purchases like land or raising a new branch office would have to be put up to a family vote. The rest he would be given free rein to see to the company's needs. He knew, given the time scale he had placed on the loan he would be asking for, he could repay it in five years. He just hoped his parents didn't place some outrageous stipulations on it.
Max had to fight against his instincts when he saw the smug smirk on his father's face as he walked into the room, followed by his mother, who had a rather happy look in her eye at the sight of him. Repeating the mantra 'This is for Terry; this is for Terry' in his head to keep himself from speaking how he normally would to his parents.
"So you finally decided to come crawling home, huh?" Dereck taunted.
"Hardly," Max responded in a deadpan voice.
"Dereck, hush, greet our son as a son and not some rival competitor," Tera chided, which, as you can imagine, still weirded Max out when she was pleasant to him. It seemed so unnatural to him, given the years of his childhood. "Don't let your father get you riled up, son; I'm very happy to see you," she said, pushing Dereck into his seat as he grumbled. "I heard from Mrs. Archer that congratulations are in order. Is that why you're here, to hopefully invite us to your wedding, as an olive branch of sorts?"
"No," Max answered in a deadpan voice, seeing the sadness in his mother's eyes. Again, not something he was used to when dealing with his mother. "I'm here to ask for a loan," he said, pulling out the proposal he had brought along. Holding it out to them as he leaned across the divide. His eyes glanced to his father as Dereck snorted, something Max thought would happen.
"And exactly why do you need a loan from us?" Dereck asked, crossing his arms, wearing a questioning look as he did.
"To buy a house, that is why, if you actually took the time to read what I have outlined for you in there, you would see that I have written up how much I would need for the loan and how quickly I plan on repaying said loan," Max said, trying to keep his voice as placid as possible.
"You're moving here!" Tera's voice rose when she noted the price, the picture of the home, a place she knew very well, given she knew the former owners before the man was charged with embezzling. Her heart was racing at the thought of having her son back within reach of her.
"Yes, why I need the loan, as I have outlined before you," Max answered in a level tone.
"Why? We all know you have enough money to buy some other house out there that doesn't require this level of capital. Why are you buying a home in this community?" Dereck asked very pointedly.
"That is very true; I could, yet everywhere else does not have the security to keep Terry or our baby safe like this place does..."
"Baby!" Tera yelled in a mixture of surprise and happiness; Dereck just sat there rather speechless when they just learned they were going to become grandparents. "Are you telling us that Terry Archer is pregnant with your child, that we are going to become grandparents? That we're going to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet?!"
"Yes, Mom, that's exactly what I'm telling you." Max recounted how her hands flew to her face, cupping her mouth to hide her trembling lips. Yet there was no way she could hide the tears in her eyes.
"That may be; still, I don't think that warrants me..."
"Dereck, shut the hell up!" Tera snapped, clearly taking Max and Dereck by surprise. Arching an eyebrow when his mother tossed his proposal off to the side. "I have a counteroffer for you, son."
"I'm listening," Max said, gesturing for her to continue.
"We will give you the forty million you're asking for... I said shut the hell up, Dereck!" Tera hissed when her husband started to speak. "This is your fault! This animosity is your creation, and I'll be damned if I'm going to be cut out of my son's life and my grandchild's life because you pitted our daughter and son against one another for some twisted perversion of yours! Am I fucking clear!?" Max wasn't the only shocked one when she laid into his father. His father was very clearly beside himself at the anger directed at him. "So either sit there and keep that mouth closed, or I will divorce you, and you know I will leave you penniless and still give Maxwell the money." Max kept his amusement to himself as his father just sat back and grumbled incoherently in his seat. "As I was saying, Max, we will give you the money you're asking for on five conditions."
"Which are?" Max knew there would be stipulations when he put together his proposal.
"One: you invite me to your and Terry's wedding. Just me, I know you will not want Darcy there, and I do not wish to soil your happy day with her there. Your father will stay behind, of course. Two: you inform your restaurant that I at least have a table there once every month. It was everything I had imagined it would be; thank you for allowing me to experience it. Three: when the time comes for Terry to give birth you allow me to be there so I can witness the birth of my first grandchild and every one after. Four: you allow me to visit you at your home, so I may see my grandbaby(s) as much as I want, under your supervision, of course. Five: you allow me to take you and your family on family trips at least once a year. Now, are those conditions suitable?" Tera asked, resting her folded hands on her knee when she crossed her legs.
"And this just pertains to you? No one else, not Dad, and definitely not Darcy and her wife?" Max asked for clarification.
"Just me, son, I know how you feel about the two of them," Tera said, gesturing to her husband, that sat to the left of her. "I do not wish to cause strife in your home or to hurt my grandbaby," she uttered.
It wasn't hard to miss his mother's wide smile that hadn't left her face if you discount her yelling at his father since learning about their baby. Max leaned back while what his mother was asking wasn't all that intrusive or outlandish. Still, that did mean he would at least have some form of contact with her, yet was that any different than what they had now? Yet he knew without the money, he would have to put himself into the poorhouse just to afford it all, which meant tapping out his trust fund. Sighing into his mind, knowing this was for the good of Terry and their child.
"Very well, your terms are acceptable," Max said, relenting.
"Excellent!" Tera clapped her hands in joy. "I'll make sure to have the money transferred to your trust fund right after you take me to see my future daughter-in-law and so I can see my little wee one."
Pulling out his phone, texting Terry, who was at her parent's home while he was dealing with his parents, telling her to expect company that he was bringing his mother over. Telling her that he would discuss what had transpired later that night when they returned to his apartment. Silently gesturing towards the door, telling her to come along if she was tagging along.
"You know why?" Terry cooed as she stood in one of her best dresses as she slowly eased up Max's red power tie. Her grey eyes shimmered in her love for him, counting down the days until they were married. Her face heated at the soft touch of Max's hand on her stomach; her little belly bump was detailed by how fitting her dress was. Not that she cared, she wanted the whole world to know that she was with child and that she loved the man who helped bring that life into the world. "You knew about this photo shoot for two weeks now."
"Yeah, still doesn't mean I have to like it," Max teased.
"Well, you do have to look forward to rubbing the fact that you'll be running a software company in your father's face," Terry stated, running her hands down the lapels of Max's suit jacket. Seeing that grin of his lifting the corners of his lips. "That and rubbing it in your sister's face."
"True, very true; how did I get so lucky in finding you?" Max asked as he lightly pulled her into him.
"Well, this angelum lucis needed a man to show her what she was missing from her life," Terry cooed in a loving tone as she brought Max down to her lips. The smacking of their lips filled the room as they turned towards the office door as it opened, and in stepped Stephine dressed in her best attire.
"You two ready?" Stephine asked, keeping her sadness from her eyes from her breakup with Carl. Who tried to siphon off some of her trust fund to cover his losses. It was because of the safeguards she had in place that kept him come moving a single cent from it. Even Max was surprised by that when she had came over to their apartment and didn't leave his couch for two days.
"To be photographed with the beautiful, radiant Archer women? Who could pass that up," Max said, trying to lift Stephine's mood.
"Flatterer, keep it up," Stephine teased, sticking her nose in the air. "They're waiting on us, so if you two are done making out...?"
"Nope, I'm never done making out with my man," Terry cooed up at Max. "But we mustn't keep those magazine people waiting."
"Thanks for being my friend when I needed it," Stephine said, quickly hugging Max before the three of them left the office.
Max felt silly striking the poses that the photographer directed them into. Especially the one where he and Greg stood nearly back to back with their arms across their chests and looking right at the camera. Still, it was going to be on the cover of the business magazine they were posing for, and he knew that would irk the piss out of his father and sister. So Max put up with it; it was the interview afterwards that he wasn't going to enjoy. It was the reason he and Terry had bought that home for, so their private life would remain private. He had even caught his sister, sometimes alone and sometimes with MJ, driving by his house. Even from the distance from the house to the street, he could see the peeved look on Darcy's face at the fact he had a place within the community, and all she had was a condo in the city. Kissing Terry goodbye when she had to get back to her practice once the photoshoot was over. Promising Stephine that he would stop by her desk and chat for a bit once their interview was over. Hugging his future mother-in-law, who treated him like a son once he and Terry announced that they were getting married.
"Please, don't be alarmed; this is for our website," the reporter said, gesturing to the woman who was manning the camera. "So our readers can see and hear little clips of you two."
Max glanced at Greg, who nodded. It was normal when he slyly gave him that look. That he's had dozens of interviews that went about how this was structured. So he took Greg's lead on this since this was all new to him.
"So, Mr. Archer, how does it feel knowing that someday your company will be in the hands of the man beside you?"
"He's a little green, yet he knows the people of this company; he has seen what bad management looks like up close. I have no doubt in the coming years he will do well enough to handle the reins of the company," Greg said factually.
"Mr. Archer, are you aware the man that's sitting beside you is living under a false name? Can you really trust someone whose name doesn't even appear anywhere in county records until a little over six years ago?"
"I know his reasons; your question isn't the 'gotcha' as you think it is," Greg stated, brushing off the question.
"Then you know, this man," waving to Max, "is none other than Maxwell Colin Monroe, the youngest son of the Monroe family, who has ties to every business on the east coast and them some?"
"Of course I do," Greg said, rolling his eyes. "He told us himself."
"And aren't you worried that this could be some scheme from the Monroe's to..."
"I'm going to stop you right there," Max cut in. "You are way off base with your accusations. Even if my family was trying to worm their way into this company, they certainly don't need me to do it, nor would I ever help them to do so in the first place."
"Then please, explain why the son of one of the richest families in the country pretends to be this Maxwell Larson?"
"I am Maxwell Larson; it's my legal name; as you should know, if you went through the county records like it appears that you have done, you would know that. And I prefer Max, not Maxwell. As to the reason I do not use my family name is, well, money isn't everything in the world. It doesn't keep you warm. It doesn't love you. All it does is make you very selfish and petty and bring out the worst in people."
"Yet, everyone knows the name, Monroe? Why not use it? Surely it would have helped to propel you into your career?"
"That's kind of the point; I don't need my family name to achieve what I want out of this life. How would I know if I got to where I am; would it be based on my merit, my work, our by their name?" Max stated as calmly as he could.
"Surely your name had to be of some factor when you became a silent partner of La Panoramique?"
"No, it did not; my business partners didn't even know my last name until they signed the contract. They're good people, just needed a helping hand at the time. It doesn't hurt that Anna is one of the best cooks I know. So I knew my investment would be recouped in no time," Max said, seeing the glance Greg was giving him. Knowing he still owed his future father and mother-in-law lunch at the restaurant.
"And Mr. Archer, how do you feel knowing your protégé is pulled in so many directions, given we were able to suss out that he has his fingers in a few other businesses around the city."
"As long as it doesn't interfere with his job here, that's his business," Greg answered truthfully.
"Excuse me," Max interrupted as his phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. Showing Greg the confirmation on their lunch when Terry had sent him a text since they had been pretty packed since they had returned from France. Plus, Paro and Anna were catering their wedding, so Terry was there almost every other day, or Paro and Anna were over at their house.
Max sighed once the interview was over as he and Greg walked out of the room they had been in. Feeling Greg's hand patting him on his back as they walked towards his office. Who pulled out his own phone when Darla called it the moment she knew he would be free. Listening to Greg chuckle at how excited Darla was as Max could hear her voice coming over the line.
"What'cha think? You think Stephine would want to join us for lunch?" Max asked, causing Stephine's head to shoot up. Knowing Terry, she had probably already told her sister where they were going for lunch.
"Don't tease me, Max," Stephine warned with a pointed look.
"Who said I was teasing?"
"You know if you're going to La Panoramique, I so want in?!" Stephine said sternly.
"Then you best get your work done before twelve-thirty," Greg mused, passing his daughter's desk as he led Max into his office.
As Max sat around that table, listening to their happy chatter. He never thought this day would ever come. To be accepted, to be treated like a part of a family. To not have to worry about some plot his parents or sister cooked up. To just simply relax and enjoy the comradery that the Archer family was willing to offer to him. Smiling at his future wife, he knew whatever the future held, it wouldn't stand a chance against them.
The End.
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