Will You Be My Valentine? (Mature, AU, M/L) COMPLETE 16/02

[Erina]

<center></center>

Title:Will You Be My Valentine?

Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended. The songs and poems are not also mine.

Pairings/Couples/Category: M/L

Rating: Mature

Summary: Max and Liz's Valentine's Day!

Author's Note: Thanks to my wonderful beta Heavenli24. In this story I will use some poems, but once again, nothing is mine. Poems


<center>PART 1</center>

Valentine's Day
Is a wonderful way
To make "I love you"
Easy to say.

Saturday, February 11th, 2006

Max and Liz’s apartment, 8 a.m.

Liz slowly opened her eyes and the first thing she noticed was the fact that the day was apparently a sunny one; their bedroom was filled with bright sunlight. She smiled; it was the perfect day for the picnic they had planned in the small park, not far away from the city.

They had found this park when they were returning back from their Christmas holidays in Roswell. For some weird reason, Max was terribly afraid of flying and had refused to go on a plane ever in his life. He preferred to be on the ground, not high in the air in some piece of metal with many screws. Liz hadn’t liked Max’s idea of travelling to Roswell, and then back to LA in a car, but what she could do? She loved him and would go with him anywhere.

Their trip had been more or less successful. The two of them had spent Thanksgiving with Max’s family in Boston, so Liz was very happy to visit her family. Her parents, Jeff and Nancy Parker, owned an alien themed restaurant called “The Crashdown” and lived above it. Liz was also finally introduced to her sister’s boyfriend. Katie was seven years younger than her and Liz was very protective of her. Their big brother Alex, wasn’t living in Roswell anymore either. It was strange, but although Alex and Isabel, Max’s sister, hadn’t even known each other until Max and Liz started to date, they were already engaged. Since Max and Liz had spent Thanksgiving in Boston, now it was Alex and Isabel’s turn to spend their holidays there.

Everything was all right and they had almost made it back to LA, but...the car had broken down not far from the city and there was nothing they could do except wait for the car service. Lucky for them, they were very near to a small, but very beautiful park. They had some food in the car, so they had taken a blanket, food and arranged a picnic in the park.

Liz glanced at the clock on the bureau. It was still early and they didn’t have to get up for another hour. Liz looked at the picture beside the clock. It was taken on their first date almost a year ago. They had literally bumped into each other on February 14th. Both Liz and her best friend Maria were single at the time, so they had decided not to stay home, but go out to some new club. Without intention, she had bumped into Max and when Liz looked at him she knew – she would spend the rest of her life with him.

It was love at first sight. They had immediately ... clicked and Liz couldn’t wish for more. The two of them understood each other without words. Liz was in heaven when Max had suggested getting out of the crowded, noisy club, only to have a romantic dinner on the beach. That night was simply perfect, but that was only the beginning. Since then Max and Liz were joined at the hip, they didn’t go anywhere without each other. Sitting in classes was pure torture for them both.

When Liz had caught the flu, Max had been with her all the time. He prepared the bed for her, made meals and hot tea and always handed her handkerchiefs. He was a wonderful boyfriend and Liz couldn’t believe that he was hers. When, not so long after Liz’s recovery, Max had caught the flu as well, Liz had enjoyed every minute that she spent taking care of him.

Their three-month anniversary was very special for their relationship. Liz had finally given her virginity to Max that night, but after that...things changed. Even their road to happiness wasn’t full of roses. Apparently, Max had broken up with his previous girlfriend not so long before he had met Liz, but he had never mentioned it. Although he and Tess had agreed to be friends, Liz wasn’t happy when they started to spend more and more time together. Things got even worse when Liz had suspected that she was pregnant. She and Max had started to fight more seriously, although in the end they would apologize to each other. Overall, that time was hard for Liz. She was relieved when the doctor stated that she wasn’t pregnant. It wasn’t like she didn’t want Max’s baby, but they still had more than a year left of college. Liz felt better when Tess got a boyfriend as well.

One night they had sat down and talked about their problems and fights. Liz had admitted her jealousy for Tess and Max had apologized that he hadn’t seen it sooner. But everything had a bright side too. Yes, they had fought, but in the end, they were closer, if that was even possible.

Last summer was probably the best of Liz’s life. After their problems, the couple had decided to take a little vacation. They had both saved enough money to rent a little house at the beach. They had lived there at first, the entire month – making love, swimming, sunbathing or simply enjoying each other’s company.

Later their friends had joined them. In the end, instead of one month, Max and Liz had lived there for two months. Their time there was successful. Both Maria and Michael admitted that they liked each other, although the two of them fought like cat and dog. Liz was shocked when her terribly shy brother had asked Isabel to be his girlfriend. He had never dated a lot, but Alex was a great man – smart, sweet, funny, interesting...Isabel was lucky to have him as her boyfriend.

Even more...On New Year’s, Alex and Isabel had gathered their families together (this time in LA and Liz was very, very glad about it) and announced their engagement. Nancy was very happy, Diane had cried, but both fathers just grinned.

Liz wasn’t sad that Max hadn’t proposed to her yet, although they had been dating longer than Alex and Isabel. Liz and Max were still in their last college year and they could wait a little. Besides, Liz was already living with Max; she had moved in late August. After spending two months together in one house, room and bed, they couldn’t be apart anymore.

Things were simply great after that. They both enjoyed living together and their friends teased them that they were already acting like a married couple. Often Max surprised her with breakfast in bed; sometimes Liz was the one who woke up earlier. Liz was fixing his tie and he was helping to zip her dress. They had never argued about dirty dishes or toilet seat. They had similar interests and what was more important, they had plans for the future. Together.

“What are you thinking about?” Max’s voice, still rough with sleep, snapped Liz out of her thoughts.

“Nothing,” she smiled shyly, biting her lower lip as she curled closer to her boyfriend. She loved to be so close to him.

“Jesus, you’re doing that lip thing again,” Max growled and attacked her lips and Liz giggled. How she loved him!

Soon his kisses started to become more passionate. Liz moaned as he moved his lips to her neck, his hands roaming her body.

“Max,” she panted, “We have to stop,” Liz said, although she didn’t want to.

“You don’t mean that,” Max mumbled against her neck and then sucked one particular spot, which he knew drove Liz crazy. He was rewarded with a loud moan.

“M-Max,” Liz moaned again and again. She wasn’t surprised that Max could predict her so much, he was reading her like an open book and she didn’t hide anything from him, “We really need to go out,” she said.

The truth was, Liz didn’t really mind staying a whole day in bed with him. But New Year’s Eve, when they had spent the night together with their families, was the last time they actually went out. Since then, every weekend they had spent in their little apartment, more specifically, in their bedroom.

Liz knew that if they didn’t stop, this would be another weekend in their apartment. It was simple: she wanted to go out. Besides, Valentine’s Day was on Tuesday and Liz was hoping she would be able to draw out something from Max.

They hadn’t made any plans for Tuesday, so Liz suspected Max had something in mind. He wouldn’t be able to forget Valentine’s and their one-year anniversary, would he?

“Max, I-I mean it,” Liz said breathlessly. She gasped as she felt Max’s hands under her tank top. She sensed his hands on her stomach at first and they slowly moved up.

Liz knew that if they were to reach their destination, she would lose her battle...

“Nope, you don’t mean it, Liz,” Max smirked and his hands travelled a little bit further, “If you meant it, why can’t you stop me?” he asked, amused about her lack of willpower around him.

“M-Max,” Liz moaned. That was it, how could she stop him if her boyfriend was doing the exact thing she wanted him to do?

The telephone rang loudly, causing Max to almost fall out of the bed. But he quickly pulled himself together and murmured, “Ignore it,”

“Hey, you have reached Max and Liz...” Liz heard her voice on the answering machine.
“Hey, it’s Maria,” Maria’s cheery voice filled the room and Liz’s mind cleared immediately, “Where are you guys? I know you were supposed to go out on a picnic, but it’s still 9 am, so it’s a little bit early for that,” she rambled, “Anyway, I called to tell you how much of a pig Michael is, although that isn’t anything new, huh? So, yesterday....” Maria continued, until Max couldn’t bear it anymore and he pushed himself from Liz a little bit to pick up the phone.

“Listen, Maria, we are kind of in the middle of something,” Max said in the phone, “So, can you ring a little bit later? Thanks,” Max said and hung up, without giving Maria a chance to say something.

“Well, where was I?” he said, once again returning to Liz.

But Liz’s head was now clearer. She quickly jumped out of the bed, before Max could even say something.

“Hey!” he protested.

Liz laughed at him, he looked like someone had stolen his favourite toy, “Sorry, buddy, but I really want to go out today,” Liz said as she quickly ran to the bathroom, before Max could do anything.

As soon as Max heard the shower, he picked up his cell phone and dialled a number.

“Hey, it’s me,” he whispered, “Yes, everything is according to plan, don’t worry. Liz doesn’t even suspect anything,” he smiled.



I will post one part tomorrow and Monday. On February 14th there will be two parts and I'm still not sure about the last part...

[Erina]

Thanks! I'm glad you all liked this.

<center>PART 2</center>

Sunday, February 12th
Max and Liz’s apartment, 9 a.m.

Liz was woken by a loud knock at the door. She quickly glanced at the clock and groaned. Who in the hell could come in 9 a.m., on Sunday morning? That was too early...

When the knocking didn’t stop, Liz looked at Max. Maybe he would go to the door? Liz chuckled when she saw that he was still sleeping. Apparently, her boyfriend was too tired to be woken up by a knock at the door.

Liz shakily stood up and started her journey to the door, in the process picking up their clothes. They had gone for the picnic the day before, but as they had sat down on the blanket, the bright sun had disappeared. Instead of the sun, Max and Liz had received a rain and it hadn’t stopped entire Saturday. And again, they had spent the whole day in bed. It didn’t surprise Liz that Max wasn’t able to wake up, they had only gone to sleep just a few hours before.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Liz said with an irritated voice, but she doubted if the person at the other side of the door heard her.

Before opening the door, Liz briefly looked in the mirror. And frowned. Her hair was messy and she had bags under her eyes. Jeez, she hoped her mother hadn’t come to visit them suddenly.

Liz opened the door.

Or Maria.

“Wow, girl you look terrible today! Why aren’t you sleeping?” Maria asked.

“Well, someone woke me up,” she pointed out, “Really, Maria, what are you doing here? It’s still 9 a.m.,” Liz said and watched as Maria sat down on her couch. Apparently, it would be a long talk.

“It might be a surprise, but I haven’t come to see you,” Maria said, “Go wake up that moron, Max,” she ordered and stood up to push Liz towards her and Max’s bedroom, “I need to talk with him, but I don’t want to be scarred for the rest of my life by waking him up. Go!”

Confused, Liz went into their bedroom. Well, she could have guessed that Maria would be mad, because Max had hung up on her the day before. But this? Maria usually wasn’t out of the bed until the evening on Saturday.

Liz came to their bed, “Max,” she softly whispered, “Wake up, honey, Maria wants to see you,” Liz watched as he slowly opened his eyes.

“Huh? Maria?” he asked, “What is she doing here?”

“Dunno, but she wants to see you,” Liz said, “She is probably just very, very angry with you because of what you did yesterday,” Liz grinned, “Come on, go and face her, she won’t go away and you know it,”

“I guess I don’t have a choice,” Max said and stood up, “Hey, why don’t you take a shower while I’m dealing with Maria?” he asked.

“You sure?” Liz asked surprised, “I mean you will be alone with an angry DeLuca, aren’t you afraid?” Liz laughed.

Max gulped, “No, I-I will be fine, I know self-defence,” he laughed back.

“Ok, but if she starts to do something, just yell,” Liz went into the bathroom.

Perfect Maria, just perfect, Liz thought as she closed the door. Now she would have at least half an hour to find her Valentine’s present.

She knew she shouldn’t, but she was just curious, that’s all. Besides, they were going to be married…someday. So, they couldn’t have secrets between the two of them, right?

Deep inside her mind and heart, Liz knew that it was wrong, but she couldn’t help it. The last few days, Max hadn’t left her side even for a minute. Especially when she was going to their bedroom; Max would go there too, giving some lame excuse. He was hiding something and Liz wanted to know what it was.

When Liz heard the bedroom door close, she practically ran out of the bathroom, only to freeze when she saw Max still standing in the room.

“Aaa!” she squealed, “What are you doing here? You scared me!” she said, trying to calm her heart.

“Shouldn’t I ask you that?” Liz heard his amused voice, “I forgot to put on my shirt and was calmly and peacefully doing that, when you ran out like that!” Max laughed, “What happened?” he asked.

“Nothing!” Liz answered to fast, “I-I was just coming...to get a hairbrush,” Liz explained as she went to her bureau to take it.

“Liz, you have one in the bathroom,” Max said.

„So?” Liz asked, “I don’t see a problem,” she shrugged.

“Fine, I guess I will go,” Max said and went out of the bedroom.

Liz pressed her ear against the door and sighed in relief, when she heard Max and Maria’s voices. Now she really had some time.

After ten minutes, she had checked everything; all the drawers, the closet, even under the bed and in the bathroom, but nothing. Either Max hadn’t bought her anything or he had hidden it somewhere else. She would have a little time tomorrow, before Max came home. Her classes ended earlier than his on Monday and she would use that time properly.

“Maria is gone,” said Max, startling Liz again.

“Max!” Liz shrieked, “Do you want to give me a heart attack?”

“Oh sweetie,” Max said, coming closer to her, “I’m sorry. Come with me!” he said and led her to the living room, where he turned on the radio, “Dance with me,” he said.

I love you because you understand dear
Every single thing I try to do.
You're always there to lend a helping hand, dear.
I love you most of all because you're you.

No matter what the world may say about me,
I know your love will always see me through.
I love you for the way you never doubt me.
But most of all I love you 'cause you're you.

Liz remembered the time almost one year ago, when she had been trying to convince Max to dance. Liz had to do a lot of persuading, but in the end, she had taught him how to dance and since then, he used every free moment to dance with her.

I love you because, because my heart is lighter
Honey, every time, every time I'm walking by your side
and I love you, yes I love you because the future is a little bit brighter
and the door, the door of my happiness, you open wide

No matter what may be the style or season,
I know your heart will always be true.
I love you for a hundred thousand reasons,
But most of all I love you 'cause you're you.


“Oh, Max,” Liz said after the song, “You’re forgiven,” she smiled.

“I love you, Liz,” he said and leaned down to kiss her.

Liz rushed to her class. Yesterday had been their one-month anniversary and Max had told her that he loved her. Of course, Liz responded with the same. It was only natural that Liz’s attention wasn’t on her class, but that all she could think about was Max.

Liz had overslept today and now she was late for her class. Liz’s phone called and she picked it up, hoping that the talk would be short.

She was surprised to hear Max’s voice, it was still early and he hadn’t any class for a couple of hours.
“I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart,” Max sang in the phone and Liz literally melted. How he could be so sweet?

“I love you too, Max,” Liz said breathlessly as they broke the kiss.

And once again, they didn’t leave the apartment whole day.

***

Sunday, February 12th
Max and Liz’s apartment, 10 p.m.

Liz woke up and immediately noticed that she was alone in the bed. Where was he? Liz didn’t hear a shower running. Weird.

She stood up and barefoot went to the kitchen, then living room. Max wasn’t there. She already started to worry; it was Sunday evening, where would Max go, without telling her?

The door opened and Max came in. He jumped a little when he saw Liz standing in the living room.

“Geez, Liz, who is now trying to scare who, huh?” he laughed nervously as he came to her and wrapped his hands around his girlfriend.

“Where were you, Max?” Liz asked curiously.

“I-I took out the garbage,” Max replied and Liz raised an eyebrow, “What?” he asked defended, “You always ask me to do that!”

“Yeah, but was it really necessary to get up at 10 p.m. to take out the garbage?” Liz asked amused.

“So?” Max asked, “I don’t see a problem,” he shrugged, using the same answer Liz had earlier that day.

“Max!” Liz whined.

“Liz!” Max mocked, “Let’s go to the bed,” he suggested.

“Fine,” Liz said defeated. She hadn’t won the battle, but the war wasn’t over yet.


Elvis Presley - "I Love You Because"
and
Stevie Wonder "I Just Called To Say I Love You"

[Erina]

Hey, I don't have time to answer to each feedback, but I will do that in the end....So, here is the next part, tomorrow will be two parts.

<center>PART 3</center>

Monday, February 13th
Max and Liz’s apartment, 3 p.m.

As quickly as possible, Liz opened the door and rushed inside. She only had an hour for searching, before Max would come home. But she was determined to find whatever she had to find. Max had been too secretive in the last few days. Like she had really believed that Max wanted to take out the garbage! Duh!

She started with the kitchen; Liz looked in every cabinet, every drawer. Heck, she even checked the oven and fridge. Even the undersides of the table and chairs didn’t slip out of Liz’s attention. Nothing.

Liz moved to the living room. Thanks God, their apartment wasn’t too large, just the kitchen, living room and one bedroom. At the moment, Liz was very grateful for it, she didn’t have to search in many places.

She was so used to the apartment’s silence, that the unexpected sound of the phone ringing made her drop the book to the floor.

“Hello?” Liz snapped into the phone. Usually she wasn’t like this, but the fact that she couldn’t find anything made her a little uneasy. Max couldn’t forget Valentine’s and their first anniversary, could he?

“Well, hello to you too, dear,” said a sarcastic voice.

“Sorry, Mom,” Liz apologized.

“What’s wrong? Do you and Max have problems?” Nancy asked worriedly.

“No, Mom, how can you think that? We are great,” Liz said firmly. Her parents liked Max very much. Of course, they had been kind of worried about their relationship progressing so quickly, but that was in the past.

“Oh, what’s wrong then?” Nancy asked again.

“Nothing, Mom, I guess I’m just tired,” Liz sighed and sat down on the couch. She really was tired.

“Weariness, mood swings...Hmmm....Are you pregnant?” her mother boldly asked.

“Yes, mother, in fact I am,” Liz said.

For a moment, Liz couldn’t hear anything and she started to worry about her mother. Of course, her mother loved Max, but they had been together just for a year, both were still in college and hadn’t marriage plans in the near future. Yes, they had plans to marry, but after graduation.

“Mom?” Liz asked worriedly as she heard a strange noise, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, dear, I’m fine,” her mother told her in a shaky voice, „I guess the phone just slipped out of my hand,” she laughed nervously, “Congratulations, dear,” Nancy said then, “I’m really happy for you,” she admitted.

“Are you? Because we are still in college and out of wedlock!” Liz exclaimed.

“Geez, Liz, do you really want me to change my mind? Besides I kind of suspected it when Maria had called only to complain that you and Max aren’t going out at all,” her mother laughed and Liz found herself blushing at her words. Maria never was able to keep her mouth shut, huh?

“Anyway, how far along are you?” Nancy asked.

“Just four weeks,” Liz replied. In fact, she had found out just earlier. She had her suspicions and brought a home test a couple of days ago. Max’s continuous following irritated her even more, because she couldn’t take the test in peace. When the test had confirmed her suspicions, Liz had immediately made an appointment to the doctor. Today Liz had found out for sure; she was pregnant with Max’s baby. Just thinking about it, made her smile in happiness.

“Have you told Max?”

“No, not yet,” Liz replied, “I just found out today, so I haven’t even a chance to tell him,” she said, dreaming about the way she was going to tell Max that he was going to be a father.

“Is he home?”

“No, but he will be soon, but I probably won’t say anything until tomorrow,” Liz said.

“Ah, your one-year anniversary,” Nancy said dreamily, “So, what were you doing, when I called?” she asked.

“Nothing!” Liz said uncertainly.

But, well, she had never been able to fool her mother, Liz was sure that her mother had some sixth sense “Liz! Were you again searching for your Valentine’s gift?” Nancy asked amused.

“No, mom, of course I wasn’t,” Liz tried to persuade her mother.

“Really? Well, don’t worry, dear, you won’t find it,” Nancy said.

“What? Why? What do you know?” Liz was shocked. How did her mother in Roswell know something?

“Let’s just say, that your father and I warned Max at Christmas about your...searching,” Nancy said.

“Geez, Mom, thanks. Now I look like a child who can’t wait for Christmas morning,” Liz said tiredly. This conversation had to end, so she could search a little bit more; Liz still wasn’t through.

“Well, you are, dear. Do you really think I didn’t know that you were searching for your birthday and Christmas gifts every year?” Nancy laughed.

“What can I say, mom? I’m curious,” Liz said, “And…a wish to know something is a very good thing,” Liz pointed out, “I wouldn’t be able to study, if I wasn’t curious,”

“Don’t even try; like I said, we have already warned the poor guy,” Nancy said and Liz could swear her mother was grinning. Uh, why she couldn’t simply just find it! Valentine’s was only tomorrow! Liz stood up and started to pace in the living room. She really had to end this conversation.

“Well, that’s great Mom, but I really have to go,” she said and saw Max coming home, “Max is coming,” she said.

“Okay, dear, say ‘hi’ from me,” Nancy said, “Once again, congratulations,” they both hung up and Liz went to the door to open it.

“Hey, honey,” Max said as he saw her and kissed her on the lips, “How was your day?” he asked, interested.

“Good, in fact, very good,” Liz replied smiling. How could she not smile, knowing that the part of Max was growing inside her?

“Really?” Max smiled back, “Why don’t we come in first and then you can tell me what has made your day so good?” he suggest, leading her from the door, onto the couch, where they both sat down.

“So, what’s the occasion?” Max asked once again, as Liz leaned against his chest and sighed.

“Mmmm, you are here, how can I not be happy?” Liz smiled as Max began to stroke her hair, “I talked to my mother today, she says hi,” she said.

“Oh,” was all Max said.

They were just enjoying each other’s company for a while, until Liz decided to ask, “So, what have you planned to do tomorrow?” she asked unsurely. Maybe Max would reveal something.

“Hmmm,” Max thought for a while, “Well, in the morning I have classes, then I think I will just go home to sleep,” he said, “Someone kept me up the whole night,” Max teased his blushing girlfriend.

“That’s it?” Liz asked disappointed. There was no way that Max could forget their anniversary and Valentine’s Day, Liz refused to believe that.

“That’s it,” Max confirmed, “Why are you asking? Do you have any plans for us?” he asked.

“No, no, I don’t have any plans for...tomorrow,” Liz said.

“Well, I’m going to take a shower,” Max said and they both stood up.

“Can I join you?” Liz smirked.

“Do you really need to ask? By the way, I forgot to say, but I will have to work today,” Max said sadly, “They called earlier; apparently someone is sick and I have to go in,” Max said.

“Oh,” was all Liz could say. Max was working some evenings in the bar as the bartender. Maybe it would be for the best, huh? She still hadn’t searched the entire living room and there were still a couple of places she hadn’t looked in, “I will miss you,” she pouted and kissed him.


***

Monday, February 13th
Max and Liz’s apartment, 11 p.m.

Liz was beyond tired. After some more ‘persuasion’ in the shower, she had investigated the whole apartment two more times and Max would come home soon. He couldn’t hide her Valentine’s gift somewhere out of the apartment, could he?

Liz had already decided to tell Max about the pregnancy tomorrow, after Max gave her his gift.

She dropped herself on the bed. At least Valentine’s was tomorrow; she wouldn’t have to wait much longer.

Max’s pants were still on the bed; apparently he was in hurry to put them in place. Liz stood up and took his pants, but something caught her caution.

Something paper-like.

Liz slowly bent down and took the paper of the floor, where it had fallen from Max’s pants.

“Tonight, 8 p.m., in the restaurant. Don’t be late, hon,” Liz read aloud.

Max not only had lied to her, but apparently he really had forgotten their anniversary and was cheating on her.

[Erina]

<center>PART 4</center>

Tuesday, February 14th
Max and Liz’s apartment, 8 p.m.

“Good - morning, Liz,” Liz could hear his husky voice, awakening her, but she kept her eyes shut. She didn’t want to face him yet.

After finding the note in Max’s pants, Liz had cried herself to sleep. Somewhere during the night, Liz had woken up and she could hear Max’s voice in the living room, but she was too far away to hear what exactly her boyfriend was talking about.

Making a quick decision, Liz stood up and barefoot walked into the hall, only to hear something Liz never wanted to hear.

“Yeah, I know. I just really hate to lie to Liz, you know that,” Max whispered into his cell phone, “Maybe we should end this,” he said unsurely, but apparently the person on the other side of the phone had thought differently, “Okay, okay, I heard you,” Max hissed, “Come on, I think we already talked about it today in the restaurant, I don’t need a repeat,” he quickly glanced at the clock, “Look, I have to go, I think Liz already has suspicions,” Max said.

Liz quickly went back to their bedroom and into the bed. As soon as she threw the blanket over herself, the door opened and Max came in. Liz pretended to be asleep when he kissed her. When he took her in his arms once again, Liz tried to do her best to not let her tears to fall.


“Lizzie, I know you aren’t asleep anymore,” Max teased, “So, you’d better wake up, so I can greet you properly,” he said.

Greet her? Suddenly it hit her. Valentine’s. Today was Valentine’s Day! For a moment, she had even forgotten that. She was surprised when Max’s lips moved from her cheek to her lips and started to kiss her passionately. Liz couldn’t help but respond. Damn her no willpower around him!

“Did you know that to be awoken by a kiss on Valentine’s Day is considered lucky?” Max asked, after breaking the kiss.

“Really?” Liz snapped, Max’s smile irritated her this morning, knowing that he had lied to her, “Am I really lucky?” she asked in a harsh tone and stood up from the bed.

When she looked back at Max, who still was sitting on the bed, only in his boxers, Liz almost felt sorry for him. She usually didn’t snap at him, but today she had a reason.

“Liz?” Max asked unsurely, “Are you okay?”

“Are you kidding?” Liz raised her voice, “Are you fuckin’ kidding, Max?” she shouted. “Do you really think I’m a idiot, you moron?” she started to pace the length of their bedroom frantically. One destination – window, the other – bed. Liz felt herself get a little bit dizzy; apparently, her morning sickness was showing itself, but she wanted to know the truth first.

“Liz?” Max asked once again in a shaky voice and took her hand, when she was by the bed, “A-Are you h-having one of t-those days again?” he asked shyly.

Liz’s patience was over, “No, I’m not having one of those days!” she mocked, “I just wanna know why you are fuckin’ lying to me!” she yelled.

“What? Liz, I’m not lying to you, why would you think something like that?” Max asked, surprised.

“Here,” Liz said and rushed to take out the note from one of the drawers. She tossed the note at him and watched as he started to read it, “Well, are you happy now? You don’t have to lie to me anymore! Who is she?” Liz asked angry.

“What? Who are you talking about?” Max said as he stood up and tried to stop her pacing, but Liz avoided his touch.

“I. Want. To. Know. With. Whom. Are. You. Cheating. On. Me.” Liz said slowly and saw as Max’s eyes became wide.

“Huh? Liz, do you really believe I’m cheating on you?” Max asked and Liz could hear the hurt in his voice.

“Max, there is no need to pretend anymore. I have seen this note and heard your phone conversation last night, I know you weren’t working,” Liz said, hurt, “I’m asking again: who is she?” she felt tears on her face.

Max had gone pale in the last couple of minutes, but Liz wouldn’t let him affect her anymore.

“Liz,” Max said quietly and came to her, looking directly in her eyes. Liz knew she should do something, but she stood and waited what Max was going to say. Some part of her wanted an explanation to all this. In her heart, Liz didn’t believe that Max was actually cheating on her, but well, there was proof.

Max took her face in his hands, “I. Am. Not. Cheating. On. You.” he said, without breaking eye contact.

Liz knew he wasn’t lying, she had been with him long enough to understand when he was telling the truth and when he wasn’t. And now he wasn’t lying.

“I know it looks bad at the moment, but trust me, I’m not with another woman. Liz, you are everything I could ever want,” he continued.

“But what about note?” Liz asked, “And the phone call?”

Max thought a little before responding. For Liz, it seemed like an eternity, “I can’t tell you the whole truth yet,” Max said, “But I was just making arrangements for today,” he smiled shyly, “You will know everything this evening, will you be able to wait that long?” Max asked.

“Are you really being faithful?”

“Yes, Liz, I love you and only you. I haven’t cheated on you and I won’t, Liz, I love you,” he kissed her everywhere – on her forehead, eyes, eyebrow, cheeks, ears, lips, hair, “I love you, I love you, I love you and you are going to be late at class,” he said.

Liz immediately glanced at the clock. Shit, she really was going to be late if she wouldn’t hurry.

“Love you too,” Liz said and kissed him one last time, before running in the bathroom.

***

<center>Good morning to you, valentine;
Curl your locks as I do mine ---
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine.
</center>

Liz quickly ran to her class; the fact that they lived not far from the university was always an advantage. She hadn’t the time to simply sit down and think about what had happened between her and Max in the morning. But one thing Liz knew for sure, Max wasn’t cheating on her and never had been. Even more, the thought that Max had planned something very, very special made her feel giddy, especially with the knowledge that she was carrying Max’s baby.

Everything had changed so suddenly. One moment, Liz wanted to break up with him, the next...She couldn’t live without him. Like that was something new, huh? Liz didn’t know what Max had planned for today, but she would definitely tell him about the baby tonight. She couldn’t wait to see his reaction. Yes, they hadn’t even made serious plans for a wedding and having children wasn’t a topic they had talked much about, but...Liz knew Max would be happy.

As Liz sat down in her class, she couldn’t help but think about the baby, although the class had started. In her mind, she was far away – to a house with a white picket fence, green grass, a swing and a large oak tree in the backyard. She pictured herself there, with Max and their future baby, who was still growing safely in her womb.

Immediately, Liz started to worry. Would she be a good mother? She didn’t doubt about Max, he would be a fantastic father, but what about her? Liz could hardly wait to see their baby. Hers and Max’s. Something they had created together and it would bond them forever. Liz smiled, the next eight months seemed like an eternity.

Liz snapped out of her thoughts when the class ended. Liz gathered her things, including her blank notebook and, smiling brightly, went back to their apartment, her pace even faster than she had been come to class. She wanted to talk with Max as soon as possible. What had he planned for her?

When Liz reached the apartment door, she took a deep breath; she was nervous as hell. Slowly and unsure of what to expect, she opened the door and gasped at the sight.

She couldn’t see their furniture or even walls, everything was covered. Heart-shaped balloons with the words ‘I love you’ covered the whole room. Where there were no balloons, there were roses. Many, many white and red roses. Their little TV-table was covered with chocolate, there was so much, that Liz thought it wouldn’t be finished by the birth of their child.

Somehow, Liz made her way through the sea of balloons to the bedroom. Their bed was covered in rose petals, but in the middle of the bed was a big, but very cute teddy bear. Liz found also a note beside the bear.

<center>Happy Valentine, my love!
All my love is yours.
Praised be love that brings us home,
Pilgrims to these shores.
Yearnings here find harborage;
Vanities, sly smiles.
All that righteous anger rends,
Love here reconciles.
Even in the darkness where
No bitterness finds rest,
Thoughts of you are like a dawn
Intent on happiness.
Nor would I have so light a heart
Except that I am blessed!</center>

Dear Liz, I hope you aren’t mad with me anymore, I really do. I want to make this night unforgettable, my dear. In the living room, Isabel and Maria are waiting for you, let them to take you anywhere they want. We will see each other later this evening. Love you.

Max




Okay, I really have to run to my class, which starts in about 55 minutes. But...I will post another part tonight, in about six hours.

[Erina]

Hey! I'm glad you all like this. Well, this is the end, more or less. I will post a very, very small epilogue tomorrow as well.



<center>PART 5</center>


Liz was surprised to see both Isabel and Maria in the living room. But immediately she was at her main aim: finding out what Max had planned. She whined and whined, pleaded and pleaded, but apparently, her best friends were made of steel, because all she was able to get out of them was, “Don’t worry, you will know soon”, then they both would send each other a knowing look with an added smirk and it literally drove Liz crazy.

But soon she forgot it, as she and her two best friends were enjoying the afternoon. Maria and Isabel lead her to a massage parlour, and then took her for a manicure and pedicure. Finally came the hairdresser. And Liz still didn’t know anything, but she wasn’t complaining anymore, just truly enjoying the day. She knew that whatever Max had planned, she would love it no matter what.

Finally, all three girls came back to the apartment, but Liz couldn’t see Max anywhere.

“Where is Max?” she asked disappointed to not to see him there.

“Liz, I really can’t understand, where is your patience? You’ll see him soon,” Isabel said a little bit irritated.

“Yeah, I know, but I haven’t seen him for a long time,” Liz said dramatically, “I miss him, but at least this morning we talked everything out,” she said.

“About what?” asked Maria, while trying to find the couch in the sea of balloons.

“Well,” Liz hung her head in a shame, “I kind of thought that he was cheating on me,” Liz said sadly. Had she been really thinking something like that?

“Are you out of your mind?” Isabel shrieked, “Max isn’t cheating on you! He adores the air you breathe!”

“Calm down, Isabel, like I have said, Max and I talked everything out this morning. I don’t doubt him anymore, maybe I never did,” Liz said, trying to calm down Max’s sister.

“Why you did you think that Max was cheating on you?” Maria’s voice could be heard somewhere under balloons.

“Yesterday, I discovered a note in his pants. It mentioned something about a restaurant, to which Max had been yesterday,” Liz said.

“So?” Isabel asked, “What’s wrong with that?”

“The point that he told me he had to work, but instead, he went to some restaurant. Basically, I thought my boyfriend had lied to me. And when I heard his phone conversation sometime during the night, I wasn’t pleased to hear that he was lying to me!”

“Liz!” Maria said and stood up from the couch, “I wrote the note, and I was talking with Max on the phone yesterday and I can definitely confirm that Max isn’t cheating on you with me,” she laughed, “Geez, if Michael had these kind of suspicions, he would kill Max,” she shuddered, “Okay, I’m glad that you don’t have any problems at the moment, but we really need to prepare you, Liz,” Maria said and lead them to the bedroom.

The first thing Liz saw was the beautiful green dress on the bed.

“Wow,” Liz said, “It’s beautiful,”

“Yeah,” Isabel confirmed, “I didn’t even have to help him. When he saw that dress, my brother immediately knew that was the one. He really loves you, Liz,” Isabel smiled, “Don’t hurt him,”

“I won’t, Isabel,” Liz promised.

“Come on,” Maria urged, “You need to put this dress on,”

Liz pulled on the dress. She looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Max really had made a great choice by buying this dress, but Max could buy her anything and she would love it.

“Let’s go, Liz, your carriage awaits,” Isabel said.

The three girls went out of the building and Liz was shocked to see a limousine.

Maria and Isabel didn’t drive with her, so Liz made her way to the limousine, only to discover another bunch of white roses. She didn’t know where they were driving to, but the driver soon stopped and someone opened the door.

“Max,” Liz said breathlessly. Finally, she saw him! He looked so good in his tux.

“Hi,” he said and kissed her, “Are you still mad at me?” he asked hesitantly.

“What? No, Max, in fact I’m sorry that I reacted that...strongly,” Liz apologized.

“Let’s go then,” said Max, and only then did Liz notice where they were. A smile appeared on her face as she saw the familiar beach. Exactly one year ago today, they had been here on their very first date and shared their first kiss.

He led them to a small hut. The sunset was incredible and Liz started to wonder if this was even real. Everything was so perfect, so breathtaking. Under the hut was a table for two and Liz could already smell a wonderful diner.

Max, being a gentlemen, helped Liz to sit down. A waiter appeared out of nowhere and filled their glasses with champagne, and then served their dinner. Somewhere in the background, Liz could hear soft music. Max had really tried to make this night unforgettable, huh?

They ate their dinner and remembered the best moments of their first year.

Suddenly Max stood up, came to Liz, and bent down on one knee. She gasped, was he really going to do what she thought he was?

<center>“Will you be my Valentine?
I know that I am yours.
You are like a tossing sea
And I am like your shores.

You are like an endless wave
And I your waiting sand.
And I will wait forever as
You come and smooth my hand.

I will wait forever, yet
You are a part of me.
I hold you in my arms, while you
Come to me endlessly.

Will you be my Valentine?
I know that I am yours.
I love you with a love that yearns
To be your golden shores,”

Max sang softly and Liz could feel tears in her eyes. </center>

“Will you be my Valentine, Liz?” Max asked, “Will you marry me?” he produced a ring out of nowhere and waited for her answer.

“Yes, Max, of course I will marry you!” Liz exclaimed, she was surprised that she could find her voice, but she did.

Max slipped the ring on her finger and they both stood up only to share a kiss. What started as a small, innocent kiss soon became more passionate until Max was forced to break up the kiss, “Come on, angel, we still have one place to be this evening,” he whispered into her ear.

‘More?’ Liz thought. How was it possible to make this night even better?

Max softly put the scarf over her eyes, “It’s necessary, angel,” he said and Liz nodded. She would do anything for Max tonight.

She felt as Max lead them back to the car. Then they were driving for a while and suddenly the car stopped. Max softly took her hand, helped her to get out of the car and lead her somewhere once again.

“I’m leaving you in good hands,” Max whispered. Liz felt his hands vanish, but soon she felt another pair of hands, “We will meet again soon, don’t worry,” Max said one last time.

“In case you were wondering, it’s me,” Isabel said and once again Liz was led somewhere.

“Can I take the scarf off now?” Liz asked as they stopped.

“No, not yet,” this time it was Maria who replied.

“What? Maria? Is anyone else here?” Liz asked.

“No, just you, me and Isabel,” Maria said, “Come on, we need to change the dress, without removing your scarf,” she ordered.

Liz was excited as the both girls changed her dress. This dress was longer than the previous one. She felt something being put on her head, but she couldn’t tell what it was.

“So, Maria, I guess we did a great job, huh?” Isabel said, “Can we ask him in?” she asked then.

Liz could hear someone going out and then coming back, but that was it. Suddenly the scarf felt down and she saw her own father standing in front of her, dressed in his tux as well.

“Dad!” Liz shrieked, “What are you doing here?”

“Well, I need to do my duty and walk you down the aisle,” Jeff replied, “I couldn’t let you get married without me, could I?” her father smiled and extended a hand, “Shall we?”

Liz only smiled and took his hand. Just now Liz noticed where they were – in a church, and she was about to get married to the man of her dreams and the father of her child. She looked down at herself and noticed the beautiful white dress. Max had everything prepared. What a great Valentine’s Day!

“This is it,” Jeff said as they stood at the end of the aisle. Liz could hear the wedding march started to play. “Are you sure?” her father asked.

Liz looked at the church, full with the people she loved and cared. Both Diane and Nancy were already crying and did a poor attempt to hide the tears. She saw Max standing at the other side of the aisle with a huge grin on his face.

“As sure as I can be,” Liz smiled and she with her father started to walk to her future. Her happy ending.

They were meant to be.

[Erina]

Well, this is the end. I'm really glad that you liked it!!!

<center>Epilogue</center>

Sunday, February 14th, 2016
Max and Liz’s house, 8 a.m.

Max’s POV

Max looked at his wife of ten years, who was still sleeping beside him. He loved her even more, if that was even possible, than on their wedding day ten years ago. Today was their tenth anniversary and Liz had convinced him to let her to make the plans for Valentine’s Day. Max had objected, he loved to organize something special for his wife and especially he looked forward to seeing her smile, which made him so happy every day in the last ten years.

The memory of their wedding day was still fresh in his mind, like it had happened just yesterday. Everything was so wrong in the morning, when Liz had thought he was cheating on her. He was so devastated to hear it, that Max almost cancelled the wedding, but Maria had persuaded him not to do that. Max hadn’t liked to lie, especially to his Liz, but what he could do? But since then, Liz had stopped going through his stuff with the intention of searching for her gift. Even more, when Max had to go or do something and he didn’t want to tell her, Liz didn’t ask either. She knew that Max would never cheat on her or lie to her.

He slowly planted a kiss on his wife’s cheek and stood up. Quietly he slipped out of their bedroom and went to check the person in the next room. He peeked in and saw his eldest son, Adam, still sleeping peacefully.

Max was filling the champagne in their glasses while Liz was in the bathroom. He was still worried that his wife was still mad at him for lying to her, but he didn’t want to ask her again. She wasn’t very pleased either, when Max had asked her that question in the limousine for about...ten times. In the end Max decided to simply enjoy his wedding night with his beautiful wife.

Suddenly the bathroom’s door opened and Liz came into the bedroom still in her wedding dress, “Max,” she said breathlessly the excitement still evident in her voice, “I forgot to tell you, I’m pregnant,” she said and came closer to him.

Max didn’t blink, didn’t move, didn’t say or didn’t even breathe for a while, but when the truth and realization, that he was going to be a father, suddenly crashed down on him and he dropped the glasses of champagne to the floor. He hurriedly hugged her, placing kisses all over her face and down to her body, until his face was in one level with her stomach? Never in his life had he felt this happy.


Little did Max know, that the moment when he saw his firstborn son would be something he would cherish all his life.

When Liz had announced that she was pregnant, Max was in awe. As soon as they had graduated and Liz was already in her sixth month, they had bought and moved into her dream house – with the white picket fence and an oak tree in the backyard.

Of course, during the years, they had fights too. Especially when Liz was in her last month. But Max simply listened to her and let her take her anger out on him; he knew she didn’t mean it. The labour was hard for both Liz and Max’s hand, but when he saw his son for the very first time, tears slipped down on his cheek and all pain was immediately forgotten.

Now, when Max looked at his son, more than nine years old now, he couldn’t believe how fast the time had flown.

Quietly, he went to the next room where the twins were sleeping. Claudia and Steven were a little bit more than five years old. When the doctor had announced that they would have twins, Max was beyond shocked. It took him a couple of hours before the realization really hit him – they were going to have twins! Two babies at once.

There was no need to add that this pregnancy wasn’t easy on Liz again. If she had thought she was big in the first pregnancy, everything paled when she reached her last month. Even now, Max wasn’t sure how he had managed to look after his very pregnant wife and a four-year-old child.

Max smiled as he looked into the last room, where his little girl was. Angel was only five months old. When Liz had announced, exactly one year ago, on February 14th, that she was pregnant again, Max had thought she was kidding, because she used the exact way to tell him nine years ago about Adam.

Angel was the most peaceful child Max had ever seen. She hardly cried, and he and Liz were able to sleep. Their previous three children were the total opposite of her.

Max smiled and softly caressed her cheek. His little Angel.

When he slipped in their bed a couple of minutes later, Max could hardly wait for the day to begin. He wasn’t as curious as his wife, but Max wanted to spend some time with Liz alone. Although Angel was a perfect little child, they still had another three to take care about.

His eyes slowly closed with a smile on his face.


<center>THE END</center>