Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza

Part 60

Allowing the cool water to lap around her feet, Liz sat down on the soft dusty sand and stared mesmerisingly out to the beautiful calm sea.

There was nothing around to see for miles and miles, except the head and arms of her new husband.  She stayed still, captivated, as she watch him churn up the water, powerfully swimming back and forth along the shore. 

She could see the rippling, tanned muscles of his upper body glistening in the sun, and couldn’t help smiling.  It felt good to Liz, to know Max was her husband now, and his body was most certainly there to do with what she pleased.  Just the mere thought made her stomach flip with excitement.  He was more beautiful than words, and something inside told Liz she’d never be able to get enough of him, never tire of his showering of love and affection towards her.

Lost in her ‘Max appreciation’ dream haze, Liz didn’t notice him swim towards shore, until he waded out of the cool, clear water, in her direction.

It was the fourth day of their dream honeymoon.  After their wedding day, their family and friends had left the island, leaving the happy couple to their own devices.  They were spending seven days on the luxury, isolated island before reluctantly heading back to reality and back to facing other civilisation apart from each other.

Their days had been filled with endless hours of fun, snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, sleeping and kissing; there had definitely been plenty of that!  It felt wonderful to the both of them to be free to openly express their feelings without someone complaining they were being too lovey dovey or sappy.  Having an island, however small, to themselves certainly did have its advantages, and gave them time to get to know each other even more.

Sweeping her up into his water drenched body; Max placed a delicate kiss on her lips.  Wrapping her arms lazily around his neck, Liz eagerly accepted Max’s desire to deepen the kiss.

It amazed her that, even after four days of unadulterated pleasure, she still couldn’t get enough of the hunky man also known as her beautiful husband.  To Liz, Max was like a drug, she needed a fix or she’d get withdrawal symptoms.  She craved the giddy, dizzy feeling in her head, the warm buzz in her stomach, all the feelings she got each time Max touched a part of her skin.

Of course Max certainly wasn’t complaining, he wanted and needed Liz just as much as she desired him.

Placing his hands gently on her behind, Max scooped her up and allowed Liz to wrap her legs around his waist.  Keeping one hand where it was, Max moved the other to behind Liz’s head.  Scooping some of her velvet hair into his fingers, he gently tugged her head back slightly so that he could get even more access to her sensual mouth.

Her brain became cloudy and light-headed, feelings and images flooding her mind, sending her spinning out of control.  She didn’t know how he did it, how he conjured up the amazing feelings drowning her body, but she prayed that it would never stop.

Plundering her lips, Max couldn’t deny how amazing she made him feel.  With Liz everything was complete, she was like a wonderful angel sent to make his life better than perfect. 

Knowing he wouldn’t be able to carry on for much longer if he had to keep them both upright, Max gently sunk to his knees and laid Liz out on the soft white sand. 

The cool water of the sea lapped around their feet as they continued to explore each other, attempting to chill their heat charged bodies. 

After four days of loving, they both knew the other better than inside out.  They knew what made the other cry out in pleasure ………. what made their toes curl ……….. and what was pure bliss. 

Finally breaking their clinch, they both dragged in large amounts of air to rejuvenate their aching lungs.  Moving his lips, he let them brush over her bikini clad breasts, before reaching round to the tie up around her neck. 

Slowly pulling apart the two strands, he allowed the bikini to slip downward. 

Clicking it open the clasp at the front, he slowly peeled the bright red material away from her body and tossed it carefully onto the sand behind them.

Running her fingers through his still damp hair, Liz gently pushed his head towards her body, desperately needing his lips on the bare skin of her body.

Obliging without protest, Max descended on her skin just below her bust, teasing her for a moment and listening to the whimpers that were slipping softly from her lips. 

Moving upwards, he finally allowed his lips to encapsulate one of her breasts, evoking louder groans from Liz as if to tell him that was what she needed.

Her fingers continued to weave between his strands of hair, as if attempting to keep hold of the small amount of sanity she still possessed.  Running her fingers down his neck, she dragged her long shapely nails across his back, eliciting a seductive growl against her skin from Max.

Lifting his head from her body, Max looked up at her through darkened eyes.  Liz matched his gaze, her eyelids a half-mast, her pupils blackened with desire, her breathing becoming increasingly heavier. 

Seeing his own desire mirrored in her face, Max moved up to cover her lips once more and take them in an intensely passionate kiss.  It was a forceful kiss, but one that poured out the urgency they both felt at that moment.

Rolling Max onto his back on the sand, Liz raked her eyes along his body before proceeding.  Slipping her hands down his bare sides, Liz finally met resistance in Max’s swimming shorts.  Slowly sliding her hands either sides of his hips, she eased down the material so that it eventually departed his body and joined her bikini top on the sand beside them.

Pulling back once more, Liz allowed her eyes to admire his body, taking in every inch of his beauty.  Finally, she rested beside his body, and snaked her hand out to capture his most private part.

Feeling her little hands encircle him, Max dragged in a breath of air.  Her touch was exquisite, refined, and perfect, like pure heaven to him.  She continued to stroke him, listening to the changing sounds of his breath, liking it as his breathing became faster and shallower and his excitement heightened further.

Finally taking as much as he could, Max pushed her hands gently away from him, and pushed them so he loomed over her once more.  Dancing his fingers along her bare chest, stomach, he continued his journey across her body until he reached the restriction of her bikini bottoms.

Slipping two fingers either side, Max hooked the material and gently eased it down her shapely hips and finally away from her body.  Running his fingers back up her toned legs, he paused at her thighs for a moment.

Looking up at Liz once more, he saw the fire blazing fiercely through her delicate amber eyes, desire for him and his expert touch.

Finally giving in, he faintly brushed the pad of his fingers over the route of her desire.  On feeling her body squirm under his slight touch, Max couldn’t help but grin up at his beautiful wife.

Liz had come a long way from the innocent girl she’d been the first time they’d made love.  She knew what she wanted, and wasn’t afraid by now to let Max know.

Lifting her hand from the sand, she reached down to where Max’s hand was and placed hers over the top.  Her movement surprised Max, making him look up at Liz once more.  The fire in her eyes was blazing even more strongly, and the fierce look told him what she had to have.

Pressing her hand against Max’s, Liz indicated in no uncertain terms that she was in no mood for games.  The desire pulsing through her body was so strong; she needed a release before she burst into flames.

Obliging his wife, Max did as she requested, his touch picking up the pressure, pushing Liz to the brink before stopping, and then repeating the feat until she was squirming and writhing once more under his touch.

Taking her lips in a passionate lock once more, Max thrusted into her, knowing that soft and sensual wasn’t what either of them wanted at that moment.  He could tell Liz wanted it hard, fast, full of the passion consuming their bodies.

She matched him pace for pace, greeting his urgency with wide eyes and a grin of satisfaction.  Wrapping her legs around his waist, she took him deeper, wanting as much of her husband as she could possibly take.

Throwing his head back, Max pulled in a large lungful of air, trying hard to keep a slight hold on his fast dwindling control.  She was driving him to the very edge, but he didn’t want it to end just yet, he didn’t want to topple over the boundary of sanity so soon.

Pulling him closer, she clawed at his back, trying to pull him even closer to her body, if that was ever possible.  Emotions were drowning her body, feelings so strong her head was completely fuzzy.  Sane thoughts had long since been a thing of the past, and Liz didn’t care at all. 

Finally they both gave into their body’s incessant need to quell their desire, eventually Max upped the pace even more and sent them both spiralling out of control, dropping into the huge oblivion of amazing feelings and wonderful images. 

Heaving in much needed air, Liz closed her eyes and allowed Max to pull her body on to his as he moved to lay beside her.  She was exhausted, the magnitude of the orgasm that had just hit her was like nothing she’d ever felt before, but hoped she would again soon.

“God I love you Liz.”  He said hoarsely.

“I love you too ……….. let’s stay here forever Max, never go back to reality ……. Just stay here and love each other.”  She said dreamily.

“Ok.”  He replied, knowing that when it came to Liz he’d agree to absolutely anything at that precise moment.

Two months later

“So what happens now?”  Max queried softly, as Liz emerged from the bathroom.

“We wait a couple of minutes and then find out the results.”  She replied, trying not to let her hand shake as she placed the thin white object down on the coffee table.

“Come here sweetheart.”  He instructed, opening his arms so he could envelope her as she stepped close.  Kissing the top of her head, he couldn’t help but feel nervously excited at what was unfolding around him.

They both knew the risks they’d taken on the deserted island during the week of their honeymoon.  Subconsciously, without needing to talk about it, they’d both agreed on the way forward for their life together.

Loosing the baby had been hard on both of them, but it had served to open Liz’s eyes.  Before then she’d been adamant that she didn’t want children for a very long time.  She was convinced she didn’t want to make the same mistakes as her parents and have children so young. 

But the tragic loss of their first child had brought her feelings rushing to the surface.  It had been hard to overcome the grief, but when she had eventually emerged from it, Liz’s outlook on life changed.

Liz knew that life was short, and you only got one chance at it.  She didn’t want to look back years from then and regret the decisions she’d made.  She loved Max with all her heart, soul and so much more.  Marrying him was the first big commitment, and she finally felt ready to progress to an even bigger commitment. 

And so, by their own admissions, neither had been particularly concerned about being careful while they were away.  Instead they’d just enjoyed their private time together and made the best use possible with it. 

Without a doubt they both knew it had brought them even closer together.  Liz was now sure she knew Max pretty much inside out and back to front, and Max knew his wife just the same.  It had taken their relationship to an even higher and deeper level, knowing they could tell the other absolutely anything.

When Liz had suspected she was pregnant, the first thing she did was tell Max.  It wasn’t confirmed, but all the signs seemed to point to it.  Max hadn’t been able to hide his excitement.  His desire to have a family with his new wife was very strong. 

The first thing he’d done was go out and get a test from the local drug store, eager to know the results as soon as possible.  Waiting for a doctor’s appointment would have been agony for both of them.

So here they were, waiting for the few minutes until the pregnancy test would hopefully confirm their hopes and dreams. 

Subconsciously, as he held her tight, Max couldn’t resist allowing his hand to gently drift over her flat stomach.  The thought of Liz potentially carrying his child was very exciting to him and he could feel his body stirring just at the thought.

Encased in his arms, Liz felt relaxed and immensely happy.  Her life had turned full circle since joining Evans Associates.  Her childhood had been very unhappy and unloved, but since standing on her own two feet she’d gone from strength to strength. 

Despite her previous fears about being a bad mother, Liz had finally managed to overcome at least some of her worries.  She loved Max, and Liz was sure that would pull her through any crisis of faith.  She’d finally accepted that just because her parents had been lousy, didn’t make it hereditary that she wouldn’t make a good mother

The love Max showered her with was strong and powerful, and it had taken her time to adjust to it.  It had scared Liz at first, to have someone give her such adoration, but she had slowly adjusted.  Now she couldn’t imagine ever being without her handsome boss.  He was everything she wanted and needed in a man, and so much more. 

They had the perfect life, a happy albeit new marriage, a wonderfully large house and excellent jobs.  Despite the obstacles they had faced, things were finally looking up for them.

“I think it’s time.”  Liz whispered softly, her stomach churning around in knots just at the thought.

It was nervous excitement, although she was happy if she was pregnant, it was still a daunting prospect.  Committing to a child was scary, but also presented so many new and exciting prospects.   And in her heart she knew Max would make a fantastic father, and she hoped she would make a great mother too.

Thinking about the possibility a little someone was growing inside her was also a strange idea.  She wasn’t sure what to expect, what would happen to her body as it changed over the months. 

The only thing Liz was sure about though was that whatever happened Max would be there every step of the way.  Holding her hand, soothing her fears and loving her always and forever.  Whatever happened they would always have each other to lend strength and support.

“Shall I have a look then?”  Max offered gently, stroking her hand that was clutching hold of the material of his shirt on his chest.

“Ok.”  She replied, taking a deep breath.

They both knew their lives were potentially going to change dramatically inside the next few moments.  If she was pregnant it would mean a lot of changes, and if not it meant lots more practising until what they both dreamed of did happen. 

Reluctantly relinquishing his tight grip on his wife, Max took two steps over to the coffee table and picked up the white pregnancy tester.  Staring at it for a moment, Max paused before speaking.

“What am I looking for?”  He queried, suddenly realising he wasn’t sure what colour line he was hoping for.

“Pink if I’m pregnant ……… and blue if I’m not.”  Liz replied, the tension in the room almost drowning her.

Taking a breath and closing his eyes for a moment, he blinked away the tears that were threatening to well up in his eyes.  Looking back at Liz, he could see the nervous excitement in her eyes, and he smiled softly back at her.

“I love you so much babe.”  Max said, putting down the object and scooping Liz back up in his strong arms. 

Subconsciously she knew, Liz didn’t know how but she already knew the outcome of the test.  Emotions ruled her body at that moment, and she was powerless to stop the tears that gently trickled down her face.  They were tears of happiness though, tears signalling she’d finally made a life for herself that she hoped her parents would have been proud of.

Pulling her head onto his chest, Max rubbed her back and stroked her hair, trying to soothe her emotion charged body.  Inside he too felt like he was going to burst, happiness, trepidation, surprisement, and excitement, all filling his body.  His head spun with so many emotions, he too felt his eyes well up once again as emotions ruled supreme in the spacious living room that would be perfect for the family they both craved.

They stayed in the clinch for a long time, both absorbed in the enormity of what had just happened to them.  Everything was perfect once more, their lives, their love; nothing would ever take that away from them as long as they were together. 

Sitting on the polished pine coffee table was the pregnancy test ………. a bright pink line shining brightly like a beacon of hope for the next stage in the perfect lives of Max and Liz Evans.

Part 61

Sitting down in her seat, Liz Evans couldn’t help but feel immensely proud.  She was sitting in the grounds of Kennedy High with the warm afternoon New York sun beating down. 

Liz’s pride for the day was simple; her eldest son was graduating from high school.

Ben Evans was the eldest son of Max and Liz, and at 18 years of age he was a strapping lad.  It was very obvious who his father was; Ben was exact image of Max.  From the chocolate brown hair that fell in wisps over his forehead, to the liquid brown eyes that said so much without using words, to the muscular physique of his father. 

This was Ben’s day; he had survived the high school experience intact and was graduating with top honours.

Sitting beside Liz was her husband of nearly nineteen years, Max Evans.  The love that had flown between them since the moment they’d met was still very evident. 

The years had been very kind to Max.  He still had a taut, toned body and apart from a few flecks of grey in his dark hair and one or two wrinkles to define character, he looked exactly the same as he had when they’d married. 

He still worked relentlessly at Evans Associates, but his hard work had paid off.  The firm was going from strength to strength and had taken on more staff over the nineteen years.  There were now four Partners, Isabelle, Michael, Alex and of course Max.  Coupled with four other lawyers, five junior lawyers and a team of eight secretaries headed by Liz and Maria, the firm was certainly a big playmaker in the legal industry. 

The promotion of Michael and Alex to partners had coincided with Diane stepping down as silent partner, just after Liz and then Maria found they were expecting their first children.  Somehow Diane knew her time as a practising lawyer had come to an end, and instead it was time to enjoy life as an expectant grandmother.  Philip stood down soon after, realising it was time to let his son have a free reign on the company he’d built from scratch.

Sitting the other side of Liz was her eldest daughter, sixteen-year-old Melissa.  To all who knew Melissa, they knew how fiery and passionate she could be.  There was very little of Liz in her daughter.  Except for her long chestnut hair all other features had been inherited from her father’s side of the family.  As Melissa had grown older, Liz could see more and more of her sister-in-law, Isabelle, developing in the young girl.  Something told Liz that Melissa, when she was older, wouldn’t settle for the ‘normal’ female role in society, but instead strive to make a difference in the world.  Melissa was fiery and passionate all the traits that consumed her father and aunt.

Sitting to the right of Melissa was her younger sister, Max and Liz’s third child, Shauna.  The eleven-year-old girl was almost the complete opposite of her elder sister.  Shauna was the exact mirror image of her mother, right down to inheriting Liz’s personality and quiet temperament. 

It often amazed Liz how so completely different her daughters had turned out, yet she loved them both wholeheartedly.  Shauna was much more quieter, less outspoken than Melissa, instead she was happy to blend into the background somewhat.  Occasionally Liz could see her youngest daughter being overpowered by Melissa, but Liz was sure in time Shauna would become stronger just like Liz herself had once her mother had died.

Cradled in his father’s arms was Max and Liz’s fourth child, nine-month-old Thomas.  He had been the couple’s only ‘accident’ in the loosest sense of the word.

Max and Liz had tried for a fourth child as soon as Shauna had hit four, but nothing had happened.  Over the years they’d pretty much given up hope of another baby, and instead concentrated on the three perfect children they’d been blessed with.

Max had been shocked when his wife had suggested she might be, and even more so when the doctor had confirmed Liz was pregnant again.  It had been a tough time for them, Liz was 39 and there was the potential of complications, which worried Max no end.  The last thing he wanted was anything to happen to his beloved wife. 

For quite a while Max struggled with the knowledge that he was helpless to protect Liz if anything happened to her or the baby, something he didn’t enjoy or get used to.  For to Max apart from loving his wife wholeheartedly, his role was also to protect her from anything that might harm her. 

Coupled with that, Ben and Melissa hadn’t been particularly thrilled at the thought of a new baby in the house.  Ben had complained it would ruin his study time and hence his grades would fall, and Melissa struggled to cope with the fact her parents were actually doing something physical to make a baby in the first place.  In fact, the only person pleased about the baby was Shauna, and that was only so she wouldn’t be the youngest in the family anymore.

Yet despite the opposition and hurdles against them, Max and Liz never once even remotely considered not having their child.  To them he was a special gift sent down to them, perhaps in some ways to make amends for loosing their first child so many years previously.

From the moment Tom was born though, his brother and sisters fell in love with him.  He was the perfect baby, always happy, rarely crying or whinging.  For Liz, it gave her a new lease of life.  She’d loved raising her other children and had secretly still craved another baby to tend to.  She’d previously resided herself to having to wait until grandchildren came along, but not any more. 

Max had noticed the change in Liz almost instantly; she was so much happier and full of energy, as if she’d been given a new role in life.  He enjoyed being a father once again too.  His children were all growing up and depending on him less and less, it fell nice to be wanted and needed in a father capacity once more.

Sitting the row behind them was Max and Liz’s best friends, Michael and Maria Guerin.  They too were there for the ceremony, as godparents to Ben, but also as their own son, Joshua was graduating too. 

They’d married just over a year after Max and Liz, a few months after their first child had been born.  It had been a shock to them both when Maria had found she was pregnant, they hadn’t been going out for long, and for a while Michael did a lot of soul searching. 

Michael hadn’t ever wanted to become a father, after his tough childhood, and struggled at first with the thought of Maria carrying his child.  Although he loved Maria with all his heart, he was desperately afraid he would mess up the child, having no real childhood to call on for help and guidance. 

It was Max who had persuaded Michael not to run away in the end though.  He made his friend realise that no matter what had happened in the past, he had to look to the future.  Running away would just confirm his fears, but by facing his demons head on Michael could exorcise his abysmal childhood memories and enjoy the wonder of being a father. 

It was something Michael knew he would always be grateful to Max for, since his children had brought him so much amazing happiness in their short lives.

Sitting either side of their parents were Maria and Michael’s other children, ten-year-old twins Kacie and Kimberley.  The two girls were identical, with a mix of both their parents.  They’d inherited their mother’s wacky sense of humour, and their father’s mischievous sense of adventure.  They were most certainly a handful, doing the normal twin trick of pretending to be the other and such, but they were girls you couldn’t help but love.  They were always full of energy, constantly smiling and they had a knack of making sure no one was ever sad around them.  They loved life, plain and simple, and loved their parents and brother just as much.

Sitting a row in front of Max and Liz were the remaining two in their ‘gang’, Alex and Isabelle Whitman.  They too were there to see their godchildren graduate, but also their own daughter, Olivia, who was graduating a year early at 17.

Olivia was an extremely bright child, who had inherited all the best traits of her parents’ personalities.  She was very beautiful with long blond hair, a perfect figure, and beautifully sparkling eyes, coupled with a smart brain and quick wit Olivia was most certainly a vision. 

Many of the lads in the year above worshiped her like a goddess, but Olivia hardly noticed the attention.  Her two cousins made sure unwelcomed advances were steered away though, both knowing that although Olivia looked older and wiser, it was just a very good front and underneath she was very naive.  On more than one occasion Ben and Josh had helped their cousin out of situations, always keeping an eye on the beautiful young girl.  It was their watchful eyes on their daughter that helped Alex and Isabelle sleep at night, knowing Olivia would be safe with Ben and Josh.

Sitting with her mother and father was Alex and Isabelle’s other daughter, Stephanie.  She was six years old and an angel in every sense of the word.  Her beautiful blond hair fell down her back in perfect ringlets, her blue eyes sparkled constantly, and her happy disposition made her delightful to know. 

Stephanie had most certainly been unplanned for her parents though.  Isabelle had struggled throughout her pregnancy with Olivia, suffering sever bouts of morning sickness, high blood pressure and other ailments.  The nine months had been a nightmare for both Alex and Isabelle, both afraid for the life of their unborn child.  Isabelle also struggled with the fact she couldn’t do much around the office, the doctor banishing her to rest for much of the nine months for the sake of her child’s life.  It was something she hadn’t been used to and didn’t enjoy very much, feeling useless just sitting around the house. 

When Olivia had been born, Isabelle had told Alex in no uncertain terms that Olivia was to be their only child.  Although it had been somewhat selfish, Isabelle knew she couldn’t go through it again. 

Alex had been a little upset at first, knowing how lonely it was growing up as an only child, but conceded the matter.  He knew he had no choice once Isabelle had made up her mind, and their daughter did have cousins to occupy her time.  Instead Alex and Isabelle enjoyed watching their daughter grow up, knowing they would only get one chance to enjoy the wonders. 

So when Isabelle had discovered she was pregnant again, ten years after the nightmare of having Olivia, she considered keeping the news to herself.  For nearly a week after getting the test results, Isabelle had debated whether to

tell Alex, or just get rid of the child and go on as if nothing had happened. 

She loved her husband dearly, but Isabelle wasn’t sure if she was strong enough to go through with the pregnancy.  Isabelle knew Alex’s feelings on having more children only too well, and knew for sure he’d talk her out of a termination.

In the end though, Isabelle chose the right decision and told Alex her news.  As she expected, Alex was ecstatic and excited at the prospect of becoming a father again.  But when Isabelle told him her reservations about having the child, a dark cloud descended on the normally happy Whitman house. 

It was a tough time for all, Alex couldn’t understand why Isabelle would want to terminate their child, and Isabelle couldn’t understand why Alex wouldn’t see her point of view.  It nearly broke their family apart, Isabelle moving back in to her parent’s house with Olivia for a few days, needing breathing space to clear her mind. 

Alex had been beside himself during that time, scared Isabelle would do something stupid without his knowledge, and he felt powerless to protect his unborn child.

Isabelle came very close to terminating the pregnancy; even booking the appointment at the clinic, but in the end couldn’t go through with it.  The time away gave her time to think, making her realise that marriage was a partnership, and just as in business that meant compromising. 

The whole ordeal brought Alex and Isabelle even closer, both realising they needed the other very much.  In her heart too, Isabelle knew she wouldn’t have been able to go through and terminate Alex’s baby, news that had been music to Alex’s ears.

The second time around, Isabelle sailed through her pregnancy without any complications except mild morning sickness, and when baby Stephanie had been placed in her arms, Isabelle shed many tears.  She couldn’t help but think about how near she’d come to ending her child’s life though. 

It was something she struggled with during the first year of Stephanie’s life, until Alex told her she had to let it go.  It was something in the past that she had to bury and move on.

In the congregation also were the proud grandparents, Philip and Diane.  They were filled with immense pride as they waited to watch Ben, Joshua and Olivia graduate.  It had been a rocky road over the previous nineteen years, but things were smooth once again.  Her children had been through many obstacles, but with the strength obtained from their parents, the three sets of friends had rode out all the waves. 

Although it had been hard to just sit back and watch, Diane was immensely proud how the six friends had coped with everything thrown in their direction.  Diane dotted over her grandchildren, enjoying the fact her children needed her once more.  Philip too revelled in the freedom to go fishing whenever he wanted to.

The graduation ceremony was beautiful, and Liz, Maria and Isabelle all shed many tears for their children who were growing up so very fast.

After the ceremony, there were drinks on the lawn.  The group converged together, everyone congratulating the others on their children’s success.

Rounding the corner on his way to drop something in his parent’s car, Ben nearly bumped into a couple passionately making out.  He was shocked and somewhat dumbstruck to find the identity of the loving couple.  It was none other than his best friend and cousin, Joshua and Olivia.

Ben stood routed to the spot for a few moments, mouth open wide as he took in the sight in front of him.  It was evident they were completely oblivious to anyone around them, only the other mattering.  Josh’s hand was hidden under Olivia’s crisp white top, and her hands were disappeared around the back of his shirt.  His other hand was clasped firmly on her butt, caressing and stroking it lovingly.

Knowing he’d seen way more than he wanted to, Ben coughed loudly, and watched as Josh and Olivia immediately sprung apart and looked back at Ben with sheepish looks painting their faces. 

It wasn’t so much that Ben was upset to see them together; more that he was shocked he had totally missed the signs.  The three of them were very close, always hanging around together and he couldn’t believe he’d missed the fact Josh and Olivia had fallen for each other.  He loved them dearly, and was a little upset they hadn’t told him about their closeness.

“Please don’t say anything Ben.”  Josh pleaded with his best friend quickly.

“They’re gonna find out sooner or later, why not today when everyone is in a good mood?”  Ben suggested, trying to hide his surprisement.  However shocked he was feeling at that moment, Ben was sure telling the parents was the best course of action.

“My parents would go ballistic if they see I’m dating someone, even Josh.  My father is so protective I don’t think he’d be able to handle the fact I’ve found someone.”  ‘Liv admitted.  To Alex, Olivia was still his little girl, even the mere thought of some hormone raged teenage boy pawing her could throw him into a rage.  He meant well, but he just could accept Olivia was a woman now, not his baby girl.

“Yeah maybe, but I think the fact that it’s Josh will help you out somewhat there.  Uncle Alex knows Josh and that he’s a gentleman, I’m sure everything will be cool.  I think you should tell them before they stumble upon it like I have though, otherwise things could get messy.”  Ben said.  “Why didn’t you tell me?”  He added, feeling slightly hurt they’d hid it from him.

“It only happened a few weeks ago.  Liv and I just wanted to give it time to see where it would go before we told anyone, just in case it fizzled out after a couple of weeks.”  Josh admitted, sensing his friend was upset they’d kept the news from him.

“I won’t say anything guys, you know that, but I still think today is the perfect day to break the news to your olds.  You’ve just graduated, you’re adults now, it’s always best to be up front.”  Ben warned them, before continuing on his route to the car.  He’d said his piece; it was now up to Josh and Liv what they chose to do.

“He’s right you know.”  Josh said, once Ben was out of earshot.  Telling their parents was something Josh had wanted to do from the beginning, but Olivia had talked him out of it.

“But my dad ……...”  Olivia countered.

“I think it’s time I faced him Liv.”  Josh replied firmly.

“I really don’t think this is a good idea.”  Olivia voiced her fears.

“Please Liv, this is important to me.  Like Ben said, we’re adults and it’s time we started acting like them.”  Josh said, talking hold of his girlfriend’s hand firmly, and starting to walk over to the group of parents.

As his niece and godson headed over to the group, Max was the first to spot them.  Raising his eyebrows, he instantly spotted the linking of hands between the two, and could sense their closeness. 

Nudging Liz gently, he silently pointed in the direction of Josh and Olivia.  Both holding their breath, Max and Liz waited for the respective parents to notice and the potential fireworks to explode.

“Mum, dad, Aunty Is, Uncle Alex.”  Josh started, suddenly wondering if it had been such a good idea.

“Joshua.”  Isabelle said firmly, not completely sure she liked what she was sensing.

“Liv and I just wanted to be up front with you all ……….and let you know we’ve been dating for a few weeks now.”  Josh replied, holding his breath and waiting for the expected onslaught.

“Is that right?”  Alex said his eyes narrowing at the lad grasping hold of his daughter’s hand.  “I think we need to talk.”  He added, striding over to Josh, placing his hand on the boy’s shoulder and leading him firmly away from the group.

“We need to talk too honey …… but not here this isn’t the place.  We’ll talk tomorrow.”  Isabelle said to the girl.  Something told Isabelle a mother/daughter chat was long overdue.  However much she didn’t like to admit it, Olivia was always going to date sooner or later.  Inside Isabelle couldn’t help but feel slightly happier that it was Josh who had captured her daughter’s heart.  He was a good, trustworthy lad, and Isabelle was sure they’d be happy together.

“Dad won’t hurt Josh will he?”  Olivia queried, slightly afraid.  She’d seen how protective her father could be, and she didn’t want any harm to come to her new boyfriend.

“Of course not honey, your father just wants to set a few ground rules with Josh.”  Isabelle replied, knowing exactly what Alex would be saying.  However much their daughter was growing up, that didn’t stop Alex from looking out for her.

“Josh, you may be my godson, but I can assure you if you hurt my daughter in any way there will be hell to pay.”  Alex instructed.

“I know sir, I promise I won’t hurt Olivia.”  Joshua replied dutifully

“Secondly, and more importantly, if you get my daughter into trouble, like knocking her up, I will hunt you down and make you pay ….. do you understand?”  Alex said firmly, his eyes blazing for a moment.  He didn’t like to think about how far Olivia’s relationship with Josh had progressed to, but certain things just had to be said.

“Yes sir.”  Josh replied dutifully.

“Good, then I think we’ve come to an understanding.”  Alex replied, putting his arm around the bemused lad and walking back to the group.

“So son, have you decided what you want to study at university yet?”  Max enquired, as his son approached the group.

“Actually I have dad ……….. I want to study law, so I can work with you at Evans Associates …….. if that’s ok.”  Ben replied hoping his father would say yes.  He’d done some work there over the summer and really enjoyed the fast pace of the office.  Becoming a lawyer would take a lot of hard work and studying, but Ben was sure he could do it.

The words were like music to Max’s ears.  He’d never once told Ben that he hoped his son would follow in his footsteps, not wanting to put pressure on the young lad, but secretly he did.  He now knew the company he was a senior partner in would be in safe hands. 

Knowing his son wanted to join the firm made Max smile, his legacy was to continue.  Ben would be the third generation Evans to work at the company, and in time inherit it.

Pulling his wife and baby son into his arms, Max gently kissed the top of Liz’s head before whispering soft words into her ear.  His life was perfect right then, and something told Max it would continue to be like that for a very long time to come.

THE END

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to each and every person who has given me feedback to this story.  It's been amazingly fun to write and I'm so pleased so many people have enjoyed it.

Author:            Kazza – 3rd June 2001

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