“Do you think the ability to sleep in counts as a special skill?” I asked Dad, trying to sound torn over the decision.“Yes, list that. And don’t forget to write that you can eat an entire meal in under five minutes,” he replied. I laughed. It was true; I did tend to inhale my food.“Oh, the both of you! Why don’t you just write down that you’re an absolute heathen!” My mother went storming from the room.”

“He gave a dark chuckle. “But you’re not, so you had absolutely no qualms about kneeing me in the groin, right?”“I hit your thigh!”“Oh, please. A man doesn’t need that long to recover from a knee to the thigh,” he replied, his voice full of skepticism.”

“I’ve met nearly every woman in this room, and I can’t think of one who would make a better friend. I’d be glad to have you stay."My relief was inexpressible."Do you think," Maxon asked, "That I could still call you ‘my dear’?" "Not a chance." I whispered.”

“I sighed. "Actually, Mom, we argue pretty regularly." "What?" She gaped at me. "Well, stop it!""Oh, and I kneed him in the groin once."There was a split second of silence before May barked a laugh. She covered her mouth and tried to stop it, but it kept coming out in awkward, squeaky sounds. Dad's lips were pressed together, but I could tell he was on the verge of losing it himself.Mom was paler then snow."America, tell me you're joking. Tell me you didn't assault the prince."I don't know why, but the word assault pushed us all on the edge; and May, Dad, and I bent over laughing as Mom stared at us."Sorry, Mom," I managed."Oh, good lord." She suddenly seemed very excited in meeting Marlee's parents, and I didn't stop her from going.”

“I only really ever hug my mother. Is this okay?” he asked. I laughed. “It’s hard to get a hug wrong.”

“He stood and went to read my pin as I approached. “America, is it?” he said, a smile playing on his lips.“Yes, it is. And I know I’ve heard your name before, but could you remind me?”

“Do you think, that I could still call you 'my dear'?”