Roswell Fanatics

Thanks guys, interesting debates going on, which i think i'll stay out of Hope you enjoy the new part


BehrObsession
guelbebek
begonia9508
LairaBehr4
clueless
orphyfets
Jason's Lover
hazz
sprayadhesive
pandas2001
Alien614
aussietrueblue
LegalAlien
Michelle in Yonkers
nibbles2
Mariael311
behrluv32
tequathisy
Miras_Miracle
ForeverADreamer
SmileeUk


Part 22

“Oh God Liz that feels so good,” Max groaned as Liz trailed kisses down his chest.

In the back of his mind, he knew he should stop her. There were people outside waiting for them to return for dinner. As soon as they had entered the bedroom, he placed his bag down before Liz had pushed him onto the bed and straddled his body.

Her small hands had wasted no time pulling his t-shirt up his body while her mouth went to work. First she had kissed him passionately, showing him how much she had missed him before she worked her way down his body.

Max’s hands weren’t idle either, he was unable to not touch her at that very second and right now, his hands were caressing her back and running through her silky hair.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Liz told him again as Max tugged her back up his body and looked her straight in the eyes.

Liz almost gasped at what she saw. His amber eyes were brighter than normal and there was something there, something that she didn’t recognise before.

“Stay with me tonight?” He whispered.

“I can’t be away from you for a second longer,” he added.

A smile covered Liz’s face, “Me either. Of course I’ll stay,” she replied with a whisper.

Their mouths came back together but this time it was slower full of all the emotions they were both feeling.

“We should go back outside before Isabel sends a search party looking for us,” Max said regretfully. As much as he loved his sister, he would have preferred to stay in his bedroom with Liz and get lost in her.

“I know, just a few more seconds,” Liz sighed as she nuzzled her face in his neck.

Liz loved the way Max smelt and she snuggled closer to him afraid that if she moved to far away he would be gone again.

“Are you glad that I surprised you or would you have rather I told you?” Max asked her then.

Liz pulled back from her hiding place and looked at Max with a bright grin. “I’m just glad you’re here,” she said. “Although if you had told me earlier it might have improved the terrible mood I’ve been in all week.”

Max couldn’t help but chuckle then. “Yeah, I heard about that.”

“You did hey?” Liz blushed.

“Yep, unbearable or something like that I think was the word Isabel used,” he continued to chuckle.

Liz shook her head as she buried it against Max’s chest again.

“I didn’t expect it to be this hard,” She admitted then.

“I know,” he agreed.

Truthfully, Max wasn’t sure what he expected anymore. Did he really think that he could live 8 hours away from Liz and be in a serious relationship with her and not miss her like crazy every minute of every day, or expect her to feel the same way?

“So what’s the go with this new vet?” Max asked then.

It had been obvious when he had arrived that something had been going on with Liz and Kyle and he wasn’t sure if he should be worried about it.

Liz looked down and fiddled with her fingers. “He thought I’d made you up,” she said.

“Why would he think that?”

“He thought it was an excuse for not going out with him,” Liz shrugged like it was no big deal.

“He asked you out?” Max asked wondering why he hadn’t heard about this before now.

“Yeah a few times,” Liz shrugged again.

Max frowned. “You didn’t say anything,” he said.

“That’s because it wasn’t worth mentioning. I mean the guy is an idiot,” Liz scoffed.

“You don’t like him do you?” Max asked then softly.

“What! Of course not,” Liz was quick to assure him.

“I’ll have a chat with him and tell him to leave you alone,” Max suggested then.

“I’m sure now that he knows you’re real he’ll back off,” Liz said. She didn’t really think it was necessary for Max to have a chat with Kyle, she believed now that he knew Max was definetely in the picture that he would back off.

Max wasn’t so sure. “Maybe,” he agreed.

***

Outside

Maria was surprised when Michael sat in the seat next to her.

“Hey,” he said.

Maria turned and smiled at him.

“Hey yourself.”

“What are you doing sitting over here by yourself?” He asked.

Michael had been at the BBQ when he noticed that Maria was sitting by herself. Isabel, Alex and Kyle were standing slightly away carrying on a conversation.

Maria shrugged, “Liz went inside with Max and the others are talking about something,” she replied.

“Do you want a drink or something?” Michael offered.

He wasn’t sure why but lately he hadn’t been able to stop thinking of Maria. He knew it was wrong. She was way too young for him but he couldn’t help but wonder when she turned into such a sexy woman. It only felt like yesterday that she was running around after them with her hair in pigtails. She had been annoying as a child and a teenager but now she was older and Michael had definetely noticed it.

Maria looked down at the almost empty beer in her hand. “That would be great,” she replied.

Michael’s behaviour surprised her. It wasn’t often that he would start a conversation with her let alone be so nice to her, and she wondered what was gonging on wit him. Since Liz had started dating Max, Michael didn’t come to Parkers much anymore and she suspected it was because he was upset or angry with Liz.

She watched as Michael got out of his seat and headed towards the esky. He looked back and smiled at her when he saw her watching him and she was glad it was dark and he couldn’t see her blush. What the hell was going on? Because she knew it wasn’t possible that Michael Evans had finally noticed she was alive.

***

“About time you two came back out,” Isabel laughed when Max and Liz finally emerged from the house.

Liz blushed and Max just shrugged a bright grin on his face as he held onto Liz’s hand tightly.

“We had some catching up to do,” he explained.

“I’ll bet,” Maria chimed in.

“I don’t want to hear this,” Alex sung as his hands covered his ears. No brother wanted to hear about his sister’s sex life under any circumstances.

Liz and Max both laughed at Alex.

“Lets eat,” Michael declared as he handed Maria her beer.

“Liz can you help me bring everything out from the kitchen?” Isabel asked.

“No prob.”

As soon as Alex was sure Isabel was out of earshot, he turned to Max.

“So?”

“I got it,” Max smiled.

He was so happy for his sister. Alex was a truly amazing guy and the ring he had bought was absolutely stunning.

Alex breathed a sigh of relief. “Does it look ok?” He asked.

“It’s beautiful,” Max assured him. “She’s going to love it.”

“God I hope so.”

“So when are you planning the big event?” Max asked then.

“I’ve booked a room in the city for her birthday,” Alex replied.

Max’s eyes widened. “I got tickets for the boy from Oz too.”

“She’s going to love that man,” Max grinned.

“I hope so,” Alex said nervously.

Their conversation stopped then as Liz and Isabel returned with their arms full of food.

Everyone dug into the meat and salad then and Max took the opportunity, after filling his plate, to head over where Kyle was standing.

“So Kyle,” he started in between mouth full’s. “How do you like Gungahlin?”

“It’s good,” Kyle smiled. “The people are great and there’s plenty of work.”

Max nodded in agreement, “Yeah we need a good vet out here.”

“Yep, one wrong treatment can wipe out your stock,” Kyle agreed.

“So have you always worked in this environment?” Max asked curiously. He wanted to know what Kyle Valenti’s story was.

“Not originally, did my degree in the city but I grew up in Orange.”

Max nodded, “Wow you’re a long way from home,” he said.

Kyle shrugged, “Its ok,” he said.

Liz joined them then, taking the seat closes to Max.

“You’ve got yourself a top chick there Max,” Kyle said and grinned at Liz when she looked up at him.

Max looked between them before smiling at Liz. “Don’t I know it.”

“So I hear you live in the city?” Kyle said.

Max nodded slowly, “That’s right.”

“Must be hard being so far away from her,” he commented the whole time his gaze locked on Liz who was looking away uncomfortably.

“It is,” Max agreed gritting his teeth to resist the urge to get up and knock Valenti's lights out for the way he was looking at his girlfriend.

“How about you Kyle, do you have anyone special?” Max asked hopefully.

“Nope,” Kyle grinned. “But I’ve got my eye on someone,” he added then with a wink at Liz.

Liz could tell that Max was getting angry and reached over and whispered in his ear to calm him down before he did something.

“Don’t worry about him; just think about how I’m going to show you how much I missed you later tonight.”

Max couldn’t stop the grin forming on his face at the thought of being alone with Liz, with no interruptions.

“Yeah, good idea,” he whispered huskily.

Liz grinned as she picked up her knife and fork and returned to her dinner.

“Well there are some top chicks around this place Kyle so good luck with that,” Max finally replied to Kyle.

Kyle was surprised by Max's response. He was positive he was getting at him but one single word form Liz and he had completely forgotten about everything Kyle had said.

Kyle knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get Liz’s attentions but he also knew Max would have to leave eventually and then he would have plenty of time to convince Liz that he was the man for her.

An hour later Max yawned and looked at Liz.

Liz didn’t need any further convincing that it was time to call it a night, “Thanks for dinner Iz, Michael,” she said. “But Max is beat so we’re going to hit the sack.”

“Together?” Maria asked surprised. This was a development that she hadn’t heard about before.

Liz turned and glared at her best friend, “Yes together, so I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Hand in hand Max and Liz headed into the house oblivious to the all the stares and thoughts from their friends and family.

Hey guys, thanks heaps for your feedback and especially for the bumps. I hope you enjoy this new part

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Part 23

“What time is it?” Liz yawned as she lay in Max’s arms.

Max glanced at the clock on his bedside table.

“Just after five,” he whispered.

Liz groaned.

“You don’t have to get up do you?” He asked then hopefully. It was his first day home and he was hoping to at least get to spend the first part of it in bed with Liz.

Last night when they had gone to bed Max stripped Liz of her clothing and made love to her over and over again until they both fell asleep exhausted. He forgot how beautiful the sounds of Liz’s cries and moans were as he thrust in and out of her but he knew after last night he would never forget again.

His hand snaked around her waist then and drifted lower until it was against her hip bone.

“I should but I think Alex can do without me for the morning,” she replied hoping that Max’s hand wasn’t going to stop on her hip for long. Liz wasn’t disappointed. As soon as Max heard her words, his hand drifted between her legs and began to tease her waiting heat.

“Spread your legs for me,” he whispered as his fingers teased into her pussy and began to slowly stroke her.

Liz complied, her legs falling apart just as Max disappeared under the sheets and settled between them.

The first touch of his tongue against her made Liz’s hips rise of the bed but with a firm but gentle grip Max held onto her as he feasted on her juices. He didn’t stop until Liz was writhing and crying out his name as her orgasm shook her body.

“Wow,” she whispered as he appeared from under the sheets, his face glistening with her juices, and a grin.

“I’ll never get enough of you,” he declared then as he immediately leaned in to kiss her.

Liz wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled Max tightly against her. His hard cock pressed into her stomach and she moaned.

Understanding her need Max pulled back and led his cock to her opening. He entered her in one smooth thrust and soon they were dancing. This time Max made love to her hard and fast and when they were both sated they sunk back into the bed.

“I don’t know how I went so long without that,” Liz admitted then.

Max chuckled at her. “Now that explains your grumpy mood,” he teased her.

“Yes, that and the fact that I really missed you,” she smiled.

They lay in each other’s arms quietly after that. They could both hear the sounds of the house stirring and Liz suspected that Alex was one of those people getting ready to start the day. She hoped he understood that she wouldn’t be one of those people today and when the house went quiet again a half an hour later she realised he had.

“So what’s the plan for today, stay in bed all day?” She asked Max eventually.

Kissing her neck and pressing himself against her showing her his aroused state Max answered her question.

“Does that sound ok?” He asked huskily.

“Yeah, I like the sound of that a lot,” Liz replied just before they got lost in each other again.

***

“Flying solo today?” Michael yelled as he pulled his horse to a stop. He had been out checking all the boundary fences when he had caught sight of Maria in one of the outer paddocks.

Maria looked up surprised at the sound of his voice. “Yeah,” she replied. “Liz didn’t show for work,” she added wondering how he would react to that bit of news.

Surprisingly Michael’s features didn’t change. The truth was he had pretty much gotten the picture of what was happening between Liz and Max last night when Max had taken her to bed. He had also been woken through the night by the sounds of Liz’s cries. At first it had stung but then he realised it wasn’t because he had genuine feelings for Liz anymore, he accepted she wanted Max it was because he had realised then that was what he wanted also. He wanted the intimacy that Liz and Max obviously shared too.

“I think her and Max were still in bed when I left,” Michael informed her.

“Oh well she deserves a day off with him.” Maria said, “She’s been working pretty hard the past month.”

With nothing else to do, work was the only thing Liz had been doing.

“What about you? You work pretty hard,” Michael pointed out.

“Me? Well I’m off to the pub tonight,” Maria smiled, “they’re doing karaoke so I thought I’d see who was interested.”

Michael hated karaoke.

“You interested?” She asked then.

“I might be,” Michael smiled.

“Cool well I’ll call you this afternoon and let you know what the plan is,” she said.

“Ok see you then,” Michael replied and with a tip of his hat he turned his horse and galloped off leaving a very surprised Maria to watch him go.

***

Max was impressed as Michael filled him in on what was happening with most of the stock and they went over the books together.

“Things look good,” he told Michael.

“I thought so,” Michael replied.

“You’ve done a good job with those cattle, they’re nice and fat and when we’re ready to sell them we should get a good price,” Max said.

“Thanks,” Michael replied surprised by Max yet again.

“I’ve been thinking that we need to put someone on,” Michael said then.

Max looked up from the books surprised, “Yeah?”

“Well no offence to Izzy but she doesn’t do much these days and there’s too much work for just me,” he replied.

Max looked back down at the books as he contemplated Michaels words. They could certainly afford it and with a farm hand they could definetely get in more stock.

“We could get in a few more hundred cattle,” Max said then.

“Yep,” Michael agreed.

Max sighed then.

“What’s going on?” Michael asked.

Max was surprised that Michael had asked. Since their blow up, things were better between them but Max hadn’t been expecting to consider opening up to Michael about everything.

“I’m going to have to make a decision in the next few weeks” he started.

“About Liz?” Michael asked.

“Yeah,” Max said. “This long distance thing isn’t working for either of us.”

“What are you going to do?” Michael asked curiously. He didn’t want to see Liz get hurt and he knew that if Max broke things off with her she would be.

“I’ve been putting of getting a job in the city because I’m not sure that’s where I want to be anymore,” Max admitted openly for the first time.

It was what his mother and Tess already suspected.

“You thinking about moving here?” Michael asked then.

In the past that thought would have terrified Michael. He didn’t want Max around, it was his farm but he was coming to realise what a valuable asset Max was. He understood the books and could handle the banks a lot better than he could.

“What would I do here?” Max said then. “It’s not like I’d be much help I’d just suck more money away from the farm.”

Right now Max wasn’t taking any money out of Killarny. Michael and Isabel both pulled a wage but Max didn’t because he knew he wasn’t putting anything in and didn’t deserve it.

Michael considered his question. If Max moved back could he handle the work that Michael needed doing?

“You could do some of the work,” Michael eventually admitted.

Max looked up. “You think?”

“Well you’ll free me up of all this administration stuff so I’d have more time to do all the other jobs that aren’t getting done,” Michael shrugged. He knew it would probably mean they couldn’t afford the farm hand he had been hoping for.

“You’d really be ok with that?” Max asked surprised.

Michael sighed, “Look I know things between us aren’t the best but I love Izzy and Liz and I want them to be happy. You being here would make them happy.”

Max smiled a little then. “Thanks man.”

Michael shrugged. “Doesn’t mean I’m ready for your mum to move in with us.”

Max’s smile faded slightly with the mention of his mother. “Yeah well I’m not sure she would want to do that, she has a life in the city.”

“She won’t take the news well though,” he added.

“Does that mean you’ve decided?” Michael asked. He needed to know because if not he would have to put the word out for a new farm hand.

“Give me a couple of days?” Max asked.

“Sure,” Michael agreed.

***

“Maria said you weren’t working today.”

Liz turned and her good mood faltered as she came face to face with Kyle Valenti.

Liz didn’t understand why every time she turned around he was there. The old vet never used to be on Parkers as much as Kyle.

“I had a late start,” Liz replied.

When her and Max had finally climbed out of bed she had come home to give him some time with Isabel. She knew he also needed to catch up on some work at Killarny and that she should really get to work too.

“That must have been nice,” he smiled.

“It was very nice,” Liz grinned back as she remembered what she has done with her late start that morning.

“So that was Max hey?” Kyle said then.

“Yep,” Liz replied getting back to brushing down Sandstone.

“He’s not what I expected,” Kyle said then.

“What did you expect?” Liz asked surprised.

“A city slicker,” Kyle shrugged. When he heard that Liz’s Max lived in the city he had just assumed that he was a city boy but it was obvious that Max was pretty comfortable in the country.

“What did he do to his leg?” He couldn’t help but ask then. It was obviously pretty bad considering his heavy limp.

“Riding accident when he was little,” Liz replied her smile fading as she remembered the day so clearly.

“No wonder he doesn’t live here anymore,” Kyle added then.

The reminder of Max’s injury and the reason he wasn’t in the country sobered Liz’s good mood. Kyle obviously realised this too and continued.

“It must be hard working and living out here with an injury like that,” he continued.

“Look Kyle,” Liz snapped without turning around. “I’m kind of busy so if you didn’t need something I’ll see you later,” she told him.

With a small smile, Kyle nodded. “I’ll see you later chestnut,” he replied.

Liz turned and frowned confused as he walked away. “Chestnut?” She said to herself. “Where the hell did that come from?”

Thank you so much guys for reading and leaving feedback. You guys rock Hope you enjoy this new part

Part 24

“Are you sure you don’t mind not going to the pub?” Max asked Liz as they lay curled up on the lounge at Killarny.

Everyone else had decided to head to the pub for karaoke night with Maria, including Michael to their surprise.

Liz turned and smiled at Max, “Nope, I’d much rather be here with you.” She replied before leaning in and kissing him.

“Are you staying the night?” Max mumbled against her lips.

“Yes,” Liz nodded. She had packed a bag and it was in the back of her Ute.

“What did you tell your parents?” He asked a little worried.

Liz giggled, “Max I’m a big girl. I don’t have to explain things like that to my parents.”

“I know but I’m sure they wondered.”

“I told them I was staying with you,” she shrugged.

Liz didn’t really care if her parents knew she was sleeping with Max or not. It wasn’t any of their business.

“So it’s good news about Alex and Isabel don’t you think?” Max said then.

“Yeah,” Liz smiled happy for her brother and Isabel.

“You picked up the ring didn’t you?” Liz asked.

“Yep,” Max nodded.

“What was it like?” Liz asked.

“Gorgeous,” Max replied, “He must have paid a fortune for it.”

“He did,” Liz acknowledged. Alex had shown her and asked her opinion when he saw it on the jewellers website. Liz had been blown over by its size and its price.

“Isabel is going to love it.”

“Do you think she’ll say yes?” Liz asked.

“Yeah, she really loves Alex. He makes her happy,” Max nodded.

“I hope so,” Liz agreed.

***

Seems like just yesterday
You were a part of me.
I used to stand so tall
I used to be so strong.
Your arms around me tight
Everything, it felt so right.
Unbreakable, like nothing' could go wrong

Now I can't breathe.
No, I can't sleep.
I'm barely hanging on

Michael could take his eyes off Maria as she stood on the stage singing Behind These Hazel eyes By Kelly Clarkson.

He knew that Maria loved music but he had no idea that she was such a good singer.

Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces,
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one.
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry.
Behind these hazel eye.

Maria’s eyes locked with Michael as she sung out the chorus. When she had picked the song she hadn’t really meant anything by it, she just loved Kelly and this was one of the few songs the DJ had listed for her.

She could feel Michael’s gaze on her and she wondered what he was thinking at that very second.

I told you everything
Opened up and let you in
You made me feel alright
For once in my life
Now all that's left of me
Is what I pretend to be
So together, but so broken up inside
'Cause I can't breathe
No, I can't sleep
I'm barely hanging' on

“She’s pretty good isn’t she?” Alex said to Michael.

He could see the way Michael was staring at Maria and he nudged Isabel and gestured towards him.

Isabel smiled when she saw the way her brother couldn’t take his eyes of Maria.

They were all seeing a different side of Maria tonight; she looked like she belonged on the stage she was standing on.

“Yeah,” Michael nodded not taking his eyes off Maria for a second.

Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes

Swallow me then spit me out
For hating you, I blame myself
Seeing you it kills me now
No, I don't cry on the outside
Anymore...

“Where did she learn to sing like this?” Michael asked.

Alex seemed surprised by the question. Maria had always been a singer, as long as Alex could remember anyway.

“In front of the mirror with a hairbrush?” Alex shrugged.

Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes

Michael watched as Maria worked the stage. He wasn’t the only male in the room whose attention she had caught either and he felt a flash of jealousy as she sauntered to the side of the stage and wondered where it had come from.

When had he stopped thinking of Maria as younger sister type and more as a beautiful talented woman?

Here I am, once again
I'm torn into pieces
Can't deny it, can't pretend
Just thought you were the one
Broken up, deep inside
But you won't get to see the tears I cry
Behind these hazel eyes

The pub broke out in roars of applause as Maria finished.

She rushed towards her friends with a massive grin on her face.

“That was awesome!” She squealed.

“You were awesome,” Isabel told her.

“Yeah you were so good Maria,” Alex agreed.

Maria turned to Michael then curious to know what he thought.

“What did you think Michael?” She asked shyly.

“Your voice is beautiful,” he said surprising Maria, Alex and Isabel with his words.

“Thank you,” Maria blushed. “So what about you guys, are you going to sing something?” She asked then.

“Oh no,” Isabel shook her head. “I think I’ll leave that to the professionals,” she said.

“Oh come on, what about you Alex? You’re not a bad singer,” She coaxed.

“I don’t know Ria,” Alex said not wanting to embarrass himself in front of his peers in the room. One day he would run Parkers and Wilgul by himself and he needed these people to respect him.

“Come on. How about we sing a duet or something?” Maria asked.

Alex groaned.

“Come on Al?” Maria pleaded.

“Ok but just one and not something stupid ok?”

“Ok,” Maria said before rushing off to have a look at the karaoke lists so she could see what their options were.

***

Max had a million thoughts flying around his head, as he lay propped on an elbow watching Liz sleep.

They had made love for hours and she was now asleep. Her hair was fanned out on his pillow and the sheet was lying dangerously low over her breasts giving him a tempting view. But right now he couldn’t take his eyes off her face.

How was he supposed to leave her again?

He didn’t want to but he also knew it wasn’t that easy for him to leave his mother in the city either.

So engrossed in his thoughts and watching Liz he didn’t actually notice when her eyes opened.

“Hey,” she whispered.

Max smiled. “Hey yourself,” he whispered back.

Liz looked at the clock then, it wasn’t late and she doubted the others were even home.

“Can’t sleep?” She asked surprised. He had certainly worn her out making love to her over and over again over the past four hours.

“Nah I had too many thoughts running around in my head.”

“Like what?” Liz asked curious.

She rolled onto her side to give Max her full attention and he reached out and caressed her hair.

“Just farm things,” he lied.

“Oh,” Liz replied, “Is it something I can help with?” She asked.

“No it’s fine. Mike and I can sort it out,” he assured her.

He hated lying to her but he didn’t want to tell her what he was thinking and get her hopes up before he had completely made up his mind.

There was so much to think about. Not just him and Liz, or his mother he also had to think about what was best for Killarny and he wasn’t sure him working there was.

“Max…” Liz whispered.

Hearing his name Max shook his head to clear his thoughts and turned his attention back to Liz.

“Yeah?”

Liz was biting her bottom lip and he could tell she was nervous about something.

“I love you,” she whispered out and then her eyes lifted and met with his.

Max felt the breath of air in his body exhale.

She loved him.

Liz waited for him to react. She could tell he was shocked. That was obvious.

“I love you too,” he finally replied a lopsided smile.

Liz felt like crying when she heard his words. She had been scared to tell him how she felt afraid it was too soon or that he wouldn’t feel the same but all her fears had disappeared the minute he had uttered those three words.

“I want to come back to the city with you,” she admitted then.

She had been thinking about it non stop since his return. If he wasn’t ready to move to Killarny then she would move to the city to be with him.

“What? No Liz you can’t,” he objected.

“Why not?” Liz asked.

“What would you do there? You’d be lost,” Max replied.

“I’m sure I could find a job, I’m pretty smart…”

“I know you are,” Max smiled. “Thank you so much for offering but I can’t let you leave your family and your life for me.”

“What if I want to?” She said seriously. “What if I tell you I want you to be in my life and if that means moving to the city then I’ll do it in a heartbeat?” She said passionately.

Max felt tears spring to his eyes.

“I’d tell you that I want to be your life too, and that I want you to be mine but that you don’t have to give up everything you love for that to happen,” he answered.

“What does that mean?” Liz cried.

“It means everything is going to be ok,” Max smiled.

All of a sudden everything was so clear to him. He knew exactly where he wanted and needed to be.

“How can you say that? You live in the city and I live here. You’re going to leave me again in 2 days and I honestly don’t know how I’m going to survive when you do,” Liz said sitting up.

“Liz, I love you,” Max whispered.

“I love you too,” Liz smiled.

She loved hearing Max say the words, and she loved returning them.

Max smiled too.

“Can you trust me?” He asked then. “Can you give me a couple of days? And then I promise I will tell you everything.”

Liz nodded slowly.

Max wasted no time crushing her small body against his then and his lips sought out hers.

“Now I’m pretty sure you just told me you loved me,” he whispered huskily.

“I think you’re right” Liz replied with a smile. “And I think I remember you saying you loved me too,” she added gleefully.

“That’s right,” Max said. “So how about I show you?” He suggested then.

“I’d say that’s a prefect plan Evans.”

Thanks so much everyone, hope you enjoy the new part

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Part 25

Maria looked over at Liz with an envious smile as the brunette continued to whistle away happily while fixing the fence.

“That’s certainly a difference picture from the other day,” Michael commented as he also watched Liz.

Maria was truly happy for Liz. It was obvious that things were working out for Max and Liz and Maria was glad for that. She knew that Liz had fallen hard for Max and it was obvious now that he had fallen just as hard for her.

“Yeah, she’s so happy,” Maria agreed.

“Max is acting just as goofy over at our place.”

“Yeah?” Maria asked.

Michael nodded.

Maria popped her head to the side then and looked at Michael. “What are you doing here Michael?” She asked.

He had begun popping up all over the place again lately, taking Maria by surprise and ever since the other night at the pub, he had been looking at her strangely.

“Well I have orders to take over the planet,” he joked.

Despite the lame attempt at a joke, Maria smiled. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Michael smirked.

“So you decided to start with me?”

“Well yeah,” he shrugged and looked away embarrassed.

Maria was confused. Michael Evans was someone Amy liked to refer to as a vibrator. The kind of person that put all these feelings out into the airwaves. Maria’s problem was that she thought those feelings were telling her he was interested, and that was her problem. Why now? Was it because he knew he had no chance with Liz and she was his second choice?

“You’re acting strange,” she said with a shake of her head.

Michael shrugged and looked away.

“You’re coming over this afternoon for the BBQ, aren’t you?” Maria asked then.

“Yeah sure,” Michael said.

“Well I’ll see you then,” Maria said.

Her and Liz were fixing a hole in the boundary fence that some of the cattle had managed to make over night. Normally they wouldn’t work on Sundays at all.

“Maria can you come and help me with this?” Liz called out.

“I’ve gotta go,” Maria said to Michael.

“I’ll see you later,” he said.

Maria couldn’t help but watch in confusion as he walked off back towards his Ute. Once he was gone, she turned back to Liz who was looking at her with raised eyebrows.

“What’s going on with you two?” Liz asked.

“To tell you the truth I’m not sure,” Maria replied. “He’s been acting very un-Michael like.”

“Maybe he’s finally realised what’s right in front of him,” Liz smiled.

“What’s that?” Maria asked trying to play dumb.

“That there’s a beautiful women that’s interested in him,” Liz smirked.

Maria flushed red, “Don’t be stupid.”

“I’m not,” Liz smiled. “You like him and by the way he was looking at you I think he likes you too.”

Maria was about to shake her head and deny everything that Liz was saying but one look from Liz and she stopped.

“You really think so?” She asked and despite her best effort not too, her voice sounded hopeful.

“Yeah,” Liz nodded. “Let him come to you. He’s working up the courage and he’s close,” Liz added then.

Maria took a deep breath, “Ok. I can do that.”

Liz laughed then knowing there was no way that Maria could be that patient. She had Michael in her sights now and he was in big, big trouble.

“Now enough about me, when did you and Max start sleeping together?” Maria demanded then.

Liz immediately flushed bright red.

“Come on Liz,” Maria pleaded.

“In the city,” Liz whispered then.

“So what was it like?” Maria asked.

Unlike Liz, Maria wasn’t a virgin but she knew how important it was to Liz that she pick the right guy to loose her virginity too. Maria wasn’t surprised she picked Max just a little surprised that it all happened so quickly.

“It was perfect,” Liz replied.

Maria laughed at the dreamy look on Liz’s face and giggled. “That good hey?”

“Yeah,” Liz said. “I love him Maria,” she added then.

“I know I know. There is no other way you would have slept with him if you didn’t,” she smiled.

“He told me he loved me too,” she smiled then.

Maria’s smile got brighter as she immediately dropped what she was doing and went and hugged Liz tightly.

“I’m so happy for you,” she told her.

“Thank you,” she said.

“And don’t worry, in a couple of months time we’re going to be having this conversation again but this time it will be you telling me that Michael loves you,” Liz assured her best friend.

***

“What’s going on Max?” Isabel asked as they sat in the living room. Max had asked to speak to both Michael and Isabel before the BBQ at the Parkers. It sounded serious.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” Max started.

“About what?” Isabel asked.

Max and Michael shared a look and Michael immediately knew what this was about but Isabel was in the dark.

“Where I’m going to make my home,” Max answered.

“I thought that it was already decided,” Isabel said. “You said you wanted to be in the city with Mum.”

“Things changed Isabel,” Max replied. “I have more things to consider now.”

“You know Michael and I have everything here under control,” Isabel said thinking that he was referring to the change of circumstances in the running of the farm.

“No we don’t,” Michael spoke up. He didn’t want Isabel to know that things were falling apart and that he was struggling to make it on his own but it was clear now that he couldn’t hide it from her either.

“What?” Isabel asked confused.

“I need help Isabel,” Michael admitted. “I can’t get everything alone, I didn’t realise how much Dad took care of before.”

“Why didn’t you say something? I could help out more,” she said to Michael feeling bad that she had been so caught up in her own grief over their Dad and her own life with Alex to think about the farm.

“You know you don’t like doing a lot of the heavy work,” Michael pointed out.

“I can do it; it’s just that I didn’t need to in the past but now that I do…”

“That wont be a problem soon,” Max said then.

“Why?” Isabel asked.

“I’ve decided to move back to Killarny,” Max said.

Michel nodded, “That’s great,” he said.

“Thanks. Isabel?”

“What about Mum?” She asked. As much as she wanted Max to be closer, she was worried about her mum being in the city by herself.

“I haven’t told her yet I wanted to run it past the both of you first. But I’m pretty sure she’ll want to stay in the city,” Max answered.

“I’m really happy that you’re coming home Max,” Isabel smiled then, “I’m just a bit worried about Mum.”

“I’ll talk to her,” Max assured her.

“Ok. Now about this work are you going to be able to do it?” Isabel asked then.

“I’ve been thinking about this a lot,” he said then. “I want to get a bike.”

“A bike?” Michael questioned.

“Yeah like the one’s Alex and Liz have. I’ve already tried them out and I can ride them without a problem. It will be easier than trying to get on and off a horse,” he explained.

“Sounds like a good plan,” he said.

“Have you told Liz yet?” Isabel asked.

“No I want to talk to Mum about it first,” he admitted. “I don’t want to get her hopes up if everything doesn’t work out.”

“I’m sure it will,” Isabel said.

***

Jeff Parker eyed the young man sitting next to his little girl. He had known the Evans family most of his life and he was glad that his children were dating them, but Jeff Parker didn’t know Max very well and if he was going to be a permanent figure in Liz’s life then he was going to have to get to know him a little better.

“Hey there Max, Lizzie,” he greeted as he approached them.

Liz looked up surprised and Max simply smiled.

“Hey Mr Parker,” Max replied doing his best to quickly stand up so he could shake hands with him.

“It’s Jeff, Max,” Jeff replied.

“So it’s good to see you here again, how long are you staying this time?” He asked casually.

Jeff wasn’t stupid, he knew exactly why his daughter had been so moody for the past few weeks and it was the reason she hadn’t stopped smiling in the past few days too. His baby girl was in love with Max Evans and he wanted to make sure that he wasn’t going to break her heart.

Max smiled slightly at the question, he knew what Jeff Parker wanted to know and he could hardly blame him. So he would do whatever he had to, to prove that he wasn’t going to break Liz’s heart.

“Most of the week,” Max replied.

“How’s your mum Max?” Nancy Parker asked as she approached the tail end of the conversation. She had similar concerns to Jeff but she knew that Liz was a smart girl so she wasn’t going to interfere in her personal life.

“She’s good; the café is pretty busy at the moment so that keeps her fairly tied up.”

“That’s good, make sure you send her our love,” she said.

“I will,” Max replied.

Nancy left then and after looking around Jeff realised Liz was also tied up.

“Max I need you to tell me that you’re not going to hurt my little girl,” he said bluntly.

“I couldn’t Jeff. I love her,” Max replied as honestly as he could.

“That’s good to hear, so my next question is, are you going to take her away from us?” He asked.

Max looked away, he couldn’t deny that he had considered taking up Liz’s offer to move to the city with him but in the end he just couldn’t do it.

“No I won’t,” he said.

“Do you honestly think that you can maintain a long distance relationship?” Jeff asked then.

Max looked over to where Liz was talking with Isabel and Alex and smiled. “Between you and me Jeff it’s not going to be long distance for very much longer,” he answered.

Hey guyz, thank so much for your feedback. Good news for you all. I've been a very good little writer and my beta is a star (love you ki ki) so you guyz will get two updates this week. So i hope you enoy them

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Part 26

Max took a deep breath before he picked up the phone. He had been sitting, staring at it for the past ten minutes trying to work up the courage to ring.

Finally, he snatched the handset up and quickly dialled the number. It rang several times before it was finally picked up.

“Hello?” She answered breathlessly.

“Hi mum,” he spoke.

“Max! Hi sweetie,” Dianne Evans replied.

This wasn’t the first conversation she had with him since he had gone to Killarny so she wasn’t surprised to hear his voice.

“How are you?” She asked.

“Good and you?” Max replied.

“Tired, the café has been very busy today,” she smiled.

“That’s good,” Max said.

“I wanted to talk to you about something,” they both blurted out then and then laughed when they realised they had both said the exact same thing.

“You go first,” Max said, almost sighing in relief for being able to put it off a few more minutes.

“Well it’s nothing really big I just wanted to let you and Isabel both know. I’m going on a date.”

“Oh,” Max frowned.

All though Dianne and Phillip Evans had not been together for a very long, they had also never officially separated or divorced. When his father would come to the city to visit he would always share a room with his mother. Max also knew that his mother loved his father very much, and had up until the day he had passed away. That was why Max was so shocked to hear the latest news. Dating?

“Anyone I know?” He asked.

Sure Max wanted his mother to be happy. Hell, he had cost her years of it but wasn’t it too soon to be dating. His father had only passed away a few months ago.

“Just a man that comes into the café. We’ve been friends for a while but now that I’m officially not married any more he asked me out,” she explained.

Max was quiet after that. Not quite sure what to say.

“Max sweetie?” Dianne questioned.

“What did Isabel say?” He asked. Max knew Isabel would probably be devastated.

“I haven’t spoken to her yet. I was going to call you later to talk about it,” she explained.

“Do you like him?” Max asked.

“I do,” she admitted. “He has a son too, his wife died a few years ago.”

“You don’t need my permission Ma,” Max told her.

Dianne really liked Jim. They had been friends for a several months now and although she had considered being any more than friends with him while Phillip was still alive, she did enjoy his company and liked the idea of spending more time with him.

“I know that but it would mean a lot to me if you and Isabel were ok with it,” she whispered.

Max sighed quietly, he wanted her to be happy and God knew she would need someone when he told her that he was going to be moving back to Killarny for good.

“I’m ok with it,” he finally replied.

“Really?” She asked hopefully.

“Really” Max smiled already hearing happiness in her voice. “I will also talk to Isabel for you,” he added.

“Thank you sweetheart,” she replied. “Now enough about me. What did you want to talk to me about? How’s Liz by the way?”

Max smiled at the mention of Liz. “She’s great,” he replied.

“It’s actually kind of about Liz I wanted to talk to you about,” he continued.

“Ok,” she said.

“I love her Ma,” he admitted.

Dianne smiled. He baby boy was growing up. “I know,” she said. “I can tell.”

“I love you to, you know that right?” He said then.

“I know sweetie,” Dianne said having a feeling that she knew what was coming.

“And I appreciate everything you’ve done for me; I don’t know where I would be today if you hadn’t sacrificed everything you did so that I could get the best recovery.”

“Max sweetie, what’s wrong?” She asked.

Max sighed, “I want to move back to Killarny permanently,” he whispered.

“Oh,” Dianne replied. She knew it was coming but that didn’t make her more prepared for what it would feel like when he said the words.

“I have thought about this for so long, I feel so torn. I don’t want to leave you in the city by yourself but I can’t expect Liz to uproot her life and move to the city either.”

“I know,” Dianne agreed.

“I can’t be without her mum,” he whispered.

“That’s what happens when you love someone sweetie,” Dianne sympathised.

“How did you do it?” Max asked then.

Dianne was silent. “How did you leave Dad?” He asked.

Dianne sighed, “I loved your father so much Max and one day when you have children you’ll understand. There is no greater love than the love between mother and child.”

Max understood what she was saying. She loved Phillip but she loved Max more. Max’s closed his eyes in guilt then. He had used that love against his mother and forced her to stay in the city with him

“Stop it,” Dianne chided knowing exactly what he was doing.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“I love you and I don’t regret what I did for you,” she told him. “Look at what you’ve achieved Max. The Doctors doubted you would ever walk but you do every day.”

“I know,” he agreed.

“Liz is a lucky girl,” she told him then.

“I’m the lucky one,” Max smiled.

“I will miss you my baby but you have to do what makes you happy,” Dianne smiled sadly.

“Liz makes me happy,” Max replied.

“Then it’s settled,” she said. “I take it you’ll at least be coming home to pick up your things.”

“Of course,” Max agreed. “I can’t convince you to come with me can I?” He asked then.

“No sweetie. My life is here now,” she told him.

“I thought you’d say that but I had to ask anyway.”

“Thank you though.”

“Maybe when I’m down I could meet this guy…” he suggested.

“Jim,” she supplied his name.

“Yeah Jim.”

“Maybe,” Dianne smiled. “Let’s see how it goes first.”

“Ok,” Max agreed. “I’ll probably head home later this week,” Max advised then.

“Ok, that would be nice,” she agreed.

“I’ll get Isabel to call you ok.”

“Thank you sweetie.”

“No thank you mum. I love you,” Max smiled.

“I love you too baby. Say hi to Liz.”

“I will.”

Max collapsed onto the couch after hanging up the phone. That had gone better than he thought but why didn’t he feel relieved.

***

“Hey chestnut!”

Liz groaned when she heard the name and the all too familiar nickname that Kyle Valenti had taken to calling her.

“Hi,” she replied.

“How are things?” He asked.

“Good,” she smiled.

“That’s what I like to hear,” he grinned. “So has that boyfriend of yours returned to the city yet?” He asked hopefully.

“Why?” Liz asked.

“Just wondering when we can get back to having our little affair,” he grinned.

“You’re such a pig,” Liz groaned as she picked up her brush and continued to rub sandstone down.

“Oh come on Liz, don’t deny it,” he laughed.

“What are you doing here?” She asked then.

“Alex wanted me to check some of the cattle over,” he shrugged.

“Well you should go find him then do that then,” Liz said.

Kyle chuckled again, “Ok chestnut. Catch ya later.”

“By the way,” Liz called out a smirk playing on her face now too. “Max is still here.”

Kyle’s smile faded then which only caused Liz’s to grow bigger.

Take that Valenti, she thought to herself.

***

Alex knew the minute that Isabel walked through is front door that something was wrong.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He asked immediately standing up and going to her.

Isabel wasted no time bursting into tears which quickly turned into sobs.

“Shh,” Alex soothed her as he sat and let her cry herself out.

After she had composed herself slightly Alex lifted her face so that he could see her.

“What happened?” He asked.

“My mum,” she said.

Alex immediately grew alarmed. “Is she ok?” He asked thinking the worst immediately.

“She started dating,” she cried.

“Oh,” Alex frowned wondering why Isabel was so upset.

“Is that bad?” He asked.

Isabel wiped her eyes and look at Alex. “My father’s only be gone a couple of months Alex,” she told him.

“Yeah I know,” Alex replied, “but it’s not like they’ve been together for a long time,” he pointed out.

Isabel opened her mouth to dispute that but then she realised it was right. “But he still loved her,” she finally whispered.

“I know,” he agreed. “And I’m sure she still loved him but don’t you think she’s put her life on hold for long enough?”

Isabel thought about that and realised that Alex was probably right.

“She deserves to be happy Bella,” he said.

“You’re right,” she whispered.

“So who’s she dating?” He asked then.

“Some guy from the café named Jim,” she replied.

“Well I was going to surprise you but now seems like as good a time as any,” he started, “I organised a weekend away in the city for your birthday,” he said. “Maybe we can meet him while we’re there.”

Isabel’s eyes immediately lit up. “You did that for me?” She asked surprised.

“Yep,” he grinned.

“God I love you,” she whispered.

“Me too Bella, me too,” Alex grinned, and soon he would show her how much. Alex couldn’t wait until Isabel was wearing his ring and about to become Mrs Isabel Parker for the rest of her life.

Thanks everyone, i hope you enjoy this new part

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Part 27

Tess smiled as she walked into Dianne Evan’s small café. The place was fairly busy but she managed to find a table in the corner so she took a seat and waited for someone to serve her. She had been doing some shopping and decided to come in and see Dianne and hopefully find out how Max was doing. She had tried calling him a few times on his phone but it was always switched off.

“Hi Tess,” Dianne smiled as she approached.

“Hi Dianne,” she replied with a bright smile.

“Looks busy today,” she commented.

“Yeah it’s been like this all week,” Dianne replied.

“Well Max picked the worse time to take off for a holiday didn’t he?” She laughed.

“True but he didn’t really work here to start with, I’ll have to get used to not having him around anyway,” she commented.

Tess frowned slightly. “Why is that? Did he finally find a job?” She asked.

Dianne looked surprised by Tess’s question. “You haven’t spoken to him?” She asked.

“No I’ve tried calling but his phone is always switched off,” Tess replied.

“He doesn’t get very good service at the farm,” Dianne informed her. “Another thing he’ll have to fix,” she said, thinking out aloud.

“Why’s that?” Tess asked.

“I’m sure he’s going to call you but he rang yesterday to tell me he’s decided to move back to Killarny for good,” Dianne sighed.

“What!” Tess cried outraged. Firstly, because he hadn’t called her to discuss such a major decision and secondly because there was no way her best friend belonged out bush on a farm.

“Is this because of what’s her name?” She asked.

Dianne smiled at Tess’s obvious jealously. “You mean Liz?” She asked.

“Yeah,” Tess said.

“Partly,” she answered. “But I think Max has just finally realised it’s where he belongs, I don’t think he would have ever been truly happy anywhere else.”

“He was happy here with you, me and his friends,” Tess pointed out annoyed.

“Yeah he was but you know the statement Tess, you can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the boy. The land is in Max’s bones, I’ve known it for a long time it just took him a while to realise it.”

“Yeah or that girl has bewitched him or something,” Tess huffed. She couldn’t believe that she was loosing her best friend. No one understood her, or what she had been through better than Max did and that was because he had been there, he had also lived through something similar.

Dianne could tell that Tess was upset. She hadn’t meant to let the cat out of the bag but she had assumed Max would have told Tess. Dianne knew that Tess was going to have a hard time coming to terms with it. Although there had never been anything romantic between them she had always suspected Tess hoped there might be one day, at one time she thought there might be too. But now Max had met Liz, and everything had changed. It was going to take a while for Tess to get used to that and to accept it.

“I’m sure he’ll call you,” Dianne said.

Tess wasn’t so confident. There was a reason why Max hadn’t called her and it was because he knew Tess wouldn’t agree or support his decision.

“Well we won’t have to wait to find out,” Tess said then, standing up. “Because I’m going to Killarny and if I have too I’ll drag Max home by his shirt collar,” she told Dianne seriously.

***

Liz couldn’t remember the last time she had been so excited. Max was taking her out tonight for a special romantic dinner. She had no idea where they were going or what the occasion was but she couldn’t wait.

Liz knew that in a few days Max would most likely be returning home, and that as yet they hadn’t made a decision about what they were going to do. Only that Max was adamant Liz wasn’t moving to the city for him.

With a sigh, she placed the last bobby pin in her hair. “Done,” she whispered.

“Liz, Max is here,” she heard Amy yell up the stairs.

She cast one more look in the mirror before slipping into her shoes and grabbing her purse.

Max was waiting at the bottom of the stairs as she walked down.

“Wow,” he whispered as she came closer. “Stunning,” he told her.

Liz was only wearing a simple black dress but she looked gorgeous.

“You look very nice too,” she grinned admiring his dress shirt and black slacks.

“Shall we?” He asked offering his hand. Liz took it eagerly and they walked out to Max’s SUV hand in hand.

“I hope you don’t mind but I kind of decided on something different at the last minute,” Max advised as he helped Liz into the car.

“As long as I’m with you I’m happy,” Liz replied with a sappy smile and Max couldn’t help but grin wider.

After a few minutes of driving though, Liz was confused. Max had veered off the road and now they were driving towards her favourite spot, and the place they had shared their first kiss.

Liz gasped when they finally pulled up at the spot. There was a rug placed out and it was covered with pillows. There was also a small fire burning.

“Max…”

“I know you got all dressed up,” he said, “but I thought this might be nicer than being in a room full of other people.”

“It’s beautiful,” Liz told him and leaned over the gear stick to kiss him.

“Come on,” he whispered before getting out of the car and going around to Liz’s side to open her door for her.

Once Liz was settled on the rug Max removed the large picnic basket that Isabel helped him prepare from the back of the SUV. It was filled with all Liz’s favourites including chocolate covered strawberries.

They talked about things going on in their lives and stories from their childhood as they dug into the food Max brought and sipped on the bottle of champagne. It wasn’t until Max had cleared the dirty plates away that things turned quiet.

“When are you leaving?” Liz finally whispered assuming that this was what the night was all about.

Max reached over and took Liz’s hand in his then. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about,” he said.

Liz couldn’t help it when the tears gather in her eyes and she quickly looked away so that Max wouldn’t see them.

“I thought I would leave on Friday,” he continued then.

“I’m coming with you,” Liz said then.

Max smiled at her then. “If I leave Friday I can be back within a week,” he said.

“What do you mean?” Liz asked confused. It seemed silly to go home for a week and then to come back.

“I mean that I’ll be back for good,” he whispered.

Liz’s eyes went wide. Surely, he wasn’t saying what she thought he was.

“I love you Liz and I want to be with you,” he told her.

“You’re moving back for me?” Liz gasped.

“Mostly,” he smiled, “but part of me just really misses this place when I’m not here.”

“But what about your mum and your home?” Liz cried praying that she wasn’t getting her hopes up for nothing. She certainly wasn’t the only person that Max had to think about; he had a life in the city.

“I will miss my mum but she understands why I’m moving back.”

“Oh Max,” Liz cried.

Max began to worry as Liz continued to stare off into space with tears running down her eyes. He had thought this was what she wanted but maybe he had been wrong.

“You don’t seem very happy…” he whispered.

When Liz looked back, she found Max looking away.

“I’m in shock,” she replied with a smile. “I’ve hoped and prayed for this since our first kiss I just never thought it was something you wanted or could do,” she admitted.

Max looked back at her then. “I don’t want to be apart from you anymore,” he told her.

“Me either,” Liz told him. “Are you sure this is what you want?” She asked then. “Because I don’t think I could stand it if down the track you regretted moving here for me…”

Max stopped Liz’s ranting with a kiss.

“Tell me you love me,” he whispered.

“I love you,” she smiled.

“Tell me that you’re happy that I’m staying,” he said then.

“I’m so happy” she replied again.

“Then that’s all I need to know that I’m never going to regret a second with you Liz Parker. I love you like I never dreamed of ever loving someone,” he whispered passionately.

Liz felt her heat swell at his confession. “Being with you will be enough to make me happy for the rest of my life,” he added then.

“Me too,” Liz cried.

Max took her into his arms then, crushing her smaller body against his as Liz cried happy tears.

When she had finally calmed down Max pulled back with a smile. “So I figured it will take me a few days to pack up what I need and then I could spend a few more days with my mother before heading back. It shouldn’t be much more than a week,” he explained.

“Won’t your mum be upset that you won’t be home for your birthday?” Liz asked worriedly. Max and Isabel’s birthday was only a few weeks away and Liz knew it would probably be the first one that Max hadn’t been with his mother for.

“Maybe at first,” he smiled sadly, “But Isabel will be in the city for the weekend so that will help.”

“That’s true,” Liz agreed.

They laid together on the pillows then just enjoying being together.

“I wish I could go with you,” Liz said out of nowhere.

“I know,” Max told her, “but I’m just going to be spending most of my time packing and then spending some time with my mum,” he assured her. Liz certainly wouldn’t be missing much.

“Have you told Tess yet?” She wondered. Liz knew that there was no ay Tess was going to take the news well.

“No,” Max groaned. He had completely forgotten to call Tess.

Liz laughed a little then. “Good luck with that,” she told him.

“Gee thanks,” he laughed.

“I love you so much Max Evans,” Liz whispered then as she stared deeply into Max’s eyes.

Max reached up and fingered a tendril of hair that was hanging down her face and smiled. “I love you too Liz Parker,” he whispered.

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Part 28

Tess groaned as she drove through the small town of Gungahlin. The town consisted of two streets which held a petrol station/general store, a police station, and the local pub. The rest of the small town was small houses which looked liked they had been built over 50 years ago. All in all, it confirmed everything Tess already thought, Max didn’t belong in this town.

She pulled off to the side of the road to pull out the directions that Dianne had written down before she had left. At first Dianne had tried to convince her not to go but in the end she given in and written down the directions when she realised that Tess wasn’t going to give in. She also made Dianne promise that she wouldn’t call Max to warn him about her arrival either. Tess planned to surprise the hell out of Max Evans and Liz Parker.

***

Maria smiled when Michael rode up along side her.

“Hey.” He greeted her.

“Hey yourself,” she replied doing her best not to look at him so she wouldn’t blush.

“Where you moving this lot?” He asked referring to the small heard of sheep Maria was moving out.

“Kyle’s coming by to check them out before we send them to the sales,” she informed him.

“Get a good price?” He asked curiously.

“Not sure yet,” Maria shrugged. “Alex and Jeff didn’t like the price from our regular buyer that’s why he decided to send this lot to the sales,” she explained.

“Smart move,” he acknowledged making a note to check with Alex what price he got at the sale so he could compare it to his own local buyers price.

“You’ve been dropping in a lot lately,” Maria pointed out then; “people will start talking,” she teased.

“Let them,” Michael grunted in his normal Michael like fashion.

Maria looked at him then, “You wouldn’t mind then?” She asked him.

“Mind if people started talking about me?”

“Mind if people started talking about something going on between us,” Maria clarified before quickly looking away embarrassed.

“Well no” Michael replied, “Because we both know that there isn’t anything going on between us...” Michael said.

Maria’s heart immediately fell and she felt tears gathering in her eyes.

“Yet,” Michael added.

Maria whipped her head around surprised at Michael’s last word and found him grinning at her.

When he realised that she was staring at him he averted his gaze feeling embarrassed.

“Well what are we going to do to fix that?” Maria finally asked.

Michael shrugged and rode on silently for a while before finally speaking again. “I thought maybe we could have dinner at the pub one night,” he suggested.

“I’d really like that Michael,” she replied.

***

After stopping at the gas station to ask for directions Tess finally was back on the road towards Killarny. She couldn’t deny as she drove that there was something beautiful about the rolling hills she could see. She had heard Max and Dianne talk about how beautiful the land was over the years she had known them but she hadn’t really believed them.

She slowed her car down as she approached the first sign in quite a while. The sign was large and stood next to a sandstone entrance into the driveway.

Parkers Run

Tess was slightly shocked to realise that this was Liz’s family property. On one hand it meant that she was obviously closer to Killarny that she had thought but she had never expected such grandness. She couldn’t see the homestead though only a long driveway lined with large trees shading the road.

With a final look, she continued slower down the road until she reached the entrance to Killarny.

“At last,” she sighed. She had been in the car for 7 hours and she couldn’t wait to get out and stretch.

***

Isabel frowned as she looked out the front window and saw the unfamiliar looking car pulling up into their driveway.

“Who could that be?” She asked herself.

A few minutes later, her question was answered as the small blonde climbed out of her car.

As soon as Isabel realised it was Tess she rushed out to meet her.

“Tess!” She called as she walked out the front door.

Tess smiled as she saw Isabel. “Isabel. Hi!” She greeted.

“What are you doing here?” Isabel laughed as she got close enough to hug her friend.

Tess waited until the hug was over before attempting to answer Isabel’s question.

“Actually I’m here to talk some sense into your bother,” she replied bluntly.

“You heard?” Isabel guessed.

Isabel had gotten to know Tess very well over the years she had been friends with Max and she knew how protective and possessive Tess was of Max. It didn’t surprise her one little bit that Tess was here and Isabel hoped Max was ready to deal with her.

“Through your mother no less, he didn’t even call and tell me himself the coward,” she huffed causing Isabel to laugh.

“In his defence he only made the decision a couple of days ago,” Isabel said as she helped Tess get her bag out of the boot of her car.

“Don’t make excuses for him,” Tess replied. “Where is he anyway?”

“Ah my guess would be at Parkers seeing Liz,” Isabel replied. Today had been Max’s first day out on the farm with Michael. He had been dirty and tired when he had come in but after a shower he was straight into his SUV heading over to see Liz.

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Tess grumbled, “I drive seven hours and he can’t even be here to see me.”

Isabel laughed even more then. “He doesn’t even know your coming.”

“Come on let me show you our home,” Isabel smiled.

***

“Come spend the night with me,” Max whispered as he sucked on Liz’s neck.

Liz moaned quietly and arched her neck back to give him better access.

They had just finished dinner with the Parkers and were now making out heavily on Liz’s bed. Max knew he wanted to do much more than just make out with Liz and he couldn’t do it in the same house her parents were in.

“Ok,” she agreed feeling the exact same way. “Let me pack a bag and we can go.”

It only took Liz five minutes to get her stuff together and after telling her mother that she was spending the night with Max, they headed out to the car.

Max groaned in slight pain as he pulled his stiff leg in behind the wheel

“God I can’t wait to get you alone,” Max groaned as Liz’s hand settled high on his thigh.

“First I’m going to pour you a warm bath and then I’m going to rub that leg for you,” Liz told him.

“Will you join me in said bath?” Max queried.

“Is it big enough?” Liz grinned.

“Oh yeah,” Max replied.

“Then yes,” she promised.

“And once you’re done rubbing my leg you’ll rub a little higher?” He asked wiggling his eyebrows.

“That you can count on,” Liz replied huskily.

“Than I think I better drive a bit faster,” Max grinned.

It only took five minutes for them to arrive at Killarny. Max drove the SUV down to the side garage completely missing the car parked off to the side of the driveway.

“Lets sneak in so we don’t have to talk to Isabel and Michael,” Max suggested.

“You’re an idiot,” Liz giggled as she followed him through the back door and into the house. “It’s not like they’re going to want to sit down and talk to us.”

“Max is that you?” He heard his sister call out.

Max gave Liz an, “I told you so,” look before replying. “Yeah Iz.”

A few seconds later Isabel came bursting into the kitchen with wide eyes.

“Where have you been?” She asked.

“With Liz,” Max replied. “I told you that.”

“You’re never going to believe who’s here,” she whispered furiously ignoring Max’s comment.

“Who?” Max asked.

“Tess,” Isabel said.

“What?” Max said shocked.

“Tess is in the living room right this second,” Isabel told him.

“What’s Tess doing here Max?” Liz asked.

Max looked at Liz then Isabel. “I have no idea,” he said. “I haven’t spoken to her since I left.”

“Well you better go find out,” Isabel told him.

Max sighed tiredly before he started to make his way into the living room.

Tess was smirking as Max walked into the room. She had guessed it was him as soon as she had heard the car in the driveway.

“That face doesn’t say happy to see me,” she teased.

Max smiled at her joke. “I am just surprised,” he admitted.

“You look like shit,” she said rising from the couch.

“Thanks,” Max replied.

He hugged her briefly when she finally reached him. “What are you doing here?” He asked her.

“Well you see I heard this nasty little rumour,” she started, “that you were planning on staying in this hole and I knew immediately it was because of the hick you think your in love with,” she said. “So I’m here to talk some sense into you before you ruin your life, Max.”

Max frowned at her. “Don’t call her that,” he snapped referring to her comment about Liz.

Tess rolled her eyes. “So this is the part where you tell me that it isn’t true.”

“Max?”

Both Tess and Max’s heads snapped towards the door at the sound of her voice.

Liz and Isabel had heard the entire conversation. Liz had to stop Isabel from rushing in and interrupting Tess’s first comments about their home and her but Liz couldn’t stand by and listen any longer.

Max’s frown softened as he saw the hurt look on her face. “Hey, why don’t you go start that bath and I’ll be there in a minute,” he said.

Liz nodded hesitantly and left. Isabel waited in the kitchen continuing to listen to the rest of their conversation.

After Liz left Max turned back to Tess with a scowl. “Let’s get one thing straight,” he said. “You better change your attitude about my home and Liz if you intend on staying a second longer in this house, got it?”

Tess was shocked at the anger in his voice. She opened her mouth to say something but Max beat her to it.

“Now I’m going to have a bath and go to bed because I’ve had a long day. We’ll talk about this tomorrow,” he told her before he turned and walked out of the room leaving Tess surprised and very annoyed.

Part 29

There were no words spoken as Max slipped in behind Liz in the steaming bubble bath that she had prepared for them.

“Oh this is nice,” Max whispered as Liz leant back against him.

“Yeah,” Liz whispered.

“You ok?” He asked worried.

Liz didn’t answer his question for a long time and when she did, she shook her head softly.

“I’m sorry you heard that,” Max apologised.

“She doesn’t like me very much,” Liz acknowledged.

Liz didn’t know Tess very well and after hearing her comments earlier she didn’t think she really wanted to either, but she knew that Tess was an important part of Max’s life and the last thing she wanted was them to be at odds because of her.

“She doesn’t know you,” Max replied kissing her neck gently.

“That didn’t stop her from criticising our home and calling me a hick,” Liz said sarcastically.

“She was out of line and I told her that,” Max replied. “I’ll make her apologise tomorrow.”

“Don’t bother,” Liz said.

One thing Tess hadn’t learnt about her yet was that Liz Parker wasn’t some naive country girl who she could walk all over. Liz had already decided she would do her best to be nice to Tess for Max’s sake but if Tess thought she was just going to let her come to her home and treat her like nothing, and make Max feel guilty for wanting to be there, then she would have a very big fight on her hands.

Behind Liz, Max closed his eyes. Tess had been in Gungahlin for less than a couple of hours and she was already stirring up his calm life. A life that he intended to have for a very long time.

“I’m sorry,” he apologised again.

Liz turned in the bath then until they were face to face and her hands raised and cupped his face gently, caressing his cheek. He was the most beautiful man she had ever met inside and out.

“Stop,” she whispered. “You didn’t ask her to come and you certainly didn’t ask her to say those things, so you have absolutely nothing to be sorry about Max Evans. Tess is the one who should be apologising to you. She can say what she wants about me, Max, I honestly don’t care, but she’s supposed to be your friend and it was you she disrespected tonight, not me.”

Max nodded totally agreeing with everything Liz said except about Tess being able to say anything she liked about Liz. Max certainly wouldn’t tolerate that at all from Tess, or anyone for that matter.

Max loved Tess. She was his best friend and a very important part of his life for a long time. He certainly didn’t want to loose her but at the same time he needed to make his own decisions about his life and Tess needed to respect them. He didn’t expect her to be happy about it but he didn’t expect her to respect his decisions and that he knew what was best for him.

“I already told her to back off and I’ll have a chat with her in the morning,” Max told her.

“Maybe I should go home tonight, it might be best if I’m not here in the morning,” Liz suggested.

Max immediately shook his head, “Please stay,” he pleaded. “I want to hold you in my arms.”

Liz grinned, “I hope you want to do a little more than that?” She teased, “I still owe you that rub,” she reminded him then.

“That’s right, you do,” Max grinned as he leaned in to kiss her.

“We should get to that,” Liz suggested huskily as all idea of going home that night quickly disappeared. The water was beginning to cool now and both Liz and Max had other things on their minds.

“Yes we should,” Max agreed. Together they got out of the bath and dried off before tiptoeing down the hallway and locking themselves into Max’s room.

***

Liz was almost relieved when Tess was still asleep during breakfast the next morning.

“So whose car is that outside?” Michael questioned as he joined Liz, Max and Isabel who were already sitting at the table in the kitchen.

“Tess’s,” Max answered.

“That chick from the city?” He queried.

“Yeah,” Max nodded.

“Ok.”

“Do you think I should wake her for breakfast?” Isabel asked Max then.

Max shook his head, “It’s pretty early, Iz I’m sure she’ll get up herself in a few hours.”

“Yeah but by that stage you’ll be long gone,” Isabel pointed out.

“That’s right,” Max grinned at his sister.

“Thanks Max,” Isabel glared at him. The last thing she needed was to be stuck with Tess who would undoubtedly whine the whole day about Max’s decision to stay on at Killarny.

“I can’t just drop everything because she showed up Iz,” Max pointed out.

“We got stock to move today anyway,” Michael added in.

“I could help with that,” Isabel said.

“Nah I need you to put some food out in the top paddocks,” Michael replied.

“Take Tess with you,” Liz suggested then. “Show her around the hole you like to call home,” she smirked at Isabel.

“I thought you’d at least be on my side,” Isabel grumbled at Liz.

“Believe me I am but I prefer the idea of her spending the day with you than spending the day trying to convince Max to go back to the city,” Liz replied.

“That’s not going to happen baby,” Max whispered leaning over and kissing Liz gently.

It was right at that moment that Tess wandered half asleep into the kitchen. She groaned aloud when she saw Max and Liz.

“Morning Tess,” Isabel greeted cheerily.

“Morning,” Tess replied helping herself to coffee before sitting down in a spare seat next to Isabel.

Tess looked at Michael then, “Who are you?” She asked.

Michael raised his eyebrows at her rudeness. “I’m Michael, the brother and I actually live here. Who are you?” He replied just as brisk.

“Tess, the best friend from the city that Max has abandoned,” Tess replied.

Max rolled his eyes. “We should go,” he said to Liz before standing up.

Liz nodded. “Thanks for breakfast Iz,” Liz smiled.

“You’re leaving?” Tess objected.

“Yeah I have to drop Liz off at home before starting work,” Max replied.

“But I thought we were going to talk?”

“We will, I’ll have a break about nine so I’ll see you then.”

“Just great I drive all this way and you can’t even take some time off to spend the day with me,” she grumbled.

“Well maybe if I knew you were coming I might have been able to arrange it but since you showed up out of the blue I can’t,” Max snapped at her.

“Fine,” she sighed.

“I’ll be back in ten, Michael. I’ll meet you in the stables.”

“Sure,” Michael replied.

***

Tess was bored. After breakfast, she had a long shower before heading out to find Isabel hoping that she would have something planned for them to do to occupy the time while she waited for Max. Normally Tess wasn’t an early riser but it was hard to sleep when the four other occupants of the house you were staying in were up at six in the morning and not being quiet.

Isabel smirked as Tess emerged from the bathroom in a pair of nice new jeans and a frilly tank top.

“So what do you guys do around here?” She asked.

“Well I have to do some work this morning I thought you might want to join me, I could show you around,” Isabel suggested.

“Ok,” Tess shrugged thinking that it sounded better than being stuck waiting for Max.

“You might want to change then,” Isabel suggested.

Tess looked at her clothing before looking back up at Isabel, “Why?”

“Well those jeans look new and expensive and I wouldn’t want you to ruin them. Just put an old pair on,” Isabel answered.

“Oh ok,” Tess frowned glad she packed last years pair of jeans too.

“I’ll just go grab the Ute so I’ll see you outside,” Isabel told her.

When Tess finally joined her Isabel found it hard to tell if she had changed at all. The jeans looked almost the same, practically knew, nothing like the worn pair she was wearing herself.

“Ready?” Isabel asked.

“Sure let’s go,” Tess nodded.

An hour later Tess was wishing that she had just stayed back at the house. She was completely bored watching Isabel put grass and seeds out for the animals. Not to mention it was hot and she could already feel her creamy skin burning under the bright sun.

“Tess would you mind handing me that last bag of feed?” Isabel called out.

Tess looked at the bag and then back to Isabel to see if she was serious. It looked too heavy for her to carry but Isabel appeared serious so she attempted to pull it off the truck. When she reached Isabel practically dragging the heavy bag of feed she was panting.

“Thanks,” Isabel smiled.

Tess looked down at her jeans then, which were now covered in dirt. “Sure,” she frowned.

Ten minutes later Isabel was finished.

“It’s almost nine so we’ll head back and get some morning tea ready. Max and Michael should be heading in soon,” Isabel, informed her.

“Thank God,” Tess groaned.

Isabel frowned. “You know if you really want Max to talk to you about why he’s decided to stay then I suggest you change your angle.”

“Why?” Tess asked.

“Because he doesn’t respond well to bitch,” Isabel answered.

“Ouch Iz,” Tess laughed thinking that Isabel was joking.

“I’m serious,” Isabel turned to her, her icy glare telling her she meant every word. “He’s not a child and he’s not your boyfriend so the way I see it he doesn’t have to explain anything to you. Why don’t you try asking him his reasons instead of informing him he’s being an idiot and is going to ruin his life?” Isabel lectured.

She had been itching to say something to the blonde since she had overheard her conversation with Max the night before. Now was her chance and she wasn’t going to pass it up.

“It’s just all so sudden,” Tess said.

“Maybe for you but not for us or for him,” Isabel replied. “Do you think he didn’t agonise over this decision?” She asked Tess then.

“I think he rushed into it,” Tess replied honestly.

“Do you know what I really think Tess?” Isabel asked her then.

“What?” Tess asked.

“I think you’re jealous,” Isabel said bluntly. “I think you’ve gotten so used to be the centre of Max’s universe. None of his previous girlfriends have ever meant anything much to him and they certainly haven’t stuck around long enough to upset your position in his life but it’s different with Liz. He’s changing her life for her and you can’t stand that.”

Tess was shocked at Isabel words. “I thought we were friends Isabel,” she replied.

“We are,” Isabel shrugged. “But you came into my home last night and insulted it and one of my very best friends and I didn’t appreciate that one bit.”

“I’m sorry,” she apologised.

“No you’re not,” Isabel said a small smile on her face; she wouldn’t accept the apology because she knew Tess and she knew she wasn’t really sorry for saying something that she truly meant.

“Look Tess I’ve said what I wanted to now I just have one more thing to say. Think very carefully about what you say to Max because if push comes to shove are you really so sure he’s going to choose you?” She asked.

Tess opened her mouth to answer but instead she closed it and looked out the window as she contemplated what Isabel Evans had just said to her.

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Part 30

Tess was surprised when Max suggested they take a walk. After their chat, Isabel had left Tess alone to think about everything she had said but it wasn’t long before Max and Michael arrived back at the homestead. They helped themselves to one of the sandwiches Isabel made and Max poured himself a cup of coffee before finding Tess.

“I know your upset I didn’t ring and tell you” Max started.

He had thought about the best way to talk to Tess all morning and this was the best he could come up with.

“Yeah I was. Do you know what it was like to hear something like that from your mum?” she replied. “If I hadn’t one in there how long would it have taken you to tell me? Would you have packed your bags first?”

“I’m heading home at the end of the week. I planned on telling you ten” Max answered.

“I thought we were better friends than that Max,” Tess said sadly.

“We are but I have to be honest and tell you that you weren’t my first concern when I made this decision, Tess,” Max told her honestly. “I know we’ve been close for a long time, throughout school and university but the thing is Tess we aren’t in school any longer. This is the real world and we aren’t going to be able to consider each others feelings in every decision we make regarding our lives and future anymore”

“I realise that but this is a life changing decision Max. Don’t you think you could have at least talked to me about it or phoned me to let me know you were at least considering it?” she asked.

“I didn’t even know that things between you and Liz were that serious,” she added.

Max stopped then and stared at Tess incredulously. “How can you say that?” he asked. “Do you think I would have pursued the whole long distance relationship thing if I was anything less that serious about Liz, Tess. I lover her, she’s the one for me”

“How do you know that?” Tess asked then.

“That she’s the one for me?” Max asked.

“Yeah. I mean it’s not like you’ve dated that many girls…”

“I don’t need to. The way Liz makes me feel is indescribable” Max answered. “She fills that gaping whole in my heart, makes me feel complete” he grinned.

Tess looked away feeling slightly hurt at the way Max had described the way Liz made him feel. Although she had never admitted it to anyone Tess had developed feelings for Max over the years and had always hoped that one day he would see her as more than just a friend. It wasn’t something she had pursued with him because she didn’t want it to get in the way of their close friendship if he didn’t feel the same way, but now Tess was feeling something completely new. Regret. She realised now that she had let her chance with Max pass her by. He was lost to her now and she wasn’t sure how she was supposed to deal with that.

“What about the life you’ve built in the city?” she asked then.

“It’s not like I’m moving out of the country. I’ll be visiting all the time since mum is there. I’m not going to forget about my old life Tess, but now I have a new life here” Max replied.

Tess felt tears spring to her eyes then. The first she had let come since finding out the news that Max was leaving.

“What about me?” she whispered then.

Max stopped when he heard the shake in his voice. “Tess...”

Tess turned as sobs over took her body, looking away so that Max wouldn’t see but it was pointless because he could see her shoulders shaking.

“I’ll still see you too and we can email and call,” He said.

“It’s not the same,” she whispered.

“I know it’s not but….”

“But Liz is more important” she finished for him.

“Tess…”

“Not its ok I understand” she shrugged. “You love her”

“I do but I love you too, you’re my best friend Tess” Max replied stepping forward and putting an arm around her shoulder.

“Did you ever wonder if we could be more than friends?” she asked then.

Max looked at her surprised. “Um what?” he asked.

“You and me. Did you ever think about me as more than a friend?” she asked again.

Max was shocked by Tess’s question. He had never expected her to ask him that and the truth was he didn’t know how to answer her either.

“Tess…”

“We could be really good together, Max,” she whispered as she turned so they were face to face. Her small hand reached up then and caressed Max’s face gently.

“We’ve been through so much together…,” she added with a whisper.

Max was still at a loss for words as Tess rose to her tip toes and began to close the distance between them for a kiss. He could feel her small puffs of breath against his face and that was all it took for him to realise what was about to happen, and he quickly look a step back leaving Tess to kiss nothing but air.

“I’m sorry Tess but no I haven’t” he finally responded.

Tess was his best friend and over the years he had come to love her as a sister. Sometimes he suspected that he had bonded with Tess over the other children in hospital because he was trying to find someone to fill the whole that he felt in his heart when Isabel was not around. Their bond had always been close as children and Max had missed her terribly when they were apart.

Tess’s head fell in embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“We can’t ever be anything more than friends Tess,” Max told her gently.

Tess nodded. “So Liz is definetely the girl for you?” she asked.

“Yeah” Max nodded. “And you need to leant to accept that” he added. He had thought a lot about it since Tess had shown up, he needed to make Liz’s place in his life clear to Tess from work go. Not just for Liz, so she was secure that he wasn’t having seconds thought about her or his decision but also now so Tess would be clear that they would never be anything other than friends.

“And if I can’t?” Tess asked.

“Then it’s going to put a major strain on our friendship” Max replied honestly.

Tess nodded.

“Would you at least try to get to know her? I think if you have her a chance you’d really like her”

Tess stopped and look around before she finally looked back to Max. The fact was she didn’t want to loose him.

“I’d like that” she finally whispered.

Max smiled then before reaching forward and pulling Tess into a hug.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“I don’t want to loose you,” she admitted.

“Me either” he agreed.

When they pulled back, Tess once again had tears in her eyes. “I’ll try my best,” she promised him.

Max nodded. He looked at his watch then and realised that almost a half an hour had passed. “I have to get back,” he said regretfully.

Tess nodded.

“How long were you planning on staying?” Max asked then.

“I might as well head home in the next couple of days,” she said.

“Ok well how about we have dinner tonight, you, me and Liz?” he suggested.

“Sure” she smiled.

“Ok well I’ll call Liz and set it all up but I’ll see you later”

“Bye Max” she smiled.

Tess continued walking around the paddock not sure where she was going and once she reached the fence she stopped and stared out at the land that Max now called home, and the tears began to fall again.

Tess let them flow freely, her sobs racking her body.

It was over now and regret had a sour taste. Max was gone to her and if she wanted to be apart of his life at all she was going to have to make the effort to get to know Liz Parker, a woman she swore the day she met that she would never be friends with.

***

Max frowned as he watched Kyle Valenti pull up in his Rodeo 4WD. Thankfully he hadn’t had much to do with Kyle so far and as far as he knew he was leaving Liz alone.

“Max man your still here,” Kyle said as he climbed out of the driver’s side.

“Yep” Max replied.

“I thought you’d have been sick of this place by now,” he added then.

“Haven’t you heard the good news Kyle?” Max grinned then. He was glad that he would be the one to tell Kyle at that very second, to wipe the smug grin of the guys face.

“What news?” Kyle asked.

“I’m staying for good,” Max told him.

Max could barely contain his laughter as the smile slid of Kyle’s face. “Oh no I hadn’t heard”

“Yeah well there is just so many reasons to stay,” he said. “I mean who would want to leave this beautiful place, especially since Liz is here”

“Yeah” Kyle replied.

Kyle didn’t know Max but he seemed like a nice enough guy. The problem was that Kyle really liked Liz and he had been relying on Max leaving again soon and giving him the opportunity to worm his way into Liz’s heart.

“Liz is pretty happy” Max continued then.

“Yeah?” Kyle replied as he walked towards the back of his car and retrieved some of the equipment that he needed.

“Over the moon”

“Yeah she’s a top chick Liz, she deserves the best,” Kyle told him.

“I know” Max said seriously, “believe me I know”

Michael appeared out of the house then.

“Kyle man thanks for coming” he greeted and shook his hand.

“No problem” Kyle replied, his good mood suddenly gone.

“Lead the way” he said to Michael then.

“What are you doing?” Max asked curiously.

“I just called him to take a look at a couple of the stock horses,” Michael informed Max.

“Ok well I’m going to head out and fix that boundary fence” Max informed Michael.

“Ok I’ll catch up with you later,” Michael said.

Kyle followed Michael to the stables then. “So Max will be working with you guys now?” he asked.

“Yeah” Michael nodded.

“Wouldn’t have thought he’d be much help with that leg of his” he commented.

“You’d be surprised,” Michael acknowledged. He had thought the same thing as Kyle initially but Max was quickly proving him wrong. “The only thing he struggles with is riding and we’re getting him a bike so that won’t be a problem soon”

“Some stock don’t like bikes” Kyle told him.

“Well ours will get used to it,” Michael told him.

They were both surprised when they entered the stables that it wasn’t empty.

“Oh I’m sorry,” Tess said when they walked in. “I was just admiring her” she said gesturing to Princess, Isabel’s horse.

“Yeah she’s beautiful, you have good taste” Michael smiled at her.

Tess looked to Kyle then wondering who he was.

“Tess this is Kyle Valenti the vet” he introduced. “Kyle this is Tess, she’s visiting from Melbourne”

“Hey” Kyle smiled at the beautiful blonde. “What part of Melbourne are you from?” he asked.

“St Kilda” Tess replied.

“My dad lives there” Kyle grinned.

Michael shook his head at how quickly Kyle had begun flirting with the new blood.

“Kyle it’s just these two I need you to look at so I’ll leave you too it” he informed him.

“Sure I’ll come find you later” Kyle replied not taking his eyes off Tess for a second.

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Part 31

“So how did the talk go?” Liz asked Max as she leaned in between his legs. They were sitting on her porch enjoying the beautiful afternoon.

“Ok” Max said optimistically.

“Ok?” Liz questioned. Was that all he was going to tell her?

“I told her how I felt about you” Max said dropping a kiss against her neck “and I told her I couldn’t bare to be apart from you a second longer and I was sorry if she didn’t’ like that but that I chose you”

Liz turned then with tears in her eyes, “did you really choose me?” she asked.

Tess was his best friend and she would understand if he had second thoughts about their relationship and returning to the city with her, to the life he was used to.

“I love you” he whispered, “and yeah I told her if she made me choose that I would choose you. I also told her I didn’t want to and I think she finally understands”

“I hope so, I don’t want you to loose her friendship because of me,” Liz said.

“If she is really the friend I think she is, she wont” Max said. “I think the main problem is that she doesn’t know you like I do but I thought it would be nice if we could have dinner tonight?” Max suggested.

“The three of us?” Liz asked.

“Yeah, that way the two of you would get the chance to get to know each other a little better before we leave tomorrow”

“So she’s going home with you tomorrow?” Liz checked.

“Yes” he nodded. They hadn’t exactly talked about it but he would insist Tess return with him tomorrow. It would also give him some time to spend with her in the city to hopefully reaffirm their friendship before he moved back to Killarny permanently.

“Ok’ Liz agreed.

“Ok you’ll have dinner with us?” he asked.

“Of course. I love you Max and I realise that loving you and being part of your life sometimes means I have to compromise.”

“Thank you” he smiled lovingly at her. It was hard to believe that each day he fell more I love with her.

Liz moved so he could stand up then, “I’ll come back and pick you up at seven, ok?” he said then.

“See you then” Liz agreed before she reached up and kissed him.

***

The car ride to the pub that night was filled with awkward silence. Max did his best to start conversations but they always ended up between him and Liz, or him and Tess because basically, it appeared that Liz and Tess had next to nothing in common. They were like chalk and cheese, night and day.

Tess with her blond hair, her tight jeans and pastel shirt and Liz with her dark hair, dark jeans and black top.

The silence continued until they sat down at the dinner table and just when Max thought he couldn’t take anymore Liz began talking.

“So Tess, Max said you’re on the waiting list for a teaching position in Melbourne?”

“Yeah usually the only way you can get a full time position straight out of uni is to take a rural placement” she replied.

“So will you be able to get any casual work?” she wondered.

“That’s the plan but the problem is most schools already have a list of casual teachers they used which they’ve been happy with in the past. The key is to get your foot in the door and then hope that the teachers come down with something” she replied.

“Did you consider taking a rural placement?” Liz asked.

“I put my name down hoping I might have got somewhere close to home but they wanted me to go out back NSW” she shrugged.

“Wow that would be cool” Liz smiled.

Tess frowned. “Yeah not so much” she replied.

The table fell silent again then, so Max suggested that they place their orders. Max excused himself after that to go get them a round of drinks at the bar leaving Liz and Tess by themselves.

“So I know that you don’t really like it too much out here Tess but I hope for Max’s sake that you’ll visit,” Liz said kindly.

Tess eyed Liz carefully. “I don’t know what he see’s in you or this place” she said.

Liz was instantly annoyed by her comment but she bit back on a smart reply for Max’s sake, she was really trying to make an effort.

‘But he seems happy” Tess added surprising Liz.

“He is,” she agreed. “And so am I” Liz added. “It means a lot to him that we can be at least civil to each other,” Liz told her then. “I know we might not ever be friends but I would like to try, for Max’s sake”

“I know that you’ve been the only person in Max’s life for a long time now, and I know this change he’s making is going to take a bit for you to get used to but for his sake do you think you could try?” she asked

Tess thought about what Liz said for a few seconds, even though she didn’t’ want to like Liz on principle she couldn’t deny that it Liz obviously loved her best friend. She was willing to put his wants and needs before her own.

“I can do that,” she agreed.

“Good and maybe next time we visit in the city you can take me somewhere I can get a great top like that”

Tess smiled then, “You’re on” she agreed.

They began to share some stories about Max then and they were both giggling when he returned. He almost stopped short at the scene as he approached, he never expected to see his best friend and his girlfriend laughing together.

“What are you two up to?” he asked as he sat down.

“I was just telling Liz about when you tried to ask Amanda Watson out in high school” Tess grinned.

“Oh god” Max groaned.

He looked between them then, saw the smiles on their faces, and wondered how he had gotten so lucky to have two wonderful women in his life.

“Why did I want you two to talk again?” he asked them which only made them all laugh more.

After that, dinner went great. Although the girls both realised it would take a while for them to get used to the role they played in Max’s life they would, for him and because they loved him.

***

“I’m going to miss you” Max whispered as he stood in the early morning light with Liz wrapped in his arms.

Liz nodded as she fought the urge to cry. He would only be gone for a week but for some reason it felt like it would be much longer than that.

“I love you,” he whispered.

‘I love you too” she looked up and smiled.

Seeing tears gliding down her perfect cheek Max quickly wiped it away with the pad of his thumb. “Don’t cry baby, I can’t stand it when you cry” he pleaded.

Liz smiled through her tears. “I’m sorry, have a safe trip and call me when you get there,” she told him.

“I will and I’ll call you every night as well,” he promised.

“You don’t have to do that” she replied.

“I want to” he said.

He gave her a final passionate kiss then. He had already said his goodbyes to his sister and Michael and Tess was in her car waiting to follow him out.

Reluctantly, Max pulled back and took a step away.

“Bye” he whispered.

“Bye” she replied.

Max was almost at the car then when Liz’s voice stopped him and he turned around.

“Do me a favour?” she asked.

“Anything” he grinned.

“Don’t change your mind,” she cried.

Max was back at her side within seconds, his leg be damned.

He crushed her against his body. “Never going to happen. I’ll be back in a week and this time it will be for good,” he whispered.

Liz nodded against his chest then.

“Go” she whispered then. If he didn’t leave soon she would want to go with him and she knew she couldn’t do that.

Max pulled back again and this time he made it to his car and inside. He cast a final look at Liz as he started the car and smiled when she blew him a kiss.

“I love you,” he mouthed.

“I love you too” she replied.

Liz waited until she couldn’t see his car or Tess’s anymore before she turned towards her own car. It was still early but now that she was up she might as well get back to Parkers and to work.

***

“How do I look?” Maria asked as he emerged from the bathroom with her second outfit of the night. It was pair of hip hugging jeans that Liz had bought for her when in Melbourne and she had a nice brown camisole top that clung to her.

“That’s perfect,” Liz told her.

Tonight was the big date night for Maria and Michael and Maria had been excited and nervous about it all day.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Yep, just do your hair and keep your makeup natural and you’ll blow him away” Liz told her.

Liz knew that the type of girls Michael was used to dating wore half the clothing Maria had on and twice as much make up as Liz was suggesting she work but Liz didn’t think Maria should change who she was, or how she dressed to please Michael. So far Maria had managed to win Michael over by simply being herself and she had made him do all the work. There was no need to change things now.

“I won’t look underdressed?” Maria asked worriedly.

“Aren’t you going to the pub?” Liz asked.

“Your right” Mara breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t some fancy restaurant it was the local pub that she went to most weekends.

“What are you doing tonight?” Maria called out from the bathroom.

Liz looked around the room at all Maria’s photos and smiled. They really had been best friends their entire life.

“Nothing” she replied.

“Not talking to Moon Doggie?”

Liz smiled at Maria’s nickname for her and Max. She was his gadget and he was her moon doggie.

“He’ll call later but he’ll be tired from the drive” Liz replied.

“What are Alex and Isabel doing?” Maria asked.

“Not sure” Liz shrugged as Maria walked out of the room putting dangling earrings into her ears.

“I hate that you’re going to be home alone” she frowned.

Liz laughed, “Maria I’ll be fine, I’m a big girl just go out and have the night of your life” she told her.

“Your right” Maria grinned. “Oh my god Liz can you believe it I’m finally going on a date with Michael Evans” she almost squealed.

“You deserve it,” Liz told her.

“I know” Maria agreed.

“Just be yourself and the rest will all fall into place?” she advised then.

Maria nodded.

“Are you ready?” Liz asked. “Because he’ll be here in a few minutes and if you don’t want your mum to get a hold of him I’d be waiting out the front” Liz teased.

“Your right” She agreed and began scurrying around her room.

Five minutes later Liz watched as Maria was safely tucked inside Michael’s Ute and driving out of Parkers. Everything was starting to fall into place. She had Max, Alex and Isabel would hopefully be engaged after next weekend and maybe, just maybe Maria and Michael would end up together too.

TBC

BTW: new part of POM up at RF and WO