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Something to Believe in PART 59 Gathering the breakfast dishes from the table, Liz opened the dishwasher and proceeded to load the items. The sun was shining in from the large window framed with warm yellow curtains and matching blind. Since Rebecca was at school and Max at work, the house was a haven of quietness. Smiling to herself, Liz thought back to her conversation with Max that morning. With only three days to go before their baby was due, he hadn’t wanted to go in to the office. In fact, he’d taken the previous three days off and worked from home so he could be around Liz just in case something happened. But an urgent client needed to see Max, much to his displeasure, and instead Max had been called into the office. The look on her husband’s face as Liz ushered him out the door had been priceless. Like a small child who had been shown a bag of candy before it being taken swiftly away. If she hadn’t known better she could have sworn Max was convinced she’d have the baby then and there! But heck she still had at least three days to go, and that was if their bundle of joy was on time. If their baby was anything like its father it was more than likely going to be late! Ok so she looked definitely pregnant now, having blossomed over the previous two months. But according to Isabelle and Maria, not so much that she looked like she might just drop the baby then and there. What was all the fuss about? Geez if Max’s fussing was anything to go by, it was as if he thought she was the first woman ever to have a child! The metallic clanging of a spoon hitting the tilted floor reverberated around the kitchen at that moment. In her hazy daydreaming, she’d managed to drop the spoon from Rebecca’s breakfast bowl. Biting back a silent curse, Liz put one hand on the counter top, the other on her bulging stomach, before slowly lowering to her knees. Not an easy feat at nearly nine months pregnant, whether her bump was smaller than average or not! Grappling around, Liz’s fingers fumbled for a moment before finally colliding with the metal. Closing her fingers around the spoon, Liz took a breath before considering the best way to stand once more. Using the counter for support once more, Liz started to stand up, eager to get the circulating pumping around her feet once more. Straightening her back as she stood more upright, Liz suddenly sucked in a deep breath. A surging pain ripped through her body at lightening speed, lasting only a minute or two before ebbing away. Placing a hand to her lower back, Liz rubbed it rhythmically as she dragged in another breath, easing away the pain as she breathed out. When finally happy to walk without fear of the pain returning, Liz headed over to the wooden kitchen chair before sitting down and placing a hand on her large stomach. “Hey junior it’s ok. I guess I got up too quickly for you huh? You want me to take it slowly right?” Liz said softly, rubbing her hand over her stomach to soothe her baby. “Ok well I promise not to bend down too often from now on. Ok?” Staying put for a couple more minutes until she was satisfied the pain was fully gone. Liz stood once more and padded over to the sink to pour a glass of water. Taking a long swig of the ice cool drink, Liz balanced the glass on her forehead to cool her warm face. The pain that took hold of her body this time was stronger, more intense than the last. The surge ripped through her once more, stealing her breath as it thundered through her petit body. The glass in her hand slipped, tumbling to the black granite counter, smashing and sending shards of glass into the air. “Ahhh!” She cried softly, clutching her stomach and bending slightly to try and stem the pain. A few moments later and once more the pain subsided, giving Liz time to catch her breath again. It wasn’t until the pain had completed disappeared once more that Liz became aware of another pain. This time more of a stinging, uncomfortable sensation than a ripping in half pain, culminating at her hand. Really, it was just a mere twinge of discomfort compared to the surge through her body moments before. But she couldn’t deny the blood that gently dripped from a large cut on her palm, dropping blood into a growing puddle of bright red on the black counter. Taking a bite out of her hamburger, Maria swallowed before blowing on some french fries and placing them in front of Mackenzie on his high chair tray. A squeal from the young boy filled the air, and mixed with a protest from Amber who was lying, wriggling in her mother’s arms. It was their weekly ‘get together’ for the women. A morning of shopping, gossiping and then into a restaurant to rest their feet and feed small, hungry mouths. It was a ritual that all three women, including Liz, loved and looked forward to each week. Something that had brought the friends even closer together as they shared gossip and tips on their children. “I swear this one has learnt to be impatient already!” Isabelle exasperated, fighting to tie a bib around the grizzly little girl’s neck before finally fishing the bottle of milk out of her bag. The moment the bottle was put to her lips, Amber’s tears dried up as she latched on and devoured the milk hungrily. “Geez anyone would think I haven’t fed her in days, not a couple of hours! I swear she’s taken more after Alex than me. He’s the most impatient person I know.” “Yeah, I guess that’s where she’s got it from.” Maria grinned with raised eyebrows. Ok so Alex could be a little impatient at times, especially when waiting for Isabelle to get ready. But he’d never yet grizzled if he didn’t get his own way! No, maybe this little angel had learnt more from her mother already than Isabelle cared to admit to. Oh sweet Amber was gonna be a handful when she got older, Maria thought. “I hope Liz is ok, it’s not the same her not being here.” Isabelle mused, reaching for her sandwich to take a bite before Amber could object. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I know she’s close to her due date and everything, but the way your brother was carrying on last night anyone would think we wouldn’t know what to do if she went into labour!” “Yeah ok, I know Max has been in way over protective mode since Liz found out she was pregnant, but at least you can’t accuse him of not caring. He’s got both Liz’s and the baby’s best interests at heart. He just doesn’t want anything to happen to them.” Isabelle countered, thinking back to how Alex had been like he was jumping on hot coals as her due date with Amber had grown closer. “True, but that leaves Liz to just sit around the house, bored stiff, and just wait until Junior decides to make a grand entrance. I mean, he hasn’t even let her do much of the nursery decorating even.” Maria scoffed. “What’s the worst that could happen putting a few teddies on a shelf, or a mobile over the crib? No, Max has had to do everything.” “Give him a break ‘Ria, he’s just not used to not being in control. This is one thing he’s had to just sit back and accept it’s all Liz’s work to do, not his. He is trying though, and that nursery does look simply amazing with those stencils over the walls.” “Yeah ok, I’m just glad Michael wasn’t quite so fussy over me when I had Mac.” Maria replied. “Well then, why don’t we head over to Liz’s once we’ve finished here. We can take her some cookies and gossip over a cup of tea while the kids take a nap.” Isabelle suggested, changing the subject somewhat. Clearly Maria didn’t know Michael quite as much as she thought, either that or Michael had been a very good actor before Maria had their baby. He’d been just as jumpy as Max was right now! “Now that sounds like a really great idea!” Running her hand under the cool water jet from the tap, Liz couldn’t help but wince. So far she’d avoided another surging pain in the last five minutes, long enough to catch her breath again. But the persistent ache in her back seemed to be silent indication that the pain would be back within time. She’d worry about that eventually, decide what to do. Was it just a false alarm? Just the famed Braxton Hicks contractions? Or was it the real thing? Her immediate priority though wasn’t to those troublesome pains. No, more important was to stem the flow of blood from the deep glass cut on her and. Once that was done then she’d worry about whether the contractions were real or not. There was no need to worry Max yet though, false labour pains were common in the later stages of pregnancy. Her antenatal nurse had confirmed to them both that twinges were very common and Liz was sure that was all this was. She still had days to go till her due date after all, and her baby was more than likely going to be late. Sitting in the stuffy, dark office, with Morgan Johnson droning on felt like Max’s worst nightmare. He wasn’t the biggest fan of the multi-millionaire who owned a large slice of a popular record company, but normally Max did admirably well to hide his distaste. After all, the wealthy Mr Johnson was paying Max a hefty sum to come up with a suitable plan to restructure the record company and streamline profits to free up cash flow for further investment. But today, Max didn’t feel like being charitable or kind to the older man. Max didn’t take well to being ordered about at the best of times, and especially not by one of his clients. And with Liz so close to her due date he’d wanted to be right with her all day in case something happened. Max knew he’d never forgive himself if anything happened to Liz or the baby because he wasn’t around to take charge. But that ‘little’ excuse hadn’t washed at all with Morgan when he’d called Max at the ungodly hour of 7.00am that morning. No, the fact Max was eagerly awaiting the birth of his very precious first born child didn’t cut it with Morgan Johnson. Instead the millionaire had blustered and billowed down the phone, whinging that he needed to see Max as a matter of urgency. Needing to go over Max’s elaborate plan one more time before it took affect from the following Monday. With any other client, Max would have been more than happy to send Michael in his place to handle any last minute concerns. But not with Morgan Johnson. Oh no, this man wouldn’t have any ‘substitutes’, not that Max ever considered Michael ‘beneath’ him in any way, shape or form. No, only the main man would do for the multi-millionaire! And so here he was, trying hard to look attentive and alert as Morgan barraged him with questions and concerns as the rest of the board members discussed the merits of the plan. The heat in the room was becoming unbearable though, with the air conditioning not functioning properly. The dark colour walls, teamed with the formidably large black ash table and matching chairs all adding to the somewhat dreary atmosphere that matched Max’s mood. Oh how he wished he was relaxing at home right then. Waiting on Liz’s every word as she put her feet up and rested. But he wasn’t there, and he had to concentrate, he chided himself, shaking his head and making a physical effort to sit upright before sucking in a breath. The quicker he answered all the questions, and alleviated Morgan’s concerns, the quicker Max would be on his way back to look after his wife. Pulling into the driveway, Isabelle slipped the car into park before applying the brake. Glancing into the back to note Amber and Mackenzie were fast asleep, she climbed out of the car. “I don’t think there’s any need to disturb them. They both look out for the count and we won’t be that long.” Isabelle said. “Totally!” Maria agreed enthusiastically. “Mac can be a real grumpy bear if he’s woken up early from a nap.” “Ah something he’s inherited from his father I presume?” Isabelle grinned as she rang the doorbell. Standing on the doorstep, the two friends waited patiently for Liz or Max to open the door. But nobody came. Frowning, Isabelle ran the bell again, this time leaving the button depressed for a few moments before releasing it. “I’m coming.” Liz’s faint voice called out before she slowly padded towards the door. “Geez Liz, you look awful. Is everything ok?” Maria gushed, taking in her friend’s pale face.” “I’m fine.” Liz assured, ushering them inside. “Come in, sit down. Can I get you a drink? Juice, iced tea, coffee ……….?” “Liz please, sit down yourself before you fall down.” Isabelle insisted, taking her sister-in-law’s hand and guiding her to the sofa in the living room. ” It’s exhausting just watching you run around. You’re nearly nine months pregnant for goodness sake. Max should be making you rest, not entertain guests. Where is my brother by the way?” “Oh, he got called into the office this morning. Some important client meeting or something.” Liz replied somewhat wearily. “My god Liz, what happened to your hand?” Isabelle suddenly exclaimed, seeing the white tea towel streaked with red blood wrapped around her friend’s hand. “Oh it’s nothing, just a little cut from a broken glass.” Liz brushed off. “Let me see.” “No
really Isabelle, it’s fine.” The gasp from Isabelle indicated the cut was clearly not little or small in any way whatsoever. Blood was still seeping out, and clearly a couple of stitches were likely to be needed to help the wound heal cleanly. “We should get you to the hospital and have this looked over.” Isabelle started. “No!” Liz defended. “It’s fine, I’m fine, just leave me alone please!” Turning her head, Isabelle glanced at Maria with raised eyebrows, both silently agreeing something was up with their best friend. Liz was normally the softest, most co-operative of people, why now the prickles? “Please Liz, if you bleed to death Max would never forgive me.” Isabelle pushed, the tone in her voice softening. Slipping a hand gently under Liz’s arm, Isabelle tried to encourage her friend to stand. “Owwwww!” Liz suddenly cried out, doubling over and clutching her stomach. “Liz?” Maria exclaimed, jumping to her feet and rushing over to her friend’s side. With her friends’ hands on either arm, Liz struggled to suck in air while the pain attacked her body for no more than a few moments. Finally the pain subsided, giving Liz time to fill her lungs, and her friends to ease her back into the comfy sofa. Closing her eyes and leaning her head back against the sofa, Liz took several deep breaths before finally opening her eyes once more. And came face to face with two very worried and more than a little concerned faces. “Ok Liz, are you ok?” Maria queried. “I’m
fine.” “Max
will be fine, we’ll get Cali to find him.”
Isabelle assured, as the two friends helped Liz to her feet once more.
“But first we need to get you to hospital.
How far apart are the pains?” “Well we best not hang around too long then. Maria, go get Liz’s bag while I help her to the car.” “I fully understand your concerns Morgan, but I reiterate you hired me to make a proposal to free up your cash flow. And that’s what I have done.” “But
I expected that would mean letting a few people go, saving salaries and such.
Not reducing my office size so the top floor of the building can be let
out.” “Now now Max, no one said anything about not liking your plan …….” Morgan started. “I’m
sorry, Mr Evans is in an important meeting and I have firm instructions not to
disturb Mr Morgan or his associates for anything.”
The prim secretary reeled off. “I’m sure it is Ms ..….. Deluca, but my orders are clear. No interruptions, period.” “Look lady, Mr Evans’ wife has just gone into labour. I’d say this constitutes a major emergency wouldn’t you? Now please, just do us all a favour and go and tell him!” Maria yelled, her patience finally snapping. “I’m sorry my instructions ………” “Oh
for gods sake I know your instructions!”
Maria fumed, wondering if this woman could even think for herself.
Damn if the place was on fire she’d still sit there until instructed
otherwise! “Fine, look give him
an urgent message to call me as soon as he gets out.
Tell him it’s about Liz, ok? And
that it’s very urgent and imperative he calls me right away. Can you do that for me at least?” Clicking the ‘end call’ button on her cell phone, Maria felt like throwing it across the near empty waiting room. Geez why were secretaries so obstinate? Couldn’t she see this was an emergency? Boy how furious Max was gonna be when he found out this information was with held because of that stubborn woman’s ‘orders’. “Any luck?” Isabelle asked, gently wiping Liz’s forehead with a cool cloth. “No, Mr Morgan’s secretary refuses to interrupt their meeting. I’ve left a message for Max to call me as soon as he breaks from the meeting.” “But ….. I want him ……. Here.” Liz puffed, as another contraction hit her body. “I know Liz, and he’ll get here as soon as possible.” Isabelle replied, as Liz squeezed her hand. “Let’s hope it’s not too late though.” She added quietly so only Maria could here. “What …. Time is it?” Liz queried as her body relaxed against the pillows. “Just before 3.00pm.” Maria replied, glancing at her watch. “Oh my gosh Rebecca ………!” Liz cried softly, sitting bolt upright in the bed. “…….. Is being picked up by my mother as we speak, along with Mac and Amber.” Isabelle assured, placing two hands on Liz’s shoulders and easing her back into the bed. “Just relax Liz, and conserve your energy for the next contraction ok?” “I want Max here.” “I know you do Liz, and we’re doing everything we can to locate him. I promise he’ll be here soon.” Isabelle said, trying to keep Liz calm. She just hoped she could deliver her promise to her best friend. That Max would be contacted in time and he wouldn’t miss the birth of his first born child. It was as much for him as Liz. Something told Isabelle her brother would never forgive himself if he missed such a monumental occasion. “Go give Cali a call at work, see if she can keep trying Max’s mobile. Maybe she’ll have more luck in getting hold of him.” Isabelle said, turning to Maria and speaking softly. “Will do.” “I’m sorry, Mr Evans has already left the building.” Mr Johnson’s secretary informed in a curt voice. “Left?” Cali spluttered in disbelief. “Then he got the message left my Maria Deluca right? He knows about his wife?” “No. He left before I had the chance to pass on the message.” “But you were told it was an urgent message right? Informed that he must see it before he left?” Cali pushed. “Yes I was aware it was urgent, but he left while I was on a lunch break.” “Couldn’t
you have left the message with someone else?”
Cali exasperated. “Fine!” Cali ended, before slamming the phone down. Puffing
out a deep, exasperated breath, Cali ran her fingers through her hair before
pushing the hands free button on her phone.
Punching the pre-programmed button with Max’s cell phone, Cali prayed
this time he’d pick up. Hoping that finally his phone was switched on, or not in a
‘dead’ area for signal. Her
wishing was to no avail though as once more the programmed voice informed ‘the cell phone you are trying to connect to cannot be reached.
Please try again later’. The beeping sound on his phone made Max frown. Looking at the display the problem was evident. No signal! Geez were there still areas of dead signal around?! It was clear that there were, and he’d obviously found it. Damn! He’d been trying to call Liz at home, to check she was ok and taking it easy, but with no signal there was little chance of getting through. The grumbling of his stomach was a quick reminder he’d hardly eaten anything all day. Morgan Johnson had offered to shout him lunch, but Max had quickly, but politely declined the offer. He wanted to get back to Liz, plain and simple. But in stopping to grab a bite to eat he would be able to kill two birds with one stone, as the saying went. He could stifle the growling of a too empty stomach, and use the pay phone to check on his wife. Now that was a good idea! “Ok Liz, now you’re doing really well. I’d say only another half an hour or so and you’ll be ready to start pushing.” The cheery Doctor Melissa Samms informed after checking on Liz. “I don’t know …. How much more …. I can take of this.” Liz mouthed breathlessly, struggling to take in air as her contraction ebbed away. “I promise you Liz, I don’t think there’ll be too much longer. Things are progressing along every nicely and naturally, you’re doing just fine.” Melissa assured before heading out of the room. “Where is Max?” Liz queried pointedly for the umpteenth time since being admitted to hospital. “Is he ok? I mean he hasn’t had an accident or anything has he?” She added, her voice upping a notch through panic. “Max is fine Liz.” Isabelle assured. “Then where is he?” Liz said again with a touch of anger in her voice. How could he not be here? With her when she needed him most? “We …… we don’t know where Max is Liz.” Maria finally announced, ignoring the ice laced glared she was receiving from Isabelle. Clearly they had a major difference of opinion as to whether to tell Liz Max was AWOL or not! But in Maria’s preferred opinion, telling her best friend the truth was the only way to go. The last thing they needed was Liz worrying about Max while in the mist of delivering their child! “Wh …. What do you mean …. You don’t know where he is?” Liz stammered, with tears welling in her eyes. “Haven’t you tried his cell phone or the office or something?” “Yes of course we have Liz, we’ve tried all that. He’s on his way back from a meeting we’re assuming and his cell phone is out of range at the moment. But Cali is trying religiously, I’m sure he will be here very soon.” Isabelle pacified. After downing a hearty, and completely unhealthy, lunch of a hamburger and fries dripping with far too much oily fat, Max paid his bill before locating the payphone. Digging into his suit trouser pockets, he dug out a hand full of quarters before lifting the telephone receiver. Slipping a few coins into the slot, Max punched in his home number. “Hello?”
A voice answered after a few quick rings. “Wow,
sounds like you had fun.” Max smiled. “Is
mummy around? Can I have a word?” “She’s not here.” Not there? Now that wasn’t right, Max thought. “Where
is she Rebecca? Do you know?” The innocence fuelled words spiralled around Max’s mind, making his brain hurt. Liz, gone to have the baby? Surely that wasn’t right? She was early, by a good few days. And surely someone would have tried to call him and let him know, right? Then, through the fog that had descended around his mind, Max remembered the bad signal on his cell phone. Damn! Biting back a curse, Max tried to decide what next to do. “Ok sweetie, can I have a word with Grandma?” He asked gently. “She’s
changing Amber right now.” “Ok.” “Good girl.” The wait before the phone was passed on to Diane seemed to stretch an eternity. Thought after thought flew round Max’s brain, trying to make reason from Rebecca’s words. Had Liz really gone into labour? Or was it just the ramblings of a young girl? After all Rebecca had been convinced Liz was ‘having the baby’ for at least the last two weeks. She’d been convinced she’d come home from school one day to find the baby sleeping soundly in the pine cot in the nursery. “Hello?” “Max
thank god you called.” “Hurry Max.” Was the last parting words from his mother. The ride across town seemed to take an eternity to Max, his nerves frayed further each time he had to stop at a red light or someone slow got in his way. The thought of missing his child’s birth fuelled his desire to step on the gas. The saner part of his brain yelled it was better to miss the birth and be around for the rest of the child’s life, than to wrap his car around the nearest lamppost. Forcing himself to slow down slightly, Max concentrated on the immensity of the moment. He was going to be a father in not too long. Not just a dad to Rebecca who he saw as his own daughter anyway. But a real father to his own flesh and blood, his own starry eyed child he’d helped make with the love he felt for Liz. And oh how he couldn’t wait to watch Liz lift their new-born infant in his arms and cradle him close. To be able to see the wonder, awe and unabated love in her sweet brown eyes. Finally, he drew up outside the hospital and all but abandoned his car. To hell with parking tickets, his child was worth the risk! A quick stop at the reception pointed him in the right direction before he ran full pelt along the corridor. Up three flights of stairs, he wasn’t patient enough to wait for the elevator, and finally into the maternity ward. Breathless and somewhat exhausted by the run, Max collared the first nurse he could find, desperate to be pointed in the direction of Liz’s private room. “My wife .…” He puffed. “In Labour ……. Here.” “Well here’s a good place to be in labour sir, since we are the maternity ward.” The nurse smiled with the humour. “I need to know ….. where she is.” “Then you’d best let me have her name … Mr ……” “Evans. Max Evans” Max finished. “My wife’s name is Liz.” “Ahh
Liz Evans.” The nurse pondered
for a moment. “Yes go to the end
of the corridor and turn right, hers is the first room on the left.” “That’s it Liz, you’re doing great. When the next contraction comes I want you to push this time ok?” Melissa Samms said gently. “Ok.” Liz replied sullenly. She wanted Max there, period. Oh yeah Isabelle and Maria were doing an admirable job of holding her hand, mopping her brow and throwing encouraging words around the room. But they were no substitute for the father of her child. As the next contraction hit her two friends encouraged Liz to push as Melissa instructed, taking hold of a hand each and instructing Liz to squeeze as hard as necessary. And as the pain ebbed away, in her hazy pain induced brain, Liz could have sworn she heard Max call out her name. “Max! Thank god you’re here!” Isabelle exclaimed, throwing a quick arm around his neck for a hug before moving aside to let him stand next to Liz. “Max.” Liz said softly, the smile crossing her lips for the first time since arriving. “I’m here baby, it’s ok now.” Max soothed, brushing her hair away from her head. “It’s time we were leaving Maria. We’ll wait outside for news ok?” Isabelle said, placing a hand on Max’s shoulder to ensure he was listening. “Sure sis, I’ll let you know.” Max said. “And thanks …… for everything.” He added, hugging his sister and Maria before turning his attention back to Liz. “What happened to your hand Liz?” Max suddenly queried, seeing Liz’s bandaged left hand. “Oh it’s nothing Max.” Liz started, but saw the concern on her husband’s face. “It’s fine really, it’s a long story and I’ll tell you about it later.” “God I love you Liz.” “And I love you too.” Dipping his head, Max placed a kiss on Liz’s damp forehead, before briefly brushing past her lips. The moment the contraction hit her, Max felt Liz’s body tense up, her hand gripping his in a vice like hold as beads of perspiration collected on her face. Reaching for the cool cloth, Max waited for the pain to subside before gently mopping her forehead. Oh this was gonna be hell seeing Liz in so much pain, he mused silently. He hated seeing her hurting and this was one time, even though he knew why the pain was there, he could do nothing to stop it. “Right, now daddy is here.” Melissa Samms started as she entered the room. “How about we get this show on the road? I’d say we’ve got a pretty impatient baby here eager to enter the world!”
PART 60 - NC-17
Walking
up the staircase, Liz paused at the entrance to the nursery and peered quietly
around the doorframe. The sight in the room made her smile and her heart grow
with love.
The soft amber hue of the small table lamp on the windowsill lit the room as the darkness of the night hung in the air outside the large bay window. The warm yellow walls were soft in the shadows, the boarder of blue with tiny, multi coloured clowns adding more colour and life to the room. The large pine cradle dominated the room, decorated with a warm blue blanket of soft material. The framed pictures of Disney characters, and a wooden box full of toys and a matching wooden changing table and wardrobe to hold many small outfits showing it was clearly a child’s room. The only noises that could be heard from the enchanting room was the slight creek of the ornate pine rocking chair and the comforting suckling sounds of a baby nursing on a bottle. It was moments like these that tore at Liz’s heartstrings in a good way. Made her stand up and take notice and appreciate how good her life was. And how much it had changed in just seven short weeks. Even with her potentially good experience with caring for Rebecca, Liz hadn’t been prepared for the total upheaval a small baby would bring to her life. It was only in the last week or so that her son had started to sleep better through the night. Only waking once after been put down around eleven each evening, rather than the few times along the first few weeks. Liz hadn’t known bone weary tiredness until Kian came along. She could barely remember the last good night’s sleep she’d had. Not that she was particularly complaining. Motherhood was every bit as fulfilling as she’d hoped. But becoming accustomed to Kian’s crying and fussing had been more difficult than Liz’s had imagined. With Rebecca there was no miscommunication, the little girl to say what she wanted, but not with a week old baby. Determining whether he was hungry, or needed changing, or just plain fussing for attention and a hug. It was the part Liz had found most challenging over the first few weeks. Feeling a failure when she couldn’t pacify her young son, or worrying endlessly if she was doing something wrong or hurting him when Kian produced lustful cries for attention. With relief, Maria and Isabelle had confirmed they’d experienced much the same panic with Mackenzie and Amber. And so, with the help of her friends, Diane and Nancy, she’d survived the first few weeks, with her confidence just about in one piece. Max, on the other hand, had taken to fatherhood with the same enthusiasm and confidence he tackled most new tasks. On more than one occasion Liz had struggled with a fussing child for most of the day, only for Max to stride into the house, scoop Kian up and within moments have the child a bundle of happiness once more. How he managed it so effortlessly still eluded Liz. Oh to be able to bottle up Max’s magic spell he cast to use whenever Kian fussed and cried too much. But moments like this were priceless, and begged to be captured on camera or frozen in time to look back on as their son grew over the years. Watching Max with one leg crossed at the ankle over his knee and the other firmly on the floor pushing them backwards and forwards in a gentle rocking motion. In his arms Kian lay contently, eyes at half-mast as he gazed up at Max as if afraid the bottle might be whipped away if he closed his eyes. With the bottle of milk firmly held by Max’s strong hand, Liz watched with glee as Kian’s little button nose wrinkled up and down as he drew nourishment from the warmed bottle. The look on Max’s face was he watched his son drink was pure joy. The unadulterated love and adoration showing Max was very proud to be a father. And oh how protected their precious little bundle looked. Encased in sturdy, strong arms, Max’s body stance screamed he’d die to protect his only son, his real flesh and blood borne out of his love for his wife. And oh how wonderful it felt to have Max’s strength encase her and surround Liz so all she could think about was her virile specimen of a husband. Even in such a moment of tenderness, even when such thoughts should be the farthest from her mind after giving birth a mere seven weeks ago, Liz was powerless to the allure that was Max Evans. Just a look from those hooded brown eyes sent her blood boiling and her mind racing into a perilous direction. Just a brush of his manicured hands, or a sweep of his sensual lips send her pulse into overdrive and instantly turned her legs to jelly. Even now, as husband and wife, he still had the ability to cast a spell over her to chase all sane thoughts from her mind. And oh how she craved his warm, sensual touch right then, even with Kian safely in his arms. Seven weeks. Seven long, almost torturous weeks without making love to the man who occupied her heart, mind and bed. Seven weeks in which Max had been a perfect gentleman, making sure they never got too carried away, or in the position to take things further before her ‘all clear’ check up. And man did he have an iron will or something! Even her most tried and tested seduction techniques had failed, getting her little further than a good cuddle and a passionate kiss. Man was he frustrating! But, if Liz had her way, that would all end tonight. The appointment at the clinic to check both her and Kian over had gone well, and the doctor had given her a clean bill of health to resume ‘normal’ activities. And Liz fully intended to put that into action tonight! The slight, niggling thought that perhaps Max’s staying away power had more to do with her health flickered into her brain. She’d heard stories of husbands struggling to find their wives attractive after giving birth, seeing them as mothers rather than lovers from then on. Could that be the route of Max’s control? Did he not find her attractive any longer? A shudder ran through her body as she pushed the thought to the back of her brain. No, she loved Max and he loved her, becoming intimate again was just a matter of time. “You can come in if you want to.” Max announced softly, lifting his eyes as he voiced the words. “You don’t have to loiter in the doorway.” “How ….. how did you know …..” Liz started, shocked that her cover had been blown. “You’ve been doing that for a while now haven’t you? Just watching us from afar during his evening feed. I’ve seen you deep in thought. You haven’t once come in though, why is that?” He queried as Liz stepped inside and headed towards the rocking chair. Stopping and sinking to her knees on to the plush blue, piled carpet, Liz considered the question for a moment before lifting her head to look up into his eyes. “I don’t know.” She admitted truthfully. “I guess I feel like I’m intruding on your quiet time or something. I mean I have Kian practically to myself all day, but this is your only time alone to bond with your son Max.” Lifting his head once more to meet her eyes, Max looked and saw the sincerity of her words in her face. She truly felt this time each evening with Kian was his time. He knew it already, but she had just reinforced his belief that Liz was a perfect mother and wife. How often was it the father felt left out in the first months after a baby was born? The mother taking charge, dotting over the child and barely letting the father get a look in. But not Liz, no she was special. Although she was breastfeeding, right from the start she’d been happy for Kian to have one bottle of made up milk a day so Max could share with the wonder of feeding their son. Even though he had to work each day, Max had been adamant at doing his fair share of getting up in the night, and Liz had relented after a little pressure. Bathing him, changing him, playing with him, Liz was happy to have Max take a turn every day. Not shutting him out, or making him feel second rate or unimportant in the early years of their son’s life, instead sharing the joy rather than possessing their son. “God I love you Liz.” He whispered with a smile dancing across his lips. “And I love you too Max.” Lifting her hand, Liz cupped his cheek and placed a soft kiss against his lips. “Remember that. I love you babe. And never thing you’re intruding again ok?” Max stressed with firmness in his voice. “You’re Kian’s mother, he needs you much more than me right now. And thank you for feeling I need private time with our son. But I need time with you and Kian much more than just him. Just having you sitting here, talking to me while Kian dozes is magical. To see the love in your eyes for both the men in your life. To see how wonderful you have taken to motherhood, both with Becky and Kian. “Oh you’re just as good as me Max.” Liz countered, running her fingers gently across the wispy strands of fine baby hair decorating their son’s head. “Perhaps even better with this little mite than me sometimes. You always seem to know what to do, and I still feel like I’m feeling my way sometimes.” “Oh I just get lucky sweetheart. You’ll always be special in Kian’s life Liz, he’ll only ever have one mother. And you’ll still be his mother even when we’re packing him off to college!” “Ahh
don’t let’s wish away the years just yet!”
Liz laughed. “I want to keep him a baby for a little longer.” “Me too.” She responded, barely a whisper. Gently lifting the near sleeping tot to his shoulder, Max rhythmically rubbed Kian’s back for a few minutes before he was rewarded with two milky belches. Removing the soiled bib, and deftly changing his nappy, Max laid their son down in the cradle and tucked the comfort blanket around his tiny form. Opening his arms, Max beckoned to Liz to come close, before pulling her into a comforting embrace. And they stayed there for a while, in truth only a few minutes, just staring. Watching Kian’s little chest rise and fall, his hands forming into fists and his little mouth budding into an ‘O’ as he drifted firmly into a deep sleep. “Time for bed.” Liz said as they pulled the door to the nursery close slightly. “Mmm, you need to get some sleep before he awakes with hunger pains again.” Max agreed, stepping into their room and clicking on the bedside light to douse the room in a yellowy haze. “Yeah, perhaps. I kinda had something else in mind apart from sleep though Max.” Liz responded. Kneeling on the bed, she leant over to pull Max closer and started on the row of buttons fastening his crisp white work shirt. By the time she reached the fourth button to expose the sparse spattering of darkened hair across his toned chest, Liz knew Max had slipped into protective mode once more. His hand quickly covered hers as she moved further down to halt her progress towards his jeans snap and zip. Darn him, couldn’t he just go with the flow once in a while?! “Liz ……” “What Max? I love you, and I want to show you how much.” “No Liz, not yet.” He protested in a somewhat strangled voice. Clasping her hands in his Max rested his forehead against hers. “Not till you’ve had the all clear from the doctor. I won’t risk your health Liz, not for anything in the world.” “Well
then.” She said, touched by his
concern. “I guess it’s a good
job I went to the doctors today then.” Placing his hands under her arms, Max pulled Liz more upright on the bed so he could sink down and kiss her. With nimble fingers, Max unsnapped the gold barrette clip holding Liz’s hair hostage at the nape of her neck, allowing the silky brown strands to fall down around her face. Scooping handfuls of her luxurious hair in his fingers, Max deepened the kiss, running his tongue along her top lip, and then tracing the bottom before being granted access. Thrusting his tongue deep into the velvet darkness of her soft mouth, Max probed and caressed, intent on covering every inch of the honey goodness. She was dying, Liz was sure. The wash of intense feelings flooding her reactive mind pushing all reason to dark recesses. Her whole body reacted to his passionate kiss, her blood bubbled, her skin prickled and the pool of heat nestled in her stomach grew. My how she was turned on, just by a kiss, even with all her clothes on! Anyone would think she’d never been kissed by Max before! Then again, the hunger and rich desire in his heady kiss was clear indication the seven or so weeks abstention had tested his patience just as much as her own. His hands slipped down her arms from her shoulders to rest on her hips for the briefest moment. Then, as quick as the blinking of an eye, his hands disappeared under the hem of her tight knitted top before sweeping it up her body. Breaking the kiss for the slightest moment, Max discarded the garment from her body and let it fall to the floor before seizing her lips once more. The clasp on her bra was the next to succumb to his lightening touch and soon it joined her top in a growing pile on the carpet. And then his hands were everywhere, all over her naked upper body. Dancing across her small shoulders, across her back and under her arms to finally settle on her sensitive and responsive breasts. And then his touch slowed and stilled somewhat. It was as if his remembrance she was more sensitive than normal had overruled his primeval instincts to possess and take her body with this own. The change in Max was remarkable; instead of urgent and eager, his touch was soft and gentle. Caressing and stroking her breasts before finally breaking contact with her lips. Trailing a blaze of fire along her jaw, down her neck, across her shoulders before finally resting on her aching breasts. And then pure pleasure radiated and multiplied inside her, as his warm, moist mouth descended on her breasts, covering them in light butterfly kisses before slowly, seductively drawing one into his mouth to suckle and hunger on. Repeating the exquisite pleasure with the other eager mound, Liz allowed the powerful feelings wash over her again and again, making the craving for Max to be buried deep inside her stronger and stronger. Eager to touch him and be skin to skin, Liz snaked out a hand to continue undoing the remaining three buttons on the shirt, which was already gapping open. Her plan was thwarted, however, when Max caught her hand and pulled it back behind her. A gentle push and she was lowered to the bed onto the cream silk eiderdown. And then the zipper of her black jeans was lowered, along with the button being snapped undone. The feel of her jeans slowly being peeled from her body was beautiful agony. Max’s fingers barely brushed her hips as he eased down the material, dancing down her shapely legs before the jeans were discarded. Her whole body felt on fire, her nerves tingling in anticipation. And still Max wouldn’t let her touch him. Practically fully clothed, he outsmarted her attempts to remove his shirt or unsnap his own trousers. Instead he marvelled at her beautiful body through hooded, passion filled eyes. And then his hands were over her creamy skin again, dancing across her breasts, down over her nearly flat stomach to swirl around her belly button before moving further south. Her black silk panties held little resistance to her eager husband, as he slipped a finger either side of her hips before discarding the scrap of material. And then she was completely naked to him, open for only his eyes and touch. The suck of breath from Max indicated he was on a short rope, holding on to control with immense strength and testament to his resolve. His hand trailed up her legs again and across her hips before finally moving to touch her where she ached the most. On first contact, Liz was powerless to stop her hips from involuntarily springing off the bed, eager for more of his touch. And he didn’t disappoint. Sinking his head to capture her lips once more, Max plundered her mouth with his tongue and slowly began to mimic the action with his fingers. The soft cries slipped from her mouth, mixing with his own as he took her higher and higher towards that exquisite pleasure. Writhing underneath his ministrations, he felt Liz try to pull away before finally succumbing to his expert touch. Her head fell back against the pillow, her hair billowing out behind her on the cream pillowcase. Eyes at half-mast, Liz finally let go as her body tensed and the world crashed down around her in pure ecstasy. “Max …… I want to touch you.” Liz breathed, slowly returning back to earth as he kissed a trail of fire from her stomach up to her lips. “Soon.” He mumbled against her mouth. “Now.” She stressed, wriggling her hands out to finally rid him of the shirt. The feel of her small hands running along the defined ridges of his muscled chest caused Max to drag in several deep breaths. However much he adored the feeling of Liz’s hands caressing his body, now was not the time. Over eight weeks since they’d last got this intimate was playing havoc with this self-control. He felt like a kid with a dollar in a candy store, too eager to spend it all at once. The wrong touch of her hot hands could spell an abrupt end to their loving! The feel of her manicured fingernails dragging across the protruding bulge in his jeans made him nearly loose control. His whole body jumped, as if jarred by a jolt of sparking electricity. And then as Liz undid the button and slowly lowered the zip, he could take no more. Seizing her hands in his, Max pulled them above her head and loomed over her. For a moment he watched her face, aglow with a red flush, before dipping in for another searing kiss. She wriggled once more, trying fruitlessly to free her hands but with each movement her body brushed past Max’s groin, eliciting groans. “Liz, don’t.” He said in a strangled voice. “I
want to touch you Max, want to feel you.” “Then don’t hang on, I want you Max. So badly I want you.” “But
I wanted it to be special, we’ve both been waiting so long.
I’m afraid it will be over too quickly ……..” This time when she pulled her hands they came free from his grasp. Reaching down she slowly peeled away his jeans and black boxers until there was nothing but thin air between them. A shiver ran up his spine as she stroked him with her warm hands, his breath labouring and eyes turning to stormy midnight black. He took her lips once more, crushing his body against hers, fusing her lips in a passion induced kiss that left Liz in no doubt her husband was on fire with desire for her. Despite her silent urgings to finally complete them, Liz could sense Max was holding back just a touch. His body was held ridged around hers, and his actions begged to bury himself inside her warmth, but he held off. “Max …..?” “I don’t want to hurt you Liz.” He whispered softly. “You could never hurt me Max. I love you, I trust you, I want you.” “But
my control is all but gone, I’m not sure I could take it slowly.
I’m afraid it will hurt you.” And then he joined them, just like that. A swift fluid motion and he was finally home. A sigh reverberated around the room from them both, as he paused, buried deep inside her, just looking into Liz’s eyes. Brushing her hair back slightly from her face, Max kissed her again, but this time more softly, delicately. As if he was trying to slow the process down to savour each moment, each touch, and each amazing emotion. Liz had never felt so alive with fire and pure wanton need before in her life. Oh she’d desired Max before, she’d seduced him on more than one occasion, but never before had her whole body felt like it had gone up in flames without fulfilment. My how abstaining improved the sensations of making love! Finally, mustering all the remaining resolve he had left, Max drew back before plunging deep inside her warmth once more. Over and over, again and again he continued, his control evaporating as he upped the pace. Unable to stop, to slow or cease, he continued the madding pace. Until he felt Liz’s body stiffen under his, a cry tearing from her lips as the ripples of pleasure washed over her. Again and again they downed her, strengthening in feelings, riding it out until it slowly, reluctantly ebbed away. And then Max finally let go, throwing his head back he allowed the immeasurable feelings cascade over his body like an icy waterfall on a scorching day. The horse cry of Liz’s name sounded out in the silent room before Max finally fell into her waiting arms, spend and exhausted. Summing up just enough energy to roll onto his back, Max brought Liz with him before slowly trying to regulate his breathing once more. Resting her head on his shoulder and her palm against his beating heart, Liz couldn’t suppress the swelling feeling of love she felt for her husband. “Did I ….. did I hurt you?” Max stumbled once he was more coherent, ever the concerned one where Liz was concerned. “No Max, you didn’t.” She reassured, kissing his chest. “I’ve missed being close to you so much.” “Me too babe, me too.” He replied, kissing the top of Liz’s head before they both slowly drifted into a deep, relaxing sleep. And, when Kian awoke at 2.30 in the morning, demanding his regulatory feed, Liz didn’t mind getting out of bed to tend to her son. The kiss from Max, and the way his hand didn’t want to leave hers as she departed the room was all she needed to know he’d make her warm when she returned to their bed ……..
TBC ..............................? (And now the end is near!)
A new part will be posted very soon! Author: Kazza – 16th October 2002
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