Chapter 20
I'm bored out of my mind. Liz left an hour ago to go to her first doctors appointment, and I can't help the disappointment that washes over me that I'm not able to be there with her. She promised to give me a full report when she returns. So I've been waiting anxiously for her return. Dr. Soto just left not ten minutes prior. He wanted to check on my injures, and apparently there was no change in my paralysis status, but there was still swelling and he wanted to wait until the swelling went down before he made any decisions.
The door to my room opens, and I turn to see Alfonso stroll in. It’s been close to two weeks since his last visit, so it’s a surprise to see him standing before me.
“Maxwell,” he address in his usual calm tone.
“Alfonso.”
“How are you feeling?” he asks, taking a sit in the nearby chair.
“I’m here,” is all I can say as I stare at him curiously. He nods, running his hand over his face.
“So, any word of when you'll get out of here?” he continues casually. He's stalling.
“What are you doing here Alfonso?” He shrugs, before standing and pacing the room.
“Michael told me about the spot your dad…”
“Phillip,” I correct him.
“Phillip, left you,” he begins once again. “Anyways, I think it’s cool you have somewhere to take Elizabetta and your child. They need to be away from this…away from Roswell,” he sighs heavily, staring out the window. Silence blankets us and I grow even more curious at his evasiveness.
“Everything’s cool Maxwell,” he finally speaks. He turns to regard me and I can tell the confusion is written all over my face. “Take liz and your child and give her the life she deserves…no worries. An eye for an eye,” he finishes with a haunted look in his eyes before he turns and leaves as smoothly as he came in. I watch the door for what seems like forever after his departure. His cryptic words left me confused for the rest of the day.
“Have you seen today’s paper?” Michael ask me as I try to sit up. I was still contemplating over what Alfonso said and the fact that Liz still hasn't returned from her appointment. I stare at him with a annoyed look. Doesn’t he know that I have enough on my plate right now and I can’t just stop and read the paper?
“I guess from the look on your face you haven’t,” he continues. I watch him walk over to the chair where his bag is resting and pulls out a folded newspaper. “Here,” he says, tossing it into my lap. Obviously there is something in there that he thinks I might find interesting so I pick it up and skim through it. My mouth falls open as I come across a headline on the front page.
‘Body of Sean Castro was found in Quarry late yesterday evening…’
My eyes snap to Michael who was watching me intently.
I see him raise an eyebrow before turning my attention back to the article.
‘The local sheriff’s department pulled the body of Sean Castro from the quarry yesterday evening when a couple of teenagers out for a swim stumbled upon the body. Offical’s aren’t releasing much information pending an investigation. Sean Castro was link to the late Stefano ‘Slim’ Rinaldo the notourious gangter that was gunned down a month ago in a local establishment along with three of his men, all said to be involved in numerous illegal activities from drug trafficking to extortion…
“Apparently someone gutted him like a fish before dumping his body,” Michael tells me as I continue to stare down at the paper in surprise.
"How do you know that?" I question, my mind racing a mile a minute. Sean was dead, and even though it's wrong, I can't help but wish it had been by my own hands that he had suffered.
"People talk," Michael shrugs.
"Do these 'people' know who did it?" I can't help but ask.
He shakes his head. "Nope, but one of the kids that discovered the body says that there was a note on the body."
"A note. What did it say?"
"An eye for and eye, or something like that."
The minutes the words leave his mouth, I stiffen as Alfonso's words resonate in my ear.
'No worries...an eye for and eye...'
I sit there contemplating his words. Could Alfonso have killed Sean? The thought is ridicules. Alfonso couldn’t hurt a fly let alone kill someone. But as I recall the look in his eyes and the cryptic words he spoke, I can't help but wonder. The door swings open and I sigh in relief when Liz waltz's through.
"Hey you," she smiles, kissing me softly on the lips. "Michael," she greets.
"Hey yourself," I smile, patting the space beside me which she easily climbs next to me.
"I guess that’s my queue to exit," Michael says. I nod in thanks.
"Cool, you have a paper. There's a article about one of my students in here," she says excitedly, reaching for the paper in my lap. Before she could open it, I snatch it back and place it under my pillow. Liz stares at me curiously and I send her a small smile. As far as I know the only people that know about Sean's involvement with the shooting is Alfonso, Michael and myself. If Liz knows, she hasn't mentioned it, and I don't want her to read about Sean in the paper.
"Later. I want to hear about your doctors appointment." A huge smile brightens her face as she tells me every detail of her first appointment. I can't but get excited myself as she shows me ultrasound of our baby who was no bigger then a bean, nestled safely inside her.
Down Low (M/L,ADULT) Chapter 20 & Epilogue 6/24/05
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
-
Lady Scorpio
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2002 7:29 pm
Last edited by Lady Scorpio on Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Check out my fics:
~~Lady Scorpio's Fics~~
Forever Mine
Love, Life and Danger
Generation Next
Running from the Past
The House
Down Low
God Sent
Returning to Love
~~Lady Scorpio's Fics~~
Forever Mine
Love, Life and Danger
Generation Next
Running from the Past
The House
Down Low
God Sent
Returning to Love
-
Lady Scorpio
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 175
- Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2002 7:29 pm
Epilogue
8 years later
The house is quite as I carefully make my way door the long hall. I'm cautious not to wake any of the sleeping occupants as I finally make it to the patio. The moment I open the door, I'm assaulted by the fresh mountain air. Inhaling deeply, I love the smell and can't get enough of it. It is still dark out, but I know the sun will be rising soon. So I
wait, taking in the early morning noises and gentle breeze. I remember there was a time no one thought that I was going to make it to see another sunrise. But I made it, and I cherish each one as if seeing it for the first time.
The sound of the sliding door draws me from my musing and I can't help the smile that spreads across my face.
"Morning beautiful," I whisper softly as she crawls into my lap. I sit perfectly still as she wiggles about before finding a comfortable position and settling her head upon my chest. I wrap my arms around her tiny waist and place a kiss upon her ebony crown.
"Morning Daddy," she finally greets through a huge yawn. She begins playing with my hand absently as we sit in silence looking out at the mountain.
"What are you doing up so early?" I question gently.
"I had a bad dream." She shivers slightly and I tighten my arms around her protectively.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No." She shakes her head and burrows deeper into my chest.
"Are you sure, because I’m a great listener," I smile, waiting on her response. She hesitates a little, before staring up at me. I can see the wetness in her eyes and the nervous way she bites her bottom lip, reminding me so much of Liz.
"The Boogeyman was trying to get me," she whimpered and buries her face in my chest. I groan inwardly, knowing that I was going to hear an earful from Liz later for letting her watch that movie last night. I feel her shake against me as her tears hit my bare skin. Wrapping my arms around her tighter, I rub her back gently.
"Hey," I soothe softly. "There is no such thing as the boogeyman. That was just a silly old movie...he's not real. Okay." She doesn't respond, but instead, clings to me desperately. I lift her so that I can see her face, and her hair falls forward and a brown mass, curtaining her face.
Cupping her small face between my hands, I will her to look at me. "Sweetie look at daddy." It takes her a minute before she finally locks eyes with me. "You know that I'd never let anything happen to you. No on will ever hurt my babygirl, not even the boogeyman himself?"
"But he's really big." Her eyes widened and I chuckle softly.
"I'm bigger." Puffing out my chest I flex my arms like a muscle man, causing her to laugh loudly and I have to cover her mouth to keep her from waking the entire house. Once her laughter dies down to a soft giggle, I wrap my arms back around her and kiss her forehead.
"I love you daddy," she sighs, and I feel my heart swell. It's moments like these that I fully cherish my life.
"I love you too Doodlebug." I rub her back and stare out at the wide stretch of land before me. Seeing the first rays of the sun peeking over the mountains, I nudge her gently.
"Look." She lifts her head and gasp.
"Wow, it's so pretty daddy," she whispers in awe.
"Yes it is," I nod in agreement, resting my chin on top of her head. Together, we sit and watch the sun rise, bringing with it a new day. I don't know how long we sat there talking about nothing and everything, but our tranquil moment was ruined when loud arguing erupts from inside the house and I groan inwardly. I'm going to kill them. Pushing
slightly on Sara's back, I look around, searching frantically for...
"Here daddy," Sara beams proudly as she hands me my cane.
"Thank you Doodles." Gripping the handle tightly, I stand up. It's been years since I've regain feeling back in my legs and have graduated from a wheelchair to a walker and finally to a cane.
I remember there had been a time I thought I would never walk again. Dr. Soto had stayed positive the whole time; wanting to wait until the swelling went down to determine whether or not the paralysis was permanent. After two more weeks lying in the hospital bed the swelling had finally gone down, but I was still unable to feel anything from the waist down.
The months following, I became the King of Bastards. I guess you can say
that I was angry at the world...angry at Sean for being a punk bitch...just plain angry.
“FUCK!!" I shout, causing everyone in the room to stop what they were
doing and stare at me. "Everyone get the fuck out," I growl.
"Mr... Evans, just let me..." one of the nurse's tries to reason with me as she reaches for the small tab of the diaper I was now force to wear. I slap her hand away and snatch the blankets back over my dead lower body.
"I said GET THE HELL OUT," I bite out. "NOW!!" They all scuttle out of the room leaving just Liz and I.
"Max..." she begins.
"Leave," I snap, interrupting her words of pity.
"Max, please don't be that way." Her words are soft and patient. "I know this is hard for you, but..."
"Really? You don't know a damn thing," I reply dryly.
"Max..."
"Just go," I spit out bitterly, slamming the dinner tray that was sitting beside my bed, food untouched, across the room causing it to land on the floor in loud crash. I glare hard at her. Tears gather in her eyes and I watch as her bottom lip begins to tremble. She opens and closes her mouth several times before a small sob escapes her and she turns and flees the room, whatever words she wanted to say swallowed by
her cries.
I realize now that I wanted everyone to hurt as much as I was hurting. The main person that I hurt the most was Liz and every time I think about how cruel and mean I was to her, I feel like such a dick.
"So how much longer will we have to put up with you being an insensitive bastard?" Michael questions dryly as he stares out the large window of the physical therapy room. I'm sitting in my brand spanking new wheelchair reading a magazine. Can't you just feel my enthusiasm?
"No one said you had to be here," I snap, sending a hot glare at the physical therapist that is sitting in the corner waiting patiently for me to begin my session. Michael lets out a distasteful snort and comes to stand directly in front of me.
"Really? I'd figure since you've managed to insult, humiliate, torture or scare every last person in this hospital, I would think you would want someone here that wasn't completely eager to push your ass down a flight of stairs...” I huff, but don't reply as I continue to flip the magazine in my hand.
"Do you have any idea what you're putting Liz through?" I pause briefly at his question but quickly ignore it and flip another page. "Are you even listening to me?!" he shouts, snatching the magazine from my hands and flinging it across the room. I stare angrily at him, wishing he would just leave me the fuck alone.
"How the hell can you treat her like that? She loves you...she's carrying your child."
"You don't know a damn thing about what is going on between Liz and I,"I bite, releasing the brakes on my chair and rolling over to the window.
"Enlighten me," he pushes, coming to stand beside me. He stands there waiting patiently for me to speak. Finally I inhale sharply as I stare
down helplessly at my lap.
"I don't want her to see me like this," I admit shamefully.
"Like what?" he asked confused and I stare at him in disbelief.
"Look the fuck around Michael...for Christ Sake...I'm in a freaking wheelchair," I snarl.
"And?" he shrugs still staring at me with that stupid look on his face. I sigh heavily, running a frustrated hand through my hair.
"Forget it Michael...just go," I instruct shortly.
"Did Liz say something or give you the impression that the chair was a problem?" he asks with that confused look once again up his face. "Well?" he continues to probe when I sit in silence.
"No," I snap in annoyance.
"So let me get this straight..." he begins in a condescending tone. "Not only have you been treating everyone here like shit, but you've been treating the woman you supposedly love...the mother of your child like crap because you're feeling sorry for yourself," he snorts, hitting the nail right on the head.
"You know what, I don't need you here so you can leave," I reply defensively.
"Why?"
"Why what?" I feign ignorant. When it's apparent that he doesn't buy my act, I stare out the window, looking at the park below.
"What kind of husband or father will I be? Look at me I'm a fucking cripple...they're better off without me." I sigh heavily. Silence surrounds us for what seems like hours before he finally speaks.
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," he retorts. I snap my eyes towards him noticing the anger in his eyes. "How can you even fix your mouth to say such a thing? This is Liz, the woman you risked your life to be with. Now that it is okay for the two of you to be together, you're just going to toss it all away...Liz...your child."
"And what do I have to offer them!" I shout, "Look at me...I have to wear a fucking diaper because I don't have control of my on shit...tell me what good I would be for them? I can't teach him or her how to ride a bike or fly a kite or just horse around...and Liz, I can't even make love to her the way a husband should," I mumble shamefully. "How can I ask her to live a life like that?" I swallow thickly, fighting the tears that are threatening to spill forward.
"Who says you still can't do all those things?" he asks, his voice softening no longer holding the anger from previously. "Look Max, I know you feel like you were dealt a raw hand, and I know it sucks...but look at this way, at least you're alive to see another day and instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you should be grateful you got a second chance...a chance to marry the girl of your dreams...to see your child born. You should be counting your blessings instead of the negatives." Tears that I'd been fighting finally rush forward at his words and how much they really hit home. I'm terrified of waking up one day to find Liz gone because she couldn't handle the situation any longer. I don't
think that I could live through another disappointment; not on top of everything else.
Throughout my breakdown, Michael never said a word. He just stood with a comforting hand on my shoulder.
Michael had been right, and Liz, by some unknown miracle had forgiven me for the way I had acted and we had a long and tearful talk were I realized that no matter what...through thick and thin, she was going to be at my side. With the new found confidence she'd instilled in me, I was a determined man. I was determined to walk again.
Seven months after the shooting, we were married. It was the happiest day of my life and full of surprises.
"Nervous?" Michael asks as he sits down across from me, a smirk playing across his face.
"Why would you say that?" I ask distractedly as I stare once again at the closed doors of the church. I know in a few minutes Liz will be walking through them and I know she will be just as beautiful as the first day I saw her. The church is small and since neither of us had any family, only the first two pews were occupied, mainly with staff and students from the community center and Dr. Soto who had became like one of the family in the past seven months. But that didn't matter to me, the only thing that matter was Liz and the fact that she was about to become my wife. The doors opened wide and I sigh dejectedly when Maria, Isabel and the rest of the Renaldo girls walked in along with Alfonso. Michael chuckled and I stare over at him. He's shaking his head as he
gives me a knowing look.
"Don't worry, I don't know why...but she'll be here." He jokes and I punch him lightly. I send a small smile towards the Rinaldo's and Alfonso, happy they were there. I must admit it wasn't an easy task. Although Isabel had comfort Liz in her time of need, she still was quite bitter with the two of us, and it took a lot of screaming and tears to get the two woman back on the road towards the close friendship they once shared.
Finally the preacher announces that he was ready and I quickly motion towards Michael who retrieves my surprise. After a little assistance we're ready and I feel my heart drumming against my chest. The large double doors open and I swallow thickly as she appears. She dressed in a simple baby tee dress that flares out over her expanding stomach that nestles our child and I can't help the pride that comes over me in knowing that she is having my baby. Her hair is swept up in array of curls with a few disobedient strands cradle her face. She looks absolutely breathtaking. She smiles brightly as she makes her way towards me, and I signal Michael forward. He sits the walker in front of me as I move the offensive footplates of my wheelchair aside and shakily, I stand to my
feet. Shock clouds her face as she continues towards me and I take a few baby steps towards her.
"Max...how...when," she whispers softly as she finally reaches my side. Tears flood her eyes and fall gently against her cheek. As much as I wish I could brush them away, I know if I was to let go of this walker I will fall flat on my ass. I guess you can say that all the hard work I had been doing in physical therapy had paid off. About three weeks ago I woke to a small throbbing in my left leg. At first I was panic until I realize that I could actually feel something. I hadn't mentioned it to Liz for the fear of it just being my imagination or false hopes, but later that evening I had a doctor's appointment and mentioned it to Dr. Soto. He ran a few tests but told me not to get my hopes up, but with each day that passed I started gaining more and more sensation. Scott, my PT had introduced the walker just last week and I knew that I wanted to stand by Liz on our wedding day. I had sworn Dr. Soto and everyone else that knew to secrecy. I wanted to surprise her, and from the look on her face I’ve succeeded.
"Shh..." I smile brightly, mouthing 'later' as I turn back towards the preacher who is standing before us with a huge smile on his face. The ceremony went off without a hitch and we were announced husband and wife before the small crowd of our friends and family.
"I can't believe you kept something like this from me," Liz scolds, but there really isn't much heat behind her words. She's perched in my lap eating a piece of our wedding cake and I smile as she gets a little frosting on the corner of her mouth. We had all gathered back a Dino's for a small reception before Liz and I departed for our honeymoon. Being on my feet for such a long period has tired me out and I was forced back into my chair by Liz and Dr. Soto. I'm not complaining though.
"I'm sorry baby," I coo, bring her head down as I swipe my tongue across her lips removing the offending frosting. She captures my face before I could withdraw completely and deepens the kiss. I deep groan rumbles in my chest as her tongue cresses mine and I tighten my hold on her. My hand lands protectively over our unborn child as I moan deeply.
"Can't you to at least wait till the honeymoon?" Michael teased as he stood beside us. A blush creeps up our faces as we rest our foreheads together.
"I love you, Mrs. Evans," I pant heavily, caressing her neck tenderly.
"And I love you, Mr. Evans," she grins brightly.
******
Resting upon my elbows, I watch my wife sleeping peacefully near the fire place. My wife. I still can't believe that we are married. Not only are we married, but expecting our first child in a few months. We arrived at our home in Colorado to begin our honeymoon and our new lives. This evening was the first time that either of us had actually seen the place Phillip had willed me. Michael had been here several times in the past six months; making sure that it was wheelchair accessible. He's added several ramps inside and outside the home as well as hand bars in all the bathrooms.
She shifts in her sleep, causing the blanket to retract, exposing her naked breasts. Although I've regain some feeling below the waist, Dr. Soto wants me to take it easy and refrain from any strenuous activities at the moment; in other words...no sex. He's quite positive that with the progress I've been making that I will be able to resume a normal
sex life. I can't help the smile that dances across my face. Even though we aren't able to make love physically yet, I was able to give her extreme pleasure in other ways. It had been so long since I've hear her cry out my name in such passion , and I can't help the pride that swells in my chest knowing that it's my hands and mouth that are able to carry her to new heights of pleasure and back.
I've been watching her for the past hour now, unable to take my eyes off of her. I stare out the large picture window and I know the first rays of sunlight will be peeking over the mountains soon.
"Liz," I whisper softly. Kissing her neck, I inhale her sweet scent as I brush my lips over her ear.
"Baby." She stirs before her eyes flutter open.
"Hey," she smiles sleepily, stretching like a newborn kitten. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just want to show you something." I slide on my boxers and maneuver myself into my chair. "C'mere," I gesture. I watch as she climbs to her feet, wrapping the
blanket around her.
"Max, I'm too heavy," she protests as I pull her down into my lap. I ignore her words and wheel us onto the patio. The air is a little chilly and I wrap the blanket more securely against her before enveloping her into my arms.
"I can't believe this is actually ours," Liz sighs and I placed a kiss upon her neck.
"I know." It wasn't long before the first rays of sunshine peek over the mountains, and I hear the soft gasp that escapes her lips as the sun paints array of colors across the sky.
"It's so beautiful," she whispers as if she spoke above a whisper it would disturb the moment.
"Not as beautiful as you. I love you Liz. We've been through a lot together. These past seven months you've stuck by me. Even through times that I didn't treat you fairly, you never left me. I just want to thank you. Thank you for being here...for loving me." I swallow thickly, burying my face in her silky mane. She stands before turning and straddling my lap the best way she could with the blanket and her round belly hindering her.
"Max, you don't have to thank me," she smiles, cupping my face between her palms. "Don't you know that I'll always be here for you...no matter what? I love you," she whispers softly followed by a kiss. The blanket that was covering her had slid down to her waist and the chill from the air was causing her nipples to harden. I groan at the sight and quickly cup her mounds in my hand. She moans encouragingly, and I give her rosy
tips a gentle pinch.
As I watch her throw her head back in excitement; the sun using the sky as a canvas and creating a scene of perfection, I know this is what I want. I want to spend the rest of my life waking up with her in my arms just like this; beautiful.
And that is exactly what we've done. For the last eight years there hasn't been a morning were the two of us haven't watched the sunrise against the mountain.
Today was the first time that I'd watched alone, but as I watched her sleeping peacefully, her face relaxed and a small smile biting at her lips, I didn't have the heart to wake her, especially after the night we had.
Walking into the house with Sara planted firmly beside me; I make my way
towards the unruly noise. There in the kitchen is where I find them...our children. That's right I said children. Jeffery Maxwell Evans made his grand debut three weeks after our honeymoon. It had been a blessed event to hold him in my arms; so tiny and small. I remember the way he would look up at me as if I was his everything. I guess back
then I had been. Now I as I watch him torture his younger sister, I wish for those days were he couldn't talk.
Brianna Diane Evans is seven, and came as a total surprise to everyone. Jeffery had been six months old when Dr. Soto had given the okay for us to resume a normal sex life. He had warned us that there might be a chance that we would never be able to conceive another child. I had been devastated knowing that I couldn't provide Liz with the houseful of children that she had always wanted, but Liz had assured me that she was fine and
that as long as we had Jeffery and each other, she was happy. When we returned to Colorado, Michael and Maria had come back with us for a small vacation before their own wedding which was only two months away. They had opted to watch Jeffery for us one evening, giving us a much needed break from parenthood.
"So what do you want to do now?" Liz smiles as she plots down on the sofa. She'd just dropped Jeffery off at the guesthouse where Maria and Michael were staying. After adding the last log to the fire, I slowly make my way to where she's sitting, focusing solely on each step as I grip the cane tightly in my hand. I'd ditched the walker while at my last appointment with Dr. Soto, and I'm now the proud owner of a wooden cane that will be a permanent fixture in my life.
"I don't know. Whatever you want to do is fine with me," I smile, as I sit down beside her. I watch a twinkle appear in her eyes before she moves and straddles my lap.
"Well, I know there are a lot a things I 'should' be doing now that Jeffery’s not here, but there is only one thing I want to do," she replies before her lips slants over mine. She flicks her tongue out teasingly. I moan deeply, bringing my hands up to caress beneath her shirt. She purrs above me, her hips grinding against mine. Her hands move to undo my pants, and I stiffen. Even though Dr. Soto has given the okay for me to resume sexual activities, I find myself afraid. Not afraid of Liz, but afraid of disappointing her. Since the shooting, I've been able to get an erection, but maintaining them has been a problem.
Frankly I'm embarrassed of losing it to quickly and seeing the disappointment in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" She asks when I cease her hand. I look away shamefully, but she captures my face and will me to look at her.
"We don't have to if you're not ready," she mumbles softly. I chuckle softly because I'm more then ready, the strain of my hardness can prove that, but my insecurities hold me back from making love to my wife.
"It's not that," I sigh heavily, running my hand through my hair. She waits patiently for me to tell her what is wrong, and finally I blurt it out, waiting with bated breath for her response.
"Max," she finally speaks. "I don't expect this to be the backbreaking love making we had before the shooting," she teases with a loving smile. "You can never disappoint me. We'll just take it slow, ok? No expectations," she whispered right before her lips came crashing down on mine.
We took things slow and made love all night, making up for lost times. Surprisingly I had no problems with my manhood. Even through there was no expectation, we would have never expected that she would end up pregnant.
"What is going on here?" I scold, watching the hall to make sure they hadn't woken Liz.
"Jeff took all the Cookie Crisp and now he won't even share," Bri pouts and I can't help but smile at how much she looks like Liz. I stare down at Sara who rolls her eyes at her siblings before climbing onto the barstool at the island.
Sara Ann Evans is four. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was going up. She's the quietest of the bunch and loves to hang out with me. Liz swears that I corrupted her while she was still in the womb because she acts and looks just like me...right down to the alien ears. I pull my attention away from her as Jeff and Bri began to bicker once again.
"Dad, I got them first," Jeff says around a mouthful of cereal and I wonder if I'm letting him spend too much time with Michael because the kid is seriously picking up on his eating habits.
"So, they're mine. Mama brought them for me and she brought you those silly Captain Crunch you wanted," Bri growled as she stomps her feet and glares hard at her brother.
"Okay you two, that's enough. You're going to wake your mom and if that happens, I'm going to strangle you both," I threaten, causing Sara to giggle because she knew that I would do no such thing. Plus she loved to see her siblings in trouble. The two of them stopped to stare at me with open mouths.
"Daddy, you're silly," Bri retorts before shoving her brother and running out the room.
I grab Jeff as he begins to chase her. "Hold on there speedy."
"But dad," he pouts.
"Leave your sister alone. You did just eat her cereal," I raise and eyebrow at him.
"Man, they always get their way," he sulks. "I can't wait till my brother gets here. Then it will be equal in this house and the women won't have so much pull around here," he mumbles as he heads to his room. Yelp he's definitely been hanging with Michael to long. I think I'm going to have a long talk with my so called best friend and his corruption of my son.
Sighing heavily, I leave Sara and Brianna watching Saturday morning cartoons as I make my way up the stairs. It isn't an easy task, but I refuse to let a few stairs hinder me. Finally making it to the second floor landing, I walk to our room at the end of the hall. Pushing the door open, I'm greeted with the most beautiful sight. Liz is sitting in the middle of our king sizes bed, singing softly to her round belly. She looks up, sending me one of her brilliant smiles and I return it with one of my own.
"Is the crisis over?" she asks as I move to sit on the edge of the bed next to her.
"I'm sorry if they woke you up."
"It's okay. Your son decided he wanted to play a little kick ball with my bladder so I had to get up away," she shrugs. The smile returns to my face as I place my hand over her bare stomach and caress our unborn son.
"He's ready to come see his daddy," I tease.
"Trust me, no one would be happier then I will when he decides he's ready to come out." We had spent the majority of yesterday evening in the hospital because she was having contractions, but after eight long, tiresome hours the doctor had sent us home with 'false labor.' She had come right home and crashed out. I send her a sympathetic smile at her
words. I know this pregnancy was draining her, and I've done all I can to make it more bareable for her.
"Well, it won't be long now," I assured her. She nods, lacing her fingers through mine that was resting on her belly.
"I'm sorry I missed the sunrise," she frowns, looking out at the brightened day.
"It's okay, I had some company," I tell her.
"Sara." She smiles knowingly and I nod. "That girl has you so wrapped around her little finger," she chuckles. She's right, as much as I hate to admit it; they all have a way of getting what they want from me. I love being a father. Dropping the cane at the side of the bed, I slide up beside her, pulling her down so that I'm spooning her. Nuzzling her neck, I gently rub my hand all over her belly. I feel the baby kick beneath my hand and I smile proudly.
"Max?"
"Hmm." I sigh as I cuddle closer to her.
"Are you happy?" The question throws me, and I turn her so that I can see her face and where this line of questioning was coming from.
"Of course I am. Why would you ask such a thing?" Panic starts to rise in me. "A-are you happy?" She nods frantically and I can't help sighing in relief. Cupping my face, she pulls me down and presses her lips against mine.
"Very," she smiles. Together we lay there, our foreheads touching as we gaze into each others eyes.
"DAD!!" Jeffery's loud voice pulls us out of our haze. Brianna's and then Sara's soon follow as the three of them began to argue. Closing my eyes, I slowly count to ten.
"Should we go see what's going on?" Liz asks, already moving from my embrace. I grab her around the waist, pulling her back against me.
"Let's not," I suggest.
"Max, if we don't go they'll probably end up killing each other," she warns playfully.
"Then we'll sort out the bodies later," I smile. She giggles softly and allows me to coax her back into my embrace and place a kiss on her nose. I watch her relax and sigh contently. I stroke every inch of her body and whisper how much I love her before her soft snores finally reach my ears.
Who would have thought that when I accepted a job offer from Stefano 'Slim' Rinaldo nine years ago that it would change my life? Michael had asked me once would I change things had I known back then the things I know now. As I stare down at my very pregnant wife and listen to our children bicker somewhere throughout the house...the answer is simple…I wouldn't change a thing.
***************
So there it is...the end. It's been a long road and I'm sad to see it end. I want to thank everyone that stuck with me and were patience with my sporadic updates. Now that this is finished I'm going to work on God Sent for those of you that are reading it. I'll be on vacation for the next three weeks, but once I return, expect updates for that. As soon as I finish God Sent I will be posting 'Highways and Exits'. Once again thanks for your continued support, and I hope to see you soon.
XOXOXOXO
LS
8 years later
The house is quite as I carefully make my way door the long hall. I'm cautious not to wake any of the sleeping occupants as I finally make it to the patio. The moment I open the door, I'm assaulted by the fresh mountain air. Inhaling deeply, I love the smell and can't get enough of it. It is still dark out, but I know the sun will be rising soon. So I
wait, taking in the early morning noises and gentle breeze. I remember there was a time no one thought that I was going to make it to see another sunrise. But I made it, and I cherish each one as if seeing it for the first time.
The sound of the sliding door draws me from my musing and I can't help the smile that spreads across my face.
"Morning beautiful," I whisper softly as she crawls into my lap. I sit perfectly still as she wiggles about before finding a comfortable position and settling her head upon my chest. I wrap my arms around her tiny waist and place a kiss upon her ebony crown.
"Morning Daddy," she finally greets through a huge yawn. She begins playing with my hand absently as we sit in silence looking out at the mountain.
"What are you doing up so early?" I question gently.
"I had a bad dream." She shivers slightly and I tighten my arms around her protectively.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No." She shakes her head and burrows deeper into my chest.
"Are you sure, because I’m a great listener," I smile, waiting on her response. She hesitates a little, before staring up at me. I can see the wetness in her eyes and the nervous way she bites her bottom lip, reminding me so much of Liz.
"The Boogeyman was trying to get me," she whimpered and buries her face in my chest. I groan inwardly, knowing that I was going to hear an earful from Liz later for letting her watch that movie last night. I feel her shake against me as her tears hit my bare skin. Wrapping my arms around her tighter, I rub her back gently.
"Hey," I soothe softly. "There is no such thing as the boogeyman. That was just a silly old movie...he's not real. Okay." She doesn't respond, but instead, clings to me desperately. I lift her so that I can see her face, and her hair falls forward and a brown mass, curtaining her face.
Cupping her small face between my hands, I will her to look at me. "Sweetie look at daddy." It takes her a minute before she finally locks eyes with me. "You know that I'd never let anything happen to you. No on will ever hurt my babygirl, not even the boogeyman himself?"
"But he's really big." Her eyes widened and I chuckle softly.
"I'm bigger." Puffing out my chest I flex my arms like a muscle man, causing her to laugh loudly and I have to cover her mouth to keep her from waking the entire house. Once her laughter dies down to a soft giggle, I wrap my arms back around her and kiss her forehead.
"I love you daddy," she sighs, and I feel my heart swell. It's moments like these that I fully cherish my life.
"I love you too Doodlebug." I rub her back and stare out at the wide stretch of land before me. Seeing the first rays of the sun peeking over the mountains, I nudge her gently.
"Look." She lifts her head and gasp.
"Wow, it's so pretty daddy," she whispers in awe.
"Yes it is," I nod in agreement, resting my chin on top of her head. Together, we sit and watch the sun rise, bringing with it a new day. I don't know how long we sat there talking about nothing and everything, but our tranquil moment was ruined when loud arguing erupts from inside the house and I groan inwardly. I'm going to kill them. Pushing
slightly on Sara's back, I look around, searching frantically for...
"Here daddy," Sara beams proudly as she hands me my cane.
"Thank you Doodles." Gripping the handle tightly, I stand up. It's been years since I've regain feeling back in my legs and have graduated from a wheelchair to a walker and finally to a cane.
I remember there had been a time I thought I would never walk again. Dr. Soto had stayed positive the whole time; wanting to wait until the swelling went down to determine whether or not the paralysis was permanent. After two more weeks lying in the hospital bed the swelling had finally gone down, but I was still unable to feel anything from the waist down.
The months following, I became the King of Bastards. I guess you can say
that I was angry at the world...angry at Sean for being a punk bitch...just plain angry.
“FUCK!!" I shout, causing everyone in the room to stop what they were
doing and stare at me. "Everyone get the fuck out," I growl.
"Mr... Evans, just let me..." one of the nurse's tries to reason with me as she reaches for the small tab of the diaper I was now force to wear. I slap her hand away and snatch the blankets back over my dead lower body.
"I said GET THE HELL OUT," I bite out. "NOW!!" They all scuttle out of the room leaving just Liz and I.
"Max..." she begins.
"Leave," I snap, interrupting her words of pity.
"Max, please don't be that way." Her words are soft and patient. "I know this is hard for you, but..."
"Really? You don't know a damn thing," I reply dryly.
"Max..."
"Just go," I spit out bitterly, slamming the dinner tray that was sitting beside my bed, food untouched, across the room causing it to land on the floor in loud crash. I glare hard at her. Tears gather in her eyes and I watch as her bottom lip begins to tremble. She opens and closes her mouth several times before a small sob escapes her and she turns and flees the room, whatever words she wanted to say swallowed by
her cries.
I realize now that I wanted everyone to hurt as much as I was hurting. The main person that I hurt the most was Liz and every time I think about how cruel and mean I was to her, I feel like such a dick.
"So how much longer will we have to put up with you being an insensitive bastard?" Michael questions dryly as he stares out the large window of the physical therapy room. I'm sitting in my brand spanking new wheelchair reading a magazine. Can't you just feel my enthusiasm?
"No one said you had to be here," I snap, sending a hot glare at the physical therapist that is sitting in the corner waiting patiently for me to begin my session. Michael lets out a distasteful snort and comes to stand directly in front of me.
"Really? I'd figure since you've managed to insult, humiliate, torture or scare every last person in this hospital, I would think you would want someone here that wasn't completely eager to push your ass down a flight of stairs...” I huff, but don't reply as I continue to flip the magazine in my hand.
"Do you have any idea what you're putting Liz through?" I pause briefly at his question but quickly ignore it and flip another page. "Are you even listening to me?!" he shouts, snatching the magazine from my hands and flinging it across the room. I stare angrily at him, wishing he would just leave me the fuck alone.
"How the hell can you treat her like that? She loves you...she's carrying your child."
"You don't know a damn thing about what is going on between Liz and I,"I bite, releasing the brakes on my chair and rolling over to the window.
"Enlighten me," he pushes, coming to stand beside me. He stands there waiting patiently for me to speak. Finally I inhale sharply as I stare
down helplessly at my lap.
"I don't want her to see me like this," I admit shamefully.
"Like what?" he asked confused and I stare at him in disbelief.
"Look the fuck around Michael...for Christ Sake...I'm in a freaking wheelchair," I snarl.
"And?" he shrugs still staring at me with that stupid look on his face. I sigh heavily, running a frustrated hand through my hair.
"Forget it Michael...just go," I instruct shortly.
"Did Liz say something or give you the impression that the chair was a problem?" he asks with that confused look once again up his face. "Well?" he continues to probe when I sit in silence.
"No," I snap in annoyance.
"So let me get this straight..." he begins in a condescending tone. "Not only have you been treating everyone here like shit, but you've been treating the woman you supposedly love...the mother of your child like crap because you're feeling sorry for yourself," he snorts, hitting the nail right on the head.
"You know what, I don't need you here so you can leave," I reply defensively.
"Why?"
"Why what?" I feign ignorant. When it's apparent that he doesn't buy my act, I stare out the window, looking at the park below.
"What kind of husband or father will I be? Look at me I'm a fucking cripple...they're better off without me." I sigh heavily. Silence surrounds us for what seems like hours before he finally speaks.
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," he retorts. I snap my eyes towards him noticing the anger in his eyes. "How can you even fix your mouth to say such a thing? This is Liz, the woman you risked your life to be with. Now that it is okay for the two of you to be together, you're just going to toss it all away...Liz...your child."
"And what do I have to offer them!" I shout, "Look at me...I have to wear a fucking diaper because I don't have control of my on shit...tell me what good I would be for them? I can't teach him or her how to ride a bike or fly a kite or just horse around...and Liz, I can't even make love to her the way a husband should," I mumble shamefully. "How can I ask her to live a life like that?" I swallow thickly, fighting the tears that are threatening to spill forward.
"Who says you still can't do all those things?" he asks, his voice softening no longer holding the anger from previously. "Look Max, I know you feel like you were dealt a raw hand, and I know it sucks...but look at this way, at least you're alive to see another day and instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you should be grateful you got a second chance...a chance to marry the girl of your dreams...to see your child born. You should be counting your blessings instead of the negatives." Tears that I'd been fighting finally rush forward at his words and how much they really hit home. I'm terrified of waking up one day to find Liz gone because she couldn't handle the situation any longer. I don't
think that I could live through another disappointment; not on top of everything else.
Throughout my breakdown, Michael never said a word. He just stood with a comforting hand on my shoulder.
Michael had been right, and Liz, by some unknown miracle had forgiven me for the way I had acted and we had a long and tearful talk were I realized that no matter what...through thick and thin, she was going to be at my side. With the new found confidence she'd instilled in me, I was a determined man. I was determined to walk again.
Seven months after the shooting, we were married. It was the happiest day of my life and full of surprises.
"Nervous?" Michael asks as he sits down across from me, a smirk playing across his face.
"Why would you say that?" I ask distractedly as I stare once again at the closed doors of the church. I know in a few minutes Liz will be walking through them and I know she will be just as beautiful as the first day I saw her. The church is small and since neither of us had any family, only the first two pews were occupied, mainly with staff and students from the community center and Dr. Soto who had became like one of the family in the past seven months. But that didn't matter to me, the only thing that matter was Liz and the fact that she was about to become my wife. The doors opened wide and I sigh dejectedly when Maria, Isabel and the rest of the Renaldo girls walked in along with Alfonso. Michael chuckled and I stare over at him. He's shaking his head as he
gives me a knowing look.
"Don't worry, I don't know why...but she'll be here." He jokes and I punch him lightly. I send a small smile towards the Rinaldo's and Alfonso, happy they were there. I must admit it wasn't an easy task. Although Isabel had comfort Liz in her time of need, she still was quite bitter with the two of us, and it took a lot of screaming and tears to get the two woman back on the road towards the close friendship they once shared.
Finally the preacher announces that he was ready and I quickly motion towards Michael who retrieves my surprise. After a little assistance we're ready and I feel my heart drumming against my chest. The large double doors open and I swallow thickly as she appears. She dressed in a simple baby tee dress that flares out over her expanding stomach that nestles our child and I can't help the pride that comes over me in knowing that she is having my baby. Her hair is swept up in array of curls with a few disobedient strands cradle her face. She looks absolutely breathtaking. She smiles brightly as she makes her way towards me, and I signal Michael forward. He sits the walker in front of me as I move the offensive footplates of my wheelchair aside and shakily, I stand to my
feet. Shock clouds her face as she continues towards me and I take a few baby steps towards her.
"Max...how...when," she whispers softly as she finally reaches my side. Tears flood her eyes and fall gently against her cheek. As much as I wish I could brush them away, I know if I was to let go of this walker I will fall flat on my ass. I guess you can say that all the hard work I had been doing in physical therapy had paid off. About three weeks ago I woke to a small throbbing in my left leg. At first I was panic until I realize that I could actually feel something. I hadn't mentioned it to Liz for the fear of it just being my imagination or false hopes, but later that evening I had a doctor's appointment and mentioned it to Dr. Soto. He ran a few tests but told me not to get my hopes up, but with each day that passed I started gaining more and more sensation. Scott, my PT had introduced the walker just last week and I knew that I wanted to stand by Liz on our wedding day. I had sworn Dr. Soto and everyone else that knew to secrecy. I wanted to surprise her, and from the look on her face I’ve succeeded.
"Shh..." I smile brightly, mouthing 'later' as I turn back towards the preacher who is standing before us with a huge smile on his face. The ceremony went off without a hitch and we were announced husband and wife before the small crowd of our friends and family.
"I can't believe you kept something like this from me," Liz scolds, but there really isn't much heat behind her words. She's perched in my lap eating a piece of our wedding cake and I smile as she gets a little frosting on the corner of her mouth. We had all gathered back a Dino's for a small reception before Liz and I departed for our honeymoon. Being on my feet for such a long period has tired me out and I was forced back into my chair by Liz and Dr. Soto. I'm not complaining though.
"I'm sorry baby," I coo, bring her head down as I swipe my tongue across her lips removing the offending frosting. She captures my face before I could withdraw completely and deepens the kiss. I deep groan rumbles in my chest as her tongue cresses mine and I tighten my hold on her. My hand lands protectively over our unborn child as I moan deeply.
"Can't you to at least wait till the honeymoon?" Michael teased as he stood beside us. A blush creeps up our faces as we rest our foreheads together.
"I love you, Mrs. Evans," I pant heavily, caressing her neck tenderly.
"And I love you, Mr. Evans," she grins brightly.
******
Resting upon my elbows, I watch my wife sleeping peacefully near the fire place. My wife. I still can't believe that we are married. Not only are we married, but expecting our first child in a few months. We arrived at our home in Colorado to begin our honeymoon and our new lives. This evening was the first time that either of us had actually seen the place Phillip had willed me. Michael had been here several times in the past six months; making sure that it was wheelchair accessible. He's added several ramps inside and outside the home as well as hand bars in all the bathrooms.
She shifts in her sleep, causing the blanket to retract, exposing her naked breasts. Although I've regain some feeling below the waist, Dr. Soto wants me to take it easy and refrain from any strenuous activities at the moment; in other words...no sex. He's quite positive that with the progress I've been making that I will be able to resume a normal
sex life. I can't help the smile that dances across my face. Even though we aren't able to make love physically yet, I was able to give her extreme pleasure in other ways. It had been so long since I've hear her cry out my name in such passion , and I can't help the pride that swells in my chest knowing that it's my hands and mouth that are able to carry her to new heights of pleasure and back.
I've been watching her for the past hour now, unable to take my eyes off of her. I stare out the large picture window and I know the first rays of sunlight will be peeking over the mountains soon.
"Liz," I whisper softly. Kissing her neck, I inhale her sweet scent as I brush my lips over her ear.
"Baby." She stirs before her eyes flutter open.
"Hey," she smiles sleepily, stretching like a newborn kitten. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just want to show you something." I slide on my boxers and maneuver myself into my chair. "C'mere," I gesture. I watch as she climbs to her feet, wrapping the
blanket around her.
"Max, I'm too heavy," she protests as I pull her down into my lap. I ignore her words and wheel us onto the patio. The air is a little chilly and I wrap the blanket more securely against her before enveloping her into my arms.
"I can't believe this is actually ours," Liz sighs and I placed a kiss upon her neck.
"I know." It wasn't long before the first rays of sunshine peek over the mountains, and I hear the soft gasp that escapes her lips as the sun paints array of colors across the sky.
"It's so beautiful," she whispers as if she spoke above a whisper it would disturb the moment.
"Not as beautiful as you. I love you Liz. We've been through a lot together. These past seven months you've stuck by me. Even through times that I didn't treat you fairly, you never left me. I just want to thank you. Thank you for being here...for loving me." I swallow thickly, burying my face in her silky mane. She stands before turning and straddling my lap the best way she could with the blanket and her round belly hindering her.
"Max, you don't have to thank me," she smiles, cupping my face between her palms. "Don't you know that I'll always be here for you...no matter what? I love you," she whispers softly followed by a kiss. The blanket that was covering her had slid down to her waist and the chill from the air was causing her nipples to harden. I groan at the sight and quickly cup her mounds in my hand. She moans encouragingly, and I give her rosy
tips a gentle pinch.
As I watch her throw her head back in excitement; the sun using the sky as a canvas and creating a scene of perfection, I know this is what I want. I want to spend the rest of my life waking up with her in my arms just like this; beautiful.
And that is exactly what we've done. For the last eight years there hasn't been a morning were the two of us haven't watched the sunrise against the mountain.
Today was the first time that I'd watched alone, but as I watched her sleeping peacefully, her face relaxed and a small smile biting at her lips, I didn't have the heart to wake her, especially after the night we had.
Walking into the house with Sara planted firmly beside me; I make my way
towards the unruly noise. There in the kitchen is where I find them...our children. That's right I said children. Jeffery Maxwell Evans made his grand debut three weeks after our honeymoon. It had been a blessed event to hold him in my arms; so tiny and small. I remember the way he would look up at me as if I was his everything. I guess back
then I had been. Now I as I watch him torture his younger sister, I wish for those days were he couldn't talk.
Brianna Diane Evans is seven, and came as a total surprise to everyone. Jeffery had been six months old when Dr. Soto had given the okay for us to resume a normal sex life. He had warned us that there might be a chance that we would never be able to conceive another child. I had been devastated knowing that I couldn't provide Liz with the houseful of children that she had always wanted, but Liz had assured me that she was fine and
that as long as we had Jeffery and each other, she was happy. When we returned to Colorado, Michael and Maria had come back with us for a small vacation before their own wedding which was only two months away. They had opted to watch Jeffery for us one evening, giving us a much needed break from parenthood.
"So what do you want to do now?" Liz smiles as she plots down on the sofa. She'd just dropped Jeffery off at the guesthouse where Maria and Michael were staying. After adding the last log to the fire, I slowly make my way to where she's sitting, focusing solely on each step as I grip the cane tightly in my hand. I'd ditched the walker while at my last appointment with Dr. Soto, and I'm now the proud owner of a wooden cane that will be a permanent fixture in my life.
"I don't know. Whatever you want to do is fine with me," I smile, as I sit down beside her. I watch a twinkle appear in her eyes before she moves and straddles my lap.
"Well, I know there are a lot a things I 'should' be doing now that Jeffery’s not here, but there is only one thing I want to do," she replies before her lips slants over mine. She flicks her tongue out teasingly. I moan deeply, bringing my hands up to caress beneath her shirt. She purrs above me, her hips grinding against mine. Her hands move to undo my pants, and I stiffen. Even though Dr. Soto has given the okay for me to resume sexual activities, I find myself afraid. Not afraid of Liz, but afraid of disappointing her. Since the shooting, I've been able to get an erection, but maintaining them has been a problem.
Frankly I'm embarrassed of losing it to quickly and seeing the disappointment in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" She asks when I cease her hand. I look away shamefully, but she captures my face and will me to look at her.
"We don't have to if you're not ready," she mumbles softly. I chuckle softly because I'm more then ready, the strain of my hardness can prove that, but my insecurities hold me back from making love to my wife.
"It's not that," I sigh heavily, running my hand through my hair. She waits patiently for me to tell her what is wrong, and finally I blurt it out, waiting with bated breath for her response.
"Max," she finally speaks. "I don't expect this to be the backbreaking love making we had before the shooting," she teases with a loving smile. "You can never disappoint me. We'll just take it slow, ok? No expectations," she whispered right before her lips came crashing down on mine.
We took things slow and made love all night, making up for lost times. Surprisingly I had no problems with my manhood. Even through there was no expectation, we would have never expected that she would end up pregnant.
"What is going on here?" I scold, watching the hall to make sure they hadn't woken Liz.
"Jeff took all the Cookie Crisp and now he won't even share," Bri pouts and I can't help but smile at how much she looks like Liz. I stare down at Sara who rolls her eyes at her siblings before climbing onto the barstool at the island.
Sara Ann Evans is four. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was going up. She's the quietest of the bunch and loves to hang out with me. Liz swears that I corrupted her while she was still in the womb because she acts and looks just like me...right down to the alien ears. I pull my attention away from her as Jeff and Bri began to bicker once again.
"Dad, I got them first," Jeff says around a mouthful of cereal and I wonder if I'm letting him spend too much time with Michael because the kid is seriously picking up on his eating habits.
"So, they're mine. Mama brought them for me and she brought you those silly Captain Crunch you wanted," Bri growled as she stomps her feet and glares hard at her brother.
"Okay you two, that's enough. You're going to wake your mom and if that happens, I'm going to strangle you both," I threaten, causing Sara to giggle because she knew that I would do no such thing. Plus she loved to see her siblings in trouble. The two of them stopped to stare at me with open mouths.
"Daddy, you're silly," Bri retorts before shoving her brother and running out the room.
I grab Jeff as he begins to chase her. "Hold on there speedy."
"But dad," he pouts.
"Leave your sister alone. You did just eat her cereal," I raise and eyebrow at him.
"Man, they always get their way," he sulks. "I can't wait till my brother gets here. Then it will be equal in this house and the women won't have so much pull around here," he mumbles as he heads to his room. Yelp he's definitely been hanging with Michael to long. I think I'm going to have a long talk with my so called best friend and his corruption of my son.
Sighing heavily, I leave Sara and Brianna watching Saturday morning cartoons as I make my way up the stairs. It isn't an easy task, but I refuse to let a few stairs hinder me. Finally making it to the second floor landing, I walk to our room at the end of the hall. Pushing the door open, I'm greeted with the most beautiful sight. Liz is sitting in the middle of our king sizes bed, singing softly to her round belly. She looks up, sending me one of her brilliant smiles and I return it with one of my own.
"Is the crisis over?" she asks as I move to sit on the edge of the bed next to her.
"I'm sorry if they woke you up."
"It's okay. Your son decided he wanted to play a little kick ball with my bladder so I had to get up away," she shrugs. The smile returns to my face as I place my hand over her bare stomach and caress our unborn son.
"He's ready to come see his daddy," I tease.
"Trust me, no one would be happier then I will when he decides he's ready to come out." We had spent the majority of yesterday evening in the hospital because she was having contractions, but after eight long, tiresome hours the doctor had sent us home with 'false labor.' She had come right home and crashed out. I send her a sympathetic smile at her
words. I know this pregnancy was draining her, and I've done all I can to make it more bareable for her.
"Well, it won't be long now," I assured her. She nods, lacing her fingers through mine that was resting on her belly.
"I'm sorry I missed the sunrise," she frowns, looking out at the brightened day.
"It's okay, I had some company," I tell her.
"Sara." She smiles knowingly and I nod. "That girl has you so wrapped around her little finger," she chuckles. She's right, as much as I hate to admit it; they all have a way of getting what they want from me. I love being a father. Dropping the cane at the side of the bed, I slide up beside her, pulling her down so that I'm spooning her. Nuzzling her neck, I gently rub my hand all over her belly. I feel the baby kick beneath my hand and I smile proudly.
"Max?"
"Hmm." I sigh as I cuddle closer to her.
"Are you happy?" The question throws me, and I turn her so that I can see her face and where this line of questioning was coming from.
"Of course I am. Why would you ask such a thing?" Panic starts to rise in me. "A-are you happy?" She nods frantically and I can't help sighing in relief. Cupping my face, she pulls me down and presses her lips against mine.
"Very," she smiles. Together we lay there, our foreheads touching as we gaze into each others eyes.
"DAD!!" Jeffery's loud voice pulls us out of our haze. Brianna's and then Sara's soon follow as the three of them began to argue. Closing my eyes, I slowly count to ten.
"Should we go see what's going on?" Liz asks, already moving from my embrace. I grab her around the waist, pulling her back against me.
"Let's not," I suggest.
"Max, if we don't go they'll probably end up killing each other," she warns playfully.
"Then we'll sort out the bodies later," I smile. She giggles softly and allows me to coax her back into my embrace and place a kiss on her nose. I watch her relax and sigh contently. I stroke every inch of her body and whisper how much I love her before her soft snores finally reach my ears.
Who would have thought that when I accepted a job offer from Stefano 'Slim' Rinaldo nine years ago that it would change my life? Michael had asked me once would I change things had I known back then the things I know now. As I stare down at my very pregnant wife and listen to our children bicker somewhere throughout the house...the answer is simple…I wouldn't change a thing.
***************
So there it is...the end. It's been a long road and I'm sad to see it end. I want to thank everyone that stuck with me and were patience with my sporadic updates. Now that this is finished I'm going to work on God Sent for those of you that are reading it. I'll be on vacation for the next three weeks, but once I return, expect updates for that. As soon as I finish God Sent I will be posting 'Highways and Exits'. Once again thanks for your continued support, and I hope to see you soon.
XOXOXOXO
LS
Last edited by Lady Scorpio on Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Check out my fics:
~~Lady Scorpio's Fics~~
Forever Mine
Love, Life and Danger
Generation Next
Running from the Past
The House
Down Low
God Sent
Returning to Love
~~Lady Scorpio's Fics~~
Forever Mine
Love, Life and Danger
Generation Next
Running from the Past
The House
Down Low
God Sent
Returning to Love