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| Part 45A ************* Turning on his side, Max smiled, waking to the bright sun and the bluebirds singing outside. Lifting his head, he felt a soft breeze tickle his bare chest, making him wrinkle his nose. Opening one eye, he realized that he had just dreamed up the day being a bright and beautiful one. It was chilly, and equally gloomy outside. Hearing a soft sigh, his semi-frown turned into a full blown, goofy, proud, grin. Although the weather left plenty to be desired, he knew that today was a beautiful day. And as his kids often said, it was purtie. Lowering his large palm, he touched the soft skin of his wife�s exposed tummy, feeling love swell in his veins at the tiny life growing inside of her. She continued to floor him with so much love and happiness, that he was sure he was already in heaven. He caressed the taut skin of her abdomen before pulling the sheet over her body to ward off the goose bumps settling on her olive skin. Burrowing her head deeper in her pillow, she mumbled incoherently, making him giggle. She was so adorable that he just wanted to cuddle up with her all day in bed. And he was just about to, when he heard a loud banging on their bedroom door. �Daddy!� A tiny voice whined. �I hungry!� He shook his head ruefully, wondering how so much noise could come out of something so little and precious. Slipping out of bed as quietly and gently as his clumsy self would allow, he pulled on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. He walked to the window and pulled it shut, so as to keep his sleeping beauty warm. Walking back to the bed, he pulled the covers tight around her, dropping a sweet kiss on her head. �Sleep tight, little ones.� He opened the door, and stepped out as he closed it behind him. He had to bite back a laugh at the sight of his little puddin�. Leah placed her hands on her hips, her ruffly pink nightgown twisted around her stout body. She titled her sleep mussed hair. �I been waitin�.� Max leaned down so that he was eye level with her, unable to resist letting out a laugh. �I can see that.� He picked her up, depositing her over his shoulders, eliciting a soft giggle from her pink lips. �So what do you want for breakfast, puddin�?� She held on tight to her daddy�s head, loving the way she bounced on his shoulders. She imagined that�s how it would feel to ride a pony. Which reminded her, she�d have to ask Santa for one this year. She bent forward, resting her chin on her father�s head, her arms wrapping around his chin. �I wan fosting.� Stopping abruptly, Max looked up, shaking his head. �Not happening, little lady.� He chuckled. He had to hand it to her, she had great taste, but his wife would never forgive him if she found them munching on frosting at this hour in the morning. Although it sounded better than any other nutritious breakfast he had ever had, it wouldn�t do any good to rot his baby�s teeth out. Besides, he�d never hear the end of it, and frankly it wasn�t worth sleeping on the couch and missing out on cake baking. ***************** Max gathered Leah�s coat, mittens, beanie, and boots. The kids had a date with the grandparents, and he was all to glad to let them go. Usually, he loved spending the day with the family on the weekends, but he wanted some alone time with Liz before they had to tell the world about the little one on the way. Not only that, he had to figure out a way to tell Leah about where babies came from. He hardly thought that telling her the �too much love� theory between him and Liz was going to work this time around. His little baby was an inquisitive one, even more so than her older brother had been. He kneeled, helping Leah get bundled up. �Are you sure you don�t have to go to the bathroom?� Leah fiddled with the knitted cap on her head. �Nop.� Max raised his eyebrow, knowing this scenario all to well. At least this time she wasn�t wearing overalls. He about burned the pair she had when he couldn�t unsnap the stupid buckles the last time. �Are you sure?� She nodded decidedly, holding out her hands so that her dad could put her mittens over her hands. Nodding, Max finished his task, standing up to holler at his son to hurry up, when he felt a tug on his pant leg. Looking down, he saw Leah chewing on her bottom lip. �Daddy, I need to go potty.� Sighing good naturedly, Max went about removing her winter attire. It was inevitable. But he couldn�t complain. He loved every second of being a dad, and this was just one to laugh about when the kids were grown. *************** Liz stretched luxuriously in bed, smiling contentedly. Last night was amazing. She was maybe hoping for a repeat when the kids spent the day with the grandparents. Rolling over, she frowned when she felt the cool spot beside her. She peeked her eyes open, noticing that she was alone. Turning, she looked at the alarm clock beside the bed, her eyes widening when she saw what time it was. Scrambling to get up, she hurriedly dressed and ran out of the room to get the kids ready, only to be met by the sight of the kids dressed and ready to go. A smile lit her face as her eyes focused on her husband. �What would I do without you?� Part 45B ***************** Tossing lightly in her upturned bed, Maria raised her arms lazily over her shoulders. She felt like she could sleep for days, but at the same time, she just wanted to stay awake all hours of the day to watch her brand new babies. She just couldn�t believe that they were finally here. After all of these years, it was hard to believe that all of their lives had turned out this way. They were all as close as could be, and she loved that she had had the experience with her friends� children before having some of her own. But of course, in true Deluca-Geurin fashion, they had been blessed with two amazing, �WAAAAHHHHHHH!� and very loud babies, she thought amusedly. Michael stuck a finger in his ear, to rid the ringing from his tortured ear drums. He still hadn�t recovered from Maria�s painful screaming during the birth. But he could only chuckle. Planting his large palm over his wailing daughter�s abdomen, he cooed softly. �Aww.....it�s okay sweetie. Daddy�s here.� Little Mikayla threw her arms up in the air, her tiny feet kicking skyward. Just as Michael was about to pick her up and soothe her troubles away, her twin joined the fuss, creating his own special blend of wailing. Maria held her hand to her mouth, suppressing a giggle. �Need a hand, papa?� ****************** Setting down two glasses of milk, Alex eyed his son curiously as he played with his breakfast. Pulling up a chair, he put on his silliest face. �Something troubling you son?� Gabe�s skin stretched over his chubby cheeks as he laughed. His daddy was so funny. �Nuthin�. Jus, tinking.� Alex�s smile grew wider, his hand reaching to stroke his hairless chin. At twenty-six years old, he still couldn�t manage to grow stubble. Go figure. �Whatcha� thinking about, big fella?� Sighing heavily, Gabe watched as his father reached for a sip of his milk. �I wanna know why eveybody hab brodders an sistows, an I don�t?� Isabel had been walking down the hallway, after taking Nanook for a walk, when she heard the quiet mumbling in the kitchen. With curiosity getting the better of her, she stopped just outside the door, wondering how her wonderful husband would answer their son. �Well buddy,......� *************** �What would I do without you?� Max finished zipping Leah�s parka back up, a small smirk playing on his lips. �You�d probably be running late.� Seeing his grandparents driving up to the front walkway, Noah ran to his mom to give her a kiss on the cheek. �Bye, momma. We�ll see you later.� But before he could run off, Liz pulled him back. She reached into his coat pocket, waving around his knitted cap and gloves. �You�re not going out there until you put this on.� She looked outside to see the darkness, feeling her skin turn to gooseflesh. �It�s freezing out there.� Digging his toes in the carpet, Noah made a face, realizing that he could never pull a fast one over his momma. She was far too intelligent for that, and it made him feel guilty for even trying, but he just didn�t want to have to wear his hat and gloves. He felt like a little kid. �Do I have to, momma?� Liz nodded, then placed Noah�s things in his hands. �Okay. I trust you. If you don�t think you need your hat and gloves, then I�m not going to make you wear them.� Her voice was sincere, a tender smile touching her lips as she touched his silky hair. Shaking his head with a smile, Noah donned the cap and gloves. His momma trusted him, and he wasn�t going to take advantage of that. He squeezed her hand gently, whispering softly so that only she could hear him. �Love ya�.� �Love you too, precious.� She placed a quick kiss on his forehead before kneeling down and holding her arms out to her daughter. �Wanna say bye to momma?� Leah smiled warmly, her arms held out as she waddled to her mother. Walking and wearing all of this clothing wasn�t easy, but she wanted to hug her mother before leaving. �Bye, bye!� She pouted her pink lips, kissing Liz�s. She bumped her nose against her mother�s, laughing as she spoke. �We�ll be back.� Sneaking up behind her, Max kissed Leah�s cheek loudly. �And if you don�t, I�ll be the first one looking.� �Daddy, you so silly.� She let him carry her, loving the lavish attention he gave her. She loved that he spent so much time with her. The other kids at her daycare didn�t get to spend nearly as much time with their daddy�s. And most of them were scared of their daddies because they weren�t as close as she and her daddy are. She felt bad for the other kids, and felt special that she had the best momma and daddy. She leaned her forehead against his, her mitten covered hands, flanking the sides of his face. �But I still love you.� �Well thank you.� He chuckled. The door hummed as eager grandparents waited to spend the day spoiling their grandkids. �Everyone ready?� Part 45C Rated: R **************** Max smiled against the softness that was his wife, as she cooed and curled around his body. She was so warm and soft, that his mind was beginning to go astray. �Hey now, that�s no fair!� Liz opened her mouth to place a wet kiss on the base of his throat, grinning proudly when she saw his Adam�s apple protrude in obvious discomfort, in the best way. She pretended not to see the harm in her actions, instead continuing to lick and suckle his hot skin. The two of them had a quick breakfast, then hurried up the stairs to lay in their comfy unmade bed. They were supposed to be talking about how to relay the baby news to their own baby, but she was a little more than distracted. Normally, she was the type of girl to set her mind on something and work hard until her set goal was accomplished, but seeing and feeling her husband�s strong body under her touch was just too much to ignore. And besides, the house would be bustling with another baby on the way, leaving them very little time alone. She was looking forward to spending and making the most of their time together away from the kids. �What�s not fair, baby?� Max pouted, trying to sit up. It was getting harder to refuse her advances, making a certain part of his body harder by the second. If she didn�t stop her teasing, the tent in his sweats could house a whole family. Groaning when her hand played at his happy trail, his own hand reached down to clasp her wrist before she could go further down south where his aching flesh was begging her to be. He mumbled a curse before pulling away from her reluctantly. He tried to glare at her smiling face, but he couldn�t quite pull it off. Not when she looked so adorable, all mussed from laying around. �You know what I�m talking about.� He heaved a sigh, his hand falling heavily to his side. �We�re supposed to be coming up with a game plan.� Liz giggled, loving the way his brow creased into a knot. He was so serious, it was cute. Moving to sit up, she indulged him. �Relax, honey. It�s not rocket science.� Her laughter echoed in his ears when she saw him raise his eyebrow. �We tell Leah that she�s going to be a big sister.� She smiled, her hand landing on his knee encouragingly. �It�s no big deal.� Max fell back against the pillows, whining. �You make it sound so easy.� She moved so that her face was in his line of vision. �Because it is. The more you stress over what you�re going to say, the more nervous you�re going to be when you tell her.� He sat up abruptly, his arms crossed. �What do you mean when I tell her?� He looked like a cross little boy who had gotten the short end of the stick. �If I remember, it takes two to make a baby, and I certainly did not make that baby by myself.� He huffed. �We�re supposed to be in this together.� Liz rolled her eyes playfully. �Have you always been such a whiny brat?� Wrapping his arms around her waist, he set her on his lap, surprising a scream out of her. His voice was low and gravely when he spoke in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. �That�s only because you�ve spoiled me.� Sighing contentedly Liz opened her legs a little wider to feel the pronounced hardness beneath her. She licked her lips, a mewling sound escaping her lips as she rocked her hips gently. If she wasn�t wet before, she was now. �What can I say,� she whispered breathlessly, the rhythm of her hips picking up pace. �I think it�s only fair that my man gets what he deserves.� Max nodded, his breathing labored as he watched Liz rock atop his hips languidly in a sensual dance. �Have I ever told how much I love the way you think?� Liz�s smile was tight as she let the sensations wash over her. �That�s good to know.� She moaned softly as he hit a particularly sensitive spot. She gripped his shoulders tightly. �And here I thought you only loved me for my body.� Growling, Max flipped them over. �I love you for you, Liz.� An unexpected tear appeared in Liz�s eye, and she was amazed at how he could change the mood from lustful passion, to love and sincerity. �C�mere you.� ******************* �Well buddy, that�s a very good question to ask.� He scooted closer to Gabe, as he tried to find the right way to say the truth. �The truth is, your mom and I really haven�t talked about it.� He cupped Gabe�s chin. �When we had you, we were just so happy. We haven�t planned that far into the future.� Gabe frowned not really understanding his father�s explanation. �So can I hab one?� �I�m afraid it�s not that easy.� With his bottom lip quivering, Gabe looked up at his dad. �Why not?� Alex felt his heart ache in his chest. �Because, this is something your mom and I need to discuss. As much as I�d love to give you a brother or a sister, I can�t do it on my own.� Isabel stepped into the kitchen, a small smile on her lips. She had just heard everything she had wanted to hear since she had found out about Maria and Michael having kids. She ached to have another child of her own so that Gabriel wouldn�t be lonely. So that she and Alex could have another child that stemmed from both of them. �Maybe there�s something I can do to help you out?� Part 45D *************** Sleeping soundly, Max smiled, a sigh escaping his lips. It had been an emotional couple of days, and he was just too tired to keep his eyes open any longer. Despite his spirit wanting to celebrate with Liz, his body was just too drained to even move a muscle. But just as sleep was overtaking his heavy limbs, little hands pried open his eyes, a tiny voice speaking loudly in his ears. "Daddy, it�s wake up time!" Leah stared at her father, watching as he remained dead to the world. With a crease marring her pretty face, she lay her hands on his shoulders, giving it a shake. Her dad was a pretty big person, but she was determined to wake him if it was the last thing she did. Nana Dee and Gampa Flip had just dropped them off, and she was bursting at the seams to tell her daddy about the wonderful day she had, but he just kept on sleeping. "Daddy!" She spoke a little louder, hoping to get his attention, but was disappointed when he started snoring. Leah pouted, not liking the fact that her daddy was otherwise occupied. She was so used to having all his attention focused on her, that she couldn�t bear the idea that she was being ignored. Determined, she climbed onto his chest, trying valiantly one last time. She tugged on his ear so that she could speak directly inside it. "Daddy, is me. Leah. Wake up now!" Max felt the air rush out of his lungs when something landed on his chest, the voice ringing in his ears, making itself clear. He peeked open one eye, his vision landing on his little puddin�. She smiled down at him innocently. "Hi daddy!" A chuckle escaped Max�s lips as his eyes focused. So much for getting any sleep. But he had to get used to it. After all, those three am feedings were just around the corner. "Hey, baby." He smoothed back the hair on her forehead. Wrinkling her nose, Leah pursed her lips. "I not a baby no more daddy," she explained to him as she pat his hand softly as if he had forgotten. Max laughed boisterously this time as he sat up. But his laugh was short-lived as he remembered a certain discussion he was supposed to be having with his baby girl, that apparently wasn�t his baby girl anymore, according to her. "I�m sorry puddin�. You know I�m just joking." Leah cuddled up next to her dad, pulling the covers up and over her body. She loved laying under the covers in her parents� bed. It was so much more comfy than her own. She smiled at her daddy, giving him a kiss on the cheek to let him know that there were no hard feelings between them. "Is ok. I forgib you." He cocked his eyebrow playfully. "You do?" She nodded. "Yeah." She grinned, just the way Liz did, making Max�s heart ache in his chest at the miracle sitting beside him. "Cos I lub you daddy." Feeling tears choking his throat, Max picked up his daughter so that he could hug her to his chest. He kissed the top of her head, his voice tight as he spoke. "I love you too, puddin�." He hugged her tighter, thanking God for blessing him with a family where the love was overflowing. Giggling, Leah pounded her hands against Max�s chest. "Daddy, you squishing me!" Just then, Liz entered with Noah, a smile touching her lips at the sight before her. She laughed. "I guess she wasn�t kidding when she said she was going to wake you up." Max wiped at his tears, beckoning the rest of the family onto the big bed. He smiled. "Well, since we�re all here, I think there�s something we should all talk about." Noah watched the light dancing in his father�s eyes, and he couldn�t help but smile. He didn�t even know what they had to talk about, but the happiness on his father�s face was just too contagious. �Just tell us already.� Max looked to Liz for support, which she gave him unconditionally. She placed her hand in his, speaking first, knowing how difficult it was for her husband to even begin. �Well, this is a pretty serious conversation.� She looked at each of her children in turn. Her free hand resting on her belly instinctively, her lips curled into a smile. �And we want you guys to know, that if you have any questions, you can ask us. We want to be as open with the two of you as we can be.� Sitting quietly, Noah thought that this was a familiar sounding conversation. He laughed. �Let me guess, Leah and I are getting a new baby brother or sister?� When neither parent laughed, Noah sobered. �Geesh, it was just a joke.� He swallowed. �Sorry.� �Don�t be,� Liz spoke softly. �You�re dad and I are just a little stunned.� �Stunned?� Max nodded. �Stunned because you�re right. Your mom and I are having another baby.� He grinned, his happiness overtaking his whole face, the fatigue in his body, evaporating. Noah smiled, happy to hear the good news. But his smile turned quickly into a frown when he remembered his momma�s story about where babies come from. The idea of his mom and dad kissing and making love was just too weird. Giving both of his parents a hug and a kiss, he congratulated them, looking forward to the new addition to the family. *************************** As the three of them hugged and celebrated, no one noticed Leah slip from the room quietly. She ran to her room, picking up her power puff girl backpack, collecting the things that were important to her. She walked to her bed, picking up her pooh bear, the one that Noah had given her. She pulled her binkie from the drawer, stuffing it into her bag. Walking past her bookcase, she grabbed the book of nursery rhymes that her daddy always read to her, even when she was a baby. Or so they told her. Spying the picture frame on her nightstand, she sighed, before stuffing it into her bag. It was a picture of the four of them. Last, but not least, she took one of her momma�s sweaters. She slipped it over her arms, watching the way the long sleeves touched the ground. It was way too big for her, but she needed something to remember her momma by. Besides, it still smelled like her. Looking around her room, she sighed, saying her final goodbye. Her momma and daddy said that they were gonna have another baby, which meant that they didn�t need her anymore. Waving her hand, she blew a kiss to where her family was, before walking down the stairs with her precious belongings. �Goodbye, my lubbed ones.� She whispered quietly. Part 45E **************** Sighing contentedly, Max looked around the room, feeling more giddy than he had before. It felt so good to share the news with his loved ones, that he could only imagine what kind of chaos would ensue when the rest of their friends and relatives caught wind. For the first time, he realized that Leah wasn�t at his side anymore. He looked around the room, only to see that she wasn�t there. Feeling panic rise in his chest, he hightailed it to her room down the hall, seeing her integral belongings missing. Before Liz and Noah could run in and ask him what all the fuss was about, he was running down the stairs, calling out loudly to his baby. �Leah?� He took the steps hurriedly, jumping the last few. �Puddin�, where are you?� His long strides took him into the kitchen, the family room, and finally the living room, where he saw his little angel sitting cross legged on the floor in front of the door. He skidded to kneel down beside her, his arms reaching out to touch her, only to have her move over. His brow creased in hurt, making his throat constrict painfully to have his baby shy away from him. �Puddin�?� Leah bit her lip, trying her best not to look at her daddy. Because if she did, she would feel even worse about running away. But she had no other choice. She wasn�t going to be the baby anymore. She was going to be out of the picture. Max tried his best not to let his voice crack, but he just felt miserable. He didn�t know what he had done wrong, and it hurt to know that whatever it was that he did, it hurt his baby girl. �Leah, daddy�s talking to you, sweetheart.� Shaking her head from side to side, Leah continued to look at the carpet. �I canned talk to you no moe daddy.� Scooting closer, Max let his hand hang in the air, wanting so much to stroke his daughter�s hair, knowing how the simple gesture soothed her, but he didn�t want to push. Even though she wasn�t looking at him, at least she was speaking. �Why not?� �Cos, am goin� way.� �Where to?� She shrugged her shoulders. �To gamma�s.� Max played along with her, wanting to get the rest of the information. �Oh really?� Sighing exaggeratedly, she spoke her agreement. �Uh huh. She always sayin� she want me to come stay wiv her.� �You�d rather stay with gamma, than with me, momma, Noah, and the baby?� He asked with a hint of a smile in his voice. He thought he was finally gaining some ground with her. She shrunk against herself, her voice coming out in a tiny whisper. �You don need me no moe.� She looked up at him with her sad brown eyes, making Max tear up at the sight. �You and momma are habing anover baby, so I hab to won �way.� �Run away?� Max eyed her backpack, his eyes landing on Liz�s sweater, covering her entire body. �Is that what you�re doing?� Leah nodded, then pointed to the door. �Only, I not allowed ta go outside by myself.� She paused, hoping that she could get him to help her one last time. �Maybe you could take me?� Stunned into stupor, Max sat there wondering if he was hearing her correctly. His baby had just told him that she was running away to Claudia�s because he and Liz didn�t need her anymore, due to the new baby. And to top it off, she wanted him to help her go away. He felt awful. Noah had been so enthusiastic about having a new sibling both times, that it had never even occurred to him that Leah would feel left out, and even unwanted. �Oh honey,� Liz�s soothing voice came into the background. �Daddy and I don�t want you to go away.� She kneeled down beside them, cupping her daughter�s cheeks. �Just because you�re going to get a new baby brother or sister, it doesn�t mean that your daddy and I don�t want you, or love you any less.� Noah piped up, feeling bad for his little sister. She was so used to being the center of attention, that it was going to take some time getting used to having a baby around. �Momma�s right, Lee lee.� He smiled, hoping to lessen her load. �You�ll get to be a big sister, which is fun.� He enthused. Leah felt a small smile coming to her lips with the reassurances they were giving her. But looking at her father, made her feel sad again. She didn�t like that he was sad too. Walking up to him, she cupped her hand around his ear, whispering as quietly as she could. �Am I still goin� ta be your puddin�?� The tears rolled down his cheeks then, as he hugged his three year old tightly to his chest. �You�re always going to be my puddin�. Even when the new baby comes. No one can ever be my puddin� but you.� With a full blown smile on her lips, Leah kissed her father, feeling good that he was smiling again. �I lub you daddy.� Part 46A ************** Liz stood in front of the long mirror hanging behind the door. She took a deep breath, her hands splayed over her still flat tummy. She didn�t know what the big deal was, but she was a little nervous. Today was the day they were going to announce the new baby to the family. It didn�t matter that she was twenty-six years old, or that she was already the mother of two children. She was still the tiniest bit worried of how their families were going to react. Deep down inside her heart, she knew they would embrace the new addition to the family, but that still didn�t quell her unfounded fears. �What�s troublin� you, beautiful?� Max wrapped his arms around Liz�s waist, his hands resting over hers in a loving gesture. He bent down to place a tender kiss on her shoulder. She smiled against him, feeling a small part of her burden lift from her. �Nothing, handsome.� She played along, smiling when she saw him grin shyly at her. It was like he was still surprised that she thought him attractive. It was amazing that he couldn�t see just how strikingly gorgeous he was. She chuckled to herself when she thought about one of the reasons she ended up pregnant again. There was no way she could ever resist her sexy husband. She turned in his arms, looping hers loosely around his neck. �Nothing, now that you�re here.� She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him, when their baby girl stumbled in the room. �You guys kissin� agin?� She asked in childlike curiosity. She couldn�t understand it, but every time she saw her parents, they were always touching or kissing. She didn�t see what the big deal was. Max turned a thousand shades of red, quickly pulling away from his wife. He loved his daughter, but sometimes, her timing left plenty to be desired. But instead of crumpling into a ball of humiliation he bent down and picked his daughter, laughing when she squealed with surprise. �I keep kissing momma cos I can�t eat you!� He wrapped his lips over his teeth as he pretended to bite her soft skin. Leah shrieked loudly, her arms and legs kicking. �Daddy, STOP!� She giggled hysterically when he tickled her sides as she continued to protest. But even as she told him to stop, she didn�t really mean it. She loved when her daddy got all silly. Max stopped, looking thoughtful for a second as he pretended to mull over her protestations. �Nah, I don�t think so puddin�.� The two of them carried on as the doorbell rang downstairs. �I�ll get it! It�s grandma and grandpa!� Noah called out. The three of them made their way downstairs. The grandparents piled in, wondering what the big occasion was. They knew it had to be big if they had all been invited over to the house. Jeff fell back as Leah threw herself in his arms. �What�s this all about?� Max and Liz held hands, wondering who should say it first, when Leah�s voice spoke loudly and proudly. �Momma an daddy are habin� �nother baby.� She pointed to her chest, a big grin on her face. �An I git ta be a big sistow.� The grandparents looked at each other, excitement etched all over their faces. If what their granddaughter was saying was true, it meant that there was another grandchild on the way for them to spoil. Diane walked over to Liz, grabbing her hands, pulling her arms away from her body. �Is that true?� Max nodded, smiling like a giddy father to be. �Yeah. We�re due in eight months.� �Oh honey!� A bunch of congratulations were greeted, along with a million hugs and kisses. The family was acting as if they had just one the lottery they were so happy. After the commotion died down a little, the grandmothers sat together, planning on how they were going to spoil their new grandchild senseless, while the grandfathers talked about cigars and sharing drinks at the news. Liz felt her heart flutter in her chest at the love filling the room. She couldn�t wait to tell the others. She guessed it was time for another potluck. �Max and I are going to get some drinks from the kitchen.� She grabbed Max�s hand, leading them to the kitchen were she hugged him. �I love you,� she breathed out. He kissed her. �I think I like your idea of drinks.� He guffawed when she pinched him, her hands running down his back to touch his ass. �Just shut up and kiss me.� He nodded, leaning down gladly to take her lips and taste her. Just as things were heating up, Leah came in breaking them apart. �Momma, why you touchin� daddy�s bottom?� Part 46B **************** �Momma, why you touchin� daddy�s bottom?� Leah tilted her head to the side, eyeing her parents curiously. She hadn�t meant to startle them, but she just had so many questions that her tiny mouth couldn�t contain. Upon hearing his daughter�s sweet, innocent voice, Max jumped away from his wife as if she were on fire. His face was flushed, and he couldn�t seem to make his mouth work. He had forgotten just how embarrassing this stage was. Neither of his kids had gone through the terrible twos, because in his mind, they were complete angels. But it was impossible for them not to go through the why?, phase of their childhood. Liz bit the inside of her cheek, trying her hardest not to laugh at her humiliated husband. It was difficult not to find the situation humorous, but she knew that Max was beyond mortified. Besides, she and Max had encouraged the kids to ask them questions about everything and anything their little hearts desired. There was no way she was going to renege on her baby. She crouched down so that she and Leah were eye to eye. �Hi to you too, sweetie.� Liz smiled at her daughter, hoping to distract her a little, but Leah was an exact replica of her. She should have known that it wasn�t going to work on her. There was no way Leah was going to be fooled. �How come you touchin� his bottom?� She turned her head, looking at her father with wide eyes, wondering what was so special about his bottom. From her vantage point, she couldn�t see what the fuss was about. Sure, her daddy had a big bottom, but then again, so did she. As far as she could tell, a bottom wasn�t worth the attention. It was always in the way. Especially her daddy�s. She loved him, but he always managed to sit on things accidentally. He had nearly squished her poor pooh bear on more than one occasion. Liz cupped Leah�s cheeks. �Well, I was touching your daddy�s bottom because I love him.� Leah raised her eyebrow, making Liz erupt in laughter. Max pouted at the other side of the kitchen, his arms wrapping over his chest as he frowned at his wife crossly. He didn�t understand how she could be laughing right now. �Liz,� he warned, only resulting in an almost howl like sound from Liz. Leah shook her head. She didn�t understand her parents. They were just so goofy sometimes. She shrugged her shoulders, turning bored at the conversation. She walked out of the kitchen, but not before reaching up to rub her father�s butt. After all, her momma said that she did it because she loved him. The significance of the gesture was lost on her, but she loved her daddy too. ******************* After what seemed like an eternity, Michael looked up to see that Maria was awake. He had spent so much time staring at his babies, that his eyes were getting dry. He smiled tiredly, wiping at his eyes to get some moisture in them. �You�re awake.� He whispered softly. He moved over to the bed, sitting beside his wife. He had to smile, still finding it hard to believe that this was all real. He had a loving wife, and now was blessed with two beautiful babies. His mother was in his life, as well as his little sister. It was all a little overwhelming, but he was happy. Maria kissed his cheek, reaching for his hand. �Actually, I�ve been awake for quite awhile.� She gave him a peck, her eyes holding a teasing glint. �I couldn�t keep my eyes off of you.� Michael blushed, embarrassed to have been caught in a moment of vulnerability. �Stop,� he whined playfully. Chuckling, Maria nodded. �Alright, truce.� She fell back against the pillows dramatically with a heavy sigh. �I�m still exhausted.� He shook his head, his voice light with amusement. �I thought for sure that you�d be back to your old self.� Maria peeked open one eye. �How so?� Michael shrugged. �I thought you would have figured out what Max and Liz were up to by now.� Maria�s eyes turned huge as she pushed Michael off the bed. �You know!� She accused loudly. �Owie!� Michael rubbed his backside painfully. �So much for being exhausted,� he muttered. Looking over the edge of the bed, Maria gave him the evil eye. �I heard that.� He held up his hands in a sign of surrender. �What happened to truce?� Maria looked at him smugly. �It�s a woman�s prerogative to change her mind.� Sighing in defeat, Michael stood up. �I�ve opened up Pandora�s box, haven�t I?� Scooting over, Maria made room for him to sit on the bed. �You�re a man, Michael. I think it�s your birth right.� Pinching the bridge of his nose, Michael took a deep breath. �Should I call for reinforcement?� Maria hugged him tightly. �I knew there was a reason I married you.� ************** Banging his head on the counter top, Max mumbled. �I can�t believe that just happened.� Liz stood up, clutching her tummy as her fit of giggles ran out of control. She wiped at her tears, hiccupping as spoke. �Aww, honey...� When he looked up, the priceless look on his face made her lose it. �Lizzz....� �I�m sorry,� she laughed. �But you have to admit, she�s very smart for her age.� �Liz!� Instead of his voice coming out strong and authoritative, it came out weak and petulant. He sounded like a spoiled brat who didn�t get what he wanted. �Fine.� She kissed him, trying to ease the tension from his broad shoulders. �I�ll talk to her about the bootie touching.� He eyed her skeptically. �You promise?� �Promise.� She crossed her heart. �In fact, I�ll do it right now.� She turned to leave, but not before grabbing a handful of his ass. He yelped, causing her to laugh wildly. �Remember, we do it only because we love you,� she called back in a sing-song voice. Part 46C **************** Courtney yawned, her eyes reaching up to rub away the last vestiges of sleep from her system. She had barely gotten home from the graveyard shift, with maybe a couple of hours sleep in her when the phone had rung insistently off the hook. Kyle had urged her to let it ring, knowing that she was exhausted, but any further desire to continue dozing was out of the question when they heard Maria�s obtrusive whine came across very loudly on their answering machine. So here they were, half an hour later, waiting for Maria to spill the beans. �Don�t just sit there, tell us what this is all about.� Isabel pulled up an armchair next to the bed, her brown eyes sparkling, knowing that whatever their friend was about to share with them was big news. Maria gave them a mischievous grin, feeling like her old self again. Gone was the tired ache of her body, forgotten with the prospect of figuring out Max and Liz�s mystery. She bent forward, her voice coming out in a conspirator whisper. �I�ve called you ladies out here to discuss a very important issue.� She squeezed her hands together tightly. �As you know, my radar has been a little out of sync while I�ve been in the hospital, but....� Her smile grew wider, overtaking her entire face. Looking at her made Courtney�s cheeks ache, but she could feel a smile of her own forming on her face. Maria Deluca Guerin definitely had a way of making people feel her excitement. �Just tell us, already!� Maria giggled like a schoolgirl, but groaned when her ever present pain of recent childbirth reared it�s ugly head. Holding out her hand so as not to worry the other girls, she took a deep breath, letting a deep smile overtake her rosy cheeks. �Girls, I called you here today to discuss the sitch with Max and Liz.� Frowning, Isabel pulled her chair closer. She wondered what was going on with her brother and her wife. She hadn�t realized anything was wrong between them. As a matter of fact, if their actions the previous night were any indication, they were happier than ever. But with the way Maria was making this mini powwow, she was a little worried that maybe she had misread the situation. She hated to think that anything was amiss with her brother�s relationship. �Why? Is something wrong?� �No, silly.� Maria reached forward to touch Isabel�s hand to dispel any worries her friend had. She winked at her best friends. �I was thinking more along the lines of some good news.� Courtney watched her sister-in-law with amusement. �And exactly what kind of good news do you think Max and Liz are withholding from us?� Shrugging her shoulders, Maria leaned back against her bed, a cocky grin on her face as she crossed her hands behind her head. �Well, by the looks of our good friends, they seemed like they were enjoying many adult activities lately.� She waggled her eyebrows suggestively, causing a giggle from Courtney, and a groan from Isabel. �And when I say many, I think that a lot of cake baking has been had.� �Please tell me we�re not here to talk about my brother�s sexual activities with his wife, because if that�s where this discussion is headed, I�m not so sure I can keep from becoming physically ill,� Isabel whined miserably. Shaking the hair out of her eyes, Maria laughed loudly. �Chicky babe, you�ve got to relax. As much as I love to get details from Liz about your yummy brother, that�s not what we�re here for.� A look of disgust flittered across her eyes briefly before speaking again. �That would be like you guys talking about how Kyle was in the sack, and I certainly do not need to know about how well my brother performs.� She cringed, but not before Courtney clonked her on the head affectionately. �Maria!� Maria just laughed, holding her hands up in defense. �No, what I�ve called you here for, is much more important than that. It�s what comes after such activities that I�m referring to.� Isabel shook her head, trying to make sense of what her friend was trying to say, but for as long as she had known Maria, she had still yet to develop what her husband liked to call the �Maria filter�. �I�m sorry, but I don�t speak planet chica. You think you could translate this to us in plain English, you know layman�s terms for those who aren�t so quick on the uptake?� Sighing dramatically, Maria let the words roll of her tongue, glad that she could finally share her suspicions with real people. �Well, if I have to spell it out for you, I think Lizzie is carrying another bun in the oven, if you know what I mean.� A mischievous smile crossed her lips, unable to resist a last jab at Isabel for the planet chica crack. �Maxie boy seems to have amazing swimmers.� �MARIA!� ***************** Walking into the living room, Liz spied her daughter rubbing the bottom of her prized pooh bear. She had to hold in her laughter just in case her husband was anywhere in the vicinity. She knew he was having a difficult time adjusting to their daughter�s sometimes overwhelming curiosity. Especially since Leah was taking up the less than desirable habit of making her presence known when she and Max where getting amorous. �Honey?� Liz called softly. Leah looked up at her mother with a sweet smile on her face. She dropped her pooh bear on the couch, ready to go to her mother�s beckoning arms when she saw her father headed towards the couch. Looking back at her pooh bear, she quickly grabbed him just in case her daddy accidentally sat on him again. She needed to be a little more carefully these days, especially with her daddy. Toddling to her mother, Leah clutched her plush doll to her chest. �Hi, momma.� Liz clasped her daughter�s hand tightly in hers, leading her into Max�s office so that they could have a little more privacy. Leah looked around her father�s office, watching as mother closed the door behind them. In a small voice, she called out to her momma with a slight tremble. �Am I in twouble, momma?� Turning around, Liz kneeled down so that she could hug her daughter. She kissed her on the cheeks, hugging her tiny body to her own to ward away any of her daughter�s fears. �You�re not in trouble, sweetie.� Hiding behind her doll, Leah whispered. �You promise?� Liz nodded with conviction. �I promise.� She stood up so that she could sit in Max�s leather chair, her arms reaching out to seat her daughter in her lap. �I just wanted to talk to you.� She gave Leah a reassuring smile. �Just the two of us.� A small but hopeful smile crossed Leah�s pretty face. �You an me?� She touched her mother�s cheek, whispering playfully. �A special talk?� �Yup!� She cuddled Leah closer to her chest, trying to find the right words to explain to a three year old the dynamics of a mommy and daddy relationship. Running her fingers through her daughter�s soft hair, she took a deep breath before speaking. �I wanted to talk to you about your daddy.� Leah�s whole face lit up at the mention of her father. If this talk involved him, then it really was a special talk. She loved her daddy a lot. She grinned at her mom before holding her arms as far apart as she could, her chest puffing out proudly. �I love daddy, this much!� An awed expression crossed Liz�s face at Leah�s demonstration. She was so happy that Leah and Max were so close. �Wow! That�s a lot of love.� Quick to squelch any feelings of jealousy her momma might have about how she loved her daddy, she touched her lips to her mom�s cheek. �But don�t worry momma, I love you just as much.� Her brow furrowed in confusion as she looked down at the position they were in. �Do I have to rub your bottom too, momma?� She was beginning to wonder if she had to do that to everyone she loved, or if that only applied to her daddy. Because as far as she could remember, she hadn�t seen her momma rub anyone�s bottom but her father�s. Liz bit her lip, not wanting Leah to think she was laughing at her. Her voice was warm and soothing as she spoke to Leah. �Actually, that�s what I wanted to talk to you about.� She cupped Leah�s chubby cheeks in her hands. �You see, your daddy and I have a special relationship. We do things differently because we love each other in a different way.� Tilting her head to the side, Leah listened to her mother�s words of wisdom, her curiosity piqued. �I touch your daddy�s bottom because that�s my way of showing him how much I love him. But you don�t have to do that. It�s something special that mommies and daddies do together.� Leah nodded her head in understanding. �You mean like when you an daddy kiss? Special like that?� �Exactly.� Liz smiled, amazed at how smart and attentive her daughter was. �Your daddy and I do things that are just special for us.� �Kay,� Leah smiled, glad that her mother was sharing with her such pertinent information. It made her feel all grown up. �I won�t touch daddy�s bottom no more.� She slipped from her mother�s lap, her attention span having reached it�s limit. �It was too much too �member anyways.� She ran to the door, but suddenly turned to her mother with a big proud smile on her face. She held out her arms as far apart as she could then yelled, �I love you dis much momma, and more!� Part 46D *~*~*~*~*~*~* Kyle tried not to sound like he was whining when he spoke. While he knew that Maria was still a little high from the drugs they had given her to lessen the pain of childbirth, he knew that her hormones were still a little out of whack. He didn�t want to inadvertently cause an emotional outburst from her. Besides, Michael would kill him. Being a deputy was not going to help with a crazed brother-in-law. �So let me get this straight. You�ve just given birth to my niece and nephew, and already you�re planning a baby shower for Max and Liz, when you�re not even sure that they�re going to have another baby.� Maria didn�t let the thick sarcasm in her brother�s voice taint her good mood. Planning parties were her thing. After the disaster that was Leah�s first baby shower, she vowed that she was really going to blow Max and Liz out of the water with their next babe. �That�s precisely what I�m doing.� Michael was on the same boat as Kyle. He didn�t know if it was such a good idea to make such elaborate plans without having consulted the soon to be parents, that is if they were really even going to be soon to be parents. �Honey, I know you love parties.� He gave her an uneasy smile, clearly trying to stay on her good side. �But isn�t it a little premature to make plans without confirming it with at least Max?� Glancing at Isabel and Courtney, he widened his eyes to get them to speak up, but was disappointed when they didn�t say anything. Trying to be the voice of reason, Alex spoke up. �How about we make a compromise?� He held up his hands, waiting for someone to disagree with him. �Since Max is my brother-in-law, I�ll go down there and see if I can weasel some information from him.� A smile formed on his lips. �We all know that Max can�t keep a secret when he�s excited.� Had Maria been able to get out of bed and jump around, she would�ve engulfed her childhood friend in a big bear hug. Instead, she offered him a flying kiss. �I guess that settles it then.� She rubbed her hands together, her palms itching to get started on doing things for the baby shower. �Alex will dig up the dirt, and we will get started on party plans.� *~*~*~*~*~*~* Enjoying the company of his grandchildren, Jeff laughed as he held a cup of coffee in his hands. He couldn�t imagine a better way to spend an afternoon than spending it with his only daughter and her children. Looking up, he watched Liz sitting at the table, absently listening to the women talking about what they were going to do to spoil the new addition to the family. Kissing Leah on the crown of her head, he stood up and made his way to the table. Grinning at his wife and Diane, he quickly reached for Liz�s hand. �You ladies don�t mind if I steal my little girl away for a minute, do you?� Liz blushed at hearing her father�s endearment. She excused herself from the presence of her mother and mother-in-law, taking her father�s hand as he led them to the swing outside, sitting in their backyard. Jeff ushered Liz to sit on the swing while he gently push her. �You�ve been awful quiet, sweetheart. Is everything alright?� Liz shrugged her shoulders, turning to face her father. She had to know that she couldn�t hide anything from him. She never could. She took a deep sigh as she traced invisible patterns in the grass with her foot. �I�m happy, dad.� Taking a seat beside her, Jeff turned her chin so that she was looking him directly in the eye. �But?� Liz shied away, letting her eyes fall to the ground. �I�m just, I�ve been thinking lately.� �About?� Liz pulled back, letting the swing fly through the air as she pumped her legs lazily. �Nothing really.� She tried a different tactic, not knowing how to go about her question. Looking up suddenly, she regarded her father with curious eyes. �Are you proud of me, daddy?� Jeff stopped swinging. �Of course, honey.� He paused, trying to figure out where all of this was coming from. She had shared the best news she could have, but obviously she was harboring something inside her. �Why wouldn�t I be?� Liz breathed a sigh of relief at his admission. She felt a little stupid for needing to hear reassurance from her father when she was a grown woman with her own children, but she couldn�t help but feel that maybe he wasn�t completely happy with the decisions she had made. While she knew that her father and mother loved Max and their children, she wondered if maybe her parents would�ve been just as happy if she had gone to Harvard and become the head of molecular biology. �Do you ever wish that I had gone to Harvard instead of staying here?� Jeff�s brow furrowed in confusion. �Are you having doubts....� He let the question hang, not able to make himself ask it out loud. Because he couldn�t see his daughter ever having doubts about her marriage, her wonderful life. �God no!� Liz shook her head emphatically, making sure her father didn�t get the wrong idea. She knew she had made the right decisions about her future. Her marriage was better than ever with her and Max being at their happiest. �That�s not what I meant.� She bit her lip, realizing she had gone about this the wrong way. �I guess what I�m trying to say is, for as long as I can remember, I wanted to go to Harvard and become a molecular biologist. I wanted to conquer that field and nothing was going to step in my way.� A wistful smile washed over her face. �But then I met my husband and my son, and I realized that there were far more important things in life. That what I wanted all of my life wasn�t really what I wanted all along.� Liz looked around her surroundings, her house with the white picket fence. �I always thought that I wanted to get out of Roswell and go on to bigger and better things. But really, that�s not what I wanted. Not really.� Locking her eyes with her father, Liz thought about what Leah had told her the night of the boys� camping trip. �How come your prince charming story isn�t in a book?� �You should make it a book, momma.....I�d read it.� Liz continued on, needing to tell someone about her ideas before going to Max with them. She needed someone to tell her truthfully if she was making a good decision or if she was just kidding herself. �Do you remember when I used to make up stories?� She laughed at the memory. �That was the year you bought me my first journal.� Jeff smiled at the memory, his eyes crinkling with the laughter. �I remember. Your grandmother Claudia was sure that you were going to be a famous author.� Jeff stopped short of his reminiscing as a light went off in his head. �Are you thinking about getting started with it again?� Liz nodded slowly. �I�ve only been thinking about it.� Her voice was soft, unsure if she was making the right decision. �When I go on maternity leave, I�m going to need something to do. And I was hoping maybe I could do that.� She looked at her father, hoping that he didn�t think she was crazy. �Or am I completely crazy for thinking this? Should I just stick to my day job?� Standing up, Jeff pulled Liz to stand with him. He cupped her face in his hands, his smile engulfing his whole face. �Honey, you�re one of the most courageous people I know. You take on adversity like a head on collision. Once you set your mind to something, there�s no stopping you.� He paused for emphasis as he tried to make his point. He wanted her to see that she wasn�t losing her mind in thinking what she was thinking. If anything, she was only making him more proud of her. �When you married Max, most people didn�t think you guys would last.� He looked around at the his daughter�s house. �Look at you now. You�ve got a great husband, two amazing kids and another one on the way. You proved all of those people wrong.� He kissed the tip of her nose before walking away. �Prove them wrong again, Lizzie. Prove them wrong.� Liz watched her father walking back into the house with a lighter heart. She felt the confidence building up inside her, making her a little more comfortable sharing her thoughts with Max about what she wanted to do. Maybe she really could do it. Maybe she could prove the nay-sayers wrong. Back Next |