Roswell Fanatics

12

The first hints of morning sun were just beginning to appear at the edge of the horizon as Max screeched the car to a halt in their driveway. He and Liz both scrambled from their seats, neither quite sure what they'd find when they got inside.

Max burst through the front door with Liz at his heels and called out, "Mom? Mom, where are you?"

"Shhh," Diane hushed from the living room. "She's asleep," she whispered from where she sat in the recliner, Hope curled up in her lap.

Both Max and Liz stopped short in the doorway, zeroing in on their peacefully sleeping daughter. "Mom, what's going on?" Max demanded, trying to keep his voice at a whisper.

Diane gazed down at her granddaughter with a slight shake of her head. "I wish I could tell you," she sighed. "I woke up when I heard her scream, and when I got to her room she was just...convulsing. I thought she was having a seizure, but then it stopped and she called out for you, Max."

Max swallowed guiltily. His little girl had needed him and he wasn't there. He bent down and scooped Hope up in his arms, quickly checking if she's been hurt. She stirred slightly but didn't awaken, and to Max's relief he didn't sense any injuries.

"And when she woke up? Did she remember what she was dreaming about?" Liz asked beside them, gently smoothing her daughter's hair off her forehead as she settled against Max's shoulder.

Diane shivered then. "It was so strange," she said slowly. "The first thing she said when the convulsions stopped and she opened her eyes was just 'he's scared.' She was in this - this daze. And then she seemed to completely snap out of it because the next thing I knew she climbed into my lap and asked for a glass of water. I - I asked her who was scared because I figured she meant you, Max, but she just looked at me like she had no idea what I was talking about." Diane paused to take a breath. "I was too shaken up to push it, so I called you and got her some water and then she fell right back asleep."

Max nodded, his jaw set in a tight line as he held his daughter protectively. "Thank you for calling, Mom," he sighed. He should have been there...

"It wouldn't have been so frightening it it weren't for that scream. And the convulsions," Diane continued, rubbing her hands over the goosebumps on her arms. "She was shaking so violently I thought she was going to rise off the bed."

Liz swallowed hard against her mother-in-law's words. This time it was clearly more than just a nightmare, but...what? What was happening to Hope in her sleep that evoked such violent reactions yet were forgotten when she opened her eyes?

Though the answer was simple, it didn't calm her - it was something alien.

Diane clearly had similar thoughts, because after a moment she said, "Is it because she's adapting powers?" she asked slowly. "Isabel can get into people's dreams, can Hope do it too? She's so young, but..."

"Isabel had the ability from the time we came out of the pods," Max reminded. "Any power Hope might have is something she was born with. Everyone is born with the abilities, but humans haven't managed to channel it. Since Hope is half human, it may take longer for her powers to develop." He paused, sighing as he glanced down at the sleeping child. "Of course, it's all pure speculation. All we know about Hope's and Evan's chemical makeup is that they have human blood cells. We don't know anything about their brain patterns. They're...a mystery."

Liz couldn't help shivering at Max's words. All she wanted to believe was that she and Max had a happy, healthy daughter. And, on the surface, they did. But when Max put it that way, it sent any sense of security she had spiraling out of her grasp.

It wasn't the fact that her child was half alien hybrid. That, amazingly, didn't faze her in the least. What scared her, truly and completely terrified her, was that Hope could be in danger. All mothers worry about the safety of their babies, but Liz's fear was infinitely multiplied.

"I'm going to put her down," Max was saying, shifting Hope slightly against his shoulder. He paused long enough for Liz to brush a kiss against her daughter's cheek and whisper, "I love you, baby," and then he retreated down the hall.

Diane watched Liz as she sucked in a deep breath and then took her hand. "How are you doing, Liz?" she asked gently, giving her hand a squeeze.

"I don't know," Liz sighed. "I'm scared. I feel like we're completely out of control and we have no idea what we're up against."

Diane nodded silently. She knew what that felt like, at least in some sense, but she let Liz continue.

"At first it didn't seem like a big deal. Nightmares, little kids have those. And Max didn't seem overly concerned, so I was sure I was overreacting. But then when he had a nightmare of his own and could feel her fear, it...it became almost tangible. And then the Antarian seal..." she trailed off, feeling deflated. "It's not just coincidence, is it? It can't be."

"I don't know, honey," Diane admitted quietly. She didn't know how to reassure her daughter-in-law, except to say, "Max won't let anything happen to her. He would give his life before..." She trailed off, realizing that wouldn't be much help.

But Liz only nodded. "I know."

"Mom, why don't you head on home?" Max reappeared then, running his hand through his disheveled hair. "We're not going back to the hospital tonight, so-"

"She had the babies?" Diane interrupted incredulously.

"Right before you called," Liz answered, managing a smile. Things had been so crazy it hadn't even come up. "A boy and a girl. They're beautiful."

"That's wonderful. And everything is okay? Maria and Michael, how are they?"

"I don't know about Maria, but Michael's probably nursing his bruised ego," Max answered with a smirk.

Liz swatted her husband's arm. "They're all doing great," she supplied, deciding for now to gloss over the complications during the birth of the second baby. She was too exhausted.

Not long after Diane had bid them farewell, Max found himself climbing into bed beside his wife. Liz was curled up on her side with her back to him, but her eyes were wide open. She felt Max's strong body slide in behind her, one arm wrapping around her waist to hold her close.

"Are you okay?" he murmured. He knew she wasn't, and he felt her shake her head as raised his arm higher. She linked her fingers with his and brought their joined fingers close to her heart, holding them there.

"I need you, Max," she whispered.

"I'm right here, baby," Max answered soothingly. He wasn't going anywhere.

"Max..." She turned slightly to face him. "I...I need you. Now."

Oh. She meant...

Liz nodded, chewing on her lower lip as she gazed up at her husband. She needed to be close to him, as close as she possibly could. Mind and body. At that moment she needed more than anything to be surrounded by his love and strength, to know that the same love that had gotten them through so much, that had given them their Hope, would keep them safe.

Max sensed this, felt it rippling through their connection, and lowered his lips to hers.

The kiss was slow and gentle, and so full of love that it brought tears to Liz's eyes. Max's lips drifted up, kissing away the tear sliding down her cheek. He pulled away after a moment, gazing down at her as he shifted his body over hers.

Liz gratefully welcomed his warm weight like a blanket. Her eyes fluttered closed and she felt the pads of his fingers against her temple, soothing where the tears slid into her hair.

"My Liz," he whispered, his throat tightening. His hands drifted slowly over her body, sending chills through them both. His touch, his kiss, it was all he knew to use at that moment to offer reassurance. His own fears had been pushed aside in order to soothe his wife's.

Her lips sought his again, the kiss stoking their need. Their eyes met, gazing at each other in the faint glow of dawn, and Liz could see his desire for her. Max wanted this, craved her in the same way she craved their connection.

"Now, Max, please," she breathed.

Max wasted no time with his response. Their lovemaking was slow and tender, a balm to ease their tension. The connection ebbed and flowed between them, holding strong as they found completion in one another.

Afterward, Max lay silently as Liz drifted into an exhausted sleep in his arms. He brushed his lips against the crown of her head and whispered, just as he had to their daughter, "I'll figure this out, baby, I promise you."

13

When Liz awoke several hours later, she was greeted by bright morning sunshine - and an empty bed. She rolled onto her side, gazing at the rumpled covers on Max's side of the bed. Rather than worry, though, Liz sighed and sat up. She'd sensed Max's uneasiness as she slept, and it didn't surprise her that he was already up.

Liz could hear Hope chattering in her bedroom, and she wrapped her robe around herself and padded out into the hall.

Poking her head into her daughter's room, she saw Hope squatting to place a blanket over a teddy bear on the floor - with Max passed out beside it.

"Hi Momma!" she crowed before lowering her voice to a stage whisper. "Shh. Hosbidals gotta be quiet."

Liz glanced amusedly between her husband and daughter. "Good morning, Hope," she whispered loudly. "Is Daddy your patient too?" She watched Max's chest rise and fall, his breathing steady from where he lay curled up on the floor, clad in a t-shirt and cut-off sweats. Max was a pretty convincing patient. He actually looked like he was asleep. And that faint snore was awfully accurate, too...

Hope's eyes followed Liz's, and when Max let out a particularly throaty snort, she nodded soberly. "Him's got a really bad cough," she explained, adjusting the oversized white lab coat Liz had given her.

So he was asleep. "How long has he been in the hospital?" Liz asked suspiciously.

Hope shrugged, moving on to another 'patient.' "Since we opened," was her answer before she added, "Him's been sleepin here since I woked up!"

Liz nodded knowingly. That didn't surprise her. He'd stayed with her, comforted her until she fell asleep, and then he went to their daughter. She'd sensed his guilt earlier, guilt for not being here when Hope had needed him, and he wasn't taking any chances.

As Liz gazed down at Max, he began to stir. She watched as his eyes fluttered open and he stretched his muscular arms and legs before sitting up on the floor.

"Good mornin, Mister, how are you feeling?" Hope was back in full doctor mode as she marched over to her father.

Max reached out and pulled Hope into his lap, tickling, and she let out a shriek of delight. "Much better now, Dr. Evans," he chuckled.

"Wait, wait!" Hope protested between fits of giggles. "I hafta check your tempature." She scrambled to her feet and pressed a chubby hand against Max's forehead while he sat patiently.

Liz watched this, biting back a giggle of her own at Hope's concentration. The laughter died in her throat, though, the moment she saw the look on Max's face. His eyes had widened as he stared at his daughter, and as Liz looked on in confusion, he fell back with a strangled gasp.

*****

"Hello, you beautiful little girl, you." Maria gazed down at her tiny daughter nursing in her arms and cooed softly to her. She just couldn't get over how soft and perfect and itty-bitty her babies were. Nothing could have prepared her for this feeling. Not even Hope and Evan and Olivia, whom she infinitely adored, could have prepared her for the intensity of love she felt after mere hours.

Her son stirred slightly in the bassinet beside the bed, and Maria reached over to stroke his cheek. "How's Mommy's little man?" she cooed to the sleeping newborn. "Is your tummy nice and full?"

Maria's attention diverted back to her daughter, who also, apparently, had a full tummy. She adjusted her robe with one hand and began rubbing the baby's back with the other, all the while smiling to herself at how well she was managing twins. Granted, Michael had only stepped out to grab a cup of coffee, but she'd still handled the past five minutes by herself beautifully.

"Look who I found," came Michael's voice as he appeared in the doorway, Jim just behind him.

"Jim! You guys are back?" Maria laughed as her stepfather crossed the room with a bouquet of pink and blue carnations.

"Did you really think your mother could stay away for long?" Jim chuckled, leaning over to kiss Maria's cheek. "How're you doing, kiddo?"

"Really good," Maria grinned as he placed the vase on the bedside table. "Where's Mom? Getting into trouble somewhere?"

"The gift store," Jim confirmed. "She might be awhile."

Maria rolled her eyes goodnaturedly just as the baby began to fuss in her arms. "Shhh," she soothed as the newborn's whimpers grew steadily louder.

"Let me take her," Michael urged, crossing to his wife's side. "You look tired, Maria, you need more sleep."

She eyed her husband a little warily. "Are you sure?"

"I can handle it," he assured, carefully taking the baby from her. "I'm perfectly qualified, aren't I, darlin?" he continued, settling his squalling daughter in his arms. Sure enough, after just a few moments rubbing his hand over her tummy, she began to quiet down.

"Fair enough," Maria noted, impressed, before admitting, "A nap does sound pretty nice..."

"I've got it," he insisted, reaching behind his wife with his free hand and adjusting her pillow before flicking out the lamp. "Get some sleep."

She nodded, already looking drowsy as she settled back beneath the covers. "They both just ate, so they should be-"

"Sleep," Michael repeated, silencing her with a kiss on her forehead. "We'll be fine. Okay?"

Maria nodded again, smiling up at him beneath drooping eyelids. "I love you, Spaceboy."

"I love you too," he answered softly, his large hand caressing her cheek as her eyes drifted closed. Michael watched her for a lingering moment before turning back to Jim and smiling wryly. "She's exhausting."

Jim chuckled as he sat down at the edge of the empty hospital bed closest to the door. "I hear you," he said. "Listen, I'll just wait for Amy if that's okay, and then we'll get going."

"Good luck," Michael replied, gazing down at his sleeping son and wheeling his bassinet across the room to sit beside Jim. "I'm surprised you were able to tear her away as long as you did."

Shaking his head, Jim smiled. "Oh, she didn't sleep. I did, but she kept busy doing who knows what until we came back." He paused, eyeing the circles under Michael's eyes. "And how about you, have you slept at all since this began?"

Today or nine months ago? Michael thought to himself as he traced a finger over his daughter's cheek. Either way, the answer was not much. "I'm fine," he replied. "We aliens don't need much sleep anyway, you know." The baby yawned in his arms then, and his face broke into another beaming grin. He couldn't help it, she was just so...perfect!

Jim watched as Michael's attention bounced from one baby to the other, his face positively lighting up with joy. "You know, Michael," he spoke up suddenly, "I don't think I've ever seen you look this happy."

Michael tore his eyes away from his son long enough to glance up at Jim and shrug. "I - I've never been," he admitted. He could remember a similar feeling of exhiliration the first time he and Maria connected, the first time he truly understood the depth of her love for him...but that, even that, was very different.

This was a whole new level of unconditional love, this bond that already existed between himself and his children. Elijah Charles and Ana Elyse were part of him, the very best part of him because they were part of Maria, too. The three of them, now, were his life.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Jim offered as he reached into the bassinet and adjusted the blanket covering the child. "It's a little overwhelming right now, isn't it?"

Michael nodded his agreement. "A good kind of overwhelming," he decided.

Jim chuckled. "You sound a lot more prepared than I felt when Kyle was born," he admitted. "I didn't know what to do with myself. I was thirty-two years old and I'd never so much as held a baby. I knew how to be a cop, not a father, and..." He trailed off for a moment. "...and I'm afraid it took a little longer than I'd have liked to figure out the difference."

Michael's eyes met Jim's. "I think you did a damn good job," he said honestly. He was silent for a long moment before adding, "You're the best father figure I could have asked for. And I know for a fact Maria feels the same way. Kyle's a lucky guy. We all are."

Jim nodded slowly. "That means a lot to me, Michael. Thank you." The silence was filled with the soft sounds of the twins in their sleep before Jim added, "You're going to be a fantastic father, Michael. These are two lucky babies."

Michael couldn't help but smile at Jim's faith in him. And yet, as he continued to be enthralled by his children, he decided that, without a doubt, it was he who was the lucky one.

14

"Yeees?"

Kyle arched an eyebrow, waiting for Isabel to step aside so he could go into the front hall. When she merely stared at him from where she stood inside the doorway, he tried a more direct approach.

"Can I come in?"

Isabel sighed dramatically, sweeping out of the way in her fuzzy robe.

"Am I...interrupting something?" Kyle tried again.

"My nap," she answered shortly.

"Sorry," he cringed, in spite of it being nearly 11 in the morning. "Not much sleep last night?"

"Not as much as someone who slept in his own bed and not in a waiting room chair with a laptop in his face," she responded.

Yikes. "Yeah. So anyway, the reason I'm here is to see Jesse."

Isabel nodded her head toward the back of the house. "He's in the yard with the kids," she offered as she padded toward the stairs.

"Isabel, honey, did I hear the doorbell?" Jesse's voice came through the kitchen as he appeared with Olivia in his arms.

"Two minutes ago," Isabel muttered.

"Oh hey, Kyle," Jesse said to him. "I figured you'd still be cashed out, too."

"Kyle didn't come to the hospital until this morning," Isabel supplied. "He got a great night's sleep, didn't you Kyle?"

"They're doing well, huh?" Jesse continued, ignoring his wife. "Eli and Anna, isn't it?"

Isabel gave a long suffering sigh. "It's Ana," she corrected. "Pronounced Ah-nah. Ana."

Jesse gave his wife a look. "Why don't you go back to bed?"

She was already on her way up the stairs. "Don't leave Evan out there by himself," she said over her shoulder. "He thinks he can fly if he jumps off the slide."

"We were just headed back out," Jesse answered, rolling his eyes at Kyle. "Sleep well, honey."

There was a mumbled reply and then the sound of a slamming bedroom door.

"What the hell is her problem?" Kyle asked incredulously as they made their way to the backyard.

Jesse shrugged, unfazed. "She's stressed out with work. And on top of not getting any sleep last night - lest any of us forget," he added wryly, "I think she's just feeling overwhelmed right now."

It was Kyle's turn to shrug. Whatever, he know how that felt, but it didn't turn him into a sardonic bitch.

"So what's up, Kyle?" Jesse continued as he slid the screen door closed behind them. "I hope you weren't planning on talking to Isabel."

Kyle quickly shook his head. "I wanted to talk to you about something, actually."

"Shoot," Jesse answered, settling Olivia in her yellow plastic baby swing and fastening her in. "Evan, keep the sand in the sandbox, please," he called to his son across the yard.

"Look, I know it's not really your area of expertise, but I'm curious about adoption. You know, the legalities and all that."

"You and Serena want to adopt?" Jesse asked in confusion.

"No, no. Well, Serena doesn't, but I..." He paused. "I want to adopt Jaycee."

"Ah." Jesse nodded. "That's great, Kyle."

"Yeah, but I...I don't know what's involved with that. I mean, she is my daughter as far as I'm concerned. But I was to make it legal, you know?"

He nodded again. "I understand. And you're right, adoption isn't really my area. But I know some people-"

"That's what I was hoping," Kyle continued. "Because I want to surprise them."

*****

Liz's eyes were wide with horror as her husband slowly straightened from where he'd fallen back against the bed.

"What'sa matter, Daddy?" Hope asked curiously as he got to his feet.

Max cleared his throat. "Nothing, Peanut, I was just playing," he answered quickly, giving her hair a quick ruffle before adding, "Uh, Mommy and I have to go potty."

Liz's face was still full of confusion as Max took her arm and led her out of the room. "We'll be right back, baby," she managed before Max pulled her into the bathroom and shut the door behind them.

"You better tell me what the hell just happened back there!" Liz hissed, knowing full well that Max had not been 'playing.' "What is going-"

Before she could finish, Max placed his fingertips at her temples and effectively silenced her. As their eyes met, her mind was filled with a barrage of images.

The pod chamber. Or...was it? It was smaller, darker, if that was possible.

In the center, a lone orb suspended in the air, shimmering a bright amber color.

And then total darkness. A faint speck of light, coming closer and closer and closesr until the rush of light was nearly blinding, whooshing with its sheer force.

Crying. A child's cries filled the air. Heartbreaking cries. Hope's cries.

Liz backed away, trembling from the bombardment of images. The cries rang in her ears. She stared up at Max, her eyes moist with tears. "She was crying, Max. Why was she crying?"

Max shook his head just sllightly, his own face drawn. "I - I don't..."

She shivered as a chill ran down her spine. "She sent those images to you."

Now Max nodded, swallowing thickly. "She's never...done that before."

"You sensed her dream once before," Liz reminded, rubbing her hands over her arms. "You - you said you could sense her fear." And this time, so could she.

"But I didn't see anything then." He paused. "And this time we were both awake. This was different. We've never connected before."

Her eyes now luminous with unshed tears, Liz took a step closer to Max. "What does this mean?" she asked haltingly, feeling like a broken record. "Where would she have gotten these images from, she's not even three years old!"

Max took a deep breath, looking Liz straight in the eye. "Someone is sending them."

"Momma! Daddy!" Hope's little voice piped up suddenly from the other side of the door. "I hafta go potty too!"

Liz sniffled, swiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. "We are not done with this," she murmured, as a pair of hands began beating on the door. "We're coming, baby, sorry!" Liz continued as she pulled the door open and allowed Hope to scurry past.

Max stepped aside, out into the hall as Liz helped their daughter. He exhaled deeply, leaning his head back against the wall. Why had he said that?

Because it was true, he told himself. The more he thought about it, the clearer it became. It wasn't Hope's fear he'd felt this time. Someone was sending those images. But that didn't answer any questions. It only raised more.

******

Across town, Isabel shot up in bed clutching her chest. "Max!"

15


"Jesse!" Isabel's shrill voice called from the screen door.

He turned slowly, exchanging a look with Kyle. What had he done now? And wasn't she supposed to be sleeping? "Yes, dear?" he asked, trudging across the yard.

To his surprise, Isabel flung her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. "Isabel? What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Kyle watched this exchange from the swingset and gathered Olivia into his arms. With a quick glimpse toward the sandbox to see Evan content with his trucks on the sandy road he'd built around the box, he made his way toward the house.

"Something's happening to Max," Isabel was sniffling as Kyle approached and exchanged another look with Jesse, this time one of concern.

"Max is fine," Kyle reminded. "Remember, you talked to your mom right after she left this morning? Hope's fine, too, she just had a nightmare."

Isabel shook her head, eyes wide. "No, he's not fine," she whispered. "I saw things..."

"What kind of things, Isabel?" Jesse asked gently, resting his hands on Isabel's shoulders.

She sniffled again, taking a deep breath. "The pod chamber. Only...only it was different. There was this...this orb and he was trapped there. He needed help and no one could hear him-"

"Isabel-"

"No one would help him!" Isabel's voice rose in near panic. "Oh my god, what if something - oh god, I have to call him!" She pulled away from her husband and made a beeline for the phone while Jesse and Kyle looked on in confusion.

*****

Max's bleak thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the telephone. He trudged slowly down the hall and into the living room, picking up the cordless extension. "Hello?"

"Max?"

"What's wrong, Is?" He could recognize the fear in her tone anywhere.

"Oh god, Max, I was so scared," she cried. "I had this dream only I wasn't trying to dreamwalk anybody. It came to me and it was you-"

"Is, I didn't have any dreams," Max interrupted carefully. "Hope was the one who had the nightmare."

"No, Max, this wasn't Hope," she insisted. "It was you. You were in the pod chamber, only-"

"Only it wasn't," Max finished quietly.

Isabel fell silent for a moment. "So you did dream it."

"No. I didn't." Max swallowed hard. "Hope did."

"So...so is she remembering things from the dreams now? What else did she tell you?"

"She didn't tell me anything," he answered flatly, glancing toward the hallway. "She showed me."

"What the hell do you mean, she-"

"Flashes. She sent me flashes. I saw the pod chamber, but it was-"

"Different. Smaller. Our pods were gone. But I saw this - this orb..."

Max cursed under his breath. Isabel was dreaming exactly what he had seen in Hope's flashes. But...wait a minute. "Is, how long ago did you have this dream?"

"When did I - maybe five minutes?" she answered. "Why? When - when did you get the flashes?"

"About five minutes ago." Max's heart began to thud in relief. "Do you think she somehow transferred your dream to me?"

"I - I don't know. I wasn't trying to-"

"Did you hear someone crying in the dream?" he asked suddenly.

"Crying? No, I didn't hear anything."

"Neither did I," he answered hastily. But Liz did. Why did Liz hear their child crying? Max shook his head, his mind swimming.

"Max, what do you-"

He quickly held his hand up to silence Liz as she appeared from the hall. "One second," he mouthed.

Liz planted her hands on her hips. Who was he talking to?

"Is, I've gotta go. I want to continue this later, I've just gotta...sort my thoughts a little. Why don't you try to get some more rest, okay? You sound exhausted."

"And why don't you talk to your wife about what's going on?" Liz suggested mildly as Max clicked the phone off.

"God, Liz," he sighed, sinking onto the couch and burying his face in his hands. "Is saw it too."

"What, the flashes? The pod chamber?"

Max nodded, his face still hidden.

"Is it possible that Hope was getting pieces of Isabel's dream?"

Max slowly raised his head to face his wife. "That's what I thought, too."

"So that might explain this time, but-"

"Not the other nightmares," he finished with a sigh. He was silent for a long moment as Liz moved to sit beside him. "I haven't heard Isabel like that in years. She woke up in panics like that when she had nightmares about Laurie."

"But why is it happening to Hope?" Liz whispered. "She's just a little girl-"

"I'm ready for my omlick!" Hope announced, bounding into the living room and launching herself onto Max's lap.

Liz cleared her throat and managed a smile. "I told Hope we would have a special brunch today," she informed Max. "With omlets and toast and fruit-"

"An omlick, you say?" Max got to his feet, flipping Hope upside down as she shrieked with delight. "Let's see, should we have a chocolate omlet, or a blueberry omlet or...I know, a chicken nugget omlet!"

"Silly Daddy!" Hope giggled.

Liz watched as Max carried their daughter off toward the kitchen, blinking back the tears that had suddenly flooded her eyes.

*****

By the time Kyle arrived home from the Ramirezes, Serena was already back from her shift and had picked Jaycee up on the way. He could hear them in the kitchen, and he tried to quickly shift his full attention to his family.

"How're my girls?" he asked brightly, walking into the kitchen.

"Where've you been?" Serena asked in return, leaning over the counter to exchange a kiss with her husband.

"Me?" Kyle shrugged. "Oh, Isabel left her, uh, watch in the waiting room. I was just bringing it back to her."

Serena frowned. "Huh. Well, you're just in time for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches."

"Who's idea was that?" Kyle teased Jaycee, ruffling her hair where she sat on a stool at the counter.

"Not mine!" she giggled before adding, "Don't let Mom make yours with the stinky cheese."

"The stinky cheese?" Kyle repeated, his nose wrinklling as he caught sight of the package of bleu cheese on the counter. "Oh, gross. Are you serious, Serena?"

Serena swatted his behind with the turner. "I don't think you have any room to talk, Mr. Barbecue Pork Rinds. What's your excuse?"

"Point taken," Kyle conceeded. He was only just getting used to Serena's changing hormones, thought it hadn't been quite the explosion Michael had warned him about. "How are the Guerin's?" he asked suddenly.

"All four of them were getting some much needed rest when I left," Serena answered. "I was just telling Jaycee about the babies and how tiny they are."

"Mom said I weighed the exact same as the boy when I was born," Jaycee informed him.

Serena nodded as she turned the sandwiches on the stove, suddenly looking a little misty. "I can't believe how big you are now," she said wistfully. "You're not my little baby anymore."

"Is that why you're having another one?" Jaycee queried bluntly.

Serena exchanged a glance with Kyle. "Well...no, sweetie, not-"

Kyle watched her stammer in surprise at her daughter's question, but he wasn't sure he could answer, either. The truth was, they hadn't planned on a baby. It just kind of...happened. And that was for a reason, they'd both decided. But how could they explain that to a six-year-old?

Taking a deep breath, he settled onto the stool beside Jaycee. "Listen, Jay," he began. "Your mom and I having a baby doesn't change anything between the three of us. We have a pretty good time, right?"

Jaycee nodded hesitantly.

"That's not going to change just because someone else is around. Do you understand that? No baby is ever going to take your place. We've got plenty of love to go around." He paused. "Let me ask you something. When your mom and I got married, did you love me?"

Now she nodded vigorously.

"I was hoping you'd say that," he chuckled. "So I was one more person you loved. And you didn't stop loving your grandma, did you?"

Jaycee shook her head.

"Right, because your love was able to grow. You don't have to stop loving anyone just because there's someone new to love." Kyle gazed down at her, trying to decipher her expression. Was he making any sense?

A sudden sniffling sound drew his attention away for a moment, and when he turned he saw Serena wiping her eyes. Well, either he'd made a lot of sense or he'd just screwed up big time.

"Kyle's right, Jay," she spoke up then, leaning over to kiss the top of her daughter's head.

Apparently he'd done alright. But as his attention returned to Jaycee, who was picking silently at her napkin, Kyle knew it was going to take a lot more than that.

16

"Leaving so soon?"

Serena stood in the doorway of the hospital room, grinning at Maria as she settled her son in his carrier.

Maria glanced up and made a face. "Four days in this place is plenty for me, thankyouverymuch." She paused. "No offense."

"Where's the doting husband?" Serena chuckled, crossing the small room and crouching before the twins.

Blowing a strand of hair out of her face, Maria straightened and slung a diaper bag over her shoulder. "He's at the checkout desk selling his kidney so we can leave," she replied wryly. "I had no idea it cost so much to have one baby, much less two."

"Good thing they're both gorgeous little angels," Serena answered, cooing softly at baby Elijah as he let out a tiny yawn.

"You didn't hear this one about ten minutes ago." Maria gently smoothed the blanket swaddling her dozing daughter. "I don't know how he did it, but Michael managed to get her to sleep."

"She got her lungs from her mother," came Michael's voice as he strode into the room. "We're in the clear, Mrs. Guerin," he added, holding up a yellow receipt copy in triumph.

Serena smirked. "I see the kidney retrieval went well."

Michael's confused frown was erased as Maria slid her arms around him and presented him with a long, tender kiss. "Thank you, Spaceboy."

"Behave, you two, there are children in the room."

Maria made a face again, tossing a blue nose suctioner at Serena as she turned back to the bed. "Don't you have a laboring woman to drug?"

"Probably," Serena admitted with a grin. "I just wanted to make sure you guys were all set."

"As we'll ever be," Michael said, taking a deep breath and glancing at his wife just as Ana began to whimper. Ready or not, they were parents.

*****

"Where did you come from?" Max slid his arms around his wife as she stood at the counter dicing vegetables.

Liz wrinkled her nose. "You're all sweaty," was her answer as Max pressed his body, slick with perspiration from his run, closer to her.

"I wasn't expecting you till after five," he continued. "If I'd known you were home I would have sprinted."

Liz's smile widened as Max began nuzzling her shoulder, his damp hair tickling her neck. "I'm making dinner for Maria and Michael," she said, her hands deftly maneuvering the paring knife as his maneuvered her hips. "Isabel and I promised to switch off for their first few nights home."

"Such a…nice…girl," Max mumbled in her ear, punctuating this with a suggestive swat on her behind.

Biting her lip, Liz leaned further into Max's body. "Where's Hope?" she asked, trying to maintain her focus.

"At the Crash," he replied, nipping gently at her earlobe. "We stopped in for…a late lunch and…your dad said he could…use her help unpacking…twisty straws…or something."

Liz smiled, knowing this probably meant Hope was "helping Grampa" by unnecessarily sorting them by color. She shifted, her focus slipping again as Max's erection pressed into the small of her back. "Mr. Evans," she admonished softly.

"Hmm?" he purred, bracketing her hips with his hands to bring her closer to his rapidly hardening body. Simply walking into the kitchen and seeing Liz at the counter with her back to him, one foot lifting slightly to rub across the back of her bare leg, was enough to arouse him. The last few days had been tense, without any further incidents but also without any resolve, and Max itched for release.

Liz's breath hitched in her throat as Max's hand slid over her thigh and then disappeared under her linen skirt. He crept higher, cupping her mound for one delicious moment before his hand slipped back to her outer thigh.

Max's pulse quickened at the sound of Liz's voice whimpering his name. There was no disguising the hard bulge in his running shorts now, and he was pleased at the way Liz shamelessly ground her backside against him.

It was suddenly very warm in the kitchen, and Liz knew it wasn't the oven. She tilted her head, licking and kissing a trail along the salty ridge of his jaw before his lips captured hers in a deep, primal kiss. It only took a matter of frenzied seconds for Max to whisk his damp t-shirt over his head and to undo the buttons on her blouse so he had access to her silk-encased breasts.

"I want you so much, baby," he breathed in her ear, thumbs circling enticingly around her nipples.

Liz nodded hungrily, gasping as Max pulled her panties down and slid a probing finger into her. "Max…please…" she moaned.

He growled in response to her slick wetness, his erection aching in his shorts. He needed to be buried inside her. In one fluid motion he pushed the shorts down to his ankles and then yanked Liz's skirt up around her hips.

Sucking in a deep breath, Liz braced her hands on the counter in front of her as the cool air hit her behind. She felt Max's large hands grasp her hips, and they shared a groan of satisfaction as he thrust his hard length inside her tight, wet passage.

"Liiiz…" he hissed through gritted teeth, hands roaming up over the smooth surface of her abdomen and leaving goosebumps in their wake. They drifted up, up over her breasts and one hand strayed to Liz's hair, unfastening the clip that held it away from her face. Freeing the dark tresses over her shoulders, Max buried his face in her hair. His other hand slid down her arm, linking his fingers through hers as the rhythm of his thrusts increased.

Liz could feel the fire unfurling in the pit of her belly, the white hot arousal growing with each stroke. She cried out as Max thrust especially deep inside of her, her back arching and her hair falling in her face.

With one hand, Max smoothed the strands aside, nuzzling into her neck as the other drifted back down her body. His fingers tangled in her coarse curls, and he grunted as they slid over the place their bodies joined.

"Liz…god, Liz," he ground out, his cock swelling as it disappeared, slick with her juices, back inside. His trembling hand found her sensitive nub, rolling it between his fingers as his butt flexed with his effort.

Liz was nearly sobbing with pleasure now, her body on fire from her core to the tips of her fingers and toes. She was almost…so close…almost…there…

With a low, serrated groan Max exploded, one hand pulling her body against him as the other worked furiously at her clit.

She came just behind him, her walls shuddering as they milked his pulsing cock. He collapsed against her, breath coming in deep pants. Resting his forehead against her shoulder where her shirt had slipped low, he smiled and pressed a kiss to her skin.

Liz exhaled a sigh of satisfaction as Max's arms wrapped around her. She tilted her head to kiss the tip of his nose. "Well," she said finally, tugging her skirt down and stepping out of her underwear. "Looks like we could both use a shower, huh?"

Max nodded eagerly, his manhood already beginning to stir again as he kicked his shorts aside and lifted Liz into his arms.

"Is this what you had in mind all along?" Liz arched an eyebrow, giggling as she wrapped her legs around his waist. She rubbed against his hardening shaft, eliciting a growl from Max as he headed off toward the bathroom.

He cupped her butt, squeezing the firm globes through the fabric of her skirt. "Maybe," he hedged, his innocent little boy look a sharp contrast as he teased her with the head of his cock.

They managed to disrobe down to naked skin, stumbling under the shower's warm spray. Shaking the water out of his face, Max backed Liz against the tile wall and proceeded to fill her to the hilt.

Liz sucked his lower lip into her mouth as his face hovered close to hers, locking her ankles at the small of his back for better leverage.

Max's hands roamed over his wife's slick body as he pumped inside of her, the aroused moans muffled by their searching kisses. Tongues dueled, fighting for dominance as Liz met him thrust for thrust.

When they finally wilted against the shower wall, the water was beginning to run cool. Max grudgingly disentangled himself from Liz, setting her carefully on her feet before passing his hand over the faucet. He was in the midst of massaging sudsy fingers along her scalp when he heard the doorbell over the slicing warm water.

"Someone's here," Liz sighed, eyes closed as she lavished Max's soothing touch.

"I'll go," he mumbled, sliding his fingers through her hair one last time and giving her a thorough kiss before stepping out of the shower. He rubbed a towel over his body before yanking on a pair of sweats and jogging down the hall for the front door.

"Coming!" he called, pulling the door open to find Jeff Parker with a drowsy Hope in his arms. "Jeff," he greeted in surprise, opening the door wide and ushering them inside. "I'm sorry, I was in the shower. Was it locked?"

"That's alright," Jeff replied, adjusting his granddaughter on his hip. "I know you were going to have Liz pick her up on her way home, but- " He paused as Hope held her arms out for her father. "She was asking for her daddy," Jeff continued before sniffing at the air and wrinkling his nose. "Max, I think you're overcooking something..."

Max groaned. The dinner for Maria and Michael. "I'll get it in a minute," he sighed before turning his attention to his daughter. "Hey, Peanut, did you have fun with Grampa Jeff and Gramma Nan?" Max asked gently, perplexed by the way she clung to him. He exchanged a questioning glance with his father-in-law as they moved into the front hall.

"Max, who was at the-" Liz paused as she appeared from the bathroom wrapped in a robe, rubbing a towel through her wet hair. "Hi, Dad."

"Honey," Jeff greeted. He wasn't about to comment on Liz already being at home, or the fact that both she and Max had both clearly just emerged from the shower. Instead he cleared his throat and continued, "I was just telling Max that Hope was ready to come home."

"Why, is she okay?" Liz's voice rose slightly in concern. Usually Hope had to be dragged away from the Crashdown. She hurried to her husband and daughter, who was currently burying her face in Max's bare chest.

"Oh, she's fine," Jeff assured. "She fell asleep on the couch in the back room while we were unpacking boxes, and I think she might have had a bad dream."

Max and Liz exchanged anxious glances. "Why do you think that?" Max asked carefully, smoothing his hand over his daughter's soft hair.

Jeff shrugged again, not recognizing their unease. "She just seemed a little flushed when she woke up. She wanted to come home to her daddy, didn't you pumpkin?" he continued, giving Hope's foot a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks for bringing her home, Dad," Liz replied quietly, leaning up to give her father a kiss on the cheek.

"No problem, Lizzie," Jeff assured. "Mom sends her love. We'll talk to you later, okay?" He turned to Max and smiled. "Take it easy. And thank you for all your help today, pumpkin," he added.

Hope merely nodded in response, she and Max still clinging to one another as if their lives depended on it.

And Liz couldn't help wondering, for one gut-wrenching second, if maybe they did.

17

"What do you think of him, Peanut?"

Hope peered down at the tiny bundle in her father's arms. "Him is little," she decided.

"That's because he's only a few days old," Max explained, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "You were this little when you were a few days old too."

"Nuh-uh!" Hope's eyes widened with childish disbelief.

"Yes-huh," Michael said from where he sat in an armchair across the living room, Ana in his arms. "I was there, I remember."

"But I'm a big girl now," Hope reminded, lifting her chin high.

Max smiled, a little wistful, as he touched one of Eli's tiny hands. "You sure are, Peanut."

"How come him doesn't cry like her does?" she wondered suddenly, pointing over to Ana, who was now sleeping peacefully after an intense screaming fit. "It hurts my ears."

Max glanced at Michael sympathetically. Colic tended to do that, which was why Maria had escaped to the bedroom for a much needed nap. "She cries because her tummy hurts," he explained as simply as he could.

"Is her sick?"

"Not really. But when she doesn't feel good her daddy makes her feel better," Max continued. Michael probably never expected he'd use his alien powers to ease a colicky baby.

Hope nodded, settling against her father's side on the Guerin's couch. "Daddies do dat good."

Max managed a small smile, but he wasn't totally convinced. How could he be when he felt so out of control? He couldn't help Hope when she was scared because he didn't know what was wrong. He didn't know what was frightening her so in the night - yet neither did she.

"Daddy, him is stinky," Hope interrupted him, her little nose wrinkled in disgust as she pointed at Eli.

Max blinked, glancing down at the baby. Sure enough. "He needs his diaper changed," Max said, managing a chuckle at his daughter's expression.

"I'll get it," Michael spoke up, starting to get to his feet.

"Stay," Max instructed. "I've had plenty of practice. Peanut, can you get a diaper for me?"

Hope obediently hopped from the couch and scurried to the coffee table, eager for her daddy to make that smell go away.

Max thanked her, spreading a blanket on the couch with one hand and carefully settling the child on it. Eli kicked his little legs as Max unsnapped the yellow sleeper, his eyes wide with quiet alertness. Though they were only a week old, Eli was already proving to be the calmer of the two. Of course, it was still early - he was, after all, Michael and Maria's child. Ana, true to her heritage, was already a little spitfire - and she hadn't let anyone forget it.

Hope watched, one hand pinching her nose shut as Max removed the offending diaper and began wiping the baby clean. "You bissed sub, Daddy," she informed him a few moments later.

"I did?" Eli looked clean to him.

"Uh-huh. Right dere." She removed her hand and pointed.

"Oh." Max stifled his smile. "Uh, Hope, that stays there," he answered, ignoring Michael's guffaw of laughter.

And the inevitable question. "What is it?" she asked innocently.

Max cleared his throat. "It's, uh, it's his penis."

"His penis?" Hope frowned over this strange new word. "How come I don't hab a penis?"

He was so flustered by the conversation that Max didn't hear Liz come in through the kitchen door. She paused quietly within earshot, eager to hear her husband's explanation.

"Ah, because you're a girl, Peanut," Max told her. "Girls don't have penises."

"How come?"

She sure was insistent. "Because girls have vaginas and boys have penises," he answered, fumbling with Eli's fresh diaper.

"'Acause dat makes girls and boys diff-rent?" Hope asked thoughtfully.

"Exactly."

Liz had to cover her mouth with her hand to stifle her giggles at the relief on Max's face when Hope seemed satisfied. But she wasn't done just yet.

"Daddy, do you hab a penis 'acause you're a boy?"

Max glanced up at Michael, who merely shrugged. He was just relishing in the fact that he had a couple more years before the anatomical differences conversation.

"Uh, yeah, Peanut, I do," Max answered finally.

"Oh." She pondered this for a moment. "Do you hab a little penis, like Eli?"

Liz nearly doubled over in the kitchen, shaking with silent laughter. She didn't know whose ego was more damaged, Max or Michael's.

"Um, no, Peanut. They get bigger when a boy gets bigger, just like the rest of him," Max managed, praying Hope was done asking her innocent questions.

Hope's eyes widened. She thought her daddy was huge! "You must hab a very big penis!" she announced.

Finally deciding to put Max out of his misery, Liz choked back her laughter and appeared out of the kitchen. "Hopie, did you miss me?"

"Momma!" Hope scrambled from the couch and into her outstretched arms. Liz held her daughter close, grinning at Max over her head.

He merely flushed, gently placing Eli in his bassinet as he rose to dispose of the diaper. As Hope scampered past him back into the living room, Max tried to ignore Liz's smirk.

"Laugh it up now," he muttered, squeezing her around the waist. "You get to tell her where babies come from."

*****

Later that night while Liz was putting their daughter to bed, Max sat in the living room pouring through an old photo album. The front of the brightly colored book simply read "HOPE," and inside was a virtual timeline of her young life. From her conception right up through the carnival several weeks before, each and every one of Hope's milestones was recorded in these photos.

The first few pages spanned Liz's pregnancy. Max had insisted upon a "before" shot of Liz, and in the side-view picture of Liz with her still flat stomach, she was sticking her tongue out at him. He'd even insisted on a shot of the positive pregnancy test, which Liz thought was extremely unnecessary until she realized how important that piece of plastic was to him. It made him feel human.

As the months progressed there were glossy black and white sonogram pictures scattered in with photos of Liz's expanding belly. Max smiled down at the pictures now, recalling that radiant glow she had possessed. His Liz was the most beautiful woman in the world, but she'd never been more breathtaking than when she was pregnant.

His feelings were obvious, too, especially in the photos that were taken at Evan's first birthday party. Liz was nine months pregnant and unable to walk at any gait other than a waddle, but the way Max gazed at her could only be described as reverent.

And then came Hope's birth, which had been recorded in an epic number of pictures - many of which Max didn't even remember taking. The camera had been hanging around his neck, and once he emerged from his initial fog of shock at seeing his daughter he nearly wore the camera out.

There were pictures of Hope just after the doctor had lifted her into view; as he put her tiny body, all red and wet and messy, onto Liz's belly; as Liz cradled her in her arms, her eyes filled with tears of joy and relief; and Hope by herself, pink and naked and yelling in protest to the cold as Serena prepared to weigh her.

Serena had taken pictures of him with Hope as well, capturing his sheer wonder as he held his daughter. Liz was in several of them, hand pressed to her mouth to hold back her sobs at the sight of them. There were shots of nearly each and every one of their friends and family members holding the new baby, and when it was all said and done they had acquired almost three rolls of film in Hope's first 48 hours. And that was just the beginning.

Hope's first bath, her first trip to the Crashdown, her first walk in the carriage, and her first smile had been religiously recorded, as well as plenty of candids with her mommy and daddy.

"I thought we were gonna go broke from the developing costs," came Liz's voice as she rested her arms over Max's shoulders.

He glanced up at her and smiled, and she moved around to sit beside him on the couch. "Is she asleep?" he asked as Liz moved another album to snuggle closer.

She nodded, flipping the page in the book. "Oh, her pumpkin costume!" she giggled, pointing at the shots of Hope's first Halloween. She'd slept through most of it in the round orange suit, not even minding the little matching hat affixed to her head. "What made you pull these out?" Liz wondered, opening the album on her lap and flipping through it. This one was even older; the first pages were full of pictures from their high school graduation.

Max ducked his head a little. "Just feeling nostalgic, I guess," he answered, running his fingers over a picture of their family in front of the Christmas tree.

"It's the babies, isn't it?" Liz said with a smile, giving Max a little nudge. "You're just an old softie." She trailed off, her smile fading as she came to the photographs from their summer road trip to the Grand Canyon. Had it really been five years?

Liz studied the "before" picture Isabel had insisted on taking as they started off. God, they all looked so young. Naïve. She gazed at her younger self, draped in Max's embrace, remembering how incredibly carefree she'd felt at that moment. She'd had no idea how drastically her life would change on that trip.

There were other pictures, too, from Mesa Verde and the Four Corners; a shot of her and Maria in their line-dancing getups and one of her and Max as she attempted to teach him how to tush push. The night their son was conceived.

And then there were several pictures documenting their new apartment. One of them showed Liz and Maria standing triumphantly beside the old rocking chair after they'd hefted it up the stairs and inside. It still sat in that very room, though it would be over a year before it was used. The photos skipped ahead then, to Isabel's 20th birthday. There were two shots, one of Isabel and her cake and another that showed her and Jesse, Liz and Max.

Liz studied this picture now, taking in her exhausted appearance. She looked gaunt and pale, and her half-heartedly applied makeup did little to conceal the dark circles under her eyes. She looked like she'd been through hell - quite literally - and Max didn't look much better despite the smile forced on his face.

"Liz?" She heard Max whisper her name, felt his arm wind around her shoulders. "You okay?"

She shrugged a little, unable to tear her eyes from the photo.

He followed her gaze, releasing a sigh. "I forgot about these." He was taken back to where he'd been that night, those weeks, the lowest point of his life after they lost their baby. He'd been losing Liz, too, and his heart ached at the memory.

"Do you know what scares me the most about this?" Liz spoke up suddenly. "Hope's nightmares, I mean. I had dreams too. Right before Gabriel died."

Max nodded solemnly. He remembered. Liz's cries, her fear…it wasn't something he could forget.

"These dreams that Hope is having…they feel like a warning. My nightmares did too, Max." She took a deep breath, blinking back frustrated tears. "I couldn't save Gabriel, but I will be damned if I let anything happen to Hope."

Max pulled her close then, strumming his fingers through her silky hair. "I know, Liz," he whispered. He prayed she was wrong, prayed that it wouldn't come to that. His heart couldn't handle more loss. It would surely destroy him.

*****

"Max."

Max's eyes flew open at the sound of his name. But it wasn't Liz who spoke to him. He turned his head to see her fast asleep in the bed beside him. Where did-

"Max."

His eyes jerked forward now, and he was nearly blinded by a flash of light. It dimmed just as quickly, hovering before him in a dull glow. But what…was it? He struggled to sit upright and found he couldn't move. His legs, his arms, all were paralyzed. And when he opened his mouth, no sound was released.

"Max. You must listen to me."

What are you? Max's mind screamed.

"Do not be frightened. You are ready to know now, Max. To believe. Your son needs you. You must go to him."

Oh god. Oh god. He hadn't been crazy all those years before, searching for his son. God, had he been in trouble all along?

"There is no time, Max. You must journey to the North Chamber before Monday's sunset, and you must bring your sister and second-in-command with you. At this time they, too, are receiving their orders. The balance is at stake, Max, and you musn't disregard. He is waiting for you, Max. He is waiting for you to take him home."

And then the glow faded, blinking out just as Max's eyes snapped open.

18

Within minutes the Evans' phone was ringing. Isabel called first, her voice shrill as she bombarded him with questions.

"Did you see it, Max? He said you would see it. What did he tell you?"

Max rubbed one hand over his face, the other linking with Liz's as she sat beside him in bewilderment. "That my son needs me."

"What the hell is this North Chamber? What about our pod chamber here in Roswell?"

"The granolith is gone, Isabel," Max reminded. "I don't know what good it would do us." He paused at the sound of the call waiting buzzing over the line. "Is, hold on a second. I think that's Michael."

Sure enough. "Maxwell, what the fuck is going on?" Michael hissed. "Now I'm having dreams too-"

"It wasn't a dream, Michael," Max interrupted carefully. "Isabel and I saw it too."

Michael cursed under his breath. "We have to do this, don't we."

"He's my son, Michael," Max said quietly. "I don't know what else to do."

"Where the hell is Tess? What if this is a trap?"

Max sighed. "I don't know. I don't know anything except that if he needs me I have to try to reach him." He could hear the sound of a baby crying now, and then Maria's voice in the background.

"I have to go, Maxwell. I'll talk to you in the morning."

Max heard the click on the line going dead, and then switched back to Isabel.

"What did he say?" she demanded.

"He's not happy," Max offered.

"He has two new babies. It isn't surprising he's not eager to leave them."

Max was silent for a moment. "So you're going?" he asked.

"Of course I am, Max. We don't have much choice."

"I can't ask you to do that," he said quietly. "You both have families of your own-"

"You didn't ask us to do it," Isabel reminded. "And besides, a child of yours is our family, too."

Max exhaled a breath of relief. "Thank you, Isabel," he murmured gratefully. He glanced at Liz, who was twining her fingers anxiously with his. "Is, I have to talk to my wife," he continued, squeezing Liz's hand. "Could you come by in the morning? You and Michael and I need to talk."

She agreed, and as Max hung up the phone Liz released a shaky breath. "I'm trying to understand this, Max…"

"Me too," he sighed, pulling her into his arms and holding her tight. "I can't ignore what I saw…"

Liz tensed a little. "I'm not asking you to," she murmured. "I always knew this was a possibility."

"But I never thought-"

"But it did," Liz finished, lifting her chin and struggling to keep her lower lip from quivering. "He's your son, Max. Just as much as Hope is your daughter. This has been affecting her, too." She heard herself saying the words, knew that they were true, but they felt so hollow.

Max took an anguished breath, tightening his arms around her. He recalled her face when he connected with her, showed her what he had seen…saw in her eyes that her heart was breaking.

*****

"What is this, Michael?"

Max stared at the object in his friend's hand the next morning at the kitchen table. Liz peered at it just as curiously, while Isabel picked at her nails.

"It's from the desert. Near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon," Michael answered, closing his fist around the shiny material and then opening it, watching as it unfurled and flattened again. "Maria found it there five years ago. I think it's linked to our pod chamber."

Max glanced sharply at his sister. "Did you know about this?"

"Yes."

He exhaled. "Why didn't anyone talk to me?"

"We didn't think it was a big deal, Maxwell," Michael answered, glancing across the table at Isabel. "I mean, we weren't sure-"

"It was right before Hope was born," Isabel interrupted. "We didn't want to give you any distractions."

"Hope is almost three," Max reminded mildly. "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"There wouldn't have been anything to tell, Maxwell. I had this...feeling while we were up there, but I never found anything. I just kind of wrote it off. It didn't really mean anything until now."

"And…what, exactly, does it mean now?" Liz asked. "What does it have to do with anything?"

"It's a material similar to what was in the pod chamber. Flexible insulation, so to speak. There's another chamber in the canyon." Michael paused, turning to Max. "That's where we have to go. That's where your son is."

Max thought about this for a long time. He recalled Michael coming to him on that trip. They had been so close. Had his son been there all along? Why hadn't he felt…something? He didn't allow himself to dwell on this, and instead studied his friend. "So you're coming." Michael's attitude had changed considerably overnight.

"I talked it over with Maria," Michael answered. "She's not thrilled, but she wants me to go. She knew how close we were, and she wants me to find the chamber."

Liz stared at Michael in amazement. How had Maria agreed so easily? So what if she'd found the metal. She had two newborn babies at home.

And then it hit her. Maria trusted Michael. Maria was devoted to him, just as she was devoted to Max. Tears pricked the back of her eyes, but she knew what she had to do. She would support her husband, whatever it was he had to do. They'd come too far for her to back out now.

Max tightened his grip on Liz's hand, trying to read her expression. A series of emotions flitted across her features. "How do you feel about this, Liz?" he asked softly. He could take a guess, but in light of these new developments he wanted her to be a part of this as much as possible.

Liz cleared her throat. "When do you have to leave?"

Isabel glanced at Max and then Michael. "It's Saturday morning and we need to be there by Monday evening, right? We'll need to leave tomorrow, just to be safe. I can get things squared away with work by the afternoon."

Glancing at her husband, Liz nodded. That was what they needed to do…but god, it was so soon. She'd barely had time to register any of it. Her head was spinning, but she reminded herself she wasn't the only one who was feeling that way. Max looked like he was about to be sick.

But what choice was there? They could ignore the dreams, but Liz didn't believe for one second that they would go away. And if Max journeying to this supposed North Chamber meant their daughter wouldn't suffer any longer, that was enough for her. Part of her wanted them to leave as soon as possible just so she wouldn't second-guess it.

A bit later, after Michael and Isabel had departed, Liz and Max stood locked in a silent embrace.

"What do we tell Hope?" Liz asked finally, raising her eyes to Max's.

"I - I don't know," Max admitted. He wasn't entirely sure what to tell anyone about the situation, but this was his Peanut. How could he possibly explain it to his little girl; tell her that he had to go away and when he came back he'd bring a brother she never knew existed? Exhaling deeply, he said, "We tell her as much as she can understand."

Max and Liz marched silently down the hall to their daughter's bedroom. Hope was seated at the tiny table and chair set, a Christmas gift from Gramma Nan and Grampa Jeff, with Gucky, Rainbow Brite, and several other stuffed animals situated around her.

"What are you up to, Peanut?" Max asked, crouching down beside her.

"Tea party!" she crowed. "Wanna play?"

He glanced up at Liz, who smiled and proceeded to join them both in a tiny chair of her own. "It's fun to have someone to play with, isn't it?" Max began once they were all sipping from plastic cups of imaginary tea.

Hope nodded vigorously. "I like it when you and Momma play wif me."

Max smiled at his wife over the little girl's head. "We like it too, Peanut." He paused, gazing down into his teacup. "Hope, baby-"

"You need more," Hope declared, reaching for the teapot in the center of the small table. "Here go, Daddy," she said, carefully pouring "tea" into his cup.

Max was just about to continue when Hope's eyes widened. "Oops, I spilt it," she mused, snatching up an old handkerchief and wiping up the pretend mess.

Liz bit her lip to keep from laughing. "What a good cleaner you are, Hopie."

Hope glanced up and, in a loud whisper, informed her mother, "It was just 'atend."

"Mommy and I both know what a good helper you are, Hope," Max finally managed to get in.

"I'm a big girl," Hope agreed seriously.

"You are a big girl, and we love you very much," Max confirmed, casting another anxious glance at his wife. "Hope, I have to go away for a few days-"

"But are comin back?" she interrupted, her caramel eyes wide with worry.

"Yes, Peanut, I'm coming back," Max said firmly, leaning over to kiss his daughter's forehead. "I'm coming back," he repeated, meeting Liz's eyes over Hope's head. "But while I'm gone, I need you to be a good helper for Mommy."

Hope nodded importantly. "I will, Daddy."

"Good girl," Max smiled. "And Hope…Mommy and I need you to be a big helper when I come back, too. I'm bringing someone home with me-"

"A macigan?" she asked hopefully.

Max glanced at Liz and arched an eyebrow. "No, Peanut, not a magician. I'm bringing back…a - a new friend."

"For me?"

He nodded slowly, deciding that would probably be enough information for a two and a half year old. "Yes, Peanut. A friend for you to play with."

"Okay!" Hope beamed, smacking a wet kiss on her father's cheek as he pulled her onto his lap.

"Hope, baby, we know you'll be a big help and a very good friend. And we love you very much, do you understand that?" Liz spoke up, tucking their daughter's dark hair away from her face.

Hope nodded again, poking at her father's arms wrapped around her waist. "Acause I your Hope," she agreed.

"Because you're our Hope," Liz murmured, stroking her daughter's cheek. "Always."

*****

"How were your parents?"

Max shrugged as he paused in the bathroom doorway where Liz was drying Hope after her bath. "Isabel said they were okay. When I talked to my mom she was mostly just worried about Tess."

That wasn't surprising. Liz nodded, gently pulling a baby-toothed comb through her daughter's wet hair.

"Mom said if you need anything…" He trailed off. "She'll be by tomorrow before we leave."

"Are gonna read me a story first, right Daddy," Hope queried, raising her arms for Liz to pull her nightgown over her head.

"Of course I am, Peanut," he murmured. "As many as you want."

Liz sent him a warning look. "Come on, baby, let's get you into bed." She watched as Hope scampered ahead and then turned to Max. "This isn't the last time you're going to read her a story, you know," she teased, but her attempt fell flat. She couldn't hide the unmistakable quiver in her voice. "I mean…Michael said three days…right?" she added meekly.

Max pulled her close, tucking her head under his chin. "Three days." Three days he had to be away from them, three days he wouldn't have any contact with his wife and daughter. Isabel told him it was essential, part of the balance to have no outside contact until returning safely to Roswell.

He couldn't help worrying about those implications. There were risks, undeniable ones…ones he couldn't avoid. He would go up against Tess if it proved necessary. He'd never once trusted her to be a good mother to their child, and it killed Max to think that he may have been suffering for so long. God, what kind of damage might she have done? How would they get him safely back to Roswell?

Max's anguished thoughts were interrupted by his daughter's impatient voice. "Daa-ddy," she called. "My book is awl ready!"

He gazed down at his wife, swallowing hard. "We'll be right there, baby," he answered, his eyes locked on Liz's. They still had infinite things to talk about, but for the time being they needed to focus on their daughter. The rest would come, sooner than either were ready to face.

19

"Michael?"

He glanced up suddenly at the sound of Maria's thready whisper in the doorway.

"Is Eli ready to eat?"

Michael's eyes shifted back to the sleeping baby cradled in his right arm. "He seems okay for now," he answered softly.

"What about Ana?"

"She's fine too," Michael said, smiling down at the child in the crook of his left arm. She gazed back at him, blinking her dark eyes curiously.

Maria couldn't help a smile of her own, watching through bleary eyes as Michael doted on their babies. He couldn't get enough of them, and she was reminded how much of the load he'd taken on in the last week so she could rest.

"I can do it," he'd insist, sounding much like a determined preschooler. Yet at times she felt like the child, letting Michael take care of her.

She liked it, she wouldn't deny that for a second. Still, Maria knew she was in for a serious shock of reality the next morning when Michael left. She knew she'd have help, but the thought of Michael being away…it terrified her, quite frankly.

Her mother, for one, was more than a little irritated with Michael for leaving to begin with. She understood Max's son was in danger, but she couldn't understand why Michael needed to accompany him.

"Michael and Isabel were called to go, Mom," she'd tried tiredly to explain. "He knows how important it is to Max, and it's important to Michael too. And…that makes it important to me. I told him he needs to go, Mom. I know he needs to." And while she knew it was true, it didn't make it any easier. And it didn't make her any less worried about him.

"Come sit down," Michael invited then. "We were just having a talk."

Maria crossed the nursery and pulled the other rocking chair up before them. "A talk, huh?" she smiled, reaching out to stroke her son's spiky hair.

Michael nodded, straight-faced. "About how they're going to be on their best behavior while I'm gone," he answered. "Napping simultaneously, waiting their turn to eat, sleeping through the night-"

"You're good, but you're not that good," Maria informed him, lifting Eli into her arms.

"I think I've got him convinced." Michael nodded at their son. "This one," he continued, glancing down at their daughter, "might take a little longer. She's stubborn." Wonder where she gets that from, he thought wryly.

"Then keep talking," Maria told him, tucking her robe aside so Eli could nurse. "She's a Daddy's girl."

Michael smiled happily, lifting Ana against his shoulder and rubbing her back before his eyes quickly narrowed. "Hey, that doesn't mean he gets to be a Momma's boy."

Maria rolled her eyes at Michael's teasing and decided to shoot back with some of her own. "As soon as they start talking I'm enrolling them in voice lessons," she announced dreamily. "They'll have these stunning alto voices…they could be the next Carpenters, you know…"

Her husband shot her a warning look. "That's not funny."

*****

She knew she would find him here.

Having given up on her work at the computer and finding no sign of Max, Liz made her way down the hall to their daughter's bedroom. The door was open a crack and when she silently stepped inside, she could see him huddled beside the bed.

The dim light from the hallway spilled onto his face, but if Max noticed he didn't acknowledge it. His eyes were trained on the little girl in a silent vigil while she slept.

Liz crept across the bedroom, pausing beside his hunched form and resting her hand on his shoulder. "It's late, Max. You should get some sleep," she murmured softly.

He shook his head almost imperceptibly. There was a long pause until finally Max's hoarse voice whispered, "Am I doing the right thing?"

Taken a little off guard by his question, Liz could only take his hands in hers and guide him to his feet. She touched his cheek, managing the smallest of smiles before leading him to the doorway.

Just lay down
And let your worries sleep

Max exhaled a shuddering sigh as he lifted his arm and sent the shimmering field of energy around Hope's bed, and then allowed Liz to guide his defeated form to their room.

Don't think now
Of waters dark and deep

They sat side by side at the edge of the bed until Max finally broke the silence. "I don't know what I'm doing, Liz," he admitted brokenly. "I can't - I can't just leave you and Hope. What kind of man does that make me?"

"You're a father, Max," Liz reminded gently. "You have a duty to your son. I would never expect you to ignore that."

Max nodded miserably, but he didn't respond.

Cause you know that I'll love you
And never let go

"This is for Hope, too," she continued. "There is no doubt in my mind that her nightmares have been leading up to this. He's been contacting her. And it - it makes sense, I guess. She's his sister." Liz felt a chill run through her even as she said it. She'd never really considered this child to be a brother to Hope. She didn't know what she considered him, and that scared her. She just had to keep telling herself that if this little boy was safe, her daughter would be too.

And you know that I'll love you forever

"I don't deserve you, Liz."

Liz's jaw nearly dropped at his sudden admission. She reached for him, turning his face and forcing him to look at her. "Don't ever say that."

His eyes were swimming with tears, but he could see in her face and hear in her voice how serious she was.

I'll love you and never let go

"Don't," she repeated, her voice softening now as her eyes filled with tears of her own. "Don't you understand what you are to me, Max? You are my other half. We are partners. It doesn't matter what it is. Whatever - whatever happens we are in it together. Always."

Just cry out

Max choked back a sob at her words, knowing how fiercely she believed it. He went limp as she gathered him into her arms, cradling him against her and raining kisses over his damp face. Her tears mingled with his as she held him, and he clung to her desperately. He never wanted to let go.

I've cried those tears before

He wouldn't let go, Max corrected himself. Not ever. As long as he had her, as long as she was there to hold him up, he knew he would have strength. And he desperately needed that.

I can feel it now
As your teardrops hit the floor

As they lay back against the mattress, he blindly sought her lips with his own. She accepted him, welcomed him, immediately opening herself to him and seeking him in kind.

Max couldn't hide, wouldn't try to, and as the fervor of their kisses intensified, he needed desperately to be a part of her.

But you know that I'll love you
And never let go

"Liz…" he moaned, his breath hot in her ear as his raw desire increased.

"I'm here," she breathed in answer. "I'm here, baby." She moved over him, undressed him lovingly before revealing herself to him. His eyes flashed with his need, but the moment he entered her his breath tore from his lungs in a shallow gasp.

And you know that I'll love you forever
I'll love you and never let go

As he moved inside her his mind was overcome by a series of flashes from their past.

"I want to do this with you, Max. Together."

"Why?"

"Because if I had lost a child I would want you to help me find him. And…that's only part of the reason. The other part is that I don't want you to slip away from me. I know what it's like to be with you and I know what it's like…to be apart from you and…I would rather be with you."

Liz holding him on an early autumn morning in the Crashdown as he sobbed in grief over letting his son down…letting her down… "I'll never leave you, Liz," he vowed to her.

And he hadn't. He wouldn't. He forced his eyes open, gazed down into hers, and saw the same unconditional love there that had soothed him, eased him for so long.

You don't have to ask do I love you

"I know, Max," she whispered, reaching up to stroke his cheek. She'd said the same thing to him that morning five years ago.

As I hold you just how much I do

"Do you remember what else I said to you that morning, Max?" she breathed, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment as his thrusts increased.

I'm yours until forever is through

"Y-yes," he managed.

"I'll be here, Max," she'd whispered to him. "Do whatever you have to do, but always come back to me."

Max shuddered, remembering his overwhelming rush of love for her.

"And you promised, Max, remember?" Liz murmured presently, clenching around him. "I know you'll always come back to me."

Every time I stand for you
I know I'd lay my life down for you

"I'm coming back, Liz," he ground out. "I'm coming back. I'm coming…" Max trailed off, exploding inside of her, clutching her against him and burying his face in her neck.

I'll never let go

"I'm coming back," he repeated weakly, collapsing against his wife. "I'll never leave you, Liz."



lyrics by Hanson, Never Let Go

20

"I don't think she likes me."

"Huh?" Liz glanced up distractedly from the dresser. "Who?"

Maria nodded at the baby fussing on the changing table before her.

"Your daughter?" Liz clarified, arching her eyebrow. "Doubtful. She hasn't hit puberty yet."

Maria didn't crack a smile. "I'm serious Liz," she sighed, lifting Ana against her shoulder and rubbing her back. Her whimpers grew steadily louder.

"Maria," Liz began gently, folding the last of the tiny undershirts and closing the drawer. "She has colic, sweetie. You aren't doing anything wrong."

"I can't make her feel better," Maria protested miserably. "Michael can."

"Michael can what?" Michael appeared in the doorway, glancing at his wife and reaching for the baby. "What's the matter, darlin, you don't feel good?"

Maria gave Liz a look. "Nothing," she mumbled, turning away as Michael rested his hand on Ana's stomach and her cries began to lessen. "Where's Elijah?"

"Your mom's got him in the living room. I couldn't take the daggers she's shooting at me."

"Is Isabel here?" Liz spoke up, torn between comforting her friend and facing the inevitable.

"Not yet." Michael shook his head. "Any time, though, and then we'll hit the road."

And that was exactly what Liz was dreading.

*****

"So you're going to be a big help to Mommy, right Peanut?" Max asked as he sat side by side with his daughter on the Guerin's porch swing.

Hope nodded firmly. "I'll pick up awl my toys. And eat my vega-bulls."

Max smiled, pulling his daughter into his lap. "Good girl. And there's something else, Hope, that Mommy will be getting ready for when I come home."

"Wif my new friend?" Hope interrupted happily.

God, he hoped so. Max nodded against the top of her head. "That's right. You'll be sharing your room. Do you think you can help Mommy make it nice and comfortable?"

Hope nodded, then screwed up her nose. "Is it gonna be a boy friend or a girl friend?"

"He's a boy," Max answered carefully. "Remember, Peanut?"

"So him will hab a penis?"

This clarification took him by surprise. Liz was right, this kid was a sponge. "Um…yeah, Hope." That was safe enough to assume, wasn't it?

She was already on to other matters. "What is him's favrit color, Daddy?"

Max was silent for a long moment. "I - I don't know," he answered finally. It should be such a simple question, but…he didn't know his son's favorite color. He didn't know his favorite toy, or his favorite food, or…Christ, he didn't even know his name. Max shuddered inwardly. What was he doing?

"Maybe him likes lellow?" Hope was suggesting. "Is my favrit color. Or blue. My room is lellow and blue. Eban likes blue and him is a boy, too!" She was clearly pleased with the connection she had made.

Max hugged her close, kissing the top of her head. "Do you know how much I love you, Hope?" he sighed.

Hope squirmed, holding her little arms out as far as they could stretch. "Dis much!"

He smiled, tickling her sides and making her squeal. "Way more than that," he informed her. "More than you can see, even."

Eyes sparkling, Hope smacked a kiss on his cheek. "I love you dat much too, Daddy."

As Max leaned forward to give her a peck on the nose, the honk of a horn drew their attention to the street. His mother was pulling up out front, with Isabel, Jesse, and their children just behind her.

"Gramma Dan!" Hope crowed, crawling off her father's lap and scampering across the yard.

"How's my girl?" Diane held her arms out to her granddaughter and lifted her into her arms. "I hear you're coming to play with me and Grandpa tomorrow while Mommy's at work."

"'Acause Daddy's goin away," Hope confirmed with a nod of her head.

Diane glanced up at Max and offered him an understanding smile. "But he'll be back before you know it."

"Wif my new friend," she agreed before glancing across the yard to see her cousin scrambling out of the car. "Hi Eban!"

Setting Hope on her feet, Diane turned back to her son. "Are you ready?" she asked carefully.

He shrugged a little, giving his sister a small wave as she emerged from the Explorer with Olivia. "I just want to get back," he said honestly.

"Oh Max," Diane sighed, pulling her son into a hug. "I know, honey. Dad sends his love, he couldn't get out of the client meeting."

"Max," Isabel called. "You can load yours and Michael's things in the back. Jesse's moving the car seats to Mom's car."

Max nodded, but another car pulling up across the street caught his attention. Kyle. "Just a second, Iz, they're inside," he answered, watching as Jesse herded Evan and Hope toward the house with the others just behind them. "I'll be in in a minute," he added.

Kyle headed across the street, approaching Max as he stood with his hands in his pockets near the front walk. "How's it going, Max?"

"It's going," Max answered simply. "I'm glad you stopped by."

He nodded. "Serena's at work, but I just dropped Jaycee off with a friend so I figured…"

"Yeah. Uh, listen, Kyle-"

"I'll keep an eye on them."

Max studied Kyle for a long moment. "Thank you," he said quietly. He was grateful Kyle recognized his greatest concern. But should that really come as a huge surprise? He couldn't give Kyle enough credit for being as good a friend as he'd been. They'd come so far from those two drunk 16 year old kids wanting to "share" Liz Parker. Heck, Max wasn't about to share her with anyone.

But more than that, Kyle had accepted them. He'd never turned away - in spite of that stint with Buddhism - and had risked his life on more than one occasion to keep their secret safe. Even now, with a family of his own, Kyle couldn't have been a better friend.

To Kyle, this was only natural. They were the closest friends he'd ever had. They'd saved his life…and not only his, but his wife's. He had an undeniable bond with the same people that, six years before, scared the shit out of him. He'd long since gotten over the fact that Max had "won" Liz, but if Max needed him to look after her, he would do it in a heartbeat.

"I just…if something - anything - happened to them while I was away I would never forgive myself," Max was saying quietly, his stomach twisting in painful knots at the very thought.

"I understand," Kyle nodded.

And Max knew he did.

*****

I knew that this moment would come in time
That I'd have to let go and watch you fly

"I know you can't call," Liz murmured against Max's chest. "But…is there some way you can let me know you got there safely?"

Max held her close, burying his nose in her hair. "Isabel could dreamwalk you," he suggested. "Would that be okay?"

Liz nodded, determined not to let the tears prickling at her eyes fall.

I know you're coming back
So why am I dying inside

"I'll be home in three days, Liz," he whispered assuredly. "Three days and you'll be in my arms again."

Are you searching for words that you can't find

She pulled back a little to gaze into his face. "I know," she answered, biting her lower lip. "It just seems really far away…you'll be so far away…"

"Just in Arizona, Liz," he reminded, cupping her face in his hands. "That's as far as I have to go."

Trying to hide your emotions but eyes don't lie

Liz let out a shuddering sigh. "Do you promise?" she whispered.

"I swear to you, Liz Evans," he vowed, knowing exactly what she feared. His eyes locked with hers. "No matter what happens, I am not leaving this planet. This country, even," he added, managing a small smile.

Guess there's no easy way to say goodbye

Liz smiled back hesitantly as he dipped down to take her lips in a long, tender kiss. "I love you so much," she breathed when they broke apart.

"God, Liz," he whispered. "I love you too."

I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that someday you'll come back again

On the other side of the living room Michael held a teary Maria, while Isabel alternated between kissing Jesse and Olivia.

I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Waiting for someday

"You should get going if you want to make time before it gets dark," Liz spoke up finally, untangling herself from Max's embrace.

Max nodded resignedly. He turned toward the kitchen in search of his daughter. Kyle was attempting to hold one of the twins and keep Hope and Evan entertained at the same time, and he wasn't having much luck.

"Peanut, come give me a hug," Max spoke up, stooping down to Hope's level.

Don't misunderstand what I'm trying to say

She bounded over and into her father's embrace, wrapping her tiny arms about his neck. "Are leavin now, Daddy?" she asked sadly.

"I am," he agreed, closing his eyes and cupping the back of her head. "Remember what we talked about, okay Peanut?"

I don't want to let you leave this way

"I will," she answered seriously. "Come home wif my new friend soon, Daddy?"

"I will." He stood, hoisting Hope up into his arms. "Are we ready?" he spoke up, glancing around the room.

"As we'll ever be," Michael answered, one arm wrapped around Maria and the other holding a baby.

I want you to know that I stand right by your side

Max wound his free arm around Liz and glanced at Isabel, who was peppering her son's face with kisses.

And I know that this may be
The very last time that we see each other cry

"Don't forget to make sure Evan gets his bath tonight," she was reminding Jesse. "And Olivia needs one too-"

"I've got it, Isabel," he interrupted, kissing her cheek. "I've done this before, you know."

"I - I know," she answered haltingly. "Just…call my mom if there are any problems."

Jesse gave Max a look. "Let's get you guys on the road."

But whatever happens know that I…

And so they trooped to the front yard, Max, Michael, and Isabel exchanging last minute kisses with their families.

I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that someday you'll come back again

"I'm sorry, guys," Michael was whispering to the twins. "I promise I'll be back as soon as I can. You won't even remember I was gone." He glanced up at Maria and brushed her tears away with the pads of his thumbs. "I love you."

I'll be praying for whatever it's worth
Believing that one day you'll come back to me

It was the same thing Max was whispering to his own wife as he finally handed Hope to her and enveloped them in a last hug. "I'll be back before you know it."

I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping for someday

Liz nodded silently, unable to speak around the lump in her throat as Max gave her a kiss and turned toward the Ramirez's Explorer. She felt a hand on her shoulder then and turned to see Diane standing beside her, silently watching as Max climbed into the car.

I'll be longing for someday, clinging to someday
Cherishing someday

As he turned back toward the house, Max had to swallow convulsively. There stood much of his family and closest friends, watching from the Guerin's lawn as they departed. He knew he had the support from each and every one of them - well, minus those who didn't even realize he was leaving - and it warmed his heart.

I'll be thinking of someday, dreaming of someday
Wishing for someday

As Michael climbed into the driver's seat beside him and Isabel settled in back, Max could only hope that he would have the same support when he returned. That his son would feel it, too.

Living for someday, counting on someday,
Knowing that one day…

I will see you



lyrics by Blessid Union of Souls, Standing at the Edge of the Earth

21

"Kyle? Jaycee? Are you guys home?"

"In here," Kyle called from the kitchen, glancing up to greet his wife. "Jay's over at Natalie's."

Serena sidled up behind him, draping her arms over his shoulders. She studied the ad flyers spread out over the table, watching her husband pour over one. "Linens 'n Things?" she asked skeptically.

"I'm looking for bedding stuff for boys," Kyle responded importantly.

"A little presumptuous, aren't we?" Serena grinned, patting her stomach.

He glanced up again. "It's for Liz, actually. I'm trying to help her out, getting ready for when Max comes back with his son," he clarified.

Serena kissed his cheek. "That's sweet of you. How's she doing?"

Kyle shrugged. "Refusing to crack. But I know it's harder for her than she'll let on."

"Understandable. It's going to be so hard to see this child Max had in another relationship."

"There was no relationship. He cheated on Liz," Kyle corrected bluntly.

Serena frowned. "But I thought they hadn't dated in, like, a year?"

"Technically," he muttered. "Liz loved him. She never stopped." Kyle had known that all along, and he also knew Max felt the same way. The chemistry between them was unmistakable, even in the worst of times. Kyle was protective of Liz, always had been. Still, he couldn't really be angry at Max. None of them had seen through that blonde bitch until the end. He was just as guilty of that as anyone else.

"What are you thinking about?" Serena asked quietly.

Kyle sighed and pulled her into his lap. "That I'm lucky to have you," he answered, pushing away his dark thoughts and kissing her forehead. "That I'm so lucky to have this family."

Serena smiled. "We're lucky to have you."

He studied her for a long moment. "Serena, there's something I wanted to talk to you about," he began slowly.

"What's that?" she asked curiously, shifting closer.

"There's this…this idea I had. And I've been thinking about it for a long time but now I really want to do something productive about it. I just…I wanted to run it by you and see if you think it's a good idea. Because, well, it's actually really important that you agree to it because otherwise I can't do-"

"Kyle," Serena interrupted with a giggle. "Why don't you just tell me what it is you want me to agree to?"

He took a deep breath. "I want - that is, if it's something both of you want too - I want to adopt Jaycee."

Serena simply stared at Kyle while he exhaled. He looked back at her expectantly, but when her eyes slowly filled with tears he swallowed anxiously. Oh god, she hated it, it was a terrible idea…

"You are the most wonderful man in the world."

He was what? Now Kyle could only stare, the smile spreading over his face as Serena burst into tears. "So…does this mean you like the idea?" he asked, chuckling as she buried her face in his chest.

She nodded emphatically.

"Do you think…will Jaycee?"

Another nod.
"God, I was hoping you'd say that," Kyle sighed in relief.

She peered up at him then, sniffling. "Kyle, you're sure about this?" Serena pressed. "This is a big decision, and I don't want you to feel like you're being forced into it-"

"I want to do this," Kyle assured firmly. "I think of Jaycee as my child, Serena. Just like this child is," he added, resting his hand on his wife's stomach. "Jay's a part of you and she's just this…amazing little person. I might have come into her life later than most fathers do, but I plan to be a part of it from here on out. And I - I want her to understand that. I don't want her to ever forget."

"She knows, Kyle," Serena whispered. "But…are you sure you want to start this now? It's a long process and with the new baby coming-"

Kyle kissed her soundly on the lips. "Then the sooner the better."

*****

"Isabel?" Liz's eyes widened as her sister-in-law appeared in her bedroom doorway. "You're back? Oh god, where's Max?"

"He's not with me," Isabel answered calmly, pausing before the foot of the bed where Liz sat. "This is only a dream."

"Oh." Liz slumped a little, her gaze drifting to the painting on the wall in front of her before glancing back to Isabel.

"I just wanted to let you know everything is fine. We've only got a few hours to go, but I don't know when it will be safe to contact you again.."

Liz nodded. "And Max…how is he doing?"

"He's quiet," Isabel admitted. "He's driving now. I think he likes having something else to focus on."

Liz hoped that would help. Of course, it would also give his mind time to wander. "Tell him I love him?" she whispered.

"I will," Isabel promised. She studied Liz for a moment. "Are you doing okay?"

She shrugged. "Apparently I fell asleep, so…" Liz trailed off. "Please…just make sure he gets home to me safely."

Isabel nodded silently, hesitating for just a moment before reaching out and pulling her sister-in-law into a comforting embrace.

Liz clung to her for a long moment before finding herself curled up alone at the end of her bed, tears streaming silently down her face.

*****

Max stifled a yawn as he trained his eyes on the empty highway ahead of him. Isabel slept beside him while Michael dozed sprawled out in the back of the Explorer.

He glanced down at the glowing green digits on the car stereo. 12:46. He groped for the radio dial, adjusting the volume and directing it to the front. John Mellencamp's 'Jack and Diane' filled his ears and he settled back in his seat, one hand resting lazily on the steering wheel.

His thoughts drifted 300 miles south, wondering what Liz was doing. Was she asleep? Was she lying in their bed, thinking of him? Dreaming of him? He hoped she was able to sleep. Lord knew he wouldn't be until he was back home in Roswell with his family. Until he had his son.

Max rubbed his hand over his mouth, his stomach twisting just like it always did when he thought about what was ahead. God, how he wanted to hear Liz's voice. It killed him to know he couldn't contact her until it was over. He tried to resign himself to the fact that the less she knew the better until they were on their way home again.

He glanced back at the radio then, hearing a familiar beat. His mind immediately shifted to his daughter, and he couldn't keep the smile from crossing his face.

All she wants to do is dance
And make romance

He could see Hope, no more than 8 or 9 months old, pulling herself up on the edge of the coffee table. Her chubby hands braced her little body in a wobbly standing position as she bobbed her head along to the song.

She can't feel the heat
Coming off the street
She wants to party
She wants to get down

Max and Liz had burst into amused laughter while Hope continued to "dance," sending her parents a broad, one-toothed grin. On one hand, Max wasn't sure he should encourage his daughter's interest in songs that involved mixing cocktails in a sink, but he was willing to let it go for the time being. She was just too damned cute in all her misguided 80's loving glory.

And all she wants to do is
All she wants to do is dance

He was still smiling when Isabel shifted beside him, yawning deeply.

"What are you grinning about?" she asked curiously, stretching her arms over her head.

"I was just thinking about Hope," he answered vaguely.

Isabel smiled. "You and Liz did a pretty good job on that one, little brother," she allowed.

"Yeah." Max's grin faded. "I don't want to hurt them, Iz. But I - I have to do this."

"I know," Isabel answered quietly. "I know how hard it was for you when Tess left with him."

"It was," Max agreed slowly. "But at that point…I didn't think there was much I could do about it. I let her go, I let her take him…I didn't think I had a choice. But when I had that vision of him, in danger…I couldn't ignore it." He released an anguished sigh. "And I still couldn't do anything to help him. When I got back from L.A. I let it go again. I guess I figured there was a reason he never contacted me again…or that maybe he couldn't because he was-"

"But he's not," Isabel reminded. "He did contact you again. He contacted your daughter, and me-"

"Because something is wrong," Max reminded tightly. "Something is happening to him. God, what if he's been hurting all this time-"

"Max. Max, stop," Isabel interrupted. "You can't do that to yourself. You did the best you could. There's no doubt in anyone's mind that you are a fantastic father-"

"Except his." Max's fingers flexed around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white.

Isabel reached over and touched her brother's arm. "He obviously knows he can still depend on you."

He ducked his head a little. "I told Liz I wouldn't leave the planet. I won't break that promise." He couldn't bring himself to say the truth of it all aloud. If saving his son meant traveling to some other world…he couldn't do it. Things were different now, much different than when he was 18. Liz was his wife, they had a child. He would never even consider abandoning them.

You already are. That haunting voice wouldn't leave him alone. But you're coming back, he reminded himself fiercely. You are not abandoning them. God, he was going to make himself crazy.

Isabel watched her brother, the internal struggle obvious on his face. And she remembered the one thing that could possibly ease him, even just a little. "I dreamwalked Liz," she told him. "She says she loves you."

*****

Swiping at her eyes, Liz slowly shifted into a sitting position. She drew her knees up to her chest, sniffling, and waited for the tears that had come out of nowhere to subside. She couldn't do this. She knew she had to be strong. She had, after all, survived harder things in her life than awaiting the arrival of the child Max had with Tess.

Liz's eyes drifted up. One thing, anyway.

Losing their son had been devastating. Liz couldn't imagine losing two children. Max had. But if Liz had one consolation, it was that her loss had closure. Max never had that with his son. He didn't know if he was alive or dead, and what was potentially worse was the fact that he was with Tess. The same person who had been willing to turn in her supposed "husband." Max had agonized over what kind of reception the baby would get when he was born.

Liz sighed, crawling up the bed and pulling the covers over her before curling into the fetal position. She supposed they would have an answer to that one before long.