And I'd Do It Again

Realizations

Mercedes came back from answering the door with calla lilies. "You've got another one!"

Marcy blushed. "Joy."

"Let's see what this card says."

Marcy jumped up. "That's not funny!"

Mercedes ran from her as she read the card. "He's poetic!"

"Stop it!" Marcy chased her around the kitchen. "No, he's not!"

"Actually it has poetry on this one. See?" Mercedes stopped and Marcy plowed into her. "Oof!"

Marcy snatched both the bouquet and the card up from the floor and hopped up. "What is with you?! Every time one of these things pop up, you turn into a four year old!"

"You're just upset that your love has school or else you'd be able to thank him properly." Mercedes climbed to her feet. She went to the table and took her place.

Marcy burned. "Shut up!"

"Have you thanked him at all?" Rose asked.

"I haven't seen him since Saturday." Marcy disappeared upstairs to put away her new card and flowers.

Marcus shook his head. "What could possibly be on those cards? She's right. You get extremely happy."

"Cuz it's so romantic!" Mercedes had stars in her eyes. "He copied down poetry today. Robert Burns."

Rose smiled. "I wish I knew what he was saying."

"It's really romantic. I can't remember everything but it made me melt."

Marc made a face. "I'm tryin to eat!"

"We know you don't have a romantic bone in your body!"

"He gets it from your father." Rose whispered.

Marcus glared.

"Men." Mercedes continued eating as Marcy came back down.

The blonde sat down and began eating as if nothing happened.

Mercedes couldn't stop smiling at her.

"Quit it." Marcy didn't pause.

"I can't! He's just so sweet and cute! Adorable!"

"Remember that the next time he takes your diary."

Mercedes frowned. "He's trying, Marce."

"Yeah, my last nerve. Let it go."

Mercedes huffed. "You're hopeless."

Marcus looked between his children. "What are you doing today?"

"I'm going to hang out with a friend." Marc wiped his mouth. "I haven't seen her in a year."

"Her?" Rose eyed him suspiciously. "Do we have to have the talk again?"

"Ma, I will leave and never come back." Marc was dead serious.

Rose sighed. "Promise me no more grandchildren out of wedlock."

"I protect myself."

"That's not a promise."

"Yes, I promise!" He huffed.

"Mercy?" She raised an eyebrow.

"I definitely want my kids in wedlock." Mercedes said instantly. "I promise."

"Good girl." Rose turned to her youngest with trepidation. "Marcy?"

"I'm not having any more kids." The seventeen year old muttered.