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Something to Believe in PART 43 The adoption seemed to take so long, however to Liz. The paperwork seemed endless, the red tape too much at times. But six weeks after they had first petitioned to take legal custody of Rebecca, the temporary foster care was granted by the courts. Since the little girl’s father could still, possibly, be in the picture, Max and Liz couldn’t outright adopt her at first. Instead it would take six months of legal guardianship before they could officially adopt the little girl whom both Max and Liz looked on as their daughter. It had taken a while, but by the time they brought her home on a sunny Wednesday afternoon Rebecca was completely happy. Watching her bounce eagerly onto the back seat as Max placed her small holdall of belongings into the car, Liz couldn’t stifle a huge smile of happiness. No longer was Rebecca the shy, reserved little girl who refused to speak unless absolutely necessary. Instead she was a happy, laughing five-year-old nearly a million miles away from the sad, lonely one she had been. The timing of Rebecca’s permanent foster care with Max and Liz couldn’t have been better planned. For that weekend was Isabelle and Alex’s wedding. The day had been meticulously planned right down to the smallest detail. Although time had been against all concerned in the planning, Isabelle had let very little of the details slip. She still made sure, with the help of family and friends, that everything down to the smallest detail was perfect. The colourings of the bridesmaid’s dresses were identical shimmering silver to Alex’s hand made waistcoat, and the bow ties each man in the wedding party would don. Isabelle’s dress too had been hand sewn by Diane, the only way her daughter could get the dress of her dreams in the time allowed. Midnight black tuxedos were also the order of the day, along with delicate cream roses as buttonholes. Morning sickness had hampered the plans, with Isabelle suffering on a regular basis with trying to keep food down. On each occasion Alex hated it, seeing her looking pale and drawn, the sound of her retching clawing at his heart. On more than one occasion, despite Isabelle’s protests otherwise, part of him wished she wasn’t pregnant and then hence no pain inflicted on her. The inability to marry early in the day due to the sickness made Isabelle amend her plans, and in the end it was Liz who had come up with the perfect compromise. Later in the afternoon and evening was Isabelle’s best time, the time when she radiated only the way a pregnant woman could. So that was the most natural time to have the wedding according to Liz. After pulling a few strings, and easily twisting Jim around her finger, Liz had secured the Oreanna and put her plan into action. The whole hotel was cleared for the Saturday evening, at considerable cost absorbed with glee by Jim. Rooms were made up for all the guests to stay the night, along with the large ballroom that was to house the evening sit down meal and entertainment afterwards. The actual wedding ceremony, however, would be conducted in the beautifully sculpted grounds of the hotel. The grass had been freshly mowed and flower bushes and trees trimmed in preparation. The softly running lake at the bottom of the large grounds would be the perfect setting. A small gazebo style shelter had been set up along with lush velvet carpeting for the guests to sit on. For this was no ordinary, traditional wedding in the true sense. No, this one would be conducted under the fall of darkness with only the silver moon and glistening stars to add light and ambience. Max and Liz arrived at the hotel a little after 3pm on the Saturday, and already found it a buzz with activity. Flowers were being set up in the grand hallway, the smell of all number of mouth-watering foods being prepared in the kitchen nearby. A quiet smile ran over her face as Liz surveyed all that was hers and her work. The whole idea for the style of wedding had been hers, and it felt good to give something back to Isabelle when her sister in law had been panicking on how to make the wedding special and different. “You ok?” Max queried softly, as Rebecca stood between them clasping tightly to their hands. “Yeah, happy.” Liz responded, smiling back at him so he could see her contentment. “How about you princess?” Max asked, stretching out a hand to stroke her silky brown hair. “Yeah.” Rebecca responded, sounding somewhat shell-shocked by the awe of the grand hallway and staircase. “It’s pretty here isn’t it?” Liz said, crouching down to the little girl’s level. “Yeah, I like it.” “Me too honey, me too.” Liz replied, putting her arms around Rebecca to hug her close. “Oh Liz you’re here, thank goodness!” Maria said, flying down the staircase. “Isabelle’s panicking about something and you’re the only one who can calm her down. “Ok, I’ll go straight up.” Liz replied, before turning to Max. “You ok to look after Becky for a while?” “Sure, we’ll go find Mackenzie and the guys.” Max said, looking at his little girl before sweeping her up into his strong arms and nuzzling her cheek with his nose. The light giggle omitted from her lips filling his ears with warmth as they strode away. “Ok, so what’s this emergency?” Liz started as they ascended the stairs towards Isabelle’s room. Emergency averted and problem solved, the hours flew past with infinite ease and before long it was a little after 7.00pm, and the guests were starting to arrive. In the large bridal suite Isabelle stood in the centre of the room as Diane gently pulled the zip up to her perfect wedding dress. The material was a light silk in a pale ivory colour. Thin straps held the tight bodice that hugged her already blooming bust. Nipped gently at waist and hips to hide the slight bulge in her stomach where the baby was starting to grow, before flowing out in a gentle skirt of soft cream silk. Crystallised beads decorated the bodice in straight lines, along with small clusters scattered over the skirt area of the dress. The jacket she was to wear over the top was full length with a high backed collar and long sleeves ending in a point at the centre of each hand, the warm golden silk colouring perfect to enhance her slight brown tan. In the other room, Liz was kneeling on the floor, the dress hitched slightly so she could crouch. Her fingers gently tickled Rebecca’s feet, igniting a childish giggle from her little angel. Slipping the little girl’s feet in to tiny ballet shoes, Liz pressed a finger to Rebecca’s nose gently before smiling and helping the little girl to the floor. Without a doubt she looked every bit a beautiful tiny princess. Rebecca’s hair had been caught in ringlets before being pulled half up and finished with a twist of silver metal framing a tiny tiara on her head. The dress was the same silver silk as the other bridesmaids although it flowed outwards in the style all little girls loved and approved of. In her hand she held on tightly to her grey rabbit named Bunnie who would accompany her down the isle as she followed Isabelle. The stuffed toy had been cleaned especially and donned silver clothing to match the dresses also made by Diane. Maria stood nearby smiling appreciatively as Rebecca twirled around to show off her new look. Liz and Maria were dressed identically in long silver evening gowns with a dipped ruffled neckline, low scooped back and slit high on their right thigh legs. Matching silver sandals donned their feet, with hair pulled back into French twists with strands falling around their faces to frame the look. “It’s so great to see you happy again Liz.” Maria finally said, as they watched Rebecca dash out to show the bride-to-be how she looked. “I am happy Maria, more happier than I think I’ve ever been.” Liz confided. “I never knew how much coming to see me and Mac hurt you. I didn’t know you yearned for a child too.” “It’s past history now Maria, water under the bridge. I’m not proud of a lot of things that have happened over the last eight months or so, but I can’t change them. All I know now is I love Max more than I ever felt possible, and Rebecca …… she has just made our lives complete.” Liz beamed. “And you deserve every moment of that happiness. So, have you and Max given up trying for a child of your own?” Her friend asked. “No … just put it on hold for a while I guess.” She said wistfully. “I still really want a child with Max, but I’m prepared to hold off for a while. Rebecca is an angel but she’s a handful at times too.” Liz smiled, before a call from Isabelle took them from the confinements of the bedroom. Just before 8pm the wedding party filled out into the warm night and headed towards the water’s edge to wait for the bride. Instead of chairs, to keep informality, there were rows of plush silver velvet cushions for each guest to sit on during the ceremony. Each had an entwining image of two hearts sewn on the front, with Isabelle and Alex’s name against each heart. Waiting at the bottom of the grand staircase, Liz, Maria and Rebecca watched as Isabelle descended towards her waiting father. A brim of tears filled Liz’s eyes, memories of her own wedding to Max rushed to the front as she took in how beautiful Isabelle looked. Her long flowing hair fell down her back like a blanket, half had been scooped up and twisted around in a semi bun to give weight behind her stunning tiara full of silver and sparkling white diamonds. After an exchange of quick kisses and words of encouragement they made their way down to where the guests, and more importantly Alex, were waiting patiently. Wooden stakes in the ground marked the start and end of the isle, lit with a flame and burning brightly against the dark shadows of the trees. Walking in front of Isabelle and Philip, Rebecca took handfuls of cream coloured rose petals, sprinkling them along the path between the guests, smiling happily at all the faces that turned her way. As he watched her, Max felt his heart soar to even greater heights. His four favourite women were in close proximity, and he couldn’t be happier. Rebecca, his little perfect angel, his ever-loving mother, the sister he was fiercely protective of, and then Liz. His Liz, his beautiful wife and mother of their nearly adopted little girl. The sparkle was back in her eyes, the smile across her face beaming like a beacon in the dark night. All memories of the tears and broken dreams of no baby were a million miles away now, happiness reigned supreme. Pulling up along side Alex, Isabelle turned to accept a kiss from her father before turning back to the man who would soon become her husband. Under the silver moon and twinkling brightly stars, they exchanged vows as the magical enchantment of their surroundings enveloped all who watched them. There was something of a storybook magic to the whole event, like a child disappearing down to the bottom of a garden in the hope of finding fairies to play with. Taking hold of Liz’s hand, Max watched as his sister utter the soft words, all the while thinking back to his own wedding to his beautiful wife. Rebecca stood in front of them, completely transfixed by what was happening, still clinging on tightly to her grey Bunnie. Maria stood next to them, with Michael’s arm wrapped around her shoulders to pull her close to his body. Their son sat in his arms wriggling only slightly as the proceedings took place. Smiling at her little boy, Maria caught hold of Mackenzie’s flailing hand, before gently accepting a kiss from Michael. Tears slipped down Diane’s face as she watched her only daughter recite the vows to Alex. Isabelle was no longer a little girl, instead would be a mother in her own right in not too many months. It was a lot for Diane to take in under the spell of the midnight garden. The feel of Philip’s hand around her shoulders helped to alleviate her emotions somewhat, he too had tears filling his eyes. Behind them stood Jim, beaming his usual warm smile across his gruff face. His hand held tightly to the beauty beside him, the changes in his life so swift that he sometimes had to pinch himself to remind they were real. Since Max and Liz’s wedding, Jim and Amy had gone out, tentatively at first and then more openly. He was happy, happier than he had been in a very long time, and that was all thanks to Amy. After a delicious meal on the veranda area at the back of the hotel, the wedding party headed into the ballroom for the customary first dance. Taking his beautiful bride’s hand, Alex led her to the dance floor, twirling her around on the tip of his finger as they reached the centre. By now Isabelle had shed the coat of her dress, and Alex’s tuxedo jacket lay across the back of his chair, all casual and relaxed following the constant theme of the wedding through to the evening. The sound of the band filled the room, the lead singing out the words to the song chosen by the couple dancing in the centre. I
close my eyes, Taking in the beautiful sight of his new wife, Alex couldn’t hold back the proud smile that decorated his face. Isabelle looked stunning, radiant, and so very much his. The child growing deep inside made his heart jump, the result of the love that flowed between them. All his hopes and dreams were coming true that day, not only was he marrying Isabelle, but he’d soon be a father, the one thing he desired with so much of his heart. And he’d love every moment of protecting their young child, building a happy, safe home and showering their son or daughter in the love that had been void in his life for so long. Once
upon a time, Holding on tightly, Isabelle was more than grateful for his warm embrace and strong hold. For she knew she’d either melt into a puddle on the floor or float away like a helium balloon caught on a vagrant puff of wind. The day had been perfect; the night so spellbinding she never wanted it to end. As they danced slowly around the polished ballroom floor, Isabelle concluded she’d never been as happy as she was at that very moment. Her wonderful, strong husband with his arms entwined with her body, and their unborn child growing slowly deep inside. If you believe that
dreams come true, Watching his sister so happy, Max couldn’t stop from reaching out and pulling Liz close to his body as they sat. Feeling her head rest gently on his shoulders, Max felt every bit as content as her. Rebecca was sitting with her feet crossed on the chair beside them, gazing unequivocally at the newlyweds dancing. The pure innocence and awe of the look in her eyes taking his breath away. The feeling of Liz twisting in his arms pulled Max’s attention back to her. Bright eyes shone up to him as her eyes locked with his, a smile crossing her gloss covered lips. Reaching out a hand he gently caressed her cheek, trailing a finger along her jaw line before tracing the outline of her silky lips. Unable to hold back any longer, as the soft music swirled around them, Max dipped his head, capturing Liz’s lush lips in a sweet, soft kiss that quickly escalated to sizzling proportions. Everybody said Adjusting the tot sleeping soundly in his arms, Michael gazed towards Maria. Her eyes looked glazed somewhat, glistening with tears of joy at the emotional moment she was watching. And if he admitted it, he’d tell her he had a lump in his throat watching the woman he looked on as his sister dancing with her new husband. Dropping his eyes downwards, Michael took in the sleeping form of his baby son. Even now, eight months since he had first entered the world, he still found it hard to believe Mackenzie was his. Although their tot had his fair share of tantrums and tears, overall the experience of having a child had blown Michael away. Watching Maria nurse him as they cuddled in bed, or his son smiling a gappy grin could send his heart soaring and a lump of emotion in his throat. “Looks cute sleeping doesn’t he?” Maria said softly, touching a hand to her son’s cheek. “Yeah he does. Takes after his mother I think.” Michael replied smoothly, leaning across to seal his words with a kiss. If
you believe that dreams come true, Glancing across the dance floor past the newlyweds, Amy couldn’t help but take in the sight of her only daughter. It was clear by the open affection that Michael cared very deeply for Maria and vice versa. Amy certainly couldn’t fault Michael in how he cared for his son, or how Michael had done his fair share of nappy changing and midnight feeds. Silently she conceded she’d been wrong with her first impression of her daughter’s love choice. Then again, he had been bare from the waist up, standing in her kitchen in the early morning with clear indication he had previously spent the night. Feeling a hand on her arm, Amy turned her attention back to the man beside her. Jim Valenti, she smiled. He wasn’t necessarily a man she would have actively sought after, but his charm and brilliant smile had won her over in no time. For as long as she could remember, Amy had roamed around looking for Mr Right but only ever finding subjects who fell woefully short. But that had all changed at Max and Liz’s wedding, the moment her eyes had set upon his sparkling blue ones. Mmm, she thought, who knew, maybe one day that could be them dancing around after getting married, basking in the afterglow exchanging vows ignited. Never
wished for material things; Touching his nose to hers, Alex smiled warmly at his bride. Her eyes alight with emotion and a tinge of happy tears. Dipping his head, he captured her lips in a soft, sensual kiss, completely oblivious of all the onlookers around them. Instead he took in the ambience of the music and acted on pure instinct. And that instinct told him to kiss her with all his might to show how much he loved her with his whole heart. Skimming his mouth across hers, he snaked out a tongue to gently touch her bottom lip. Gently he swept it back and fourth, before an omitted sigh from Isabelle gave him the opportunity he needed. Taking her slightly parted lips he slipped his tongue inside, intent on tasting the honey goodness she held deep in the dark and dangerous crevasses of her mouth. If
you believe that dreams come true, There is nothing in the
world that cannot be, All too soon the romantic music came to an end, signalling Alex and Isabelle needed to mingle with their many guests. The grandfather clock outside chimed 11pm, as Alex snatched Isabelle’s hand before she could move away. “Now don’t you go running off and turning into a pumpkin at midnight will you princess?” Alex joked, his eyes dancing. “Oh, and there was me hoping Prince Charming might come and rescue me.” She bantered back. “Oh Prince Charming ‘ll be there at midnight waiting for you, that I can promise babe.” He breathed, pulling her close for one more crushing kiss before reluctantly letting her float from his embrace. The party ensued, with all the guests enjoying a wide selection of food from the buffet, plenty of free flowing alcohol and much dancing to music. A while later a slower song drummed up by the band brought Max to his feet, holding a hand out towards his wife before leading Liz to the dance floor. Capturing her fingers in his hand, he deftly slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to his body. Her eyes drifted up to take in his face and the wonders she saw there. His eyes were mischievously dancing full of intent, his lips pursed in a smile causing two small dimples on his cheeks. Without a doubt he looked immensely handsome in a tailor fitted tuxedo, even without his jacket on. Through the silky cotton of his shirt she could feel his rippling biceps, just the thought of the strength he had in his arms made her stomach flip. No matter what, if Max was with her, nothing would ever hurt Liz …. Nor the cute little angel who watched them as they danced only a few feet away. Kissing her forehead, Max stole a sweet kiss from her lips before turning towards Rebecca. The little girl looked tired, not surprisingly since it was a quarter to midnight. But she also looked a little lonely sitting on the table, despite being flanked by both sets of grandparents. A quick glance at Liz and he knew she was thinking the same, time alone was fun, but Rebecca was just such a huge part of their lives now. Turning back to the little girl, Max beamed a large smile before beckoning her over with a nod of his head. Hesitantly Rebecca slipped her feet to the floor before padding over to her foster parents. Slipping his hand from Liz’s, Max scooped Rebecca up with a strong arm, before pulling Liz close back to his body. Instinctively Becky wrapped an arm around Max’s neck, before feeling Liz’s hand caress her back. The three of them danced slowly to the music as it swirled around once more. Resting her head against his shoulder Rebecca closed her eyes gently, Max’s movements rocking her towards sleepiness. By the time the music slowed and Max finally relinquished his hold on Liz, it was clear the tot in his arms was asleep. A smile curled over Liz’s eyes as she brushed away strands of hair from Rebecca’s face, marvelling at how angelic she looked when dozing. “Time to take a little one to bed I think.” Max said softly, taking hold of Liz’s hand. “Yeah, me too I think. It’s been a long day.” Liz agreed, suddenly feeling very weary. And as the grandfather clock in the grand hallway chimed midnight the wedding party finally started to disperse. The newly wedded couple said their goodbyes before ascending up the stairs to the bridal suite. Following suit family and friends retreated to the allocated rooms for much needed sleep. Laying Rebecca gently down on the bed, Max watched Liz remove the little girl’s tiny ballet shoes and tiara before carefully slipping off the dress. Leaving her in a vest and underwear they pulled the covers over Rebecca’s sleeping form, making sure the grey Bunnie was tightly tucked up beside her. One more glance at his little girl, Max kissed the top of Liz’s head before leading her into the adjourning room and much needed sleep. Oh how he would sleep well that night, memories of his own wedding day circling around at speed.
TBC ..............................?
PART 44 “No, no, no.” Liz exasperated, puffing out a deep breath. “It says bathroom, ba-th-ro-om.” She articulated slowly as if to emphasise her words. “This, at last look is clearly the kitchen.” Staring up at her, the big burly removal guy blinked back clearly stunned at her tenacity at ordering him about. She was a good couple of feet smaller than him and his beefy frame dwarfed her tiny one. Yet she clearly wasn’t fazed with ordering him about. “Yes ma’m.” He responded dutifully before turning on his heal and heading towards the imposing staircase. “Oh maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.” Liz mumbled quietly to herself as a gentle shatter of glass coming from just outside the open front door claimed her attention. Sighing heavily she headed out towards the garden, intent on finding out what next of her possessions were in tatters on the front lawn. The six months of Rebecca’s temporary foster care with Max and Liz were nearly up. Only several more weeks to wait until it was official and she was permanently theirs. Moving had been a good idea at the time, but now she was beginning to question her judgement. By the way these neanderthal removal guys were throwing her things around she’d be lucky to fill a postage stamp with undamaged furniture. Although Max’s house had been large, with three more than adequate bedrooms, moving had seemed the obvious choice. His garden had been small and the house itself not particularly childproof, much more like a bachelor pad. Not that Rebecca was an irresponsible child by any means, but more it wasn’t the house Liz wanted to raise the little girl in. The street the old house had occupied was busy and always full of traffic, perfect for the single man Max had previously been, close to his offices and the nightlife of LA. But Liz had firm ideas on the type of house she wanted to bring Rebecca up in. The house her own parents had raised Liz in had been bright, roomy and very inviting, and Liz had wanted just that for her and Max. So when a house had caught her eye one Sunday morning as she perused the property section, Liz had jumped at viewing it. Despite his private reservations, one look around and Max too had been completely taken in. A large hallway greeted as guests stepped inside, eyes drawing instantly towards the impressive pine staircase that bowed out wide at the bottom before winding upwards into a balcony area giving an opportunity to peer over and see all the way back down. A large living room led into a bright dining room, separated only by a set of sliding doors. A double study occupied the opposite side of the hall and next-door was a room perfect for a playroom for Rebecca. At the back the spacious kitchen looked out on to the long garden. Up the staircase lead to five ample sized bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms, along with the main bathroom. Not only was the house inviting as Liz wanted, it also held much invention for extending it or redesigning as necessary. The small street was quiet; a well-bred neighbourhood where they’d know Rebecca would be safe. Next door also had a little girl whom they’d met briefly when they’d arrived that morning. Liz couldn’t help but hope Rebecca and Caitie would get on well. They certainly seemed to as the two girls giggled and chattered as they collected light boxes from the removal van. “You ok babe?” Max queried, watching his wife stand in the house doorway and rub the temple of her head rhythmically with her fingers. “Yeah, just an awful headache.” She admitted. “I’ll be glad when the movers have gone and we’re able to get on with picking up the broken pieces and getting this place in order.” “Don’t worry about anything Liz, it’ll be ok. Anything that’s broken can be fixed or replaced, there’s no point stressing.” Max said, turning just in time to see Rebecca drop a large flowerpot that had previously been positioned outside his old front door. The clay pot seemed to tumble in midair before hitting the concrete and shattering in large crumbled clumps. The little girl’s eyes darted upwards towards her new parents, a well of tears filling as quickly as the pot had broken. “Like I said, anything broken can be replaced.” He winked at Rebecca, whose bottom lip trembled with emotion. “Besides, my mother bought me that pot, and it didn’t much like it anyway.” He added grinning, slowly coxing a smile from the little girl who had pulled her grey Bunnie from the pocket at the front of her pinafore dress to hold him tightly like a security blanket. Over the previous few months they’d managed to wean Rebecca away from the stuffed toy. Now she was able to go to school or play with friends without her cuddly toy in toe. The Bunnie still followed her wherever she went within the house, but they could cope with that. It was her security blanket, the one item that could comfort her if she felt scared or worried no matter what. “How about we go and find your room Becky?” Liz suggested, stretching out her hand to encourage the little girl. “Ok.” She replied, the smile spreading over her face at the thought of seeing her new room. “Come on Caitie.” She added, encouraging her new playmate to join them. Rebecca had had more than a little hand in designing her new bedroom. Since they wanted the house perfect for when they moved in, builders and decorators had occupied the house for the previous month before Max and Liz had decided to move in. Including Rebecca in every part of the process of deciding what would go in her room, colours and fabrics helped to get her to adjust to moving house. At first Liz had been afraid the little girl wouldn’t take kindly to being uprooted yet again. But the project of designing her own room had won her round quickly. The little girl, too, had shown a remarkable flare for colour co-ordination, and Liz more than once wondered if this would be Rebecca’s forte. Climbing the stairs, they rounded the top of the stairway before pushing open the door to Rebecca’s room. The little girl’s face was a perfect picture as she took in the wonder of her new room. The walls were painted in a cotton candy pink, with white painted skirting board and door. Along one length of the room stood a large wardrobe with a small dressing table and mirror that lit up at the touch of a switch. In the other corner a rocking horse stood proud with a big sandy coloured teddy bear on its back. A dolls house, toy doll cradle and high chair, along with a wooden box filled with other toys stood nearby. Shelves filled with books and Rebecca’s growing collection of Beanie Babies were placed either side of the bed. The bed itself was a work of art on its own. It had taken a week of various calls but Max had finally found someone who he could commission to create the perfect dream bed Rebecca wanted. The headboard was designed in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head, the foot in the shape of Ariel from the Little Mermaid with painted features of each. Along each side donned more Disney characters and the bedspread had a large print of Cinderella, Rebecca’s favourite Disney character. Without
a doubt the room had a strong feel of happy childhood memories, and a perfect
little girl’s haven. It had been
Max and Liz’s hope that it would make Rebecca feel even more part of their
family, make her realise she was staying for good with them.
“I
think she likes it.” Max
whispered quietly, bending his lips to his wife’s ear “Yeah,
I think you might be right.” Liz
replied softly, a smile caressing her lips as she raised a hand to wipe away an
escaped tear. “Let’s
leave them to it.” Max suggested,
releasing Liz from his embrace before they headed away from the room. The
sound of Rebecca and Caitie’s exploration of the dolls house filled the room
and as Liz descended down the stairs a feeling of complete contentment filled
every part of her body. For so long
the yearning of her own family had consumed her and now she finally had her
wish. In a few short weeks Rebecca would be theirs for good and
that sound of happy childhood chatter would fill the grand house.
And, as she headed into the kitchen to pour some drinks for the workers,
if they never had children of their own blood then so be it, she thought.
As long as Rebecca was around she would be more than happy. And there would always be another orphaned child desperate
for a loving family. Loading
the iced lemonade filled glasses on to a tray, Liz headed out to the front of
the house before setting down the tray on the steps.
Yes, she thought, they would be more than ok no matter what. Lifting
her own glass to her lips, Liz allowed her gaze to follow her husband.
Max was lifting a heavy box from the removal van, and was a sight to be
seen in Liz’s eyes. His
denim shirt had been long since shed in the rising afternoon heat.
Instead just a tight fitted white t-shirt hung loose over faded blue
jeans ridding low on his hips. His
forehead glistened with sweat from the exertion of carrying heavy items; his
hair plastered against his face somewhat. Watching
his arm muscles ripple and taut as they moved, she allowed a smile to cross her
lips. He was clearly a strong man,
his powerful legs, broad shoulders and toned upper arms.
And his big hands. Oh how
she knew those hands so very well. Closing
her eyes for a moment against the warm sun, Liz’s thoughts returned to those
hands. Big and strong, they were smooth and well kept, a sign that
manual labour wasn’t something Max normally did. Not that she would have minded if they were course and rough,
no, those hands would be mesmerising no matter what condition the palms were. For
he knew how to captivate her body just by simple sweeps of those well sculpted
hands. How the feel of dancing
fingers across her bare skin sent her nerve endings into fissions of
electricity. The feel of his warm
palms moulding her breasts and heating intimate parts of her body to near
boiling point. Oh yes they were
magical, spellbinding hands, she thought silently as she took a gulp of the cool
drink and allowed it to trickle down her throat.
Thoughts instantly jumped to Max’s hands once more, the feeling of his
fingers on her neck swiftly replaced by his soft, sensual lips. “You
look like you’re having fun.” His
dark, hooded voice broke through her thoughts.
“Huh?”
She replied hazily, barely aware that he had stooped down to pick up a
refreshment. “I
said you look like you’re having fun.”
Max confirmed, his eyes roaming her flushed red face.
“ What y’ah thinking about?” “Oh,
erm.” Liz blushed further,
knowing her crimson complexion was giving her away.
Lying to Max was not her forte; he always seemed to be able to see
through her. “I was thinking about you actually.” She finally added. “Me
huh? Anything good?” “Oh
yeah.” She breathed dreamily. “Something
like this actually.” She replied,
her eyes locking with his. “Yeah?
What about this?” He
asked, one well rehearsed hand scooting up her body to cup her soft, red cheek.
One look in her heat filled eyes was indication enough that he was on the
right track. Dipping
his head, he connected with her warm, soft lips.
Brushing his against hers he caressed them gently, the velvet feeling
sending his head spinning. A gentle
sigh from Liz parted her lips, giving him all the indication he needed to slip
his tongue inside and instantly deepen the already passionate kiss.
His hand slipped around to sink into her inviting silky hair.
His other hand caressed her buttocks, pulling her body closer to his so
their lower bodies touched and cupped each other.
Her hands roamed over his strong, broad shoulders, slipping along the
shoulder blades before one hand slipped down into the back pocket of his snug
fitting jeans. Their
lips locked and tongues duelled for supremacy, exploring the dark crevices and
inviting corners of warm mouths. Her
head felt dizzy with the rapid rush of emotions and feelings that hit her brain.
Those strong hands she’d fantasised about on her own front door step
didn’t disappoint either. Caressing her hair and then the other slid up her back,
delving under the light cotton of her shirt to touch skin against skin.
As his fingers danced up and down her spine she felt the sudden rush of
heat, the imaginary fire his fingertips left in their wake.
Her
whole body felt on fire, her skin prickly and sensitive, her lips thorough
kissed and loved. Max too wasn’t
unaffected by their impromptu embrace. She
could feel his hard member pressing against her stomach, straining hard against
the restriction of tight jeans. Unable
to stop herself, she rocked her body gently, caressing his body with ease. A
hiss left his lips at her movements, a hand dropping to her waist to still the
movements. His head was awash with amazing images and warmth, but a
little self-control and reason still existed down in the dark depths of his
brain. A few moments longer of
Liz’s sweet caresses, however, and he’d be a goner.
“Erm
…. Excuse me.” A voice called
out, clearing his throat with a cough. The
haze surrounded them slowly lifted, replaced with the hot warmth of the LA sun.
Squinting eyes Max took in a breath to regain control of his body before
turning to face the voice that had interrupted them. “Yes?”
He croaked hoarsely before clearing his throat. “Are
these for the men?” One of the
movers queried, pointing to the now warming lemonade. “Oh
yes.” Max replied, before the
mover stooped to pick up the tray and walk away. Burying
her face in his chest, Liz tried to hide the hot blush that washed up her neck
and flooded her face with red colouring. She’d
been imagining his hands, but nothing could compare to the real thing. Yet allowing a kiss to spiral out of control on their own
doorstep, movers and neighbours around to see their show.
Oh no that would never do.
“Yeah
something like that.” Max
replied, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. “How
did that get so out of hand?” She
queried, finally lifting her head to look at Max again. “I
guess you’re just such a good kisser.”
He grinned back trying to put her at ease. “Yeah
right!” Liz retorted, swatting his chest with her hand.
“Ok,
then maybe it was your active imagination.”
He replied, his eyes darkening once more. “How
so?” “Well
if you hadn’t looked at me like you were mentally undressing me as I carried
that box out then I would never have come over to find out what was running
through your mind. And then that
kiss would never have started.” “Oh.”
Liz finally replied, knowing his words were more than true. “But
since there are far too many people in our house at the moment, I’ll leave you
now.” He said.
“But we will finish this later. And
that’s a promise.” He added huskily. Watching
Max disappear inside with the box, Liz shook her head to try and break free of
the haze that was surrounding her brain. Hell
they’d been practically undressing each other on the doorstep in full view of
everyone! Geez
what if Rebecca had come down, what would she have thought?
Deciding the stress of moving was affecting her common sense, Liz took
one more gulp of the drink before disappearing inside to start unpacking. Perhaps she’d then start thinking clearly again. By
late evening, all of the furniture had been moved into the house and located in
the respective rooms. Even though
there were many boxes around still to be unpacked, the house was surprisingly
tidy for having just moved in. As
she read Rebecca’s favourite bedtime story, Cinderella, Liz gazed over the
little girl. Her eyes had finally given up the fight and closed, sending
Rebecca into a deep sleep. She
looked so peaceful as she slept in her new bed, Liz couldn’t help but smile. Despite
everything, all her desire for a child of her own, she was now more than happy.
Rebecca was everything Liz wanted in a daughter and so much more.
Brushing
away a strand of hair, Liz tucked Bunnie more firmly under the covers before
dropping a gentle kiss on the little girl’s forehead.
Rising to her feet, she took in one more glance before turning to find
Max standing in the doorway. “She
looks like an angel when she’s sleeping doesn’t she?”
He commented. “That
she does.” Liz replied wistfully. “It’s
been a long, hard day. Let’s go
to bed babe.” He said, extending
a hand towards his wife. “Sounds
like the best offer I’ve had all day.”
Liz replied. “Oh
I can think of a better offer.” He
said seductively. “Oh
yeah? Care to share?” “I
do believe we have some unfinished business Mrs Evans …. Something that
started on the doorstep and threatened to spiral rapidly out of control if we
hadn’t got interrupted when we did.” “Hmm,
I have vague recollections.” She
teased. “Oh
well then let me refresh your memory.” He
said, nibbling at her neck as they headed towards their bedroom.
“Only this time I don’t intend for us to put on a floor show or be
interrupted until I have thoroughly loved you.” And
as the bedroom door was kicked shut by Max causing a gentle thud, she was happy,
content, and moving had been the perfect thing to do.
Now they were a perfect, happy family and life was more than wonderful at
that very moment. TBC ..............................?
A new part will be posted very soon! Author: Kazza – 28th May 2002
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If you liked this story, please let me know! Just a few words of encouragement can go a long way!!!!
E-mail me at : Kaznstu@btinternet.com
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