Roswell Fanatics

Save Yourself parts 1-23 at the Eraser Room

I started this fic here a while ago, it got pruned, but since it's now complete I wanted to post a link to the previous parts as well as the last part (epilogue still to come though)

Title: Save Yourself
Author: TatiLoca
Email: faerie_dreamer_Xtremer@hotmail.com
Category: Everybody w/ M/L mainly
Rating: YTEEN - MATURE
Disclaimer: I don't own, if I did Alex never would've died
Summary: A/U any couples will be CC, except Kyle.
After Nancy Parker's death, Jeff, Liz, and Syndra Parker move to Roswell bringing along Liz's best friend Michael. Max and Isabel Evans, Alex and Maria DeLuca, and Kyle Valenti have all grown up together.



<center>23</center>

Fighting tears, Liz gathered her daughter and walked out the door. It was better this way. Didn’t he understand? ~ God this is hard ~ she thought biting her lip to stifle the sob threatening to break free.

“Where are we goin’ mama?” Syn asked sleepily as Liz attempted to buckle the now awake 3-year-old into the Jeep. She looked around realizing Max was nowhere in sight. “Where’s Max? We can not leave wit-out him. Max!” Syn called towards the house. “Max!”

“We’re going home Syndra Claudia Parker. And when we get there I expect an explanation on how you got here and why you took off.” She informed her squirming daughter as her voice cracked. “Syn please sit still for mama.” Liz asked frustrated, tears welling in her eyes yet again. In her heart she knew leaving was a mistake, leaving things the way they were would be a mistake. Unfortunately her pride wouldn’t let her admit to her mistake.

“No!” Syn shouted sliding free of the seatbelt, “I want Max. He pwomised not to leab me again. Max…” Syn began to cry, not understanding why her mama would take her from Max.

Unable to hold onto the façade of indifference, she leaned against the Jeep silently, tears streaming, as Syn continued to cry for Max. Strong arms surrounded her and finally her sobs broke free. “I’m…sorry…so sorry…I’m sorry…” she gasped out.

“Shh, it’s okay.” Max murmured into her hair. It had taken him all of 5 seconds to realize that if he let Liz run away, again, he might never be able to catch her. He was determined not to give up on her; he loved her and Syn too much. “I love you Liz Parker, and I’m not letting you run off again.” He vowed as he turned her trembling form to face him gently wiping her tears away.

“Max…” Liz trailed off seeing the love in his eyes; she couldn’t help but wonder if he was sure of what he was getting into. Could he actually be seriously considering being a father to Syn? No, she couldn’t ask this of him. He was only 17, this wasn’t his responsibility, she couldn’t get him involved. It wasn’t fair. “We… it’s not…” she tried, but he just shook his head.

“I can handle it Liz. We’ll be fine, don’t worry.” He told her gently, easily seeing the doubts crossing her mind. Gazing into her eyes he softly cupped her face, “I love you Liz…” as he slowly brought his lips to hers, he finally heard the words he’d been waiting to hear.

“I love you Max…” Liz whispered her own declaration of love, as she tilted her face up, meeting him half-way in anticipation of their kiss.

Their lips met innocently, shaping to each other, acquainting themselves for the first time. They pulled away slowly, immediately missing each other. Smiling they leaned in again now taking more time to taste one another. Arms wrapped around each other they continued to kiss until a small bundle attached itself to them, breaking the spell surrounding them.

“YAY!” Syn shouted gleefully from her spot part-way in Max’s Jeep, the rest of her hanging onto Max and her mother, lest she fall and hurt herself. “Now we really can be a family!” she exclaimed happily.

“Yes sweetheart, now we can really be a family.” Max told her smiling. He pulled her out of the Jeep, holding her between him and Liz and kissing the crown of her head. He looked into Liz’s eyes and spoke, “Now we really are a family Liz.”

“Yes Max we really are a family.” Liz agreed holding her family in her arms. “I love you Max.” she smiled as she spoke the words, “I love you. And I love you angel girl.” She kissed her daughter’s forehead. “Let’s go home.”

This is long for this story. Every part was approx. 1 page in word. This part was 5 pages. Hope you like it. Thanks panda2001 - Diane's reaction is uh, I'll let you judge, Lullaby, roswellluver, Emz80m, mareli, Roswelllostcause, Natz, and Brook. So here's part 1 of the 3 part epilogue.

<center> Epilogue “Liz” ~
Christmas, 2001 </center>

Liz sat on her balcony wrapped in a quilt her mother made. She gazed up at the stars and released a sigh of contentment. ‘Life,’ she thought happily, ‘is good.’ Glancing through her bedroom window she saw Max sprawled across her bed where she left him and smiled giddily, then sighed. Things hadn’t been easy since she moved to Roswell, especially once she and Max finally got together. It was a stressful 3 months following the relationship announcement; his mother took the news…not well to put it nicely. After a particularly bad fight with his mom Max showed up on her balcony, and reluctantly informed her he had moved out. The next day he and Michael became roomies.

*FLASHBACK: October, 2001*
She was sitting on her balcony writing in her journal when she heard someone climbing up the fire escape. 30 seconds later Max’s face popped over the wall, followed by the rest of him. She checked her watch and arched an eyebrow at the late time.

“Hey.” He said avoiding her eyes, he’d told Michael he was coming yet the bone-head forgot to leave the window unlocked.

“Hey,” she smiled unsurely usually he would already be kissing her hello, “What’s up?” She narrowed her eyes when she noticed he wouldn’t look her in the eye. “Planning a trip?” she gestured to the duffle bag he was carrying.

“No. Uh, is Michael around? We were supposed to kick it tonight.” Max muttered shifting the duffle to his other shoulder.

“He’s out with Maria. Max what’s going on?” she asked catching his eye, “Please tell me.”

“I, uh, I kinda moved out. Michael said I could crash on his floor, but he forgot to leave the window unlocked.” Max explained coming to kneel beside her.

“What?” she gasped in disbelief, “Why would you… did you and your mom have a fight or something?”

“Yeah. She was being stupid and not listening so I left.” When he avoided her eyes again she wanted to cry as a suspicion took form.

“It was about us wasn’t it? About you seeing me and Syn calling you daddy Max, huh?” Seeing the pain in her eyes Max cursed his parents once more in his head and went to pull Liz into his arms, but she moved away.

“Liz, sweetheart, she just doesn’t understand, but it doesn’t matter what she thinks. I love you, don’t pull away from me please.” He pleaded with her reaching for her again. This time she didn’t pull away. “It’ll be okay, as long as we’re together, everything will be alright.”

“I just…It’s not right you know? You shouldn’t have to move out just because we’re seeing each other.” Liz whispered against his shoulder. “No. You have to go home Max. You need to go and work things out with your mom.” She told him pulling away to look him in the eye. Gently stroking his cheek she continued, “Baby, you and Isabel are all she has left. We can’t give her more reasons to be against us.”

Turning his head to kiss her palm Max sighed tiredly. “I know I should, but Liz the things she was saying…We both need time to cool off. I can’t be there right now and I don’t know if I can go back.” Seeing the guilty look in her eyes he pulled her close once more. “And don’t start thinking this is your fault. This is about her lack of trust and consideration towards me, not to mention a complete absence of respect.” Max told her firmly knowing she would put all the ‘blame’ on herself.

“I can’t help but feel this is my fault. That your life would be so much simpler if I wasn’t in it.” Liz told him hesitantly. “I’m sorry for causing you all these problems.”

“You’re not. Baby, my mom and I haven’t been getting along all that well for a while now. Probably since I got my license. She’s a control freak.” He paused at the look she shot him, “okay so I come from a family of control freaks. That makes it very hard for us to get along together, especially now that I want, no need, more freedom in my life. She has a hard time accepting I can make my own decisions.”

“You picking a teenage mother for a girlfriend probably doesn’t help your case either,” she bit out in frustration. “Sorry,” she apologized at the hurt look in his eyes, “I didn’t mean it like that. I get what you’re saying. I just wish you hadn’t left in the middle of the night.”

“She knows I’m gone. She was pissed, then started crying. Then held open the door though.” Max informed her trying to cajole a smile. “Very polite don’t you think?”

“Yeah. First force your son out, then hold the door for him. Excellent manners.” She blushed as she yawned, unable to hold it back, causing Max to laugh. “Come on it’s late.” She stood and motioned for him to follow. “You can change in the bathroom.” She told him as she pulled back the covers. Rolling her eyes she realized she was once again stuck in the middle.

Syn was curled up on one side of the bed clutching her plush Wolverine doll, no ‘action figure’ as Michael had primly informed them. Crawling in next to her sleeping daughter she waited for Max before turning out the light. He opened her door so Michael wouldn’t get upset and slid in next to Liz.

“Night Baby.” He whispered against her hair as he spooned behind her.

“Night sexy.” She smirked at his groan snuggling a bit closer.
*End FLASHBACK*

“What are you doing out there?” Liz heard from behind her. Turning she saw Max standing at the window, rubbing his eyes with a fist in an adorable little boy way as his sleep tousled hair stuck in every direction.

“Just thinking.” She answered seeing he was waiting for her to continue, she did. “About the night you moved in.”

“Oh. Sleeping with Michael sure was interesting though.” He paused as a strange look crossed her face, “Wait that came out so wrong. I meant staying, no being roommates with Michael. Forget it.” He grumbled pouting as she laughed at him.

“Poor baby, I’m sorry.” Liz giggled extending her arms to him. She had to bite her tongue at his hurried shimmy through the window and sprint towards her. When his loose low slung pajama pants started to fall though, she couldn’t contain her laughter. “Merry Christmas.” She whispered once they got settled.

“Mmm.” He sighed contently, “Merry Christmas to you too. I don’t want to leave.”

“I know. But your mom’s are trying so hard Max. You have to give her something. Besides all she asked for is the morning alone with you and Isabel, this afternoon we’re all meeting here. Maybe she could come over too?” Liz tightened her grip on as she spoke. Despite her words she didn’t want him leaving either.

“Maybe. Things have been better since…” Max trailed off uncomfortably.

“Since she asked me to stop seeing you.” Liz continued for him. He just nodded looking apologetic. “Come on we need to get dressed. You need to head home and I have a 4-year-old and a 17-year-old to attend to.” Liz smiled referring to Syn and Michael.

Once Max was gone Liz settled on her bed waiting for Syn and Michael to wake up. Her mind drifted to the day Diane Evans asked her break up with Max.

*FLASHBACK: November, 2001*
Liz sat in the Evans’ living room wondering what was going on. Out of the blue Diane Evans had called asking her over that afternoon. She wondered if maybe she should have told Max his mom had called, but decided not to at the last minute informing only her father of her whereabouts. She watched Mrs. Evans fidget in her seat before she finally broke the silence.

“Miss Parker, I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you over here.” Diane spoke formally, approaching her as she would anyone she was cross-examining.

“Yes Mrs. Evans I am. But please call me Liz.” She told her just as stiffly.

“Very well. Liz, I asked you over today to discuss Max. Max has a very kind heart, if he sees someone in trouble he never hesitates to help. He is also young, too young to be in a serious relationship. Especially, if a child is involved. What, Liz are your intentions towards my son.” Diane spoke coldly.

“With all due respect Mrs. Evans that none of your business. What Max chooses to tell you is his business, but I won’t be put on ‘trial’. I care for Max very much and that’s all that matters.” Liz spoke firmly not letting Mrs. Evans talk down to her.

“You care? If you really cared for my son you would stop seeing him. You wouldn’t have him living with you instead of at home with his family, letting him play ‘daddy’ to your child.” Diane snapped. “That child is your responsibility Ms. Parker, not my teenage son’s! I applaud your effort at raising a child while returning to school, as well as your attempts to create a stable home environment. Just leave my children out of it. I’d rather they weren’t influenced by the decisions you made when you were younger. You’re about 19, correct? Don’t drag my children, younger children,” she emphasized, “into your life. Stay away from my son, I won’t have his life wasted with you.”

If looks could kill Diane would be long gone. Liz’s eyes were hard as she stared at the woman who somehow managed to raise two wonderful, caring people, yet retain an unmatched bitchiness. As Liz listened to every word out of Diane Evans mouth her anger grew. “You seem to have quite a perception of me Mrs. Evans. Let me tell you it’s wrong. First of all you know absolutely nothing about my life. Second, I’m not returning to school. I never dropped out. I have worked to create a stable home for my daughter, it hasn’t been easy, but I’ve done it. And for your information I’m not 19, I’m 17. Your ‘young’ children are older than I am.” Liz spat out. Trying to reign in her temper she continued. “I have a 3 and a ½ year old Mrs. Evans. Do the math.”

“You obviously know about nothing the decisions I’ve made. Don’t assume you know the facts.” She looked away briefly, then stared straight into Diane’s eyes. “Have you every been raped Mrs. Evans? Have you ever been a terrified 13-year-old with no idea what to do? I don’t think so.” So focused on what she was saying Liz didn’t register the horror on Diane Evans face, didn’t hear the front door open, or the foot steps stopping just outside the living room archway. “Did you have to face the threats of death to your loved ones if you told anyone what happened? Did you have to tell your parents that not only were you raped by someone they trusted, but now you are also pregnant and just out of the 7th grade?!? No you didn’t. But I did. I had my innocence ripped away, a baby at 14, faced the legal system, and was put in the hospital when,” she stuttered forcing herself to say his name, “Jer-Jeremy found out I told the cops. My daughter saw me get the shit beat out of me for God’s sake!” Liz yelled tears streaming down her face. She didn’t care, this woman dared to attempt a guilt trip on her? This woman sat in her perfect little home, with her perfect little life, sat there and thought she could judge her? All the emotions Liz had locked away were brought to the surface and this time no one was there to help her she thought.

“I- I…” Diane started but trailed off as she witnessed Liz’s outburst. All her pre-conceived notions of the bad influence this girl would have on her family flew out the window when face with the reality of Liz Parker. “I didn’t know…” she whispered stricken. Movement caught her eye and she saw her son staring at Liz with absolute love in his eyes, not pity as she assumed or even lust, but with love. His gaze shifted to her and she flinched at the anger there. All directed at her.

“No you didn’t know. You never took the time to try to know mom.” Max said harshly. Pulling Liz into his arms he whispered, “Let’s go home.”

Straightening up Liz wiped at her tears, attempting to lock her emotions away again. She shook her head pulling out of Max’s embrace. “I’m sorry you feel the way you do Mrs. Evans. I came over today hoping to find common ground between us. You lost your husband, and my condolences. I lost my mother just before we moved here. You want what’s best for your children? Well I want what’s best for my daughter too.” Liz paused reaching for Max’s hand, grateful for his silent support.

“Do you love your children Mrs. Evans? I do. Isabel is a wonderful friend and Syn adores her. Max…” she trails off looking at him and unconsciously smiling, “Max has to be the most amazing person I’ve ever met. He became a friend not only to me, but also to my daughter, my bestfriend, and my father. There aren’t enough words to describe how I feel about him.” She finished softly, waiting. When Diane said nothing she allowed Max to lead her out the door.
*End FLASHBACK*

Max had been furious with his mother after that, he refused to talk to her the entire month. Mrs. Evans finally came by to apologize and begged Max to move home. He’d declined having moved into Michael’s room the day after leaving home. Liz convinced him to work things out with her though, she reminded him at least he had a mother to be angry at. He’d just shot her look mumbling about dirty pool. Things got better with Mrs. Evans though as December progressed, Max had dinner with her twice a week and spent every other weekend over there.

Footsteps in the hall brought her out of her memories. The door slowly opened and two pairs of eyes peeked in, one green, the other brown. Faces followed, along with unruly bed hair. Syn’s dark braid had come partially undone, waves tumbling everywhere, while Michael’s dirty blonde spikes stuck out in every direction. Both wore matching X-Men pajamas and sheepish smiles.

Opening her arms to accept her ‘kids’ Liz smiled peacefully as they settled down beside her. “Morning.”

“Mornin’,” they chorused. Syn’s giggled as Michael tossed her into the air. “Uncle Michael!” she shouted laughing, “More!”

As the sounds of ‘Angels Would Fall’ came from her stereo, Liz wondered what the day would bring. The knock on her door startled her momentarily, “Come in.”

“So this is where the party is.” Jeff asked spying his granddaughter attempting to paint Michael’s nails. She really did love to do that. “I thought for sure those two would be in the living room already attacking the-” Michael and Syn’s enthusiastic shouting cut him off.

“PRESENTS!” they yelled happily.

“Right. So what are we waiting for?” Jeff asked clearly amused.

“Daddy Max.” Syn said quietly. “We hab to wait for my Daddy Max.”

“Angel girl, he’ll be over later. We’re going to open presents with Uncle Mikey and Grampapa first. Then with Max later, okay?” Liz asked picking Syn up and carrying her towards the living room.

“So we still get to open pwesents wif Daddy Max?” Syn asked seriously cupping her mother’s cheek.

“Yes. As soon as Max gets back we’ll open our other presents with him. Remember we went shopping to by Max his presents from us? Well those are what we’ll open with him.” Liz assured her.

“Okay!” Syn clapped happily slipping out of her mother’s arms and racing towards the living room with her Uncle Mikey.

Stopping in the hallway Liz caressed her mother’s photo gently. “Merry Christmas mom.” She whispered blowing a kiss upwards. “I wish you were here and I hope you’re happy where you are. I love you."

Finishing touches took longer than I thought.
Max lay in bed propped up on his elbow gazing at his sleeping wife. Wife. He didn’t think he’d ever tire of that word. It had taken them a while to get to that point, but it was all worth it. Watching Liz sleep he recalled the time he informed her that he would one day be marrying her…

*FLASHBACK: July 2002*

School had been out for a month and Max, Liz, and Syn were readying for the move to Las Cruces where both would be attending NMSU. Liz received a full scholarship and planned to major in psychology and Max had received a partial scholarship as well as several grants; he would be a criminal justice major. He absently rubbed the new key residing on his key chain and smiled softly.

“What’s got you grinning like that?” Liz asked crawling into bed next to him. She knew it was odd to people, how their parents allowed them to live together at their age. Max moved in at the beginning of senior year, but after a few weeks of bunking with Michael he’d moved in with her. Everyone thought they were sleeping together…which was true in the most literal sense, since there was only one bed they slept together.

“Life I guess.” Max sighed contentedly. “We’re together, getting ready for school, have our first place…it’s all so exciting.” He reached an arm toward her, pulling her into his embrace. She went willingly as she always did, but this time he felt a tension in her that hadn’t been there since before they became a couple. “Liz? Baby what’s wrong?”

She pulled away and sat up to face him. “Max,” she started then paused to gather her resolve, “Max do you…are you disappointed we don’t…” she trailed off briefly before forcing herself to continue. “Are you disappointed we aren’t sleeping together?”

“Huh?” Max asked completely lost. He sat up realizing this was a serious conversation and carefully planned his words. “Liz-”

“I mean it seems like we’re the only ones of age in this damned town not having sex and I wanted to know if it bothered you that we aren’t having sex.” Liz continued not noticing his attempts to speak. “Cause I’d understand if you were upset that we aren’t having sex. I know a lot of the guys you hang out with are having sex and we aren’t having sex and I’m pretty sure they know that we aren’t having sex and are probably not very nice about it. You can tell me the truth-”

Giving up Max gently placed a finger to her lips and waited, “First of all, please stop saying sex.” Max grinned at Liz’s blush, “Baby we will never just have sex. When it’s right for us then we’ll make love. It will be special and beautiful and most of all it will be right for both of us. And no I’m not disappointed we aren’t having sex. Yeah most of the guys are having sex, but most of those same guys won’t remember who they were with in a year. Liz where is all this coming from?” he asked puzzled at the topic.

“Maria asked me how we made our first time special. Isabel overheard and was upset I hadn’t shared with her and then Kyle butted in letting them know we hadn’t actually made love yet.” Liz told him reluctantly, “At first Maria was shocked and then she kept asking all these questions about why and blathering on about how all guys want to get laid all the time. It’s not like that with you and I wanted to know if you were keeping it from me to…I don’t know protect me or something.” Liz shrugged as she toyed with the edge of the blanket.

“Baby,” Max sighed pulling her into his arms again. He kissed her then, putting all his love into that kiss and soon she was relaxed in his arms. He slowly leaned them back on the bed twisting slightly to lean over her. He pulled away slowly and gently cupped her cheek. “One day Liz Parker I will make you Liz Evans.” Max reverently stroked her cheek as he whispered, his eyes shining brightly, “I love you more than anything. One day I will ask you and you will say yes.”

“Oh Max...” Liz trailed off, “I love you so much.” She wrapped her arms around him pulling him back toward her, “So much!” she whispered softly and slowly brought her lips to his. “Max, no one’s home…please…”

“Mmm,” Liz stretched languidly as she awoke, “Max? Baby what are you doing up?” She blinked sleepily, “You know we have to get up soon. As Kyle and Luca’s ‘couple of honor’ we have to get them ready. And you know how long Luca takes.”

“I know, just promise me you’ll try to take it easy today.” Max gently caressed the slight bump where their child lay, “Try not to let Luca stress you.” Grinning boyishly he shimmied down the bed kissing Liz’s tummy, “You be good for mommy Champ, today is a big day for our family.”

“What if your ‘Champ’ is a girl Max?” Liz asked rolling her eyes even as a sappy smile graced her lips.

“It’s just a feeling Liz.” Max shrugged, his bangs falling over his eyes. After Liz brushed them back he curled up with her again, “We have to be up soon.”

“I know.” Liz sighed closing her eyes, her hand innocently drifting down Max’s bare chest.

“Liz, baby,” Max whispered as her hand drifted lower…and lower, “Liz…” he hissed looking at his sleeping wife.

Shifting Liz hid her smile and continued to feign sleep. She subtly maneuvered her leg to tangle with Max’s, “Oh Max…” she softly murmured.

“Liz wake up sweetie. Come on Liz please baby,” Max gently nudged her and tried to recite the periodic table in his mind.

Giving up all pretense of sleep Liz quickly straddled her husband, “Got a problem babe?” she smirked devilishly, “Ooh, it’s a big one too. Let me help you out big guy.”

As Liz finally reached for her husband the bedroom door burst open. “Max, you have to help - OH MY BUDDHA! My eyes! I’m blind!” Kyle cried slapping a hand over his eyes. “You’re like the frigging Energizer Bunny Max. Didn’t you get enough yesterday, we all know you two were doing a special happy dance while the rest of us went over today’s schedule. Geez, today is my wedding day all anyone cares about is getting lucky!”

Liz collapsed on top of Max laughing at the look on Kyle’s face, chancing a glance at Max she noticed he didn’t think it was so funny.

“Kyle is you want to be able to enjoy your wedding night walk out of the room, close the door, and go eat a cookie from the batch Amy brought over.” Max ordered tightly.

Before Kyle could comply the phone rang, glancing at the clock Liz sighed and reached to answer it, “Hello Luca. What’s wrong?” Hearing that Kyle promptly fled knowing if Luca was a nervous wreck he’d soon follow. Glad he could remain calm in a crisis Kyle congratulated himself and headed for the kitchen…and ended up in the hall closet.

”Wrong? Wrong? I’ll tell you what’s wrong! You aren’t here to calm me down! What am I doing? I can’t get married! I’m not ready for this. Do you know what I realized last night? Here. By myself. While my horny bestfriend went and did the special happy dance with her hottie hubby? I realized I’m never gonna sleep with anybody else!” As Luca’s babbled faster his voice rose higher.

“Luca. Listen to me I’ll be right there. Get the paper bag I left you on the side of the bed and breathe into it. Deep breaths. That’s it. You’re doing great.” Liz gave Max a quick kiss and began to change. “I’m on my way. Do not pull a Maria on me.”

“Thanks Liz. Tell Max I’m sorry, I know I probably interrupted another round of the special happy dance.” Luca managed between breaths.

“Don’t worry I’ll be there soon.” Liz sat next to Max as she hung up the phone. “Baby I have to go. Luca needs me.”

“Liz, I need you.” Max pointed down.

“Oh sweetie,” Liz patted his cheek, “I’ll make it up to you later.” She hurried to finish getting ready.

Pouting Max shuffled into the bathroom stripping as he went. Starting the shower he grinned, “Liz, I think you should go ahead and take your shower.” Without waiting for her answer he walked back to their bedroom scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom.

“Max,” she sighed exasperated wriggling to be let down. “I don’t have time…” she trailed off as her eyes took in her husband’s form and forlorn expression, “Maybe a quick one.” She agreed giggling at his quick grin, “No funny stuff though.” She warned.

“Of course not Liz.” He swore solemnly as she climbed in, jumping in after her he grinned, “There’s nothing funny about it.”

Several hours later after much hustle-bustle, anxiety attacks, and quickies in closets Max and Liz Evans stood beside their friends as Kyle James Valenti took Luca Cortes to be his lawfully wedded husband, and vice versa. Michael handed his long-time girlfriend Maria a tissue as she bawled, Alex handed his very pregnant wife Isabel another tissue as well as her schedule book. Syn carefully watched over her two cousins Philip and James Whitman and smiled glad that Uncle Luca and Uncle Kyle were so happy. Sheriff Valenti squeezed his wife’s hand and handed her another box of tissues.

“I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss your husband.” The minister announced, “Mr. and Mr. Cortes-Valenti.”

Watching as his bestfriend had a day he never thought possible, Max smiled, ’Dad, he thought happily, I hope you’re watching today. I hope you are as happy for Kyle as I am.’ Reaching for Liz he kissed her cheek before following the newlyweds down the aisle. It had taken a lot to get where they were today. A lot of struggle, heartache, love, loss, and tears went into building their lives. Their families. And watching everyone gather to celebrate Max knew everything was worth it if it lead up to this point in time.