(Milly) and then, a suggestion

The entire house was now clothed again! What a weird morning! The house was abuzz with activity, the ladies chatting up a storm as they hung out in the kitchen, the dining room, and the living room.

Whenever her doting, overprotective mother wasn't looking, Milly would hold David's hand or sneak a quick kiss on the cheek, annoying her cousins and overjoying Sharon and Laylah.

David was, perhaps against his better judgement, getting into this. He stole a deep, on-the-lips kiss from Milly in the kitchen, right behind her mom, shocking Kelly who saw from behind Margaret. She quietly gave them both a "well now, so that's what's going on." sort of look and smiled as she resumed talking with her sister.

Milly was over the moon. She felt so... she didn't know how to even describe it, but it was good! Proud? Sure this whole thing was founded on a mischievous farce, but it was just so good seeing her family treating her like, well, the adult that she was! No comments about her height or body and no doting or teasing!

"Hey everyone!" Sharon said happily as she walked into the kitchen dressed now in yoga pants and a tight, sporty shirt. All eyes turned to her and she continued. "There's a fair this weekend at the park. Whaddya say we have a little fun!"

Milly looked at David, a little nervous that he might not want to take their little boyfriend-girlfriend routine out of the house. He smiled and held her hand behind her mother's notice.

...

The park wasn't far from Laylah's house. A bit of a hike on foot, but the day was nice and the family, plus David, had a good time walking. The fair came into view. Stands and trailers for all manner of food were scattered about. A number of rides had been folded out and assembled via a motorcade of tractor trailers, spinning around playfully in the afternoon sun.

For a time, the Marsh family was more engaged in enjoying their time amongst the food, games, and rides; only the occasional crooked glance from Lin or Laura would mar the atmosphere of fun. That was kind of the point though, so David and Milly took every opportunity to play games and ride the rides together. They were having fun annoying Lin and Laura with their lovely-dovey routine, but the two found the line between the game and their actual feelings for one another start to blur. Arms around each other started to feel more natural, kisses went from mischievous attacks on Milly's cousins' to something the two enjoyed doing.

Laylah saw the young couple arrive at the line for the Ferris Wheel. She saw the way they now talked and looked at each other and she felt a twinge of guilt. This was supposed to build Milly's confidence, but it was just a little game, right? Now she feared they may actually be falling for each other for real! Well... was that so bad? She knew David was a good guy, and the two clearly had unexpected chemistry...

Laylah watched Milly stumble a bit on the final step to the platform that allowed riders to get onto the slowly revolving gondolas of the Ferris Wheel. David held her hand to help her keep balance. As Milly's dress began lifting up, Laylah noticed a gaze of true affection and care between the two and it warmed her heart.... wait a minute, why was Milly's dress lifting up?!