Independence

'Still hesitant to sign?' Eric smirked, walking into the living room and spotting Taylor sitting at the counter with a mug of coffee.

'I don't get how you don't think this is a big deal,' Taylor sipped her coffee and put the papers to the side.

Eric picked up the coffee pot and poured himself a coffee in the mug Taylor had already set out for him. He turned to Taylor, leaning back against the counter as he sipped his coffee.

'How is it you make better coffee than I do and while we both do the exact same thing?'

'Coffee machine likes me better,' Taylor grinned.

Eric smiled and observed her.

'What?' Taylor asked, raising an eyebrow.

'I'm just trying to figure out why signing those papers is such a big deal. We've lived together for over half a year. It will just make things easier.'

'I know, it makes sense and all,' Taylor sighed, eyeing the papers. 'It's just… I don't know…'

'What do you want for breakfast?' Eric asked, turning to rummage through the kitchen cabinets. 'We should do groceries soon.'

'Yeah, I meant to do that yesterday after work,' Taylor nodded. 'What do we actually have left?'

Eric checked the fridge and shrugged. 'Pancakes and waffles are on the menu, eggs too, but you'd have to do without the bacon,' he answered, shaking a milk carton. 'And cereal is out, because there's not enough milk.'

'Either pancakes or waffles, you pick. You'll be cranky if we have eggs without the bacon,' Taylor laughed.

Eric laughed and nodded, starting on a batter while letting the waffle iron heat.

'Need help?' Taylor offered.

Eric shook his head and leaned over to steal a quick kiss. 'Nope, you made coffee already.'

Taylor smiled and raised her mug at him. 'I like that rule.'

Eric finished making their breakfast and settled next to Taylor to eat. They ate their food in silence.

'What time are we expected at the park?' Taylor asked, gathering the dishes and putting them in the sink.

'Around 4 should be fine,' Eric shrugged.

Taylor glanced at the clock, rinsing the plates. 'Good, that's more than enough time for a shower.'

'I think I'll join you,' Eric smirked.

Wes waved Eric and Taylor over to their spot on the grass. Taylor waved back, smiling at their friends gathered around already. Cole was drawing circle's on Alyssa's growing stomach.

'You're late,' Wes accused when they neared the group.

'Well, I don't see any meat on the barbecues yet and the fireworks definitely haven't started, so I'm pretty sure we're right on time,' Eric shrugged.

'They're here, who cares if they took their sweet time,' Jen punched Wes.

Taylor dropped next to Alyssa in the grass, while Eric went to help Wes and Danny set up the barbecue. Jen scooted a little closer and Cole moved to talk with Max, giving them some privacy to talk.

'It feels like ages since we last talked,' Alyssa complained, resting her head against Taylor's shoulder. 'How are you?'

'Fine,' Taylor replied. 'How's the little one?'

'The little one is doing great. But I don't believe you. What's on your mind,' Alyssa pressed.

'It's silly,' Taylor shook her head.

'We're your friends,' Jen cut in. 'We won't judge. Unless you found Eric wearing your underwear, then we'll definitely be judging, but now you."

Taylor chocked on laughter at the mental image. She waved at Eric that she was fine when he shot her a questioning look.

'Oh, god no, it's nothing like that,' Taylor shook her head, tears in her eyes. 'It's just… we've got these papers at home to set up a joined account and I don't know, something's holding me back from signing it.'

'Why? It's not like it's a big deal,' Alyssa asked surprised. 'You've been together for more than a year and living together for months now. And it doesn't look like you're getting ready to leave him any time soon.'

Alyssa tugged on Taylor's still slightly damp hair.

'But to Taylor it is a big deal,' Alan's soft voice startled them. 'Norah was hesitant too. She didn't commit to a joined bank account until she was pregnant with Wes.'

'Why not?' Jen asked, surprised.

'Because, it won't be Eric's money and Taylor's money anymore, it will be their money,' Alan explained matter-of-factly.

'It's just money,' Jen pointed out.

'To you,' Alan nodded. 'You came here already knowing you were going to depend on Wes financially. You made that choice before coming here. But for Taylor, that money is an independence. Having a joined account with Eric will mean giving up a little bit more of her freedom.'

'I didn't know you had a degree in psychology,' Taylor laughed, feeling the truth of Alan's words ring in her mind.

Alan laughed and shook his head. 'I don't. But take your time, Taylor. This is just a big a step as moving in with Eric. For some people it's an easy decision and some just need a little more time.'

Taylor nodded and conversation quickly steered back to Alyssa's pregnancy. After a while, Eric came over and told them the hotdogs were ready. He held out his hands to help Taylor up and she let him.

'You know I can get up myself, right?' Taylor asked, slipping her arms around his waist after she was hauled to her feet.

'Yeah, I know,' Eric smiled, dropping a kiss into her hair. 'Just wanted an excuse to touch you.'

Taylor laughed and nuzzled close to him. 'I love you.'

'I love you too,' Eric grinned. 'But I'm actually getting hungry, so how about we go get a hotdog?'

Taylor nodded and they walked over to the barbecue where Danny was handing out hotdogs, while Wes was tending to the fresh meat on the grill.

The hours passed quickly as the group enjoyed their time together. When the last rays of sunlight disappeared, an impressive display of fireworks started lighting up the sky. Eric's arms were around Taylor's waist as they watched, Taylor leaning back against his chest.

'Happy Independence Day,' Eric whispered into Taylor's ear.

'Yeah, you too,' Taylor answered. 'Could you remind me to sign those papers when we get home?'