Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2003 7:19 pm
57
“We’re almost here.”
Max led his wife and new baby down the hall toward the apartment, bursting at the seams with joy and excitement. And relief. He was immensely relieved that Liz and Hope had been granted release from the hospital after two days. All he wanted was to take his girls home. The need to protect them was an instinct that would never fade, but they were both safe and healthy and home. It was such a euphoric feeling that he couldn’t even be bothered by any worries at the moment.
Unlocking and pushing open the front door, Max turned and shared a look of pure love with Liz before looking at Hope. “Welcome home, Peanut.”
“She seems really excited,” Liz giggled, gazing down at the baby dozing in her carrier.
Max grinned, setting Liz’s bag on the floor and taking the carrier from her. “You can take the grand tour later,” he whispered to his little girl before addressing Liz. “Do you think she should sleep in here? Or would it be better to put her in her crib? Or maybe…”
He looked so perplexed by the options that Liz couldn’t help gently reminding, “She’s ours, Max. We get to make the decisions.”
“You’re right,” he said, the easy smile returning to his face as he gazed down at Hope. “She’s ours.”
Liz bent down and unfastened the bundle that was her daughter, lifting her into her arms. “Let’s take her to see her room,” she decided.
Max nodded, adjusting the blankets to better see the sleeping newborn’s precious face. “Your room has been waiting for you,” he informed her importantly. He was extremely proud of his work in the nursery, yet he couldn’t quite believe that the one thing that had been missing was about to make it all complete.
Leading them down the hall to the nursery, Max pushed the door open and stepped aside to allow Liz’s entry.
“Here we are, Hope,” she murmured. “Your own room.” Liz trailed off then, her eyes trained to the wall above the crib. “Max…”
Max tightened his arm around Liz’s waist. “What do you think?”
Liz’s eyes shimmered with tears as she gazed at the delicate porcelain cherub affixed there. “I…I like it.”
“Her guardian angel,” he explained quietly.
She nodded silently, leaning in to share a sweet kiss with him before moving to the crib and carefully laying Hope down. Stroking her baby soft cheek, she murmured, “You always have someone looking after you.”
Max stood beside Liz, pulling her close as they gazed down at their sleeping daughter.
“If I wasn’t about to fall asleep standing up I think I could watch her forever,” Liz remarked. This was immediately punctuated by a deep yawn, and Max chuckled.
“Naps all around, then.” He kissed her forehead, and with one last lingering look, the new parents padded across the hall to their bedroom.
Liz switched on the monitor that now sat beside the bed before sinking into the covers, suddenly very glad she wouldn’t have to entertain any guests at Hope’s homecoming. Her parents insisted on hosting a small get-together at the Crashdown that weekend, making it Hope’s first outing. They understood that the new family would need a little private time to adjust. Or to nap, as the case may be.
Kicking off his shoes, Max settled onto the bed beside his wife. “So,” he began, a mischievous grin crossing his face, “Nine months ago, right here-“
“Max!” Liz giggled. “You can never talk about that in front of her! She won’t understand, and then someday when she does she’ll be scarred for life.”
He merely grinned again, rolling onto his side and capturing her lips in a soft, sweet kiss before winking at her. “It’ll be our little secret then.”
*****
Liz slowly floated out of sleep, her eyes fluttering open with a yawn. Her gaze shifted down her body to where the swell of her belly had been just days ago. She moved her hand over her abdomen then, still readjusting to its returning flatness.
As much as she relished seeing her feet again and not having to pee every five seconds, she still felt the loss of her child squirming and thriving within her.
With a small sigh, Liz rolled her head toward Max only to find the bed empty. Wondering how long she’d been asleep, she shifted her feet to the floor and padded toward the door.
The moment she hit the hallway, she heard it. The door to the nursery was open just a crack and, without making a sound, Liz nudged it a bit more.
Max stood near the window, completely oblivious to the rest of the world as he gazed down upon his child. Hope was cupped protectively against his broad chest, her tiny face turned toward the door, and Liz could see how peacefully content she was in her daddy’s arms.
Still unaware of his wife’s presence, Max continued in his soft voice. “But the thing is, what I really mean, yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen,” he sang, swaying slowly back and forth. “I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words, how wonderful life is, now you’re in the world…” Max raised his eyes then, meeting Liz’s with a tender smile.
“Hi,” she whispered, nearly overcome with emotion from the sight of her husband and daughter, practically glowing in the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the window.
“I promised her we’d dance all the time once she got here,” Max explained, cradling Hope close.
Liz nodded, coming closer and kissing the top of Hope’s downy head. “I think she still likes it when you sing to her.”
Max shrugged a little, flushing with pride. “It’s not exactly 80’s, but it’s close enough.”
Liz giggled, leaning her forehead against his shoulder. Though she was still nostalgic for the closeness she’d shared with her daughter the past nine months, seeing Max with her now made it all worth it. “You like dancing with Daddy, don’t you?” she murmured, gazing at her child and marveling at how her eyes already mirrored Max’s. Most newborns sported eyes in various shades of blue, but not Hope. No, hers were a deep golden hue, sparkling with beauty and life. They were beginning to hide behind hooded lids, though, and somehow Liz knew that Max would be spending many a night to come singing his Peanut to sleep.
*****
Michael was a bundle of nerves. Even as he bustled around his apartment’s tiny kitchen, boiling water and simmering spaghetti sauce, he couldn’t quite control the racing of his heart.
It wasn’t that he was nervous, exactly. Hell, he’d never been more sure about anything in his life. His hand absently reached up to pat his shirt pocket, at the small box nestled there that he hadn’t dared let out of his sight in the past three days. What was inside that box represented his love and total commitment. Yes indeed, Michael Guerin was about to give his heart completely to Maria Deluca, and he had no doubts. Of course, he’d had to sell his Playstation and half his DVD collection to afford the ring, but he could mourn those losses later. He figured the tradeoff was worth it, even in spite of the endless sea of double shifts looming in his future.
As he drained the pasta in the sink, he glanced at his watch. 6:07. Maria had finished her shift seven minutes before, which meant-
Shit. Seven minutes. That meant she’d be there in less than three! Shit! With a flourish, Michael dumped spaghetti noodles onto two plates and ladled sauce onto each before topping them off with silver covers courtesy of Isabel. He reached into his pocket for the box, placing it on a clean plate before plunking a cover on it as well.
He was just nodding in satisfaction when he heard on knock on the back door and Maria stepped inside.
“Jesus, Maria,” he gasped, shoving the plate aside. “Where’d you come from?”
“Work.” She gave him a strange look. “You said to come over after my shift, and – are you okay, Spaceboy? You’re sweating.”
Michael swiped the back of his hand over his damp brow and cleared his throat. “I’m fine. It’s just, you know, this hot stove and all-“
“So you did cook,” Maria broke it, looking around in satisfaction. Her eyes traveled up and down his body as he yanked off his apron and revealed a button-up shirt and chinos. “Well don’t you look nice. I feel a bit under-dressed in the uniform.”
“You’re perfect,” he assured quickly, grabbing two plates and setting them on the table. “Here, sit down,” he urged, pulling out a chair.
Maria obliged with a grin, preparing to lift the cover off her plate.
“Wait!” Michael’s yelp stopped her cold, and he quickly added, “I didn’t light the candles yet.” He received another strange look as he waved his hand over the candles on the table to light them.
“What, is it so gross looking we can’t eat it in normal lighting?” Maria teased as Michael sank into his chair across from her.
“No, I just…I wanted to make this nice for you. To – to show how much I love you…” He trailed off, nodding toward the plate to indicate she could take the cover off now. He held his breath as Maria tilted the silver cover back.
And then she stared. She stared so long, in fact, that Michael’s pulse began to race. She wasn’t saying anything. Why wasn't she saying anything?
Finally, finally Maria’s eyes shifted up to meet his. “What are you trying to tell me, Michael?” she spoke up quietly.
Michael swallowed hard. “Um…that I love you,” he ventured.
“I don’t believe this,” she continued, her lower lip beginning to tremble. “God, Michael, after everything you said to me…you’re leaving again, aren’t you? You found something about that metal crap, didn’t you?”
His eyes widened in bewilderment. “Huh?”
Maria shoved the plate away in disgust, the silver cover clattering off onto the table. It was then that Michael got a clear view of what was before her.
Not a small, black velvet box. Spaghetti. On a Scooby Doo plate. Oh, crap. What had he done?
Shoving his chair back, Michael grabbed the other plate from the counter and hurried to Maria’s side. “No, Maria,” he said, kneeling before her. “I’m not going anywhere, I swear it. Not unless you’re with me.”
“But this is exactly what you did the night you were going to leave-“ Maria began, blinking back tears.
“I know,” he sighed. “And I screwed up and gave you the wrong plate. You were supposed to get this one first,” he explained, lifting the silver cover.
Maria was taken aback by the tiny box that peered up at her. “What-“
“It was supposed to be a fancy way of asking you to marry me,” Michael continued before he could stop himself.
Staring down at him as if her eyes would pop out of her head, Maria struggled to make her brain and mouth work simultaneously. “To ask me to-“
“Marry me,” Michael finished, balancing the plate on one knee. He couldn’t keep the smile from creeping onto his face as he snapped the box open. “Maria Deluca, will you marry me?”
Her shocked gasp resonated through the kitchen. “I…I…” Her eyes focused on the diamond affixed to the delicate gold band. “Hell yes I will!”
The audible sigh of relief escaped Michael’s lungs as he crushed Maria into his embrace, peppering her grinning face with kisses. He’s actually freakin did it – and she’d actually freakin said yes!
“Michael.” Maria’s urgent voice interrupted him. “Michael, I want to put it on.”
“Right. Of course.” Michael sat back, fumbling with the box for a moment before Maria finally plucked the ring up and slid it ceremoniously onto her finger. Her excited squeal made his heart leap, and when she pulled him back to her and proceeded to kiss him senseless, he’d never felt so amazing in his entire life.
And then Maria pulled back and resumed admiring her ring.
“Spaceboy, how in the world did you afford this?”
*****
“Is she asleep?”
Liz glanced up from the tiny child nuzzled at her breast to see Max in the doorway, silhouetted by the light from the hall. She nodded, smiling down tenderly upon her daughter. “She’s just like you, falling asleep after a big meal.”
Max grinned, stepping into the room and moving to the rocking chair, where he gladly accepted the baby from Liz. He settled Hope against his shoulder to burp her, but the look of discomfort that crossed Liz’s face as she adjusted her robe didn’t go unnoticed. His smile broadened a little as he rubbed his hand over Hope’s tiny back. He had a job to do later.
Once Hope had emitted a healthy burp, Max sauntered to the crib and with infinite care lay his daughter in it. “Sweet dreams, Peanut,” he murmured, stroking one finger down her round cheek. He felt Liz’s arms envelop him from behind as she added, “We love you.”
Tearing his eyes from their daughter, Max turned and pressed his forehead against hers. “Come to bed with me,” he whispered.
Liz nodded, feeling her pulse quicken. Despite the desire flowing through her veins, it was too soon after Hope’s birth to…do anything. Did Max remember? She didn’t want to disappoint him…
He led her to their bedroom, settling beside her on the bed, and as he gently pushed her robe aside Liz understood his intentions. She watched as he cupped the fullness of her breast in one large hand, carefully touching his fingers to her nipple. Liz felt the warm heat as he healed the tender skin, and then registered the softness of his lips against her as he kissed the rosy peak and whispered, “All better.”
If the desire wasn’t coursing through her body before, it was now racing as Max moved to give the same attention to her other breast. His touch was innocent, but Liz couldn’t keep the soft moan from escaping her lips as his fingers brushed over her erect nipple.
“Liz?” he whispered, his eyes snapping up to her face. He hadn’t meant to get carried away, after all, Liz had had a baby just days before, and…
His breath caught in his throat at the look in her eyes. They were dark with love, desire… He swallowed hard, reaching up to touch her cheek. “I didn’t mean to…I just wanted to…”
Liz shook her head, silencing him with a deep, hungry kiss. When they parted, she pressed her forehead against his and murmured, “Touch me, Max…please…”
There was no way he could argue with this request, and Max carefully lowered her back against the sheets with tender, reverent touches. His hands trembled slightly as he unwrapped the robe from around her middle, displaying her to him. He could only worship her body, the one that had so lovingly carried their beautiful daughter all these months.
Liz sighed, a shiver racing down her spine as Max’s fingers ran across her breasts, strummed over her ribs and down to her belly. To the place he had healed her, the place that had held both their children…
Max let out a shuddering sigh of his own as he touched her supple flesh, marveling. His fingers continued their journey south, over the soft curve of belly that remained, and into her coarse curls. He felt the impulsive jerk of her body as he touched gentle fingers to her. He’d touched her there just hours after Hope was born, carefully healing her to end her unnecessary discomfort. It would be a while before he could probe her damp heat like he wanted to, but Max was content to simply stroke and caress his wife’s most intimate of places.
It seemed Liz, too, was content with this activity, judging by her gasps and soft, keening moans. Max leaned close and pressed a gentle, lingering kiss against her before kissing his way back up her body.
“You’re beautiful,” he declared softly, nipping at her mouth with his own.
“You’re biased,” she giggled breathlessly.
“Oh really?” Max took her hand and guided it down his body to the tent in his pajama pants.
Liz arched an eyebrow, her fingers curling around his growing erection. She smiled at the look of rapture on Max’s face, his head thrown back against the pillows as she began a familiar rhythm. Her pace was just beginning to quicken in time with Max’s panting breaths when they were snapped back to parental reality by their daughter’s cries.
Max couldn’t help his groan as Liz’s hand slid from him. She leaned up to kiss his cheek and grinned. “I think someone is feeling a bit cheated.”
“Who, me?” Max sighed good-naturedly.
“Your daughter,” Liz giggled, smacking his chest. “You didn’t sing to her tonight.”
“We’re almost here.”
Max led his wife and new baby down the hall toward the apartment, bursting at the seams with joy and excitement. And relief. He was immensely relieved that Liz and Hope had been granted release from the hospital after two days. All he wanted was to take his girls home. The need to protect them was an instinct that would never fade, but they were both safe and healthy and home. It was such a euphoric feeling that he couldn’t even be bothered by any worries at the moment.
Unlocking and pushing open the front door, Max turned and shared a look of pure love with Liz before looking at Hope. “Welcome home, Peanut.”
“She seems really excited,” Liz giggled, gazing down at the baby dozing in her carrier.
Max grinned, setting Liz’s bag on the floor and taking the carrier from her. “You can take the grand tour later,” he whispered to his little girl before addressing Liz. “Do you think she should sleep in here? Or would it be better to put her in her crib? Or maybe…”
He looked so perplexed by the options that Liz couldn’t help gently reminding, “She’s ours, Max. We get to make the decisions.”
“You’re right,” he said, the easy smile returning to his face as he gazed down at Hope. “She’s ours.”
Liz bent down and unfastened the bundle that was her daughter, lifting her into her arms. “Let’s take her to see her room,” she decided.
Max nodded, adjusting the blankets to better see the sleeping newborn’s precious face. “Your room has been waiting for you,” he informed her importantly. He was extremely proud of his work in the nursery, yet he couldn’t quite believe that the one thing that had been missing was about to make it all complete.
Leading them down the hall to the nursery, Max pushed the door open and stepped aside to allow Liz’s entry.
“Here we are, Hope,” she murmured. “Your own room.” Liz trailed off then, her eyes trained to the wall above the crib. “Max…”
Max tightened his arm around Liz’s waist. “What do you think?”
Liz’s eyes shimmered with tears as she gazed at the delicate porcelain cherub affixed there. “I…I like it.”
“Her guardian angel,” he explained quietly.
She nodded silently, leaning in to share a sweet kiss with him before moving to the crib and carefully laying Hope down. Stroking her baby soft cheek, she murmured, “You always have someone looking after you.”
Max stood beside Liz, pulling her close as they gazed down at their sleeping daughter.
“If I wasn’t about to fall asleep standing up I think I could watch her forever,” Liz remarked. This was immediately punctuated by a deep yawn, and Max chuckled.
“Naps all around, then.” He kissed her forehead, and with one last lingering look, the new parents padded across the hall to their bedroom.
Liz switched on the monitor that now sat beside the bed before sinking into the covers, suddenly very glad she wouldn’t have to entertain any guests at Hope’s homecoming. Her parents insisted on hosting a small get-together at the Crashdown that weekend, making it Hope’s first outing. They understood that the new family would need a little private time to adjust. Or to nap, as the case may be.
Kicking off his shoes, Max settled onto the bed beside his wife. “So,” he began, a mischievous grin crossing his face, “Nine months ago, right here-“
“Max!” Liz giggled. “You can never talk about that in front of her! She won’t understand, and then someday when she does she’ll be scarred for life.”
He merely grinned again, rolling onto his side and capturing her lips in a soft, sweet kiss before winking at her. “It’ll be our little secret then.”
*****
Liz slowly floated out of sleep, her eyes fluttering open with a yawn. Her gaze shifted down her body to where the swell of her belly had been just days ago. She moved her hand over her abdomen then, still readjusting to its returning flatness.
As much as she relished seeing her feet again and not having to pee every five seconds, she still felt the loss of her child squirming and thriving within her.
With a small sigh, Liz rolled her head toward Max only to find the bed empty. Wondering how long she’d been asleep, she shifted her feet to the floor and padded toward the door.
The moment she hit the hallway, she heard it. The door to the nursery was open just a crack and, without making a sound, Liz nudged it a bit more.
Max stood near the window, completely oblivious to the rest of the world as he gazed down upon his child. Hope was cupped protectively against his broad chest, her tiny face turned toward the door, and Liz could see how peacefully content she was in her daddy’s arms.
Still unaware of his wife’s presence, Max continued in his soft voice. “But the thing is, what I really mean, yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen,” he sang, swaying slowly back and forth. “I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words, how wonderful life is, now you’re in the world…” Max raised his eyes then, meeting Liz’s with a tender smile.
“Hi,” she whispered, nearly overcome with emotion from the sight of her husband and daughter, practically glowing in the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the window.
“I promised her we’d dance all the time once she got here,” Max explained, cradling Hope close.
Liz nodded, coming closer and kissing the top of Hope’s downy head. “I think she still likes it when you sing to her.”
Max shrugged a little, flushing with pride. “It’s not exactly 80’s, but it’s close enough.”
Liz giggled, leaning her forehead against his shoulder. Though she was still nostalgic for the closeness she’d shared with her daughter the past nine months, seeing Max with her now made it all worth it. “You like dancing with Daddy, don’t you?” she murmured, gazing at her child and marveling at how her eyes already mirrored Max’s. Most newborns sported eyes in various shades of blue, but not Hope. No, hers were a deep golden hue, sparkling with beauty and life. They were beginning to hide behind hooded lids, though, and somehow Liz knew that Max would be spending many a night to come singing his Peanut to sleep.
*****
Michael was a bundle of nerves. Even as he bustled around his apartment’s tiny kitchen, boiling water and simmering spaghetti sauce, he couldn’t quite control the racing of his heart.
It wasn’t that he was nervous, exactly. Hell, he’d never been more sure about anything in his life. His hand absently reached up to pat his shirt pocket, at the small box nestled there that he hadn’t dared let out of his sight in the past three days. What was inside that box represented his love and total commitment. Yes indeed, Michael Guerin was about to give his heart completely to Maria Deluca, and he had no doubts. Of course, he’d had to sell his Playstation and half his DVD collection to afford the ring, but he could mourn those losses later. He figured the tradeoff was worth it, even in spite of the endless sea of double shifts looming in his future.
As he drained the pasta in the sink, he glanced at his watch. 6:07. Maria had finished her shift seven minutes before, which meant-
Shit. Seven minutes. That meant she’d be there in less than three! Shit! With a flourish, Michael dumped spaghetti noodles onto two plates and ladled sauce onto each before topping them off with silver covers courtesy of Isabel. He reached into his pocket for the box, placing it on a clean plate before plunking a cover on it as well.
He was just nodding in satisfaction when he heard on knock on the back door and Maria stepped inside.
“Jesus, Maria,” he gasped, shoving the plate aside. “Where’d you come from?”
“Work.” She gave him a strange look. “You said to come over after my shift, and – are you okay, Spaceboy? You’re sweating.”
Michael swiped the back of his hand over his damp brow and cleared his throat. “I’m fine. It’s just, you know, this hot stove and all-“
“So you did cook,” Maria broke it, looking around in satisfaction. Her eyes traveled up and down his body as he yanked off his apron and revealed a button-up shirt and chinos. “Well don’t you look nice. I feel a bit under-dressed in the uniform.”
“You’re perfect,” he assured quickly, grabbing two plates and setting them on the table. “Here, sit down,” he urged, pulling out a chair.
Maria obliged with a grin, preparing to lift the cover off her plate.
“Wait!” Michael’s yelp stopped her cold, and he quickly added, “I didn’t light the candles yet.” He received another strange look as he waved his hand over the candles on the table to light them.
“What, is it so gross looking we can’t eat it in normal lighting?” Maria teased as Michael sank into his chair across from her.
“No, I just…I wanted to make this nice for you. To – to show how much I love you…” He trailed off, nodding toward the plate to indicate she could take the cover off now. He held his breath as Maria tilted the silver cover back.
And then she stared. She stared so long, in fact, that Michael’s pulse began to race. She wasn’t saying anything. Why wasn't she saying anything?
Finally, finally Maria’s eyes shifted up to meet his. “What are you trying to tell me, Michael?” she spoke up quietly.
Michael swallowed hard. “Um…that I love you,” he ventured.
“I don’t believe this,” she continued, her lower lip beginning to tremble. “God, Michael, after everything you said to me…you’re leaving again, aren’t you? You found something about that metal crap, didn’t you?”
His eyes widened in bewilderment. “Huh?”
Maria shoved the plate away in disgust, the silver cover clattering off onto the table. It was then that Michael got a clear view of what was before her.
Not a small, black velvet box. Spaghetti. On a Scooby Doo plate. Oh, crap. What had he done?
Shoving his chair back, Michael grabbed the other plate from the counter and hurried to Maria’s side. “No, Maria,” he said, kneeling before her. “I’m not going anywhere, I swear it. Not unless you’re with me.”
“But this is exactly what you did the night you were going to leave-“ Maria began, blinking back tears.
“I know,” he sighed. “And I screwed up and gave you the wrong plate. You were supposed to get this one first,” he explained, lifting the silver cover.
Maria was taken aback by the tiny box that peered up at her. “What-“
“It was supposed to be a fancy way of asking you to marry me,” Michael continued before he could stop himself.
Staring down at him as if her eyes would pop out of her head, Maria struggled to make her brain and mouth work simultaneously. “To ask me to-“
“Marry me,” Michael finished, balancing the plate on one knee. He couldn’t keep the smile from creeping onto his face as he snapped the box open. “Maria Deluca, will you marry me?”
Her shocked gasp resonated through the kitchen. “I…I…” Her eyes focused on the diamond affixed to the delicate gold band. “Hell yes I will!”
The audible sigh of relief escaped Michael’s lungs as he crushed Maria into his embrace, peppering her grinning face with kisses. He’s actually freakin did it – and she’d actually freakin said yes!
“Michael.” Maria’s urgent voice interrupted him. “Michael, I want to put it on.”
“Right. Of course.” Michael sat back, fumbling with the box for a moment before Maria finally plucked the ring up and slid it ceremoniously onto her finger. Her excited squeal made his heart leap, and when she pulled him back to her and proceeded to kiss him senseless, he’d never felt so amazing in his entire life.
And then Maria pulled back and resumed admiring her ring.
“Spaceboy, how in the world did you afford this?”
*****
“Is she asleep?”
Liz glanced up from the tiny child nuzzled at her breast to see Max in the doorway, silhouetted by the light from the hall. She nodded, smiling down tenderly upon her daughter. “She’s just like you, falling asleep after a big meal.”
Max grinned, stepping into the room and moving to the rocking chair, where he gladly accepted the baby from Liz. He settled Hope against his shoulder to burp her, but the look of discomfort that crossed Liz’s face as she adjusted her robe didn’t go unnoticed. His smile broadened a little as he rubbed his hand over Hope’s tiny back. He had a job to do later.
Once Hope had emitted a healthy burp, Max sauntered to the crib and with infinite care lay his daughter in it. “Sweet dreams, Peanut,” he murmured, stroking one finger down her round cheek. He felt Liz’s arms envelop him from behind as she added, “We love you.”
Tearing his eyes from their daughter, Max turned and pressed his forehead against hers. “Come to bed with me,” he whispered.
Liz nodded, feeling her pulse quicken. Despite the desire flowing through her veins, it was too soon after Hope’s birth to…do anything. Did Max remember? She didn’t want to disappoint him…
He led her to their bedroom, settling beside her on the bed, and as he gently pushed her robe aside Liz understood his intentions. She watched as he cupped the fullness of her breast in one large hand, carefully touching his fingers to her nipple. Liz felt the warm heat as he healed the tender skin, and then registered the softness of his lips against her as he kissed the rosy peak and whispered, “All better.”
If the desire wasn’t coursing through her body before, it was now racing as Max moved to give the same attention to her other breast. His touch was innocent, but Liz couldn’t keep the soft moan from escaping her lips as his fingers brushed over her erect nipple.
“Liz?” he whispered, his eyes snapping up to her face. He hadn’t meant to get carried away, after all, Liz had had a baby just days before, and…
His breath caught in his throat at the look in her eyes. They were dark with love, desire… He swallowed hard, reaching up to touch her cheek. “I didn’t mean to…I just wanted to…”
Liz shook her head, silencing him with a deep, hungry kiss. When they parted, she pressed her forehead against his and murmured, “Touch me, Max…please…”
There was no way he could argue with this request, and Max carefully lowered her back against the sheets with tender, reverent touches. His hands trembled slightly as he unwrapped the robe from around her middle, displaying her to him. He could only worship her body, the one that had so lovingly carried their beautiful daughter all these months.
Liz sighed, a shiver racing down her spine as Max’s fingers ran across her breasts, strummed over her ribs and down to her belly. To the place he had healed her, the place that had held both their children…
Max let out a shuddering sigh of his own as he touched her supple flesh, marveling. His fingers continued their journey south, over the soft curve of belly that remained, and into her coarse curls. He felt the impulsive jerk of her body as he touched gentle fingers to her. He’d touched her there just hours after Hope was born, carefully healing her to end her unnecessary discomfort. It would be a while before he could probe her damp heat like he wanted to, but Max was content to simply stroke and caress his wife’s most intimate of places.
It seemed Liz, too, was content with this activity, judging by her gasps and soft, keening moans. Max leaned close and pressed a gentle, lingering kiss against her before kissing his way back up her body.
“You’re beautiful,” he declared softly, nipping at her mouth with his own.
“You’re biased,” she giggled breathlessly.
“Oh really?” Max took her hand and guided it down his body to the tent in his pajama pants.
Liz arched an eyebrow, her fingers curling around his growing erection. She smiled at the look of rapture on Max’s face, his head thrown back against the pillows as she began a familiar rhythm. Her pace was just beginning to quicken in time with Max’s panting breaths when they were snapped back to parental reality by their daughter’s cries.
Max couldn’t help his groan as Liz’s hand slid from him. She leaned up to kiss his cheek and grinned. “I think someone is feeling a bit cheated.”
“Who, me?” Max sighed good-naturedly.
“Your daughter,” Liz giggled, smacking his chest. “You didn’t sing to her tonight.”