Summary:
A tag story to my trilogy of Turning Points, Sacrifices and Enduring
Promises. This story takes place
seven months after the epilogue of Enduring Promises.
Category:
Max/Liz
Part 1:
Liz and Max are walking in a parking lot.
Both of them walk silently and slowly next to each other. Max wants to reach out and take Liz in his arms or, in the very least, hold her soft, warm hand in his. He’s relieved and wants more than anything for her to feel the same way. But he senses her pensive mood and is unsure how to proceed. He just knows he needs to try to make her feel, well, better. He tentatively leans his face near to hers, trying to get her to look into his eyes, but she stares straight ahead. “Liz…it’s no big deal.”
Liz stops walking and Max does the same right in front of her. Liz leans her head back and looks up into Max’s eyes and pointedly glares at him. She lowers her eyes then slowly moves around him and continues to walk.
Max falls in next to her and holds out his arms. “What?” He questions in a dumbfounded tone.
Liz stops walking again and Max notices her face is flushed. She glares up into his face…again. “Big being the operative word in your last statement.”
Max lets a small smile reach his eyes, not his mouth because he knows she’ll misunderstand. When he sees the tears well up in her eyes, he groans and realizes, too late, that she didn’t miss a thing. He tries again. “Liz, it’s only natural.”
Liz rolls her hands in tight fists at her sides and the glare is back in full force. “Don’t use those words on me again, Max. It won’t work.”
Somewhat encouraged by her non-verbal ‘fighting’ response he thinks he can win over her current mood with no-nonsense, common sense. He’s assured because he knows how practical she always is…but he forgot that she hasn’t been practical with any consistency for the past few months. ‘Reason with her,’ Max thinks to himself. “Liz, you’re eight months pregnant. What did you expect? Of course you’re going to gain some weight.”
She huffs at him, not once, but twice. “Some weight? Some? Max, twelve pounds in four weeks. That’s natural?!” Liz wails the last words.
Max looks at her with love, sympathy and a little uncertainty. God knows he loves this woman beyond reason but, lately…well she’s been highly irrational and he just doesn’t know what to do anymore. “Liz, yes, I think it’s natural and so does your doctor.” Max softly smiles at her and lowers his voice to a whisper, moving in close to her. “You’re having twins…my babies.” He instinctively places his hands on her protruding belly, rubbing it gently.
Liz feels a little at ease now that she’s actually looked into his eyes and realized that he really is trying to make her feel better. Feeling his gentle touch and hearing him refer to the babies so possessively, hearing the pride in his voice even though it is a mere whisper, brings her relief. She smiles her beautiful smile at him, a smile that reaches her eyes. Feeling as though he has been given life’s greatest gift, Max responds with a smile that mirrors hers in warmth.
As they approach the jeep, Max holds out a hand to help Liz into the passenger seat. Liz takes his hand and grabs the side of the jeep with her other hand. Max lifts her hand to his mouth and warmly kisses the back of it. Liz feels the shiver run from her hand up her arm and all the way to her soul. Max smiles as he senses her response.
Liz takes a deep breath then heaves herself up, only to find she can’t lift her leg high enough to step into the jeep. Her stomach is in the way of her knee. She promptly lets go of Max’s hand and covers her face, wailing into her hands. “A week ago you had to start tying my shoes for me because I couldn’t reach my feet. Now, I can’t even get myself into the jeep anymore.”
‘God, I can’t take it when she cries. This is heart breaking. It hurts so much.’ Max looks down at her, not clear about what he should say at this point, uncertain if Liz blames him for her condition and the inevitable limitations and restrictions it places on her. Instead of words, he takes on the simple task of fixing the current dilemma and lifts her up into his arms. Not realizing how heavy she’s become, Max’s breath leaves him in a woof. The muscles in his arms and neck strain at the weight as he hesitantly smiles at her.
Liz removes her hands from her face and looks at Max in the eyes, understanding what he is trying to do… all the while hoping he didn’t hurt himself. She takes a deep breath and looks away before she quietly responds. “You can put me down, now. Thank you.”
Max gently leans Liz down onto the passenger seat of the jeep, saddened by her quiet, polite request. While placing her on the seat, his face inadvertently presses close to her breast. He smells her sweet scent…all Liz… as he feels her warmth through her blouse. He closes his eyes and feels surrounded by her…quite a heady experience. He realizes how quickly his body responds to hers, missing their passion in the past two months. He knows he can’t act on his desires, afraid he might hurt Liz or the girls…and if he did, he’d never forgive himself. He inwardly groans and pulls his face back to look into her eyes.
At the same time, Liz is dealing with her own inner conflict. Having Max’s face spontaneously come into contact with her breast makes the heart inside her chest – his heart - skip a beat. It seems like forever since they shared their physical passions for each other. A wave of intense desire for Max shoots through her being as she closes her eyes and revels in the feelings. She wants him…desperately. But how can she possibly ask that of Max? She looks like a beached whale when she’s stationary. Worse yet, she waddles like a duck when she walks. ‘There’s absolutely nothing attractive about me right now.’ Liz internalizes. ‘Will he become attracted to me again after the girls are born?’ She sighs, wondering if they will ever get back to the physical intensity of their love for each other. She feels his gaze on her after he lifts his head, but she continues to look at her stomach, too afraid to see the truth in his eyes…in his soul.
However, if she’d only look, she’d see that intense passion in his eyes, the look that he tries to reserve for their moments alone, even though he fails miserably all the time. He knows that. Michael and Maria always have the gall to point out the times that he intensely gazes at Liz while in their presence. Liz refers to his passionate, longing looks as his ‘bedroom eyes.’ Max reluctantly pulls away from first Liz, then the side of the jeep, hoping that his body will cool down as he walks around the driver’s side and gets in.
It didn’t work. Instead he tries humor and smiles at Liz as he turns the car over. “Well, at least we have my more than normal human strength to assist you with a boost if you need one.”
Liz gives him a smile and playfully slaps him on the arm. “I suppose you think you’re Superman?”
“If I was, don’t you think I’d fly you around the world to take your worries off your mind?” Max quietly questions. He looks at Liz, but she looks away. Max considers that she is most likely still upset over the news that she just received from the doctor about the amount of weight she’s gained this month. Inside he wonders how she could possibly worry about weight of all things at this point in her pregnancy. To maintain their family secrets, they refused all the traditional testing – things like blood work and glucose testing - but still maintain regular check-ups just to be sure Liz is okay and the girls are developing normally – the last thing they need are complications. They should be relieved, the doctor indicated that all three of them are fine.
Coming to some conclusions, he decides that what Liz really needs is a break, a little time for them to go for a drive and just be alone together. It’s been so long since they focused on each other. They both need this. “Liz, could you please hand me the cell phone? I need to make a couple of calls.”
Liz reaches toward her purse that is on the floor at her feet and Max watches her bite her lower lip. She looks over at him with tears shimmering on her lashes and slowly shakes her head no.
Max warmly smiles at her, then reaches down between her legs and grabs her purse. Then he takes out the cell phone, dials a number and waits for a response. “Mom, hi it’s me. How’s Matthew doing?…No, everything is fine. The girls are great…their heartbeats are strong…yeah, it is a miracle to hear them. Liz is physically doing really well. The doctor said she is surprised at the fact that despite Liz’s size, she’s strong and able to continue status quo.” Max looks at Liz, then places his hand on the side of her face and he gently strokes his thumb below her eye. “Maybe a little more rest, but she doesn’t have to remain in bed…. Mom, I was just wondering if you could watch Matthew for a while longer. I want to take Liz out…. Okay, great. Give Matthew some Eskimo and Butterfly kisses and lots of hugs. Tell him we love and miss him…. We’ll see you in a few hours… And Mom, thanks.” Max hangs up the phone and smiles at Liz. “One down, one to go.”
“Max, are you sure we should be taking off like this? I mean, don’t you think we ought to just go home?” Liz suddenly feels uneasy with Max’s proposal. It’s one thing to go to a scheduled doctor’s appointment together. Quite another to just take off alone together. What could he possibly want to do when she’s so limited and cranky and unattractive? Liz can’t help but worry.
Max gives her a mischievous grin. “Humor me. You always say I’m too serious. What about you? When was the last time we did anything spontaneous? Besides, I have to talk with you about something I’ve been thinking a great deal about.”
Liz raises her eyebrow and looks away. ‘Great.’ She thinks to herself. ‘Now I get to actually hear how unattractive I am to him. He’s totally sick of my ever-changing moods. What else could he possibly be thinking about?”
Max dials the cell phone again. “Hey, Mr. Parker. How’s it going?…Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to ask you to put together a take out order for Liz and me…Yeah, the usual for me.” He gives Liz a questioning look. At her affirmative nod, he continues. “Liz’s current usual as well. Oh yeah, and how about a box of Vanilla Wafers on the side, but hold the bananas…” He pauses, looks into Liz’s eyes then looks to her stomach. “No, make that three bottles of Tabasco. Two isn’t enough today. Thanks, Mr. Parker, I’ll see you in a few.” Max hangs up the phone and begins to pull the car out of the parking lot. “Liz, save that glare for later. I’d like to have Matthew’s famous Vanilla Flying Saucer Sandwiches myself.”
Part 2:
After Max picks up the food at the Crashdown, they head out on the old highway toward Albuquerque.
Max and Liz quietly enjoy the cool day, made cooler still with the jeep’s top down. Max veers the jeep off the main road and they travel for a few miles to the base of the mountain. When they approach the entry to the cave, Max turns off the car and gets out of it. He approaches Liz and gives her his instructions. “Stay.”
“Staying.” Liz says. Then, with a look of dawning, she cracks a wide grin. She remembers that time in 10th grade; the only time that Max ever touched alcohol in his life and the last time they used those particular words on each other. She then lets out a huge laugh, thinking about the change of roles and circumstances.
Max looks at her perplexed, thinking he’ll never understand her moods. Before he picks up the bag of food in one hand, he grabs the two blankets and Liz’s Lamaze pillows from the back seat of the jeep. “I’ll be right back.”
Max takes the food and supplies into the mouth of the cave, turning a corner to where the light is very dim. He spreads the blankets and throws the pillows against the wall. Waving his hand over the blankets, he grins wide. He then pulls the five large candles out from behind the rock and easily lights them with a wave of his hand. Thank goodness he has his powers – they certainly come in handy at the most opportune moments.
He looks around and remembers the last time he brought Liz here. She was only three months pregnant with the girls. His mother and father came over to watch Matthew so he and Liz could go out alone. It was the first time they went out without Matthew. Liz was so excited and Max was rather reluctant. He loved having Matthew with them all the time…well, most of the time, except when he and Liz were passionately holding each other, being one.
He smiles, remembering. That was one of the greatest nights for Liz and him. They had a picnic dinner by candlelight and spent a passionate few hours in each other’s arms…right in this same spot. No interruptions…sheer bliss as they shared their pure love for each other. They laughed until they cried when they realized that the girls agreed with the night out – for it was the first time Max felt the girls moving. Ah, the moment made him speechless as he roamed his hand gently across Liz’s slightly rounded belly. He was much in awe as he watched….and felt his daughters move like little butterflies fluttering across and within Liz. When he touched her with a finger, he would receive a tap in return, no matter where he touched her belly - it was the first game of chase between father and daughters. The experience made it all so real for him…his children growing inside the woman he loves. In that moment, he prayed that they turned out just like their mother and their brother. What more could he ask for?
With a sigh, Max’s thoughts return to the present and he goes to get Liz.
“I was wondering if you forgot about me.” Liz comments, a little colder than she intended. At the disappointed look on Max’s face, she feels contrite. “Max, I’m sorry. I’m just a little cold and hungry, I suppose.”
“Liz, don’t apologize. I’m sorry for making you wait. I was just remembering the last time we were here…and I got caught up in the memory.” His eyes take on that lambent look. Liz is struck with intense longing, so much so that she has to look away and take a deep breath to collect her scattered thoughts. “If you like, there’s still some wood inside, we can make a fire.”
“No, that’s okay. I’m sure I’ll be fine once we’re inside.” Liz assures him. She smiles up at him as he helps her out of the jeep. “At least getting out is somewhat easier.”
Max places his arm around her shoulder and hugs her tight as he escorts her into the cave. When they turn the corner, Liz stops and catches her breath at the site.
“I thought you might like to relax for a while.” Max smiles down at Liz’s upturned face. He cherishes the wonder in her eyes, always remembering that warm glow that she saves for him, when she’s surprised and in awe of something that he does for her. ‘Score,’ he thinks to himself. With a smile he starts to walk toward the blanket but Liz doesn’t move with him. He looks down at her. “Liz, what’s wrong? Come on, I know you’re hungry.”
Liz looks at the romantic site in front of her. The blankets are on the ground and the pillows are propped against the wall. The food is spread out on the blankets and the candles; it’s the candles from the last time they were here. The breath catches in her throat again as her mind flashes back to that wonderfully sweet evening when the girls first moved for Max. His very first opportunity to experience pregnancy of his offspring. Liz tentatively looks up into Max’s inquiring gaze and places a hand on his chest. “Max, this is beautiful…it brings back some very….wonderful memories, but…”
Max is confused as she pauses. “But, what?”
Liz’s eyes begin to well up with tears, he just doesn’t understand. “Max, I know you meant well, but how….how am I going to sit on the hard ground to eat? It will be so uncomfortable. Maybe we should just go home.”
Max smiles and touches her nose with his index finger before reaching down and grabbing both hands. “You. Come. Trust me.”
Because he whispers the words as he stares into her eyes, Liz can’t help but follow his command. It’s as if his look and touch send her into a trance. Before she realizes it, she and Max are standing on the edge of the blanket and she feels the softness under her feet. How is that possible in a cave, in the desert? “Max, what have you done?”
Max grins wide. “Did you forget that I can change molecular structures? The ground beneath the blankets is a temporary….bed for your comfort.”
Liz blushes and places her arms around Max’s waist as she rests the side of her face on his chest. Max smiles, knowing he has won her over as her soft and swollen body melts into his. He places a kiss on the top of her head while he runs his hands up and down her back touching her silky hair as he strokes her. Liz sighs contentedly. A few minutes pass…feeling like an eternity for the two of them…it feels so good. Max inhales her sweetness before he kisses her on the top of her head again. Liz then lifts her head and Max helps her sit down.
They quietly share their lunch together. Max is sweetly attentive to Liz’s needs, picking up her drink for her and holding the straw to her mouth. He smiles into her eyes as she takes a sip. He is ever ready with a bottle of Tabasco sauce to pour onto each bite of her sandwich. Liz shyly smiles her thanks to him.
To return the favor, Liz lavishes Max with Matthew’s famous Flying Saucer Sandwiches. When she holds out a ‘sandwich’ to him, Max leans over and opens his mouth. Liz hesitates, but then places the cookies in his mouth. Max gently strokes Liz’s thumb and finger with his tongue as he takes the cookies from her. He thinks her fingers taste sweet, providing him the perfect sweet and spicy combination with the Vanilla Wafers and Tabasco sauce. When they are done eating, Liz begins to gather up the garbage. Max takes the garbage from her. “Liz, I’ll get that. You just relax.”
“Max, I can do a simple task like cleaning up after lunch. I’m not an invalid, you know.” Liz says in an exasperated tone. There are times when she loves his attention, at other times it drives her absolutely crazy….like now.
Sensing yet another changing mood, Max shrugs his shoulders at Liz and lets her have her way. As she puts the garbage in a bag, Max leans back on an elbow and reaches out with his free hand and takes a lock of her hair. He twirls her silky hair through his fingers while he watches her slow movements.
Liz feels his gaze on her while he plays with her hair. Her uncertainty returns now that they are done eating. He still has yet to broach whatever topic he wanted to discuss. She thinks that maybe he’s looking for a way to tell her she’s driving him crazy. However, it may be a good sign that he’s relaxed since he is playing with her hair. God knows he’s always enjoyed touching it, now he seems obsessed with it – if he’s not touching her hair, he’s brushing it for her – it’s the one thing about her that he seems to still be attracted to. She sighs, knowing she needs to change the direction of her thoughts and desires. “Max, what was it that you wanted to talk with me about?”
Max is lost in thought and doesn’t respond at first. He sits there playing with her hair while his mind is a million miles away, trying to reconcile that he wants to be intimate with Liz but knowing now is not the right time…it isn’t safe for her, or the girls. He looks up into her beautiful eyes. It registers in his mind that Liz is expectantly looking at him, apparently waiting for an answer to something. “Huh?”
“I was just wondering what it was that you wanted to talk about? Remember, you said there was something you’ve been meaning to talk with me about…something on your mind?” Liz hesitantly looks into his eyes.
Max gives her a big smile. “Oh yeah. I was thinking, well…we haven’t seriously talked about names for the girls and I thought you would like to know, I’ve been considering some names.”
Liz breathes an inaudible sigh of relief because it has nothing to do with her. And for a moment she’s okay…but in the blink of an eye, she’s not sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing…it not being about her. “You’re right, we haven’t really considered names and the girls are going to be born…soon. Well, what names did you have in mind?”
Max looks at her expectant face. “At first, I was thinking that even though they are twins, maybe we should go with two dissimilar names…you know, individuality at it’s best.” He pauses and looks at Liz to try to gage her response to his idea. No luck, she’s looking at him with an unreadable expression on her face.
“Max, I’m not sure what you mean. Why don’t you tell me the names you had in mind.” Liz says as she clears her mind, trying to be open to the coming suggestions.
“Actually, I was thinking names like Shelly and Karen.” Max hesitantly suggests. “Only, I thought that Karen could be spelled C-a-r-y-n. What do you think?”
Liz ponders the idea a moment then purses her lips together. “Well, they’re nice names and have a rather dreamy quality about them, but if you have other names, I’d like to hear what they are. Did you have any other suggestions?”
Max smiles as he senses her interest in the subject. She seems relaxed. “If you like Caryn, her sister could be Courtney. Choosing to go with the same first letter names, what do you think of Maria and Melissa? Hey, depending on the letter of the alphabet that you like, we could go with, say, J names like Joan and Jane or Jodie.”
Liz smiles at the notion of picking the letter first then wrinkles her nose at him. Max laughs at her response. “Don’t get me wrong, I like the names you suggested, but they don’t seem quite right.”
Max laughs at her light-hearted, open response. “Back to the first letter J, what do you think of Julie?
Liz smiles, “I really like the name Juliet.” At Max’s hopeful look, Liz sighs. “But what are we going to name her sister? Certainly not Romeo.”
Max nods his head in agreement. “We could go with Linda and Lisa.”
Liz laughs. “That would be quite the tongue twister in our house since my name starts with L. If you’re using the first letter method, why don’t you start at the beginning of the alphabet and take me through your suggestions?”
Max smiles then responds in a polished and polite manner. “Wonderful suggestion, Mrs. Evans. With A, might I suggest Angela, Amanda or Addie? There’s also Anastasia, which, you may know, is the adorable and vivacious Stacey in shortened form. And if you like Stacey as a given name, we could pair her up with Stephanie.”
Liz laughs. “Max, I’m intrigued by all these names and the game we are playing. You have some very cute ideas.”
“And I’ve got more where that came from.” Max offers. “Might I suggest moving on to B names. One of the girls could be drawn from your given name, Elizabeth and be called Betsy. Her sister could be Brandi.”
“Hmmm, Max. I’m not sold on Brandi – reminds me of liquor, which we found a long, long time ago does not agree with you.” Liz smiles at her cleaver justification of not going with the B names he suggested. “Can’t say I really want to play with another name from Elizabeth either.”
“Let’s see, we’ve covered C names, so now we can move on to D. What do you think of Dawn and Denise?” Max suggests.
Liz smiles again. “Well, if we go with Dawn, maybe her twin could be Dusk?” At his hopeful expression Liz laughs. “Max, I was kidding.”
“You know, Liz, there are a lot of nice M names, I only mentioned two earlier. There’s also Maggie, Melanie, Margaret, Marisa, Martha and Mimi.” Max seriously offers.
“Mmmmmmmmax, where is your mmmmmmind?” Liz asks. “With you and Matthew then two girls with M names, I may just go mmmmmad trying to mmmmanage that.”
Max laughs until tears come to his eyes at her comment. “Liz, I’m so glad you’re enjoying this. But seriously, if the same first letter names aren’t working for you what about more exotic names like Priya or Tamekia?”
“Max, those are beautiful names, but don’t seem quite right. I’m sorry.” Liz says. “What else have you got?”
“We could take a biblical bent and go with Sarah and Rebecca.” Liz shakes her head to those suggestions.
Max gently tugs on the hair he that he is still twirling in his fingers. “What about similar sounding names, such as Gina, Emma or Kenna?”
“Max, dare I remind you that the E name you mentioned is just a little too much like a name from our past…experiences and an individual I ‘d rather forget.” Liz gently admonishes.
Max is immediately contrite. “I’m sorry, Liz. It wasn’t my intent to bring up bad memories. I am so sorry.” He touches her face with his hand, willing her to feel his love and devotion to her…only her, always her. His thumb gently strokes a path along her soft cheek.
At the seriousness of his tone and the sincerity of his look and touch, Liz knows he hadn’t meant to upset her or dredge up the past. With an understanding smile she touches his hand that still rests on her cheek. “Any more suggestions?”
Max pauses for a moment, not certain he has many names left that she would be interested in. He decides to take another approach. “What about naming the girls for people who are important to us?”
“Now there’s a very good idea. How about the name, Diane? I adore your mother. Hey, what about your birth mother? It sounds like she was a lady to be admired – leaving all that is known to her, so that she could raise her children, as she felt was right. Besides, she brought you to me…without her I wouldn’t have even known you. What was her name?” Liz asks brightly.
Max can’t help but feel his heart melt at her impish grin and smiling, loyal eyes. “Her name was Pamela.” Max pauses, then looks directly at Liz. “But do you think it’s a good idea to exclude your mother? And before you give me your gut reaction to that inquiry, do you want to give one of my daughters a name that may forever remind me of…..Pam Troy?”
Liz giggles and leans over to Max, touching her forehead to his. “Okay, okay. I get it. Naming the girls after mothers won’t work. What other suggestions do you have?”
Max sighs deeply, gently playing with that lock of Liz’s hair. “Well, there was one other name I found that I really like…Nadine.”
Liz looks up at Max with an astonished expression on her face. “Where did you get that name?”
Max pauses for a minute before he comes up with his own question. “Why do you ask?”
Liz takes a deep breath. “That name…it’s what I was going to name Matthew, had he been a girl. It means ‘hope’ and I always hoped for your return to us….it seemed like the perfect name. Hope is also one of the three virtues.” Max doesn’t say a thing, but just looks at Liz because he’s feeling the hope, the hope that they’ve come to an agreement on one name. “You know, as much as I like that name, I don’t know which of the other two virtues we would choose for her sister. No, I don’t think that Nadine will work either.”
Max is now frustrated that they can’t determine names for their daughters, Liz having one excuse or another to not go with the names he suggests. He really wanted to do this for her today. “Well, that was all I had in mind. Now what are we supposed to do? Those names are all very nice people.”
Liz pauses and looks at Max. She then tentatively and quietly begins to speak. “Max….what do you mean by ‘nice people?’ Where did you get those names?….. Are you….are you meeting… women?”
Max has the grace to blush, realizing he needs to tell Liz everything. “No, it’s not what you think.”
Liz stares at him intently. “What am I thinking, Max? I’d like to know.”
Max starts again. “No, Liz…it’s just…I was…on the computer, surfing the Internet when I came across this forum where some really nice women were posting their thoughts and feelings.”
Liz, astonished, pulls her hair out of Max’s hand and tries to push herself up to a standing position. After the second failed attempt, she glares at Max. “Please help me up. I need to leave. I can not believe you have been meeting and chatting with women on the Internet.”
Max helps Liz stand up. “Liz, I knew you would think that and it’s not like that at all. I am not chatting with women on the Internet.”
“Oh no?” Liz demands. “Then what exactly are you doing there? Don’t tell me it’s to find names for our daughters. You sound like you know these women! Very sneaky, Max.”
Max places his hand on Liz’s arm. “Liz, you need to listen. I don’t chat with these women, I just…well, I lurk. And I haven’t done it all that often, just a few times. Besides, I am more intrigued with their topic of discussion. They spend time talking about this couple on television who are considered to be star-crossed lovers, that despite all odds the couple love unconditionally and truly belong together. These women even devised a dictionary of terms and pictures devoted to this couple. They adore this couple, refer to them as the ultimate dream couple and well…. I thought that the couple reminded me a lot of us. We’ve been through so much together…and apart…until we found our way back to one another. It’s the same for this dream couple. Sometimes…well, sometimes I feel like I am living my dreams, afraid that one day you and our children will be gone. These ladies on the Internet remind me how much I am thankful for you…how much you really mean to me.”
Liz looks at Max like he is out of his mind. “You actually just admitted to me that you have been lurking on the Internet…viewing discussions about devotion to a fictional television couple?”
Max intently looks at Liz. “Yes, I’ll always admit to you what I do. I have nothing to hide from you, Liz. You know how important honesty is to the both of us. I love you…I always have, I always will.”
Liz is nonplussed and just stares at him dumbfounded for a few minutes. Then, suddenly, she burst into fits of laughter, to the point of having tears stream down her cheeks. Max is uncertain if he should be happy that he made Liz laugh or be upset that she is potentially laughing at his words of love. Liz wipes her face and eyes of her tears and looks closely at Max. His expression is priceless…no, make that clueless…she bursts into laughter again. “Oh, Max, I love you so much. It seems like the more things I get to know about you…the more there is for me to love. Thank you…for today…for everything.” She takes a deep breath and looks at him closely, growing serious. “I really believe that things happen for a reason…everything that has happened to us. If we hadn’t spent the past four years finding ourselves, we could have never found us…and our togetherness, the most important piece that defines who and what we are.”
As Max watches the softness replace her silliness, he can’t help but be drawn by her words and the look in her eyes. If he is not mistaken, he sees a pure rush of passion and desire mirrored in her eyes. Before he can think, he moves to her and takes her in his arms. Bending his face to hers his breath leaves him as he ravishes her mouth with his. He takes her breath away from her and Liz is swept up in the moment, returning the passion with everything inside her. Max takes one shaky hand through her hair as Liz grabs a hold of his short hair at the nape of his neck. Neither one can think…only feel…feel the desire coursing through them.
And within a heartbeat, Max and Liz both feel the strong kicks of their daughters causing them to break apart. Max stares at Liz’s wide-eyed wonder. The desire continues to course through his veins so he diverts his gaze lower, to her mouth. He inwardly groans, knowing within an instant that it was a mistake to stare at those lips…red and swollen from his assault.
Liz is in much the same state of disbelief. What came over her? Max had his bedroom eyes look and then suddenly, his beautiful mouth was on hers…hard and insistent. She could never resist him. And just as swiftly, the girls both kick at her rib cage again, making Liz put both hands on her belly while her eyes grow wider.
Max didn’t miss the movement, the strength of his daughters’ kicks. “Liz….I’m sorry… don’t know… what got… into me.”
“I don’t know either, Max…but, I’ve missed it…you…terribly.” Liz whispers as a blush comes to her cheeks.
Max groans out loud. “Why…say that?” At her questioning look of innocence, he groans again. Liz continues to stare at Max - first his eyes, then his lips. Her body visibly shivers. “Stop that…you know we can’t…it’s not safe.”
Liz stares at his eyes again. “Max…what do you want me to stop…what’s not safe?”
“Your look…us…together…intimate.” Max stumbles over his words, unable to form a coherent sentence, still caught up in his desire for her. “Your looks….not helping.” He takes a deep breath and turns his head away.
Liz stares at him in shocked surprise. “Max…you mean, are you actually saying… that you want me right now? That you’re somewhat attracted to me…with the way I look…now?”
Max whips his head back to her and chokes on the question. “What?” He swiftly approaches her, standing right in front of her and gently places his hands on either side of her face. “You need…a connection...”
Liz takes a deep breath as she stares into Max’s velvety eyes…and she sees the blinding light…
*Flash*
She sees herself reading a book to Matthew in his room. She feels the longing that Max experiences as he gazes at Liz’s stomach, then at Matthew. He missed the growth of Matthew and is amazed at how much more beautiful Liz looks carrying his children within her.
*Flash
She sees herself at the kitchen counter, unable to reach above her because her protruding belly is in the way. She feels the rush of intense emotions from Max as he stands by the door watching her: a mixture of protection, contentment, desire and love are felt.
*Flash
She sees herself laying in a bath of bubbles…it was just last week, while Max put Matthew to bed. Unbeknownst to her at the time, Max entered the bathroom and caught his breath at the site of her. A rush of pure desire, lust and longing swiftly grabbed a hold of him. Max wanted to be the bubbles surrounding Liz.
*Flash
Liz sees Max leaning her down to the seat of the jeep…his face in her breast, feeling and smelling her…she surrounds him, inside and out. She feels the swift and intense passion…his inner turmoil…he wants her so desperately.
And in another bright flashing light, they find themselves looking into each other’s eyes…the warm, devotion and desire so crystal clear for both of them.
“Me, not attracted to you? You’ve got to be kidding? If I weren’t so frustrated with desire for you, and only you, right now, I’d laugh at that notion. But I know that the laughing would only give me pain. When I’m wanting you 24/7 and fighting it…a losing battle when I’m in such close proximity to you. Hell, even hearing your laughter in a different room or smelling you on the pillowcase after you get out of bed in the morning. I can’t take it Liz. I can’t wait for the girls to be born.”
“Why wait? Max, I’ve been missing you so much…missing the heat of you within me.” Liz heatedly questions and pleads.
Her impassioned words make Max groan. “Liz, don’t say that…it’s not safe for you, for the girls.”
Liz shyly smiles at him. “Max, with you it’s always safe…as long as we’re careful…we can be a part of each other now.
Max just stares into her eyes, searching and hoping. “Really?” His voice is barely audible to her ears.
Liz smiles and gently nods her head.
Max responds by kicking his shoes off, almost falling over in his haste to touch her. Liz laughs her sparkling laugh at him. The sound of her voice makes him grow hard with desire as he grabs her into his arms. He kisses her face: her cheeks, her forehead, her nose, her eyes, her temples and reaches to kiss and gently suck on an earlobe. Breathlessly he whispers in her ear. “Liz, are you sure…I mean, stop me now…or I won’t be able to…too late.” Max runs his tongue down her neck, using his lips to gently suck along her collarbone, reaching his tongue up the other side of her neck to her other ear.
Liz shivers as he continues to tug on her earlobe with his teeth, with his lips. His breath is so warm against her, increasing the heat within her. “Don’t stop…please.” She pulls his shirt out of his jeans. When he groans and kisses her neck, Liz reaches for the button of his fly then places her hands inside the waistband of his pants. Max groans again, pulling away from Liz to take off his clothes. The fire alights in Liz’s eyes as she helps him take off his shirt and throws it behind her on the ground.
Max pulls Liz into his arms again. Liz splays her hands across the contours of his chest, reveling in the feel of his muscles, the heat of his body. She touches her lips to the handprint on his chest as she leans into his heat, stroking her fingernails and hands across his back. She feels encumbered by her clothes, desires to feel her body….
… ‘against mine….can’t take the lack of contact with her….I need it….now,’ Max thinks as he feels her stroking her fingernails against his back, slowly and torturously lowering them down his body. He places a hand under her chin to have her look at him. He leans down, kissing her with all the passion within him…attempting to appease his cravings for her. It’s not enough for him. He breaks the kiss and starts to kneel down in front of her. His hands trace along the swelling and heaving front of her body….he touches her breasts, her belly and moves his hands to the waistband of her pants as he looks up into her eyes. He notices a brief uncertainty flicker across her brow. He doesn’t let that deter him; rather it spurs him on to divest her of her clothes very quickly. Max stands up and walks around Liz, all the while looking at her body, swollen heavily with his daughters. He is amazed at the beauty before him.
At the same moment, Liz is watching his expression. He looks entranced…she knows with a certainty that he desires her. She feels herself more than ready, with just his look. She can’t wait.
“You are beautiful, Liz. I could never do without you. I need you….now.” Max lowers her to the soft bed he made for them. He lies down next to her, trying to calm himself…take his time, for her sake.
“I need you too, Max. I can’t wait any longer.” Liz groans as Max pulls her over his body, helping her to straddle him.
As Liz lowers herself to him, her wet warmth touches him and he feels as though he is about to explode. “Liz, I love you….now, more than ever…never thought it could be possible.”
Liz shudders at his words, the way in which he utters them. “I love you. Please, Max.”
And knowing what she asks, he takes her hands in his, to support her and give her strength as she lowers herself on to him completely. He is hers, she is his…they are one. And within a heartbeat, they look into each other’s eyes and feel the connection…the heat. The rhythm of their bodies takes over, guiding them to the pinnacle of love and devotion for each other. They move, they pause and they stroke each other to the very center of their souls. They share and revel in the joining of their bodies, honoring and cherishing the renewed and requited love.
Part 4:
That evening, Max, Liz and Matthew are in the living room.
Liz is quietly reading a picture book to Matthew who sits next to her, leaning on her belly. Max is sitting sideways on the couch next to Liz, brushing her hair while he listens to Liz, watching her and Matthew with total devotion.
Liz softly reads:
Said
the mother horse to her child, “I love you as much as a warm summer breeze.”
Said
the mother bear to her child, “I love you as much as the forest has trees.”
Said
the mother camel to her child, “I love you as much as the desert is dry.”
Said
the mother goose to her child, “I love you as much as the endless blue sky.”
Said
the mother sheep to her child, “I love you as much as the grass on the
hill.”
Said
the mother mouse to her child, “I love you as much as the grain in the
mill.”
“Liz, was your hair this long when you were pregnant with Matthew?” Max questions as he gently brushes her hair.
“No.” Liz shrugs her shoulders. “Well, I guess it could have been, but I was always getting it cut. In fact, I’m sure it would have been, considering how frequently I was getting it cut.”
Max tenderly runs his fingers through her hair. “Why haven’t you been getting it cut during this pregnancy?”
Liz turns to look at Max. “It was you…you touch it, play with it, brush it….you seem very attracted to my hair these days.”
Max smiles. “You know I’ve always loved your hair. Now, I really enjoy brushing it…it seems to relax you. Besides, I love how long it is…gives me thoughts on what I can do with it.”
Liz laughs and leans back into his arms. The slight blush to her cheeks makes Max realize she gets his meaning. He places his arms over her belly, one hand still holding her hair in his hand. Liz looks up to see the adoration in his eyes, sure that he sees the same in hers. Max leans down and gently kisses her lips.
“Will you please finish the book, Mommy?” Matthew inquires.
Liz and Max break their tender kiss and smile into each other’s eyes. “Of course I will sweetheart.” She looks down at Matthew, then gives Max a conspiratorial wink, knowing he could make her forget everything and everyone when their lips touch.
She hugs Matthew and finishes the story:
Said
the mother goat to her child, “I love you as much as the mountain is steep.”
Said
the mother whale to her child, “I love you as much as the ocean is deep.”
Now
sleep child of mine, while the stars shine above –
I love you as much as a mother can love.
Max notices Matthew rubbing his eyes and yawning as Liz ends the story. The three of them snuggle on the couch as Max kisses Liz on the top of her head. “You know, we still haven’t decided on names.”
Liz sighs, “I know…but, somehow these things have a way of figuring themselves out. I guess we’ll just have to play your game some more.” She and Max chuckle together.
“And maybe the game can end like it did this afternoon.” Max hopefully suggests.
Liz leans her head against the side of Max’s neck, kissing it then slightly licking it with her tongue. “I think that can be arranged.”
“What kind of game did you play this afternoon? Can I play?” Matthew questions.
“Liz, you always manage to make me forget where we are.” Max admonishes as he gently squeezes her arm. “Matthew, Mommy and I were trying to decide what to name your sisters this afternoon.”
“Why would you want to do that?” Matthew questions.
Not quite sure how to answer Matthew, he looks to Liz for help. No help there, since she shrugs her shoulders and smiles. “Well, you sisters need names, maybe you can play the name game and give us your suggestions.”
Matthew looks from his mother to father, with a puzzled expression on his face. “I don’t want to play a game with my sisters names. They already have names, they don’t need other ones.”
Max and Liz look at each other and simultaneously say the same word. “Figures.”
“So Matthew, I take it you and your sisters have been communicating with each other. Why don’t you tell Daddy and me their names?” Liz asks, not surprised that Matthew would have the connection that he does with his sisters.
Max looks at Liz, understanding shows in his expression. He knows what it’s like to have a connection with his sister, Isabel. Given the connection between Liz and him, Max is assured that their children’s connections may be even stronger. Both Max and Liz turn their full attention to Matthew.
Matthew sighs then looks at both parents and smiles. “My sister who will come out first is Kyra Bliss Evans, followed quickly by Katya Hayley Evans.”
Max pulls Matthew onto his leg, still holding Liz against him. They fiercely hug each other, a family strong and growing…in numbers as well as strength. The flourishing love of this family…a combination of both earthly and “not of this world” blending…the single, most supreme greatness. Max and Liz look into each other’s eyes, knowing they face many more uncertainties in the future…uncertainties they know they will embrace with much love and affection, unconditionally…together.
Author’s note This story was written as a piece of fluff, meant to make the dreamers laugh…thus, The Name Game. Ironically, I take the meanings of names very seriously. With that, let me share the meanings of the names I chose for our ultimate dream couple’s children.
Matthew - Hebrew origin, meaning A Gift of God.
Alexander - Greek origin, meaning Defender, helps.
Kyra – Greek/Latin origin, from Kyrie, which means “Lord” Contemporary meaning Brilliant Light.
Bliss – Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning Perfect Joy.
Katya – Greek/Slavic origin, meaning One of Purity, Beloved.
Hayley – Norse/Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning Heroine. Lest Max or Liz or any of us forget a part of their children’s origin…from the stars…consider Hailey’s Comet as a metaphor. Oh yeah, just wanted to borrow the name from one of my favorite dreamer’s daughter – thanks, Joan!
Finally, I chose names that represent strength, power, devotion and “not of this world” uniqueness – all things that exemplify Max and Liz’s love for each other. xo, UBC