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| Part 22 Noah bounded down the stairs, his eyes lit up with an excited gleam. �Momma! Gamma�s here! Gamma�s here!� He ran towards the front door, pulling it open as he threw himself at Claudia�s legs. �Gamma! You�re here!� Claudia leaned to kiss Noah�s head, moving into the house. �Well, isn�t this a wonderful hello?� Noah tugged on her hand, pulling her towards the living room. �C�mon, gamma. I want you to meet someone.� Claudia just giggled, enjoying the attention she was receiving. �Lead the way, my little prince.� Liz sat up from where she was sprawled out on the couch. �Gramma.� She smiled, trying to get up, but she couldn�t quite make it. Claudia waved off her attempts, moving to sit next to her. �Oh, don�t get up.� Her eyes lit up at the sight of a very pregnant Liz. There was something about the way her skin seemed to glow, the way her smile seemed to burn brighter, the twinkle in her eyes dancing with a happiness that made Claudia even more excited than she already was. �Oh, honeybear. Look at you.� Noah grabbed Claudia�s hand, placing it over Liz�s belly. �Gamma, I want you to meet Leah. She�s my baby sister, and she�s inside momma�s tummy.� Claudia�s eyes widened as she played along with Noah, listening to everything he was telling her. �I know it�s hard to believe, but she�s really in there.� He smiled proudly as he continued to explain. �She�s in there cos momma and daddy had so much love,� he held out his arms, demonstrating just how much. �That they didn�t know where to put it, so they created a whole �nother person.� Claudia chuckled at Noah�s grand explanation. �Well, that�s amazing.� A cheeky grin played against her lips as she joked. �Are you sure that babies don�t come from storks?� Noah shook his head, laughing. �That�s silly gamma. That only happens in make believe.� Claudia pulled Noah into her lap, giving him a kiss. �You�re so clever. You knew that I was just pulling your leg.� Noah cuddled with Claudia for a little while until Jeff and Nancy came inside the house with Max trailing behind. �Gramma Nancy. Grampa Jeff.� He ran towards them, pulling them up the stairs. �Come, I wanna show you the piture I drew. I wanna give it to you.� Jeff got a goofy smile on his lips. �You know what? It�s going right up on the refrigerator when we get home.� Max chuckled as he watched Noah drag Jeff and Nancy away, his voice working a mile a minute. He walked into the living room, sitting on the coffee table opposite Liz. He leaned forward, giving her a kiss. �How are you?� Liz rolled her eyes playfully, her hand connecting with Max�s chest as she pretended to hit him. �Max, you were only gone thirty minutes.� Max shrugged his shoulders. �Yeah, well a lot could happen in thirty minutes.� Claudia sat back, just enjoying the sight of Max and Liz. It was so refreshing to see, that after being together for five years, their marriage was still intact, and they seemed to be more in love than when she had last seen them. It was so common to see a lot of young marriages go bust only after a short while, but Claudia knew that that had no relevance to Max and Liz. They were different. They always had been. They were what she liked to call soul mates, and seeing them so happy made her happy. It reminded her of how she and her husband used to be. Claudia was broken out of her thoughts by Liz leaning over, giving her a hug. �I missed you so much, gramma. I�m glad you�re here.� Claudia squeezed her tightly. �It�s nice to see you too, honey bear.� She pulled back, smiling into Liz�s face. �So, how are you?� Liz held up her hands, smiling. �Well, I�m ready to have this baby, that�s for sure.� �When�s your due date?� �In two weeks. Actually, it�s a week after Noah�s birthday.� She sat back against the pillows, trying to make herself comfortable. �Noah�s secretly hoping that she�ll come on his birthday, you know, kinda like a really cool birthday present,� she laughed. �But either way, we�re still throwing him a great birthday party with all of the kids.� Max frowned, crossing his arms. �I told Liz not to push herself with planning Noah a birthday party when she�s so close, but she�s just so stubborn.� Liz made a face, defiantly sticking her tongue out at Max. Max shook his head playfully. �You see?� He pulled her feet to rest on his lap, giving them a massage. Claudia just held a hand to her mouth, laughing lightly. She couldn�t have picked a better time to visit. Part 23A The Evans� kitchen was bustling with people, as was the backyard, what with everyone getting ready for Noah�s birthday party. Liz was in the kitchen, trying to bake her special chocolate cake, when she realized that she needed a mixing bowl. Sighing, she walked to the cupboard, trying to reach for it. She growled when she couldn�t get close enough to get it due to her protruding belly. She looked around, spying that everyone seemed too busy to help her. And besides, she wanted to prove to herself that she was capable of doing things for herself. There was no point in proving Max right when it came to that. Otherwise, he�d be at her beck and call, not that he wasn�t already. Grabbing a stool, she sat herself on it, stretching her arms above her head to grab the bowl. Max came from the back, carrying a box of loot bags, when he caught sight of Liz. �LIZ!� He dropped the box, running towards Liz as he reached above her head for the mixing bowl. He set it down on top of the counter, frowning at her. �What are you doing?� Liz cringed at the slight anger in his voice. She knew he wasn�t really angry at her, more like frustrated that she wouldn�t listen to him. She tried to play it off, shrugging her shoulders casually. �I needed a mixing bowl, and so I went to get it.� Max placed his fingers underneath her chin, tilting her face upwards so that she had no choice but to look at him. �Why didn�t you ask anyone for help?� Liz felt her stubbornness kicking in. She didn�t want to argue with Max, especially today. It was Noah�s birthday, and it didn�t matter how many years had passed, he was still always a little on edge this time of year. Tess� untimely demise scarred Max in a way that made it almost impossible for him to heal. Although he was better now, and he knew that it wasn�t his fault, he couldn�t help but feel awful for being so happy. Liz pulled away from him, standing up. �Max, I�m fine. I don�t need people waiting on me hand and foot just because I�m pregnant. I can do things for myself!� She snapped. Max flinched at the tone of her voice, his face ridden with guilt for making her feel like a caged animal. He almost never let her leave the house without anyone, nor did he let her do anything for herself anymore. He was always watching her every move, trying to gauge what she was going to do next so that he could prepare to counter-act what she was doing. He wouldn�t be surprised if she was sick of him being in her face all of the time. Geesh, he was practically smothering her. His head jerked awkwardly as he stepped away, mumbling. �Sorry.� He picked up the box he had dropped, pulling open the sliding door that led to the backyard. Liz felt like smacking herself upside the head, watching the dejected way Max carried himself. It wasn�t her intention to upset him, she just found herself so irritable these days, knowing that Leah�s birth was only a short week away. She was just so anxious to have the baby and finally be able to walk without waddling and do things for herself, that she was letting her frustration out on the one person that didn�t deserve it. The one person who had been tolerating her irateness for the past nine months, and had been, well actually was still being the perfect husband. Letting out a breath, Liz walked through the back door, her eyes scanning the yard for Max. Her heart clenched in her chest when she saw him hovered over the forget-me-nots in the flower patch. She could tell by the way his shoulders were slumped, and the way he held his head down, that he was crying. She waddled over to him, her hand gently tapping on his shoulder. �Max?� Max sat up, furiously wiping away at his tears. He hadn�t realized that anyone had followed him. His eyes took a second to focus, and when they did, he stood up, jamming his hands into his pockets. �Liz.� Liz bit the corner of her bottom lip, wringing her hands as she felt Max�s intense gaze wander over her. All she wanted to do was throw herself in his arms, and apologize for being an overbearing jerk, so that�s what she did. �I�m sorry. Please don�t hate me.� Max stumbled back when Liz had launched herself in his arms. He took a second before he responded, his arms coming around her body. He kissed the top of her dark head, whispering in her ear. �I could never hate you.� He pulled back, his fingers lightly trailing down her cheek. �Why would you say something like that?� It was Liz�s turn to shed some tears, her lower lip trembling. �I�ve been such a jerk to you, when you�ve been nothing but good to me and Leah. And then, just now, I snapped at you, when I knew you were just worried about me, and I know how hard today is for you, but I�m just making it harder on you- Max found himself smiling, as he placed a finger to Liz�s lips to stop her babbling. He leaned forward, placing a kiss on her forehead. He smiled wider when he felt her sigh, her eyes closing involuntarily. He tipped her chin up, placing a light kiss on each of her closed lids, moving down to the tip of her nose, finally laying a sweet kiss on her full lips. He tucked the long strands of her hair behind her ears, his voice a mere whisper in her ear. �I�m sorry for being so over-protective, and for smothering you.� Liz opened her eyes, shaking her head. �I don�t accept your apology, because you have no reason to apologize.� She reached for his hands, squeezing them tightly. �Do you forgive me?� He shook his head. �Nope, cause there�s nothing to forgive.� They kissed again sweetly, only to be broken apart by Jade�s voice. She was tugging on Liz�s dress, her eyes a little worried. �Lizzie, you�re leaking.� Max and Liz both looked down, then quickly looked back up at each other excitedly. �Omigod, Max. I think my water just broke.� Jade ran back to Kyle, trying to get his attention. �Kyle, Lizzie said that her water is broke!� Kyle looked at his sister curiously, before turning to the other guys. �Hey, do you guys think we could get a plumber today?� Alex scratched the side of his head. �On the weekend?� Michael shook his head. �I doubt it.� Max hurried over with Liz, his eyes dancing. �You guys- Alex held up his hand, nodding. �We know. We�re trying to figure out if we can get a plumber to come on the weekend.� Max looked perplexed as he tried to figure out why they would be calling a plumber. �Why do we need a plumber?� Kyle sat up, perching Dexter on his hip. �Jade said that the water broke, so we�re trying to help out.� Liz shook her head, giggling excitedly. �No. I think she got a little mixed up. I don�t need a plumber, I need a doctor. My water just broke.� She grinned. �I�m gonna have the baby.� Michael looked horrified, but he knew he had to do something. �Should I boil some water?� Part 23B After driving down to the hospital, everyone crowded into Liz�s room, puttering around as they put little trinkets around to make it feel more like home. Liz looked wildly at her friends at family, as she took a wheezing breath. �What are you guys doing?� Maria sat down on the edge of the bed, making a wild gesture with her hands. �Oh, we read somewhere that it helps to make things more comfortable for the mommy to be, especially since you know, that whole excruciating pain thing when you expel the baby from your body thing.� Liz paled, shaking her head from side to side. �Maria, you�re not helping.� Maria held a hand to her mouth, her eyes widening. �Oh, I�m sorry, I�m not even thinking. Geesh, of course you don�t wanna hear about how painful it�s going to be. I know I wouldn�t.� Liz nodded, grimacing when she felt a contraction pass. �Maaax....� she whined. Isabel looked horrified to see the pain on Liz�s face. She shook her head, practically running out of the room. �There is no way I�m doing that!� Alex ran after her, while Diane just chuckled with Phillip. �Maybe you should tell Izzie that it�s a little too late to back out now,� Phillip joked. Diane shook her head laughing. �You know Izzie, she was never much for physical pain. She always ran to you when she so much as scraped her knee, or got a scratch.� Phillip had a broad smile on his face, happy when he remembered the days when Isabel was still a little girl. He missed that. But now, he had a chance to spoil little Leah. Max wheedled his way through the crowd, sitting down on the crisp white sheet, as he grasped Liz�s hand in his. He kissed the crown of her head, whispering in her ear. �It�s going to be okay, honey. Just remember to do your breathing exercises.� Liz looked into his eyes, smiling slightly as he started doing it, asking her to follow his lead. �Hee hee, hoo.� He continued to walk her through it, until the pain passed. The nurse walked in to see the room turned into a zoo with so many people milling about. She clapped her hands together, getting everyone�s attention. �Alright, unless you are Max Evans, everyone out of the room.� A simultaneous groan was heard, as everyone shuffled out of the room, moving to occupy the waiting room. Noah tried to squeeze his way back to the room, but Jeff caught his hand, leading him back to everyone else. �Nooo!� He pulled against Jeff, trying to crawl back to where Max and Liz where. �I wanna be with momma, grampa Jeff.� Jeff looked down at Noah. �I know you do, but your momma can�t have any visitors right now.� �But I�m not a visitor. Is me.� He pointed to himself. �I wanna be there when Leah gets here.� Diane and Phillip overheard the conversation with Jeff was having with Noah, and decided to help out. �Noah, your grampa Jeff is right. Your momma needs all of her concentration focused on Leah, and she can�t do that if there are all of these people in there.� Diane ran her fingers through Noah�s hair, trying to make him understand. He shook his head. �But I won�t bother her. I�ll stay real quiet. She won�t even know I�m there.� He held his hands together, pleading. �Please?� �We don�t want to keep you from your momma, but we don�t make the rules.� Phillip crouched down so that he was at eye level with Noah. His lower lip trembled as he spoke, his eyes watering. �Then who does? Maybe I could convince them to let me see her? Just for a little while.� When Phillip shook his head sadly in the negative, Noah�s tears tumbled forth. He broke free from Jeff�s hold, running to Claudia. �Gamma!� He threw himself in her arms, burying his face in her sweater as he cried. Claudia felt her heart breaking for her little prince as she held his body in her arms. �It�s okay, my little prince. You�ll get to see your momma soon enough, and when you do, you�ll finally be able to see little Leah.� She rubbed his back consolingly, knowing that no matter what she said, he wouldn�t take comfort in it, because the only thing he wanted at that moment was Liz. ****************** As Max helped Liz breath through another contraction, he felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach. They were all alone now, and it had become eerily silent, other than Liz�s heavy pants. With no one around to distract him, Max felt all of these idle thoughts tumble through his mind. Well, they were more like bad nightmares gnawing at his insides, making him quake with fear. Even though it was seven years to the day, that Tess had given birth to Noah, and lost her life in the process, Max wasn�t sure that he was completely over it. He had thought that he was, but sitting here, holding Liz�s hand as he watched contraction after contraction wrack her tiny body, he couldn�t help but have images of a very scared Tess flash through his mind. He could remember that day so well. It was still fresh in his memory, that he could still smell the acrid smell of cleanliness, almost as if they had drenched the room with a cleaning detergent that stung your throat as you tried to swallow. Tess had clung to his hand desperately, her blue eyes wide with fear as she begged him not to leave her side. Max swallowed past the lump in his throat, tasting bile rise up. He closed his eyes against the pain of remembering, throwing a prayer to any God that would listen, to keep Liz and Leah safe throughout this whole thing. If anything ever happened to them....... He couldn�t even finish the thought, scared out of his mind. He took a deep breath, opening his eyes again. The image that came to him, was oddly beautiful. Liz�s face was flushed, her long hair, plastered to her neck in wet tendrils. Her eyes were closed, her head fallen back as she took a few minutes to rest, knowing that another contraction was bound to come soon. In his eyes, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Despite the mussed hair, the sweaty face, she looked like an angel. Seeing her go through made him straighten his back, getting his composure to return. He would be strong for her. He would be there for her, just as he had promised. He leaned forward, reaching out to tie her hair in a loose ponytail. He kissed her forehead, feeling her smile against him. �Thank you, baby.� She whispered. There was a knock on the door, before Dr. Walker�s head popped in. �I hear someone�s waiting to be born,� she grinned. Part 23C �Aaahh!� Liz pushed with all of her might, as she listened to the Dr. coach her. Never in a million years did she think that the pain would ever be this bad. She gained a whole new respect for mothers everywhere for being able to do this. Maybe now that she knew how painful this was, she would be plenty more considerate with her own mom. Hmm.....maybe buying her a bouquet of flowers if she got through this would be a good idea. �You�re doing good, Liz. Just a little more....� Liz gritted her teeth, as she took a deep breath, pushing as hard as she could. Max took a washcloth, wiping up her sweat as he whispered words of assurances in her ear. She looked to where she was holding his hand, and noticed that her nails had dug into his skin, but he was still smiling at her, being as supportive as he could be. She knew that if he had the ability to take away her pain, and suffer it for her, he would. He was the reason she hadn�t gone completely insane, or begun spouting off expletives. She wanted to make him proud of her, and finally give him the baby girl that he had been wanting since they had thought that they were pregnant when they were sophomores in college. Taking another deep breath, Liz gave it her all, wanting to smile as she heard the doctor�s next words. �I can see her head.� Max peered over Liz�s legs that rested on the stirrups, his eyes wide with awe. �Omigod, Liz, she�s almost here.� The excitement in his voice was the final straw, pushing Liz to work even harder. Dr. Walker handed Max a pair of scissors, smiling. �Would you like to cut the cord?� Max nodded eagerly, his hands shaky as he cut. Grunting as she delivered the afterbirth, Dr. Walker handed Liz a squirming bundle. �Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Evans. You�ve got a beautiful baby girl.� The pain that had been ripping through her body a moment ago, was soon forgotten as Liz held Leah delicately in her arms. She counted ten precious little fingers, and ten cute little toes, her eyes misting up as she turned to look at Max. �Max....� Max was rooted to the spot, not sure if what he was seeing was a dream. This had to be the most perfect vision.....well, almost perfect. He held up his hand, running backwards out of the room. �Be right back.� His sneaker clad feet screeched against the hospital tile as he rounded the waiting room. Everyone sat up, curious to hear the news. �LEAH�S HERE!� He yelled. Everyone whooped and hollered, celebrating the good news. Several passersby, had to do a double take when they heard Max yell, but it was a sight to behold, seeing a new father being so excited. Max�s eyes scanned the little room to see Noah curled up on one of the seats, his head lying on Claudia�s lap. He walked over, kneeling down as he brushed away Noah�s hair away from his face. �He cried himself to sleep. He was so upset that he couldn�t be there for Liz when Leah came.� Claudia, whispered. Max felt his heartbreaking at what Claudia said. He leaned forward, placing a kiss on her cheek. �Thanks gramma Claudia, for watching him.� He grinned as he picked up Noah in his arms. �I think it�s time for Noah to get his birthday present,� he winked as he walked away. Noah�s eyes flittered open, his hands rubbing away the last remnants of sleep. �Daddy?� Max smiled down at him, as he walked down the hall. �I have a surprise for you.� He quietly opened the door to Liz�s room, closing it behind him. Liz looked up to see Max with Noah, her hand coming to rest over her mouth as she watched the two of them come closer. She scooted a little to the side, making room for them to sit down beside her. She pulled down the pink blanket, whispering. �You�ve got a visitor, sweetie.� Noah�s head whipped around as he heard Liz�s voice. His mouth dropped open in an O shape as Max settled them down beside Liz, his eyes landing on the squirming pink bundle in Liz�s arms. �Momma?� Liz placed a kiss on his temple. �Happy birthday, precious.� Noah reached out a tentative finger, tracing the warmth of Leah�s cheek. �Hiya, Leah.� Leah threw up a fist, her little hand wrapping her hand around Noah�s finger. �Wow!� He looked up at Max, as Leah continued to keep his finger captive. �Daddy, she�s so little.� Max chuckled softly, his arm coming to rest over Liz and Noah�s shoulders. His other hand came to touch Leah�s little fist as she held onto Noah. �That�s right little man. You�re a big brother now, and that means you�ll have to look out for Leah.� Noah nodded, leaning forward to place a light kiss on Leah�s forehead, before snuggling into Liz�s side. �Welcome to the family, Leah. You�re the coolest birthday present ever.� Part 23D After everyone had come in and greeted the new mother and baby, they had left them to rest and give the family a little privacy. With a little coercion, and some reassurances, Max had convinced Noah to go home with Alex and Isabel, promising that they would all be together soon. Liz had taken a much needed nap after her extremely long day, leaving Max hovering over Leah in her hospital crib. He had pulled up a chair, watching as she slept, her body wrapped tightly in a pink blanket to keep her warm. He traced his finger down her soft cheek, smiling as she wriggled. He let out a sigh, speaking softly so as not to wake her. �Hi, sweetheart. It�s daddy.� His voice was tinged with awe, mixed with a little wonder as he traced her delicate features. �Do you have any idea how beautiful you look?� He grinned. �You look just like your momma, so.....words can�t even describe it.� When Leah started to shuffle, her mouth opening in a cry, but Max gently lifted her out, rocking her softly in his arms as he cooed in her ear. �It�s okay sweetie, daddy�s here. He�s always gonna be here.� He kissed the top of her dark head, still amazed that he was holding her in his arms. He had been waiting nine long months for her to get here, and now that she was here, he could hardly believe that she had been inside Liz�s womb only a few hours ago. He chuckled softly to himself as he walked her around the small room. �You know, your big brother Noah thinks you�re a great birthday present. But the thing is, you�re not just a present for him, but for me too.� He sat by the window, as he continued to talk to her. �You know, this day used to be bittersweet for me. It always reminded me of how your brother lost his birth momma. But that�s all changed now.� He touched the tip of her tiny nose with his finger, smiling when her face scrunched up. �You....you�ve changed that. You and your momma have given me new memories. Wonderful memories to help ease the pain.� He kissed her again, his eyes misting up. �Thank you, sweetheart.� ************* Liz had tried to move into a more comfortable position, when she saw Max sitting by Leah, keeping a close eye on her. She was attempting to go back to sleep, but her attempts were futile when she heard the soft murmur of Max�s voice as he spoke to their daughter. She didn�t realize that it was possible for her to melt anymore, but Max always managed to disprove her. She was nothing but mush after she heard his heartfelt words piercing through her heart when he thought the only person listening to him was Leah. The deep rumble of his laughter made her smile, making her sit up to get a better view of the two of them together. Max was holding Leah, his finger tickling her under her chin, causing her to smile. Max felt his heart melt. �You like that don�t you?� He shook his head, the smile on his lips permanently plastered to his face. �Your momma�s ticklish there too.� Liz cleared her throat, raising an eyebrow at Max. �So what other secrets have you been sharing with Leah?� Max blushed at having caught being completely goofy. The way he was acting almost made it seem like he was a first time father. He stood up, walking towards Liz, offering Leah to her. �Not much. Just talking.� Liz brought her knees up, laying Leah across her thighs so that she and Max could get a good look at her. �God, Max.....can you believe that we made her?....She�s so....� �Perfect?� He finished for her. Liz laughed. �I think you�re biased.� He sat down beside her on the bed. �Maybe. But I think it�s justified. How can she not be perfect when she came from you?� �Laying it on there pretty thick there aren�t you, Mr. Evans?� She joked. She ribbed him with her elbow. �But don�t stop. I kinda like it.� Max leaned his head against Liz as the two of them laughed together. Leah began squirming against Liz, her little arms flailing in the air as she cried. Liz picked her up, trying to soothe her, when Leah just continued to cry. �Are you hungry sweetie?� Liz untied the string on the hospital gown she was wearing, bringing Leah�s mouth to her breast. Leah turned her head, opening her mouth, suckling. Max looked down at them with amazement, his throat choking up. �Does it hurt?� Liz looked up at Max, gently shaking her head. �Not so much. Only when she tugs.� She winked at Max. �Must be genetic.� Max felt his face flame, knowing that it was turning several different shades of scarlet as Liz teased him. He placed his fingers under her chin, tipping her face up as he placed a sweet kiss on her lips. �Love you.� Part 24A Max looked down at Liz and Leah as he wheeled them out of the hospital in a wheel chair. �Ready?� Liz nodded, eager to get back home. �Let�s get outta here.� As Max pushed them down the hall, one of the nurses looked down from her chart, placing a hand on her hip as she raised an eyebrow at them. �This can�t be what it looks like, can it?� Liz grinned, proudly holding Leah in her arms. �Yep. They discharged me a little while ago. We can finally go home now.� The nurse leaned down so that she was at eye level with Liz. She pulled back the little blanket that covered Leah, sighing as she faced with the beauty of the baby girl. �Well, we�re gonna miss you guys. You certainly know how to keep us on our toes.� She winked. Liz felt her cheeks pinken when she was reminded of how much crying she had done while at the hospital. She just wanted to bury her head in the sand. She smiled, placing her hand on the nurse�s arm. �Well, we�ll miss you guys too, won�t we Leah?� Leah threw up a fist, yawning as she tried to snuggle back into the warmth of the blanket. They all laughed. �Looks like the little one is ready to go home.� The nurse touched Leah�s cheek softly before standing up and moving out of the way. �Bye, bye beauty.� Liz chuckled. �Yeah, well I�m sure you say that to every baby here.� �No. Not every baby. I have to say, in the years that I�ve worked on this ward, I have yet to see a beautiful baby like her. She�s gonna have that dark hair growing in. Cute little nose, pouty little lips, oh, and the most beautiful eyes I�ve ever seen. Almost like they�re specked with gold.� Liz felt the smile creeping across her face as the nurse praised Leah�s beauty. She wasn�t a shallow person, but she had just thought that she was biased when it came to her own daughter. Same went with her friends and family, but somehow hearing it from an outside source made it a little more credible. �Thank you.� The nurse waved goodbye, watching as the Evans family walked away. **************** After arriving home from the hospital, Max, Liz and, Leah were greeted by a wonderful welcome home party from their friends and family. Jade peered over the side of Leah�s crib, listening as Noah introduced them. �.......and Leah, this is my friend Jade. And over there is Dexter and Damian, but they�re a little shy.� Jade�s pretty face scrunched up as she looked down at Leah, then to Noah. She tugged on Noah�s shirt sleeve. �Noah, she doedn�t do nuthin�. All she does is nap.� Her face turned serious. �That�s not fun.� Noah shrugged his shoulders, leaning over to touch Leah�s little fist. �But isn�t she pretty? She looks like my momma.� Jade scowled, crossing her arms over her chest, watching Noah fawn over his baby sister. �I�m purtie too,� she whispered under her breath. ************ As the day wore on, everyone went home, leaving the new family together for the first time. Max stripped down to his boxers, getting ready for bed. �How did you like your welcome home?� Liz stuck her head out of the bathroom, throwing a flying kiss to Max. �I�d loved it, honey. Thank you.� Max laughed. �Yeah, well you can thank Isabel. She was the one that orchestrated the whole thing. Alex said that she focused on the party instead of how painful it was going to be when she actually has the baby.� Liz stepped out of her clothes, laughing along with Max. As she reached for her nightgown, her eyes almost bugged out of her head when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She turned sideways, getting a glimpse of her newly acquired assets. �Holy cow! Where did these come from?� �Did you say something?� Max called out, walking towards the bathroom. Liz hurriedly yanked on her nightgown, feeling a little awkward at having Max seeing her naked. She knew it was ridiculous since he had seen her naked a million times over, and considering he had seen everything while she had given birth, but she just wasn�t ready for him to see her like this. He leaned against the doorframe casually. �Everything okay?� She nodded, slipping past him. �Let�s just go to bed.� ******************* Liz sat up groggily as she heard Leah�s cries coming in through the monitor. She stood up, pulling on her robe as she trekked down to the nursery. She fumbled with the switch, blinking back against the sudden flood of light. Before she stepped into the room, a small gasp made it�s way past her lips at the sight she saw in front of her. Sleeping on the floor in the nursery was Noah, who was curled up in his blanket. Right beside him was Max, who had his arm wrapped tightly around Noah. Noah stood up, not even realizing that Liz was standing at the door. He walked over to the crib, a finger to his lips as he looked down at Leah. �Shhh.....you�ll wake up momma and daddy.� Max sat up, rubbing sleepily at his eyes. �It�s ok, little man,� he yawned. �I�ve got her.� He stood up, picking up Leah from her crib, gently cradling her in his arms. Liz threw a hand over her mouth, not wanting to disturb the scene in front of her. Max looked absolutely gorgeous holding tiny Leah in his arms, her little body cradled against his bare chest. The drawstring pajama bottoms he was wearing were slung low off of his hips as he swayed back and forth, softly humming to a Stevie Wonder song. He walked to the window seat, making himself comfortable as he continued to hold Leah. He looked over to Noah, waving him over with his hand. Noah ran to Max, jumping to sit next to him. He lay his head softly on Max�s shoulder, as the soft hum of Max�s baritone voice filled the room as he sang softly to his children. �And though you don't believe that they do.....They do come true.....For did my dreams......Come true when I looked at you.� He touched both the tip of Noah�s and Leah�s noses as he sang that last part, smiling as he continued to sing. �And maybe too, if you would believe.....You too might be...... Overjoyed, over loved, over me.� When he finished singing, he kissed both of the children�s foreheads, whispering softly. �Sleep tight, little ones.� Liz stepped into the room then, making her presence known. �Max...� Part 24B �Max....� Max looked up at the sound of Liz�s voice, startled to see her standing there. �How long have you been there?� he asked softly. She stepped further into the room, her hands clasped behind her back. �Long enough for me to fall in love with you all over again.� Max felt his skin flush, his head hanging low. Liz moved to stand over him, her hands running through his dark locks. She kissed the top of his head, her fingers playing at the ends of his hair where they curled around his neck. �You are the sweetest man alive. Thank you.� She gave his shoulders a squeeze before pulling back to take Leah in her arms. She walked over to the rocking chair where she whispered softly to her. �You�re one lucky little lady, you know that? You�ve got two amazing guys looking out for you.� She kissed Leah�s dark head, inhaling her sweet baby scent. Max pulled Noah against him, trying to keep him comfortable. He couldn�t help but smile at the picture they all made in Leah�s room. It was funny how they all ended up here, tonight, adjusting to each other�s needs. He sighed, picking up Noah�s blanket to wrap him around in it. He moved to lay by Liz�s feet, one arm wrapped around Noah, his other hand, gently running over Liz�s smooth calves. The soft melodic sound of Liz�s humming, lulling them to sleep. ******************* Maria peered over Liz�s shoulder, taking a peek at Leah. �Aww, she�s so gorgeous. I want one.� She sighed, sinking heavily next to Isabel on the couch. Liz chuckled. �It isn�t all peaches and cream. Between Max and me, we�ve hardly gotten any sleep since Leah�s come home.� Courtney laughed. �Well, if you�re ever in a nurturing mood, you can feel free to take the boys for a test drive,� she joked. Without any notice, Isabel looked over her expending belly, bawling like a baby. Maria�s eyes were wide as she reached over to rub Isabel�s back. �What�s wrong, honey?� Isabel wiped away at her tears, her jaw trembling as she attempted to speak. �I can�t see my feet.� Noah looked up from where he was coloring on the floor. He dropped his crayon, crawling to Isabel. He placed a hand on her feet, smiling up at her. �It�s okay, auntie Iz. They�re still there.� He gave her the biggest grin he could muster before crawling back to where he was coloring. Liz handed Leah to Maria as she stood up, wiping her hands on her dress. �I�m going into the kitchen. You guys want anything?� Isabel perked up at the sound of the word kitchen, her momentary bout of tears forgotten. �Oooh, you guys have any ice cream?� Liz placed her hands on her hips, raising a playful eyebrow at Isabel. �Isabel, you�re talking to me here. I live with a six year old, and a husband who has the biggest sweet tooth known to man. Not to mention, I�ve just had a baby. What the heck kind of a question is that?� Receiving a grin from Isabel, Liz smiled, after reaching her desired effect. �I�ll be right back.� She went into the kitchen, turning on the faucet to wash her hands. She slipped off her rings, placing them on top of the windowsill as she lathered her hands. Max walked in the door, his bag slung over his shoulder. �Afternoon, sweetheart. How are you doing?� He kissed the back of Liz�s neck, his nose nuzzling her ear. Liz giggled against him. �Good. But you know, you shouldn�t be here. It�s girl�s night, and the girls aren�t gonna be too happy if they catch you in here.� Max pulled away, holding up his hands in defeat. �Relax, I just came home to say hi to my family, get a change of clothes and head down to Michael�s.� Liz wiped her hands with a towel, smiling. �You guys watching a game or something?� He grinned at her mischievously. �Or something.� Liz lurched forward, tickling Max�s side. �Max Evans, you better not let those boys get you into any trouble, you hear?� Taking a gulp of air, Max nodded. �Promise.� He turned Liz to face the refrigerator where he knew she was originally headed. With her back turned, Max discreetly grabbed Liz�s rings from the windowsill, pocketing them as he walked through the house. �I�ll see you later, babe.� Liz shut the freezer door, waving to Max�s retreating form. �Have fun!� Part 25 Liz rummaged through the kitchen drawers, heaving a frustrated sigh each time she didn�t find what she was looking for. �Maria, what I am going to do?� She leaned against the kitchen counter dejectedly, her tears ready to brim over. �I can�t believe I lost my rings.� Maria stood next to her, letting Liz�s head rest on her shoulder. �Not lost. Misplaced. There�s still hope.� Liz swiped at her nose. �Misplaced is just a pretty word for lost.� She hiccupped as she spoke again. �I have to tell him, Maria. It�s been over a week. I can�t keep lying to him.� �Are you sure that�s such a good idea?� Liz nodded. �I should have told him when I first realized they were lost.� The sound of a car engine halting at the driveway caused both women to look towards the door. Liz gripped Maria�s hand tightly in hers. �Could you go and check on Leah?� �Sure, babe.� She rubbed Liz�s arm, trying to offer her as much comfort that she could, if any at all. Liz took a deep breath, steeling herself for Max�s reaction. She just knew how upset he was going to be. She just couldn�t believe that she had been so careless as to lose her rings. Her mind had been nothing but a train wreck since Leah had come home, but she knew that wasn�t an excuse. It had almost been a month since Leah had come home. She couldn�t keep using that excuse. The familiar thud of Max�s feet entering the house made Liz�s heartbeat speed up. �Anyone home?� Liz swallowed past the lump in her throat, cringing when she heard the way her voice cracked. �In here.� Max�s head appeared at the clearing of the kitchen, his face nothing but smiles. He made a beeline for Liz, wrapping his arms around her, as he peppered her with kisses. �Hey, gorgeous.� When Liz didn�t respond to him, instead just bursting into to tears, Max grew concerned. He pulled back, cupping Liz�s cheek, his heart breaking at the sight of her tears. �Liz? Honey, what�s wrong?� Liz bit her lip to keep from turning into Niagara Falls. �You�re gonna hate me,� she cried. Max�s hands came around her face, bringing her face mere inches from his. �Baby, you know that�s not true.� He gently kissed her forehead and the tip of her nose as a sign of reassurance. �Tell me what�s wrong,� he whispered. Liz felt herself melting against the sweetness of his voice and actions. It made everything that much worse knowing that he was being so kind to her. She pulled away from him slowly, holding out her left hand. �I�ve lost my rings,� she said hoarsely. Max was quiet, just nodding slowly. He took her hand, brushing a kiss on her finger that used to hold her rings. �Misplaced.� �What?� Max smiled slowly. �They�re just misplaced. I have faith that we will find them. Together.� Liz stepped away from him, shaking her head. �No. I don�t.....Max, I�ve been looking for them for a week...� Max moved to stand in front of her. �Have you retraced your steps?� Liz shook her head. �Ok, so do you remember the last time you had them?� �I had them on when the girls were over.� She walked to the sink, reenacting her steps. �I came in here to wash my hands, so I took the rings off, placing them here.� She ran her hand across the windowsill, before her eyes got wide when she looked down the drain. �You don�t think?� Max grinned, rolling up his sleeves. �They probably fell down the drain. Let me see.� Maria came down the stairs. �Lizzie, I think Leah is in need of her momma.� Liz waved Maria away as she peered over Max�s shoulder, trying to see if she could get a glimpse of her ring. �Maria, not now. Max and I think my rings fell down the drain.� �However great I think it is, that you guys have made progress, I highly doubt Leah is gonna be happy when she realizes that these things don�t have milk in them,� she laughed, as she pointed to her chest. Liz�s eyes widened with understanding, excusing herself to tend to Leah, leaving Max alone with Maria. Once she was gone, Max gave up his facade of looking for the rings, perching himself up on the counter. Maria looked at him incredulously, her arms crossing over her chest. �What do you think you�re doing? Liz has been agonizing over those rings and you�re just going to sit there?� Max held up his hand. �Maria, relax. I know where the rings are, and they�re not down that drain.� She raised her eyebrow at him. �And where are they?� �I have them,� he answered simply. Maria�s mouth dropped open as she began attacking Max with her flailing arms. �She�s been cryingg over those rings for a week, and you�ve had them all along. You jerk!� Max threw his arms over his head, stepping away from Maria�s attacks. He quickly dug into his pocket, revealing the rings. �Relax, would you? I had a good reason.� Maria stopped her attacks momentarily, taking the rings in her hands. She covered her mouth with her hand, as she eyed the rings. �Max, this is gorgeous.� Max smiled shyly. �I did it for our anniversary on Friday.� He pointed to the gold wedding band that now adorned two emeralds and diamonds surrounding it. �I asked them to put it in two emeralds, you know, one for each of the kid�s birthstones, and the diamonds are there because I can actually afford it.� He laughed. He took Liz�s engagement ring from Maria, turning it so that they could see the inside. �I had them engrave L.P + M.E. I actually wanted to do that when I bought the ring in high school, but I didn�t have the money back then.� �Max...that�s the sweetest thing I�ve ever heard.� Maria gave him a hug, then pulled back, smacking him across the chest. �That�s for making my girl almost have a heart attack.� Max laughed. �You�re not going to tell her, are you?� Maria shook her head. �Nah. If you went to all this trouble- Liz entered the room, holding Leah against her. �Any luck?� Max nodded, moving back towards the sink. �Yeah. I think I see it.� Liz let out a sigh of relief. �Do you think you can get it out?� Max paled at the thought of having to rip apart the his sink to get some nonexistent rings from it. �I can try?� Liz placed a kiss on his cheek. �Thank you.� Back Next |