"Hmmm you could say that," she murmured her gaze lingering on Linc as he walked into the room.
"How have you been son?" Charles asked.
"Great, everything is fantastic," he stated sitting across from Mel and giving her a wink.

The ladies decided to leave the gentlemen as they went by the pool to relax catching up once the discussion took a turn to business.
"I can see my brother is very happy."
"Well, I do try my best to keep him that way."
"Oh please he has changed ever since you came back into his life," Rebecca said with a laugh as they talked about anything and everything.
Mel thanked the maid who brought drinks and snacks for them, letting her know they were satisfied with what she had brought.

"Let me go check how supper is coming along," Mel said excusing herself a few hours later.
Walking back into the house she met Linc on the way softly brushing up against him, making him come to a halt as he watched her sway her hips heading towards the kitchen. Turning she raked her eyes over his frame watching his eyes turn a shade darker as she smiled knowingly.

-----

Dinner was a fun event with Ethan as the main entertainment as usual. One would never think he would soon be taking over his father's company once he left his acting career. Lincoln had built his empire from scratch with his father's help of course. One could see they were all proud of his accomplishments.

With Linc at the head of the table and Mel sitting at his right, to his left was Ethan, his father sat at the other end with Rebecca and Meg flanking him. They held hands as Rebecca said grace.
Once done the staff brought in their meal, presenting the dishes with finesse as everyone commended the food.
Linc silently took her plate to remove the brussels sprouts as everyone looked at him confused.
"She doesn't like them," he said with a smile as everyone nodded their heads in understanding.

Lincoln felt Mel's leg brush against his making him look at her in warning only to receive a mischievous smile.
"Hmmmm, this food is to die for," she moaned, as Lincolns' fork froze halfway to his mouth.

"Is the food not to your liking darling?" She asked as he was looking at her.

He knew the game she was playing. It was a great disadvantage for him that his family was there or else he would have taken care of her.
"The food is exceptional," he said everyone else agreeing with him as he looked her straight in her eyes as she ran her leg up his.
"Darling before I forget I need to get my car from the dealership.
"You bought a car?" Ethan asked in surprise.
"Yes, I was having some adjustments made before they shipped it here," she said eyeing Linc as he placed his hand on her thigh.
"I can't wait to see what type of car my sister drives," Ethan said excitedly.
"Oh it's no big deal really," she said grabbing Lincs' hand and removing it from her thigh with a tight smile as he smirked at her. "I'm just tired of the sissy cars this one uses," she said as Linc choked on the water he was drinking.

"My son is no sissy," Charles bellowed making everyone laugh as Mel rubbed his back soothingly.
"Dessert love?" Lincoln asked focusing on making sure she had enough sustenance for what he had planned.
"I'm afraid I don't have any room left," She said refusing her plate.
"We can share mine," Linc said feeding her a piece of cake.
"Aw, aren't they adorable," Rebecca cooed.
"It's disgusting. Remind me to never fall in love," Ethan said stabbing his chocolate cake whilst everyone burst into laughter.

"Yes brother, I will remind you on your wedding day," Megan said before asking a maid to pack up her dessert for her.
"Meg we do not provide doggy bags so eat up," Lincoln said with laughter in his eyes.
"Be careful Linc, I might just kidnap your chef. He is a master in the kitchen."
"Yes, you should you need some cooking lessons or else Dominic will need to have to up his life insurance," Ethan sniggered.
"My daughter is a superb chef. Hold up, who is Dominic?" Rebecca asked.
"He is my friend," she said with a blush. Turning to Ethan she whispered something into his ear making him pale in an instant.

"So what does he do?" Charles asked.
"He is a shipping magnate from Greece," she said as everyone stared at her.

"Oh look at the time, I should be leaving," Megan said standing up.
Ethan was about to say something but quickly clamped his mouth shut once Meg turned to him. "Come on big bro, I need a ride."
"Sure thing sis," he said standing up. Whatever secret Ethan was hiding, Meg sure had a tight hold on him.
"We should be leaving as well," Charles said helping his wife up.

Seeing everyone off they headed back into the house.
"Lincoln what are you up to?" She asked slowly backing away from him.
"Nothing at all love," he said slowly walking towards her.
"Linc?" She said a smile forming on her face as he grinned at her mischievously.
"You wanted to play love, remember," he said seeing the French doors that led to the backyard open.

"What game Linc," she giggled.
"Hmmm just a little payback," he said running out of the room as she followed him.
Coming to a halt he looked back at her as she also stopped puzzled by this. He slowly took a step away from her mischief clear in his eyes and she took one towards him. Seeing that she was right where he wanted her, he smiled coyly and she knew something was up. A few seconds later she was drenched in water and upon looking up, she saw two of the maids giggling.
"Lincoln!" She shrieked running after him.

Chasing after him down the lit pathway he laughed out hearing her squill of delight as he turned and scooped her up in his arms twirling her around.
"Put me down, please!" She cried out laughing. "I'm going to get you soaking wet."
"Close your eyes first," he said.
"Why? What are you up to?" She asked looking for any signs of him giving away his intentions.
"Close your eyes," he whispered into her ear as he placed her on her feet.

"Come on Linc, please tell me," she whined like a child.
"First your eyes must obey, then I will tell you."
"Fine," she muttered closing her eyes whilst crossing her arms over her chest making him chuckle.
Gently he guided her towards their destination.
"Remember, at the orphanage when you said you always wanted to have an outdoor movie night," he murmured.

--------

Flashback

"Why don't the other kids talk to you?" Mel asked Linc as they sat in the backyard watching the other children play tag.
"I don't know. Maybe it's because my height intimidates them," he murmured kicking the ball towards her. "You are the only friend I have here," he said looking at her with a smile.
"You are my best friend," Mel smiled shyly showing off the smile that had captured him.
"How long have you lived here Linc?"
"Three years ever since my parents died in a car crash," he said softly. "But the past two and a half years have been the best because of you," he said with a smile.

Sitting down on the grass, he said, "When I grow up and have money, I will take you to see your favourite movie, Cinderella," he said winning a toothy smile.
"Can we watch it outside under the stars," she said dreamily earning a chuckle from him as he thought to himself, girls and romantic notions.
"Of course, anything for you Mel," he said.

-------

Present Time

"Yes, what does that have to do with my closing my eyes?" She said as they came to a halt.
"Open your eyes love," he said gently.

Opening her eyes she taught the tears that threatened to escape her eyes.
"You...you did this for me? It's beautiful," she said turning around to throw her arms around him.
"Who else would I do this for?" He asked seeing her roll her eyes at him. "Did you just roll your eyes at me? Enjoy your movie night alone," he said stepping away from her.
"Lincoln," she called out going after him. "I'm sorry. I was just surprised. No one has ever really done anything like this for me. And for you to remember something so trivial after all these years, it's just...unbelievable and sweet. Thank you Lincoln," she said as he wiped the stray tear away.

"Don't cry, I was just pulling your leg Mel," he said with a smile. "Come, you need to change out of those wet clothes then onwards with the movie," he said taking her hand.
"We are watching The Notebook right?"
"Whatever you want but....after your movie we are watching Hitman, I need to retain my manhood after that," he said making her laugh.
"You will always be a man in my eyes, my man," she giggled and they decided to settle on one of the seats set up.
Throwing a small blanket over them he pulled her into his arms as he started the movie. The night was filled with stars and the soft candlelight gave it all a romantic feel. Sharing a bowl of popcorn between them they enjoyed her movie only falling asleep whilst watching Hitman.