Love and the Single Woman (A/I, Teen) (Complete)

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 21


Max held open the door to the Crashdown as Liz stepped through. It hadn’t taken them long to get Liz home and they had fallen into a comfortable silence halfway through their journey.

He wasn’t sure if the pressure was getting too much or that the little chat that he had with Isabel had finally given him the courage to do what he had been aching to do for sometime but Max finally came to a decision.

Liz had been leading the way for the two of them through the nearly empty restaurant when she felt a tug on her hand. Looking back she found that Max had come to a complete halt and as they were linked it meant she too had stopped.

“Max, are you alright?” Liz asked tentatively, she knew something was up.

Max nodded. “I think so.”

“You think so?” Liz repeated. “Do you want to come upstairs and we can talk?”

Max shook his head. “I think I would rather talk down here if that’s OK?”

“Of course,” Liz smiled as she led the obviously fraught young man to a quiet booth.

Liz slid into a seat and was somewhat disappointed when Max chose to sit opposite her rather than in his usual position beside her.

“Max you’re beginning to scare me.” Liz couldn’t help but worry. “What’s the matter?”

Max quickly reached out and took hold of Liz’s hand. “I’m sorry Liz and I promise nothing is wrong I just need to talk to you about something and I am conscious of doing it right.”

His words did nothing to calm Liz.

“Can I ask you a question?” Max asked after a long delay.

“Anything,” Liz smiled softly.

“Do you ever think back to that day in the Crashdown when it all began for us?” Max eyed Liz trying to gauge her reaction to his question.

“Sometimes,” Liz nodded slightly. “Obviously I have mixed feelings about that day because I nearly died but that is far out weighted by the fact that you saved me and came into my life.”

“This isn’t upsetting you is it? These questions I mean.” Max was worried he was going to worry and upset Liz before he got where he was going.

Liz smiled and shook her head. “Not at all. When I have a quiet moment I think about how lucky I am to have you in my life. I thought I was lucky before I met you because I had such great friends in Maria and Alex. Imagine how I feel now that I not only have you in my life but I have Isabel and Michael as well.”

It was Liz’s turn to be concerned for Max. “Don’t ever doubt how much I love you Max. Don’t think I ever regret, for one second, that you, Isabel, Michael and Tess came into my life.” She gave Max’s hand a squeeze. “My life began that day in the Crashdown and I would never have it any other way.”

With Liz’s words of comfort Max’s resolve was fortified and he now knew he had the courage to do what he wanted to do. “I need to talk to you about something.”

“OK.” Liz nodded and smiled.

Max shook his head. “No, that’s not right. I don’t need to talk to you but I want to talk to you.”

“Max!” Liz cut in on his rambling. “Just take a deep breath and say what you want to say, I’m sure it will be fine.”

Max nodded, took a deep breath and steadied himself before beginning. “I’ve been planning to do something for quite sometime but I could never decide when and where would be the right place. I mean do I go for romantic? Do I go for surprise? But finally, earlier this evening, I knew when and where I should do it.”

“Max, you’re not making a lot of sense.” Liz commented.

“I know,” Max nodded. “But I will in a minute.”

Max slid out of the booth and stepped round to Liz’s side of the table. Without regard for anything else that was going on around him Max lowered himself onto one knee while pulling something out of his pocket.

Realisation hit Liz and her hands flew to her face.

Max lifted his hands towards his beautiful girlfriend and opened the velvet box. “Elizabeth Parker, will you marry me?”




Isabel stood and looked at Alex for a long moment.

“Alex, you like science fiction films right?” Isabel asked.

Alex nodded. “Yes.”

“Have you seen Weird Science?” Isabel continued.

“Of course,” Alex smiled. “It’s a classic.”

“Do you remember what the two high school nerds did when they first created the beautiful woman?”

Alex nodded again. “They took a shower with her.”

“No Alex.” Isabel shook her head. “They didn’t take a shower with her, they got in the shower with her but then proceeded to stand three feet away.” Isabel waved her hands in front of her naked body. “Sound familiar?”

It took Alex a moment but he finally caught on to what Isabel was trying to tell him. There he stood, with the woman of his dreams, naked in a shower and he was currently breaking the laws of physics by how far he was managing to stand from Isabel in such a small space.

“I’m sorry Iz.” Alex said, with an embarrassed look on his face. “But remember nothing has changed for me.”

Isabel furrowed her brow as she didn’t understand. Alex, seeing her confusion continued.

“You’re still the woman of my dreams Isabel. I’m sure I will wake up any minute now and find this is all a dream.” Alex paused a moment. “And that thought terrifies me.”

Suddenly Isabel knew exactly how he felt because she felt the same way too. They both were full of insecurities but they were dealing with them in two totally different ways. She was trying to show Alex that she was his and only his while he was simply terrified that this wasn’t real.

Isabel came to a very easy decision. If it took the rest of her life she would show Alex that he had nothing to be afraid of and that she would always be there for him.

Isabel stepped forward, reached out taking Alex’s hands in her own and pulled him towards her. “Can I just get you to make one small adjustment to your statement from a few moments ago?”

Alex started to tremble at the nearness of Isabel’s naked body. “What do you want to change?” His voice was barely audible.

“It’s simple.” Isabel slowly wrapped her arms around the naked young man. “When you said I was the woman of your dreams,”

Alex nodded.

“I want you to change it to your woman.” Isabel finished.

Alex nodded and smiled. “I think I can do that.”

“And one last thing,” Isabel reached up seductively and ran her hands through Alex’s hair. As she was removing her hand she squeezed her fingers and gave a hefty tug.

“Owww!” Alex cried. “What did you do that for?”

Isabel pulled her beloved into a hug and whispered softly in his ear. “You’re not dreaming.”




“Yes!” Liz screamed. “Of course Yes!”

Liz pulled herself out of the booth and threw herself into Max’s arms as he stood up. The few members of the public who were still in the restaurant gave the young couple a brief glance but soon returned to their own food and conversations.

“Quickly,” Liz instructed. “Put it on me.”

Liz held out her hand and Max tried to stop his hand shaking as he took the ring out of its box and placed it on Liz’s finger.

“Max, it’s beautiful.” Liz gushed over her engagement ring. “However did you pick it?”

Max shrugged. “It sounds silly but I just let instinct be my guide. I kept looking and looking until I saw one that made me think of you.”

The couple sat back down at the booth, this time with Max sliding in beside Liz.

“Was it alright?” Max asked nervously.

Liz frowned. “Was what alright?”

Max waved his hand in the air. “All this…what I just did.”

“Of course,” Liz pulled Max in for another hug. “If I’m honest Max you could have asked me anytime, anywhere and it would have been perfect.”

“So you don’t mind it was here?” Max questioned.

Liz looked at Max and her face went serious for a moment. “I love the fact that you asked me here. As I said I would have loved you asking me anywhere but this is where it all began for us and I can’t think of a better place.”

Max leaned in and gave Liz a brief kiss before pulling back. “I’m glad you said that as I was thinking the same. I had given it a lot of thought but decided that as traumatic a time as it was it was what brought you into my life and I will always be grateful for that.”

“I think we had better go and tell my parents.” Liz smiled.

Max slid out of the booth and helped Liz to stand up. “I hope your parents will be alright with this, I know mine will be thrilled.”

“So will mine,” Liz reassured her fiancée, “They knew this day would come.”

“They did?” Max wrapped an arm around Liz as they headed towards the backstairs. “And how long have you known?”

In the quietness at the back of the Crashdown Liz turned to Max. “What do you mean?”

Max smiled. “It’s taken me a few minutes to work it out but I finally got there, you knew I was going to ask you.”

“Max I…” Liz stopped and thought for a moment. A smile slowly spread across her lips. “If we were ever in doubt this proves we are no longer capable of hiding anything from one another.”

Max wrapped his arms around his petit other half. “I suppose we should both have known. We have been connecting for many years now and our bond only gets stronger and stronger. When did you know?”

“The first time we kissed after you bought the ring.” Liz smiled before linking hands with Max and heading upstairs. “Good choice on the ring though, some of the ones they showed you were hideous.”

“Tell me about it.” Max smiled. “You should have seen the ring Michael was going to chose.”

Liz stopped on the stairs and looked down at Max in surprise.

Max realised what he had just said. “You can’t tell her.”




Alex and Isabel stood on either side of the bed. Isabel was very happy that Alex had chosen to sleep in just his boxer shorts. She could see the affects five years of maturing had on Alex’s body and she was very pleased with what she saw.

Isabel had decided to revert to form and sleep in a pair of red satin pyjamas, just for Alex’s benefit. Alex would never have admitted it but he was glad she was finally covered up as he wouldn’t have been able to take his eyes off her naked body otherwise.

In an unspoken agreement the couple had silently taken part in a sensual shower together but they were both mindful of going too far too fast and by the lack of strength in Alex’s legs by the time they stepped out of the shower it had been the right decision.

“Do you have a preferred side?” Isabel asked. “Of the bed I mean.”

“As long as I am beside you I don’t care.” Alex replied firmly.

Isabel felt her skin tingle and her body shiver at Alex’s stern statement. Despite periods of nervousness and even embarrassment this obviously was a different Alex to the last time they were in a bed together. Isabel knew any nerves now were out of concern and respect and not shyness and awkwardness.

“Shall we get in?” Isabel asked hesitantly.

Alex simply smiled and nodded.

It was still a single bed in Isabel’s old room and she wasn’t sure she could have been happier about it. Single bed meant close proximity. When the couple first got in they each lay on their side, facing one another.

Isabel raised a hand and waved it in the direction of the overhead light. Rather than turn the light out completely Isabel simply dimmed its output allowing the room to darken but allowing her to still see Alex’s face that stared back at her.

“You know I love you right?”

Alex’s direct question caught Isabel off guard but it only took her a second to recover. “Yes.” Isabel smiled. “I know you love me.”

Isabel then looked a little uncomfortable, as though she was struggling with something.

“I know you love me.” Alex smiled.

“You do?” Isabel allowed herself to smile. “I’m glad because I do, with all my heart.”

Alex reached out and brushed Isabel’s cheek with his hand. “I’ve known since the night of the Prom. When we kissed, when we made love…I knew.”

Alex could see the mention of Prom night made Isabel sad. “Don’t be sad Isabel. We’ve had our setbacks along the road but the fact remains that what has gone before has led us to right here and right now and I am grateful for that.”

“You are?” Isabel felt tears building.

“I am.” Alex nodded. “I was once told that it isn’t the good times that bring people together it’s the bad. I would never wish heartache or disappointment on anyone but when you are forced to deal with it you see a persons true colours. Look what Max and Liz have been through or Maria and Michael, it has only made each of them stronger as a couple. Then look at what we have been through. I was all set to get married but it wasn’t like I ever stopped loving you. I just thought you were gone from my life and that I should do the best that I could to carry on.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Isabel whispered, tears now falling down her cheeks.

“Of course you didn’t.” Alex smiled. “Not in a million years but we have both done what we have thought is right. It hasn’t always turned out for the best but as long as we learn from our mistakes it is all worth while.”

Isabel gave a little smile. “That’s all very profound Alex.”

Alex smiled. “I’m older and more mature.” He paused for a moment. “And I know what I want.”

“You do?” Isabel’s heart rate increased. “And what is that?”

“What I have always wanted.” Alex lifted himself up onto one elbow so he now looked down at Isabel. “You Isabel…I’ve always wanted you.”

Isabel raised herself up on one elbow to meet Alex’s gaze. “And I know what I want.”

“Really?” It was now Alex’s turn to feel his anxiety building. “What?”

“I want you to come to New York with Katie and me.” Isabel shook her head slightly. “I mean I know you have taken a job in New York to be nearer Katie but I want you to come to New York not to be near Katie or near me but to be with Katie and to be with me. I want you to move in with us as soon as you possibly can and I want us to finally be a family together the way it should always have been.”

Alex felt his heart soar. “Are you sure?”

Isabel could see the delight in Alex’s face. “I have never been more certain of anything in my life.”

“Then it’s settled.” Alex was positively beaming. “We’ll ring the airline in the morning and book the tickets.”

Alex allowed himself to flop back onto the bed as though the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. Isabel lowered herself so her body lay beside and partially on top of Alex with her head resting on his chest.

Slowly the two began to drift off to sleep. Before the night took them Isabel had one last thing to do.

“Alex?” Isabel could hardly make herself speak she was so tired.

“Yes, Iz?” Alex didn’t even open his eyes.

“I’ll be here for you in the morning.”

“I know.” Alex replied as he tightened his grip on his beautiful companion. “I have no intentions of ever letting you go.”

Isabel couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her lips. Those were the words she had longed to hear.



To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 22


“Are you deliberately ignoring me or is it some alien super power you haven’t told me about yet?” Maria cried.

“As though I would ever be able to keep anything secret from your prying eyes,” Michael mumbled under his breath.

“What was that?” Maria came storming towards the lounge where Michael was laid out on the couch watching basketball.

“I said I didn’t hear what you were saying.” Michael lied while keeping his eyes fixed to the TV.

“I don’t know what’s been up with you the last couple of days but I’m not going to put up with it.” Maria was in full flow. “We’re meant to be getting on with our lives, Isabel and Alex have a baby girl for goodness sake but we don’t seem to be any further along than we were this time last year or the year before that.”

Michael switched off the TV via the remote and turned to look at Maria who was still standing in the doorway. “What do you want from me Maria? I’m sorry I am not acting the way you want me to act but I’m not sure what I can do about it. I have things on my mind and I am not always able to worry about what you think of me.”

“What I think of you?” Maria repeated as she stepped into the room. “So now this is all about me is it?”

Michael stood up from the couch and approached the petit girl, stopping a few feet short. “Maria…we’ve just returned from a beautiful family meal at the Evans house. Alex and Isabel seem to be back on track, which I know was worrying you. Do you really want to do this now?”

“Do this? Do what exactly?” Maria was in full rant and she would pick a fight with a nun at this point.

“Despite what some people might think you and I both know we don’t spend all of our time arguing. In fact the people who do know you, the ones that you care about, know exactly why you argue like this so who are you trying to fool with this act?” Michael’s little speech caught Maria out for a moment and she was unable to reply.

“Don’t you dare go all high and mighty on me with your speeches and fortune cookie wisdom. Just because we have been together since high school doesn’t mean you know everything about me.” Maria retorted once she had recomposed herself.

“That’s my point Maria.” Michael took a step forward. “We’ve been together since high school and I do know everything about you but what is worrying us both, and more to the point what has gotten you so irate is we don’t know what is going to happen in the future.”

Suddenly tears began to build in Maria’s eyes. “Don’t you dare profess to know what I am thinking. She was now shaking with anger. “Just because you think you know what is going on doesn’t mean you are right.”

Maria was somewhat shocked to see Michael smile at her last statement. Just as her anger grew and she was about to explode Michael did something unexpected. Before Maria’s anger dam burst Michael closed the remaining gap between the two of them and pulled his girlfriend into a hug. Due to the size difference between the two Maria was lost in the centre of the tall mans chest as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her in.

Even if she had wanted to Maria wouldn’t have been able to extricate herself from Michael’s grasp but if the truth be told there was no place she would rather be. Finally, after a short while, the sobs that had started once she had been enveloped by Michael began to subside and her tall companion led her round to the couch where they both sat down.

After much sniffing and nose blowing Maria finally settled down.

After a few minutes of silence Michael let out a heavy sigh. Maria was all set to allow her anger to start building again when she thought Michael was sighing because he wanted to be anywhere but with his tearful girlfriend but when she looked up at him with fire in her eyes she was met by anything but displeasure.

Michael stared at his beautiful girlfriend before beginning. “If you told me when we first met that I would have the life I have had over the last few years or that I would care about people other than Max and Isabel I would have laughed in your face.”

Maria suddenly felt very guilty for making her boyfriend face feelings he usually kept hidden. “Michael we don’t have to…”

Maria trailed off when Michael raised his hand. “I’m not the way I am because I want to be or because I think it looks cool to be mean to other people but when you have the type of up bringing that I had it’s best to treat people with suspicion and keep them at arms length.”

Maria simply nodded, understanding what was being said.

“I’m an alien hybrid who grew up pinning his hopes on a full and exciting life being handed to him by a returning spaceship.” Michael raised his gaze to look briefly at Maria. “Can you imagine anything more stupid?”

“Don’t you dare make fun of your hopes and dreams.” Maria took hold of Michael’s hand. “For some of us it was all we had.”

Michael smiled at the words of comfort his girlfriend afforded him. “There was no one more apposed to you, Liz and Alex knowing our secret than me but look how it turned out.” Michael tightened his hold on Maria. “There was a time when I would dread what would happen if humans found out our secret…now I wake up in the middle of the night worried what would have happened if you guys hadn’t come into our lives. Where would we be now? Would we be dead? Would we be in a laboratory somewhere?”

“Michael you can’t think like that.” Maria cut in on his ramblings. “We gained as much from meeting you as you did meeting us.”

Michael smiled again. “And that’s my point Maria. Max has Liz, Tess has Kyle. Isabel finally has Alex and I have you.”

It was Maria’s turn to smile. “So what’s the problem?”

“Up until high school I was the most selfish person you could ever wish to meet. In fact what am I saying? You did meet me and I was selfish.” Michael let out a laugh, which was a rare sight indeed.

“But Michael you aren’t the person you were back in high school none of us are.” Maria said reassuringly. “I’m sure she won’t mind me saying but look at Isabel now, not only is she a completely different woman but she’s a mother as well, who’d a thought it.”

That comment made them both smile.

Michael sighed again. “But I am worried I am falling back into the old me.”

That statement caused Maria to frown. “What on earth are you talking about? You’re nothing like your old self.”

“Really?” Michael questioned. “What if I was to tell you I am contemplating the most selfish thing I have ever done? How would you feel about me then?”

Maria tried to remain as composed and non-judgemental as possible, which was proving to be harder work than she thought. “Well maybe if you tell me what it is you are thinking about maybe I can help you.”

“That’s just it!” Michael exclaimed as he rose to his feet. “You’re the one person I can’t talk to about it.”

“Oh,” Maria tried not to appear hurt at his comment that she was the one person he couldn’t turn to. “Can’t you ask Max or Alex? Can’t one of them help you?”

Michael shook his head slowly. “They’ll just tell me I am being silly.”

“God Michael, help me out here.” Maria joined Michael standing up. “If you say I can’t help you and no one else can help you what else can I do for you?”

“You see!” Michael reeled away from Maria. “I’m ruining everything, I always ruin everything and I can’t even do this right.”

It was physically hurting Maria to watch the man she loved in such turmoil. She wasn’t sure exactly what was going on in Michael’s mind but she was managing to piece together a couple of bits of information that were starting to lead her in one direction. Michael wanted to say something too her and he was worried he was going to mess it up.

Maria stepped forward and took both of Michael’s hands in her own. She allowed the big man to calm down for a moment before she spoke. “Now listen to me Michael and listen good. I’ve seen you at the best of times and at the worst of times. Likewise you have seen me in both good and bad situations but if you think I am just going to leave you with whatever it is that is worrying you then you are sadly mistaken.”

“But you don’t understand Maria, I ruin everything and I am doing it right now.” Michael pleaded.

“Do you think I am a fool Michael?” Maria asked sternly.

Michael eyed Maria nervously. “Is this one of them trick questions where no matter what I answer you slap me across the head?”

“No,” Maria replied. “But if you keep going the way you are the one thing I can promise you is several slaps across the head.”

“No Maria, I don’t think you are a fool.” Michael finally answered.

“So why would you think I would stay with a man who didn’t love me? A man who didn’t treat me the way I wanted or deserved to be treated? Or a man who couldn’t do anything right?”

Michael stopped a moment to allow Maria’s words to sink in. Slowly realisation began to hit the young man that he had been worried about how he was about to make a proposal when most people are worried about who they are going to ask. It finally dawned on Michael that the one thing most people are frightened of was the thing he was most certain about, how could he have been such a fool?

After taking a deep breath Michael finally knew he could do this. He was still holding both of Maria’s hands so he had no need to move. He just looked down into the beauty that stared back up at it him and he just knew. “I’m going to say something that might be difficult for you to hear but as I no longer have any secrets from you then it shouldn’t be a surprise that I am unburdening on you.” Michael paused again to steady himself. “I look at Max & Liz or Isabel & Alex and I am truly happy that they have found one another and I hope they will always be happy.”

Maria smiled at seeing Michael’s more sensitive side.

“But the thing I see that is different from them to us is me.” Michael continued despite the look of confusion on Maria’s face. “Although I feel that each couple is made for each other I think each individual could have gone on to a full and productive life if they hadn’t have met. I mean I know they wouldn’t have been so happy or fulfilled but nonetheless they would have some sort of quality of life.”

Maria wasn’t sure she liked where this was going.

“However, when I look at me I know things would have been different. I’m convinced that if you hadn’t come into my life I’m sure I would have ended up in jail, at the very least, and who knows maybe even dead.”

“Michael don’t you dare say that.” Maria broke in on his words. “You don’t know what would have come from your life.”

“Maria it’s not a bad thing that I am saying.” Michael gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m just trying to set things straight.”

“Fine,” Maria said resolutely. “If we’re setting things straight then let’s discuss my life. Where do you think I would have ended up without you?”

“Not in jail that’s for sure.” Michael interrupted quickly.

“That’s the point Michael. Without you my life would have been a prison. Who do you think would have put up with all my ranting and raving over the years? Certainly no normal man.”

Michael frowned. “Was that a compliment? I think I lost it somewhere in the insult you just threw at me.”

Maria smiled.

Unexpectedly Michael lowered himself onto both knees. Maria watched as he fumbled in his pocket, finally bringing out a velvet case. “Now if you don’t like it you can take it back.”

“Are you kidding with me?” Maria exclaimed. “You’re about to propose and you’re worried I won’t like the ring?”

“Don’t get me started Deluca.” Michael said sternly.

“Well ask me then…” Maria yelled.

Michael sighed, probably having second thoughts. “Maria Deluca will you marry me?”

Maria looked at him for a long moment. “I’m not sure…what was the question again?”

“You’ve got to be joking.” Michael cried as he got to his feet.

“Calm down spaceboy.” Maria joked when she saw how upset Michael was. “Of course I will marry you, you don’t think anyone else is dumb enough to ask me do you?”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Michael questioned.

“Oh get over here and give me a kiss you big lump.” Maria commanded.

“No.” Michael said firmly. “I’m not sure I want to marry you now.”

“Well the sooner I get that ring on my finger the sooner I must love, honour and obey you, which will mean I won’t tell any more tales on you.” Maria explained.

“What tales?” Michael asked suspiciously. “You’re bluffing.”

“Am I?” Maria smiled mischievously. “Who washes your jeans Michael?”

Michael initially frowned at Maria’s question but slowly a look of understanding began to spread across his face. “I didn’t?”

“You did.” Maria replied.

“You can’t tell anyone.” Michael pleaded. “Especially not Alex and Kyle, they’ll never let me live it down.”

“Well the sooner the ring is on my finger the less likely they are to ever know you left the ring in your pocket for me to find when I was doing the washing.”

In what appeared to be super speed Michael closed the gap between the two of them and placed the ring on Maria’s finger. Maria gave Michael a quick peek on the cheek. “Thanks sweetie, it’s even more beautiful second time around.”

Michael’s face flushed at the ribbing his fiancée was giving him. It may have been the first but he knew it wasn’t going to be the last he heard about it.



To be continued…


Hi, this story is coming to an end. I know I said that before but trust me I have one long Epilogue to go and it is done. I know if I write much more I will end up killing this story, which obviously I don’t want to do. If you have seen anything else I have written you will know that all I am ever interested in is a “Happy ever after”. I have an idea for my next story, which I will start as soon as I have this one wrapped up. Thanks, David/StargazerUK

[StargazerUK]

I have a slight confession, yes another one. In my last post I said I would have an Epilogue and then this story would be done. As I normally write small chapters, 4-6 pages in length, the fact that I wrote a 21 page Epilogue meant I might have over done it. We all know quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality but I couldn’t post it in one lump so I will post this chapter and then, in a few days, I will post the Epilogue, trust me lol.

I had too much to write, hence the 21 pages, so I know I can’t have please everyone but I hope you will forgive me for anything I missed or didn’t cover to your satisfaction. This story has been a real learning experience for me. Some things I did right but some things I did wrong. Let’s hope I can improve in my next story.

Thanks for your comments and support, they are greatly appreciated.
David/StargazerUK


Chapter 23



“It’s not Britney Spears!” Kyle exclaimed.

“How do you know?” Tess countered. “She might be looking for a change of pace.”

“Tess,” Kyle was trying his best not to lose his patience with his girlfriend. “Why would pop diva and mega rich Britney Spears be selling donuts at a ‘Dunkin’ donuts’ stand at the airport?”

“That’s not what I said.” Tess couldn’t understand why Kyle was getting so heated. “I simply remarked that the girl who served us looked like Britney and that it could have been her.”

“But why would she be selling donuts?” Kyle repeated.

“Well I read in a magazine that sometimes really rich and famous people like to do a mundane job just to keep in touch with their fans and to keep their feet on the ground.” Tess explained.

“And you think Britney might be at ‘Dunkin’ donuts’ to keep her feet on the ground.”

Tess nodded vigorously.

“Your strange…you know that right?” Kyle questioned.

“I know.” Tess smiled. “But you’re the one with the foot fetish.”

“Can I stop you there?” A voice cut in on Tess and Kyle’s ramblings.

“Alex!” Tess cried, as she rose from her seat to give her tall friend a hug.

“Hi Tess, Hi Kyle” Alex greeted his friends. “I thought I would stop your conversation as little ears…”

Alex trailed off as he glanced down by his side and the small frame of Katie appeared from slightly behind her father. She had a mischievous grin on her face and it quickly became apparent that she was shyly hiding from Uncle Kyle.

As he looked at his friends faces he could see they weren’t quite sure what his daughter was doing. “It seems Kyle, Max and Michael all made a pretty big impression on my daughter when she first met them. It seems she has a lot in common with her Uncles since they told her they were all big Sesame Street fans.” Alex gave Kyle a long look as he stated his last comment.

“What can I say?” Kyle shrugged. “We bonded over big bird and Kermit.”

Alex picked up Katie to bring her up to the adults level. “Say Hi, Sweetie.”

“Hello Aunty Tess, Hello Uncle Kyle.” Katie quickly buried her face in her fathers’ shoulder, shyness getting the better of her.

“Shall we go?” Alex questioned.

“Of course.” Kyle quickly moved round Alex to take his case. “We’re in the short stay parking lot so it will only take a minute to get to the car and be on our way.

Sure enough the friends were soon speeding along the highway towards Roswell. Alex was sitting in the back with his daughter and she made an adorable sight as she was wilting in her chair having been strapped in when they first got into the car. Now that all the travelling had caught up with her she had slumped down, fast asleep.

“So how are things in New York?” Tess had turned slightly in her chair so she could look at Alex. The smile that spread across his face told her everything she needed to know before he even spoke.

“It’s really good. Great in fact.” Alex corrected himself. “It’s very different to Roswell as I am sure you can imagine but having Isabel and Katie there makes all of the difference. Over the last six weeks we have been trying to take things slowly but everything is just how I always dreamed it would be. I have to keep pinching myself to check I am not still dreaming.”

“How are things between you and Isabel?” Kyle looked at his friend in the rear view mirror.

“Sorry to repeat myself but really great.” Again Alex smiled. “I thought it would be awkward and difficult at times but those moments have just never occurred. Despite what has gone on between us in the past it has just always been very natural for me when I am around Isabel and I am pleased to say nothing has changed over the last five years.”

“But you dodged a bullet in the last few days.” Kyle interjected.

“Don’t I know it.” Alex grinned. “But in my defence you haven’t been around for the last six weeks.”

Tess frown, unsure what this new turn in the conversation was about. “What are you two talking about?”

“Isabel!” Kyle said as though it should have been obvious.

“What about Isabel?” Tess shook her head.

“I see the bonds of sisterhood are as strong as ever.” Kyle joked causing Alex to laugh.

“And I can see the idiocy of brotherhood is still going strong as well.” Tess threw back. “Tell me what you are talking about Kyle or next time I might take you shopping?”

Suddenly Kyle’s face changed. “No don’t do that Tess, I was only kidding. I’ll tell you what we are talking about.”

Alex looked on from the back in amazement at the change in Kyle’s attitude. “No wait a minute Kyle.” Alex cut in before Kyle could explain their in joke about Isabel. “What’s this shopping that Tess mentioned.”

“Don’t go there man, it’s not funny.” Kyle was still blatantly not happy about this story.

Alex turned to look at Tess and could see she was bursting to tell him.

“You see Kyle likes to make fun of me and my lack of experience when it comes to many things human.” Tess explained. “He’s had countless hours of fun when I have not understood a human joke or TV show so I warned him that my patience was wearing thin but he just had to keep on.”

Alex couldn’t even imagine what she did to him. “So what did you do to him?”

“Simple.” Tess was positively beaming. “I sent him into the bank to make a withdrawal.”

Alex frowned. “I’m sorry but what’s so funny about that?”

“It wasn’t a bank that holds money that she sent me into.” Kyle cut in.

Alex still didn’t get it. “So what sort of bank did you send him into?”

“Let’s just say that with a little bit of help from my powers I sent him to a bank where men might make deposits but not withdrawals.”

Realisation hit Alex. “Oh! My God! You didn’t?”

“It’s not funny man!” Kyle became defensive. “She had me walk into that place and ask for everything I had deposited over the last six months as I had found a place that gave more interest on my deposit. I’ll never forget the look on that woman’s face.”

Alex and Tess spent the next couple of minutes reeling around the car at the thought of Kyle’s actions. Finally the two friends composed themselves. “So what’s this about Isabel?” Tess returned to her original question.

“Isabel has built herself a reputation over the years, around Christmas time, due to her continuous demands and rigid regime.” Alex started to explain. “She was affectionately known as the Christmas Nazi.”

“So what does that have to do with now?” Tess questioned.

“Well if you factor in that Isabel has a habit of organising things in the extreme and couple that with the fact that her two brothers had just announced that they were getting married to two of her closest friends along with the fact that we then proceeded to leave for New York means she has been like a coiled spring ever since.” Alex continued. “It has nearly killed her to be so far away while the plans were being made and things were set in motion. She’s been on the phone for hours at a time.”

“I don’t want to appear rude.” Tess said meekly. “But surely it’s down to Liz and Maria to organise their own weddings.”

“Have you learnt nothing in your time with Isabel?” Kyle questioned his girlfriend. “It isn’t something Isabel can neither help nor control. She can’t stop herself, she’s a runaway train!”

“So that’s why she arrived three days ago, without you.” Tess was beginning to understand.

“Exactly,” Alex confirmed. “Isabel held off as long as she could but as the wedding is tomorrow she was all set to burst so I suggested she take an earlier flight and Katie and I would join her today. That way she could have some input into what was going on and it would stop her from doing herself a permanent injury.”

“Well that explains it.” Tess stated. “I now know not only why she arrived three days before her boyfriend and daughter but why she has only appeared as a streak across the landscape as she dashes from one place to another with both Liz and Maria in tow.”


“That reminds me.” Kyle cut in. “We’ve got a new game.”

“Really?” Alex was intrigued. “What is it?”

Kyle could hardly contain his glee. “It’s called ‘Let’s watch Michael killing himself trying to write his marriage vows’”.

Suddenly the world of possibilities that lay open to the two men became apparent. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of that before.” Alex admonished himself. “So what have you been doing to him?”

“Not much.” Kyle shrugged. “But that’s the beauty of this one. All you have to do is plant the seed of doubt in Michael’s mind and watch it grow.”

“You two are so childish, you need to grow up.” Tess added.

“What?” Kyle feigned innocence. “It isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to us.”

“So what’s happening tonight?” Alex asked.

“Not much, I don’t think.” Tess replied. “As they decided to do away with the rehearsal dinner and the girl’s don’t want to see their boys the night before the wedding I think the boys are all meeting at Michael’s house tonight and the girls are meeting at the Evans house.”

“So we are going to the Evans house first.” Alex surmised.

“Just long enough to drop off our two beautiful companions and then we are off to Michael’s.” Kyle confirmed.

It wasn’t long before Kyle pulled his car up to the Evans house and Alex gently lifted his still sleeping daughter out of the car and into his arms. As he moved up the pathway, followed by Tess and Kyle, the front door opened and Alex was surprised to be met by both Diane Evans and his Mom. After a quick hello both women followed Alex as he took Katie straight up to Isabel’s room.

As he entered the room carrying Katie he was pleased to hear Isabel coming down the hallway behind him. He turned to be greeted by the biggest, warmest smile he had ever seen. He was sure if he wasn’t still holding his daughter Isabel would have thrown herself into his arms.

Isabel moved slowly towards her daughter, gently brushing a hand over her sleeping head and placing a feather light kiss on her daughters’ cheek. In one flowing movement she leaned in and gave Alex a brief but passionate kiss on the lips before leaning into her ear. “I missed you.” She whispered.

Alex couldn’t believe that after six weeks of living together the sound of her voice was still enough to send his heart pounding and his pulse racing.

Katherine Whitman lifted Katie out of her sons’ arms. “Alex you had better go and say a quick hello and goodbye to Isabel and the rest of the girls as you will be banished from this house in a few minutes until tomorrow.

“We’ll take care of Katie until you come back up Isabel.” Diane Evans offered.

Alex felt Isabel link hands with him and start to drag him towards the door and downstairs. Once they were out into the hall Isabel pulled the bedroom door almost closed leaving them with a brief moment of privacy.

Immediately Isabel lips came crashing down on Alex’s as the couple met in a frantic embrace. Alex immediately saw flashes of Isabel and the girls trawling from one shop to the next over the last couple of days. If he hadn’t been in a passionate embrace with his one true love he would have laughed at the thought of the Wedding Nazi being born.

“Are you OK sweetie?” Isabel asked once they had pulled apart.

“I’m perfect now that you’re with me.” Alex grinned.

After a brief visit to the kitchen to say a very quick hello to his two favourite girls Alex was all set to leave with Kyle to meet the boys when he was pulled to one side by Liz and Maria.

“Did Max and Michael phone you?” Maria questioned.

“About the wedding?” Alex watched as both girls gave a nod in reply. “Yes, everything’s set.”

“Not quite everything.” Liz added. “What exactly did they say to you?”

“Well they asked me to be best man.” Alex explained. “I know, under different circumstances, Max would be Michael’s and vice versa but as you are all getting married in a double ceremony I will happily step in to help out.”

“Don’t make it sound like you were second choice Alex.” Maria scolded her friend. “Anyway we have other things to discuss.”

“OK.” Alex nodded.

Maria continued. “Firstly I need you to know something. I asked Jim to walk me down the aisle.”

“That’s terrific.” Alex enthused. “I’m sure he was very honoured.”

“That’s what he said.” Maria actually started to tear up. “With me not having a father over the years I was always worried what sort of man my Mom might hook up with but I’m glad to say she couldn’t have done any better than Jim Valenti. I have to admit that it was one of the greatest delights of my life asking him and seeing his reaction”

Maria suddenly shook her head to clear her mind. “Anyway, that’s not why I told you that.” Alex frowned in confusion so Maria continued. “I need for you to know that up until Jim Valenti came into my mothers’ life I had always pictured you walking me down the aisle.”

Alex froze at Maria’s comment. “You did?”

“Well who else would I pick?” Maria was annoyed at Alex’s reaction. “With no father on the scene you have always been my closest male influence, I’m not having just anyone give me away.”

Maria suddenly threw herself at her best friend and wrapped her arms around his tall frame. “If it wasn’t for you doing the best man duties I probably would still have had you give me away, no disrespect to Jim, but as we can’t have you doing everything I just needed you to know.” Maria finally released Alex.

“Thank you Maria.” Alex wiped at the tears that had built in his eyes. “I’m honoured that you would think of me in such a role.”

“We haven’t finished with you yet.” Liz cut in, feeling a little left out. “You may have ended up being the best man for the two boys but you’re our best friend so we spoke to the boys and have come up with something we want you to do for us.”

Alex suddenly felt a sense of fear spread over his body.

“Don’t worry Alex, it’s nothing too drastic.” Both girls started to laugh.

“Rather than just doing a best man speech we want you to speak on behalf of all four of us.” Liz explained. “We want you to have a think about the four of us and simply say what you feel.”

“You want what?” Alex arched an eyebrow. “I didn’t know how a double wedding works so I hadn’t even given any thought to a best man’s speech let alone one that covers all four of you.”

“Well you had better hurry up.” Maria gave her friend a pat on the back. “You’ll need your speech written by tomorrow morning.”

Both girls gave their friend a kiss on the cheek and headed back into the kitchen to join their friends. Kyle came out of the kitchen and looked at his friend. “What happened man? You look like you have been kicked in the stomach.”

“I think I need to sit down.” Was all Alex could manage to say.

“No time.” Kyle pointed towards the front door. “We need to get over to Michael’s to see the boys.”

A short while later Kyle found himself knocking on the door to Michael’s apartment with a still dazed looking Alex behind him. The door was finally opened and the friends were greeted by a nervous looking Michael. “Good to see you Alex.” Michael held out a hand, which Alex took and shook firmly. “Are you OK Alex? You look a little shaky. I take it the girls told you about the speech.” Alex just nodded.

Michael stepped aside to allow the two young men inside where they were greeted by various male friends, most notably Max, Jim, Philip, Jeff and Alex’s dad Charles.

“Welcome to the worlds must subdued Batchelor party.” Michael waved his hands around his head.

“Why subdued?” Kyle questioned.

“We’ve all been told we have to be home by 10pm and not drunk.” Philip Evans said ruefully.

“Who says so?” Kyle said defiantly.

“The women do.” Jeff Parker interjected.

“Here’s to 10pm.” Kyle raised the beer bottle that Michael had just handed him. “And may our women never find out how truly scared we are of them.”

To a chorus of “Here, Here” the men raised their glasses and bottles and toasted their women. Alex smiled as he noticed that both Max and Michael were toasting with glasses of soda.

“How’s the best man speech coming along son?” Charles Whitman called to his son.

Everyone stopped and turned to hear Alex’s reply. “Coming along nicely,” Alex lied.

The next couple of hours were mainly spent with the older men of the group recounting horror stories from married life. Tales of epic shopping expeditions and house remodelling sent shivers down the young, single men’s spines but no one doubted the commitment from Max and Michael to getting married.

Soon it was time to say their goodbyes, so they could all be home before 10pm, Alex pulled Michael aside. “How are the wedding vows?”

Michael was relieved that Alex’s question wasn’t accompanied by a broad grin as it had been every time Kyle had asked him in recent days. “Not good.”

“There are two things you need to know.” Alex smiled gently when he realised exactly how intently Michael was hanging on his ever word. “Firstly, you can use the stand vows if you want, ignore anything Kyle told you. If you choose to love, honour and cherish I am sure that will be fine. Secondly, if you choose to write your own vows just write from the heart. It doesn’t have to be Shakespeare, although it wouldn’t hurt, but a simple I love you and I want you will do.”

“Really?” Michael questioned.

“Really,” Alex confirmed.

Michael pulled Alex into a huge bear hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” The big man kept repeating. When he let go he looked beyond Alex at Kyle who was standing by the door. “I’ll give him a few days to lull him into a false sense of security and then I‘ll let him have it.”

“Have it.” Alex repeated. “Have what?”

“Nothing too serious,” Michael smiled. “A nice sneeze burger or maybe a Tabasco milkshake ought to do it.”

“Sneeze burger, gross.” Alex looked sick.

“Don’t ever upset the person who prepares your food.” Michael said triumphantly. “We always get the last laugh.”




The morning of the wedding day soon arrived. The Evans house was full to the brim with women fussing over the two brides. Everyone knew to stay out of Isabel’s way as she checked the final arrangements and made sure everything was as it should be.

As a complete contrast the Whitman house, which had been commandeered for use by the men folk, was a picture of serenity and calm. It had taken most of Alex’s will power and strength to get Michael out of bed and into the shower but now that he had accomplished that it would be plain sailing from there on in.

The wedding was scheduled for 1pm with a sit down meal at 3pm before the real wedding reception got started at 6pm. The parents had hired a hall and ordered the food in as well as hiring a band and a DJ to provide the entertainment.

After a late lie in and a long queue for use of the bathrooms for showering and shaving the time was almost upon the friends to depart for the church, leaving plenty of time to make sure they arrived before the brides.



Alex checked his watch. It showed a little after 1pm so his mind began to wander between something actually being wrong and the thought that the girls were just sticking with tradition and being deliberately late.

Looking round Alex could see the close family and friends of the brides and grooms sitting, waiting. If the truth be told there weren’t too many friends as such but this was definitely a case of quality over quantity. Michael and Max exchanged a few brief words. Alex had no doubt that Max was offering words of encouragement for his big friend.

Suddenly the music began, drawing everyone’s attention to the back of the church. The first thing everyone saw was an angelic looking Katie acting as flower girl, throwing rose petals onto the ground as she slowly made her way up the aisle. The little girl turned occasionally to look back at her mother but with smiles and nods of encouragement she stuck to her task.

Isabel and Tess followed in their bridesmaids dresses. It had been a hard fought battle with all of the girls as to what sort of dresses to wear as they wanted to be different from one another without looking disjointed. Isabel had told Alex that as she loved Liz and Maria so much she would wear whatever they picked for her but she later confessed she let out a hearty sigh of relief when they chose something that Isabel thought was both simple but elegant.

Finally the two brides appeared. Jeff Parker, with his daughter Liz on his arm, looked the picture of the proud father of the bride. Along side them was Jim Valenti with Maria looking radiant. Alex couldn’t help but notice Amy Valenti burst into tears as both her husband and daughter came into sight.

Alex’s attention was drawn to the Alter as the procession made its way to its final destination. He tried not to linger on Isabel once she finally made eye contact with him when she reached her desired position, she looked stunning but today wasn’t about her or anyone else. It was about Max & Liz and Maria and Michael.

Everything was new to Alex as he had never taken such a prominent role in any sort of ceremony let alone a marriage service that involved two of his closest friends and two women he loved as sisters. As the two girls were released by their father figures they stepped forward to join their intended partners at the Alter.

The music stopped and the hushed audience settled themselves to watch as their young friends and family made known their love and commitment to one another. Alex reached into his pocket to check for what must have been the twentieth time in the last five minutes that the rings were where they should be. As he tried not to fidget due to nerves he couldn’t help but pat his inside jacket pocket, confirming his speech was where it should be.

Everything looked set for a beautiful wedding day. The weather outside was sunny and warm. The girls, especially the brides, looked stunning and their families couldn’t have been happier. It wouldn’t be long before it was time for the meal and everyone could relax.




Isabel watched as Alex moved nervously in his chair. As best man he was sat on the head table with the brides and grooms. Normally the parents would be sitting with them but with it being a double wedding there wasn’t enough room for all of them.

Alex had run through his speech with his dad that morning but he was still unhappy with it. Having had time to think about it he knew that anything he wrote would never be good enough. It wasn’t just the fact that some of his closest friends were getting married but the fact that Max was actually royalty, albeit from another planet, managed to work its way into his thoughts so he was worried about being inappropriate as well as trying to be both funny and poignant.

Finally the time came for Alex to make his much anticipated speech. As he rose to his feet he made a point of making eye contact with Isabel. One look from his beloved gave him the self belief he needed to do this task that was both a blessing and burden at one and the same time.

“I have been given the honour of saying a few words about the two couples that have taken the plunge and committed themselves to one another today in a beautiful wedding ceremony. It is a very humbling experience to watch as your closest friends make solemn vows to one another in front of invited friends and family.” Alex looked around at the audience as they hung on his every word. “If I’m honest I must confess that it has been a nerve wracking time for me as I not only tried to write a speech worthy of my friends but also the thought of actually standing here and delivering that same speech.”

Alex took a long look at the pointer cards that he had written to help him through his speech, ensuring he wouldn’t lose track. After a moment he placed the cards on the table and took a deep breath. “It has just occurred to me that what I was being asked to do was neither nerve wracking nor pressured. What am I going to do while I am standing here?” Alex looked around the room. “I’m going to tell you what great people Max, Liz, Maria and Michael are. Why should I be nervous about that? As I stand here I am going to tell you that they are truly meant for each other and that I wish them a long and happy life. Why should I be anxious about that? I believe every word I say and if you have met each couple I know you will feel the same way too.”

Alex glanced at the tables nearest to his. “I’ve been lucky not only to have great parents but I have been fortunate enough to meet and get to know the parents of my friends and I am pleased to say they are all happily married couples and each are a testament to that ceremony.” Alex turned his gaze to the couples that sat next to him. “The thought that my friends have embarked on a similar journey only fills my heart with joy. I love my friends dearly and I want them to be happy. Now that Liz has married Max and Maria has married Michael I know they will be happy, not least because they are truly made for one another.”

Alex reached down and picked up his glass of champagne. “Ladies and Gentlemen, if you would be kind enough to be upstanding I would like to propose a toast. To Max, Liz, Maria and Michael. I hope you know we love you and we will always be there for you…The brides and grooms.”

“The Brides and Grooms.” Everyone echoed as they stood up, raised their glasses and drank a toast.

Alex slumped down in his chair. He thought he felt a kiss on the cheek from Liz and Maria followed by back slaps from Max and Michael but it was only when he heard Isabel’s voice that he started to become aware of his surroundings again.

“Sweetie, are you OK?” Isabel held a hand to Alex's cheek, her face a picture of concern.

“Isabel?” Alex’s voice was barely above a whisper.

“I’m here Sweetie.”

“You know that bit in my speech when I mentioned I had nothing to be nervous about?”

“Yes Sweetie.”

“I was lying.” Alex turned to look at Isabel directly. “I’ve never been so scared in all my life.”

Isabel wrapped a long arm around her beloved boyfriend. “Don’t worry Honey. You did a marvellous job and you won’t have to do it again.”

“Promise?” Alex asked hopefully.

“I promise.” Isabel confirmed. “Alex, Max has asked us all to step into the back room for a minute as he has some news for us but I think they still want to take a few more photos with the grooms, fathers and ushers so when you guys are done come back OK?”

“OK.” Alex rose unsteadily to his feet. “Did they say what type of news?”

Isabel shook her head with a sombre look. “It must be important if they are willing to meet in the middle of the wedding reception.”



To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Last chapter, I hope you enjoy it. David

Chapter 24


Isabel pushed open the door to the back room and saw Liz, Maria and Tess sitting around a table talking. The spectacle of her three closest friends in full dress and make up was a surreal but heart warming sight.

“I’ve just sent Alex out to meet the boys.” Isabel took a seat at the table. “I told them to come back here once they are done.”

“Was Alex OK?” Liz asked with concern in her voice. “He looked a little dazed.”

“He’s fine.” Isabel smiled. “I think he worked himself up into a state. I know he had written a speech but he wasn’t happy with it so it looked like he simply spoke from the heart.


“Which is exactly what we wanted from him.” Maria smiled. “As we haven’t had much of a chance for a chat over the last few days how is love and the single woman?” Maria asked, changing the topic of conversation. “Well, not so single anymore but you get what I mean.” She corrected herself. “Any chance you and Alex are going to give us a day out, maybe a little walk down the aisle for you?”

Isabel whipped her head round to look at Maria. “What has Alex told you?”

Maria straightened herself up in her chair and gave quick glances to both Liz and Tess before looking back at Isabel. “Alex hasn’t told me anything, I was joking, but now I have seen your reaction you’re not leaving this room until you spill. Are you saying Alex has asked you to marry him?”

Isabel eyed Maria for a long moment before softening her stance. Slowly a broad grin spread across her beautiful features. “Yes and No.”

“Yes and No?” Liz repeated Isabel’s words.

“What kind of answer is that?” Maria cut in. “Don’t mess us about Isabel, I’m a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown after what you just eluded to. What is it? Yes or No!”

“It’s not that simple…” Isabel began.

“Isabel!” Maria screamed. “I swear to God if you don’t tell us…”

Isabel raised her hands to stop Maria mid-rant. “Alex and I were out last week and talking about your up coming weddings and suddenly Alex asked me to marry him.”

“And?” Liz pressed.

“And I said no.” The smile suddenly fell from Isabel’s face. The appearance of a more sombre look was repeated on the other three girls.

“No?” Maria repeated. “Why the hell would you say no?”

“Maria!” Liz tried to cut her friend short but failed.

“No Liz.” Maria protested. “As Alex’s friends we are entitled to know what is wrong with him that she won’t marry him and as Isabel’s friends we’re entitled to ask if she has taken a blow to the head or something for being so stupid.”

Isabel surprised everyone by starting to smile again.

“I guess there’s more you haven’t told us yet.” Liz surmised.

“Yes there is more.” Isabel confirmed. “But Maria was off and running before I had a chance to explain.”

“OK, I’m sorry.” Maria visibly relaxed. “In your own time Isabel if you would care to finish your story I will not interrupt again.”

The three remaining girls all smiled at Maria’s change in persona. If she could get what she wanted by sitting quietly it would be difficult but she would give it a try.

“Firstly, and without being defensive, you have to understand I think differently to you guys.” Isabel began. “Maybe Tess and I have slightly more in common with our similar backgrounds and how we had to hide in plain sight without letting anyone get close but the way I look at relationships is different to how you look at them.”

Isabel was pleased to see she was receiving nods of understanding and no further interruptions.

“I’ve handled so many things badly when it comes to Alex that I think even if I try for the rest of my life I will never be able to make it up to him.” Isabel continued. “So when he asked me to marry him the question itself was unexpected but not the topic to which it refers.”

Suddenly Liz understood. “You were going to ask Alex to marry you!”

Isabel smiled and nodded. “I know it’s slightly unconventional but we’re in the 21st century now so who’s to say I can’t ask a man to marry me?”

“So you only said no to Alex because you wanted to ask him to marry you but he beat you to it.” Tess finally understood.

“Again, yes and no.” Isabel said ruefully.

Maria went to speak.

“Before you say anything,” Isabel said, cutting Maria off. “I’m probably giving you the wrong idea of what went on. Alex asked me to marry him, I panicked and said no simply because I wanted to ask him. The look on his face when I said no meant I couldn’t leave things like that so…”

“So what?” Maria urged. “You can’t stop there.”

“It’s slightly embarrassing.” Isabel started to flush. Finally she took a deep breath and continued. “So I quickly explained that I didn’t say no because I didn’t want to marry him but because I wanted to ask him. I know it might seem selfish that I did what I wanted but I had to have Alex know, without any shadow of a doubt that I want him. I didn’t want him to ever doubt my love for him or that he was who I wanted to be with so I thought if I asked him he would be sure that I wanted to marry him. That he was who I wanted to stay with for the rest of my life.”

Isabel could see her three friends looking on, silently.

“You have to understand.” Isabel continued. “I can’t say that I have always loved Alex because I haven’t.” A sad look fell across her face. “You know how I treated him at first but that is all in the past. If I can’t tell him I have always loved him from the moment we met the one thing I will make damn sure about is that I can tell him I will always love him, until the day I die, and if at all possible beyond.”

Smiles slowly crept across her watching friends faces.

“If it’s selfish of me to want to have Alex know I love him and I always will then guilty as charged and I’ll accept any and all retribution for such an act.” Isabel finished.

Isabel fell silent as she waited to see her friends’ reaction to her words. First one girl, then another and then another stood up. Slowly the three young women converged on Isabel and without a spoken word the three engulfed their tall friend in a group hug. After initial words of congratulations one or two sobs could be heard as the four girls broke down and cried. Three of them out of happiness for their friend and one out of relief and happiness at her friends reaction. Finally, after a minute or two the girls broke apart.

“We were obviously going to tell you but we didn’t want to steal your thunder so we were going to wait until after today.” Isabel turned to look at Maria with a smile. “That’s why I reacted the way I did when you asked me about love and the single woman, I thought Alex might have told you.”

“No,” Maria shook her head and smiled. “Just normal concern for a friend.” Maria then turned to look at Tess. “I don’t suppose you have something to tell us do you?”

Tess initially stared back at Maria with a blank expression. “Like what?”

Maria looked at Liz and Isabel with an incredulous look on her face before looking back at Tess. “Like marriage or some such like.”

Tess shook her head nonchalantly. “Kyle says if you get married you can wave goodbye to sex so he’s not too keen.”

Maria exchanged a look with Liz. “I’m sure it’s not true.” Liz reassured Maria.

Liz looked back at Isabel. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Isabel started to fidget nervously causing Tess and Maria to take note. “What do you mean?”

“Well you were in the middle of explaining how Alex asked you to marry him and you said no just before you asked him and…” Liz elaborated.

“And what?” Isabel was still defensive. “You know we are getting married so you know he said yes.”

“But you started to blush when you were telling us earlier and the only time I have ever seen you blush is when it comes to Alex so what else happened.” Liz pressed.

“Nothing else happened.” Isabel stood her ground but she couldn’t stop herself from flushing again, which only confirmed Liz’s suspicions.

“Isabel,” Liz took a step towards her friend. “Where did you ask Alex to marry you?”

“What?”

“You heard her.” Maria was now joining in with Isabel slowly backing up under their advance. “Where did you ask Alex to marry you?”

“In the lingerie department at Macy’s” Isabel blurted out.

“You got down on your knees in the lingerie department of Macys and proposed to Alex.” Maria repeated.

“He started it!” Isabel said, defensively. “He got all embarrassed while we were walking round and didn’t know where to look. As we were talking about your up coming weddings it was obviously on his mind. I later found out that he had been trying for days to ask me but he said he could never find the right time or place.”

“So he picked knee deep in bras and knickers to ask you?” Tess joked.

“Hey!” Isabel called. “We’re talking about the man I love and if bras and knickers are more than he can take and it forces him to blurt out any secrets he is holding onto then I am all for it.”

Tess smiled. “I can’t believe I am going to ask this but if Alex gets all hot and bothered just being around bras and knickers that are sitting on hangers how does he react seeing someone who looks like you actually wearing them?”

The mischievous smile spread slowly across Isabel’s lips. “I have my ways of controlling Alex.”

“Do not say another word!” Liz cried. “I do not want this conversation to happen. It could mentally scar me for life.”

“I wasn’t going to elaborate Liz.” Isabel explained. “I was just going to tell Tess that I know what my man wants and I know how to give it too him.”

“Hello?” Liz threw her hands to her ears. “Can anyone hear me? I’m not listening to this.”

Suddenly the door to the back room swung open and in walked Max, Michael Alex and Kyle looking like they had just walked off the set of any rat pack movie with their confident stride and flash suits.

“What’s going on?” Alex asked as the four young men took up positions beside their partners and wives.

“Nothing,” Maria grinned. “Just talking to Isabel about lingerie.”

Alex blushed and looked at Isabel. “Ignore them sweetie.” Isabel wrapped her arms around her boyfriend. “She’s only kidding.”

“OK,” Alex said slowly, knowing when not to push the point. “In that case why have we been called in here? Nothing is wrong is it?” His voice suddenly full of concern.

“Everything is fine.” Liz reassured her tall friend. She turned to Isabel. “Do you want to say something to the boys now the cat is out of the bag?”

Isabel was still wrapped around Alex and she gave him a squeeze of reassurance before beginning. “Max, Michael & Kyle…Alex and I have a bit of news. We weren’t going to tell you today due to the special occasion but as these three managed to prise it out of me…Alex and I are getting married.”

Isabel let go of Alex as she was enveloped in a hug, firstly by Max and then by Michael. The next few minutes were filled with many kisses and handshakes as the congratulations and words of support were exchanged.

After things quietened down a brief look passed between the group of current Roswell residents as Alex and Isabel looked on. Isabel was currently wrapped in Alex’s arms with her back pressed against his chest as they surveyed the group and it was then that they realised that somehow they were now standing separately from their friends.

“It’s funny that you have some good news for us as we hope that we have some good news for you.” Max began. He looked around the group as each couple stood clinging to one another. “We’ve spent five long years with one of our group missing and it’s been hard on all of us.”

Isabel dropped her head for a moment but when Alex’s strong arms gave her a gentle squeeze she raised her head and was pleased to be greeted by tender smiles from all of her friends.

“Now that Isabel is back it has only confirmed how much better we operate as a group and not just as individuals.” Max continued. “Now it probably won’t be a case that we will spend the rest of our lives together, living in one another’s pockets but the fact remains our friendship is born out of something deeper and longer lasting than just proximity or school. We’ve come to rely on one another for guidance and support.”

Max turned his gaze towards Isabel and Alex specifically. “Now we didn’t just do this for you but let’s just say it is a fortunate coincidence.”

Isabel glanced back over her shoulder and could see Alex also had no idea what Max was talking about.

“Put them out of their misery Max.” Michael smiled, which was worrying in itself.

“We all said we were going to use the summer to decide what we were going to do next. With us all finishing college we had some choices to make and with you two guys now living in New York let’s just say it made making some of our choices easier.”

“For God sake Max, tell them.” Maria pushed.

“Liz and I were looking to do our Masters so we had applied to several universities, one of which is in New York.” Max explained.

“You didn’t?” Isabel couldn’t prevent her hopes building.

“We did.” Liz couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. “We’ve been accepted to Cornell. I’m joining the research department while Max will be more on the frontline with clinical medicine.”

“And there’s more.” Max cut in.

“As my art course went so well I managed to get myself a job with a firm that does graphic design.” Michael raised his hands. “Now before anyone gets too excited it’s on a commission only basis to start off with until I can prove my worth but I’m looking forward to it. And it’s in New York City.” Michael added.

Alex and Isabel turned to Maria and she was looking a little sheepish. “I did something a little sneaky. When Isabel first came back six weeks ago she told us about the children’s clothing company she works for. Along with many other firms I sent my resume to the company that Isabel works for. I asked Isabel to put in a good word for me while keeping it a secret, saying I was looking for a job in their Dallas office as a photography assistant, looking to gain some experience after my photography course at college. I can now reveal I was really looking for a job in New York. Once they invited me in for an interview I told them my plans had changed and I was moving to New York. The bad news is I am on a similar contract as Michael so you all may end up buying us dinner for the first couple of months.”

“I can’t believe it…this is terrific.” Isabel enthused. She turned to Kyle and Tess but the smile soon fell from her face when she saw the sad look on her friends faces.

“We’ve got some good news, we’ve got some bad news and we’ve got some unbelievable news.” Kyle said resolutely, tightening his grip on Tess.

“We’re truly happy for you all but we won’t be joining you in New York. That’s the bad news.” Kyle began.

“I’m not sure I want to hear the good news after that.” Maria eyed her step-brother. “Sorry, that was rude of me. Carry on Kyle”

“I have a job.” Kyle smiled. “And with you and the rest of the gang off to New York my dad and your mom have said Tess and I can set up home properly in your old house until we get the money together to get our own place.”

Maria broke free from Michael to give her brother a hug. They had been friends before but their friendship had only grown stronger once their parents had married. She’d miss him more than she could have believed.

“So what’s the unbelievable news?” Michael asked as Maria stepped back into his grasp.

Kyle sighed. “I didn’t want to say anything until you were gone so these guys couldn’t start on me.”

Both Alex and Michael straightened up when they realised Kyle had nodded towards them. They exchanged a quick grin before steadying their gaze back on Kyle.

“What is it Kyle.” Alex could feel his excitement building. If Kyle didn’t want him and Michael to know it must be good.

Kyle hung his head. “I’ve spoken to my dad and decided to become a deputy.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite hear that.” Michael said immediately.

Kyle lifted his head and sent Michael a dirty look. “You heard me well enough Guerin, I’m not repeating myself.”

“Sheriff Valenti junior,” Alex said mockingly. “Yeah, I like the sound of that.”

“Careful Whitman,” Kyle said sternly. “I’ll be ticketing your ass next time you come to town if you keep that up.”

“Yes officer.” Alex gave Kyle a mock salute.

Kyle turned to Tess. “I told you they’d make fun of me.”

“That’s alright Honey.” Tess said, as she gave Kyle’s back a soothing rub. “You know I like a man in uniform.”

That was all Kyle needed to hear.

“I think we should head back to the reception before our families send out a search party.” Liz offered. “We can talk more tomorrow after lunch.”




Isabel pushed open her bedroom door and stepped inside. It was after 11pm and she and Alex had just left the reception. There were very few people left by that time. The newly married couples has disappeared an hour before and Isabel’s parents had left just after 9pm taking little Katie with them and insisting that Isabel and Alex stay for at least a short while longer. She was quickly followed into her room by Alex and they both stopped when they saw a folded piece of paper on the pillow.

“Your Mom again?” Alex smiled.

Isabel returned his smile and nodded. “It seems that when they returned home earlier with Katie they decided to move her bed into their room again and they insist that we have a long sleep in tomorrow morning so they can spend some quality time with Katie before we go back to New York.”

“What time are we all meeting at my parents tomorrow?” Alex wrapped Isabel in his arms.

“One-Thirty.”

“Plenty of time for a sleep in then.” Alex gave his girlfriend a brief kiss before releasing her so she could get ready for bed.

Alex sat on the side of the bed and looked around the room. Finally his eyes fell on a familiar picture of him and Isabel at the Prom. He picked it up and stared at it.

“I found that in my room the night I returned.” Isabel said, cutting in on Alex’s thoughts as she came back out from the bathroom. “Obviously I hadn’t seen it before as I had left so suddenly but it warmed my heart to see it. I promised myself I would thank whoever left it there for me, I meant to ask my Mom.”

“Look no further.” Alex said shyly as he placed the picture back on the side. “I must have missed it that night I stayed.”

Isabel froze. “You left it for me?”

Alex nodded as he stood and turned to face Isabel. “Delving deep into my book of old sayings I think ‘It’s is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved before.’ might have been my thinking when I left that picture. If for nothing else I will love you forever just for that night. I hoped you would return someday so I asked you Mom if I could leave it in your bedroom.”

Isabel could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. She stepped forward, pulling Alex into her. “I hope to give you many more reasons to love me.”

“We’ll see how the next sixty or seventy years go and I’ll get back to you on that.” Alex replied.

“OK.” Isabel agreed. “But I am going to hold you to it.”



The End.


OK…That’s another one done. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did writing it. I’ve already written the first chapter of my new story, “Into the Lion’s Den.”, which I will start posting in a couple of days.

I don’t want to get carried away or make any sweeping statements but I had a lot of fun writing this one so I might give some thought to writing a sequel. It’s all down to how brave I am feeling, as an Englishman, about writing a story set in New York.

Take care and thank you for all and any comments you have left me, I appreciate them greatly. David/StargazerUK

P.S. Thanks to Tas for the wonderful banner she made for this story, it fits perfectly. Make sure you check it out.