Roswell Fanatics

Chapter 29

One week later, Hannah was discharged from the hospital.

Max had returned to work the Thursday before not knowing how to handle Liz for so long. He continued to visit Hannah regularly while she was in the hospital but he wasn’t sure how that was going to continue on now that she was home.

Hannah insisted on trying to walk up the stairs by herself but halfway up she was breathing too hard and it was hurting her stitches. She had bruises on her arm from where the IVs had been. Her voice was still very hoarse but she gained new strength everyday.

The doctor had told Liz that within the next week she’d be ready for school, which was perfect since her vacation was going to end soon anyway.

Max had been loathe to leave them but he knew he would have to. After a tearful goodbye from Hannah Max had glanced at Liz then left them alone in their little world.

****

Serena opened the door to the apartment with her nose stuck in a book. It was a really good one and she didn’t want to put it down.

“Still an avid reader, I see.” The voice said.

She jumped and almost dropped the book. “Kyle!”

“Hi, Serena, didn’t think I’d get quite that reaction but I think it’ll work.” He stepped into the apartment without invitation.

“Hannah and Liz are over at Alex and Maria’s.” She set the book down after marking the page she was in. She slid her glasses off her face and walked into the kitchen.

“I know. That’s why I came to see you, we need to talk” He followed her.

“Alright, so talk.” She sat at the table.

“We’ll start at the beginning. I loved…love you.”

“That’s quite a shocker there, Kyle.” She rubbed her hands down her thighs.

“I’m just being truthful. You know I thought the world rose and set in you, I don’t understand how you thought I was cheating on you.” He shook his head.

“I was young, and I was stupid, and I was in love.”

“Love should have given you a certain amount of trust.” Kyle said, sitting opposite of her.

“Well, yes, but it also tends to make a girl extremely jealous.” She said delicately. “All I knew was that girl was infatuated with you, and that you were her tutor. You spent God knows how many hours with her, and she came back to class with all sorts of ungodly tales of what you two had done. Sure, my heart told me they were lies, but my brain told me otherwise.” She explained.

“You should have asked me.”

“I tried, but the second I asked you were insulted that I would ever think such a thing like that. We both started yelling, and that was that. We didn’t even try to make it work after that, and it fell apart two months later.”

“I know.” He nodded. “I’m sorry. You came to me in your time of need and I shook it off and turned it on you. I should have explained, we should have tried to work it out or something, instead of this hell we’ve been living in for five years. All the time we’ve wasted.”

Serena smiled. “There’s a little girl across the hall who adores you because of it.”

“No, I think she adores Max even more now.” He rubbed a hand over his face.

“He’s her father, Kyle.” Serena said gently.

“He wasn’t there for five years!” He stormed.

“Well he’s here now, and think about it, love. If Max had stayed, Liz wouldn’t have come to LA. She wouldn’t have met Maria and Alex, so in chance not met you. Liz would never have the urge to move out on her own and so I wouldn’t be her roommate. We would never have been thrown together so much and bam, we’d still be pining away for each other.” Serena explained proud of herself. “So in a way we came full circle.”

“Did you really pine for me?” Kyle asked.

“Yes, I pined.” Serena said honestly. “I don’t want to feel that way again.”

“We’ll give it another go?”

“If you’re willing.”

“Serena, I’m more than willing.” He pulled her into a hug and finally a kissed. Tears trailed down her cheeks as she sighed into his mouth.

****

Liz knew she was going to have to talk to Kyle before anything further was going to happen between her and Max, which she had already decided probably, would.

She was forced to do it sooner than later when she had walked in on Kyle and Serena the next night.

Luckily she had left Hannah across the way with Alex and Maria who had promised to return her when she appeared to get too tired.

They were locked in an embrace and surprisingly Liz felt nothing. Should she feel rage at Kyle or Serena, jealousy, any sort of emotion? Oh, she did feel one emotion, that of happiness but once again she wondered if that was what she was suppose to feel.

The jumped apart and Serena trembled, tears streaming down her face. Kyle pulled her closer to his body and stared at Liz. “We need to talk.”

Liz nodded and sat, her head still swimming, trying to sort out if she was feeling any anger.

“I’m not mad at you.” Liz spoke before she realized she was going to.

Serena looked up startled. “You have every right to be, Liz.” Her accent was thick through her tears.

“I don’t have a right to be angry. I’ve kissed Max twice since he’s been back.” She looked up at Kyle, there was no hint of surprise “I’ve never really spoken to you, Kyle, about anything that’s been going on between us, but there is, we’re not sure what, but there is.”

Kyle’s eyes flashed with hurt for a moment, then thought that he hadn’t really been truthful with her either.

“I was going to ask you to marry me, the night Max returned.” Kyle started. Serena trembled against him, and tears poured from her eyes. “I love you, Liz, it’d be impossible for a guy not to, but now that I realize, it’s more of a friendship love, what I feel for Serena, is different.”

“I understand.” Liz nodded. “I don’t know if I would have said yes, to be truthful.”

“We just had ourselves in good tangle didn’t we?” Serena whispered.

“So, how long have you guys been apart, before I came into the picture?” Liz tucked her hair behind her ear.

“One year.” Kyle answered.

“How long had you been together prior to that?”

“Three years.” Serena answered with a smile.

“What was the reason for the breakup?”

It sounded like an inquisition, even to her own ears, but she needed to know. Her and Kyle were over, but she had a right to know what had been going on for the past few years.

“Miscommunication.”

“Failure to trust.”

They both answered at the same time.

“I think it was a little bit of both.” Serena smiled and gripped Kyle’s hand, “I think we worked it out.”

Kyle nodded at her. “We’re going to give it another go.”

“I think you guys should.” Liz nodded. “I’m truly happy for you, question though,” she held up a finger. “Do I get to be godmother to your firstborn?”

Serena blushed and pushed her head into Kyle’s shoulder but nodded a yes.

Kyle kissed Serena’s hair lovingly. “We’ll think about it. We’re going to go out for a while, if you’ll excuse us.”

She moved out of the way. But before she got too far, Kyle grabbed her arm. “Be careful with Max, Liz. For Hannah’s sake, and mostly yours.” He told her seriously.

“I will. Be good to Serena.” She leaned up on her tip-toes to kiss his cheek. She didn’t really need to tell him that, he would be the most tentative boyfriend/partner/fiancé/husband any girl could hope for. Except herself of course.

She wanted Max.

This was just a short middle part. I just wanted it up before I left for Europe on Thursday. I'm trying my best to get Two Kinds up as well before I go just so you guys have something. It'll be a twelve day trip this time so it's a bit longer. I hope it wasn't too short and that you enjoy! Thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback i've been getting from you all, it's meant so much to me!

Chapter 30

He was standing there, waiting. Hannah could see him out the window. She was to spend the day with him all by herself. Just him and her. No Liz, no Isabel.

The teacher carried on about how important it was for them to bring back their carry-alls on Monday with all the paper work filled out by their parents. Hannah didn’t pay attention because her mother just went through all her stuff anyway.

How would they spend the day, what would they do? They had all the way until six o’clock when Max would drop her off at home.

Finally the teacher dismissed them and the streamed out.

“Hi, Mr. Evans.”

“Hi, Natalie.” He smiled. “How was your day?”

“Good.”

“Come on, Natalie, we have to take Francesca to the doctor.” Her mother called.

She scampered off and they were left alone. “Hi.”

“You ready?”

She nodded and slipped her hand into his. “Where are we going?”

“Wherever you wanted to go. How about lunch?”

She nodded happy with that decision.

“Hannah, wait a moment.” Her teacher called.

Turning her teacher was holding her sweater she had worn that morning. The September mornings were much cooler than the August ones.

“Oh, thank you.” She ran back and snatched it. Max smiled, a month ago that would have left her blue and trying to catch her breath. Instead, her cheeks were rosy and her eyes were glowing.

Her teacher walked back over with her and held her hand out to Max. “Hello, I’m Hannah’s teacher, Mrs. Howell, how are you Mr…”

“Evans.” He shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Hannah is a wonderful student, Mr. Evans.” She smiled. “She has expressed an interest in being in the Christmas Pageant. It’s only September but we take it very seriously. It’s put on by the sixth grade. It’s the yearly event. This is the first time kindergarteners are being allowed to participate. I’m hoping to get a good representation from my class so they will continue to be allowed. I’m asking Hannah, Natalie Barclay, and another little boy. It’s a lot of work, but she said she really wanted to do it. Would you be interested?”

“I’ll speak to her mother about it.” Max nodded. Hannah beamed.

“Mommy will say yes.” Hannah said with confidence.

“Well, thanks.” He nodded. “Her mother will get back to you on that, Mrs. Howell.”

“See you Monday, Hannah.”

“Bye, Mrs. Howell.” She waved and took Max’s hand again.

“So what is this play about?” Max asked, shifting the folder to his shoulder.

“They don’t know yet.” She said brightly. “They haven’t chosen yet. There’s three to choose from.”

“Do you know which one you want?”

“Only the teachers know right now, the upper kids pick.” She held tightly to his hand as they crossed the street. She was starting to relax, she had talked to him many times and she had nothing to be afraid of. She felt special walking down the street with her daddy. She smiled as she hopped up to the curb but continued to grip his hand as tightly as before. She stopped by his car just to look up at him. He was so much taller than her mother and must have been taller than Kyle and Uncle Alex.

“What?” He asked uneasy under her gaze.

“Nothing.” She shook her head with a smile. She wrapped her arms around his legs and hugged him before allowing him to settle her in the booster seat. “Can we go to the mall?” Hannah changed the subject.

“Sure.” He didn’t know what to do anyway. The mall had many things to do and a movie theatre. He wondered if there was any little kid movies out now that she hadn’t seen.

“How were you this last week, Hannah?”

He had called a few nights before to check up.

He prodded gently asking about Liz in an indirect way. It wasn’t his fault he was a family lawyer and could find things out from kids younger than her.

“Kailyn is going away next week.” She said sadly.

“Really?” His hand squeezed hers. “Why?”

“Mommy says her mommy is ready to take care of her now.” Tears filled her eyes.

“Are you going to miss her?” He asked gently.

“Yes.” She nodded.

“I’m sorry, Hannah.” He picked her up just because he wanted to. She let him and buried her face in the crook of his neck.

“I want her to stay, I don’t want her to go away.” She hugged him and he held her close. He felt her tears but she let him comfort her. “I want a sister.”

If he could get Liz to love him again, he’d see to getting Hannah a sister.

****

“Did you guys have a good time?” Liz asked as she opened the door to let Hannah in. She had been listening for her patter of footsteps up the stairs for an hour and a half. She knew they were alright because they would have called if they weren’t. The fact that she could actually see Hannah was happy was a huge relief.

“Can I be in the school play, Mommy, please?” Hannah was full of energy, her earlier worry about Kailyn going away currently appeased. She didn’t even bother with a greeting she was too excited about the success of her day.

“What?”

It’s put on by the sixth graders and other grades perform it.

“That’s a lot of work, Hannah.”

“Please, Mommy, please.” Hannah pleaded. “I’ll sleep in my own room.”

“Oh, that doesn’t bother me, Sweetheart. I’ll just think about it, I’ll give you an answer on Sunday night.”

She nodded, that’s the best she would get.

There was an awkward silence and then Max said “I’m going to go now. Bye Hannah.”

“No, don’t go.” Hannah shook her head.

He had to, he was beyond behind on work and he couldn’t get further behind or the case he was working on would go to court. Then his time for Hannah would be extremely limited.

“I have to go, now, Hannah.” He told her seriously.

“Can I spend the night?” She asked and threw herself into his arms. “Please?”

How could he deny that? He looked at Liz. “Next week is when you’re supposed to spend the night, Hannah.” Max said.

“I want to this week.” She said and hugged him tighter. “Please.” She turned eyes on him that were impossible to deny. They may have been his eyes, but they could convince him to do anything.

“Ask your mommy.”

Hannah just stared at her. “Mommy?”

“Alright, start packing, I have to talk for a minute.”

She jumped down from Max’s arms and ran into the room.

“Sucker.” Liz smiled at him.

“You try to deny those eyes when she does that.” Max tried to defend himself. He could hear Hannah explaining to her doll that she was going to spend the night somewhere else.

“She’ll be fine.” Max said before Liz could get anything in.

“I know.” She nodded. Her heart was beating fast. Her baby was going away for the night, with Max. “I know.”

“He’s real big and we’ll be safe.” Hannah was telling her doll.

“You don’t seem so sure, but you hear that? I’m really big and they’ll be safe.”

Liz laughed. He took a step towards her and she took one back.

“Could you have her home around four? Or is that too late?”

“No, that will be fun. I had fun with her today. I heard Kailyn’s going away?”

“Yeah, Tuesday. She’s spending the night tomorrow, Amy and Jim have a two day class and I volunteered to baby-sit. Hannah’s excited.”

“What time is that? I can have her home so she can be here with her.”

“She’ll have tomorrow evening and all of Sunday, she’ll be fine. Come into the kitchen so I can explain meds. There’s not many but you need to understand.”

“No problem.” He sauntered in.

Every time he entered their apartment he felt like he was intruding. There were papers out on the table. “Have a seat. I was going through rent papers. We were going to move but because of the money I don’t have to.” She smiled. She laid several bottles on the table and carefully explained the procedure. He paid attention and was grateful when Liz proceeded to write it all down.

“When did Hannah start ballet?”

“End of June. Just simple stuff, she couldn’t do much until after the surgery. She starts back on Wednesday.”

“I’m ready.” Hannah had an overnight bag and was smiling.

“Do you have your toothbrush?”

“Yes.”

“Jammies?”

“Yes.”

“Clothes, and hair ties?”

“Oh” She ran to the bathroom and returned with her ties and shoved them in the bag.

“Let me look, Hannah bean.”

She looked through the bag and then whispered something to her. She took off to her room and returned.

“You’re set baby.” Liz said.

She was already out the door.

“I’m going to take care of her Liz.” Max said.

“I know.” She let out a breath slowly to control herself. “I’m not sure I’m going to be though.”

“Are you sure you’re ok with this, Liz? We talked about next week, this is kind of sudden.”

“Yes.” Hannah was bouncing by the door and Liz couldn’t bear disappointing her now. Her hair was in to messy braids her bangs pinned to the side so they wouldn’t hang in her face. She smiled as she watched her parents.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” On impulse he bent down and kissed her forehead.

“Bye, you two.” Liz said to distract from the kiss that was burning her forehead. His small gestures of affection were starting to get to her.

“She’ll be fine.” Max brushed a hand over her cheek and turned to follow Hannah.

****

”Where’s my princess?” Liz didn’t even bother knocking when she went across the walkway.

“With Max.”

“Why?” Alex straightened. “He hasn’t brought her back yet? Could it be grounds for kidnapping?”

“No, she’s spending the night with him.”

:”Why?”

”She wanted to.”

“Are you going to be ok? It’s just a sleepover.” Maria seemed to have a lot more confidence. “You should be happy.”

“I am, I am.” Liz sat down. “She likes him, a lot.”

“That’s not so horrible, is it? He is her father.”

“Maria, why are you being so reasonable?” Liz looked over at her friend who usually took her side no matter what.

“She’s in love with Michael.” Alex answered for her.

“Really!” Liz asked.

“The man’s an abomination to man! He may be a big time lawyer but the man in clueless. He doesn’t even think to open a door for me, the thought of flowers? I don’t even think he knows the exist. He’s too tall, too handsome, and all too soft at heart. Yes, I love him.”

“That’s wonderful. Are you going to marry him?”

“Maybe sometime this century. He hasn’t even admitted to loving me yet.” Maria said with a small smile.

Liz smiled back.

“What else is wrong, Liz?” Alex asked.

“You guys are too good.” She shook her head. “Hannah wants to be in the school play.”

“So?”

“It’ll be so much work. I don’t want to have too much pressure on her, ballet, school, the play, and Max.” She said.

“I don’t think Max would be considered a pressure to her, if she asked to spend the night then she’s enjoying it. I don’t think a four year old could really have too much. She enjoys all that she does.” Alex said trying to get her to see reason.

“I’m not sure, but I think maybe Mrs. Howell sees some potential. Hannah’s a bright girl. Let her do it, and maybe she’ll be the greatest one up there.”

“I think it would make her very happy if you let her do it, if my vote counts for anything.” Maria put in.

“I have plenty of time to think about it.” Liz leaned her head back.

“Yeah, but you’ll have to go home to do it. Michael’s coming here, and Alex is leaving.” Maria scooted her out the door. “I hate to rush but we have to clean up.”

“I understand.” Liz shook her head at her friends and made her way back to her own apartment. The apartment was empty; it was going to be along night.

****

“Can we watch Nemo?” Hannah was dressed in her pajamas and her hair neatly brushed. “Please?”

“Yes.” Max smiled. He had pulled on some sweats and an old shirt. “Do you want some popcorn?”

“Yes!” She sat on a barstool and watched him work. It was only seven thirty but by the time Nemo was through, it would be nine and Hannah’s bedtime.

“I do have other Disney movies you know.” Max told her. Maybe we could move away from the Nemo, Max thought.

“I know.” Hannah said. “I like Nemo.”

“Ok.” He pulled down a plastic bowl to put the popcorn in. “Do you wanna call your mom?”

”No.” She pushed her hair back.

“Alright, let’s go watch Nemo, shall we?”

“Yes.” She jumped from the stool and went to the front room.

She settled, to Max’s surprise, in his lap. She snuggled close and pulled the popcorn on her lap. “Ok?”

“Yeah, Ok.” He swallowed the lump and pressed play on the remote.

Ella was curled up at his feet, Hannah in his lap, he was happy—except Liz was missing from the moment.

She laughed and the sound caused her entire body to vibrate. He dropped a kiss to her head. Startled she looked up at him and smiled shyly and settled back down.

****

“Will you be ok by yourself?” Max asked.

“Yes.” She pulled her doll closer to her. She was sleeping in Isabel’s room since she had phoned and said she wasn’t coming home.

“Ella will stay with you, ok?” He asked.

“Yeah.” She smiled, “Goodnight.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead since she seemed to enjoy that. She quickly leaned up and kissed his cheek.

“Goodnight, Hannah.”

“Goodnight.” She curled beneath the blanket.

He went back to the kitchen and pulled out his briefcase, even though he had stayed up to date as best he could while Hannah was in the hospital, he had fallen miserably behind. He was close to catching up but the case he was looking at now looked like it was about to go to court, he wanted to avoid that. Letting out a frustrated sigh he began to sift through the paperwork.

It was around eleven when he decided it was time for bed. He remembered Hannah was an early riser and would rise early tomorrow.

He stripped out of his shirt and slid into bed his eyes shutting. He heard a creak and sat straight up in bed. He listened for Ella’s warning bark. He heard nothing but the clang of the tags on her collar and small slipper clad feet across the floor. The door pushed open.

“Daddy?” She peeked her head in.

She really had just called him that. “Yes?” He said after a moment.

“I’m scared.” She said quietly. “Can I sleep with you?”

“Sure, climb on in.” He held the blanket up.

She ran across the room and into the bed. She cuddled close against his bare chest noticing the difference from the softness of Liz. She moved closer, and was relieved when she found she was accepted.

“Goodnight, Daddy.” She said already sleep taking over her voice. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Hannah.” He answered, and stroked a hand down her back.

The phone rang.

“Hello?” He answered.

“Hi, Max, it’s me.” Liz’s voice drifted through, she sounded wide awake.

“Is something wrong?” He asked softly.

“No, I was just wondering how Hannah was doing, I feel embarrassed now.”

“No, it’s alright.” He said she cuddled closer. “She’s fine. She’s right here. She didn’t want to sleep alone so I let her crawl in bed with me.” He said in a rush not sure what Liz would think of that.

“I didn’t think she would sleep alone. Is she awake?”

Hannah shifted a little. “Who is it, Daddy?”

“Mommy.” He said.

“Did she just call you Daddy?” Liz asked quietly. The fluttering in her stomach wouldn’t go away.

“Yes.” Liz could hear the smile in his voice and it didn’t bother her.

Her heart was aching. Is this how Max felt every time he had to go back to his apartment and Hannah got to go home with her. The feeling that Hannah’s presence gave was steady and her love unwavering. Without her there the apartment seemed empty.

“Do you want to talk to her?” Max asked Hannah.

She curled into him and shook her head. She was already asleep.

“She just fell back to sleep, I’m sorry. She’s doing fine though.” Max reassured Liz.

“Good. I just wanted to check, I’m sorry for waking you.”

“I understand, Liz. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Max.”

“I love you, Liz.” He said quietly.

He was met by the click of the phone a few seconds later.

tbc

Chapter 31

Liz wasn’t joking when she said Hannah was an early riser. It was six thirty on a Saturday morning and the girl was wide awake and sitting on his chest.

“Morning, Daddy. Cartoon time.” She bounced. She weighed nothing and he barely felt it, but he cracked an eye open. Her hair was mussed from sleep but she was grinning from ear to ear. “Come on, we’ll miss Dragon Tales.” She pulled at his hands.

Wrapping his arms around her he flipped her on her back. “We’ll see about missing Dragon Tales.” He found her ribs, exactly where Isabel was ticklish and set to tickling. She curled up in a ball from the fit of giggles that sent her into.

“Stop, Daddy.” She begged. Her cheeks were delightfully pink and she was out of breath but she caught it soon enough. Ella not wanting to miss the fun jumped on the bed specifically against Max’s orders and set to barking.

Finally when Hannah was out of breath, he laid down beside her. She curled up next to him. “I thought you wanted to watch Dragon Tales.”

“Maybe not.” She smiled up at him.

Now he could go back to sleep. But he knew she wanted to watch Dragon Tales so he reached over her to the night stand and flipped on the TV.

“I didn’t know you had one in here!” She said excitedly.

She watched Dragon Tales lying next to him and finally when he had enough of Saturday morning cartoons, he got up to start breakfast.

He remembered Liz had told him something about eggs, pancakes and orange juice. He put it together quickly, hoping she was still engrossed with whatever was on now. Setting it on the breakfast tray he took it back to the bedroom. “I brought breakfast, Hannah.”

It took her a moment to pry her eyes from the TV screen but when she finally did her eyes grew to the eyes of saucers. “Thank you!” She said excitedly.

“You’re welcome.” Max sat it down beside her and watched her set to it. “Here, you have to take these.”

She rolled her eyes but chewed on the pills that he handed her. She washed them down with orange juice. “Those don’t taste so good.” She shook her head.

He studied her as she set to breakfast and wondered how a little girl could be so brave. She had to take pills everyday that tasted bad, she’d been through five open heart surgeries, and still managed to not get behind. She had announced that she was one of the only kids to know her alphabet and count to one hundred. She went on with her life as if nothing was wrong.

Then again, she had Liz for an example. He had seen how much of her life had been devoted to making Hannah comfortable. He knew that she was working overtime the past few weeks to make up for all the time she had missed while Hannah was in the hospital. She didn’t ever seem to complain. She had seemed exhausted when she opened the door to them, but when she saw Hannah her entire face lit up, and the exhaustion had been wiped away. Hannah was what kept her going. Liz was what kept Hannah going. If Hannah hadn’t been feeling love from Liz then Hannah wouldn’t be as secure as she was, or as happy as she was.

“Hannah want to go down to the beach again later?”

“Sure.” She didn’t move her eyes.

“Alright. Are you going to be ok here while Daddy takes a shower?”

“Yes. I won’t move.” She promised.

“Good, it will only take me ten minutes.”

****

”Are you sure you’re going to be ok with Kailyn, Liz?” Amy asked.

“Yes. Hi, sweetheart.” Liz took the baby from her arms. Kailyn looked up and her mouth lifted in a small smile before she grunted and closed her eyes.

“I have her formula, bottles and everything in this bag. She should have enough clothes, but you never know.” Amy set the bag down. “Jim’s bringing put the pen to set up, she can sleep in there. Where’s Hannah?”

”She spent the night with Max.” She swayed back in forth when Kailyn began to fuss. “Hush, Baby.”

“We’ll pick her up around six tomorrow, is that alright?”

“Yeah.” Liz smiled. “Put it in the bedroom, please, Jim?” Liz directed him.

“Aright.”

“When’s Hannah coming home?” Amy sat on the couch. She loved the way Liz’s total attention went to the baby as soon as she was in her arms. She knew it was going to her hurt Liz a lot more than herself when the baby left.
“Around four. I don’t know what they’re going to do today, but if I know Hannah she’s awake and watching cartoons.” Liz smiled. “She’s very adamant about her Saturday cartoons.”

“I bet.”

“Are you and Jim going to go down to the courthouse to return Kailyn, or are the social workers going to come and pick her up?”

“We’ll take her.” Amy said sadly. “We’re all going to miss her. She was a special baby. She was only around for two months but she meant something to us all.”

“I know. Hannah’s real adamant about that sister now, especially since Natalie’s mother just had one.”

“Does Max want more children?” Amy asked gently.

“We never really were planning on Hannah, but I think he does. Once we’re…” She stopped and looked horrified up at Amy.

A slow smile spread across Amy’s face as Jim exited the bedroom. “You think about that, Liz, we’ll pick her up tomorrow.”

And she was gone.

****

They walked along together Hannah’s three steps to Max’s one. The water was comfortable having all summer to heat up and it not getting cold enough to cool it down yet. She held his hand and collected shells. She found one full Sand Dollar unmarred. She had one long braid down her back. She had sat patiently while he did it and it had taken him longer than it would have taken Liz but she had insisted.

“Look at this one.” She held up a pink shell.

“That’s a pretty one.” He took it and pocketed it for safe keeping. “Are you ready for lunch yet?”

“Yeah.” She nodded and took his hand as they walked back to the pier. There weren’t as many teens—to Hannah’s disappointment— it was only around noon or so. They wouldn’t be out of bed on a Saturday until one or two.

Lunch was on the end of the pier at Ruby’s. They ate leisurely enjoying their time together.

“Aren’t kindergartners supposed to be five?” Max asked Hannah.

“Yes, but I’m going to turn five, in November.” She said proudly. “Natalie’s birthday is in October, she’s four too.”

“Oh.” He nodded. Made sense. According to Hannah, everything that was right with school had to do with Natalie.

They finished and they went walking down Main St. at the shops aligning the street.

”Hannah, come look at these.” Max pointed.

“I can’t see that, Daddy.” She put her hands on her hips. She was too short to see a lot of things.

“Here.” He lifted her up. “They’re hermit crabs.”

“They’re not doing anything.” Hannah shook her head.

The woman walked over and picked one up. It began to squirm in her hand and Hannah squealed. “Can I hold it?”

“Be careful, your mother would be upset if it bit you and I took you home with a big swollen hand.” Max warned.

“I will.” She liked the way it felt in her hands. “Can I get one, Daddy?”

“Umm…” He didn’t know if Liz would allow her to keep the thing, she could always keep it at his house. “Alright.”

He bought the crab and it’s few accessories. Hannah took a good twenty minutes to pick out just the right crab. “This one.”

“She’s a good-looking one.” Max nodded his approval.

“It’s a boy, Daddy.” She looked at him pointedly reminding him of Liz.

“Sorry,” he cringed. He really didn’t have a gender—that he could determine—but Hannah was adamant.

She carried the small box he came with carefully in her hands and wouldn’t let go until she set it safely on the coffee table.

“No, Ella.” Hannah instructed. “Don’t bite Monsieur Cuddles.”

Leave it up to his daughter to give it a French name. There was nothing cuddly about the thing; in fact it was quite ugly. He looked down at Ella who was determined to get at it and decided she wasn’t the cutest thing in the world either. Then Hannah. Hannah was going to be a beautiful woman, like her mother. He was going to have to buy a shotgun to keep the little boys away. He and Liz were going to have to work hard to save his baby from the immature young boys that would come sniffing around.

“You want a bigger tank for him?” He asked.

“Can we?” She asked. This one was kind of small and she was feeling sorry for him. But Max hadn’t offered to buy one and she hadn’t thought to ask.

“Sure.” He looked at the clock. They had two hours still. He was dreading the time that was coming. He wanted to keep her with him forever, it made him more determined to get Liz back.

They came back an hour later and she carefully set up the tank. The sand had to be spread just right, each shell washed, and meticulously placed. He tried to help only to have his head bitten off.

“I do it.”

“Alright.”

A half an hour later… “Daddy!”

“Yeah.”

”I can’t find M. Cuddles!” She was frantic.

“Why not.” If Isabel came and discovered there was a crab running around her house she wouldn’t be happy at all. “We have to find it before Aunt Isabel gets home.” He said panicked.

They looked everywhere. The door opened. “No, Aunt Isabel stay! We have to find M. Cuddles.” Hannah wouldn’t let her in.

“Who?”

“Found him!” Hannah held him up triumphantly.

“Good.”

“Max, what is that?” She pointed.

“My daughter.” He said trying to divert her attention. “You’re only niece, mom and dad’s granddaughter.”

“No, you dolt, the thing in her hand.” She said exasperated.

“A crab.” He said meekly.

“A crab?” She asked.

“Yeah, wanna hold it?” Hannah took a step closer.

“No. I’d rather not. Is that going home with you, Hannah?”

“Nope, Daddy says it can stay here.” She set him carefully in the cage. “I don’t think Mommy would like him.”

“That’s going to be in this house?” Isabel raised an eyebrow.

“Come on, Hannah, I have to take you home now. Kailyn and your mother are probably missing you.” He ignored his sister.

If she was honest she missed Liz, but she didn’t want to leave Max. She wouldn’t see him again till next weekend.

“I know.” She looked down and watched M. Cuddles make his way across the cage to water. “You won’t forget to water him?”

“I don’t know if I’ll remember.” He pretended. “

“Daddy!” She said in a voice that he better not forget.

“How about you call me every night to remind me so I don’t forget.” He’d get to hear her voice every evening.

“Yes!” She liked the idea.

****

Max carried Hannah in one arm and carted her sleepover bag in the other. He knocked and waited a few moments. It took her a while to open the door but when she did there was a sleeping baby in her arms.

“Hi guys!” She stepped back. “Come on in.”

“She’s sleeping.” Max whispered, her arms were tight around his neck even as she slept.

“Oh.” She looked at Hannah. “Go lay her down in the bedroom.” She pointed. “Please.”

She squirmed but settled into the familiar scented blankets.

“You should have a seat, Hannah would be devastated if you were to leave while she was sleeping.” She directed him to the chair. “If you’d hold her a second, I’ll get you something to drink.”

She handed him the baby. “Be careful to support her head.”

Their faces were close as Max took the baby into his arms. He just sat there when the baby was in his arms.

“Bring her close to your body. She likes the body heat.” She pushed his arms to his body. “It makes her feel secure.”

He had frozen when her hands touched him. He was in short sleeves and the feel of her palms on his bare arm had his breath hitching. She looked at him her eyes sparkling. “See, it’s easy.”

“Yeah.” He bent and kissed her. She froze before responding. She kissed him back and scooted closer. Kailyn let out a grunt of disapproval before they pulled apart. “I don’t think she likes that.” Max grinned.

“I don’t think I would either.” Liz said. “We woke her up, she’ll go back to sleep in a minute.”

Pulling the baby closer to him in one hand, he reached out across Kailyn. “Liz, are you still with Kyle?”

“No.” She answered. Turning around she went to the kitchen. “What would you like to drink?”

“Just water.” He answered and looked down at the baby who was staring right back at him. She grinned. His mouth curved. “Hi.” He touched her cheek.

She squealed and studied him more closely as she made bubbles.

“Very attractive, Kailyn.” He whispered. “My name is Max by the way.”

She grunted before her eyes started to drift shut and she fell back to sleep. “That was quick.”

“I told you.” Liz told him. “You can sit there if you want, it rocks. I used it for Hannah. Sometimes it was the only thing that would quiet her. She may have had a heart problem, and couldn’t breathe correctly but she could cry.” She smiled.

“Was it hard?” He asked.

“Sometimes.” She said carefully. “There were times at three in the morning when Hannah would just cry and there was nothing I could do. I’d rock, and rock. But she just wanted to cry. She’d settle down eventually, when I was close to loosing sanity, but I’d do it again.” She leaned over the arm of the couch to look Kailyn sleeping in his arms.

“I’m sorry, Liz.” He could have been there to help. How many days had she gotten up tired, and wanting to sleep, when she had to work two jobs?

“I don’t regret it, Max. I think that bond there’s, a bond between mother and child, but those times, where the baby doesn’t want comfort, but you give it anyway, I think that’s when a real bond forms. I wouldn’t give up Hannah for anything. As many times as she was up, I don’t regret any of it.” Liz gave him a sad smile.

It was then he noticed the light circles around her eyes. “Did you sleep last night?” He asked. She looked up at him knowing she couldn’t.

“Not too well, actually.” There was no point in lying to him. “Usually I have Hannah hogging the bed, I think I had too much room.”

“She shared nicely with me.” Max said curiously. “Her feet can get really cold at night.”

“Yeah, she likes to warm them on my legs.” Liz laughed. “It’s a pretty nice wake up call at two in the morning…”

“They feel like ice and…”

“She won’t wear socks…”

“They make her feet feel claustrophobic.” They finished together. They shared a smile.

“Where’d she learn that word?” Max asked. “She would not wear them for anything last night, it kind of worried me.”

“Her Uncle Alex.” Liz told him through a yawn. “He teaches her a lot of things. I’m not even sure she knows what it means.”

“Why don’t you lay down for a while, I’m here to watch Kailyn and Hannah’s sleeping.” Max suggested. She looked tired, and he would watch the kids for a little while.

“Are you sure?” Her eyes widened. Sleep sounded wonderful.

”Absolutely, you’ll still be here and I figure I can’t screw things up too badly. If I keep holding her like this she’ll stay sleeping, right?”

“Yeah, she should.” Liz nodded. Sleep. Her head was already down on the couch. “Thank you.”

He rocked Kailyn gently wondering what he could do to occupy his time until Hannah woke up. A few moments later she did. She wandered into the front room where Max was rocking Kailyn. She stared for a second but her eyes found Liz on the couch.

She walked to it, and pushed her over so she could lay beside her. Liz cracked an eye open and pulled Hannah closer. They were both asleep in seconds.

Max studied the two of them together and couldn’t help but smile. He then remembered Hannah’s inquiries about a younger sister. Kailyn moved in his arms and then he remembered Liz’s casual mention of Hannah’s love for the baby. He stopped rocking for a moment and stared down at her as she grunted in her sleep. A slow smile crept across his face as he resumed rocking and holding the baby close.

Again looking from Liz to Hannah to Kailyn, he realized this was how it could be. Granted it wouldn’t always be this peaceful but here was a mom, dad, and children. This could really work.

Knowing the next few days would be busy he began to prepare a mental list of things needed to get done.




AN: I have used two different kinds of crabs in my story, sand crabs and hermit crabs. Sand crabs are small, round, and can be found at any beach along the coast here in Southern California, i've never been to another beach outside of So. Cal that I've found them, but they're probably there. I used those in Two Kinds, they're great fun for younger siblings to harrass their older siblings who happen to be afraid of them, not that I speak from experience. cough. Hermit crabs on the other hand make great pets for young kids, my niece had one and the thing lived forever, even flew from Philadelphia to LAX in a Skippy jar. I had three as well. Just to clarify the difference. They are not the ones that we eat.

Chapter 32

Kailyn stirred. Max looked down at the baby it had been a good half hour and he himself was starting to fall asleep.

She let out a little whimper as she opened her eyes. Her little face scrunched up and began to turn red. She was going to cry Max realized. He started rocking again and murmuring to her as he had seen Liz do earlier.

“Hush, don’t wake Liz.” Max tried. She let out a small cry.

Hannah’s head popped up.

She smiled at him as she slid from Liz’s grip and walked over. She patted Kailyn’s cheek and handed him the bottle sitting on the table. “Try it.”

He did and she quieted. Max smiled at Hannah. “You’re a good helper.”

“Grandma Amy showed me how.” She said proudly. “I like to help.”

“I’m sure you do.” Max told her. She crawled onto his lap and they shifted so he could hold both of them at once.

“Hold it up, like this.” Hannah’s small hands directed his. “That way she doesn’t get the bubbles they hurt her tummy.”

They were silent for a moment as they both watched Kailyn with fascination. “Mommy says one day maybe I can have a sister.”

“Maybe.” Max told her. “You want a sister very much?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “Natalie likes her sisters. I’d be nice to my sister and I’d help Mommy.” She said earnestly.

“Maybe it’s your mother you should be convincing not me.” Max smiled.

They went back into a comfortable silence.

Liz opened her eyes and watched the exchange. Max was so gentle with Hannah, but she had known he would be. The picture in front of her with Max holding both girls made her heart melt.

“You’re a natural.” Liz complimented him, sitting up

“I have a good teacher here.” Max nodded at Hannah.

“True.” Liz stood. “Hannah, come take your medicine, just the cherry stuff now.” Liz walked to the kitchen.

“It don’t taste like cherries, Daddy.” Hannah climbed down from his lap. “It tastes really bad.”

Liz turned and locked eyes with Max. She had heard Hannah last night on the phone, but in person was so much more different, more personal, and intimate.

“You wanna stay for dinner?” Liz asked. “We’re making pizza.”

“If it’s not too much trouble.” He shrugged. “I’d love to.”

“Does she feel wet, Max?” Liz measured out the medicine. She filled a cup of water so Hannah could rinse it down afterwards and handed both to her.

“What?”

“Pat her diaper.” Hannah instructed helpfully. “Does it smush?”

“Yes.” Max nodded vigorously and stood.

“Go get her bag and blanket, please, Hannah.” Liz took the squirming baby from Max. “You’re not just a little wet are you, honey?” Hannah laid the blanket down and Liz put Kailyn on it.

She changed her between leg kicks and a few unhappy whimpers.

Liz threw out the diaper, washed her hands and went to rinse out the bottle.

Kailyn kicked happily on the floor and laughed at something on the ceiling.

”She’ll be ok?” Max joined them in the kitchen. “Just laying there.”

”She’ll play for a little while. Then she’ll probably fall back to sleep.” Liz began to get the ingredients out to make the pizzas.

“What do you like on yours, Daddy?” Hannah asked dragging a chair over to the counter. “I like only cheese on mine. Mommy likes pepperoni and olives.” She made a face at that.

“I’ll have the same as your mom.” Max answered.

She made a face and stood up on the chair. Even on the chair she was still shorter than Max.

“Who braided your hair, Hannah.” Liz asked as she set cut English muffins onto the pan.

“Daddy did.” She plopped pizza sauce onto it and smoothed it around. “Now you put on the cheese.” Hannah passed it down.

“This good?” He sprinkled some on.

“Yeah. One more.” Hannah passed him another. “Those ones are mine.” She hopped down from the chair, grabbed the two muffins and set them on the pan. “Now add the pepperoni and olives to those. For you and Mommy.”

She arranged those as well.

“There, now we wait for them to be done.” She instructed. She walked away to go play with Kailyn, leaving Max and Liz alone.

“You have quite the little master here.” Max complimented her. “You did a good job, Liz.”

Pleasure filled her that Max approved of how she raised their daughter.

“I didn’t know you could braid.”

“Little Miss teacher there taught me. Isabel wasn’t home to do it. Thank you for letting me keep her last night, Liz, it meant a lot to me.” He took a step closer to her.

“I would say it was my pleasure but it kind of sucked being alone last night.” She said honestly. She had to lift her head higher to maintain eye contact with him since he was so close.

Pulling her against him, Max stared down at her. “Let’s go out Liz, sometime during the week?”

“What about Hannah?” She whispered.

He wanted to say she could come too, but he and Liz needed time to talk to, to settle things. “I’ll meet you for lunch.”

“We’ll see, Max.” Her voice was quiet because her concentration was on settling the butterflies in her stomach. Standing there, against him, she couldn’t think straight. “Let go of me, Max.”

She pushed against his chest, and he tightened his hold. “No.”

“Please, Max.” She snuck a glance at Hannah who was intent on watching Kailyn find her hands. She turned back and found Max’s face inches from hers. He was going to kiss her. Right there in her kitchen. Again. Her mind had been beyond muddled the last time. “Max.”

Their hearts beat hard against each other. Her mind filled with nothing but Max. Max saw the change and was thankful because his mind had been nothing but Liz for the past few minutes.

His mouth was on hers. Her hands, which had been pressed flat against his chest to push him away, fisted then lifted to hold herself against the solidness of him. Her world tilted and she pushed closer to him, trusting him to anchor her.

An incessant beeping filtered through the haze.

“Mommy.” Hannah called watching her parents. “Mommy.”

Liz turned a confused look at Hannah across the room. “Yes?” She shook her head to clear it.

“The pizzas are done.” She stared at them wide-eyed.

“Oh. Yes. Of course.” Liz turned and got a pot holder out of the drawer in order to retrieve the pan from the oven. “I hope they’re not burnt.”

She set them on the counter. “Hannah why don’t you go wash your hands and face so we can eat.”

“I just did, before we made the pizza.”

“Go do it again; you’ve been on the floor.” Liz said more sternly.

Hannah walked off sneaking glances at them again.

“Max, you can’t do that in front of her.” Liz scolded as she busied herself with setting the plates.

“Why not.”

“It might unsettle her, to see us together.”

“She’ll get used to it.” Max shrugged, confident it wasn’t an unsettled look on Hannah’s face he had seen.

“Max, you have to control yourself, think of other things.” Liz reprimanded.

“How can I think of other things, when all I can think of is you? You control my every thought, Liz. It’s impossible not to think of you. When I kiss you, Liz, I’m in heaven.”

“Max, don’t say things like that.”

“Like what, Liz.” He stepped to her. “That I love you? That you are my everything, without you my world is empty?” He said his voice a fierce whisper. “I can’t, because then I’d been denying myself, who I am.”

Liz’s heart fluttered. “Max.” She breathed in quickly. “I love you too. But I’m not sure if it’s the Max from five years ago, or the Max now. Do you love me for who I am now, or who I was, five years ago?” She answered.

He was silent, knowing she wasn’t finished.

“Neither of us is the teenager we once were. We’ve both changed over the past five years. Until we figure out, and get to know each other again, we can’t have anything between us.”

****

”I think Aunt Isabel was mad about Monsieur Cuddles getting out.” Hannah giggled over her pizza. “She gave Daddy a mean look.”

“I would be too, so describe again this Monsieur Cuddles.” Liz said not quite understanding what kind of pet her daughter had. “Do I get to meet him?”

“He’s at Daddy’s.” Hannah shook her head. “He has to stay there, because the tank is really big, and heavy. But he’s really little.” She held her index finger and thumb in a circle. “That’s his shell. He’s smaller because he has to fit inside.”

“And how did Ella take all of this?” Liz asked.

“She wants to eat him.” Hannah said showing her horror at the thought.

“I say they just want to be good friends.” Max smirked.

Hannah glowered at him. “No. You won’t let her eat him?”

“No, I promise.” He said seriously.

Liz stood to clear the table and clean up the dishes.

Kailyn kicked up a fuss at being left alone for so long. Unlike Liz’s prediction she didn’t want to go back to sleep.

Drying her hands on the dish towel, she picked up the baby. “What’s the matter, baby.”

Kailyn quieted immediately once she was in Liz’s arms. She smiled happily and was content to stay where she was.

“Here, I’ll clean up so you can hold her.” Max stood as well. “Hannah would you like to help?”

This was something she was reluctant to do but she hopped down from her chair anyway.

They worked together, Liz only scolded once—albeit lightly—about them starting a water fight in her kitchen.

“I think it’s time I leave now.” He had things to find out and cases to work on. Slipping a glance at Liz and Kailyn, knew there was a really important one to get working on.

“Daddy, don’t go.” Hannah clung to his legs as he headed to the door.

“I have to Hannah, I have to walk Ella and water Monsieur Cuddles.” He lifted her from his legs. He didn’t want to leave either.

“Come on, Hannah. Daddy has things to do at home, sweet pea.” Liz held her hand out. “Let’s go bathe Kailyn.”

“No.” Hannah clung to Max. She started crying now.

It dawned on Max that he had only seen her cry once before, when she had mentioned Kailyn leaving yesterday. And then it was just tears. She was full on crying now.

“Can you spend the night, Daddy?” Hannah whispered.

“No, my princess.” He told her. “You have Kailyn and your mommy.”

”Please don’t go.” She whispered through a sob. It had been so perfect. Both her mommy and daddy together and a little sister, just like Natalie’s family.

He stepped out of the house. Hannah still clinging to him.

“No!” She said fiercely as he took her arms from around his neck and set her down.

“I love you, Hannah.” He told her firmly. “So very much.”

Rubbing her eyes she whispered the words back. “Why do you have to leave then?”

“Because.” He answered. He couldn’t do this many more times. His heart was breaking inside. He wanted to stay, he didn’t want to leave them. “I’ll see you next week.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

She just looked at him. Her eyes filled with tears and running down her face. Liz walked to the door Hannah wrapped an arm around her legs a pained look on her face.

“Please.” Hannah whispered.

“I can’t.” Max told her. “Thank you, Liz, for everything.” Max looked up at Liz who also had tears in her eyes before turning and heading down the stairs.

Hannah waited a few seconds before running to the landing. “Daddy, wait, please stay!” He was already gone.

She sat on the top step. She wasn’t allowed to go any further. She sat there staring after him, willing him to come back to her.

Liz looked up when she heard the door across open. Maria and Alex looked out the door and then over at Liz. They gave her looks of sympathy and then closed the door again.

Liz’s heart shattered in a thousand pieces.


TBC

Chapter 33

Hannah had finally fallen asleep later in the evening. She had sat on the step for more than an hour. Liz, in that time, bathed Kailyn and put her to sleep. She wandered around the house waiting for Hannah to return. She wasn’t going to bring her back in, she’d come in on her own time.

When she had returned her eyes were read and her face tear-streaked. She had let Liz cuddle her for a while before taking her bath and going to bed.

Liz was now sitting alone on the couch staring at the phone. She had to call Max. She needed to talk to him about what happened earlier. Liz couldn’t let that happen again.

Serena walked in a few minutes later to find Liz in that same position.

“Is Hannah in bed already?”

“Yes.” Liz nodded.

“I was hoping to ask her how everything went.” Serena sat on the couch next to her.

“She’ll be happy to tell you about it tomorrow.” Liz tried to smile at her.

“How do you think it went, Liz?” She asked.

“Everything went fine Hannah was happy when she came home, he stayed and had dinner with us, and then he had to leave.” Tears filled her eyes. “And that’s when it got bad. She didn’t understand why he had to leave. She sat out on that step for an hour, Serena, waiting for him to come back. I can’t do that again.”

“Come here, sweetie.” Serena patted her lap and Liz laid down and rested her head on it. “What do you plan to do about it?”

“I don’t know, Serena. I don’t know this Max Evans. The Max I left had been a high school boy, still under his mother’s dictates. Now, I don’t know anymore, Serena. I want to take the time to get to know him again—for me. I still love him. But Hannah’s reaction to him leaving, we’re going to have to move faster. That hurt her too much, and it tore me apart.”

Serena stroked her hair and just listened to Liz’s dilemma. “Maybe having Hannah here and forcing you to go faster is a good thing. Who knows how long it would take you to get back with him otherwise. I think that Hannah is a good judge of a person and the fact that she’s so attached to him already is an indicator that Max only has good intentions. I think he’s just as eager to get to know you again as you are to know him.”

“What do you think I should do?” Liz asked.

“Go for it, Liz. You’re going to end up marrying him anyway. Don’t put yourself, Hannah, and Max through the torture of waiting. Max would wait, but what about your little girl?”

“Who says I’m going to marry him?” Liz asked with a smile.

“You’re eyes.” Serena gently removed her head from her lap. “I’m going to bed. I have an early shift tomorrow. Sleep well.”

“Thank you, Serena.” Liz looked back at the phone.

“Just call him, I’ll see you in the morning.” She shut the door to her room quietly.


****

“Maria, what can you tell me about Kailyn?”

“What do you want to know?” Maria had been stunned when Max had called her phone that evening.

“Her last name for starters.” Max said patiently.

“Hamilton, I think. Why are you asking me this, Max?”

“How sure are your parents about Kailyn’s return to her mother?”

“About 99%” Maria said.

“Is there anyway, even the slightest chance that she could not be given back and would be adopted out?”

“Very slim, Max.” Maria answered honestly. “The court will always favor the birth family. Why do you want to know?”

“I was thinking about Liz, how attached she and Hannah are to that baby. Would there be any use trying to place her with Liz?”

“There would be no use, but even if there was a chance, Liz isn’t capable of handling another baby by herself, with no help.”

“She wouldn’t be by herself.” Max said with a quiet firmness.

“Max, I’m going to tell you something and it can’t go further than this conversation.” Maria started. “If you found a way to keep tabs on that baby, I guarantee you she will end up back in the system by the time she is five years old. You’re capable of doing it, Max, I know you are. It would be in Kailyn’s best interest as well.”

“Alright.” He wrote her name down. “Thank you, Maria.”

“Good luck, Max, be good to Liz.”

****

Max hung up the phone and rubbed his eyes. Going to the computer and grateful for going into family law scrolled through the list of court cases scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday.

Hamilton v. County of Orange That had to be it.

Max clicked on it and reviewed the basic information.

There was little chance that Max could redirect this case. After a quick call to the attorney assigned to the case, it was pretty much a sure thing Kailyn was going home. The look on Hannah’s face when she had told him made him ache. The look on Hannah’s face when he left had almost killed him. He wanted to be with his baby girl now and he wanted Liz with him.

The phone rang and Max picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Max.”

It was Liz. “How is she?”

“Sleeping. Max, we can’t do that again.” Liz said quickly.

“I know, I don’t think I could take it again.” He answered back honestly. “Don’t ask me to do that again.” He added later.

“She sat on the steps for an hour after you left. What are we going to do about it, Max? If it was just between you and me we could take our sweet time. We have Hannah, Max, she’s hurting as much—if not more—than we are.”

“I know.” Max told her. “Meet me for lunch on Monday?”

“I’m at the clinic up in LA on Mondays, I can’t.” Liz shook her head even though he couldn’t see her. “I have Wednesday though, I work at the restaurant on Wednesdays.”

“Wednesday then.” Max said.

“Ok.”

****

Hannah jerked her hand away from Liz, on Wednesday morning, and stomped into the classroom. With an angry phrase at Liz in French she ignored her mother as she joined Natalie.

The teacher casually walked over and smiled. “Good morning, Miss Parker.”

“Good morning. We’re having a rough day.” Liz pushed her hair back.

“I can see that, Hannah’s usually all smiles in the morning. Did you think about the play, I didn’t see you or Mr. Evans on Monday or Tuesday?”

“Yes, I have. I think it would be wonderful to have Hannah join the play. She really wants to do it and there’s no reason for her not to.”

“I see.” She said delighted. “I’ll let them know. Hopefully you’ll have a better morning, Miss Parker.”

“Thank you.”

****

They went out to a restaurant of Max’s choosing.

He sat Liz in a seat and then took his place across from her.

“Thank you, Max.” She said studying her surroundings.

“My pleasure.” He nodded.

“Max, we have to sort things out about Hannah.” Liz said quickly. “She’s been quiet lately.”

“I know.” He toyed with his silverware. “I don’t know what to do.”

“I do.” She said quietly.

“What do you suggest?”

“She wants a family, Max.” She looked him in the eye. “A real family where she doesn’t spend one weekend with Mom and one with Dad. She wants us to live together, and have little sisters for her to play with. She wants a family like Natalie’s. She wants the dream life she deserves. Something I’ve always wanted to give her—but couldn’t.” She looked down. “I can now. You’ve offered me the ability to give the one thing to my daughter—our daughter—she’s always wanted. What I’ve always wanted, but we have to settle things between us, before we can move forward to be that family.”

His eyes lit up. She might have just admitted that she loved him.

“Yes, we have many things to settle.” He wanted to explain his reasoning for leaving them for so long.

“We’ll settle them, we’ll go back to my place after and talk there, and we have more freedom.” Liz looked around. This wasn’t a place to discuss anything they needed to discuss.

“Alright, you can come to my place and meet M. Cuddles if you want.” He said, he wanted her to come to his townhouse.

“Fine.” She nodded.

After the meal they walked back to the car.

“This was so nice, Max, thank you. I don’t think I’ve been here before.”

“It’s nothing, Liz.” He opened the car door for her and waited for her to get in.

“It really is.” She said seriously. “We’re, well, Hannah’s not really used to this. I grew away from it.”

“I know.”

“Max life isn’t going to just go back to the way it was. I don’t want Hannah to be raised like that. Your parents were more open and loving, mine were closed off, totally involved in their work. I refuse to raise Hannah that way.” She shook her head.

“I wouldn’t want her to be.” Max agreed. “But, my position, as a lawyer sometimes demands endless hours of work, and sometimes those corporate parties you were so fond of.”
“I know, they wouldn’t be very often would they?”

“No.” He shook his head. “Actually, um, Liz.” He looked at her shyly.

“Yes?” She raised an eyebrow but it was belied by a smiled.

“I have a party, on Saturday evening, and I was wondering if you would attend it with me.” He felt like a young school boy asking his first girl on a date. “I normally would have taken Isabel but she’s going with Alex, and I don’t know another woman I’d like to spend time with.”

“I haven’t been to one of those things in so long, Max.” She shook her head.

“I know, but you were an expert at them for the short time you did go to them, please?”

“I don’t have anything to wear.”

“We’ll go shopping Saturday, with Hannah.” Max said quickly. “Please, Liz, I want you there with me.”

She played with the material of her pant leg for a few moments and studied her options. It would be fun to dress up again, in expensive clothing.

“We’ll see.” She said quietly and looked out her window.

“Don’t ‘we’ll see’ me, Liz.” Max said impatiently.

“Fine, yes, I’ll go.” She said a spark of annoyance in her eye. “Hannah would love to spend the night with Amy and Jim.”

“Alright.” He sat back and gave her a smug smile.

****

“This is him.” He pointed to the cage.

“He doesn’t do anything.” She looked at it.

“No he doesn’t.” Max smiled. “Hannah likes him though. Do you mind if I let Ella out? She’ll have a fit if I don’t.”

“No problem.” She smiled as the dog bounded from the room.

“She’ll just plop herself down here with us. Would you like anything to drink?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I’m fine. Max, let’s just get this over with.”

“Alright.” He sat across from her.

“Let’s go back to when we were seventeen, Max.” Liz crossed her legs. “What was going through your mind when I first announced I was pregnant?”

“When you just told me or when you told our parents?”

“When I told you.” She said. He had held her in his arms and made her feel so safe.

“Everything I told you that day holds, Liz.” Max said.

“You never told me you loved me.” She said. “That day when we told our parents, it was the first time I told you.” She swallowed. “You didn’t say it back.”

“I know. I didn’t know if you met them, and at that time I just thought emotions were high. I didn’t know what I felt, I look back now and I know that I loved you. I’ve loved you forever, Liz.” It was now or never. “The morning you left, Liz, my life fell apart.” He stated truthfully.

“My world just came crashing down around me. Isabel knew you were gone and when she said ‘she’s gone’, it wouldn’t sink in, I couldn’t believe it. But when you were gone for a week, two, I knew it was true. Then I made myself determined to be worthy of getting you back. You were brave and strong enough to leave in the face of our parents. You had the courage to protect our child when I couldn’t.” He took her hands.

“I studied hard, not wanting to waste time and get back to you as soon as possible. I wanted myself established so I could provide for you and Hannah. I wanted to make it safe for my child to grow up. I thought I was doing right. That missing you so terribly was right because I wasn’t brave enough, smart enough, strong enough, to leave with you, or see it to make you stay. Missing you was my punishment. That changed when I saw Hannah for the first time. I saw what I missed, that I hadn’t only punished myself, I punished myself, I punished Hannah, and I punished you, Liz. The very one I wanted to protect.”

“I want to change that, I want to make it better, give Hannah the family she wants so badly, if you’d just give me a chance. Give me the chance to prove to you that I can make it better.” He stroked the tear from her cheek. “Please, marry me, Liz, so I can make it better.”

“Yes.” She nodded. “One condition.”

“What, anything.”

“You’re not going to make it better, we’ll make it better.” She took his hand and squeezed gently. “Together.”

“Ok, we’ll do it together.” He nodded, his face beaming.

“I love you, Max.” She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his lips. “I love you, I love you.” She said it over and over again once she could say it she wanted to keep saying it. She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

“I love you too, Liz.” He held her tight.

“Hold me?” She asked, her face streaked with tears.

He pulled her closer to him. “I’d hold you forever.”


TBC

Chapter 34
Hannah bounded into Max’s arms on the front steps before he even got to the door. Hannah had sat out on the top step waiting not so patiently for him. “I missed you, Daddy.”

“I missed you too, princess.” He held her tight and smelled her freshly washed hair.

“Hey, Max.” Liz smiled at him. “Did you miss me?”

“Of course.” He pulled her in and hugged her as well.

“Hannah bean, we have to talk to you before we go.” Liz said, sitting on the couch. Max sat down next to her with Hannah firmly in his lap.

“Hannah, you know you’ve been asking for a little sister?” Liz began. Max was letting her do the talking.

“Yes.” She nodded slowly studying her parents closely.

“Well, usually for there to be babies, a mommy and a daddy have to be married.”


“I know.” She nodded.

“Well, how would you like it if me and your daddy got married?” Liz asked.

“Like Grandpa Jim and Grandma Amy?” She asked.

“Yeah.”

“I can have a sister.” She asked.

“Yes, but it won’t be for a long time because your daddy and I aren’t ready for a baby, but we will get married, soon.”

“Yes!” Hannah clapped her hands. “Does that mean you’ll live with us?” She turned around to look at Max.

“Yes.” Max smiled. “Would you like that?”

“Yes, Daddy I would.” She answered.

“Now, Hannah, I was reading the pamphlet about hermit crabs and it says they like to have hermit crab friends. Would you like to go pick out another one after we find Mommy’s dress?”

“Yes please!” She said enthusiastically. “We have to find a Madame Cuddles.”

“Of course.” Max smiled.

“How is he?”

“He’s fine and Ella hasn’t eaten him yet. Aunt Isabel is getting used to him.”

“Good. He’s a nice crab.” Hannah said.

****

“Oh, remember the play, Daddy?” They were now on the way to the mall.

“Yes.”

“I’m going to be one of the elves.” She said happily. “Me and Natalie.”

Back to Natalie again.

“You want to try this store, Liz?” Max asked. It was filled with expensive looking dresses.

“Alright.” She was taken back to when she spent hours in shops like this with Isabel.

Liz took her time trying on dresses—with Hannah’s expertise of course. She finally picked out a red ankle length dress. It had tiny shoulder straps, and embroidered décolletage, with a matching red shawl with the same embroidered roses.

A few hours later they found themselves in jewelry store. “What are we doing here?” Hannah asked from her position on Max’s hip.

“Picking your mother’s engagement ring out.” Max said.

“Now?” Liz said her eyes bright.

“You can’t go tonight without an engagement ring.” Max kissed her forehead, “So, yes, now.”

“Alright.” She looked at the selection. She chose a simple one, gold with three perfectly matched diamonds.

“Beautiful, Mommy.” Hannah said complimented.

It wasn’t till they were in the car and on the way to pick out a new crab when something dawned on Hannah.

“What’s an engagement ring?”

“When a man promises to get married to a woman, they’re engaged.” Liz explained.

“Like you and Daddy?”

“Yes, like me and Daddy.”

“I’m going to have a sister.” She chanted.

Liz got quiet, as did Max. They were both reminded of Kailyn. She had gone back to her mother. Max had tried behind the scenes to stall the trial but it couldn’t be done. He knew where her mother stayed and could keep track of the little girl for the rest of her life if necessary.

“Yes, but not right away.” Max answered. “Mommy’s going to go back to school first, then we’ll try to get a sister for you.”

“Alright.” She smiled. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

Hannah picked out her Madame Cuddles in a half hour, and then they got lunch and headed home.

“Oh do you have to leave?” Hannah looked up at Max after he had walked them to the door.

“Yes, but I’ll see you tonight, before we drop you off at Grandma Amy’s, ok?” He asked softly. “Then we’ll be together all day tomorrow, too.”

“I’ll miss you.” She hugged him but there were no tears since she had his promise to see him later.

****

“Daddy’s here!” Hannah announced from her favorite spot on the top step. “Wait till you see, Mommy.”

“I can’t.” He stepped into the apartment the same time Liz stepped from their bathroom.

Max’s throat clogged. He swallowed several times to try to dislodge the lump that had grown there.

Liz was gorgeous. He hadn’t seen her when she tried this dress on. She had said it was a surprise and she didn’t want him to see her in it. She had small diamond studs on her ears when that matched her engagement ring.

“Isn’t she pretty?” Hannah asked from her father’s arms. He was dressed in a formal tuxedo.

“Yes.” He stood and set Hannah down. “She’s stunning.” That didn’t even come close.

She blushed. “Thank you.” She reached up to stroke his cheek. “So do you.”

Her ring flashed in the light.

“Do you have your bag, Hannah?”

“Yep!” She said and swung it over her shoulder.

****
After promises to pick up Hannah early the next morning, they left a happy Hannah at the Valenti home.

They arrived at the house in San Clemente and Liz held her breath. She hadn’t done this in so long. The demands of a society fiancé were so much more than those of a sixteen year old debutante. She wasn’t sure she wanted to fill these shoes, but she knew this would help Max, and she was ready to stand by him now as his fiancé, and later his wife.

“You must introduce me to this lovely woman.” An older, balding man and his wife—Liz guessed—greeted them at the door.

A butler took her shawl and Max’s coat.

“This is my fiancé, Miss Elizabeth Parker.”

“I wasn’t aware you were seeing anyone seriously, Max.” The man said studying her.

“Are you of the New Mexico Parkers, dear?” The woman asked.

Liz clutched Max’s sleeve. “Yes, Mrs.--?” She didn’t know the woman’s name.

“Hart.” She filled in.

“Mrs. Hart, yes, Jeff and Nancy Parker are my parents.” There was no point trying to hide it, these people would find out anyway.

“I didn’t know they had another daughter.” She looked puzzled. “You know they had the one that disappeared and it’s rumored that she came to California to have a baby.” Then it dawned on her who she was talking to. “Oh, dear. I’ve said too much haven’t I?” She put a hand to her mouth.

Liz clutched his sleeve tighter, they couldn’t deny Hannah.

“As far as I know my parents only have one daughter, Mrs. Hart. I guess those rumors are true then?” Max directed her around the room making introductions eventually meeting up with Alex and Isabel, and surprisingly Michael and Maria.

Isabel pulled Max to the side, “Max, rumors are flying about you and Liz.”

“And?” He seemed unconcerned.

”I don’t think it was right to introduce her yet.” She said. “It may not turn out for the best. If you plan to marry her you’re going to be dealing with these people for the rest of your career, you don’t want her shunned by them do you?”

“I think this is a test of how big my influence is. They’ll accept her, Isabel, don’t worry.” He reassured his sister.

“If you know what you’re doing.” She took a deep breath. “Mom and Dad are here.”

“What, when did they get here?” He asked furiously. “I didn’t even know they were in the state.”

“I didn’t either until tonight, Mom is not going to be very happy about this.”

Max was pulled away into conversation with more associates forcing him to leave Liz in Isabel and Maria’s care.

Liz absently looked around the room, bored with the old women she was having a conversation with. Old society women never had anything good to say. Her eyes landed on Max and a feeling of complete happiness flooded her. Her smile faded when a young blonde attached herself to his side. He looked around the room then locked eyes with Liz. He was pleading for help.

Walking over to him with all the grace she could muster, she placed her hand on Max’s arm showing off her ring. She whispered something in his ear, causing him to lean towards her. She sent a look at the girl that was clear in its meaning. He’s mine.

“Are you enjoying yourself, darling?” He asked her his eyes forgetting the woman standing there glaring at them.

“Very much, love.” She smiled up at him and glanced out of the corner of her eye to see if she was looking. She was. Leaning up on her tiptoes she pressed a kiss to cheek, with a brush of her lips she promised more.

“My fiancé, Elizabeth Parker. Tess Harding.”

“Pleasure.” Tess sneered through narrowed eyes.

“Mine.” Liz reached out effectively showing off the ring when I glistened in the light.

Max smiled proud at the fact Liz could still effortlessly play the games.

Isabel froze and cursed, looking at Michael she filled him in. “Max and Liz just turned their backs on Tess Harding.”

“Good.” Michael shrugged and sauntered off with Maria.

“Max.” His body turned rigid. Liz grasped his arm and her eyes flew up to his.

“Mother.” He said. “I’ll introduce you to my fiancée, Miss Elizabeth Parker.”

“Elizabeth, what a surprise.” Diane Evans gave Max a look that said they would talk later. It would have to wait a couple of days.

“It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Evans.” Liz greeted politely.

“You’re looking wonderful, dear.”

“As are you.” Liz returned. They had completed the necessary compliments; they could be relieved of each other presence now.

“How is Hannah?”

“Great.” She said shortly.

Max bid his mother goodnight and directed Liz away. “Thank you for coming to my rescue.” Max told her. “Tess can be a bit overbearing sometimes.”

“Your eyes were screaming for help, I couldn’t deny you.” Liz answered honestly. “It’s kind of fun flashing a ring around.”

“Thank you.”

They circulated the groups multiple times and by the end of the evening everyone knew her and they knew she was the missing Parker girl and the rumors that she had been pregnant were true.

“Are you ready to go?” Max asked.

“Yes.” She was tired. Tired of answering questions, tired of being around such tedious people, and tired of smiling at people she knew she would detest.

“Let’s go.”

Max drove her home and walked her up the stairs. She unlocked the door and opened it. Serena’s door was open which meant she wasn’t home.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Liz.”

“Tomorrow?” She leaned up on her tiptoes again to kiss him. She had to strain further since she had removed her shoes.

He pulled her closer against him. Her arms went around his neck holding tightly. Their kiss deepened, begging for more.

Max pushed her away gently. “I love you, Liz.” He had to go. Now. He wanted to do more than just kiss her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Again Liz looked up at him. She didn’t want to ask but knew she would have to.

“No, Max.” She pressed a kiss to his throat instead. “Stay.” She nipped his ear and held him close. “Please stay with me.”

He stayed.

****

Liz lay awake early the next morning snuggled against Max, drawing lazy shapes on his chest. His breathing was even but she knew he wasn’t sleeping anymore than she was.

“Max.”

“Hmm?” He answered.

“Was it ok?” She asked shyly, she hadn’t been with anyone since him. Not even Kyle. “I haven’t…been…with anyone since…” She said quietly. He was her first and only lover. As was she for him.

“Yes.” He kissed her. “Either have I, love.”

That delighted her, but then doubt clouded her eyes. “My body’s changed a little bit, well a lot, since the last time. Since I’ve had the baby.”

“I know, for the better.” He said, then he reached down and touched the tiny scar on her bikini line. “When did you get this?” He asked.

“When Hannah was born they had to do an emergency C-section.” She tried to cover it with her hands, self-conscience about it.

“No,” He moved her hand out of the way and intertwined it with him. He kissed her ring finger and looked down at her. “It reminds me of our baby. Don’t be ashamed of it, Liz.”

Moving over him she smiled down, “I won’t if you won’t.”

“Never.”

****
“We have to go get Hannah.” Liz pushed herself out of bed. It was 7:30 a.m. Max rolled over and pulled a pillow over his head.

“It’s so early, will they be up?”

Liz just looked at Max and raised an eyebrow.

“Oh yea, this is Hannah.” He looked around the apartment. “We have to stop by my place so I can change.”

“OK. I’m just going to shower really quick, go ahead and head to the kitchen.”

“Max, let’s get married soon.”

“Liz, come here.” He held his hand to her. “I know this isn’t the best time to tell you, but I need to tell you before you absolute commit to marrying me.”

“Ok.” She was a little nervous now.

“You know your trust fund, the one I unfroze?” She nodded staring up on him.

“That wasn’t your trust fund. I set it up to look like yours, it’s my money that’s in that fund, I know you’re going to get mad at me, and I’m sorry because I knew you wouldn’t take it from me, and you needed it.” He said looking ashamed with himself and busied himself with a strand of her hair.

“It’s alright, love.” She stood on her tiptoes to silence him. “I understand why you did it. I’m not saying I’m not mad, but I would have had to change my life around if you wouldn’t have done it. My pride would never have accepted money from you. Thank you, Max, for pushing through.”

“Your welcome.” He was relieved she wasn’t mad at him.

“Let’s go get our daughter.” She pecked his cheek and disappeared into the bathroom.

TBC

Chapter 35

Having decided that they wanted to get married sooner rather than later, Max and Liz were married November 21. Liz sat at the table designated for them, resting her feet. Hannah was on the dance floor with Max, dancing to ‘Butterfly Kisses.’ Hannah’s pink dress went to her ankles and the five year old’s hair was adorned with small white roses from Liz’s bridal bouquet.

Her parents weren’t there. She had invited them, but they hadn’t shown. She wasn’t too upset. She could get through life without them. She had survived her first twenty-three years without them anyhow. It just hurt a little. She knew Diane would have told her parents. Liz hadn’t even gotten a reply from them. To her parents, neither she nor their grandchild existed.

Max’s parents had indeed shown. Hannah had been hesitantly introduced to her paternal grandparents. She had taken to Mrs. Evans easily. She was still hesitant with the more formidable Mr. Evans, but Liz knew she would eventually warm up to him.

She smiled at Hannah’s apparent happiness. Natalie and her family were there, Natalie in a dress matching Hannah’s as an accompanying flower girl. Natalie was also dancing with her father on the dance floor. Hannah was glowing and her cheeks were flushed from excitement. They had gone the day to the courthouse to change Hannah’s name from Parker to Evans. She had beamed when the judge had asked her if she was ok with the name change. Today Liz’s name had changed from Parker to Evans as well. There had been questions of custody. And Max had asked why there were no records of single parent’s custody at the courthouse. Liz had explained that they were at her apartment. Max hadn’t replied but a smile tugged at his lips.

Alex and Isabel had plans to be married in two weeks. They were also on the floor Alex holding Isabel lovingly against him, Isabel’s head resting on his shoulder. Liz had missed Isabel so much in the years she had been away. It had been hard to keep her so distanced from her life. Liz was looking forward to getting to know her inside and out once more.

Michael had recently proposed to Maria, but they were moving a little slower on their wedding and were looking towards May. Liz suspected Michael had felt pressed since everyone around him was getting married and suspected May was Maria’s compromise.

Kyle and Serena were already married. It had been two weeks previous. Serena had been a glowing bride. Liz couldn’t have been happier for her two friends. After living with Serena she had gotten to know her pretty well and she had dated Kyle for three years she felt she had a bond with both people, as did Hannah. Their wedding had been beautiful, and they had just returned from their honeymoon.

Max and Liz chose not to go on a honeymoon. They didn’t feel it was right to leave Hannah. Hannah was going to be off-track in December and they would take a short trip to San Diego.

“May I have this dance?” It was Jim Valenti. “I don’t believe I’ve had a chance to dance with the beautiful bride.”

“Thank you.” Liz slipped her hand in his and they joined Hannah and Max on the dance floor.

“You’re stunning today, Liz. You’re glowing.”

“Thank you.” She said. “For everything, Jim. I wouldn’t be where I am today without yours and Amy’s help. Hannah wouldn’t be who she is.”

“It was our pleasure, honey.” He kissed the top of her head.

“My turn, Dad.” Kyle bumped him out of the way.

“Sure son, be my guest.” Jim walked back to find his wife.

“You’re beautiful, Liz.” He told her.

“Thank you, Kyle.” Liz blushed. “Thank you, Kyle, for being here for me. You made these years so much more fun. You were never a replacement for him, Kyle.” Liz said looking earnestly at him. “I just kind of went back to Max when he showed up. I wasn’t using you.”

“I know. If I remember right I pursued you.” Kyle said. “You would never use anybody, Liz. I understand you love Max as I love Serena. There was never anyone else for either of us.”

“Thank you for understanding.” She placed a kiss on his cheek.

“Can I cut in here?” Max asked.

“I can’t exactly deny you your wife could I?” Kyle handed Liz over and she glided naturally into his arms and rested her head on his chest.

The song switched to Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E. Max grinned. “Love this song, love you.”

“Me too.” She floated around the dance floor on cloud nine.

Max had taken her home that night to a house full of roses. They had chosen the house together but hadn’t expected to be moved in yet. Max had surprised her and had everything ready.

While Liz readied Hannah for bed, Max set about getting everything ready. Max had gone in to kiss her goodnight. Then lead Liz downstairs for one more dance.

The white rose petals had started from the living room, up the stairs, and into their bedroom, ending on their bed.

“Max.” She sighed as the scent of roses filled her nose. “It’s beautiful.” She was still in her wedding dress, Max in his tuxedo.

“I wanted you to know how much I loved you.” He said quietly. There was a glass of champagne and he opened it. “You’ve probably had all the champagne you could want but would you like another glass?” He asked.

“Sure.” She stepped into the room, her dress swishing.

‘I Shall Believe’ by Sheryl Crow came over from the CD player. Liz smiled and remembered they had chosen it as their song way back in high school.

She slid into his arms easily. “I love you so much, Max.” She rested her head against his chest and listened to his steady heart beat.

“I love you too.” She felt the rumble of his voice against her cheek. “So much.” He pressed a kiss to her head, and then led her to the bed.

They lay awake a few hours later. They had climbed into night clothes anticipating a nightly visit from Hannah. Max’s chest was bear and Liz rested her head against him. It was her favorite spot to lay. To feel the steady beat, the warmth from his heart.

They heard a steady pitter-patter of feet. “She’s coming.”

“I know.” Liz said through a yawn. Her eyes were drifting closed and her body was completely relaxed.

“Mommy, Daddy?” She pushed the door open. “I’m scared.”

“Come in.” Max called. He suspected Liz was already asleep, her breathing was completely even.

She crawled in and Max winced at her cold feet. She laid on his other side and threw her arm around him. He pulled her closer and she curled into him. “Night, Daddy.”

“Goodnight.” The identical heads were asleep on his chest, and he was completely happy.

****

December 15

“You ready to go to the play?” Liz slipped an earring in her ear and looked up the stairs. “Max come on.”

“I’m coming, I just have to get the video camera.”

Rolling her eyes, she looked at him. “Alex will have one.”

“I want to have ours, Liz.” He came down the stairs. She automatically reached to fix his tie and he waited for her to finish. When she turned back around he loosened it a little.

“Leave it alone, Max.” She told him while digging through her purse.

“Yes, Mom.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back against him. “I love you.” He whispered in her ear.

She leaned against him for a moment and then returned the sentiment. It felt good to be able to do so. To express their feelings whenever it suited them to do so.

“Ok, let’s go.”

There were about fifteen elves on stage but it was easy to pick out which one was Hannah. She was the shortest. Max squirmed in his seat.

“Here’s her part, are you ready?” Liz asked poking him.

“Yes.” He assured her and held the camera a little higher to see her.

“I am one of Santa’s helpers and my job is to sort the toys for the boys and girls.” She said perfectly. She beamed and went back to her spot on stage.

“That was our baby.” Max said.

“Yes.” Liz smiled, proud of her daughter.

They went out for ice cream afterwards with everyone.

“I can walk now, Uncle Alex.” Hannah giggled.

“I know, I prefer to hold you.” He hugged her close before letting him go. She slipped her hand into Max’s hand. It had been so long since she had been a tiny baby. He remembered holding her and when…he was getting too sentimental. “Our baby’s all grown up, Liz.” Alex swung an arm around his best friend.

“She’s five, Alex.” She laughed. “Hardly all grown up.”

“Don’t you miss when she was tiny?”

“Sometimes.” Was her answer then looked up at Max. “But maybe there will be more.”

“You’re not…?” He asked suspiciously looking at Max.

“No!” She gasped. “Not right now, we’re going to wait till we’re more settled.”

“Oh.” He nodded. “You better not be yet.”

“Don’t worry, Hannah would be in seventh heaven though.” Liz smiled. “She already is.”

“How about you and Max?” Alex asked.

“We’re getting along. Settling in, getting used to being married. The house is wonderful, Hannah has her own room that she actually sleeps in once and a while.”

“She still shares a bed with you.”

“We try not to let her, but it’s so hard. We usually end up putting her back but she always ends up in our bed each morning.”

“How do you…um…?” He asked.

“Didn’t you hear that you don’t when you have kids?” Liz said straight-faced.

Alex paled, “Maybe I can talk Isabel into waiting a little longer.”

“Just kidding, Alex.” She laughed at his distress. “We have our ways.”

“Good.” He swallowed. “That’s good, I’m going to go find my wife now.”

He wandered off.
****

A year later

“Well, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, I want you to look at this.” The doctor threw the file down on the desk.

“What is this?” Max asked. Hannah picked up the pictures and looked at them from her perch on Max’s lap. She squirmed uncomfortably as she hit the bruise on her leg. She winced and lost her balance. Max steadied her and held her while she got comfortable. He understood the heart catheter she had been in two weeks earlier had left its mark heavily on her.

“What is this, Doctor?” She asked.

“That, my dear Evans family, is the picture of as near to a perfect human heart as you could get from being born with a heart defect. That is your heart, Hannah.” He smiled then.

“My heart?”

“Even more perfect than any of our predictions at her birth.” The doctor said proudly.

“I’m all better?”

“Yes.” He answered. “I’ll see you in five years, Hannah.”

TBC

A/N: Just a small warning, this part starts out happy but doesn't end so. So just to be warned. It's not horrible, but a little shocking. But we're not too, too far from the end, but we do have a few more chapters to go and alot to settle, here you are.

Mattie



Chapter 36

Five Years Later

Max sank into the chair outside the hospital room in a fit of relief. He hated hospitals. A nurse wandered by and another shouted for a doctor. He didn’t think there was ever a time he had been in a hospital for anything good. The only good things that came out of hospitals were babies.

After resting for a moment he decided he needed to go tell everyone how everything went. They were in there cleaning her up and he had time to recuperate.

When he entered the waiting room he tried to ignore the pang of jealousy he got when he saw her curled in Kyle’s lap. She rose when she saw him and walked to him. He pulled her to him. “You should have brought your coat like I told you; you know how cold it gets in hospitals.”

“I know. Is she ok?”

“Perfect, everything’s wonderful.”

“Are you sure?” Amy Deluca asked concerned, but with a smile on her face. “There were complications last time.”

“I’m sure, she did beautifully.” Max answered truthfully. “There was a minor complication but nothing too bad. I was a little worried about her though. It went longer than it was supposed to and we lost a heartbeat for twenty seconds.”

“What?” Her brown eyes were shadowed with worry.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, everything’s fine now.”

She looked up at him. Her long brown hair captured in a pony tail, her eyes full of worry. “Can I see her?”

“Yes, let’s go meet your new brother, Hannah.” He swung an arm around his daughter and led her back to the hospital room.

Liz was sitting up in the hospital bed with little Holden safely tucked into her arms.

“Hey, Hannah.” Liz greeted.

“Hi, Mom.” She said shyly as she walked towards the bed.

“Come meet Holden.” Liz invited. “Come on, he’s perfect.”

Hannah looked down at her brother and studied him. “Can I hold him?”

“Sure.” Max took him from Liz’s arms and put him in Hannah’s. “Why don’t you sit down?”

She sat in the chair and looked at the little boy in her arms. Her brother. They shared their father’s eyes, and ears, they had the same chin, the one Max had said was totally Hannah. He started to fussing and Hannah handed him back.

“Hey, Holden, what’s wrong, baby?” Liz asked quietly. The baby settled down in the familiar arms of his mother. “You need to get to know your sister, she’s gonna help take care of you.”

“No, Mom.” Hannah smiled mischievously. “I do believe I said I would help with a sister, Holden is my brother.” Then her eyes filled with tears. “Daddy, I wish Kailyn could see him.”

Five year old Kailyn had almost been theirs. Max had gotten wind of her being in foster care again, and Kailyn had been placed with Amy and Jim Valenti. They had pushed to get licensed to take Kailyn, but it hadn’t been quick enough. Kailyn was put back with her mother. This only three weeks before.

“I do too, princess.” Max pulled her to him. “She wanted to see the baby so badly.”

Liz nodded as well, she had been the most depressed about it. She was the social worker and she had failed to protect an innocent child. She knew the home was bad but there was nothing she could do.

“Even though he’s a boy, Mom, I still love him.” Hannah smiled. “You tried.”

“Thanks, I’m glad I have your clearance.” Liz laughed.

“You’re welcome.” Hannah sat on Max’s lap. “He looks like you, Daddy.”

“Thank you.” Max was overjoyed. He missed this last time, he was determined never to miss anything of little Holden’s life.

There was a knock on the door. “Come in!” Liz called.

“Hello, how are you feeling?” Amy bustled in and set the bouquet of flowers on the table.

“Great.” Liz answered. There wasn’t any need for an emergency c-section like last time. “I’m going home in two days at the latest.” Liz said happily. “Here he is.”

“Oh, my little handsome boy.” Amy cooed over him. “Look at you, looking just as handsome as your daddy.” She picked him up. “What’s his name, Liz?”

“Holden Alexander Evans.” Liz said proudly.

“Nice manly name.” Amy said with a smile. “Jim wishes he could be here but there was an emergency.”

“It’s alright; I think Holden will forgive his Grandpa Jim this one time.”

“Max, um, could I speak to you for a minute?” Kyle said from the doorway.

“Sure.” He said uncertainly and nudged Hannah from his lap. “I’ll be back.”

“What’s up?” Max asked. Kyle and him hadn’t really gotten along very well. They were good in each other’s presence, but there was always some underlying tension.

“Look, I just want to get this off my mind. Take care of them.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“You ever wonder why I call Hannah, mon papillion?” He asked.

“No, since I have no clue what it means.” Max answered.

“It means my butterfly. If you could see the changes Hannah went from when she was born to when she met you at four years old, it is amazing. It was like a whole new person. She transformed, like butterflies do. I never knew how fitting it would be until you came back into the picture. She blossomed under the care and love you and Liz shower on her. Keep it up.”

“So are you saying I’m good or bad for her?”

“I’m saying you’re good, just continue to be, I’m watching you.” He sauntered back into the room, leaving Max to ponder what he had said.

****

Two years later
Liz stretched; her large belly bumped the desk and made it uncomfortable to sit at it. She was happy today was her last day before she went on maternity leave. They were giving her extra time than normal and she was thankful.

She had just placed her last case into another foster home. She tossed the folder into her replacement’s pile. “Good riddance to that girl,” Liz muttered to herself. She had moved the girl six times in the last five months. The next stop for her was a permanent group home but it was no longer Liz’s concern because she was going home.

The phone rang and she cursed whoever was on the line. She wanted to go home and play with Holden and ask Hannah about her day.

“Hello?”

“Liz, we have a hospital case, can you meet me down there?”

“Max, I’m not supposed to take anymore cases.” Liz said annoyed. Every once in a while they were paired together on certain cases, but it was a rare occurrence because of conflicts of interests. “I was on the way to pick up the kids.”

“Liz, you have to come. Remember the foster/adopt license we got, we’re going to use it now.” He said urgently.

“Max, I’m thirty two weeks pregnant, I don’t think now is the best time.” She said irritated.

“I know, love, but you need to get down here. I already called Amy.”

“Alright.” Liz said exasperated and hung up the phone. She was tired and rubbed her hand across her eyes. She had had trouble during the being of her pregnancy which was why she had extra maternity leave time. She knew it must have been urgent else Max would never have pushed her.

She pulled into the hospital, showed her ID at the counter of the emergency room.

They directed her to a curtained off room. She didn’t like hospitals no need to explain why.

“Liz!” Max called over to her.

“I’m here.” His face showed the urgency he refused to let get into his voice. “What’s wrong?”

“My wife’s here.” Max said to an officer.

“I’m Officer Benson; will you please sit down, Mr. and Mrs. Evans?” He led them to two seats. “I’m aware that you two are quite experts at this case.”

“Who is it?” Liz asked already dreading the answer.

“Kailyn Hamilton.” He said.

Liz’s face paled. “Oh, God, how bad is she, can we see her?”

“Not yet, Mrs. Evans. I understand, but you need to wait while I explain what’s going on.”

She nodded.

“Early this morning, Kailyn was brought in and treated for multiple bruises, a broken wrist, ankle, and a few cracked ribs. She was treated for concussion and multiple scans performed to make sure she’s ok. Her right eye is swollen shut.”

Liz whimpered and settled her head on Max’s shoulder quietly waiting for the rest. “They’re going to release her tonight, but only to you two. They wanted to keep her but the girl is terrified.”

“Do they know who did it?” Max asked, venom in his voice.

“Mom’s newest boyfriend.” He said. “Mom was found dead. Bullet through the head, she was in pretty much the same shape as her daughter. They found the boyfriend down the street a few hours later. Kailyn was found cowering behind the couch. It’s a miracle she’s alive.”

“Can we see her, now?” Liz was shaking. “Please, she knows me; I need to see my little girl.”

“Right this way.” He took them, “Be careful not to startle her. Talk before you enter.” He placed a restraining arm on Max. “She doesn’t like men. She cowers. Wait a minute, let your wife talk to her first.”

Max nodded. “Alright.” He watched from outside as his wife approached the figure on the bed.

“Kailyn.” She didn’t stir.

“Kailyn. Do you remember me sweetheart?” Liz called softly. Tears came to her eyes when she saw the poor girl.

“Liz?” She didn’t want to move her head, it was pounding. “Liz.”

“I’m here, sweetheart.” Liz crouched down awkwardly. Her face looked horrible. “Oh, sweetheart, I’ve missed you.”

“Liz.” A tear dropped from her face and she moved her good wrist. “You’re going to stay with me?”

“Yes, baby, I’m going to stay here.” Liz answered and squeezed her hand slightly. “Do you remember Max, my husband?”

“Yes,” Kailyn whispered. “I do.”

“Do you want to come home with us?” Liz asked. “They’ll let you leave, but only if you come home with us.”

“Yes.” She nodded. “Camilla’s dead.” She stated. She never called her mother ‘Mom’.

“I know, honey.” Liz said.

“I can’t go back with her anymore.” She said again. Her voice stated everything as fact, no emotion.

“I know. You’ll stay with us, Kailyn, would you like that?”

Again Kailyn just nodded.

“In order to take you home with me, sweetheart, Max has to carry you. I can’t, with the baby in here.” She patted her round tummy.

Automatically Kailyn’s hand reached out to touch the bulge of her tummy.

“I thought you had the baby.”

“I did, this is a different baby, sweetheart. The other baby’s at home, with Hannah, waiting to meet you.”

“Hannah?” There was a small flicker of something in the eye that wasn’t swollen shut.

“Yes. My husband’s going to come in now, don’t be afraid he’s not going to hurt you.”

“Kailyn.” His voice was low.

Her body stiffened. She knew the voice, knew that he wouldn’t hurt her but she was still scared.

When he picked her up she went completely stiff. He carried her to Liz’s car and buckled her in.

“I’ll meet you at the house, Liz, be careful.” He pulled her close for a second.

“I will, you be careful too, Max.”

Liz pulled out of the hospital toward home.

A/N: Hey everyone! I just wanted to post this before I head out to school. First day. Well my mom has seriously cut back computer time so I won’t be posting as much and I wanted to get this up. It didn’t go exactly as I wanted it to but I have to get ready to leave so I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 37

“We’re home.” Max set Holden on his feet and Hannah squeezed by him into the house.

“Hey.” Liz greeted him. “How’d your day go?”

“Good.” He pulled her close until Holden’s insistent pounding on her leg led her attention to him.

“Hi, baby.” Liz picked him up. “How were you?”

“Not a baby, Mommy.” He wrinkled his face. “Love you.” He hugged her.

“I love you, too.” She hugged him tight loving his childish smell. There was something sticky on his cheek but she didn’t want to fight him to clean it up. Undoubtedly Amy hadn’t been able to get within a few feet of him with a washcloth. “What’s on your cheek?”

“Popsicle.” He said. “I was good boy.”

“That makes Mommy so happy when you’re a good boy, Holden.” Liz complimented him. They were having a problem with him sharing the toys. Liz had taken him one morning and had to drag him off another poor kid who he had tackled to the floor.

“Down, please?” He asked.

Liz set him on his feet again and he ran off to pull out his blocks.

“How’s Kailyn doing today?” Max asked.

“She slept most of the day. The pain killers they give her knock her out. I think that is the best. She’d never sleep otherwise. I think she has a hard time believing she’s safe here.” Liz told him.

“I think it’s best if you stayed out of there for a while. She’s terrified of men. Jim came by earlier and she shook so bad I thought she was going to lose the little bit of broth I could get in her. It took a lot out of her yesterday to let you carry her in.”

“I brought her something.” Max opened his briefcase. A doll with its head coming off on one side, in a lavender dress lay on top. It matched the one Hannah had on her bed perfectly. “They found this at the house they figured she’d want it.”

“Yes, she would. I should fix the head.” Liz took it gently in her hands. It was a lot dirtier than Hannah’s. “I’ll do that now. Dinner’s on the stove, simmering this will only take a second.” She went to get her sewing kit and set it out on the table. Ten minutes later the head on the doll was firmly in place. “Should I clean it?”

“No, give it to her now, and if she wants it cleaned later we’ll do it.” Liz got up to take it to her. “No, wait a minute.”

He walked to the sewing basket. “Could you put a neck collar on her like she’s getting better too?”

“That’s a good idea. Could you get me the craft sticks that are in the same closet as my sewing kit?” Liz sat down to examine the work.

Fifteen minutes later the doll was splinted and put together exactly same way Kailyn was. “Look good?” Liz held the now stiff doll up.

“Yes.” He said. “Go before dinner’s ready. Then I want you to take a nap.”

“Max.” She glared up at him. She couldn’t be mad because he understood his uneasiness about her carrying. She had miscarried a baby a year before she had Holden and she was having difficulties with this pregnancy. “I’m almost there, nothing’s going to happen.”

“Please, Liz?” Max pleaded.

“Alright.” She nodded. “I’ll just give this to her, then I’ll lay down.”

****
“Kailyn?” Liz opened the door. Hannah was sitting in the chair beside the bed talking softly to her. “Hi, Hannah bean.” Hannah was showing Kailyn Monsieur Cuddles III. The original Monsieur and Madame Cuddles had died ten years earlier and they had steadily replaced them over time.

Hi, Mom.” Hannah looked up. When she came closer she placed her hand on Liz’s belly and received a kick from her sibling. Her face split into a smile. “Hi, baby. Here Kailyn, you want to try it?” Hannah turned to her.

Kailyn usually refrained from touching people unnecessarily but her face was eager. “Yes, please.”

Hannah gently took her hand and placed it on Liz’s stomach. When Kailyn felt the kick she gave a smile.

“Say hi to the baby. Then next time he’ll kick again.” Hannah told her. “That’s what I always do.”

“Hi, baby.” She said quietly. “Do it again, please.” She whispered.

The baby answered with a kick. “See he likes you.” Liz smiled. “Max brought you something home from work.” Liz sat down on the side of the bed.

“What?” Kailyn asked. No one ever brought her anything.

“This.” Liz handed her the doll.

Her one eye widened and her face lit up for a second. “She’s getting better like me?”

“Yeah.” Liz said. Hesitantly she reached out to brush her brown hair out of her face. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

“Ok. My head hurts.”

“I’m sure it does, honey.” Liz comforted. “It’s going to hurt for a few days but in a few days you’ll start feeling better.”

“I don’t want it to hurt, Liz.”

“I know, and I don’t want you to hurt.” Liz told her sadly. “You’ll feel better soon. If you want I can have Max come and to bring you out to the couch.”

Kailyn froze and shook her head. “No.”

“That’s ok, Hannah will you stay in here with her while I go rest for a little while?”

“Yes.” Hannah nodded. “I’ll stay here, where’s the dog?”

“In the backyard, please leave her there.” Liz stood and made her way to the door. Maybe laying down was a good idea. “Tell Daddy to keep an eye on Holden, please?”

****

Liz woke up and was surprised to find it was dark outside.

She checked in on Kailyn who was asleep and continued downstairs. “Hi, Mommy!” Holden said sliding from his father’s lap.

“Hi.” She smiled at her family. Hannah was also on the couch next to them resting her head on his shoulder. “No one woke me.”

“You were tired.” Max shrugged and pulled Holden back into his lap. He didn’t like it when Liz carried him and this was the only way to make sure she didn’t.

“Did you guys eat dinner?”

“Yeah, are you hungry, you want me to get you anything?” He stood and plopped Holden into his sister’s lap. “I left a plate for you.”

“I can get it.” Liz smiled at her husband’s attentiveness. She let him dote because she knew he was still feeling bad about not being there for Hannah twelve years earlier. Had it really been twelve years?

“I’ll get it, go ahead and sit down.” He directed her to the kitchen table.

“Ouch!” The cry came from Hannah in the other room. “Holden, let go!”

Max went to retrieve him from Hannah and sat him in a chair at the table. “Stay there.” Max said sternly. He had taken to pulling Hannah’s hair, and only Hannah’s hair.

“You’re mean, Daddy.” He crossed his arms in a pout.

Liz tried not to smile. Max went about the kitchen putting things together and setting it in front of Liz sat down with her.

“How was your day at the office, were there a lot of reporters? That Taylor case is really making it big all over the state.” Liz said after taking a bite. “Do they know about Hannah yet?” Max had gotten an assignment dealing with a major television star and a custody battle. Television crews had parked their car outside of his office and awaited every detail.

“Yes. They refuse to settle it outside of court.” He said. He liked going to court once in a while. It kept things interesting. “Trial is set for Monday. And no, they don’t know about her. Yet.”

“You’ll do great.” She encouraged. “Don’t worry about Kailyn.”

Hannah decided to join them in the kitchen. “Mom, can Natalie spend the night tomorrow, please?”

“I don’t know sweetheart.” Liz answered honestly. “With Kailyn here I don’t think that would be wise.”

“Would you like some ice cream?” Max asked.

“Please?” Holden called. He was a sucker for ice cream.

“Yes, Daddy.” Hannah answered. Max set the bowls in front of both of them. He pressed the suction down on Holden’s bowl so he couldn’t chuck it somewhere.

“Please, Mom, we won’t make noise, I promise. Natalie said she could help me rehearse my lines.”

“We’ll see.” Natalie and Hannah were active in a local county chapter playhouse. Both loved acting and had decided they would go to Hollywood together. Natalie seemed to be leaning more towards wardrobe and make-up where Hannah loved acting.

She gave Liz an unhappy look. She knew what that meant. Shifting so she was cross-legged in the chair, she looked at Liz.

“Mom, can I get a bra?”

Max turned bright red and his mouth hung open. The question had startled Liz also. She looked at her daughter for a second before her mouth started moving.

“Hannah…” She didn’t know what to say.

“All the girls at Junior High will be wearing them, please Mom?” She pleaded.

She really didn’t have anything to put in a bra. “Well, Hannah you really don’t have a need for one yet.” She said carefully so she wouldn’t hurt her little girl’s feelings.

“Mom…” She whined. She didn’t want to be reminded of what she didn’t have.

“You brought this up yourself, dear.”

“Holden, let’s go do some manly things.” Max scooped him up into his arm letting out a string of giggles. Holden expertly pulled his bowl up and held it to Max.

“I do it!”

“Lovely.” Max said to himself.

“I’m eleven, it’s time, Mama.” Hannah said trying to look grown up. “I even got a real summer this year.”

The time between six and seventh grade, elementary and Junior High school, was the first summer the kids got. Elementary had year round where the junior high was traditional.

“Maybe a camisole would do. Not a bra yet, Hannah bean.”

“Oh, Mom…”

“You got your answer.” Liz finished eating and got up.

Hannah let the conversation drop. She walked to the sliding glass door and let the whimpering dog in. She plopped herself right in the middle of the kitchen. They joked that Ella had become Liz’s dog more than anyone else’s. She dutifully followed Liz everywhere and when she left she sat in front of the door eagerly awaiting her return.

Liz went upstairs to check on Kailyn and heard the persistent click of paws behind her.

****
“So is Hannah going to get a bra?” Max asked as Liz puttered around getting ready for bed.

“Maybe.” Liz sat down in a chair to brush out her hair.

“But she’s just a baby!” Max said incredulously. His baby couldn’t need a bra yet. “Why would she want to wear one, don’t little girls fight having to wear them? Isabel hated it.”

“When they start early they don’t, but when they’re starting seventh grade and facing the locker room they want to.” Liz explained. “It’s quite depressing being small when all the other girls are growing and showing off, I would know, Max.”

“But you turned out just fine; she doesn’t need to wear one yet.” Max tried to get her to have common sense.

“Max I’m thirty years old and have had and nursed two babies, soon to be three. It doesn’t count for me. She’s eleven and telling her that after she has babies she’ll grow breasts wouldn’t make her very happy.” Liz told him and climbed into bed.

“I told her she could wear a camisole. A bra would be too uncomfortable for her.”

“But, Liz!”

“Drop it, Max.” She closed her eyes.

“Liz…” He didn’t want his baby to grow up.

“Max, I’m tired.” Liz said with a small whine in her voice. She never whined but he fell for it.

“Sorry, are you feeling ok, you want water or anything?” Liz had to fight to keep the smile off her face.

“I’m fine,” she couldn’t resist smiling.

“You did that on purpose!” He realized.

“It worked didn’t it?” She said and lay against the pillow. “Go to sleep.”

He let the matter drop.
****

Three weeks Later

“Liz!” The scream pierced through Liz’s sleep. She sat up awkwardly around her bulging stomach. Her heart beat rapidly when she realized it was Kailyn.

Max was already out of bed and came around to help his wife up. “Come on.” He encouraged her.

He could see she wanted to get there faster but the baby was making it difficult. It had been several weeks since Kailyn had moved in with them and getting closer to Liz’s due date. Kailyn could now see out of both eyes and would sometimes come down and sit with the family. The bruises had mostly gone away. He could see the toll this was taking on her and wondered if he should call Amy over to help.

She stood and Max handed her the bathrobe and slippers. He knelt down and helped her slip her feet into them. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah.” She nodded.

She slipped into the bedroom. “I’m here, Kailyn.”

“Liz…” She called again.

“Kailyn, wake up.” Liz held the girl against her.

“Liz.” She sunk against her.

“You’re ok, you’re safe.” Liz cooed. Kailyn shifted and she let out another whimper when she hit her hurt wrist.

“He came again.” Kailyn whispered.

“He won’t come here.” Liz promised. “He can’t, Max and I won’t let him.”

They didn’t understand, Kailyn thought to herself. He would come if he felt like it. No one could stop him. That’s why her mother had died. Camilla had kept him from her and now Camilla was dead. He would come and get her; it was only a matter of time. Maybe he would come and get Max and Liz too. Maybe Hannah and Holden. The thought terrified her.

“He’ll get you too.”

“No, he won’t sweetheart.” Liz said. “Go back to sleep, honey.”

“No!” Kailyn clung to her.

“Why don’t you come to bed with me and Max?” Liz asked. She tried to fight the yawn. She couldn’t do this and it flustered her. She was thirty five weeks pregnant. The baby would come anytime now. She needed to sleep, but she wanted to help Kailyn. If only she would trust Max.

“Ok.” She said after a minute.

They had offered before but she had always refused. She didn’t want to be anywhere near any man. Not Jim, not Max, not Kyle, no males.

Liz helped her out of the bed and Kailyn leaned against her. The cast on her foot made it difficult to walk without assistance.

Max was surprised when he saw Liz and Kailyn enter the bedroom. Kailyn crawled in and Liz got in after her.

She lay there for a few minutes. Kailyn pressed herself against her side. It made Liz unbearably hot in the late July heat but Kailyn didn’t seem to notice. Max got back into the bed as well. Kailyn stiffened for a moment and then began to relax. Max sighed and both went to sleep.

****

Liz sat on the edge of the pool, her feet in the cool water. Max had dragged over a sun umbrella to shield her from the sun. Kailyn’s foot cast had come off and her feet were hanging in the water next to her.

Hannah laughed as Max tossed her easily into the water. Liz was hoping Kailyn was taking note of how tender Max was with his children. Natalie was there too and got tossed into the water as well.

“Watch.” Holden shouted from across the pool. His swimsuit was a wetsuit with a floatation device built in. He looked like a little body builder with it on.

He jumped into the pool causing a small splash. He came up proud of himself. He had just gotten the concept of holding his breath underwater.

Kailyn let out a little giggle.

“Aunt Liz!” Liz turned to see a five year old version of Isabel running to her.

“Hi, Rachel.” Liz greeted her niece. “How are you?”

“Good.” She said before running to her mother to help her into her suit.

“Hello, Liz, looking as lovely as ever.” Isabel greeted with a cranky six month old in her arms.

“Hardly lovely.” Liz glanced down at herself wondering if the baby would ever be born.

“You do.” Isabel could see the strain in her eyes and noticed the way Kailyn stayed glued to Liz’s side. Kailyn’s eyes followed Isabel wearily as she sat down on the other side of her. She let the baby’s feet splash in the water and he laughed happily. “How much longer?”

“Any day. Seems to be taking his sweet time.” Liz rubbed her belly. Max swam over and tugged on Liz’s foot. Kailyn pulled her feet up and sat cross-legged on the towel. Max smiled kindly at her and looked at Liz.

“I tell him to come because we’re anxious to meet him, but he doesn’t listen, Is. I’m pretty sure if his Aunt Isabel tried he’d listen.” Max said. “I learned early enough to obey your every command.”

“Oh, be quiet, Max.” Isabel splashed water at him.

He laughed and splashed back.

****

Liz had gone into labor that night and went to the hospital in the middle of the night. Hannah had called her Grandma Amy and she came to the hospital to watch them.

Kailyn was anxious and wouldn’t stop moving. She knew hospitals meant something bad. You only came to the hospital when something bad was happening to you.

“What are you doing?” Kailyn looked over Hannah’s shoulder. She clutched her doll to her protectively.

“I’m drawing this for the new baby.” Hannah explained. “You want to help.”

She nodded. She drew a heart and then signed her name haphazardly. “There.”

“Very nice, Kailyn.” Hannah complimented.

“Thank you.” She looked up when Max walked into the waiting room. It had been such a long time. Grandma Amy had brought them breakfast and then later Grandpa Jim had brought lunch.

There were other people here now. She was getting nervous and crowded closer to Hannah. Someone Hannah addressed as Grandma Diane was there. Kailyn hadn’t seen her before but she seemed nice enough.

“Daddy!” Hannah hopped down and ran to her father. Holden followed suit.

“You have a new brother.” Max beamed down at his children.

“What’s his name?” Everyone was crowded around him. Kailyn sat in the chair and drew her legs up. Where was Liz?

“Caleb.” Max said proudly. “Caleb James Evans.”

They smiled at the proud father.

“Would you like to come meet him now?” Max picked Holden up in his arms.

“Yes!” They chimed in unison. Holden was anxious to see what this thing was.

“Mommy too?” Holden asked.

“Yes. We’re going to see Mommy.” Max nodded.

Kailyn stayed where she was. Liz was in there. Max looked happy enough and so did Hannah.

“Come on, Kailyn.” Max held his hand out to her. Everyone turned to look at her. “Liz wants to see you too.”

“Liz?” She stood hesitantly.

“Yeah, we’re going to go see her, come on.” Amy, Jim, and Diane were going to let the family meet their brother first.

She walked towards him slowly. She swallowed and slipped her hand into his. It was big and warm. She fought the impulse to pull away. She pulled her hand away and he let it slip from his. She felt cold and put it back. She squeezed gently and looked up at him. He squeezed just as gently back and smiled down at her. She smiled a little back at him. He wouldn’t hurt her. It suddenly filled her with joy. He was like Liz only a man. He led them back to the room, Kailyn’s hand safely tucked in his.

****

“Mama!” Hannah ran into the room.

Liz turned her face from her newest child to her oldest. “Hi, Hannah bean.”

Kailyn slid her hand from Max’s and walked next to Liz as well.

“Hi, Kailyn.” Liz rubbed her hair, she had seen her holding Max’s hand. “I missed you all.”

“Can I see the baby?” Hannah asked.

“Yes,” Liz held him up, she was exhausted. This was their last one. The doctor had told them it had to be.

“He’s so cute.” Hannah cooed. “Look, Kailyn.”

“I look, please?” Holden asked. Max held him up and looked at his wife. His eyes ran over her body for just one more check. She was tired and Amy had told him she would take the kids home with them for the night, so Max could stay longer.

“You like your new brother?” Max asked.

Hannah nodded. Holden just stared. Kailyn wasn’t sure the question was directed at her. He was just so…so…pink, and squishy. She could feel the love radiating off of Liz though. She looked up at Liz and felt the force of that love directed at her for the first time. “How about you, baby, do you like your new brother?”

“Me?” Kailyn asked.

“Yes.” Liz nodded.

She looked at the baby again. She loved him. It was a warm feeling inside her chest. She knew that’s what it was. She remembered Max and Liz saying it to each other and Hannah and Holden all the time. She had never expressed that emotion out loud before.

“I like him.” She nodded smiling. She was included in this family, and that warmth surrounded her, she was safe.

There was a knock on the door and Amy entered. “How are all of you?”

“Good.” Kailyn was still staring amazed at the baby.

“Let’s get a picture of the new family.” Amy said.

They crowded in close around the bed. Surprisingly Kailyn discovered she didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. She slid her hand into Max’s again. She felt like nothing could hurt her when she held his hand. He squeezed. She stood against the bed and Hannah pressed close behind her. Max was holding a squirming Holden to her other side. Amy smiled and took the picture.

“Perfect.”

****

“Are you sure Kailyn Hamilton is your daughter?” Officer Benson asked the man before him. The man they had picked up as the murderer of Camilla Hamilton.

“Yes.” He said. “I think I would know my own daughter.”

“You know we have you booked for murder, you’re not going to have anything to do with your daughter, if she is indeed your daughter.”

“There’s no way to prove it was me.”

“Kailyn was a witness.”

“Kailyn is an eight-year-old brat who will keep her mouth closed. She’s too scared to say anything, just like her mother.” The man said coldly.

“Don’t be too sure. She’s in a warm and loving home now, she’s not the same Kailyn we picked up two months ago.”

“How charming.” He said menacingly. He was going to get that little girl. She belonged with her dear old dad.

“Trial is set for the fourth of September. I advise you not to go against the Evans family. It can just be a trial for murder or you can turn it into a custody battle as well.” He said.

“A child belongs with its own blood.”

“Alright, you asked for it.”




TBC

I’m really not happy with this part, but it will have to do. I was going to post this Saturday to give me two more days to come up with more, but it’s not going to happen. So here’s the part. This part does deal with Kailyn’s previous life, just a little warning. Here you are!

Chapter 38

“Max, she has to testify.” His lawyer told him. “It’s the only way.”

“No.”

“Yes, Max, that man is going to get off Scot-free and he’ll get custody of that girl. There would be no reason why he shouldn’t. Who knows what would happen to her then?”

Max looked down frustrated. He, his father, and his best friend were lawyers. His wife was a social worker, you’d think they could work the system a bit, but this man could still walk if his little girl didn’t go through the nightmare all over again.

“I don’t want her in that courtroom with him.” Max shook his head. “We’ll do it by closed circuit television to the courtroom. He scares her, she still has nightmares. That’s the only way I’ll allow it.”

“Fine, I’ll see what I can arrange with the judge. They usually allow that for minors testifying.”

“Thank you.” Max stood. The lawyer left his office.

A few hours later Max picked up the phone. “Evans.”

“We’re on, Max.” They lawyer told him. “We’ll see you and Miss Hamilton on Thursday.”

“Wait, I have to tell Liz, that’s not enough time.”

“It’ll have to be.”

“Alright.”

****
“Kailyn, are you all right?” Liz asked as they stepped from the car. Kailyn’s hand gripped Liz’s tight.

“Yeah.” She nodded. “I think.” Her face was pale and she trembled as she walked. Her new dress went down just below her knees. She wore white sandals and her long mass of brown hair was down. Liz had taken her shopping yesterday to pick out her dress along with other clothes. She had never gotten so much before. But Liz had insisted since she was outgrowing Hannah’s clothes too quickly. When Kailyn thought back on it, she couldn’t ever remember having any new clothes.

Max and Liz flanked Kailyn’s side as they entered a side chamber of the courtroom. The door to the courtroom was open and they were just beginning to question a witness.

“Alright, Miss Hamilton, sit right here.” A man said.

Kailyn shied away from him and hooked her arm around Max. Kailyn was trembling so hard it made Max’s heart ache.

“I don’t want to do this.” She whispered. “I want to go home.”

“I know, you have to do this, sweetheart. So that he’ll go away and we can adopt you.”

A single tear made its way down her cheek as she nodded. She climbed into the chair. “Liz.” She held her hand to Liz.

Liz stood to the other side. Someone moved and Kailyn had a full view of the courtroom and she saw him. “No, no, no, I don’t want to.” She shook her head. “He’s going to come and get me.”

“Kailyn calm down.” Liz said. “He’s not coming, he has to stay there.”

Max cursed and had somebody close the door.

“He’s going to come!” She said and flung herself into Max’s arms. “Don’t let him come.”

“He won’t, and I won’t let him.” Max comforted. “Be a good girl and sit there, Kailyn. Please, then he’ll go away and he won’t ever come to get you, I promise.”

A promise meant nothing, Kailyn knew, but a promise from Max meant everything.

She nodded and sat back in the chair. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.” Both Max and Liz answered.

They waited patiently for Kailyn’s turn. Then the cameras were on.

****

“Our next witness, your honor, is Kailyn Hamilton, who was in the house at the time of the murder.” The lawyer proceeded to tell them about her injuries and then it was all Kailyn.

“Kailyn, can you hear me?” The lawyer spoke into the microphone.

“Yes.” She answered as her face appeared on the TV screen facing the jury and one facing the judge.

“I’m just going to ask some questions, answer as best you can, ok?”

“Yes.” She nodded again. She squeezed Max’s hand again and felt safe. He couldn’t get her here, Max had promised.

“How old are you, Kailyn?”

“Eight.” She said steadily.

“When did you turn eight?”

“On June 24.”

“Did you have a party?”

“No.”

“Why not.”

She paused for a second. “Camilla said little girls like me don’t deserve birthday parties.” She said quietly.

“And who is Camilla?”

“My…my…my other mom.” She said looking at Liz.

“You have two Moms?”

“Yes.” She nodded.

“Who?”

“Liz.”

“And?”

“Camilla.”

“Do you have two Dads?”

“No, just Max.” She shook her head.

“I’m going to show you some pictures, ok? I want you to tell me who the people are, Ok?”

The first one was of Camilla Hamilton. “That’s Camilla.” The picture showed to Kailyn on a tiny monitor as well as to the courtroom.

“That’s where I lived with Camilla.” She said when the next one came.

The next one came. “That’s Grandma Amy and Grandpa Jim.”

Then the next one. A picture of the Evans’ home. “That’s my house.” She said.

The next one was a picture of them at the hospital when Caleb had been born. “Tell me who everyone in the picture is as I point.”

“Ok.” She said. This was easy.

“When was the picture taken, do you know?”

“When my bro—when Caleb was born.” She stuttered. She had come to think of the Evans as her family. She wondered what Max and Liz would think of her thinking of them that way.

She paused as he pointed to Liz. After a moment she answered. “That’s Mommy.” Liz startled but squeezed Kailyn's hand. Her stomach flipped happily.

Then to Max. “Daddy.”

Then to Hannah, Holden, and finally Caleb. “That’s my sister Hannah, and my brothers Holden and Caleb.” She leaned forward and said it with a smile on her face and confidence in her voice.

“Do you love your brothers and sister?” She hesitated. She had expressed herself to Max and Liz never to anyone else. She knew she did she just didn’t want to tell these people, what was it to them?

She hesitated. “Come on, Kailyn.” Liz comforted.

“Kailyn?” The lawyer said kindly.

She nodded quickly. “Yes.” That was all they were going to get from her. She looked at Liz who gave her an encouraging smile.

The next picture came up. Kailyn froze, and fear clouded her features. She closed off, they both saw it. Liz flicked a look at the screen and her heart jumped to her throat. They had been doing so well, why did they have to do this now?

“I don’t want to do this anymore.” Kailyn shook her head. “I want to go home.” She said quietly.

There was a flurry of movement in the room. They couldn’t hear anything but a series of murmurs in the courtroom. The microphone was still on. “I don’t want to do this, Daddy.”

No one could hear Max’s reply, only a series of murmurs.

“No.” She said. “He’s going to come get me. Just like he got Camilla.”

“Kailyn, just answer a few more questions.” Liz comforted. “Max and I will stay right here.”

Liz kissed Kailyn's temple and held her hands tight. "I'll be here, and Max will be here, sweetheart, don't be scared."

Taking Liz’s hands in her own, Kailyn folded them over her lap and held on tight.

“Who is that?” The lawyer said again when everything was settled. The fear was apparent on her face.

“That’s him.” Kailyn said. She looked at Max. He promised he would protect her.

“Who’s him?” The lawyer asked.

“Frank.”

“Was Frank there that night, when Camilla died?”

“Yeah.” She nodded and her hands clenched on Liz’s. “I don’t want to do this, Mommy.” She said again, looking up at Liz. Because of their position, the courtroom could hear Liz’s response.

“You’re ok,” Liz comforted. “You’re a big girl, and we’re going to stay right here.”

“What happened that night, Kailyn can you tell me?”

She froze for a second then took a deep breath. “Yes.”

“Start at the beginning, and tell me.”

She took a deep breath, clenched her hands tighter on Liz’s and told her story.



July 15
“That’s enough, Frank, leave her alone.” The words were slurred—from behind the couch, a broken Kailyn watched. “We’ll have to take her to the hospital and you know they’ll take her again, believe it or not, she’s worth a few thousand a year.”

Kailyn’s wrist was burning like never before and she blinked back her tears. She wanted to cry out but there was no one to hear.

“Move out of the way Camilla, she’ll earn more than a few thousand a year.” His were even more slurred and he reeked of pot and who knew what else he did.

“Frank, she’s eight.” Camilla swayed on her feet.

Kailyn shrank back and fell on her wrist and cried out in pain. Tears burned her eyes as she tried to move back out and go to her room.

“Shut up, Kailyn! Does it look like I care?”

“Frank, please.”

“She’s my daughter.”

“And mine, if you haven’t forgotten. I should have reported your sorry ass years ago. You know how many times I’ve had to go to court to get her back? How many damn rehab classes and AA meetings I’ve attended?”

“Move, Camilla.” The room was starting to spin, he wanted the little girl and he would have her.

Kailyn stood up from behind the couch and felt the pain in her ankle. It looked as bad as her wrist and the pain was making her head dizzy.
He pulled out a gun, aimed it at Camilla and pulled the trigger.

“No!” Kailyn screeched. She hobbled to her side and fell down next to her.

“Get away from her!” He backhanded her and everything went black.

“I don’t remember now.” Kailyn said coming back to the present. Her face was pale and Liz looked down at her hand as she released it. Five perfect little moon shapes were imprinted in her hand. “I just remember Liz and Max coming.”

“Ok, very good Kailyn. You did a good job.” The lawyer said. “We’re all done.”

Kailyn took the microphone off and turned her face into Liz. “You did good, baby.” Liz stood.

Kailyn started crying and hugged her. “I want to go home now.” Max bent and picked her up. She wrapped her legs tightly around him and buried her face into his neck.

“Alright, we’ll go home now, sweetheart. It’s time.” Max hugged her tight, loving that he came to her for comfort. It was the first hug she had given him.

TBC