It's a Love Story

Lilli nodded, smiling. "and I think I'm okay with that." she said, chuckling also. "I'm in love with your son. Crazy about him...He makes me smile and makes me feel protected. He's really, really good looking also." she smiled. "I hope you approve of me. I don't know what I would do if you guys hated me."

Michelle smiled warmly at her. "I've never seen my boy as happy as he is with you. To be honest, at first I wasn't all too keen on him talking to 'some girl' on that computer. But after he came back from the city and spent that week with you, he's been happier than a pig in a buffet," she chuckled. "I knew from what he told me of you that you weren't the type of girl to break his heart. And I'm certain of it now. You're welcome to stay as long as you like," she smiled, patting her knee. "More than welcome."

She brightened as Michelle talked. "mike mentioned that I should move in, leave the city. God I'd love to, but, I don't want to leave school... I've got a life there, one I'd be glad to leave once schools over. We just have to wait a little bit longer to spend forever together." she said softly. If felt good to be talking to a motherly type person. Her mom was a good mom, but was always working, she could never relate to her dad and her sister was just a bitch.

Michelle smiled. "We'll have another room ready for you when you get back," she promised and put her finger to her lips. "But that's just between us girls," she gave a wink and a chuckle.

she nodded. "of course." she said then sighed as her shoulder demanded attention again. "Do you have any sort of pain pill, Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin..."

"Oh, o'course. We've got Tylenol," she said and went to get it. She poured her a glass of water and handed her the prescription-strength amount of pain pills. "Here you are, sweetie."

she smiled and quickly downed the pills and the water. "You're awesome." she said, smiling.

Michelle laughed. "I'm glad you think so," she smiled. "Now let's get you some ice for your shoulder and set you down to relax.

Mike found Splatter hiding in a small thicket and finally got her out, leading her and Cloud back to the stables. He took their saddles off and put some fresh hay and water in their pens before brushing them once more and heading back to the house.

By the time Mike was done, Lilli was sitting on the sofa, her arm in a sling and water next to her. She smiled as he walked in, a bright, happy, loving smile. "Hey you." she said to him.

Mike's face fell even more as he saw her in the sling. Michelle spoke before he could say anything. "Nothing's broken, just bruised. The ice is for the swelling. I've already given her pain pills and sat her down to relax. Don't go making a big fuss now. You two have any requests for dinner?"

Mike closed his mouth and shook his head to answer his mom, going to sit by Lilli and take her free hand in his.

Lilli shook her head to answer Michelle's question and smiled at Mike. "I really am okay." she said softly. "I'll just be sore for a little while."

"I'm so sorry this happened. So, so sorry," he mumbled, feel awful.

"this isn't your fault..." she said softly, slowly moving to sit in his lap. "You did nothing."

He blushed when she sat in his lap, but didn't make any objections. He kissed her softly, afraid to wrap his arms around her.

"Mike... I'm not a fragile as you think I am. Hold me, please." she said, resting her head on his shoulder.

He gently wrapped his arm around her, careful of her shoulder and arm, and kissed her forehead. "I love you," he told her softly.

She smiled and kissed his neck softly. "I love you, too," she replied. "Is Splatter okay?"

He nodded. "She's just a little scared. I gave both her and Cloud a good brush and some extra food and water. She's calmed down for the most part now. Enough to sleep, I think."

She nodded, staying close to him. "As long as she's okay."

He laid his cheek on her hair, letting her warmth comfort him.

Lilli closed her eyes, slowly starting to fall asleep. She felt no pain and Mike made her feel so safe. She really didn't have any other choice but to fall asleep.

Mike ended up falling asleep, too, snoring softly. Michelle chuckled quietly, seeing them sleeping on the couch and ushered George in to see. George smiled, chuckling quietly, too, and Michelle got a blanket, draping it over them.

Lilli sighed, nuzzling Mikes neck as she slept. It was good to be in his arms again and even better to know that he wasn't letting go any time soon.

Cassie yawned and laid on the couch next to her brother, bundled up in a blanket. She curled up, leaning on him, and closed her eyes.

Their parents changed into their bedclothes and headed off to bed, too, turning the lights off in the house and laying down to sleep.

The next morning, Lilli woke up and smiled, still in Mike's arms. She sighed, nuzzling his neck a little more, giving it a soft kiss.