Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza

Part 54

“Poor Liz and Max, I can’t even begin to imagine what they must be going through right now.”  Isabelle said, as she laid in Alex’s arms.

They were sitting in Isabelle’s lounge, watching a video and generally chilling out.  Isabelle knew Max was staying with Liz that night, so knew she didn’t have to worry about her brother coming back.

“I know, it’s awful, they must be going through hell right now.”  Alex agreed

“It makes you think though.”  Isabelle started

“About what?”  He queried.

“About how quickly things can go wrong, and about how complicated relationships are when you take that next step.”  She replied slightly cryptically.

“What are you saying Is?” 

“Ok ……… what would you do if I got pregnant?”  She asked bluntly.

“Well, if we’re talking about right now …….. I guess I’d have to ask who the father is, since there is no way it could be mine.”  Alex joked, trying to be light-hearted.

“I’m being serious Alex!”  She replied, swatting his arm.

“I know, I’m sorry, I just couldn’t resist it.”  He grinned, pondering over her question for a moment. 

“Ok, well if you did then I would stand by you without question.  I love you Isabelle, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, hell I’d marry you tomorrow if I didn’t think you’d run a mile.”  He replied honestly.

“Really?”

“Yeap, no question.  And ……… going back to your original question, I’d be completely and hopelessly over the moon if you told me you were pregnant.”  He replied seriously, looking straight into Isabelle’s eyes so she’d know he was telling her the truth.

“Well don’t get to carried away, I don’t intent for it to happen for a very long time.  It was purely a hypothetical question.”  She replied casually, resting her head on his shoulder.

“What made you ask now?”  He enquired, wondering how the conversation had gone so serious and then so relaxed inside a heartbeat.

“I guess ……….. I guess I wanted to know where we stood before we, you know, took the next step.”  She said, hesitating slightly, feeling more and more like a shy school girl.  “Get a grip”, she yelled at herself from the inside, “anyone would think you’ve never done this before”, the voice added.

“Are you thinking about taking the next step?”  He asked.  It was the thing he was most surprised about dating Isabelle.  She’d been extremely cagey about letting him get too close.  She cared about him very much, he knew that, but she wouldn’t let him show her fully how much he loved her.  Isabelle would always stop them before they got too carried away.

“What if I was?”  She replied cryptically once more.

“Then that would be great.”  Alex replied honestly, lifting his head so he could see her face and gauge her true feelings.

“Kiss me Alex.”  She instructed him.

Never one to disappoint his girlfriend, Alex obliged by covering the distance and connecting with her sweet lips.  It was a soft, sensual kiss that promised so much more if only she’d let him in.  Scooting down the sofa, Isabelle moved so they both laid out. 

Placing her hands just above the waistband to his khakis, she took hold of the material of his shirt and pulled it upwards.  She didn’t take it off, just released enough so she could move her hands underneath to touch his muscular tanned chest.

He sucked in a breath as he felt her hands dance over his chest, the hairs on his skin standing up in anticipation.  Following her lead, Alex stretched round to pull her blue knitted top out of the confinements of her jeans.  Slipping his hands under the material, Alex revelled in the touch of her silky cream flesh.  It was like liquid velvet, he found himself thinking, as he felt her undo some of the buttons to his shirt. 

It didn’t take long for Isabelle to have his shirt completely open, exposing his front fully.   Bending her head, she lightly kissed the top of his shoulder before moving down over his chest area.  Alex sucked in yet another deep breath.  “I’m in heaven.”  He thought as he felt her soft lips nipping at his stomach.

Stroking his fingers across her back, Alex allowed them to roam around until they reached the buttons on her top.  Slowly opening them up one by one, he exposed her upper body, drinking in the beautiful sight unravelling in front of him.  At that moment, he was determined to take things slowly, he wanted to give Isabelle time to stop him or say no. 

Slipping her hands downwards, Isabelle paused for a moment as she rested just above Alex’s waistband.  She felt him take in a breath as her fingers danced over the button tentatively before she undid it. 

The sound of the zip to his khakis being pulled down seemed to be magnified to a great magnitude, making Alex’s stomach flip over.  Never before had they gone so far, and he felt his body react violently at the thought of more. 

Pulling down his trousers, Isabelle allowed herself a sneak peek at his Calvin Klein boxer shorts.  She couldn’t help but think about what lied beneath, realising the large bulge mean he was certainly well endowed.  She was broken from her trance when Alex pulled her back close and covered her lips with his.  The kiss was hot and passionate, but Alex still held something back.  He knew he had to keep his self-control in tact in case Isabelle stopped them and said she wasn’t ready.  He loved Isabelle so much, never would he even remotely consider forcing himself on her, he respected her way too much.

Rolling them over, Alex took a moment to stare into Isabelle’s deep brown eyes.  He wanted to make sure there was no element of doubt in her mind before he proceeded. 

“Is this ok?”  He asked softly, resting his hand on her bare stomach.

“Yeah.”  She whispered, emotion caught in her throat.  It wasn’t that she’d never done it before, she had many times, it was just that this time it was different.  This time she was going to go all the way with someone she truly cared about, someone she loved with all her heart.

Pulling her into a passionate kiss, Alex carefully undid the button to her jeans, before breaking the kiss and easing her trousers down her shapely legs.  Lingering for a moment to admire her beauty, Alex slowly worked his way back up her body, stopping every few seconds to place a sweet kiss on her skin.

Slowly slipping her hands under the waistband of his boxers, Isabelle finally touched Alex where he ached so much.  Throwing his head back, he revelled in the amazing feelings she was conjuring up, wonderful images flying through his mind.  Taking in the feeling for a few more seconds, Alex reached his hand down to still her movement.  Her startled face stared back up at him, questioning without words why he’d stopped her.

“You’re too beautiful Is, I’ve wanted you for too long ………….. I don’t have much self control left.”  He admitted.

“Then don’t wait.”  She instructed him.  Taking his hand from her waist, Isabelle moved it to her thigh, subconsciously granting him access to her most private area. 

As she felt his first touch, Isabelle’s head started spinning, the fire in her stomach stoked to new heights.  His fingers danced across her, making Isabelle’s head spin out of control.  Normally she would have stopped them, feeling overwhelmed, but something was different this time.  Everything that had happened to Max and Liz had shown Isabelle life was too short to stop when things were out of control.  Loosing herself in Alex was something she needed to do that night.

Slipping down the remaining garments, Alex knelt at the bottom of the sofa, still needing to make sure she was completely happy with what was about to happen.

“Please Alex.”  She whispered, sensing his cautiousness at going further. 

Slowly lowering himself on top of her, Alex took in a deep breath and found himself suddenly realising what was about to happen.  He was about to fulfil his biggest fantasy, the one he’d carried round for a very long time.  He was about to make love to the most beautifully, stunning and amazing girl, the one he’d admired from a far for quite a while.

Her slight squirming underneath his body brought Alex back to reality, he was laying above her, both with nothing on.  Propping his upper body up on his forearms, Alex stared down into her pools of brown as he slowly, carefully entered her.  Inching in bit by bit, Alex felt his heart soar, he was so happy. 

Tears pricked her eyes as she felt him move slowly inside, her mind awash with beautiful images.  His tenderness and compassion touched the very centre of her heart, Isabelle knowing Alex was taking it slowly so as not to hurt her in any way.

Gently rocking against his unhurried movements, desire slowly took over, pushing aside all feelings of overwhelming love.  Meeting his gentle thrusts, Isabelle subconsciously instructed Alex to up the pace, both needing true fulfilment. 

From that moment, passion was all that drove them onwards; their incessant need requiring achievement.  They came together, both crying out the other’s name until they were horse, as they drowned in the wonderful feelings flooding and surging through their bodies.

Finally collapsing beside her, Alex pulled Isabelle close, his chest still heaving with passion.  They both lay there together for a while, taking in the serenity of the moment, the pure joy and complete satisfaction they both felt. 

Pulling the blanket that was draped over the back of the sofa, Alex covered them up, pleased that they weren’t going to be distracted any time soon.

“I feel so sorry for Max and Liz.”  Maria said quietly, as she laid in Michael’s arms, completely spent after their love making.

“I know, it’s rough for them, but if any couple can survive it, it’s Max and Liz.  He dotes over her, I’ve never seen my best mate so head over heals in love with someone.”  Michael said, kissing the top of her head.

“Yeah, you’re right, I’m sure they’ll be ok.  But ……. But do you think our relationship would be strong enough to survive something like that?”  She queried.

“You worried babe?”  He queried, sensing something in the tone of her voice.

“Just ……. Just that I hope we have a strong relationship too.”  She replied.

“I *know* we have a strong relationship Maria, I love you so much.  But, forgive me for not wanting even the smallest iota of pain that our friends are going through right now.  I have no aspirations to test our love to prove how strong it is, at least not in the way Max and Liz have tested theirs.”  He said honestly.

“You’re right, I’m just being silly.  Somehow I’m not sure if I’d be strong enough to cope with Liz’s pain right now, and I hope I never have to face what she’s going through.”

“And if anything did happen …….. I’d be right here.”  Michael whispered into her ear, before kissing her neck.

“Mmmm.”  She mumbled, and soon all thoughts of their friends paled into the background.

Rolling over in the night, Philip was suddenly aware of the emptiness beside him in the vast bed.  Lifting his upper body, he stared around the room, hoping to locate her.  Realising she wasn’t around, he climbed out of bed, slipped his feet into his slippers and padded out of the room.

Walking downstairs, Philip followed the only light in the dark house.  Stepping into the kitchen, he saw her sitting at the breakfast table, nursing a half drunk cup of black coffee.

“Diane?”  He queried, seeing her staring in the space.

“Oh hi honey.  Sorry …….. did I wake you?”  She asked.

“No, not really, I just sensed you weren’t in bed.  Are you ok?” 

“I guess so.”  She replied vaguely. 

Pulling the cold cup from her hands, Philip proceeded to wash it before pouring out two fresh cups and handing one back to his wife.  Pulling out the chair, Philip sat down and gently placed his hand on top of Diane’s.

“What is it honey?  What’s troubling you?”  He asked softly

“You know me too well Philip.”  Diane replied smiling weakly, realising she couldn’t fool her husband of so many years.

“Yeah, something like that.  Talk to me Diane ……. we’ve never had secrets before, let’s not start now.”  He urged her.

“Ok, I guess, I guess what happened to Liz yesterday has brought it all back.  All those feelings I buried when Max and Isabelle were born have coming rushing up to the surface.  I thought I’d come to terms with loosing our child Philip, but …….. but I realise now that I don’t think I’ll ever accept it.  All it takes is something like this to bring those memories back.”  She admitted and her eyes filled with tears.

“I know it’s hard Diane, but that was a long time in the past.  We both know there was nothing that could have been done to prevent you loosing that child.  But we have two wonderful children in Max and Isabelle, who we will always be grateful for.  I know it’s hard, but you have to bury the grief and guilt you feel.”  Philip replied to her, watching her tear filled eyes turn his way.

“I know.”  She replied, leaning in and laying her head on his chest.  She knew her wise husband was right, but still it was just so hard to think about what could have been.

Even after so long together, Diane and Philip still shared an amazing relationship.  Their love for each other was so evident, both knowing and sensing how the other felt.  They’d shared so much since their wedding, not least coming to terms with the lost of their first child.  But as they clung tightly to each other, Diane realised that her son and his girlfriend would be able to overcome the trauma they were going through.  Max and Liz had a relationship most people would die for, and their pure love for each other would get them through the tough time that lay ahead.  They were a strong couple, with a sound friendship, in time it would get easier for them, she was sure about that.  

As the sun glistened through her open window, Liz’s eyes gently fluttered open.  She could feel Max’s protective arm lying heavy across her bare stomach. 

It still felt a little tender, and sadness filled her body as her mind instantly thought about the tiny baby that had been growing inside her only a few days earlier.  She was still trying to accept the fact she’d been pregnant for nearly two months and not known about it.  She’d always thought that a woman would know if she was pregnant, or at least suspect something, but with Liz it had been different. 

She hadn’t know at all, even after the doctor had told her she’d lost her baby, she still struggled to accept she’d been pregnant in the first place.  Yet looking back on it now, in the cold light of day, she cursed herself for not noticing the signs.  

She’d had the obvious ones, no period and sickness, but in her mind she hadn’t even considered the possibility.  She’d been through so much with Max over the previous couple of months, not least the business with Tess; she’d assumed all the stress was just taking its toll.  She couldn’t help but wonder when it had happened as well.  She and Max had always been careful; she’d made sure, except that one time in the reserve, but she’d been pregnant by then.

However much she fell unready for motherhood, as she laid in bed Liz couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like if the baby hadn’t been lost.  Max had been wonderful since the doctor’s news, but she found herself wondering how he would have reacted if she’d told him.  She knew he had a desire for children, but to think about it and to actually have a child were too very different things.  Part of her wished she could go back and just see his reaction.  In her heart, she knew he would have been happy, and she wished she could have seen his beautiful eyes light up and a huge smile beam across his face as she told him her news.  Yet it wasn’t to be, the ‘happy family’ scenario hadn’t happened, and instead she felt empty.

Gently lifting his arm up, Liz carefully scooted under it and stood up.  He stirred for a moment, and Liz stood frozen where she was, hoping he’d stay asleep.  She still needed a few moments to herself, to try and contain her emotions.  She was determined to get through at least the morning without crying.  Hearing his breathing soften, she guessed he’d slipped back to sleep and she exhaled the breath she hadn’t realised she was holding.

Picking up her satin cream dressing gown, Liz walked over to the large window seat in her room.  Sitting down, she stared out of the window, glancing down at people rushing to work on the cold February morning.  A misty fog hung in the air, giving a damp, shiny appearance to the trees and plants.  Breathing gently against the window, she watched it steam up and then slowly disappear.

He’d felt her move instantly from under his embrace, but had kept his eyes closed.  Something told him she needed some space still, not wanting to be smothered by the magnitude of love he felt for her.  Gently opening his eyes, he watched her as she stared out the window. 

She seemed distant and sad, like she wasn’t really in the room with him and it took all his strength not to let his emotions take over and tears to well in his eyes.  Her pain was still very great, and he knew it would take a while to get things back to something resembling normal.  But her opening up the previous evening had been a big step in the right direction, as had Max’s admittance he needed to grieve too.  It had been silent tears, Liz hadn’t known about it, but they had been tears none the less, and it was enough to help Max stay strong for Liz once more.

Slipping out of bed, Max quietly walked over to the window seat and gently sat down before slipping his arms around her stomach.

She hadn’t known he was awake until she felt his arms encase her body.  She flinched under his touch, her body not expecting to find him beside her.

“Sorry, did I scare you?”  He asked softly, using his hand to brush her long brown hair out of her eyes and back behind her shoulders.

“It’s ok.”  She replied, twisting her body so that she was facing him.

Looking at her softly, he couldn’t help but study her angelic face, gently brushing his fingers along her pale cheek.  Smiling softly, he was suddenly aware of a change in his girlfriend.  In her face, he saw something he hadn’t seen the previous day, something he hadn’t been expecting considering her languid body language. 

Although there was still much sadness in her face, he could see the familiar and endearing sparkle lurking at the back of her passion stripped eyes.  At that moment, he knew there was more than just hope for them.  In his heart he knew they could overcome and become stronger people. 

Suddenly he knew what he needed to do, he had to show Liz how much he loved and cared for her.  Moving her further round, Max placed his hand gently on her cheek.  Lifting her face up so he could stare into her rich velvet brown eyes, he smiled softy and gently kissed her lips.  Taking a deep breath, he paused for a moment before opening his mouth.

“God Liz I love you so much.”  He breathed softly.

“I love you too Max, I’m so sorry I pushed you away yesterday.”  She replied sadly.

Putting his finger to her mouth, he placed it there gently, intent on silencing her apology.

“Shhh Liz, please don’t go there, it’s totally not necessary.”  He said softly.  “I love you Liz ……… I always want to be with you.  I need you in my life, and I want to make a commitment to you forever.”  He said.

“What are you saying Max?”  She queried, unsure where his heartfelt words were coming from or leading to.  She certainly wasn’t complaining about his loving expression, but she could sense there was an underlying message in what he was saying. 

“Marry me Liz.”  He said simply, watching her dark brown eyes widen in surprise.

He held his breath, waiting for her answer, praying and hoping she would give back the one word that would swell his heart even greater.  He’d never felt so much love for another person before; Liz had walked into his life and changed it completely, turned who he was upside down and inside out. 

He’d gone from being a self-confessed workaholic, to a caring, loving man who craved a wife and family.  But he didn’t just want any woman for his wife, he only wanted the angel who had crashed into his life and swept the foundations of his stable world from right under his feet. 

He’d only known Liz for a short time, but in his heart he knew for sure she was the only girl for him, he would never love another woman even remotely as much as he did Liz. 

All he could do was hold his breath and pray as he watched his words sink in to Liz’s brain. 

But would she hug or break his heart?

Part 55

Her eyes blinked back tears as her brain computed his words.  “He wants to marry me?” a voice inside her called out.  Her mind raced as she comprehended his words, “he wants to marry me!”  The voice shouted out once more, but this time louder.

Watching her with baited breath, Max was suddenly aware of the tears slowly welling in her eyes and starting slipping down her face.  His heart felt like it was breaking in two as he thought about what her actions meant.  Didn’t she want to marry him?  Didn’t she want to be with him forever?  Max wasn’t sure what he would do if she turned him down.  She meant so much to him; he just knew life wouldn’t be worth living without Liz beside him.

“Liz?”  He whispered gently, stretching out a hand and catching one of the cool tears in his finger and allowing it to scorch into his skin.

“Yes.”  She replied softly, looking deep into his eyes and watching no reaction on his face. 

Suddenly she wondered if he’d changed his mind, perhaps he wanted to retract the offer and instead run away.

“Max?  Did you hear me …….. I said yes.”  She said more loudly and boldly.

“Yes?  You will marry me?”  He asked again, needing affirmation as his eyes widened under her soft words.

“Yes Max, I will!”  She cried out, the joy suddenly written all over her face. 

Scooping her tightly into his arms, he held her close, his body shaking with ecstasy and emotion.  They stayed there for a long time, just holding each other close, taking in the joy they were feeling. 

Finally parting, Liz pulled away slightly so she could study Max’s face.  Lifting up her hand, she brushed her palm against his unshaven cheek, smiling a watery smile his way.

“What is it Liz?”  He queried, sensing something was troubling her.

“You don’t have to do this Max.  I mean I know what happened was rough for us both, but we will get better.  I don’t want you to propose to me just because you think it will make me get over the other day quicker.  I love you Max …… I don’t need this to prove it.”  She said firmly.

“No Liz, you’ve got it wrong.  That is not why I asked you to marry me.  I did it because I want to make you my wife, I want you to be by my side for the rest of my life.”

“Why now then Max?  Why now if you’re not doing it just to cheer me up?”  She asked.

“I was going to ask you the other night.  That was before you were taken to hospital though.”

“What do you mean?  You were going to propose to me, if ………….. if I hadn’t had the …………. miscarriage?”

“Yes …………. and ………… I can prove it to you.”  He replied, jumping from the seat and rummaging around to find his jacket.  He’d suddenly remembered how he could alleviate her fears that he’d proposed out of some kind of twisted duty to her.

Reaching in, he gratefully found what he was looking for.  Pulling out the small red leather box, Max carried it back to the window seat, and joined Liz. 

Lifting up with his other hand, Max gently opened the tiny box to expose its contents.

“Oh my!”  Liz exclaimed, placing her hands over her mouth. 

Inside the box was the most beautiful ring Liz had ever seen.  It was a gold band with a big red ruby in the middle, surrounding the ruby were tiny white diamonds that sparkled brightly in the soft morning light.

“I picked this up the other morning before I got to court.  You see, this has nothing to do with what happened the other day.  I’ve wanted to ask you for a while now, but I was afraid that I would scare you away, that it was too soon.  I never thought I’d ever be ready to settle down with someone, get married or anything, but you’ve changed me Liz.  You have brought out a side in me that I never knew existed.  I love you Liz, and I want you to be my wife.”  He told her, as he carefully took the ring out of the confinements of the box.

Watching Max, Liz couldn’t stop her mouth from falling open, her eyes burning brightly with astonishment.  Never in her wildest dreams had she expected max to propose that morning.  They’d been to hell and back over the previous few days, but things were slowly starting to look up.

In her heart, she continued to mull over Max’s words.  He’d been planning to propose the day she’d lost the baby, the day her world had come crashing down.  She couldn’t help but feel a little sad though.  She’d almost had it all, so close to touching heaven.  She’d almost had a beautiful fiancé and the wonder of a young new life borne out of love inside her.  Subconsciously, her hand slipped to her now empty stomach.

Allowing a small smile to dance gently across her face, Liz took a little hope from the situation.  She still had max, she loved him so much, and in her heart she was sure there would be more children for them in the future.

Standing up once more, Max slowly sank to one knee and took hold of Liz’s left hand.  Kissing it gently, he looked up at her and asked the question once more.

“Liz Parker …….. my sweet love ………..will you marry me?”

“Yes.”  She replied softly, tears tumbling down her cheeks once more. 

Carefully pushing the ring on to her finger, Max stretched up and pulled Liz down so that she sat on the floor between his legs.  Leaning in he kissed her passionately, sealing the love that ran deep between the two of them.  Her tears dampened his cheeks, but he wasn’t over duly worried, he knew this time the tears were of joy and happiness, instead of sadness.

Opening his eyes, Alex couldn’t help but smile.  Isabelle was still encased in his arms, her hair flailing all over the pillow, but she still managed to take his breath away.  She looked so peaceful as she slept, her body completely relaxed, like she had no cares in the world.  Invariably, as the cover slipped away from her naked body slight, Alex’s mind rushed back to the previous evening.  His fantasies had all come true that evening, and it had been even better than his wildest dreams.  His love for Isabelle had soared to even greater heights since then; she was a truly amazing person.  Secretly, he thanked god for sending such a beautiful angel to him, before closing his eyes and slipping back into a deep sleep.

Turning off the taps to the bath, Max headed back out to Liz’s bedroom. 

“Liz baby, the bath’s ready.”  He informed her, watching his new fiancée lying stretched out on the bed.

“Ok.”  She replied, slowly getting up and walking over towards Max. 

Once inside the bathroom, Liz undid the belt to her silk dressing gown and slowly slipped it down her creamy flesh.  Max couldn’t help but suck in a breath as he watched her naked body unfold in front of him. 

Mentally kicking himself, Max reminded his body that Liz was in no state to do anything other than be hugged.  She’d been through an extremely traumatic experience, not just mentally, but also physically, she wasn’t in a fit state at that moment.

Slowly getting into the bath first, Max sat down in the water and opened his arms up to invite Liz in.  Climbing in, Liz allowed her body to slowly be enveloped by the warm water.  Leaning back, Liz felt Max’s arm wrap around her middle and pull her closer.  Sighing into his embrace, Liz allowed a satisfying smile to creep over her lips. 

Although she still felt very sad over the loss of their child, somehow Max’s proposal had cushioned the blow.  She’d been afraid he was only doing it to make her feel better, but in producing the ring it meant he’d thought about it before.  Inside she couldn’t help but feel happy at the prospect of being engaged to Max. 

So many wonderful things had happened since joining Evans Associates those many months ago, and some times she wondered if she deserved it all.  She wasn’t used to good fortune and nice things happening, and it was often hard to accept they really were true.  Sometimes she expected to wake up one morning and find out it had all been a dream.

“Are you sure you’re ok with telling everyone today?  I don’t want you to feel smothered or anything.”  Max said softly, as he soaped her arms.

“I want to tell them Max.  I know everyone has been treading gently around me the last few days, and I think it’s time it stops.  I want to get our lives back to normal as quickly as possible.  I want to stop feeling like people have ulterior motives when they ask me how I am; yet silently asking me if I’m coping ok.  I think this will help, it’ll give people something else to talk about with me.”  Liz replied, feeling her skin prickle under his touch.

Moving his hands further round, Max ran his fingers lightly over her upper body, purposely ignoring her breasts.  He didn’t think he’d have enough willpower to caress them but not let his feelings show through to his own body.  The way Liz was sitting it would make it impossible for him to hide his body’s reaction to touching her.

Twisting round, Liz faced Max and couldn’t resist leaning in and capturing his lips.  Melting into the kiss, Max pulled her into his arms so the kiss could deepen.  As she ran her fingers across his chest, Liz found Max catching her hand and holding it still.  Her queried look when they broke their kiss surprised him

“Not yet Liz, its too soon, remember what the doctor said.”  He cautioned her.

“I know, it’s just hard to not be close to you after you proposed.  I wanted to thank you.”

“Just being here with me is thanks enough.”  He replied, pulling her into his arms once more and allowing the hot water to gush around them.

A little after 6.00pm, the Evans house became a hive of activity.  Once they’d finished in the bath, Max had called round his parents, Isabelle and Michael, asking if they could all meet at Philip and Diane’s.  Although his friends were slightly sceptical as to why the meeting was happening, no one voiced their queries out loud. 

“Liz””  Maria said, pulling her friend into a hug.  “You ok?”  She added gently.

“I’m fine, really Maria.”  Liz replied, trying to brush over the subject.  This was one day she really didn’t want to think about what had happened to them only a few days previous.  All she wanted to think about was the wonder and joy of Max’s proposal.

“How is she really Max?”  Isabelle queried, once Liz was out of earshot.

“She’s doing ok, yesterday evening was pretty rough, but we talked about things and I think it’s helped.  It’s not easy, but we’re both looking to the future now and not in the past.”  Max replied honestly.

“Well you know where we are if you need us mate.”  Michael added, placing a supportive hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“Thanks.  How’s the case going Is?”  Max asked his sister.  Against his better judgement, Isabelle had refused to allow Max to help her in court, countering that she and Alex could handle it.  Maria was also under strict instructions to send Max home if he came anywhere near the office.  Everyone knew Max needed time off, and knew the only way he’d take it was if they ordered him to.

“So Max, what’s all the big mystery?  Why did you invite us all here?”  Michael queried.

“All in good time mate.”  Max replied, grinning, wanting to wait until everyone was in the room before spilling the news.

As they all sat down, Max took hold of Liz’s free hand and squeezed it gently for a moment.  Looking at her, he wanted to make sure she was completely happy with what he was going to say.

“So Max, when do we get to find out what it is you wanted to tell us?  It must be pretty important if you asked everyone here.”  Philip said.

“Well yeah, I guess it is pretty important.”  Max replied, watching Liz pick up her glass of water and take a sip.

“Oh my god!”  Maria suddenly squealed glancing in the direction of her best friend. 

“What’s wrong?”  Michael queried, glancing at his girlfriend, as everyone else turned to look at her.

“Nothing!”  Maria covered up quickly, looking directly at Liz and staring into her friend’s eyes.

Using no words, Maria silently informed Liz that she had clearly seen the large rock positioned on her friend’s finger.  Communicating back to Maria that her powers of deduction were correct, but not to say anything, Liz couldn’t stop the smile on her face.  Her friend’s reaction was mild shock, but Liz also noted the happiness that was spread across Maria’s face.

“Ok, well Liz and I have some news to tell you.”  Max said, glancing at Liz as she held his hand tightly.

“Ok.”

“Well, I’ve asked Liz to marry me ………… and she said yes.”  Max replied, watching the reaction of the faces around him.  Silence reverberated around the living room for a split second, as Max’s words started to slowly sink in.

“Wow!  That’s wonderful!”  Isabelle cried out, getting up and heading over to hug her brother and potential sister-in-law.

“Yes Max, Liz, we’re so pleased for you.”  Diane added, copying Isabelle in hugging the happy couple.

“I knew it!”  Maria squealed, hugging her best friend.

“Ok, how did you know?”  Liz asked, curious as to how Maria knew before the news had been broken.

“I saw the ring!  On my god Liz, that is just so beautiful!”  Maria gushed, looking at her friend’s engagement ring.

“Well I’d like to propose a toast, to Max and Liz, may you have a wonderful life together.”  Philip said, raising his glass.

“To Max and Liz.”  The others chimed.

“So, I guess we’ve got a wedding to plan for then!”  Isabelle said, as the girls cleared away the dinner plates.

“Erm, well Max and I haven’t exactly discussed weddings.  We’re kinda just getting used to being engaged.”  Liz replied, wiping dry a glass Diane had just washed.

“Oh no, you’ve got to set a date, I love organising!”  Isabelle said, trying to sway her friend.

“Well, I’ll have to talk to Max.”  Liz replied. 

In truth, the thought of a wedding and marrying Max really did excite her.  She couldn’t think of anything more perfect than becoming Max’s wife, Mrs Liz Evans.  She wasn’t sure what Max would say though, being engaged was one thing, but actually getting married was something completely different.  When you’re engaged you can just take the ring off and cancel it, but being married was something bigger.

That night in bed though, Liz decided to breach the subject with her new fiancé.

“Max.” 

“Mmm.” 

“I was wondering, I know we’ve only just got engaged and everything, but have you thought about setting a date?  I don’t want to pressure you or anything but ……..”  Liz trailed off.  She wanted to see how eager Max was to get married, but didn’t want him to think she was pressuring him into the next step.  She loved being engaged to him, and she didn’t want to ruin it by moving too fast.

“You’re not pressuring me Liz.  I asked you to marry me because that’s what I want to do.  If I though I could get away with it, I’d run away with you tomorrow and elope.  But I have family who will want something a little more extravagant, plus there are our friends too.  I do want to marry you Liz, more than I’ve wanted anything before.  Just name the date and I’ll be there.”  Max replied, trying to quell her fears on ‘trapping’ him.

“So when then?”  Liz asked, needing something to look forward to.  In her mind she knew that planning a wedding would go a long way to help her over the grief of the miscarriage.

“Ok ……. well how about three months time then?  May would be a really nice month to get married in I think.”  Max replied, moving a wisp of her hair away from her face.

“May?  I think that would be perfect.”

“Well then, I think you Isabelle and Maria have a job to do.  Go, have fun and plan our wedding babe.”  Max replied, pulling her in for a deep kiss.

Lying in his arms, Liz slowly drifted to sleep, all the while dreaming.  Dreaming of the wedding she was going to plan, the wedding she never thought she’d ever be a bride at.

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