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Posting and running tonight everyone but thanks so much everyone, hope you enjoy the new part

Part 32

Maria smiled as she looked over at Michael across the table they were sitting at.

So far, everything had been perfect. Michael was opening doors for her and he had even told her that she looked beautiful, something she never thought she had ever heard Michael say.

The conversation over dinner at been nice. They talked about things happening on the properties at first and then Michael had asked her about singing, and how long she had been doing it.

Liz had been right. Being herself was the right approach.

“It’s nice to see you and Max getting along,” she eventually commented.

“Yeah,” Michael shrugged.

He didn’t like to talk about his relationship with Max. He knew eventually he would talk to Max, there were things he needed to say, and to get off his chest just like Max had needed to a few months earlier but Michael wasn’t quite ready for that.

“You two work well together,” she told him then. Everyone could see the difference in Michael and the way they were doing things at Killarny since Max had come into the fold. They complimented each other.

“He’s smart,” Michael told her. “He thinks of things that I don’t. I guess I’ve been doing things the same way for too long,” he replied, what most people didn’t know, but Maria did was that Michael words were a massive compliment to Max.

“Yeah it’s like that at Parkers sometimes. Liz has all these ideas and Alex and Jeff like to things the way they know will work. I think eventually they’ll have to give her a bit more of a say in the way things are run or she’ll end up putting all that money of hers into her own property.”

“What money?” Michael asked curiously.

“Claudia Parker, Liz’s grandma left her a substantial amount of money, plus its not like Liz gets the chance to spend much of the money she earns working.”

“How come she only left Liz money? What about Alex?”

“I think she did but Alex has invested it back into Wilgul, he did some renovations on the house over there,” Maria shrugged. “Liz and Claudia were extremely close though so I think she might have left her more.”

“It’s hard when people leave you money,” Michael told her. “Dad left us all money in a trust and I have no idea what he wanted me to use it for.”

“I guess he left it for you so you could do whatever you wanted,” Maria said.

“I could put it back into Killarny,” He shrugged.

“You could but there must be something else you’ve thought about doing before,” Maria replied. “Maybe going back to school or travelling?” She suggested.

Travelling was one thing Maria wanted to do and she had been saving for it for the past five years. Soon she would have enough for her ticket to Europe and then America and enough for a few months of fun before she hoped to get work singing in small bars and clubs to make some money. It was a pipe dream but one she was looking forward to.

“Not school,” he shook his head. School was for Max and Isabel; it didn’t interest him even when he was there.

“I always wanted to learn to fly,” he shrugged then, “and there are parts of Australia and the world that I would love to see,” he added.

Maria smiled then, she had always known there was more to Michael than people saw and piece by piece, she was learning about them.

“There you go. They sounds like two really great ideas that you can spend your money on someday,” she told him.

“You’re right I guess,” he agreed. He didn’t want to end up like his father who had made Killarny his entire life and died way too young without really living.

“I hope you didn’t mind coming to the pub,” Michael said then. It had occurred to him after he had asked her out that he should have brought her somewhere nicer.

“I think this was good for our first date,” Maria replied.

“First date?” Michael asked.

“Yeah first date,” Maria replied, “because by the time tonight is over your definetely going to want to take me out again,” she grinned and despite himself Michael smiled too.

***

“Are you looking forward to next weekend?” Alex asked Isabel.

“Yeah,” she smiled but Alex could tell that something was wrong because it wasn’t reaching her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“I’m just a little disappointed that Max will be arriving back here when we’re on our way to the city,” she shrugged. “It would just be nice to spend our birthday together.”

Being separated for most of their lives meant that they didn’t always spend birthdays and holidays together although Dianne always tried to make sure the twins were together for their birthdays.

“I know but I’m sure next year you’ll arrange it, and maybe your mum could come down for Christmas this year?” He suggested.

“You’re right” she smiled. “And I am looking forward for the great weekend you have planned,” she told him.

“Good because so am I,” Alex replied before he kissed her.

***

Max smiled as his mother held open the front door for him.

“Hey ma,” he greeted her.

It had been a long drive home and it was nice to finally be there.

“Hey,” she replied and hugged him tightly.

“How was the trip?” She asked as they walked into the house.

“Long,” he smiled.

“I have a plate being kept warm in the oven for you,” she informed him knowing he would be hungry.

“Great,” Max grinned, “I’m starved.”

Dianne got the dish ready for him while Max wiped his hands and sat across and talked with him while he ate.

“I should apologise for Tess,” she said. “I shouldn’t have told her, or given her the address to Killarny.”

Max looked up at her then, he had been very angry with her when he had found out where Tess had gotten all her information, but mostly because she hadn’t called to warn him.

“You’re right you shouldn’t have,” he told her. “I would have told her, and you should have given me the opportunity too.”

“I know, I just assumed you would have called her straight after me, you’ve always been so close,” she pointed out.

“Tess is and always will be one of my best friends but I knew how she would react to this news which was one of the reasons why I didn’t tell her straight away.”

Dianne nodded. “You could have really stuffed things up for me Ma,” he told her then. “She showed up on her high horse and was really mean to Liz; thankfully I made her see some sense and hopefully her and Liz can be friends.”

“She has feelings for you,” Dianne pointed out.

“I know but I love Liz,” Max told her.

“I know its silly but I guess deep down I thought if she showed up and told you how she felt you might have decided to stay here.”

“I thought you were okay with me moving back to Killarny?”

“I’m just going to miss you sweetie that’s all.”

“I’ll miss you too,” he told her. “But this is something I have to do.”

“You’re really serious about Liz aren’t you?” She asked.

She knew her son and he never did things half way.

“I’m going to marry her someday,” he smiled at her.

“And she feels the same way?” She asked.

“Yeah I think she does,” he told her.

“Well then I’m happy for you and eventually Tess will be as well,” Dianne told him,

“Thanks Ma,” Max said reaching and pulling her into a hug.

***

After they finished dinner, Maria and Michael went into the main pub area. It was fairly busy being a Friday night but they managed to score the pool table for a few games.

By the time they were finished playing the DJ had started and the lights had been dimmed for music.

Maria looked to Michael then, “Did you maybe want to dance?” She asked.

Michael scratched his head, “Um, I’m not really good with the fast songs,” he told her.

“That’s ok,” she smiled which surprised Michael. “We can just wait for a slow one,” she added.

Michael gulped. “I’ll just go get us another drink,” he said.

Maria nodded and chuckled when he walked away, she could tell he was scared shitless but she really wanted to dace with him.

Michel brought them both back a drink and they stood quietly and watched the things happening around them, but mostly the people dancing. That was when a want to dance slow song came on and Maria looked up at Michael hopefully.

Michael sighed, he really didn’t want to dance but he was determined to make this a good date for Maria.

“Wanna dance?” He asked.

“I’d love to,” she replied.

Hesitantly Michael took her small hand in his much larger one and led her to the middle of the dance floor.

Welcome to the planet
Welcome to existence
Everyone's here
Everyone's here
Everybody's watching you now
Everybody waits for you now
What happens next?
What happens next?

They moved together slowly at first until Maria finally worked up the courage to wrap her arms around Michael’s neck, and moved her body closer to his.

I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened before

“I love this song,” she whispered.

“Yeah,” Michael agreed.

Welcome to the fallout
Welcome to resistance
The tension is here
The tension is here
Between who you are and who you could be
Between how it is and how it should be

Maria rested her against Michael chest as she listed to the music as she continued to sway. This moment was absolutely perfect; she had never dreamed that she would be in Michael’s arms dancing during this date.

I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened

Maybe redemption has stories to tell
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here

“Michael?” Maria pulled back and looked up.

“Yeah?” He whispered.

“I’m having a really great time,” she smiled at him.

“Me too,” He smiled back.

I dare you to move
I dare you to move
I dare you to lift yourself
Lift yourself up off the floor
I dare you to move
I dare you to move
Like today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened
Today never happened before [/i]

***

“Hello?” Liz answered her phone on the second ring. She had been waiting for Max to call.

“Hey beautiful,” his husky voice greeted her.

“Hi yourself.” She smiled, “How was the trip?”

“Long,” he admitted, “but I’m here and I just wanted to call and tell you I made it safe, that Tess is most definitely home,” he chuckled, “and that I’m already missing you like crazy.”

“Me too,” she agreed as she rolled onto her side and hugged her pillow.

“Liz?”

“Yeah?” she asked.

“When I come back do you maybe thing you might want to live with me?” He asked.

Liz eyes widened. “Are you kidding?” She asked shocked.

Max had been thinking about it for weeks and now that they were apart, even only for a few hours, he knew it was something he definitely wanted.

“I’m deadly serious,” he told her. “I know its quick but I know what I want and need, and I know that’s you.”

“Then yes,” she grinned.

“Yes?” He asked.

“I need you too Max Evans,” she whispered.

On his end, Max was grinning like a fool. “God I love you.”

“The feeling is mutual Mr Evans,” Liz smiled contently.

Dare you to move by Switchfoot

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Part 33

“So I had a great time,” Maria said as Michael pulled up his Ute out the front of the small house that her and her mother lived in on Parkers. They had lived there as long as Maria could remember, although over the years Maria spent most of her time in the main house with Liz.

“Me too,” Michael agreed. “Would you like to do it again sometime?” He asked then.

“I’d love to,” Maria smiled.

Michael got out of his side of the vehicle then and went around opening the door for Maria. He offered her his hand, which she took, and when she was out of the car he didn’t let it go.

Maria knew that she was most likely grinning like a fool but she couldn’t help it. Michael Evans was holding her hand. She wondered then if he would kiss her goodnight.

“Well this is me,” Maria said as they got the porch leading to the front door. She noticed that her mother had left the light on.

“Ok,” Michael replied.

“So I’ll see you later,” Maria said holding back hoping Michael would make the first move.

“Yeah, and I’ll call you,” he told her quietly as his hand slipped into his pockets in nervousness. Michael wasn’t suited to doing the whole dating thing, the girls he normally went out with, he didn’t take home, he went inside with them or they got a room at the pub. Maria was different though.

Realising then that Michael wasn’t going to kiss her Maria stepped forward, rose to her tippy toes and kissed his cheeks.

“Good night Michael,” she whispered as she pulled back.

Michael reached up and touched his cheek where Maria had kissed him. She had turned and taken a step towards the door so he reached out and grasped her arms gently and drew her back to him.

Maria watched in excitement as Michael lowered his head towards her, and then his lips were upon hers. Maria was surprised at how gently they felt as they caressed hers slowly. The kiss was brief and when it was over Maria licked her lips.

“Night Maria,” Michael whispered before he stepped back and began to walk backwards to the car.

Maria didn’t try to hide her grin any longer, and she waited until Michael was back at his car before she whirled around and headed inside. Once there she leaned against the closed door and punched the air in lieu of squealing.

In his car, Michael was also smiling.

***

“Are you sure you packed enough stuff Iz?” Michael asked sarcastically as he helped Alex carry the second of Isabel’s large suitcases to his car. “I mean you might have forgotten something and there’s no way they have shops where you can buy things in Melbourne,” he said.

Isabel rolled her eyes.

Alex laughed but one look at the glare on Isabel’s face he quickly stopped

“It never hurts to be prepared Michael,” Isabel told him.

“Anyone would think you’re moving there,” he bantered back.

With a grunt, Michael and Alex put the suitcases into back tray of Alex’s Ute. It was times like this he wished he had asked his parents for their car.

“That’s it,” Alex said, “you ready to hit the road?” He asked Isabel.

“Yes,” she grinned. She was excited about the weekend away, not only because it was her birthday but because she would get to see her mother, and meet the new man in her life.

Max was meeting Jim the night before but Isabel hadn’t heard a word from her brother yet.

“Well have fun guys,” Michael told them. “Take it easy on the roads and give someone a call to let us know you made it ok,” he instructed in an older brother type of way.

Isabel rolled her eyes at her brother but smiled none the less. “See you Monday,” she told him reaching up to give him a hug.

Michael nodded.

“Bye Michael,” Alex waved after helping Isabel into the car and getting in the other side.

Isabel and Alex were only half way down the road out of Gungahlin when Isabel’s cell rang. She smiled and answered quickly when she realised it was Max.

“Hey,” she said.

“Hey yourself,” he replied, “you on the road yet?”

“Just,” she replied. “So how did it go last night? What’s he like?” She quickly asked.

Max contemplated the answer as he thought back on dinner the night before.

Max was nervous about meeting the man his mother was dating. What if he didn’t like him? How would he tell his mother that?

He was meeting his mother and Jim at a small Italian restaurant on the same street as the café, and he was careful to be a few minutes late so that they would be there before him and he wouldn’t end up waiting.

The first thing he noticed as he approached the table was the smile on his mothers face as she sat and talked to a man with blondish hair. He had a blue dress shirt and pants and he was holding Dianne’s hand on top of the table.

“Oh Max there you are,” Dianne greeted as she saw him.

“Hi, sorry I’m a bit late I couldn’t get a park,” he lied.

“That’s ok,” Dianne smiled. “Max I’d like you to meet my friend Jim Valenti,” she smiled.

“Hi Max,” the man grinned and held out his hand.

Max shook it but his face was one of confusion.

“Did you say Valenti?” Max asked, the name ringing a few too many bells in his brain to let pass.

“Yes son,” he nodded.

Max had to fight the urge to correct him over calling him “son” so that he didn’t upset his mother. But it was very unnerving hearing someone other than Philip refer to him as their son

“Any relation to a vet in Gungahlin?” Max asked.

A proud smile covered Jims face then. “Yeah my son Kyle,” he nodded.

Max groaned. “You’re Kyle’s father?” He asked.

“Yeah, do you know Kyle?” He asked surprised.

“You could say that, he’s the local vet we use at Killarny,” Max replied, “He’s also trying to steel my girlfriend,” he added for good measure.

My mother’s eyes go wide.

“Liz right?” He asks.

Max nodded. It didn’t surprise Max that Jim would know all about Liz.

“Why don’t we sit down?” My mother suggests so we do.

“Your mother told me about her, I think I’ve heard Kyle mention her too,” Jim explains.

“Yeah she’s wonderful,” Max grinned as he thought about Liz.

“Must be if you’re moving back to the country,” he nodded. “Don’t worry too much about Kyle, he’ll work out soon enough that Liz is your girl and leave her alone.”

“Yeah well he better.”

“So Dianne tells me you’re leaving tomorrow,” he changed the subject.

“Yeah,” Max nodded. “Time to get back to work,” he acknowledged. Max didn’t add that he couldn’t wait another second to be back because he was missing Liz like crazy. He wanted to leave earlier today but couldn’t because he promised his mother that he would have dinner with her and Jim that night.

“What do you do Jim?” Max asked then.

“Well I’m actually a retired police officer,” he replied. “Now I work security part time.”

“That’s interesting,” Max nodded. It wasn’t what he expected to hear.

“Yeah, I was stationed out in Orange and Dubbo mostly, that’s where Kyle got his love of animals and live stock.”

“Melbourne must be a big change for you then?”

“Yeah well I moved when I retired to be a bit closer to Kyle and truthfully there wasn’t really anything there for me,” he shrugs.

“I can understand that,” Max nodded, small towns are hard to live in, same people, same single women.

The rest of the night they all talk casually about different things and when it was time to leave Dianne kissed Jim goodnight casually and decided to get a lift home with Max.

“So what did you think? Truthfully?” She asks.

Max contemplated his answer. “I think he’s really nice,” he smiled. The truth was Jim Valenti was a really nice and respectful man. Max could see why his mother liked him, and he could also see that Jim cared for his mother but Max didn’t really think that things would go anywhere much between them. Jim was a little bit younger than his mother and it was obvious his life was a lot different. But Max decided that if his mother was happy than that was enough for him. He wasn’t so sure about Isabel though.

“He is, thank you darling,” Dianne replied.

“It was fine Iz,” Max replied. “He’s a nice guy.”

“Really?” Isabel asked surprised, that was not the answer she expected from Max.

“Yeah, I think they’re just friends to tell you the truth but go easy on him because I think Mum really likes him,” Max explains.

“Ok,” Isabel agrees.

“Oh and guess what?” Max added then with a grin on his face.

“What?”

“Turns out that he’s Kyle Valenti’s dad.”

“What!” Isabel gasps.

“Yeah small world, hey?” Max chuckles.

“You can say that again.”

“Well anyway I’ve got to go but I’ll talk to you tomorrow for our birthday.”

“I’m going to miss not spending with you,” Isabel frowns.

“Me too but you’ll have a wonderful time in the city with Alex so just enjoy it ok?” Max smiled knowing exactly what Alex had planned. Tomorrow night his sister would be engaged to a wonderful guy.

“Ok, drive safely,” Isabel nodded.

“You too,” Max replied.

***
It had almost been a week since her first date with Michael and they had another one planned for that night, so Maria’s mood was at an all time high.

“You look happy,” Liz told her. “Another date with Michael?” She guessed.

“Yep,” Maria grinned.

Michael had been sweet all week. He had called her on Saturday night just to say hi and he had been dropping by through the week just to see her.

Maria was a confident person by nature but even without that she knew it was only a matter of time before Michael Evans was hers for good.

“How are you? Moon doggies gets home today right?” Maria asked then. She knew how excited Liz was about Max’s return.

“Yes,” Liz grinned unable to hide her excitement.

“You must be happy, back for good,” Maria asked.

“Yep and guess what?” Liz said then finally deciding to tell Maria about hers and Max’s plans.

“What?” Maria asked.

“He wants to move in together,” Liz grinned.

Maria’s eyes went wide. “You’re kidding?” Liz shook her head, “Isn’t that too soon?”

“I thought so too at first but the more I think about it the more I wonder what’s the point in waiting. I love him and he loves me so why shouldn’t we be together if it makes us happy?” Liz shrugged.

Maria shrugged, “I guess but where are you guys going to live?” She wondered.

“I’m not sure,” Liz shrugged, “I guess we’ll talk about it.”

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Part 34

“Are you sure you don’t mind me being here?” Liz asked Michael again. She wanted to be at Killarny when Max arrived that night, but now that she was there, alone with Michael she felt slightly awkward.

“It’s fine Liz,” Michael assured her as he walked into the living room while buttoning the last of the buttons on his dress shirt. He had on a typical blue singlet underneath.

“Second date tonight?” Liz smiled.

“Yeah,” Michael nodded and then blew out a nervous breath of air.

“It will be fine,” Liz told him. “Maria really likes you,” she added then when she could tell that Michael needed some positive reinforcement. Liz was so happy that things seemed to be working out for Maria with Michael. Maria deserved to be happy and Liz had a feeling that given the chance that Michael would be the one to do that.

“She does?” Michael asked surprised.

Liz grinned, “She does, so just be yourself and treat her right.”

“I will.”

“Where are you taking her anyway?” Liz asked curiously.

“To the new Chinese restaurant that just opened,” Michael said.

“Oh I heard that was nice,” Liz replied.

“You’ll have to make Max take you,” Michael told her.

Liz smiled at the mention of Max. He would be back for good in a matter of hours and she could hardly contain her excitement anymore.

“You must be looking forward to having Max here for good?” Michael said.

“I am,” Liz said. “For a while I wondered if things were truly going to work out but now...”

“Now everything is good,” Michael finished for her.

“Perfect,” Liz corrected.

“I’m happy for you,” Michael told her then. He knew things had been strained between them since Max had come on the scene.

“Thank you,” Liz smiled, “I’m happy for you and Maria too,” she added.

Michael nodded and then looked at his watch. “Well I better go,” he told her. “Do you need anything before I leave?”

“No, I know where everything is and it shouldn’t be too much longer until Max gets here,” Liz replied.

“Well help yourself,” Michael offered.

“Thanks again Michael,” Liz told him. “And have a good night,” she called out as he walked out the door.

***

Isabel gasped as Alex pulled the car up out the front of Hyatt Hotel.

Alex grinned already liking Isabel’s reaction. He couldn’t wait to see her face when she found out they had one of the best suites in the hotel. Alex had spared no expense for the weekend wanting it to be a moment that they would both remember for the rest of their lives.

“Alex you shouldn’t have,” she said as the concierge opened the door for her.

“Shh Bella, I wanted too,” he told her.

Isabel looked around in the grand foyer as Alex went to the desk to check in. The concierge had already whisked away their bags.

“You ready?” Alex asked wrapping an arm around her and placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Yeah,” she nodded.

That night they were meeting up with her mother and Jim for dinner.

“I would mind a lie down before dinner,” she added with a smile.

“That sounds good,” Alex grinned and wiggled his eyebrows causing Isabel to blush and giggle.

“Let’s go,” she agreed and began pulling him towards the lift.

Once inside the lift Alex hit the button for the top floor. “Alex, are we on the top floor?” Isabel asked.

Alex looked down at the key in his hand. “Looks like it,” he shrugged.

“Aren’t on the penthouses and suites on the top floor?”

Alex pretended to be confused and surprised. “I’m not sure are they?”

Isabel didn’t get the chance to comment further though before the elevator doors opened. She followed Alex out until he stopped to wait for her out the front of an open door. The concierge was already inside placing their bags down.

Isabel’s mouth fell open in shock as she walked into the room and looked around at the beautiful décor and size.

Alex watched with a grin as Isabel turned around and began jumping up and down as she squealed.

He laughed as she rushed towards him and threw herself into his arms.

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” she repeated like a mantra as she laved Alex’s face with kisses.

***

Liz jumped up from the lounge and flicked the television off when she heard the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway.

She quickly ran her hands through her long hair and then smoothed the wrinkles that had formed in her red silky robe. It was hiding a very sexy set of lingerie underneath which she hoped Max would like. For some reason she felt nervous about seeing Max and she didn’t know why, it was ridiculous.

Outside, Max sighed in relief that he was finally home. He has considered stopping off at Parkers but decided to come straight home and shower before going in search of his girlfriend.

He was surprised to find the lights in the house all off and assumed Michael must be out. The door however was open when he tried it.

Liz was waiting in Max’s bedroom when he walked in carrying handfuls of bags.

His mouth fell open as his eyes landed on Liz lying on his bed with her robe parted revealing her beautiful body with sexy red lingerie. The room was alight with candles and Max didn’t think he had ever seen Liz look more beautiful than she did right then.

“Hi,” she mouthed.

“Um wow, hi,” he replied dropping the bags at his feet.

Liz moved to her feet and crawled towards the end of the bed. “I missed you,” she whispered.

“I missed you too,” Max grinned.

Sexily, Liz pushed the open robe off her shoulders then. “Really?” She asked.

Max growled and quickly closed the distance between them, taking Liz into his arms and pushing her onto the bed. He kissed her hard and passionately until they were both breathless and when he pulled back he grinned.

“Really,” he answered her.

***

“This place is really nice,” Maria told Michael as they sat eating dinner.

“Yeah I heard a few people at the pub talking about great it was so I thought I’d give it a try,” he replied.

“I’m glad, its nice to go somewhere different where can don’t have the whole town watching us,” she added then. Maria was a simple person, she liked the pub but when she was there with Michael for their first date she couldn’t help but notice the amount of people there who knew them and were watching their every move so that they could analyse it and talk about it later.

Tonight though the restaurant was much more intimate and Maria barely recognised any of the other people occupying the tables around them.

“You’re right,” Michael agreed which was one of the reasons why he had booked there too. Too many of the women Michael had dated in the past frequented the local pub and he didn’t want Maria to feel uncomfortable if they ran into one of those.

“Thank you,” Maria grinned reaching over and squeezing Michael’s hand.

***

Isabel and Alex arrived at her mother’s house promptly at seven. They were having dinner at the house in lieu of going out. Dianne hoped that it would make Isabel a little more comfortable.

Alex had noticed Isabel’s anxiety grow the closer to dinner time it got and the entire way over in the car she had been gnawing at her fingernails and talking non stop about all the things she wanted to do the next day.

“Are you ok?” He asked as they sat in the car out the front waiting to go in.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” she admitted. Isabel wanted to be a good daughter and try to understand her mothers need for companionship but she was having a hard time getting over the fact that her mother was moving on from her father.

Alex reached over and took Isabel hand away from her mouth and into his lap. “It’s ok to be nervous and apprehensive,” he told her.

“It’s not that,” she tried to deny. “What do I do if I don’t like him?” She asked. “Or worse yet what if I realise my mum really likes him and that he’s going to be a permanent person in her life?”

“That’s a real possibility,” Alex agreed, “as for not liking him I think you should just be yourself and give him a go before worrying about whether you like him or not.”

Isabel nodded, “You’re right,” she agreed.

“We should go in,” Alex told her then. They had already been sitting there for several minutes and he was sure Dianne would have heard them pull up already and be wondering what was taking them so long.

“Ok,” Isabel agreed.

***

“Yes Max, right there…” Liz cried as Max thrust in and out of her.

It hadn’t take long for Liz to rid him off his clothes and even less for Max to remove the tiny scraps of lace that she had worn for his return.

“God Liz baby you feel so good,” Max groaned.

Max continued to thrust in and out of her until Liz’s walls contracted around him and she came with a loud cry. Max followed quickly after and then rolled to the side before pulling Liz into his arms.

“I hope we’re the only one’s here,” he chuckled then.

Liz smiled, “Yeah, Michael is out with Maria,” she said.

“So did you like your welcome home surprise?” Liz asked then.

“Oh yeah,” Max grinned. “Not sure if you’ll get to wear it again after the way I ripped it off,” he teased.

“That’s ok I have plenty more to use,” Liz giggled and Max growled as he dove in and kissed her.

They laid in silence for a while then before Liz finally spoke up.

“Were you serious?” She asked.

“About what?” He asked as he rolled to the side so he could see her face.

“About wanting to live together?” Liz asked shyly.

Max reached over and pushed a piece of hair out of Liz’s face, “Very serious,” he whispered.

Liz broke out in a bright smile then. “When?” She asked.

“Well we have to find somewhere but other than that as soon as possible,” he answered her, “Is that ok with you?” He asked.

Liz nodded, “As soon as we find the right place,” she agreed.

***

Maria was nervous as Michael pulled up out the front of the small house her mother and she lived in on Parkers. She new her mother wasn’t home so she wouldn’t have to worry about being watched while Michael walked her to the door but it also made her nervous because she wondered if Michael would kiss her, or if he would even come in.

Taking a deep breath she decided to just see how things went. So far her and Michael had only exchanged a brief kiss so there was no reason, other than her desire, to think that it would become anything more that hopefully another kiss.

“I had a great time,” Michael told her as he walked her towards the door.

“Me too,” she agreed.

Maria eyed the door and Michael then, it was still early she could invite him in for a coffee without it seeming like something more couldn’t she.

“I really like spending time with you Maria,” Michael whispered then as he stepped closer to her.

Maria smiled, “Me too,” she agreed and then before she knew it Michel was kissing her. It was one of those knee jerking kisses and if he hadn’t been gripping onto her around her waist she knew she would have fallen.

When they pulled back Michael grinned when he saw Maria’s breathless state, he had finally worked out how to shut her up.

“Would you like to come in for coffee?” She asked.

Michael hesitated knowing Amy would be inside, Maria saw his hesitation.

“Mum’s not home tonight,” she explained.

With a nod Michael accepted and followed her inside.

Hi everyone, sorry i'm posting late but i've been having some motivation problems with writing at the moment. Sorry about mistakes my beta has been away. I hope you enjoy and thank you for the feedback

Part 35

“Morning,” Liz whispered as she opened her eyes to find Max gazing down at her with a bright smile on his face.

“Morning beautiful,” Max replied as he leant down to kiss Liz good morning.

“Hmm that was nice,” Liz sighed.

“Well get used to it because soon we’ll be doing this every morning,” Max reminded her with a grin. The very idea of waking up with Liz every morning sent shivers down Max’s spine. He never honestly believed that he could love someone so unconditionally and completely as he loved the small woman in his arms. The things he felt for her amazed him every day, and the simple fact that she loved him back never ceased to amaze him.

Liz’s smile got brighter at the mention of her and Max moving in together, she knew they had a lot of logistics to work through but she couldn’t wait.

“Should we get up?” Max asked. He knew they probably should get up and do some work on their respective properties, especially since he had been away all week, but one look at Liz’s naked body barely covered by his sheets gave him other ideas.

“Not yet,” she replied coyly as she pulled the sheet down her body revealing more of herself to Max.

“You got another idea?” He whispered huskily.

“A much more productive one,” Liz grinned.

“Well we better get to work on that,” Max said as he leaned in and fused his moth with hers.

He kissed her passionately until they were both breathless and then he trailed his mouth down her sensitive neck. Liz arched into his mouth, her own hands caressing Max’s chest as he lay beside her.

Max took one of Liz’s hard nipples into his mouth, sucking on it as his hand massaged the other.

“Hmm Max,” Liz moaned.

Her hand enclosed around his engorged cock and she began to stroke him slowly.

“Fuck Liz,” Max groaned. Her hand was wreaking havoc on his usual iron control.

“I have to have you,” he groaned as he slid a finger into her slick pussy.

“Have me,” Liz pleaded.

Max grasped Liz’s hips and moved her on top of him. Liz quickly rose on her knees and sunk down on Max easily, both moaning at the pure pleasure of being joined.

They moved together like two lovers who had been making love for many years. Max raised his hips to meet every one of Liz’s downward thrusts and soon Liz was bucking up and down erratically.

“Yes baby come for me,” Max moaned.

Liz’s breasts bounced in his face tempting Max to feast on them. He laved her nipple with his tongue until he felt her walls flutter around his hardness.

“MAX!” She cried as her orgasm ripped through her.

Max continued to thrust in her until he felt his own orgasm and with a final jerk and blew his seed inside of her and welcomed her into his arms as she collapsed in exhaustion.

“God I love you,” he panted.

Liz smiled against Max’s chest which was slick with sweat. “Love you too,” she told him.

***

“Do you want to talk about last night?” Alex waited patiently for Isabel to speak as he sat across from her at breakfast.

Isabel placed her fork down quietly and met Alex’s gaze. “I’m fine,” she told him, “last night was fine,” she said.

“You keep saying that,” Alex nodded, “but it’s what you’re not saying that’s worrying me,” he told her honestly.

Dinner with Dianne and Jim last night had been polite, for lack of a better word. Alex felt awkward sitting across from Dianne and Jim trying to make polite conversation. Isabel had been quiet, only answering the questions that Jim asked her directly or replying to something her mother would say. Alex knew that she was just nervous and a little worried but it made the night a little difficult.

“What do want me to say?” Isabel asked calmly. “Jim is a nice man; I can see why mum enjoys his company.”

“He is a nice man,” Alex agreed.

“As long as he treats mum right and she’s happy then I’m ok,” she told him.

Alex sat back in his seat and studied his girlfriend. They had been together long enough for him to know when she wasn’t being completely honest and this was one of those times.

“Ok so we agree that Jim is nice and that as long as your mum is happy then you’re ok with him. But what about seeing your mum with someone other than your father, how was that?” He asked bluntly.

Isabel turned away slightly trying to fight the tears that had sprung to her eyes. “It was hard,” she whispered.

Alex reached across the table and took her hand. “He’d be really proud of the way that you’re handling this.”

“Yeah?” She asked as a single tear slid down her face.

“Yeah and you know what?”

“What?”

“I think he’d like Jim, they’d have had a beer if they’d ever met,” he smiled.

Isabel laughed knowing that Alex was right. Jim was a nice guy and her father would have been friends with him in a different time and place.

“You’re right.”

“Just be honest with your mum Bella, that’s all she wants,” he smiled.

“How do you know me so well?” She chuckled at Alex.

“Because I’m the guy who loves you with all his heart,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” Isabel replied.

***

Maria sighed as she looked over at the man sharing the other side of her bed with her. She hadn’t intended on taking Michael to bed when she had invited him inside but one thing had led to another. She wasn’t sorry she had slept with him; on the contrary, it was everything she had ever dreamed. Michael was an excellent lover and she thought he had enjoyed her as well. It was just that now it was the morning after and she didn’t know what to expect when he woke up.

“Hey,” she started, surprised to hear his gruff voice.

He rolled over and wrapped an arm around her small waist and pulled her against his naked body.

“What time is it?” He asked casually.

“Seven,” she whispered.

“Shit,” he groaned knowing he had to get up.

“Do you have to go?” She asked slightly disappointed.

“I probably should,” he sighed.

“Well I’ll make you breakfast,” she suggested and moved to get out of the bed.

“Come here first,” he objected pulling her back to him and kissing her soundly.

Maria sighed when he pulled back. That was exactly what she had needed to stop feeling the morning after awkwardness.

“Morning,” she whispered.

“Morning,” he grinned.

They hopped out of bed together then and while Michael pulled on his clothes from the night before Maria got out a pair of old jeans and a tank top.

“So breakfast?” She asked again.

“Yeah that would be great, especially coffee.”

“Eggs and coffee it is,” she smiled before walking off towards the kitchen with Michael following close behind her.

Maria had just rounded the corner into the kitchen when she stopped short.

“Your finally up, I was beginning to think you were going to sleep all day.”

“Mum!” Maria yelped.

Amy Deluca turned around to look at her daughter and a look of surprise covered her face when she saw Michael Evans standing behind her.

“What are you doing here?” Maria asked.

“Um last time I check Maria I lived here,” Amy replied. “Good morning Michael I didn’t expect you to be gracing my breakfast table this morning,” she greeted Michael.

“Ah hi Ms Deluca,” Michael nodded feeling completely mortified.

Maria turned and looked at Michael then, “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, “She wasn’t supposed to be back till this afternoon.”

“Its ok,” he smiles.

“So are you two having breakfast?” Amy asks.

“Sure,” Michael answered for both of them.

“So how are you Michael?” Amy asked as they sat eating breakfast in uncomfortable silence.

“Good thanks Ms Deluca,” he smiled.

“I think you’re old enough to call me Amy.”

“So mum what brings you home early?” Maria decides to ask. “Last time we spoke you were going to be home late today.”

“I got bored so I decided to come home,” Amy replies. “I didn’t realise I would be interrupting something,” she adds pointedly.

“Oh my God I can’t believe you just said that,” Maria blushes.

Michael coughed to cover his own embarrassment and to hold in the laugh threatening to erupt.

Instead he stood up. “Um thanks for breakfast Amy but I have to get to work,” he said.

Maria stood up and walked him to the door.

“Hope I’ll see you at my dinner table more often Michael now that you’re dating my daughter,” Amy called out.

“Oh definitely,” Michael called back.

“I’m so sorry,” Maria whispered once they’d reach the door.

“It’s ok,” Michael assured her. “But I really have to go.”

“Ok,” she smiles.

Leaning in Michael kissed her quickly before pulling back and smiling. “I’ll call you later.”

“You better,” she grins.

Maria waited until his Ute is out of sight before turning and heading back into the kitchen where she knew her mother was waiting for her. She also knew it will be hours of grilling and lectures, something she could really do without.

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Part 36

Alex felt nervous as hell as he dressed for his special night out for Isabel. He patted the pocket in his suit jacket to check again that the ring was securely inside. He startled when the phone in his pocket rang, and pulled it out.

“Hey,” he greeted his sister.

“Hey there,” Liz replied. “I just wanted to ring you and see how you were; I know you must be getting ready to leave for dinner.”

Alex chuckled, sometimes his sister knew him to well. “Yeah five minutes.”

“How are you feeling?” Liz asked. She knew he would be nervous and if she could do anything to help him then she would be happy.

“Nervous,” he confirmed.

“Understandably, when are you going to do it before or after the show?” She asked.

“Well I thought before the show but then I wasn’t sure if she’d want to go after I asked…”

“Do you really think your going to be able to sit through the show and enjoy it feeling the way you do now?” Liz asked already knowing the answer.

“No,” he sighed.

“Then there’s your answer,” Liz smiled on the other end.

“You’re right, I’ll do it between dinner and the show. I was going to walk along the river...”

“Sounds beautiful, just remember she loves you and there is no way she’s going to say no.”

“I hope so,” Alex smiled.

“Good luck,” Liz smiled.

“Thanks.”

“Call us after the show ok?”

“Ok,” he agreed.

“Love you Alex,” Liz told him. She was so proud of her brother, he was a wonderful guy and he had found the women he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, she hoped that he got everything he wanted tonight.

“I love you to Lizzie,” he told her before he flipped the phone shut and secured it back in his pocket.

With a final big breath, Alex made his way out of the bathroom and into the living room.

“You almost ready Bella?” He called out to his girlfriend who was getting dressed in the bedroom.

The door opened. “Yep,” she replied.

Alex gasped when she came into view. The red dress she wore wasn’t overly fancy but on Isabel, it looked gorgeous. She had pulled her hair back into an elegant twist and there were a few tendrils falling loosely around her face.

“You are the most beautiful women I have ever met,” he whispered as he smiled at her lovingly.

Isabel blushed as Alex approached her, “Thank you, you also look very nice,” she told him admiring his suit.

“Should we go?” She asked then as Alex simply continued to stare at her as he held her hand in his.

“Yeah,” Alex smiled lets go.

***

“Is this weird?” Maria asked Liz as they stood in Michael and Max’s kitchen preparing dinner. It had been Liz and Maria’s idea that the four of them spend the night together having dinner and watching a movie to celebrate Max’s birthday.

“A little,” Liz smiled. She never thought she would find herself doing something like this in the Killarny kitchen. “But I also think it’s nice that we can do this together. I always hoped that when the day came that we finally got boyfriends they would be friends, I just never dreamed they would be brothers.”

“I know. God remember when we used to talk about having a double wedding?” Maria giggled.

“Oh my God I know,” Liz giggled along with her.

“Could you,” laugh, “could you imagine,” laugh, “Max and Michael,” laugh, “going for that?” Liz laughed hysterically as she imagined Max and Michael’s reaction to that little titbit of information.

“Or that we wanted a Celine Dion song?” Maria added.

Liz continued to laugh until Max walked into the kitchen and cleared his throat.

“You two sound like you’re having fun,” he grinned at his girlfriend whose face was flushed.

“Um yeah,” Maria replied.

“What were you laughing about?” He wondered.

Maria and Liz shared a look before breaking out into laughter all over again.

“Okay…” Max said.

“I’m sorry Max,” Liz said, “We were just reminiscing about some of the ridiculous things we used to think up when we were younger.”

“Oh yeah?” Max asked his interested piked.

Michael chose this moment to walk into the kitchen, “What’s going on?” He asked.

“These too are having a moment,” Max responded.

“Cool. When’s dinner?” He asked.

Maria shook her head at the typical Michael response. “Five minutes,” she informed him. She and Liz had decided to make pizza and they were just waiting for it to finish cooking.

“Why don’t you go set the table?” She suggested.

Once the boys were gone, Liz looked at Maria and they both smiled. “I think we should put that double wedding on hold indefinitely, Michael is going to need a hell of a lot of work before I even consider marrying him,” Maria chuckled.

***

“Alex dinner was beautiful,” Isabel sighed as he took her hand as they walked down the step of the restaurant. They had enjoyed one of the best seafood platters that Isabel had ever had; she had always been a lover of seafood.

“So was the company,” he replied.

“Stop,” Isabel laughed, “you’re totally embarrassing me tonight I’m not used to all the compliments.”

“Well you should be because you deserve it,” Alex told her.

They walked slowly along the river towards the main tram station where they would make their way to the theatre where the Lion King was showing.

“No I don’t,” Isabel denied and looked away.

Alex stopped then, “Yes you do,” he whispered before reaching up and pushing a tendril of hair out of her face. “You are beautiful, caring, intelligent,” he smiled.

“Oh Alex, how did I get so lucky to have someone so amazing like you love me?” She whispered.

Alex grinned, “Its simple, you’re Isabel Evans.”

Isabel giggled a little then.

Alex looked around and noticed that even though there were hundreds of people all around them no one was paying any attention to them.

He realised then that this was the perfect moment and he couldn’t and didn’t want to waste another second.

Slowly he lowered himself to one knee.

“Alex what are you doing?” Isabel asked looking around nervously.

Alex just grinned as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the engagement ring.

“I’m asking you Isabel Evans if you’ll make me the happiest man in the world and agree to be my wife?” He told her.

Isabel’s eyes went wide, “Alex,” she whispered.

Alex simply waited and watched as the emotions flicked across her face. He wasn’t worried because he knew it deep down that Isabel loved him as much as he loved her and that they were meant to be.

“Marry me Bella,” he whispered again.

“Yes,” Isabel nodded. “Of course,” she cried happily.

Alex pulled the ring out of the box quickly and slit it onto Isabel’s hand.

“Oh my God Alex,” she gasped when she saw it.

“Perfect,” Alex sighed before kissing her finger.

“I love you,” Isabel told him as she helped pull him to his feet and into her arms.

“I love you too,” he whispered.

They stood in the middle of walkway kissing oblivious to all the people who were smiling at the young coupe after witnessing the event.

***

“Oh gosh I can’t believe you did that,” Maria laughed as Michael finished telling a story about some of the things he used to get up to at the rodeos he had been to over the years.

“Believe it,” Michael winked at her.

“So Max is it weird being away from your mum and Isabel for your birthday?” Maria asked.

Max had made it clear to Liz that he didn’t want to do anything big for his birthday, he was happy to just celebrate with her which is where Liz and Maria had come up with the idea to have a quite night. Max and Michael were getting on better than ever and it seemed like a good idea for them all to spend some time together.

“Yeah a little but I’m glad to be here with Liz,” he said.

“Oh aren’t you sweet,” Maria laughed when Liz leant over and kissed Max.

“I’m glad you’re here too,” she whispered.

When Liz’s and Max’s phone rang simultaneously through everyone at the table looked at the phones surprised.

“Oh my God,” Liz squealed when she looked at the caller ID and Max also broke out into a smile when he looked at his.

“Hello,” they answered simultaneously.

“That’s weird,” Michael said.

“That’s for sure.”

“Oh congratulations,” they heard Liz cry.

“Oh Iz that’s wonderful,” Max said then.

Michael and Maria looked at each other and back at Liz and Max who closed their phones at the same time.

“That was Alex,” Liz grinned.

“Isabel,” Max added.

“Ok what’s going on?” Maria asked.

“They just got engaged,” Liz grinned.

“What!!” Maria cried.

“Isn’t it wonderful?”

“Wow that’s great,” Michael grinned happy for his sister.

“Yep those two are certainly the poster children for happy ever after,” Max agreed.

“How did I not know about this?” Maria asked then.

Liz raised an eyebrow at her friend, “Maria everyone knows you can’t keep a secret,” she pointed out.

“What!” Maria said shocked.

“She’s right Blondie, you’ve got a big mouth. Good thing for you I like it,” Michael agreed with a wink.


Ok, so i hate to add one of these notes after a new part but there will be no update of LOTL next week. Not only because, yes it is Xmas, but mainly because I'm struggling with this fic at the moment so there is no knew part to post yet. I'm hoping by taking some time off from the pressure of having to post that i'll be able to get some parts written for this. Also, i'm having time off over Christmas so hopefully i'll have time to write.

However, there will be parts of We Are Family until it's finished and i will also try to post Pieces of Me too

Thanks for understanding

Just dropping this off. Thank you to everyone who nominated for me.



Favourite Lead Portrayal of Alex Whitman - Love of the Land
Favourite Supporting Portrayal of Tess Harding - Love of the Land
Favourite Alternate Portrayal of a CC - Max in Love of the Land
Favourite Unconventional/Unique Friendship - Max & Tess in Love of the Land

Also, I'm afraid i don't have an update for this fic yet. I've been busy finishing writing WAF and i am now on a bit of a roll with POM but i hope to get a part written sometime this week and will update as soon as i get it back from my beta. Thanks for your patience

Thanks everyone Sorry it too so long to get this out, but here it and i hope youlike it

Part 37

“What do you think?” Max asked Liz hopefully.

They were walking around an old farm house which was up for rent near Killarny and Parkers and Max was hoping that Liz might like this one. They had limited places to look at if they wanted to stay close to the properties and so far, everything they had looked at Liz hated.

Liz tried to hide her frown as they looked around the very run down house. The worst part about renting somewhere was that you couldn’t even fix the place up without investing a lot of money into someone else’s property which was something she wasn’t prepared to do.

“So?” Max asked again.

Liz turned and tried to smile. “DO you like it?” She asked.

Max smiled a little, “You hate it don’t you?”

“Will you be upset if I say yes?” She asked worried.

Max smiled again. “No, but I think we’re nearly out of options,” he sighed.

He wrapped his arms around Liz as they stood in the middle of the living room and he finally saw what Liz was seeing.

“This place is a shit hole,” he laughed.

“I know,” Liz agreed.

“I guess I just want to live with you so badly,” he sighed.

“Me too but not into something like this.”

“So it’s back to the drawing board?” He asked.

Liz nodded. “I’m afraid so.”

It wasn’t like either of them were in a hurry to be out of their family homes but the desire to have some privacy and to start their life together became more and more important to them as the days went by.

***

“How was the house honey?” Nancy Parker asked Liz when she saw her later.

“Another shit hole,” Liz sighed.

“Oh I’m sorry sweetie,” she smiled kindly.

“What am I going to do? There is nothing out which fits our criteria. Is it to much to ask for a simple, nice, clean home that is actually within a 20 kilometre radius to the properties?” She sighed.

Nancy sat down across from her daughter and studied her carefully.

“Well you have two options I’d say,” she started.

“Which are?” Liz asked curiously.

“You could buy one of the houses which had potential and try to find the time to do it up,” she started.

Liz frowned at that option, “And the other?”

“You could talk to you father about either building a new house somewhere on Parkers, or Wilgul,” she shrugged.

Liz’s eyes widened at her mothers suggestion.

“Are you serious? Do you think that Dad our really go for that?” She wondered.

“Well your brother has taken up the residence on Wilgul, and Amy and Maria are in the small cottage. It’s only fair that you should be able to have a place of your own here if you plan on staying here long term.”

Nancy knew that Jeff hated the idea of Liz buying neighbouring property. He wanted Parkers and Wilgul to stay with both his children, not just Alex.

Nancy stood up again then and pattered her daughter comfortingly on the shoulder. “Talk to your dad,” she said again.

***

“So Max and Liz didn’t find a place,” Maria said out of nowhere as she watched a movie with Michael at his place.

“Yeah?” He questioned.

“Yep, so you won’t have this place to yourself for a while yet,” she pointed out.

Since Isabel and Alex had gotten engaged it seemed logical that she move in with Alex over the Killarny. So Max, Michael and Alex had moved all her stuff the week before. It had made the house seem quieter and for Michael it felt like the end of an era in a way. Sure, she still came back every day for work but it wasn’t the same, and with Max potentially moving out too, Michael would soon be all alone.

“That’s cool,” he shrugged.

“You know maybe you should suggest that Liz just move in here. I know for a fact that they’re having a pretty hard time finding somewhere they like,” she continued.

“Well most of the places that aren’t occupied around here are shit holes,” Michael snorted, “and they don’t want to move into town because it’s too far to come to work every morning.”

“I know but they want to live together really badly,” Maria told him.

“I’ll think about it,” he smiled at her.

“Thank you,” she kissed his cheek.

“Max seems to be handling the work around Killarny ok,” Maria said then.

Max’s trail bike had arrived only the day before but it was making a very big difference to how quickly he could get around the farm.

“Yeah and it will be a lot easier now he doesn’t have to take the Ute,” he nodded. “But what’s with all these questions about Max?” He asked.

Maria shrugged. “I just know that the two of you haven’t always got along but I’ve noticed recently that things are better.”

“They are,” he agreed.

“I’m glad,” Maria smiled.

“Do you know what I’m glad about?” Michael whispered as he leaned in and began peppering Maria’s bare neck with kisses.

“Um, what’s that?” Maria moaned.

“That right now there is no one here, which means that we’re all alone,” he whispered.

Maria giggled then as he pressed her into the lounge, the movie playing forgotten.

***

“What ya looking at?” Alex asked as he walked into the kitchen to find Isabel reading a magazine. He leaned in, kissed her cheek, and peered at what she was looking at.

In front of Isabel was a wedding magazine.

“What do you think of a spring wedding?” She asked curiously.

Spring was six months away and Alex had no problem with when and where Isabel wanted to get married, as long as they got married.

“Sounds nice,” he told her as he took a seat at the table.

“I was thinking that if we got married on October that all the flowers in Killarny would be flowering and it would look really beautiful,” she smiled.

“So you want to get married at Killarny?” He asked.

“Yeah, I mean that’s where my parents got married so I thought it would be nice.”

“I think so too,” he smiled. Besides there weren’t many other options aside from the Country Club and pub for reception venues.

“Ok, well October it is,” she grinned.

Alex shook his head at the excitement he saw in his fiancées eyes because he knew Isabel Evans pretty well and one thing he knew about her was that she was a complete control freak when it came to planning anything.

He just hoped he made it out alive so that he could actually marry her.

***

“It’s nice,” Liz grinned as she walked circles around Max’s new bike. He had ridden over to show it too her and to try to convince her to take a ride with him.

“Hop on and I’ll show you how nice it really is,” he said and Liz burst out laughing at him.

“Am I being replaced by a bike?” She pouted.

“No of course not, but now I can take you out on my bike and have my wicked way with you,” he wiggled his eyebrows.

Liz grabbed a helmet then and got on the back after Max was already on. Soon he was ripping off through the paddocks towards their stop.

Getting off the bike they both made their way to the creek and sat on the edge, it was too low for them to dangle their feet in the water though.

“So I had an interesting conversation with my mum today,” Liz finally broke the silence.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah she said something about the possibility of us building our own house.”

Max’s eyes widened. “Where?” He asked.

“Well she said that I had to talk it over with Dad, but either Parkers or Wilgul,” Liz explained.

“Wow,” Max replied.

“I know,” Liz agreed.

“She said that it was only fair that I have my own place on one of our properties just like Alex,” she added then. Ever since her mother had said it, she couldn’t help but think she was right. When her father had bought Wilgul she had always though there might be a possibility that she would run it one day but now that Alex was living there, she thought that was out of the question. She loved Parkers though, it was her home and if she had to pick between the two properties she would pick Parkers every time. Sometimes she didn’t think Alex had the same passion she did. He was happy at Wilgul because he could make it his own space. He could do things over there without having to consult with their father about everything.

“Could we afford that?” Max voiced then. He had the money that his father had left him but he figured he’d keep that in the bank in case he needed it for Killarny one day.

“Well I have savings…” Liz trailed off.

“Me too,” Max agreed.

“You don’t have to do this with me if you didn’t want too,” Liz said then picking up the vibe that Max wasn’t that keen on the idea. But the more she thought about it the more Liz loved it.

“It’s not that,” Max quickly assured her. “Its just I worry what I’ll do if I use my savings if something happens at Killarny,” he admitted.

“I thought Killarny was doing better?” Liz frowned. She knew that things hadn’t been good for a while but since Max had gotten involved things were starting to look up.

“They are but…”

“Look its ok. I have enough to do this myself, I’m sure the bank would give me a loan with the capital I have,” she told him.

Max looked away then as he thought the situation over. The truth was he loved the idea of having a place with Liz that was theirs. He wanted to put foundations down with her.

“How much do you have?” He asked then.

“I figured I’d put up fifty,” she shrugged.

“I have fifty,” Max told her. “So that’s a hundred, we probably wouldn’t have to borrow too much,” he smiled.

“So you want to do this?” Liz asked a hopeful smile on her face.

“Yeah,” he nodded. “But before we get ahead of ourselves why don’t you talk to your dad first,” he suggested.

“Ok,” Liz agreed.

***

“Hey honey,” Jeff smiled when he looked up from his office and saw Liz standing in the doorway.

“Hey daddy,” Liz replied and walked further into the room.

“What’s up?” He asked.

“I wanted to talk to you about something that Mum said,” she explained.

Jeff nodded and waited for her to continue.

“She said that it might be possible for Max and me to build our own place on either Parkers or Wilgul,” she said hesitantly.

Jeff smiled at his daughter.

“You and Max are really that serious?” He asked. Was it possible he would be loosing his daughter so soon after loosing his son?

“Yeah,” Liz grinned.

“Well then I think its definetely something that we can look into,” he smiled.

“On Parkers?” Liz asked then hopeful.

“On Parkers,” he agreed. One thing Jeff Parker new about his daughter was that Parkers was where her heart was and he would never deny her that.

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Part 38

Six Months Later

“Its really starting to look like a home isn’t it?” Liz smiled as her and Max walked around their house.

They were building Liz’s dream house, and you’ll never guess where they were building it? Right near the very stream that Liz and Max had shared their first kiss and nearly every significant moment in their relationship.

“I can’t wait till it’s finished,” Max smiled.

They had a lot of work ahead of them. Getting the house built was only the first step, then they had to get power run up to the house and a million other things.

Max looked at his watch then and sighed.

“I’m sorry sweetie but I have to go. I promised Isabel I’d help Michael and Alex with the work she wants done to the garden before the wedding.”

Liz grinned. The infamous wedding. Liz had no idea how Isabel was managing it but she was turning her wedding into the event of the decade in Gungahlin. Everything had to be perfect and over the top, and as a bridesmaid and trying to build a house Liz was finding it completely overwhelming.

“What’s on the agenda today, new turf?” Liz asked.

Max snorted. “Michael put his foot down at that one, said there was no way we were wasting money when the grass was already great.”

“So what did she decide, roses?” Liz asked as they began to walk back towards Max’s bike.

“No some bushy thing that looks similar to roses, etc,” Max shrugged.

“Well it will all be over in a couple of weeks and then after that everything can go back to normal,” Liz sympathised. Max was so tired most of the time from simple daily chores and now he was spending the weekend working his ass off in the garden too.

“Yeah whatever normal is,” Max smiled.

They rode back to main house and Max dropped Liz off with a kiss before heading off towards Killarny.

***

“It looks good,” Maria commented as her and Liz walked the gardens of Killarny.

“It always was beautiful out here,” Liz smiled.

“So the red carpet will run from the French doors all the way to the arch way which will be here,” Isabel explained to the girls.

“You’ll come out first Maria, then you Liz,” she continued.

Both the girls nodded.

“Your dresses arrived yesterday,” Isabel said and both girls’ heads snapped towards them. Since the selection was so limited, the girls had flinched through some magazines to pick some dresses out and then Isabel had her mother order them in Melbourne. The problem with that was the girls actually had no idea what colour or style that Isabel had finally decided on.

“You both have silver shoes right?” she checked.

They both nodded.

“Can we see them?” Maria asked then.

“Sure,” Isabel grinned.

She took them inside the house then, pulled two dress bags from the closet, and laid them out on her bed.

“Ok this one’s yours Liz,” she said and unzipped the bag.

Liz gasped when the bag fell away and revealed the gorgeous fuchsia pink dress. “Isabel it’s gorgeous,” she said. The dress fell off one shoulder, dipped extremely low down her back and was a shimmering chiffon material which would fall to Liz’s shins.

“I know we didn’t really decide on which dresses but I just thought that one would be perfect on you,” she smiled happy that Liz liked the dress.

“My turn,” Maria said and quickly unzipped her dress bag.

“Wow,” she murmured. The dress Isabel had picked for her was a lighter shade of pink but together with Liz’s they looked beautiful. Maria’s dress was held up by the tiniest spaghetti straps, it dipped low at the front and it was made from the same material that Liz’s dress was.

“It’s beautiful,” she told Isabel.

“Your wedding is going to be perfect Isabel,” Liz said.

Isabel felt tears come to her eyes as she nodded. Her mother would arrive in a few days, and even Tess would be coming for the big day.

“I hope so,” she said.

“Oh group hug,” Maria cried. Her and Liz both rushed in and wrapped their arms around Isabel in a tight hug.

***

“You ok?” Max asked Liz.

His mother had arrived a few days earlier to help Liz with the last minute arrangements but today both Tess and Jim were due to arrive.

Liz had met Jim briefly a few months earlier when his mother and Jim came to visit. They had all been included in a lunch that Max had found difficult with Kyle being there. Thankfully, so far, Jim didn’t seem to be anything like his son Kyle.

“I’m fine,” Liz replied.

“Are you sure because you seem anxious. Is this about Tess coming?” He asked.

Liz sighed and scrunched her nose up. “Maybe a little,” Liz knew that Max and Tess still talked regularly, and for the most part she was fine with that because she knew Max loved her and that he had no feelings for Tess but that didn’t change the fact that Tess arriving made her a little nervous.

“Sweetie why? I thought you and Tess decided to be friends…”

“We did, I guess it’s just been so long now and…”

“And your worried that I’m going to see her realise I made a mistake?” Max guessed.

“No, not a mistake,” Liz denied.

“It’s just that you have such a long history with her and you haven’t seen her in so long. I just don’t want you to ever regret leaving your life in the city for me, for this,” she told him honestly.

Max caressed Liz’s cheek gently. “I will never regret anything I do for, or with, you,” he whispered before he leaned in and kissed her softly.

When Max pulled away they both looked out the window and watched as Jim Valenti’s truck pulled into their driveway. A few seconds later both Jim and Tess climbed out and began walking towards the house.

“Come on, let’s go and say hi,” Liz smiled, her final doubts put to rest.

Wrapping his arm around Liz’s shoulder Max nodded and led them towards the door.

***

That night Dianne Evans invited everyone over to Killarny to celebrate Isabel and Alex impending nuptials and to introduce Jim to the Parkers and Amy Deluca.

Jeff Parker and Jim hit it off from word go, not that either Liz or Max were surprised, but the surprise was Kyle and Tess.

Although Kyle had definetely laid off hitting on Liz, it still didn’t stop him from making sly marks, or digs at Max at every given opportunity.

Max scowled as he watched him flirt with Tess, and as Tess lapped up the attention.

“I think they make a cute couple,” Liz commented.

“You think?” Max asked surprised, although as Liz pointed it out he could see what she meant.

Liz looked at Max then, her eyes narrowed at his tone. “Are you jealous?” She asked incredulously.

“What! NO!” Max protested quickly. “It’s just that Valenti is a snake and I don’t know if I trust him to treat Tess right.”

Liz looked at him for a minute before turning her gaze back to where Kyle was holding Tess’s drink for her as she filled a plate of food for them both.

Sure, Kyle was a self-centred, arrogant bastard at times but Liz suspected it was just a front he put up to hide his true personality, which at times she had glimpsed.

“I think that there is a side to Kyle that we are yet to see, and besides Tess is a big girl. Let’s just stay out of it, ok?” Liz suggested.

“Yeah ok,” Max agreed. Truthfully, Max knew that if he said anything to Tess about Kyle anyway, that she would get annoyed with him. Besides, Tess was only in town for a couple of days for Isabel’s wedding, how close could they get in that time anyway?

The day before the wedding, Isabel’s Wedding Shower

Liz laughed along with everyone else as Isabel opened the last of her shower gift. It was from Maria, it was the smallest piece of lingerie that Liz had ever seen, and Isabel doubted that it would cover even an inch of her assets.

“Oh my God Maria,” she squealed. She couldn’t believe that her mother had seen that, or Alex’s mother.

Maria smiled at Isabel. “I’m sure you and Alex will have fun with that on your honey moon,” she teased but Liz could tell that she was faking it. Something had been up with Maria for the past few days but they had been so busy with helping Isabel with wedding plans that Liz hadn’t gotten the chance to ask her about it.

“Looks like we’re ready for some more champagne,” Liz said.

“Maria why don’t you help me?” Liz suggested as she stood up.

“Um ok,” Maria nodded and followed Liz.

Another thing Liz had noticed was the Maria had barely touched her first glass of champagne when normally she would have drank at least two more than her.

“Ok spill,” Liz said as she opened the fridge and pulled out two more bottles of pink.

“What?” Maria replied.

“What’s up? And don’t tell me nothing because you’ve been acting strangely.”

Maria sighed, “Not now, it can wait. Tonight is about Isabel,” she shook her head.

Liz studied her for a second to be sure it was nothing serious and when she was sure it wasn’t she nodded.

“Ok but after the wedding you better tell me,” Liz warned.

“Scouts honour,” Maria grinned.

“You got kicked out of the scouts,” Liz reminded her

“Such a minor detail Liz,” Maria laughed, and her laugh put Liz at ease because she could tell that it was genuine.

***

Liz yawned as she climbed into bed. It was almost 1 and she had just finished helping her mum and Amy clean up. Everyone else had left for the night. Isabel, her mother and Tess had gone back to Killarny

She had just climbed closed her eyes when her cell phone started to ring.

She smiled when she saw it was Max.

“Hey,” she whispered.

“Hey,” he replied. “How was your night?”

“Good, how about you?”

“Good, we drank and played poker,” Max replied.

Liz smiled at the image.

“Yeah we drank champagne and played truth and dare,” she revealed.

“Sounds fun, find out anything interesting?” Max teased.

“Nope, and even if I did I wouldn’t tell you,” she replied.

“Well I just wanted to call and tell you I missed you and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

Liz grinned. “Me too,” she replied.

“Sweet dreams Liz, I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” Liz replied.

Sorry its taken so long everyone.

Thanks for your feedback, i love hearing from you all.

I hope you enjoy the new part

To all the aussies reading "Happy Australia Day" our country really rocks

Part 39

Day of the wedding

Like a freeze-dried rose, you will never be,
what you were, what you were to me in memory.
But if I listen to the dark,
you’ll embrace me like a star,
Envelope me, envelope me...
If things get real for me down here,
Promise to take me to before you went away -
If only for a day.
If things get real for me down here,
Promise to take me back to the tune
we played before you went away.

And if I listen to, the sound of white,
sometimes I hear your smile, and breathe your light.
Yeah if I listen to, the sound of white...

Isabel was a nervous as she paced around her small bedroom. She hadn’t put her dress on yet, but her hair and makeup had been done perfectly.

She looked up when there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” she replied.

Dianne Evans smiled as she walked into the room.

“Are you ready honey?” She asked. “Liz and Maria are getting some photos taken with Max and Michael,” she explained.

Isabel turned and looked out the window. She had a perfect view of the yard and she could see everything was set up exactly how she had wanted.

“I miss him,” she whispered and despite her best efforts to keep the tears, that had been threatening to fall all day, at bay, they began to fall.

“I miss him so much Mum,” she sobbed.

You're my mystery. One mystery. My mystery. One mystery.

My silence solidifies,
until that hollow void erases you,
Erases you so I can't feel at all.
But if I never fell again, at least that nothingness
Will end the painful dream, of you and me...
If things get real for me down here, promise to take me to
Before you went away, if only for a day.
If things get real for me down here, promise to take me back to
the tune we played before you went away.

And if I listen to, the sound of white
Sometimes I hear your smile, and breath your light.
Yeah if I listen to, the sound of white
Sometimes I hear your smile, and breathe your light.
And if I listen to, the sound of white.


“Oh Isabel,” she cried and immediately took her sobbing daughter into her arms and did her best to comfort her.

“I have no doubt that even though you can’t see him that your father is watching you and he’s smiling baby, he’s smiling because he’s so proud of you and the woman you are. You’ve been so strong Isabel, so strong but now is your time to be happy.”

Isabel nodded. “I know. I just wish he were here. He was supposed to be here to walk me down the aisle.”

“I know honey, I know,” Dianne replied. She didn’t know what to say to make her daughter to feel better; she guessed there weren’t words.

I knelt before some strangers face,
I'd never have the courage or belief to trust this place,
But I dropped my head, 'cos it felt like lead,
And I'm sure I felt your fingers through my hair...

And if I listen to, the sound of white sometimes
I hear your smile, and breathe your light.
Yeah if I listen to, the sound of white.
The sound of white,
The sound of white,
The sound of white.

Isabel moved to the mirror then. “Oh I’ve ruined my makeup,” she sighed.

“Sit down and lets fix it,” Dianne smiled.

Ten minutes later when Liz and Maria arrived to help her into her wedding dress Isabel’s face was clear of tears and fresh.

“You girls look beautiful,” she smiled as they walked in.

“So will you,” Maria replied.

They helped her step into the soft satin dress and pull it up her body. Once the spaghetti straps were over her shoulders Liz gently zipped it up.

“Oh Isabel you look stunning,” Dianne gasped.

The white satin dress hugged her curves perfectly and fell to the ground in a puddle.

She held a foot out as Maria slipped the silver heels onto her foot, and then the other. The dress lifted off the floor but it still had a beautiful embroidered train at the back.

“Alex is going to die when he sees you,” Liz grinned knowing exactly how her brother was going to react.

Isabel’s dress was simple but on her it looked like a designer gown. With her hair pulled back tightly and a pink lily in her hair Isabel Evans looked radiant.

Liz and Maria’s hair was done similar but they had white lilies in their hair instead of pink.

Isabel stared at herself and smiled. Her mother was right, it was her time to be happy and she knew her dad would have been the happiest person there today if he could have been there.

“We’ll give you a few minutes to yourself,” Liz suggested then. She could tell where Isabel’s thoughts were drifting, and she didn’t blame her.

Liz led Dianne and Maria both out of the room. “I’ll go check that everything is going ok,” Dianne said wanting to feel useful.

“Ok,” Liz smiled.

“Hey, are we almost ready?” Max asked then as he approached.

He could barely take his eyes off Liz, she looked stunning.

“Almost. Why don’t you and Michael go in and see Isabel?” Liz suggested then.

If Isabel was anything like Liz she knew she would gain immeasurable comfort from seeing her brothers at that second. No one would understand the void in her heart as they would.

Max frowned a little in concern. “Is everything ok?” He asked.

“It will be,” Liz said. “Go on,” she ushered him inside and a few seconds later Michael followed.

“I’m going to go and see Alex,” Liz told Maria then, wanting to be with her own brother then.

***

“Iz?” Max called out as he opened the door.

Isabel smiled when she heard his voice.

“Wow,” Max gasped as he stepped inside allowing Michael to also enter.

“You look beautiful, stunning,” Max whispered as he moved to her side and kissed her cheek.

“Yeah he’s right Iz,” Michael smiled.

Isabel sniffled loudly then as she tried to keep the tears at bay again.

“Hey why all the tears?” Michael asked concerned.

“I just wish Dad was here to walk me down the aisle,” she admitted tearily.

“Oh Iz,” Max smiled. “Don’t doubt for a second that he isn’t. He will be there every single step of the way as you walk towards Alex,” he told her believing it with all his heart. There was no way Phillip Evans would miss seeing his baby girl getting married.

Isabel nodded then.

“Is Alex nervous?” She asked Michael then.

Michael grinned and nodded. “Yeah, I better go and check on him actually,” he said regretfully.

Michael was Alex’s best man and Max was a groomsman.

“Don’t you lose my ring Michael Evans!” Isabel called out after him.

“I won’t,” he called back.

Isabel turned to Max then with a serious expression. “Max would you do something for me?” She asked.

“Of course,” he agreed.

“Would you walk me down the aisle?” She asked with tear filled eyes.

Max’s mouth opened in shock but was soon transformed into a brilliant smile. “I’d be honoured, but what about Mum?” He asked.

“We already decided that she was going to walk down before the girls,” she said. She loved her mum but she was a traditionalist at heart and if her father couldn’t be there to give her away then she wanted her twin, the brother she shared a womb with to do it.

“Ok then,” He smiled.

Not caring about crumpling her dress Isabel pulled Max to her and hugged him tightly. “Thank you,” she breathed out.

“You’re welcome.”

Max looked at his watch then and smiled up at Isabel, “Its time,” he told her and then offered her his hand. “Shall we?”

“We shall,” she agreed.

***

Here we are,
Shooting stars,
Renting time in someone else’s space

Maria waited until Dianne Evans was standing in front of her seat before she stepped onto the red carpet for her short walk down the aisle.

Her smile brightened when she saw Alex. She couldn’t remember ever seeing her good friend so happy.

So unsure
Afraid to fall
I’m standing here
A little scared
But I don’t care

Liz waited until Maria was halfway down the aisle before she began her walk. Her eyes were glued to her brother and despite the fact it wasn’t the most ideal moment when she reached the top of the aisle she awarded him with a killer smile and one of his trademark thumbs up.

Michael cracked, his straight face facade making way for a smile and Alex shook his head at his sister.

“I love you,” she mouthed.

“You too,” he mouthed back.

‘Cos this kind of moment, is only on loan and
I wanna remember the look in your eyes
When it’s all over I want you to know I was with you when I
Had the night of my life

The sun was disappearing behind the horizon as Isabel stepped onto the red carpet on Max’s arm, and she was glowing, it wasn’t from the sunset though, it was from within and her smile didn’t falter as she got closer to

Alex who was grinning even more if possible.

So don’t let go
you never know
maybe your whole life’s about to change

Max eagerly shook Alex’s hand when he handed Isabel on.

“Look after her like she’s the most precious piece of treasure you’ve ever seen,” he whispered.

“Always,” Alex agreed.

So let’s hold on
until it’s gone
nothing’s made to last forever
who knows whether

“You look beautiful,” Alex managed to whisper out. His eyes were full of tears, he couldn’t believe he was actually about to marry his true love.

Isabel smiled, “Thank you.”

This kind of moment is only on loan
Sometimes you don’t know until it passes you by
And when it’s all over I want you to know that I was with you when I
Had the night of my life

The service began in a blur as everyone watched on and soon Alex was turning to Michael, and Isabel to Liz, to take possession of the rings.

“Isabel, take this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love for each other,” Alex proclaimed as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

“Alexander, take this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love for each other,” she repeated and slipped the ring on his waiting finger too.

Maybe this whole thing comes right down to faith,
from every choice that we think that we make
has put us right here together today

“With the power invested me I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the celebrant said happily.

“Alex you may kiss the bride.”
Everyone cheered as Alex eagerly, but gently kissed Isabel.

“Ladies and gentleman it’s my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time to Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Parker.”

This kind of moment
is only on loan and,
It won’t be too long till it leaves us behind
and when it’s all over I want you to know that I was with you when I
had the night of my life,

Taking her hand in his, Alex began the walk away from the celebrant.

The night of my life,

They stopped to kiss the Parkers and Dianne Evans on their way past.

The night of my life

The Sound of White – Missy Higgins & Night of My Life – Damien Leith

Hi everyone. Thank you for being patient, and thank you for your feedback

There is only one part left ater this one and i will post that on the weekend before i go away on holidays for 2 weeks

I hope you enjoy it

Part 40
“What a beautiful night,” Liz yawned.

It was hard to believe that her brother was married to one of her best friends, their child hood friend, but that’s exactly what had happened.

“They looked so happy,” Maria added.

Liz and Maria were both slumped into the couch after kicking of their high heels.

The last guest had finally left and now there was only those who were staying at the Killarny homestead for the night. That included Liz & Max, Michael & Maria, Tess and Dianne Evans.

Luckily, Jim had thought it would be best to stay with Kyle which was a good thing because Liz knew that neither Max nor Michael would have been happy with him staying in their father’s home.

“You seem a lot better today,” Liz commented to Maria. “Want to tell me now what’s been going on?”

Maria smiled. “False alarm,” she shrugged.

Liz looked confused for a second before her eyes widened. “You thought?”

“Yeah but I got my period this morning,” Maria replied in a whisper. For a split second when she had woken that morning with cramps in her stomach, Maria had been disappointed but it quickly turned into relief. She knew she wasn’t ready for a baby, and she definetely knew that her and Michael weren’t at that stage in their relationship either.

Liz couldn’t believe that Maria had thought she was pregnant. Sure, she knew that Maria and Michael were intimate but she thought she would be taking precautions. That was one the one thing that Amy Deluca had tried to drill into both Maria and Liz from a young age. She didn’t want Maria to end up like her, young and pregnant with a no good man.

“Aren’t you on something?” Liz asked her.

Maria rolled her eyes; “Yes mum, but I missed a couple of days,” she shrugged like it was no big deal.

“Maria you should be more careful. You know you’re not ready for kids,” Liz shook her head. She couldn’t believe that Maria was being so casual about something that was so serious.

“I know!” She exclaimed a little louder than she meant to. She didn’t need Liz telling her something that she already knew.

“Don’t you think I know that Liz. Why do you think I’ve been going crazy for the past few days?” Maria added.

“I’m sorry,” Liz apologised realising that she was wrong to lecture Maria. Maria needed her support right now.

“It’s ok. I know what you meant,” Maria sighed. “At least I didn’t have to tell Michael,” she said then.

“That’s true,” Liz smiled just thinking how that conversation would unfold.

“Could you imagine it?” Maria asked then.

“Not really,” Liz smiled. Michael with children wasn’t something she could picture in her mind. “But one thing I do know about Michael is that he puts his whole heart into something and I think he would have supported you to the end in this,” Liz told her.

“You really think so?” Maria wondered. She had been going crazy thinking about how she was going to tell him, if he would stick around or would she end up raising the baby by herself. She knew that she didn’t want that for her child.

“Yeah, and you know what? I think you should still tell him,” Liz suggested.

Maria’s eyes went wide at the thought. “Do you really think that’s a good idea?” She asked. “I mean what’s the point in scaring the crap out of him for no reason?” Deep down Maria was worried that Michael would freak out so much that he might not want to be with her anymore and she didn’t know if she’d survive that. After wanting to be with him so long and finally getting her chance, Maria had fallen hard. Michael had turned out to be every bit of the man she had thought he would and she didn’t want him going anywhere anytime soon.

Liz looked at her friend with love shining in her eyes. She knew that Maria was scared. “You and Michael need to be honest with each other if you hope to have a strong relationship. I just think that it’s important that you tell him about this, that he’d want to know. I know Max would and I wouldn’t be able to keep it from him. But the decision is yours.”

Maria didn’t get a chance to respond to Liz’s final thoughts before they were joined by Tess and Dianne who both looked as exhausted as Maria and Liz.

“I don’t know about you girls but I’m going to head to bed. I don’t think I can keep my eyes open a second longer,” Dianne told them.

“Night Dianne.”

“It was a beautiful night,” Tess commented as she took a seat across from the girls.

“Yeah it was,” Liz agreed. Since she and Tess had both put aside their differences for the sake of Max, they had begun to develop a weird sort of friendship. Maria didn’t understand it.

“You and Kyle looked cosy,” Maria brought up then.

They had been by each others side the entire wedding much to Max’s displeasure. The only reason he hadn’t been vocal about it was that he knew that both Liz and Tess would kick his ass. Liz thought they made a cute couple and that he should drop the over protective brother act he seemed to want to play with Tess, and well Tess just thought he should butt out. So he was trying.

Tess blushed at Maria’s teasing.

“Yeah he’s nice.”

“Just nice?” Maria asked. “It looked like you thought he was much more than nice when you were sucking face with him earlier.”

“Maria!” Liz squealed not able to believe her best friend had actually had the gall to say something so blunt.

“What, you were there. You saw them,” Maria replied.

Tess’s face was flaming.

Liz had definetely seen it.

“Oh my God did everyone see it?” Tess asked.

Liz nodded.

“Max?” She asked.

“Afraid so,” Maria smiled.

“What did he say?” She asked.

“Well he’s not a fan of Kyle’s,” Liz reminded her.

“I don’t get that? I mean they hardly know each other from what I can tell,” Tess responded. It was obvious Kyle didn’t like Max either and Tess hoped it was going to be a problem because she liked Kyle, a lot. He was the first guy since Max that she had feelings for.

“True but Kyle hardly helped that situation,” Liz replied.

“What did he do?”

“He kept hitting on Liz,” Maria answered bluntly and Liz shot her a death glare.

“Excuse me?” Tess asked shocked.

“It was when he first arrived,” Liz rushed to explain.

“It hasn’t happened for a while,” she added.

Tess frowned. “Oh ok.”

“He really likes you Tess,” Liz told her then.

Tess smiled again then. “You think so?” She asked hopeful.

“Definetely.”

Max and Michael walked into the room then. Their suit jackets were off and their ties loosened.

“Everyone gone?” Liz asked.

“Yeah,” Max agreed.

“Finally,” Michael chimed in sinking down into the couch next to Maria.

“What time is it anyway?” Tess asked then standing up from her seat.

“Almost 2,” Max replied fighting back yawn.

“No wonder we’re all so tired. I’m gong to bed. Goodnight everyone.”

“Night Tess,” they replied.

Liz accepted Max’s offered hand then and he pulled her off the couch and into his waiting arms. “Bed?” He asked.

Liz smiled and nodded and with their arms wrapped around each other they bid goodnight to Maria and Michael and headed towards Max’s room.

Once alone Maria studied Michael and contemplated what Liz had said. Would he want to know?

“Michael?”

Michael’s eyes were closed and his head was against the back of the couch.

“Yeah?” He replied.

“I have to tell you something,” she said.

“Ok.”

He didn’t open his eyes to look at her and Maria was almost relieved. Maybe if she just blurted it out and get it over and done with it wouldn’t be too bad.

“I know I’ve been a little crazy this week. My emotions have been all over the place and there’s a reason for that,” she started. She took a deep breath before she continued. “I thought I was pregnant.”

Michael’s eyes snapped open and met Maria’s.

“What?” He almost choked. “How?”

Maria rolled her eyes. “The usual way,” she replied, “but the key word in that sentence was thought. I’m not pregnant Michael.”

“You’re not?”

“No. It was a false alarm. My periods were late so I thought…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked then.

Maria smiled. “I think I was in denial at first and then it just became more possible and I guess I was just scared too.”

“Why?” He asked.

Maria shrugged at first but Michael just waited for her to answer him. “I didn’t know if you’d be happy or angry.”

Michael sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

“I know we haven’t been together long but if you had turned out to be pregnant I would have been there,” he told her. “I’m not like your old man, Maria. I’m not going to run off on you, ok?” He told her.

Maria felt tears spring to her eyes. Liz had been so right and having this conversation with Michael had been the best thing she had ever done.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “You have no idea what it means to hear you say that.”

Michael moved forward until he could grasp Maria’s face in his hands and he fused their mouths together.

“You’re welcome,” he whispered.

“I love you Michael,” Maria said then making Michael stop and stare in shock.

***

“They looked so happy tonight didn’t they?” Max whispered in the dark room as he lay with Liz in his arms.

“Yeah, the smiles on their faces,” Liz replied wistfully.

Max pulled her tighter and kissed her gently.

“Do you want that?” He asked then.

“To get married?” Liz asked.

“Yeah.”

“Yeah,” Liz grinned. “I want that with you. To know you’re mine forever, to know I’m going to have your babies and grow old with you.”

“Me too,” Max told her.

“I can’t wait until we move into our new home together,” he added then.

“Me either.”

“We’ll have all that, Liz.” He promised.

“I can’t wait.”