Chapter 26
Max watched the plane take off for Albuquerque, New Mexico. He had called Jeff and Nancy and told them everything that happened although he knew that they would be furious with him for hurting their daughter. But to his surprise, Jeff just stayed silent and told him that they will take care of Liz and the twins while he resolved the mess he was in.
He also went to Michael and Maria’s house. And that didn’t turn out well though he was expecting it to happen that way. He recalled the discussion he had with Liz’s best friends.
“What do you mean another woman is claiming to have your kid?!” Michael bellowed.
“Exactly what I said.”
“Is it yours? Is she telling the truth?” Maria asked.
“I don’t know.” Max admitted.
“Damn you! How could you do this to her! I knew you couldn’t be trusted in the first place!” Michael faced Maria, “Pack your bags, we’re going to visit Liz and take her to the airport. We’re going home to Roswell.” Turning back to Max, “And you, stay away from her! I mean it, Evans. You come anywhere near her and I won’t hesitate to use violence.” Michael left the two of them standing there as he rushed to his bedroom to pack. If he stayed another minute in the room, God knows what he would’ve done to Max.
“Max, I’d be lying if I say that it’s gonna be ok. Michael is right, we trusted you.”
“Don’t you think I know that, Maria? I don’t even care about what you or Michael thinks. All I care about is Liz. That’s why I’m here. I wanted to ask you to go with her. Just stay by her side. I do love her, Maria. Believe it or not, I love her with my entire heart and soul. I’d die if I lose her. I know it’ll be too much to ask this of you now, but I need you to trust me that I will take care of this. My family is already handling it as we speak. A paternity test will be done to find out once and for all if that child belongs to me.”
“And what if it does? What if you are the father of that child?”
“Like I’ve told Liz, I will only give financial support, that’s all. My children are the only ones that are borne by Liz.”
“How does Liz feel about all this?”
“I don’t know. She’s really hard to read right now.” Max said tiredly.
“What did she tell you, aside from wanting to go to Roswell?”
“She said she’d still come back to me.”
“But?” Maria could tell that there was something bothering Max.
“But I don’t know if I deserve her anymore after all the shit I’ve put her through.” Max said pessimistically.
Maria placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Max, if Liz says she’ll come back to you, she will. And it is because she still loves you. I understand why you feel this way now, but this is Liz’s decision. Just be grateful that you haven’t lost her.”
“I know. I better go now. I’ll see you at the hospital.”
The entire Evans family arrived at the hospital and finally saw the woman that started it all, Pam Troy.
She rushed to Max’s side, holding the little boy.
“Max, I can’t believe you’re having us go through this! Can’t you see the resemblance?” She lifted the baby up to him but Max just took a step away from them.
“He is not my son. Even after this test, my children are only those that come from my wife’s womb.”
“Where is the little wifey anyway? I don’t see her here. Did she realize what a scumbag you are and left? She couldn’t take the pressure could she? Don’t worry, Max. We’re still here. We could be your family if only you’d let us.”
“Never.”
“Mr. Evans?” The doctor came walking down the hall.
Everyone turned to the doctor.
“My name is Dr. Grant Sorenson. I know that this must be such a dilemma so why don’t we start with the test already.”
Max agreed as well as Philip and Andrew. Isabel noticed Pam clutching the baby tighter as it began to whimper.
“Why don’t we start with Mr. Evans?” The doctor turned to Max.
Max nodded and allowed the doctor to lead him back in his clinic.
It only took a few minutes before Max came out. He didn’t want to have to stay there any longer. As soon as he left the clinic, he walked straight out to the hallway without even giving Pam and her son another glance with the rest of the Evans clan following him.
Once he was out of the hospital, Diane walked up to him and held his hand. Max quickly stopped and hugged his mother with tears pouring out of his eyes. For the first time in his life, he was truly scared of what one simple test could mean for him and Liz.
Two days later, they were all called back in court. Max was wringing his hands together with his parents at either side of him.
The judge came in and everyone stood up.
“The honorable Vanessa Whitaker presiding.”
Judge Whitaker sat down on her chair and everyone followed suit. The baby was fussing on Pam’s lap and Max couldn’t help but look at them.
The bailiff handed a medium-sized envelope to the judge. Max took a deep breath and held it in. The judge opened the envelope and read the contents. Then she handed the paper back to the bailiff.
“In the case of Maxwell Philip Evans and his paternity towards Matthew Patrick Troy, the DNA test proves with a 99.9% accuracy that Maxwell Philip Evans is NOT the father of Matthew Patrick Troy.”
Max exhaled a gasp. Diane turned to her son and hugged him. Philip hugged Max too and then turned to his other children beaming. They congratulated Max with the outcome of the paternity test.
Andrew moved over to Pam Troy who was seething with anger.
Pam knew that if a paternity test was done, all her plans would be ruined. But when the papers were served, she had no other choice but to comply.
“What do you want now?” Pam asked furiously.
“I’m claiming for the damages that you have done to my brother and his wife. You do know that she was hospitalized because of this stupid prank. And by the way, we did know that the child isn’t Max’s and that it belongs to one unknown producer who promised you to become a star in his movies. Too bad you weren’t as insightful, maybe then you could have known that he was just trying to get into your pants and that his company was already bankrupt.” Andrew sneered.
Pam read the paper Andrew handed to her. “You’re taking my son away?! No! You can’t do that!”
“Yes we can if we can prove that you intentionally used your own child to extort money from my brother.”
“But I didn’t get anything, not even a single cent!”
“And yet you managed to put my sister-in-law in the hospital and endangered my brother’s unborn children.”
“How was I supposed to know that she would be so weak?!”
“I suggest you find a good lawyer, Ms. Troy. Because I can assure you that my brother and my family will stop at nothing until he sees that you get what you deserve. I’ll see you again, in court.” And with that, Andrew walked away leaving a crying Pam holding her baby.
Max was too numb to even realize that there was another scene happening inside the courtroom. The only thing he could think of was Liz.
He quickly got his mobile phone and dialed the Parkers’ home in Roswell.
“Liz?”
“Max? This is Nancy.”
“Nancy, hi, is Liz there?”
“Yes, let me just go get her.”
Nancy ran up the steps and went in Liz’s bedroom. Liz was lying on her back, asleep with dried tear marks on her face.
“Liz? Lizzie, wake up. It’s Max.” Nancy roused her daughter.
“Max?” Liz asked sleepily.
“Here.” Nancy gave her the phone.
“Max?”
Max could hear the sleepiness in her voice. “Liz? Baby, it’s me.” Max was smiling from ear to ear upon hearing Liz.
“What is it?” Liz knew instantly that something big had happened.
“It’s over.”
“Over? What’s over?” Liz started to panic. ‘Was Max talking about their marriage? Was the child really his?’
“The child isn’t mine!”
“What?”
“I’m NOT the father.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really!”
“I’m so happy for you, Max.”
“For us, baby, for us. I’ll be getting on the next plane out of here. I’ll be there soon, Liz.”
“Ok, I’ll be waiting.”
Both Max and Liz hung up after exchanging ‘I love you’s.
“What happened?” Nancy asked. She didn’t leave the room when she gave the phone to Liz and managed to listen to the conversation, at least from Liz’s end.
“The baby isn’t his, Mom.”
“I’m glad, sweetheart. So what now?”
“Now we can finally go back to living as husband and wife.”
“Liz, I need to ask. You know what kind of life you married into. What will you do if this happens again?”
Liz was caught off guard with that question. “I honestly don’t know yet.”
“Lizzie, just go back to your vows. For better or for worse, remember? Despite his past, I know that Max is a good man. And he has shown and proven so many times how much he truly loves you.”
“I know that, Mom.”
“Good. Now I better get ready to welcome one more into our home.”
Liz nodded. But as soon as her mother closed the door, she wondered if that was all that mattered. Will their love and the wedding vows they took be enough to help them get through everything if something like this does happen again?
to be continued...
Another What If (AU, M/L- ADULT) ~{COMPLETE}~
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
Author’s Note:
alana and aurorasky: Thank you for liking my stories. Now about Liz forgiving Max, I never said she totally did. Yes, she was happy that the baby wasn’t his and they could peacefully be together again, but that doesn’t mean it would be simple. Yes, Max did a lot of wrong but he didn’t use his money to win the case. The DNA test was legitimate, I didn’t mean to make it look like Max bought the results he wanted. With ML’s reunion, just sit tight and read the part below.
kittens: Sorry, I didn’t know that pregnant women can’t fly in their 3rd trimester. Let’s just say it was a chartered private jet so she got to Roswell really fast.
Alright then, on with the next part.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 27
Max was picked up from the airport by Jeff Parker and both men were now talking about the week’s events.
“I’m glad that everything worked out to your favor, Max.” Jeff spoke honestly.
“Me too.”
“I just hope that it doesn’t happen again.”
Max was silent for a moment. He knew that he would hear something like this from Liz’s parents.
“Mr. Parker…Jeff, I know it has been hell. And I do admit that it was scary for me too and I don’t want it to happen again either. But I’ll be honest with you. I wasn’t like this in the past. I played the field a lot. But it was Liz who changed me. All I can say is that I love Liz and our children and they’re all that matter to me. Please believe me, Jeff. I would never intentionally hurt Liz. I would die first.”
“I have seen how much you love my daughter, Max. And this has hurt her a lot. I’m just looking out for you both, not just Liz, but you too. And I don’t like seeing the both of you going through so much hurt and pain.”
“Thanks, Jeff.”
“Besides, this is yours and Liz’s lives. I could only be here to guide you. Though admittedly, as much as I want to meddle in it, I know I can’t.”
Max nodded and his eyes showed the respect he had for his father-in-law.
Before long, they were back in Roswell. Max couldn’t get out of the car fast enough to have his wife back in his arms.
“Liz!” Max came running through the doors when he saw Liz walking out to meet him. Seeing her radiant face and being pregnant with their babies, Max couldn’t imagine her being any more beautiful than she was at that moment.
Max lifted her in his arms despite her huge belly and kissed her deeply.
“I’ve missed you so much.” Max whispered huskily.
“I’ve missed you too.”
Max put her back down on her feet and caressed her stomach. “How are the little ones?”
“They’re fine.”
“Just a few more weeks, right?”
Liz nodded.
All four of them walked back in the house with Jeff carrying Max’s bags and Max helping his wife waddle slowly.
Once Max and Liz got back in her room, Max couldn’t keep his hands and lips away from his wife. Liz kissed him back since she did miss him. But once her logic thinking broke through the sexual fog clouding her brain, she pushed him away.
“What? What is it? What’s wrong? Is it the twins?” Max was running his hands over her to check.
“No, it’s not that.” Liz was shaking her head.
“Talk to me, Liz.”
Liz sat down on the foot of her bed and Max quickly sat beside her. He automatically took her hand in his and waited patiently for her to speak. Liz took a deep breath, not knowing where to start. She knew they had a lot to talk about but it was hard. She kept blinking to keep the tears at bay. During the time she waited for Max to arrive, her mother’s words played over and over in her head. Her doubts began to grow and she just had to spill it out before she and Max could start moving on with their lives.
“So…what are we gonna do now that we know it’s not your kid?”
Max caressed his wife’s face. “Live happily ever after?” he beamed.
Liz pulled away from Max’s touch causing him to frown.
“It’s not that simple, Max.”
“What’s not that simple?” Max began to panic as his fear started to rise. “Wh-what are you saying, Liz?”
“I’m saying how can I be sure that this won’t happen again?”
“Liz, it won’t.”
“How do you know, Max? How can you be sure?”
Max couldn’t answer. He closed his eyes, bowed his head and the tears began to fall.
“I wish…there was…some way for me to go back…and erase all the mistakes I made. But I can’t, Liz.” Max sobbed. “I don’t know what else to do to…make you believe that…that it’s you I love. You, Liz, no one else. Please…please tell me you believe that…tell me you know that.”
Liz started to cry as well. “I do know that. It’s just…I don’t want to go through this…hurt again. I can’t, Max.”
Max quickly pulled Liz in his arms. “You can’t leave me, Liz…you can’t. I’ll do anything…anything you want. Just tell me and I’ll do it.”
“Max, stop.”
Max reluctantly let go and looked at Liz’s tear-streaked face. “I don’t know for sure…that this won’t happen again. I slept…with a lot of women before I knew you…and even…even after.” It pained Max to admit his infidelity to the only woman that he ever loved.
“And I can’t promise you that…we won’t get hurt along the way…whether it’s because of something like this…or another. But I know that…whatever happens, I’ll be here. I won’t run away. You showed me what it was like to be loved. You taught me how to love. We can get through whatever obstacle that comes our way because of the love we have for each other.” Max added.
“But is it enough, Max? Will our love be enough to make us strong? Because I’m telling you right now…I really don’t see myself surviving another heartache like this.”
“Neither can I, Liz. Tell me what you need from me to make you see that we belong together.”
“I lost my trust in you, Max.”
Max just looked at her straight in the eyes. What could he possibly say to that?
“Can I…can I ever gain it back?” he asked uncertainly.
“Max, you have to understand. I still do love you, very much. You are the father of my children and the man I married. I have loved you for so long, I don’t even know what it would be like not to. But the trust I had in you…that was shattered when you told me that you slept with other women…even after you and I were already a couple. How could I even be sure that you’re telling me the truth anymore? That’s what I’m having a problem with, Max. I know in time that trust will be restored but I can’t say when because even I don’t know. And I don’t think it’s going to happen any time soon either.” Liz said softly.
Max wept harder. He couldn’t take the thought of losing Liz. “I’m sorry, Liz, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”
Liz held him tighter as they cried for their broken hearts.
“Does…does this mean…” He couldn’t even say it. Just the thought of them breaking up is causing him so much anguish.
“Where does this leave us?” he whispered.
Liz cradled his face and lovingly wiped the tears away with her thumbs.
“I still want to make this work, Max. But we have to take things slow. It’s going to take some time for me to trust you again.”
Max exhaled the breath he was holding in relief. He hugged Liz tightly, burying his face in her hair.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. God knows I don’t deserve another chance or you. But I will do anything and everything I can to make you trust me again. I love you and our babies, Liz. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Max.”
Chapter 28
“What?! Are you out of your mind? How can you take him back just like that?! Are you on drugs or something? What the hell are they giving you pregnant women nowadays?!”
“Michael, calm down. You’re beginning to sound like Maria with your rambling.”
“Hey!”
Michael and Maria visited Liz at her parents’ house. Max went out with Nancy to get some groceries since he didn’t want Liz going out of the house. But when Nancy volunteered, he didn’t want to impose and insisted to go with his mother-in-law. Max was doing everything he can to prove to Liz that she married the right man. But with his constant hovering and over protectiveness, it was once again driving her up the wall.
“No offense, Maria, but are you listening to him?” Liz pointed at Michael.
“Me?! Are you listening to yourself?! Liz, how could you even accept things so easily? This guy hurt you, he betrayed you and yet with a few words, he’s got you hooked again!” Michael yelled.
Michael’s statement stung. Although she understood why Michael was reacting this way, it still hurt that he was thinking so little of her. Her eyes started to well up and she bit her lower lip to stop it from quivering. Maria quickly noticed how upset Liz was becoming.
“Michael, stop it! This is Liz’s life, ok? We have no right to meddle—”
“No right?! No right?! Can’t you see that she’s throwing her life away for some two-timing asshole?”
“Shut up!” Maria screamed.
A single tear rolled down Liz’s cheek as she tried her best not to let Michael see how his words were affecting her. She knew how much Max had hurt her and how foolish she must have looked by taking him back without hesitation. But she still loved the man, she couldn’t tell her heart to just stop beating for him.
“I know you think I’m stupid for accepting him back in my life so easily as you put it. But if you must know, I never let him go to begin with. I still love him, Michael. It’s not that easy to stop feeling for someone.” Liz said.
Michael sighed, “I didn’t say you were stupid, Liz. I just don’t understand how you could let him trample all over your feelings like that. How could you even distinguish if he’s telling the truth or not? How would you even know if he really is in love with you?”
“Michael, enough!” Maria interrupted but Liz was quick to answer back.
“I do know that Max loves me. That was never a question. I can feel it whenever I catch him looking at me. You may think it’s all an act but let me assure you that it’s not. I appreciate what you’re trying to do. I am thankful to have you as a friend and you have been like a big brother to me. But this is my life and the decisions are mine to make.”
“Even if they’re the wrong ones?” Michael bit back.
“Michael, how could you say that they are wrong? We don’t know that; not you, not me, not even Liz. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. And you can’t tell someone what they can or cannot do. You of all people should know that. If it was the other way around, if you were in Max’s shoes, what would you have done, huh?” Maria challenged him.
“But it’s not! I’m not the one who slept around. I’m not the one who lied to my wife. I’m not the one who betrayed her. And I would never, ever do that!”
“How can you be sure of that? You can’t predict our futures, Michael. So don’t say words that you might end up eating later on.” Maria added.
“Are you saying that you’re doubting me, that you think I would do the same? Don’t you even compare me to that bastard!”
“No! All I’m saying is that we can’t judge Max by what he’s done in the past. That’s done, over, finished. Look at the present, Michael. Can’t you see how much he loves, Liz?”
“Yeah, it’s so crystal clear.” Michael said sarcastically.
“What do you expect me to do, Michael? Are you saying that I should leave him? Aside from the fact that I am still in love with my husband, what would leaving him do? What about our children, have you thought about that? I can’t raise them without their father and there is nothing anyone can say that will make me deprive them of that. Max loves me, Michael. And he really is sorry. And just because we’re back together it doesn’t mean that everything is peachy keen. Believe me, it’s not. We’re taking it slow because it’s going to take me sometime before I could trust him again. Don’t you see how hard that is for me? I’m bearing his children, Michael. What kind of parents will we be if I can’t trust him? What kind of mother will I be if I can’t trust my babies’ father?” Liz wept openly.
Maria moved closer to Liz, “Hey, sshhh, it’s ok, Chica. We’re just looking out for you, aren’t we, Michael?” Maria glared at her boyfriend. “And you’re right. This is your life so you can make whatever decisions you want to. We do see how hard this is for you, Lizzie. Know that we’re here to support you no matter what you do, always.” Maria hugged her best friend and comforted her.
“I’m sorry, Liz. I just didn’t realize…” Michael felt ashamed for attacking Liz that way. He was only thinking about how Max took advantage of his friend and her going back for more. It angered him to no end. But after hearing what Liz was going through, he felt sorry for the words he had said.
Liz pulled away from Maria briefly and invited Michael for a group hug. Even after all this time, they were still as close as they were when they were young.
As soon as Max got back, he went up to see Liz. When he opened her bedroom door, he was a little taken aback to find Michael, Maria and his wife all laughing.
“Um, hey.” Max approached them warily.
“Hey, Max.” Maria greeted him.
Michael just looked at him to acknowledge his presence but didn’t say anything else.
“Hey, you’re back so soon.” Liz smiled.
“Yeah, I got you those blueberries you wanted and your vanilla ice cream.” Max showed her a bag where her snacks were in.
“Ooh, yay!” Liz clapped.
“Do you still have your cravings?” Maria asked with both brows raised high.
“Not really. It’s just sometimes I look for it.” Liz was grinning in anticipation as Max opened one pint and put the fresh blueberries in. He handed a spoon to her and Liz happily scooped a spoonful and put it all in her mouth.
“Mmmm.” Liz savored the taste with her eyes closed.
Max looked on as Liz’s actions became quite sensual for him. He really had missed her but they were also taking it slow. So instead of staying to torture himself, he quickly got up and told Liz that he’s just going to help her dad with something.
Maria laughed as Max left the room.
“What?” Liz asked between bites.
“Oh God, don’t tell me you were oblivious to that.” Maria took Liz’s spoon and tasted the concoction. “Hey, this is good.”
“Told you. Wait, oblivious to what?”
“Ok, if you’re going to start with the chick talk, I’m gonna go.” Michael didn’t give the girls a chance to reply as he dashed out of Liz’s bedroom.
“Good, he’s gone. Now we can really talk.” Maria took another mouthful after Liz.
“About what?”
“Oh Chica, didn’t you see how Max was staring at you while you were seductively licking your spoon?”
“What?! I did not!”
“Yeah, you did.” Maria began to snicker.
“Really?”
“Yup.”
“And that’s why he…”
“Uh huh.”
“Oh God.” Liz groaned as Maria laughed even harder.
alana and aurorasky: Thank you for liking my stories. Now about Liz forgiving Max, I never said she totally did. Yes, she was happy that the baby wasn’t his and they could peacefully be together again, but that doesn’t mean it would be simple. Yes, Max did a lot of wrong but he didn’t use his money to win the case. The DNA test was legitimate, I didn’t mean to make it look like Max bought the results he wanted. With ML’s reunion, just sit tight and read the part below.
kittens: Sorry, I didn’t know that pregnant women can’t fly in their 3rd trimester. Let’s just say it was a chartered private jet so she got to Roswell really fast.
Alright then, on with the next part.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 27
Max was picked up from the airport by Jeff Parker and both men were now talking about the week’s events.
“I’m glad that everything worked out to your favor, Max.” Jeff spoke honestly.
“Me too.”
“I just hope that it doesn’t happen again.”
Max was silent for a moment. He knew that he would hear something like this from Liz’s parents.
“Mr. Parker…Jeff, I know it has been hell. And I do admit that it was scary for me too and I don’t want it to happen again either. But I’ll be honest with you. I wasn’t like this in the past. I played the field a lot. But it was Liz who changed me. All I can say is that I love Liz and our children and they’re all that matter to me. Please believe me, Jeff. I would never intentionally hurt Liz. I would die first.”
“I have seen how much you love my daughter, Max. And this has hurt her a lot. I’m just looking out for you both, not just Liz, but you too. And I don’t like seeing the both of you going through so much hurt and pain.”
“Thanks, Jeff.”
“Besides, this is yours and Liz’s lives. I could only be here to guide you. Though admittedly, as much as I want to meddle in it, I know I can’t.”
Max nodded and his eyes showed the respect he had for his father-in-law.
Before long, they were back in Roswell. Max couldn’t get out of the car fast enough to have his wife back in his arms.
“Liz!” Max came running through the doors when he saw Liz walking out to meet him. Seeing her radiant face and being pregnant with their babies, Max couldn’t imagine her being any more beautiful than she was at that moment.
Max lifted her in his arms despite her huge belly and kissed her deeply.
“I’ve missed you so much.” Max whispered huskily.
“I’ve missed you too.”
Max put her back down on her feet and caressed her stomach. “How are the little ones?”
“They’re fine.”
“Just a few more weeks, right?”
Liz nodded.
All four of them walked back in the house with Jeff carrying Max’s bags and Max helping his wife waddle slowly.
Once Max and Liz got back in her room, Max couldn’t keep his hands and lips away from his wife. Liz kissed him back since she did miss him. But once her logic thinking broke through the sexual fog clouding her brain, she pushed him away.
“What? What is it? What’s wrong? Is it the twins?” Max was running his hands over her to check.
“No, it’s not that.” Liz was shaking her head.
“Talk to me, Liz.”
Liz sat down on the foot of her bed and Max quickly sat beside her. He automatically took her hand in his and waited patiently for her to speak. Liz took a deep breath, not knowing where to start. She knew they had a lot to talk about but it was hard. She kept blinking to keep the tears at bay. During the time she waited for Max to arrive, her mother’s words played over and over in her head. Her doubts began to grow and she just had to spill it out before she and Max could start moving on with their lives.
“So…what are we gonna do now that we know it’s not your kid?”
Max caressed his wife’s face. “Live happily ever after?” he beamed.
Liz pulled away from Max’s touch causing him to frown.
“It’s not that simple, Max.”
“What’s not that simple?” Max began to panic as his fear started to rise. “Wh-what are you saying, Liz?”
“I’m saying how can I be sure that this won’t happen again?”
“Liz, it won’t.”
“How do you know, Max? How can you be sure?”
Max couldn’t answer. He closed his eyes, bowed his head and the tears began to fall.
“I wish…there was…some way for me to go back…and erase all the mistakes I made. But I can’t, Liz.” Max sobbed. “I don’t know what else to do to…make you believe that…that it’s you I love. You, Liz, no one else. Please…please tell me you believe that…tell me you know that.”
Liz started to cry as well. “I do know that. It’s just…I don’t want to go through this…hurt again. I can’t, Max.”
Max quickly pulled Liz in his arms. “You can’t leave me, Liz…you can’t. I’ll do anything…anything you want. Just tell me and I’ll do it.”
“Max, stop.”
Max reluctantly let go and looked at Liz’s tear-streaked face. “I don’t know for sure…that this won’t happen again. I slept…with a lot of women before I knew you…and even…even after.” It pained Max to admit his infidelity to the only woman that he ever loved.
“And I can’t promise you that…we won’t get hurt along the way…whether it’s because of something like this…or another. But I know that…whatever happens, I’ll be here. I won’t run away. You showed me what it was like to be loved. You taught me how to love. We can get through whatever obstacle that comes our way because of the love we have for each other.” Max added.
“But is it enough, Max? Will our love be enough to make us strong? Because I’m telling you right now…I really don’t see myself surviving another heartache like this.”
“Neither can I, Liz. Tell me what you need from me to make you see that we belong together.”
“I lost my trust in you, Max.”
Max just looked at her straight in the eyes. What could he possibly say to that?
“Can I…can I ever gain it back?” he asked uncertainly.
“Max, you have to understand. I still do love you, very much. You are the father of my children and the man I married. I have loved you for so long, I don’t even know what it would be like not to. But the trust I had in you…that was shattered when you told me that you slept with other women…even after you and I were already a couple. How could I even be sure that you’re telling me the truth anymore? That’s what I’m having a problem with, Max. I know in time that trust will be restored but I can’t say when because even I don’t know. And I don’t think it’s going to happen any time soon either.” Liz said softly.
Max wept harder. He couldn’t take the thought of losing Liz. “I’m sorry, Liz, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”
Liz held him tighter as they cried for their broken hearts.
“Does…does this mean…” He couldn’t even say it. Just the thought of them breaking up is causing him so much anguish.
“Where does this leave us?” he whispered.
Liz cradled his face and lovingly wiped the tears away with her thumbs.
“I still want to make this work, Max. But we have to take things slow. It’s going to take some time for me to trust you again.”
Max exhaled the breath he was holding in relief. He hugged Liz tightly, burying his face in her hair.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. God knows I don’t deserve another chance or you. But I will do anything and everything I can to make you trust me again. I love you and our babies, Liz. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Max.”
Chapter 28
“What?! Are you out of your mind? How can you take him back just like that?! Are you on drugs or something? What the hell are they giving you pregnant women nowadays?!”
“Michael, calm down. You’re beginning to sound like Maria with your rambling.”
“Hey!”
Michael and Maria visited Liz at her parents’ house. Max went out with Nancy to get some groceries since he didn’t want Liz going out of the house. But when Nancy volunteered, he didn’t want to impose and insisted to go with his mother-in-law. Max was doing everything he can to prove to Liz that she married the right man. But with his constant hovering and over protectiveness, it was once again driving her up the wall.
“No offense, Maria, but are you listening to him?” Liz pointed at Michael.
“Me?! Are you listening to yourself?! Liz, how could you even accept things so easily? This guy hurt you, he betrayed you and yet with a few words, he’s got you hooked again!” Michael yelled.
Michael’s statement stung. Although she understood why Michael was reacting this way, it still hurt that he was thinking so little of her. Her eyes started to well up and she bit her lower lip to stop it from quivering. Maria quickly noticed how upset Liz was becoming.
“Michael, stop it! This is Liz’s life, ok? We have no right to meddle—”
“No right?! No right?! Can’t you see that she’s throwing her life away for some two-timing asshole?”
“Shut up!” Maria screamed.
A single tear rolled down Liz’s cheek as she tried her best not to let Michael see how his words were affecting her. She knew how much Max had hurt her and how foolish she must have looked by taking him back without hesitation. But she still loved the man, she couldn’t tell her heart to just stop beating for him.
“I know you think I’m stupid for accepting him back in my life so easily as you put it. But if you must know, I never let him go to begin with. I still love him, Michael. It’s not that easy to stop feeling for someone.” Liz said.
Michael sighed, “I didn’t say you were stupid, Liz. I just don’t understand how you could let him trample all over your feelings like that. How could you even distinguish if he’s telling the truth or not? How would you even know if he really is in love with you?”
“Michael, enough!” Maria interrupted but Liz was quick to answer back.
“I do know that Max loves me. That was never a question. I can feel it whenever I catch him looking at me. You may think it’s all an act but let me assure you that it’s not. I appreciate what you’re trying to do. I am thankful to have you as a friend and you have been like a big brother to me. But this is my life and the decisions are mine to make.”
“Even if they’re the wrong ones?” Michael bit back.
“Michael, how could you say that they are wrong? We don’t know that; not you, not me, not even Liz. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. And you can’t tell someone what they can or cannot do. You of all people should know that. If it was the other way around, if you were in Max’s shoes, what would you have done, huh?” Maria challenged him.
“But it’s not! I’m not the one who slept around. I’m not the one who lied to my wife. I’m not the one who betrayed her. And I would never, ever do that!”
“How can you be sure of that? You can’t predict our futures, Michael. So don’t say words that you might end up eating later on.” Maria added.
“Are you saying that you’re doubting me, that you think I would do the same? Don’t you even compare me to that bastard!”
“No! All I’m saying is that we can’t judge Max by what he’s done in the past. That’s done, over, finished. Look at the present, Michael. Can’t you see how much he loves, Liz?”
“Yeah, it’s so crystal clear.” Michael said sarcastically.
“What do you expect me to do, Michael? Are you saying that I should leave him? Aside from the fact that I am still in love with my husband, what would leaving him do? What about our children, have you thought about that? I can’t raise them without their father and there is nothing anyone can say that will make me deprive them of that. Max loves me, Michael. And he really is sorry. And just because we’re back together it doesn’t mean that everything is peachy keen. Believe me, it’s not. We’re taking it slow because it’s going to take me sometime before I could trust him again. Don’t you see how hard that is for me? I’m bearing his children, Michael. What kind of parents will we be if I can’t trust him? What kind of mother will I be if I can’t trust my babies’ father?” Liz wept openly.
Maria moved closer to Liz, “Hey, sshhh, it’s ok, Chica. We’re just looking out for you, aren’t we, Michael?” Maria glared at her boyfriend. “And you’re right. This is your life so you can make whatever decisions you want to. We do see how hard this is for you, Lizzie. Know that we’re here to support you no matter what you do, always.” Maria hugged her best friend and comforted her.
“I’m sorry, Liz. I just didn’t realize…” Michael felt ashamed for attacking Liz that way. He was only thinking about how Max took advantage of his friend and her going back for more. It angered him to no end. But after hearing what Liz was going through, he felt sorry for the words he had said.
Liz pulled away from Maria briefly and invited Michael for a group hug. Even after all this time, they were still as close as they were when they were young.
As soon as Max got back, he went up to see Liz. When he opened her bedroom door, he was a little taken aback to find Michael, Maria and his wife all laughing.
“Um, hey.” Max approached them warily.
“Hey, Max.” Maria greeted him.
Michael just looked at him to acknowledge his presence but didn’t say anything else.
“Hey, you’re back so soon.” Liz smiled.
“Yeah, I got you those blueberries you wanted and your vanilla ice cream.” Max showed her a bag where her snacks were in.
“Ooh, yay!” Liz clapped.
“Do you still have your cravings?” Maria asked with both brows raised high.
“Not really. It’s just sometimes I look for it.” Liz was grinning in anticipation as Max opened one pint and put the fresh blueberries in. He handed a spoon to her and Liz happily scooped a spoonful and put it all in her mouth.
“Mmmm.” Liz savored the taste with her eyes closed.
Max looked on as Liz’s actions became quite sensual for him. He really had missed her but they were also taking it slow. So instead of staying to torture himself, he quickly got up and told Liz that he’s just going to help her dad with something.
Maria laughed as Max left the room.
“What?” Liz asked between bites.
“Oh God, don’t tell me you were oblivious to that.” Maria took Liz’s spoon and tasted the concoction. “Hey, this is good.”
“Told you. Wait, oblivious to what?”
“Ok, if you’re going to start with the chick talk, I’m gonna go.” Michael didn’t give the girls a chance to reply as he dashed out of Liz’s bedroom.
“Good, he’s gone. Now we can really talk.” Maria took another mouthful after Liz.
“About what?”
“Oh Chica, didn’t you see how Max was staring at you while you were seductively licking your spoon?”
“What?! I did not!”
“Yeah, you did.” Maria began to snicker.
“Really?”
“Yup.”
“And that’s why he…”
“Uh huh.”
“Oh God.” Liz groaned as Maria laughed even harder.
A/N: I'm glad that you all like this still. Thanks for your feedbacks.
alana: Thank you for the FB. About Liz's actions...I guess I just didn't want her to fight and argue with Max anymore becuase I couldn't prolong the story even if I wanted to. I have to admit this is the hardest fic I ever had to write so far because there were times when I had nothing to write, my mind was a complete blank. I know Liz looked like putty in Max's hands with the few chapters but I just didn't know how else to make her react. And thank you for still reading this despite the injustice I have done to Liz's character. Trust me, I know she looked weak but I just didn't know what else to write. Sorry.
Ok, on with the next two parts.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 29
Max and Liz spent an entire two weeks in Roswell as they tried to rebuild their relationship. Slowly, Max worked his way into being able to embrace Liz like he used to. Then the hugs turned into kisses, to nibbles, to pleasurable touches.
As the days wore on, Liz finally agreed to go back home to their house in California. When they first arrived, Liz was a little apprehensive. But Max asked her to focus on the wonderful and happy times they spent together in their home. Liz was ok with it, until they reached their bedroom.
Liz halted in her tracks as she stared at the bed.
“Liz?” Max called out to her when he saw her just standing there. He followed her line of vision and saw that she was staring at their bed. The bed that Pam Troy claimed he had used with other women. He silently cursed the bitch as he moved towards Liz.
“Oh God.” Liz whimpered. “I never…I never thought it would be this hard.”
Max rushed to Liz’s side and pulled her tightly to his chest. “Sshhh, I’m sorry, baby.” Then he gently pushed her at arm’s length. “It’s not the same bed. It was never the same bed. I bought a new one when you moved in.” He lovingly wiped her tears away.
Liz nodded and took gulps of air to calm herself down. “Thank you.” she whispered softly as she relished the loving arms of her husband.
In the two weeks that passed, Andrew Evans was viciously showing everyone the lawyer that he is. Pam was able to tell the real biological father about her baby. But despite that, he didn’t have enough money to get a lawyer that was within Andrew’s caliber.
And somehow the news leaked out about how Pam tried to pass off her son as Max’s baby and failed. The press was constantly trying to get an interview from Andrew and Pam. When Pam was first approached by a couple of reporters, she immediately thought that it could be a good opportunity to re-launch her career. But a minute later, she realized that doing such would give Andrew more material to use against her. Since then she avoided any attempts from news people to be interviewed regarding the case.
The same goes for Andrew since he didn’t want to blow this whole thing up more than it has been. The only reason that this case was still going on was because he and his family wanted to teach other people not to even dare think about taking advantage of Max’s past.
“Mr. Evans! Mr. Evans!”
Andrew kept on walking, thinking that it was another reporter, until Pam Troy stepped in front of him.
“Ms. Troy?”
“Mr. Evans…” Pam tried to catch her breath. “Is there a way…to settle all this out of court? I don’t want this to go on any further. You’ve already won. Please, I’m begging you, don’t take my son away from me.”
Andrew was impassive as he spoke, “You should have thought of that before you went to my brother’s home and claiming him to be the father of your child.”
“I know that I was wrong. Please, there must be some other way.”
Andrew just looked at the young woman before him.
“Where is your son, Ms. Troy?”
“He’s…he’s with his father.”
“I suggest you stop wasting your time with me and spend it with your son.” Andrew started to walk away.
“No! Please! I’m begging you!” Pam ran after him.
Andrew stopped and addressed Pam, “Do you feel the desperation running in your veins? That was how my brother felt when he had to rush his unconscious wife to the hospital all because of your little stunt.”
“I didn’t know it was going to happen that way. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone—”
“But you did.”
“Please, have a heart.”
Andrew took a deep breath. “I will have to talk to my family. But I advise you not to get your hopes up.”
“No, I do not want to settle out of court. I want her to feel what I felt, to go through the same hell that she made us endure over a fucking lie!” Max demanded.
Diane could understand her son’s fury. She felt angered as well because they almost lost her first grandchildren because of it.
“You have our support on this, Max.” Philip assured his son.
“So we’re decided not to settle out of court?” Andrew wanted to confirm.
“Yes.” Max gave a definite answer.
“No.” Liz spoke softly.
“What?” Max looked at his wife. “What do you mean no? Liz, that woman…that bitch was the reason why you had to go to the hospital! She lied to get money out of us!”
“I know that, but she’s already suffering with the threat of having her child taken away from her.”
Max was shaking his head, “It’s not enough.”
“Max.” Liz pleaded.
“What do you want to do, Liz? Let her off with a warning? No! I won’t settle for that!”
“I already felt what it was like to almost lose our babies. It’s not something I would wish on anyone, even our enemies. She obviously loves her son. Yes she used him but I think it was the only thing she could come up with to make a better life for him. It’s only now that I started to understand how much a parent can love his or her child to go through anything for them.” Liz placed a hand on her belly.
Max melted at the loving heart of his wife. He felt so lucky to have her.
He caressed her face with both hands. “She’s lucky that she has you on her side.”
Liz shook her head, “I’m not on her side. I just feel fortunate that I don’t have to go through what she’s going through. Wouldn’t it be better to be the one giving than the one having to ask for something?”
Max nodded and hugged his wife, placing a kiss on her temple. Then he turned to Andrew, “Tell her we’re willing to drop the charges, BUT, I want her to make a public apology to my wife.”
“Done.” Andrew nodded in response.
The next day, Andrew met with Pam Troy and her lawyer. Andrew told them the terms that were being demanded and Pam was more than willing to agree to it.
Then Max and Liz came in the room.
“Max! I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you or your wife. It was just that I really needed the money. Your sister saw the condition we were living in and I—”
“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to. This was her decision, not mine. Believe me that if it were up to me, we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all.” Max said coldly.
Pam nodded and turned to Liz. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do what I did. I mean, I was just really desperate. I don’t know what else to say for you to forgive me. But thank you. Thank you for being so kind-hearted despite everything I said and did.”
“I accept your apology but that doesn’t mean I’ll forgive you as easily. I hope you have learned your lesson. And I pray that this does not happen to you.” Liz said.
She then turned to her husband and asked that they go home.
In just one week, Andrew and Isabel made everything ready for Pam’s public apology. One of the entertainment TV shows had exclusive coverage of it as Pam apologized to Liz on live television.
“How come it doesn’t feel any different?” Liz asked as she turned off the TV.
“Maybe because she wasn’t that important to you.” Max replied.
“Maybe. I’m just glad that we’re all still doing ok.” Liz slowly settled herself in bed.
“Are we…doing ok?” Max asked tentatively.
Liz nodded and smiled while Max rubbed her belly dotingly.
“Are you saying…we’re ok ok? I mean…do you trust me again?”
“Over the past few weeks, I saw how devoted you are to our family. And I do know and feel how much you love us. When you agreed to let Pam Troy go, I saw how you were willing to do anything for me although it was obvious that you didn’t want to. Thank you for that. I know that we haven’t really discussed the trust issue we have but the only way to move forward is by letting go. If we keep going back to the past, it won’t lead us anywhere. And I don’t want that to happen to us. We’re about to bring new lives into this world and I don’t want to have any bad thing between us. We’re going to be parents, Max.” Liz said with a beautiful smile that lit up the entire room.
“Yeah, that we are, baby.” Max grinned back with the same intensity as they began a long night filled with love and passion.
Chapter 30
“…Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday to you!” Everyone sang as Max leaned over to blow out the candles on his cake. He couldn’t think of anything else to wish for. He already has a beautiful, loving and amazing woman for a wife. And she was close to giving birth to his first two babies.
As he looked at his family and friends celebrating this day with him, he couldn’t help but feel blessed for the way his life has turned out. Looking back, he never thought that he would feel as happy and as contented as he was at that moment.
”Ok, time to open the presents!” Karen flashed her pearly white teeth.
Max helped Liz onto the couch and sat beside her. Diane and Nancy stayed with the cake and started cutting up slices for everyone.
“Ok, here’s one from Iz and Alex.” Karen handed a huge box to Max.
He opened it quickly and found a new entertainment system inside. “Oh wow! Thanks you two!”
“Alright, this one is from me.” Karen said.
Max opened a small box to reveal a leather wrist band.
“Go ahead and put it on. I want to see how it looks.” Karen spoke excitedly.
Max did as his baby sister asked and showed it to everyone.
“It looks cool, Max.” Isabel said.
“Thanks, Karen.” Max gave his sister a quick peck on the cheek.
“And this is from Andrew.”
Max got the box and unwrapped it. Inside was a brand new watch. “Hey, thanks Drew.” He also put the watch on his other wrist.
“This one is from Mom and Dad and Mr. and Mrs. Parker.” Karen handed an envelope to her brother.
“Actually, it’s more of a gift for you and Liz.” Philip said.
Max and Liz looked at each other before Max opened the envelope.
“Oh wow! Mom, Dad, Jeff, Nancy, thank you.” Max couldn’t wipe the 1000-watt smile off his face.
“Thank you, everyone. This is too much.” Liz said.
“Nonsense, you both deserve it.” Jeff said, happy that the kids liked the gift.
“What is it?” Isabel asked.
“It’s a voucher for an all-expense paid trip for two to Hawaii!” Max said excitedly.
“Cool! But how will Liz go? And when the babies are here, they can’t bring them with to Hawaii or ride a plane, could they?” Karen spoke.
“That’s why we got them those vouchers. They could use them any time they want to.” Diane answered.
“Max, you just have to let our travel agent know a week ahead of time when you finally decide to use that.” Philip told the couple.
“Ok. This is so great.” Max was still grinning.
“Ok, last one. Though it’s obvious as to what it could be, I still want to see what’s inside.” Karen carefully moved a wrapped frame towards Max.
He tore away the wrapping and saw their wedding picture, only this time it was a black and white charcoal drawing.
“Wow.” Max said in awe.
Liz gasped at the beauty captured by the drawing.
“We’re glad both of you like it.” Maria smiled.
“Thank you so much.” Max couldn’t take his eyes off the gift.
“Thank you, you guys.” Liz was teary-eyed.
She stood and started to move towards Maria when she suddenly bent over in pain. “Aah.”
“Liz!” Max quickly had his arm around his wife’s waist to support her.
“Oh God.” Liz moaned.
“What’s wrong? Liz?” Nancy was starting to panic.
“Max?” Liz looked at her husband.
“They’re coming.”
The next few minutes were chaotic as everyone rushed to bring Liz to the hospital. Max was carrying his wife all the time, not wanting to let her go. Even when they went through the hospital doors, he only laid her down on the bed then quickly took her hand as they went into the delivery room.
The rest of the Evans clan, the Parkers and Michael and Maria were told to wait outside. Then Max was led out of the room to wait with the rest of them.
“Max? What happened?” Diane rushed to her son.
“I can’t stay because they’re going to operate. It would be too much for Liz’s small body to deliver them normally.”
“It’ll be ok, Max.” Jeff laid a supporting hand on his son-in-law’s shoulder as they all waited.
It only took about several minutes before Dr. Dupree emerged with another nurse, holding two little bundles.
Max gasped for air as he saw his babies for the first time. “Are those…? Can I hold them?”
“Of course.” Laurie placed the boy in one arm and the girl in the other.
Max had tears of joy welling in his eyes. After some time of just gazing at his children, he looked back at the doctor to ask about his wife.
“H-how’s Liz?”
“She’s ok, but she’s asleep now.”
“Can I see her?”
“Yes, we’re just getting ready to transfer her into her room.”
Max nodded and looked at his babies once more. The girl opened her tiny mouth for a yawn as her brother opened his eyes to stare up at Max.
“Oh Max, they’re beautiful.” Both Diane and Nancy had tears in their eyes.
Philip grinned at his son who gave him his first grandchildren.
“Max, they are absolutely precious.” Isabel leaned over.
“What are their names?” Maria asked.
“This here is Connor Jason Maxwell Evans,” he motioned towards his son. “And this is Claudia Natalie Evans, after Liz’s grandma.” He looked at Jeff who was beaming over his grandkids as well.
Max was watching over Liz as his children lay sleeping in their cradles.
Liz stirred awake and looked up to see Max.
“Hi.” Max whispered.
“Hi.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m ok.”
“Do you want to see them?”
“Yes, please.” Liz couldn’t wait.
“Oh my God…” Liz gazed at her babies adoringly after Max wheeled the cradles to the side of her bed.
“I know. I had the exact same feeling when I saw them. They are so beautiful, Liz.”
“I guess we make a good couple to produce such beautiful kids.” She gave him a smile that always made him melt. “Can you hand me one of them?”
Max got his little girl first because she was awake. “Hey there, Claudia. Mommy’s awake now.” He gave her to Liz and Claudia looked up at her mother for the first time.
Liz started to sob silently for joy because she was now holding her little angel in her arms.
Claudia’s mouth started to open and close as is she was nibbling on something, a clear indication that she was hungry.
“I think she wants to be fed.” Max commented.
Liz nodded and lowered the hospital gown to expose one breast but Claudia wasn’t turning her head toward her. Max leaned over and brushed a finger along Claudia’s cheek that was nearest Liz’s nipple. Claudia quickly followed and Max pulled back so Claudia could start to drink her mother’s milk.
“How did you know to do that?” Liz asked as she nursed her daughter.
“I read it in one of those books we got.”
Liz just gave him a brief nod and went back to gazing at her daughter.
When Claudia was finished, Max took her and rubbed her back very gently to burp her as Liz readjusted her clothing. Once that was done, he took a sleeping Connor and handed him to Liz.
“Hey there, little man.” Liz whispered and smiled at her son.
“Who did they take out first?” she asked Max.
“That bundle you’re holding there.”
“Hello, Connor.” Liz cooed.
Connor opened his eyes slowly, staring up at his mother then closed them again to go back to sleep.
Liz handed her baby boy back to Max who placed his son carefully back in his cradle.
Max went back to Liz after and sat beside her on the bed.
“Thank you for this wonderful birthday gift, Liz.” He leaned over and deeply kissed her with all the love he had.
When they broke apart, Liz suddenly remembered. “Oh my gosh, your party! I haven’t even given you your gift!”
“Hey, the twins are the best present anyone could ever give me.”
“No, I had something. I think I brought it with me. Where are my clothes?”
Max stood and went to the cabinet to retrieve the maternity dress Liz was wearing. “This one?” He showed the dress to Liz.
Liz nodded, “Reach in the side pocket.”
Max did just that and took out a small colorfully wrapped box. He read the card,
To my loving husband Max,
Happy Birthday! I love you.
Yours always,
Liz
“What’s in this?” He walked back to Liz and reclaimed his place beside her.
“Open it and you’ll see.”
He opened the box and pulled out a white gold necklace with two pendants that looked like small dog tags. He noticed that they were engraved with something and looked at them carefully. Both his children’s names were delicately written on each tag. His gaze went back to Liz and he kissed her to express his gratitude.
“Thank you. This is beautiful.” He was already putting it on.
”I figured the tags would look better on you than a locket.” Liz smirked.
“Haha. But seriously, you didn’t have to get this for me.”
“But I wanted to.”
“You know, when I was blowing out the candles, I couldn’t think of anything else to wish for. I have you and the twins. I thought it was already enough. But now…”
“Now, what?”
“Now I know what to wish for.”
“And what’s that?”
“That this life, our happily ever after, never ends.”
Liz smiled tearfully at her husband and pulled him down to her for a searing kiss.
“Then again, I could also wish for more children.”
“Max!”
The End
alana: Thank you for the FB. About Liz's actions...I guess I just didn't want her to fight and argue with Max anymore becuase I couldn't prolong the story even if I wanted to. I have to admit this is the hardest fic I ever had to write so far because there were times when I had nothing to write, my mind was a complete blank. I know Liz looked like putty in Max's hands with the few chapters but I just didn't know how else to make her react. And thank you for still reading this despite the injustice I have done to Liz's character. Trust me, I know she looked weak but I just didn't know what else to write. Sorry.
Ok, on with the next two parts.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 29
Max and Liz spent an entire two weeks in Roswell as they tried to rebuild their relationship. Slowly, Max worked his way into being able to embrace Liz like he used to. Then the hugs turned into kisses, to nibbles, to pleasurable touches.
As the days wore on, Liz finally agreed to go back home to their house in California. When they first arrived, Liz was a little apprehensive. But Max asked her to focus on the wonderful and happy times they spent together in their home. Liz was ok with it, until they reached their bedroom.
Liz halted in her tracks as she stared at the bed.
“Liz?” Max called out to her when he saw her just standing there. He followed her line of vision and saw that she was staring at their bed. The bed that Pam Troy claimed he had used with other women. He silently cursed the bitch as he moved towards Liz.
“Oh God.” Liz whimpered. “I never…I never thought it would be this hard.”
Max rushed to Liz’s side and pulled her tightly to his chest. “Sshhh, I’m sorry, baby.” Then he gently pushed her at arm’s length. “It’s not the same bed. It was never the same bed. I bought a new one when you moved in.” He lovingly wiped her tears away.
Liz nodded and took gulps of air to calm herself down. “Thank you.” she whispered softly as she relished the loving arms of her husband.
In the two weeks that passed, Andrew Evans was viciously showing everyone the lawyer that he is. Pam was able to tell the real biological father about her baby. But despite that, he didn’t have enough money to get a lawyer that was within Andrew’s caliber.
And somehow the news leaked out about how Pam tried to pass off her son as Max’s baby and failed. The press was constantly trying to get an interview from Andrew and Pam. When Pam was first approached by a couple of reporters, she immediately thought that it could be a good opportunity to re-launch her career. But a minute later, she realized that doing such would give Andrew more material to use against her. Since then she avoided any attempts from news people to be interviewed regarding the case.
The same goes for Andrew since he didn’t want to blow this whole thing up more than it has been. The only reason that this case was still going on was because he and his family wanted to teach other people not to even dare think about taking advantage of Max’s past.
“Mr. Evans! Mr. Evans!”
Andrew kept on walking, thinking that it was another reporter, until Pam Troy stepped in front of him.
“Ms. Troy?”
“Mr. Evans…” Pam tried to catch her breath. “Is there a way…to settle all this out of court? I don’t want this to go on any further. You’ve already won. Please, I’m begging you, don’t take my son away from me.”
Andrew was impassive as he spoke, “You should have thought of that before you went to my brother’s home and claiming him to be the father of your child.”
“I know that I was wrong. Please, there must be some other way.”
Andrew just looked at the young woman before him.
“Where is your son, Ms. Troy?”
“He’s…he’s with his father.”
“I suggest you stop wasting your time with me and spend it with your son.” Andrew started to walk away.
“No! Please! I’m begging you!” Pam ran after him.
Andrew stopped and addressed Pam, “Do you feel the desperation running in your veins? That was how my brother felt when he had to rush his unconscious wife to the hospital all because of your little stunt.”
“I didn’t know it was going to happen that way. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone—”
“But you did.”
“Please, have a heart.”
Andrew took a deep breath. “I will have to talk to my family. But I advise you not to get your hopes up.”
“No, I do not want to settle out of court. I want her to feel what I felt, to go through the same hell that she made us endure over a fucking lie!” Max demanded.
Diane could understand her son’s fury. She felt angered as well because they almost lost her first grandchildren because of it.
“You have our support on this, Max.” Philip assured his son.
“So we’re decided not to settle out of court?” Andrew wanted to confirm.
“Yes.” Max gave a definite answer.
“No.” Liz spoke softly.
“What?” Max looked at his wife. “What do you mean no? Liz, that woman…that bitch was the reason why you had to go to the hospital! She lied to get money out of us!”
“I know that, but she’s already suffering with the threat of having her child taken away from her.”
Max was shaking his head, “It’s not enough.”
“Max.” Liz pleaded.
“What do you want to do, Liz? Let her off with a warning? No! I won’t settle for that!”
“I already felt what it was like to almost lose our babies. It’s not something I would wish on anyone, even our enemies. She obviously loves her son. Yes she used him but I think it was the only thing she could come up with to make a better life for him. It’s only now that I started to understand how much a parent can love his or her child to go through anything for them.” Liz placed a hand on her belly.
Max melted at the loving heart of his wife. He felt so lucky to have her.
He caressed her face with both hands. “She’s lucky that she has you on her side.”
Liz shook her head, “I’m not on her side. I just feel fortunate that I don’t have to go through what she’s going through. Wouldn’t it be better to be the one giving than the one having to ask for something?”
Max nodded and hugged his wife, placing a kiss on her temple. Then he turned to Andrew, “Tell her we’re willing to drop the charges, BUT, I want her to make a public apology to my wife.”
“Done.” Andrew nodded in response.
The next day, Andrew met with Pam Troy and her lawyer. Andrew told them the terms that were being demanded and Pam was more than willing to agree to it.
Then Max and Liz came in the room.
“Max! I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you or your wife. It was just that I really needed the money. Your sister saw the condition we were living in and I—”
“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to. This was her decision, not mine. Believe me that if it were up to me, we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all.” Max said coldly.
Pam nodded and turned to Liz. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do what I did. I mean, I was just really desperate. I don’t know what else to say for you to forgive me. But thank you. Thank you for being so kind-hearted despite everything I said and did.”
“I accept your apology but that doesn’t mean I’ll forgive you as easily. I hope you have learned your lesson. And I pray that this does not happen to you.” Liz said.
She then turned to her husband and asked that they go home.
In just one week, Andrew and Isabel made everything ready for Pam’s public apology. One of the entertainment TV shows had exclusive coverage of it as Pam apologized to Liz on live television.
“How come it doesn’t feel any different?” Liz asked as she turned off the TV.
“Maybe because she wasn’t that important to you.” Max replied.
“Maybe. I’m just glad that we’re all still doing ok.” Liz slowly settled herself in bed.
“Are we…doing ok?” Max asked tentatively.
Liz nodded and smiled while Max rubbed her belly dotingly.
“Are you saying…we’re ok ok? I mean…do you trust me again?”
“Over the past few weeks, I saw how devoted you are to our family. And I do know and feel how much you love us. When you agreed to let Pam Troy go, I saw how you were willing to do anything for me although it was obvious that you didn’t want to. Thank you for that. I know that we haven’t really discussed the trust issue we have but the only way to move forward is by letting go. If we keep going back to the past, it won’t lead us anywhere. And I don’t want that to happen to us. We’re about to bring new lives into this world and I don’t want to have any bad thing between us. We’re going to be parents, Max.” Liz said with a beautiful smile that lit up the entire room.
“Yeah, that we are, baby.” Max grinned back with the same intensity as they began a long night filled with love and passion.
Chapter 30
“…Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday to you!” Everyone sang as Max leaned over to blow out the candles on his cake. He couldn’t think of anything else to wish for. He already has a beautiful, loving and amazing woman for a wife. And she was close to giving birth to his first two babies.
As he looked at his family and friends celebrating this day with him, he couldn’t help but feel blessed for the way his life has turned out. Looking back, he never thought that he would feel as happy and as contented as he was at that moment.
”Ok, time to open the presents!” Karen flashed her pearly white teeth.
Max helped Liz onto the couch and sat beside her. Diane and Nancy stayed with the cake and started cutting up slices for everyone.
“Ok, here’s one from Iz and Alex.” Karen handed a huge box to Max.
He opened it quickly and found a new entertainment system inside. “Oh wow! Thanks you two!”
“Alright, this one is from me.” Karen said.
Max opened a small box to reveal a leather wrist band.
“Go ahead and put it on. I want to see how it looks.” Karen spoke excitedly.
Max did as his baby sister asked and showed it to everyone.
“It looks cool, Max.” Isabel said.
“Thanks, Karen.” Max gave his sister a quick peck on the cheek.
“And this is from Andrew.”
Max got the box and unwrapped it. Inside was a brand new watch. “Hey, thanks Drew.” He also put the watch on his other wrist.
“This one is from Mom and Dad and Mr. and Mrs. Parker.” Karen handed an envelope to her brother.
“Actually, it’s more of a gift for you and Liz.” Philip said.
Max and Liz looked at each other before Max opened the envelope.
“Oh wow! Mom, Dad, Jeff, Nancy, thank you.” Max couldn’t wipe the 1000-watt smile off his face.
“Thank you, everyone. This is too much.” Liz said.
“Nonsense, you both deserve it.” Jeff said, happy that the kids liked the gift.
“What is it?” Isabel asked.
“It’s a voucher for an all-expense paid trip for two to Hawaii!” Max said excitedly.
“Cool! But how will Liz go? And when the babies are here, they can’t bring them with to Hawaii or ride a plane, could they?” Karen spoke.
“That’s why we got them those vouchers. They could use them any time they want to.” Diane answered.
“Max, you just have to let our travel agent know a week ahead of time when you finally decide to use that.” Philip told the couple.
“Ok. This is so great.” Max was still grinning.
“Ok, last one. Though it’s obvious as to what it could be, I still want to see what’s inside.” Karen carefully moved a wrapped frame towards Max.
He tore away the wrapping and saw their wedding picture, only this time it was a black and white charcoal drawing.
“Wow.” Max said in awe.
Liz gasped at the beauty captured by the drawing.
“We’re glad both of you like it.” Maria smiled.
“Thank you so much.” Max couldn’t take his eyes off the gift.
“Thank you, you guys.” Liz was teary-eyed.
She stood and started to move towards Maria when she suddenly bent over in pain. “Aah.”
“Liz!” Max quickly had his arm around his wife’s waist to support her.
“Oh God.” Liz moaned.
“What’s wrong? Liz?” Nancy was starting to panic.
“Max?” Liz looked at her husband.
“They’re coming.”
The next few minutes were chaotic as everyone rushed to bring Liz to the hospital. Max was carrying his wife all the time, not wanting to let her go. Even when they went through the hospital doors, he only laid her down on the bed then quickly took her hand as they went into the delivery room.
The rest of the Evans clan, the Parkers and Michael and Maria were told to wait outside. Then Max was led out of the room to wait with the rest of them.
“Max? What happened?” Diane rushed to her son.
“I can’t stay because they’re going to operate. It would be too much for Liz’s small body to deliver them normally.”
“It’ll be ok, Max.” Jeff laid a supporting hand on his son-in-law’s shoulder as they all waited.
It only took about several minutes before Dr. Dupree emerged with another nurse, holding two little bundles.
Max gasped for air as he saw his babies for the first time. “Are those…? Can I hold them?”
“Of course.” Laurie placed the boy in one arm and the girl in the other.
Max had tears of joy welling in his eyes. After some time of just gazing at his children, he looked back at the doctor to ask about his wife.
“H-how’s Liz?”
“She’s ok, but she’s asleep now.”
“Can I see her?”
“Yes, we’re just getting ready to transfer her into her room.”
Max nodded and looked at his babies once more. The girl opened her tiny mouth for a yawn as her brother opened his eyes to stare up at Max.
“Oh Max, they’re beautiful.” Both Diane and Nancy had tears in their eyes.
Philip grinned at his son who gave him his first grandchildren.
“Max, they are absolutely precious.” Isabel leaned over.
“What are their names?” Maria asked.
“This here is Connor Jason Maxwell Evans,” he motioned towards his son. “And this is Claudia Natalie Evans, after Liz’s grandma.” He looked at Jeff who was beaming over his grandkids as well.
Max was watching over Liz as his children lay sleeping in their cradles.
Liz stirred awake and looked up to see Max.
“Hi.” Max whispered.
“Hi.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m ok.”
“Do you want to see them?”
“Yes, please.” Liz couldn’t wait.
“Oh my God…” Liz gazed at her babies adoringly after Max wheeled the cradles to the side of her bed.
“I know. I had the exact same feeling when I saw them. They are so beautiful, Liz.”
“I guess we make a good couple to produce such beautiful kids.” She gave him a smile that always made him melt. “Can you hand me one of them?”
Max got his little girl first because she was awake. “Hey there, Claudia. Mommy’s awake now.” He gave her to Liz and Claudia looked up at her mother for the first time.
Liz started to sob silently for joy because she was now holding her little angel in her arms.
Claudia’s mouth started to open and close as is she was nibbling on something, a clear indication that she was hungry.
“I think she wants to be fed.” Max commented.
Liz nodded and lowered the hospital gown to expose one breast but Claudia wasn’t turning her head toward her. Max leaned over and brushed a finger along Claudia’s cheek that was nearest Liz’s nipple. Claudia quickly followed and Max pulled back so Claudia could start to drink her mother’s milk.
“How did you know to do that?” Liz asked as she nursed her daughter.
“I read it in one of those books we got.”
Liz just gave him a brief nod and went back to gazing at her daughter.
When Claudia was finished, Max took her and rubbed her back very gently to burp her as Liz readjusted her clothing. Once that was done, he took a sleeping Connor and handed him to Liz.
“Hey there, little man.” Liz whispered and smiled at her son.
“Who did they take out first?” she asked Max.
“That bundle you’re holding there.”
“Hello, Connor.” Liz cooed.
Connor opened his eyes slowly, staring up at his mother then closed them again to go back to sleep.
Liz handed her baby boy back to Max who placed his son carefully back in his cradle.
Max went back to Liz after and sat beside her on the bed.
“Thank you for this wonderful birthday gift, Liz.” He leaned over and deeply kissed her with all the love he had.
When they broke apart, Liz suddenly remembered. “Oh my gosh, your party! I haven’t even given you your gift!”
“Hey, the twins are the best present anyone could ever give me.”
“No, I had something. I think I brought it with me. Where are my clothes?”
Max stood and went to the cabinet to retrieve the maternity dress Liz was wearing. “This one?” He showed the dress to Liz.
Liz nodded, “Reach in the side pocket.”
Max did just that and took out a small colorfully wrapped box. He read the card,
To my loving husband Max,
Happy Birthday! I love you.
Yours always,
Liz
“What’s in this?” He walked back to Liz and reclaimed his place beside her.
“Open it and you’ll see.”
He opened the box and pulled out a white gold necklace with two pendants that looked like small dog tags. He noticed that they were engraved with something and looked at them carefully. Both his children’s names were delicately written on each tag. His gaze went back to Liz and he kissed her to express his gratitude.
“Thank you. This is beautiful.” He was already putting it on.
”I figured the tags would look better on you than a locket.” Liz smirked.
“Haha. But seriously, you didn’t have to get this for me.”
“But I wanted to.”
“You know, when I was blowing out the candles, I couldn’t think of anything else to wish for. I have you and the twins. I thought it was already enough. But now…”
“Now, what?”
“Now I know what to wish for.”
“And what’s that?”
“That this life, our happily ever after, never ends.”
Liz smiled tearfully at her husband and pulled him down to her for a searing kiss.
“Then again, I could also wish for more children.”
“Max!”
The End
A/N: We have reached the end of another fic. Unfortunately, this part does not have any nookie. It's just a feel-good-part.
Thank you so much for your undying support. You don't know how much you all mean to me. Especially those that I have gotten to know personally through my fics. Thank you for being my constant readers. I can never thank you guys enough.
As for this having another sequel? I don't really know. It's definitely not another What If (excuse the pun). Well, you'll see what I mean when you get to the Epilogue. If I do write a 3rd book to complete this trilogy, it probably would be after a long, long time. Aside from wanting to concentrate on my other fics in line, I can't really think of a plot yet for a 3rd installment.
Anyway, thanks again, you guys. And I hope that I will be able to meet or at least chat with all you and be friends. Thank you so much. Love you all.
Kay
~*~*~*~*~
Epilogue
“So? What do you think?”
“I think it’s great. Though I couldn’t really decide which one among the two is better, playing a lovesick, clueless jerk or a bad-ass player changed by love.”
“We couldn’t decide either so we’re letting you choose.”
“Well, I can see the clueless lovesick guy appealing to the audience but the player role would be very challenging for me.”
“You still have some time to decide since we won’t be using anything different whichever character you want to play. In the meantime, why don’t we go and meet your co-stars.”
The director and the lead actor walked over to the set. When they reached the school cafeteria setting, the director introduced the guy he was with to everyone.
“Hey everybody, let me introduce you to our lead actor, Max Evans.”
Everyone turned their attention to the two men that just walked up to them.
“Ok, let’s start off with that big guy over there, Michael Brendan Guerin.” The director began. “He’ll be playing your leading lady’s best friend.”
“Hey.”
“Hi.” Max extended a hand which Michael took to shake.
”And beside him is his real-life girlfriend, Maria Alejandra Deluca. Another best friend of your girl. They play lovers in the movie too.”
“Hi there.” Maria flashed a smile.
“Hello.”
“Then this guy is Alexander Colin Whitman. He will play your best friend and future brother-in-law.”
“Nice to meet you.” Alex said as they shook hands.
“Thanks, you too.”
“Next we have Isabel Katherine Whitman. She’s playing your sister and agent. In real life, she and Alex just got married.”
Isabel grinned at both men. “Nice to have you on board, Max.” she said.
“Thanks and congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Alex and Isabel replied at the same time.
“So far, that’s all we have for now. You’ll meet the other actors and actresses later. I just called in the ones playing the major roles to do a reading. Maybe it’ll help us decide which between these two plots is better.” the director informed all of them.
Max looked around, they were missing one co-star. “Hey, where’s my future wife?” he joked.
“Um, right here.” The actress spoke meekly. “Sorry I’m late.”
Max turned around and his heart stopped as he gaped at the most beautiful woman he has ever seen in his entire life.
“Max Evans meet Liz Parker.”
Thank you so much for your undying support. You don't know how much you all mean to me. Especially those that I have gotten to know personally through my fics. Thank you for being my constant readers. I can never thank you guys enough.
As for this having another sequel? I don't really know. It's definitely not another What If (excuse the pun). Well, you'll see what I mean when you get to the Epilogue. If I do write a 3rd book to complete this trilogy, it probably would be after a long, long time. Aside from wanting to concentrate on my other fics in line, I can't really think of a plot yet for a 3rd installment.
Anyway, thanks again, you guys. And I hope that I will be able to meet or at least chat with all you and be friends. Thank you so much. Love you all.
Kay
~*~*~*~*~
Epilogue
“So? What do you think?”
“I think it’s great. Though I couldn’t really decide which one among the two is better, playing a lovesick, clueless jerk or a bad-ass player changed by love.”
“We couldn’t decide either so we’re letting you choose.”
“Well, I can see the clueless lovesick guy appealing to the audience but the player role would be very challenging for me.”
“You still have some time to decide since we won’t be using anything different whichever character you want to play. In the meantime, why don’t we go and meet your co-stars.”
The director and the lead actor walked over to the set. When they reached the school cafeteria setting, the director introduced the guy he was with to everyone.
“Hey everybody, let me introduce you to our lead actor, Max Evans.”
Everyone turned their attention to the two men that just walked up to them.
“Ok, let’s start off with that big guy over there, Michael Brendan Guerin.” The director began. “He’ll be playing your leading lady’s best friend.”
“Hey.”
“Hi.” Max extended a hand which Michael took to shake.
”And beside him is his real-life girlfriend, Maria Alejandra Deluca. Another best friend of your girl. They play lovers in the movie too.”
“Hi there.” Maria flashed a smile.
“Hello.”
“Then this guy is Alexander Colin Whitman. He will play your best friend and future brother-in-law.”
“Nice to meet you.” Alex said as they shook hands.
“Thanks, you too.”
“Next we have Isabel Katherine Whitman. She’s playing your sister and agent. In real life, she and Alex just got married.”
Isabel grinned at both men. “Nice to have you on board, Max.” she said.
“Thanks and congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Alex and Isabel replied at the same time.
“So far, that’s all we have for now. You’ll meet the other actors and actresses later. I just called in the ones playing the major roles to do a reading. Maybe it’ll help us decide which between these two plots is better.” the director informed all of them.
Max looked around, they were missing one co-star. “Hey, where’s my future wife?” he joked.
“Um, right here.” The actress spoke meekly. “Sorry I’m late.”
Max turned around and his heart stopped as he gaped at the most beautiful woman he has ever seen in his entire life.
“Max Evans meet Liz Parker.”