The errant author returns...
Yeah, so when I said new part Monday I pretty much meant early, early Wednesday morning...but ya'll knew that, right?
Sowwy. This is pretty much transition but...the silver lining here is that part 63 is almost done so you shouldn't have to wait so long for the next part...
shouldn't she says...
As always, thanks SO, SO much for the fb and bumps... and the friendly reminders that I've gone AWOL...threats, er
suggestions that it might be necessary to tie me down in front of the computer...make me feel very loved.
I'll stop babbling now and post the new part. Enjoy!!
Pathos
Michelle in Yonkers Glad to see you back and feeling better (and Happy Belated Birthday!!) - and, um, trust me, the guilt does work.
****************Part 62***************
Liz glanced down as Xan pressed himself more fully against her legs, his uncertainty growing as the brief silence following Michael’s departure was lost in a sudden rush of angry voices from the hallway. Reaching down, she took his hand, squeezing his fingers gently as she tried to assure him that there was nothing to worry about. Even though she couldn’t seem to help glaring at the door.
Hoping to allay some of Xan’s fears, Max leaned against the front door and smiled easily at his son. He ignored the angry, almost shrill knocking that was currently vibrating through the wood, trying to appear un-phased by the revolt taking place in the hallway. “Don’t worry, pal. They’re not coming back in.” Not for two weeks, anyway, he added silently, wondering if it were too late to amend that to two months…or two years. Max felt his smile slip and his eyes narrow when Isabel - and he was sure it was Isabel - gave up on knocking and rang the bell. Muttering a curse, he turned toward the door and waved his hand at the buzzer, silencing its desperate call. “I’m serious!” Max shouted, allowing his voice and his temper to carry through to the hallway. “Two weeks. Now go home!” Eyes narrowed, he waited until he heard the shuffling of retreating feet then he pasted an easy smile back onto his face and turned to his son, Max said. “See, Xan? All taken care of.”
Xan looked up at Liz, easily guessing that she wasn’t nearly as convinced as Max was. “Awre you suwre?” He asked uncertainly.
Max nodded. “We just need to do one more thing and then we’re completely safe.”
“What?” Xan asked curiously, careful to keep Liz’s hand firmly in his grasp as he stared at the door, grateful that the ruckus seemed to be heading away from them.
“This.” Max said, sliding the large deadbolt home with a flourish and a loud
‘thwack!’
Liz nodded at the deadbolt. “You sure a simple lock’s gonna work?” she hinted quietly.
Max nodded, catching on and waving his hand over the deadbolt to add a little alien insurance to the lock. “I’m sure.”
Liz smiled. “Good.” She turned to Xan. “Now that that’s all taken care of, why don’t we get started on that room of yours, hmm?”
Xan nodded easily, relaxing once again now that Liz wasn’t so upset and Max was back to smiling.
Max sighed dramatically “Cleaning, huh?” He held up his hands in surrender at his wife’s pointed stare. “Cleaning. Right. What do you say, Xan? Up for a little slave labor?”
Xan’s brow furrowed. “Slave labowr?” he asked.
Max nodded. “That’s right.” He said, heading down the hall to his sons room. “When Liz gets in the mood to organize you better just follow orders and do what she says. And I can tell from the look on her face that she’s in the mood to organize.”
Xan studied Liz’s expression curiously before following Max into his room. “You can tell?” he asked. “She doesn’ look diffwent.”
Max sighed dramatically. “She will, pal. She will.” Especially considering this room, he acknowledged silently. It really was a mess.
Liz rolled her eyes. “Ok, you two. Enough stalling. It’s time to take care of the room you destroyed.”
Xan shook his head, holding up one small hand in a gesture of reassurance. “Is not destwoyed, Liz.” He corrected her. “Is jus’ messy.”
“A place for everything, and everything in it’s place.” Liz quoted with mock severity, employing an horrific German accent to make her point and then smiling at Xan when he giggled at her theatrics.
“Wha’s dat mean?” Xan asked, wrinkling his nose.
Max grinned, dropping a hand on his son’s head and ruffling his hair affectionately. He was grateful that Xan had relaxed so quickly now that it was just the three of them. “That means she owns us, pal.”
********************************************
“There’s no way,
no way this is happening.” Isabel muttered angrily, glaring at the closed elevator doors. “I can’t believe he chose
Michael…Michael, of all people!” she continued, shifting her gaze to Kyle.
“Hey, I’m right the hell here!” Michael bit out, glaring at Isabel
“Who’d you expect him to choose?” Kyle asked curiously. “I mean, did you think Max was gonna just say, ‘Hey! Welcome back. Glad to see Jesse. I need a break so you’re in charge Izzy’? Right!” He muttered, uncertain when the hint of bitterness had entered his mood, but suddenly unable to keep it from coloring his end of the conversation.
Isabel’s eyes narrowed on Kyle’s features. “Actually, I didn’t think he’d need a break.” She ground out in frustration. “I figured he’d just deal with it…”
“You figured he’d give in to you. Just like everyone always does.” Kyle corrected. He shook his head angrily. He couldn’t believe she’d done this. Without telling him. Max and Michael were one thing but
he…was obviously an idiot.
Maria’s brows rose in surprise at Kyle’s harsh assessment. He was too easy going to lose his temper very often, and when he did it was almost always with Max. Or, occasionally Michael. But never with Isabel. Maria’s eyes narrowed at the sudden charged silence in the elevator. Shaking her head she turned to stare pointedly at Michael. And then rolled her eyes in disgust when all he did was stare back with a blank expression on his face. She slapped his arm lightly, nodding to where Kyle and Isabel looked like they were about to face off.
“That’s not fair, Kyle.” Isabel said quietly, taking a deep breath. “Look, I’m sorry but I need you on my…”
“Trust me when I say this isn’t about what you need.” Kyle said. Why should he be surprised that now she wanted him on her side?
“Kyle, please…”
Maria blinked as the rush of temper she’d expected from Isabel never came, leaving in its place an odd humility which didn’t suit their resident Ice Princess at all. “Michael…” she prodded in a stage whisper.
Michael shrugged. What did Maria want
him to do? He rolled his eyes when she continued to glare. “Look, do…whatever this is, later.”
“Fine by me.” Kyle looked expectantly at Michael. “What’s next El Presidente?” He prompted.
Michael blinked. “We…uh, we need to…let’s just focus on what’s important here.”
“Oh? And what do
you think is important here?” Isabel asked, disdain dripping coldly from her voice.
Michael’s eyes narrowed as he bristled against Isabel’s tone. “Figuring out what to do with the problem
you brought home.” He retorted.
Isabel shook her head. “Jesse is not…No! You know what? This is my future!
Mine. And I really don’t care what the rest of you…”
“You damn well better start caring!” Michael bit out. “Because what you do affects the rest of us or did you forget about that?” He asked.
“You’re one to talk, Michael!” Isabel replied.
Michael glared. He opened his mouth to reply and ended up stumbled back against the wall as the elevator ground to a jarring halt, sending Maria into Isabel and Kyle into him. He glanced at the indicator, his temper skyrocketing as he watched it blink manically between 5 and 4. No fucking way! Why was it every time he got on this fucking thing , it got stuck?!
Taking advantage of Michael’s distraction, Isabel continued. “It’s always about everyone else, Michael! What about me? Max got Liz and you got Maria and what did I get?”
“Yeah, you’ve been pining.” Kyle muttered. “You think this has been fucking picnic for me?!” he asked angrily.
Isabel shook her head quickly, almost desperately. “Kyle, that’s not what I meant, I just meant that I have the right to live with my husband.” She finished stubbornly.
“Yeah? There’s a four year old up there with the right to live with his family without the government ripping him into little pieces.” Kyle shook his head, surprised at the venom in his voice but unable to stop it. “And much as it pains me to agree with him,” he said, hitching a thumb in Michael’s direction. “…what you did just jeopardized that.”
“I didn’t know about Xan.” Isabel ground out.
“Whose fault is that?” Michael snapped. “You’re the one who turned off her cell phone. And even if you didn’t know about Xan, you knew about the rest of us!”
Maria stared at everyone around her. She never thought she’d miss ‘Max the King’ but at least with him around there was someone to referee. She grabbed Michael’s shirt, steadying herself and catching his attention as the elevator shuddered under their feet. “You’re supposed to be calming them down, not making this worse.” She stage whispered.
“Maria…” Michael snapped, turning angrily to his girlfriend.
“Oh! I
know you’re not gonna start yelling at
me, Spaceboy!” Maria snapped right back. She’d be damned if he fell into another power trip, like the last time he thought he was king.
“Excuse me, but this isn’t about you, any of you!” Isabel broke in. “This is about me seizing the day, being happy, for once. I think I’m entitled!”
Michael turned at glared at Maria, sensing her influence in the ‘seize the day’ comment. “Oh, really?” He asked sarcastically, his eyes still on his girlfriend. “Is that what this is about?”
“Hey, I never said she should bring him home without telling us.” Maria muttered, avoiding Isabel’s eye.
“Thank you, Benedict DeLuca.”
Michael held up his hands as Maria, Kyle and Isabel all opened their mouths at the same time. “Ok, everyone just shut up! We need to focus on this Jesse situation.”
“He is not a situation!” Isabel shouted.
“You’re right, he’s a liability! And he needs to be taken care of.” Michael snapped back coldly.
“
Michael!” Isabel and Maria chorused, looking horrified.
Michael rolled his eyes, feeling this whole ridiculous situation slipping further and further from his grasp. “I didn’t mean it like that.” He muttered.
“Micahel Guerin, Ladies and Gentlemen. Winning friends and influencing people all over the world.”
“Kyle!”
DING!
The four occupants of the elevator blinked in surprise as the doors opened on the fourth floor, framing a shocked Mr. Santorini. Without speaking each of them pasted a polite smile on their face and stepped back to the edge of the car, leaving room for the older man to join them as they headed to the lobby.
Mr. Santorini shook his head swiftly, the Stepford smiles plastered on each of the young peoples faces enough to make his decision for him. “I’ll wait for the next one.” He said as the elevator doors closed. He was unsurprised to hear the shouting resume as soon as the car started moving again. “Kids!” he huffed.
**********************
“Wha’ ‘bout dese, Liz? Whewre do dey go?” Xan asked, turning to Liz with his Peter Pan video in one hand and Mulan in the other.
“Those can go out in the living room, by the TV.” Liz said, stretching a little as she stood up. “Why don’t we…”
“I can do it all myself.” Xan asserted, cradling the two videos in he crook of his arm and holding up one hand to keep Liz where she was.
Liz nodded. “Ok, sweetie. You go put those by the TV, then.” She said, sitting back down on the bed. She looked at Max who was kneeling next to the toybox studying the game he held in his hand. “What?”
“Candyland?” he asked, letting the box dangle distastefully from his fingers as visions of having to hide from Isabel and her obsessive love of the game floated across his mind. His sister hadn’t let that one go until she turned 9 and their mother had bought her the Game of Life. And then there was Monopoly…if he ever met the Parker Brothers he was taking them out.
Liz smirked. “I promise not to let Iz see it. You can put it on the shelf, there.” She said, nodding at the shelf. She bit her lip a little as she watched Max climb to his feet and shove the game into place on the top shelf. She couldn’t help the way her eyes fell to the curve of his butt.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
Blushing slightly, Liz stared at her husband innocently. “What, uh…what do you mean?”
“Ordering us around.” Max clarified wryly, ignoring his wife’s slight blush which suggested she’d been enjoying other things besides giving orders. Tried to ignore it, anyway. He sighed, unable to stop his eyes from wandering across her frame as she lounged casually back on the plane bed.
“Nope.” Liz corrected, a grin tugging at her lips. “I’m enjoying ordering
you around.” It felt so good to be home. And safe. And teasing her husband to distraction…
“Oh, really?” Max asked softly.
“Uh huh. On your knees, slave!” Liz demanded outrageously, waving her hand imperiously in Max’s direction.
Max stared at his wife. He knew she was teasing, but the sudden tendril of desire that was threading them together was no joke. He took a deep breath as he felt the slow burn of their passion unfurl across their connection, gaining momentum with each passing second.
Liz licked her suddenly dry lips. “You’re the one who gave up being king for two weeks.” She reminded him, nodding pointedly at the floor and biting her lip a little at the way Max’s pupils dilated, his eyes darkening with delicious heat at her teasing. Her breath hitched a little in her throat as she watched Max sink gracefully to his knees. Suddenly she wasn’t so sure who was teasing whom to distraction.
Nodding his agreement, Max slowly crossed the floor to kneel in front of his wife. “Well then, your wish is my command, my Lady.” he vowed softly. He nudged her legs apart, his hands settling under her knees as he pulled her gently to the edge of the bed. “That turn you on?” Max asked, sitting back and yanking Liz suddenly from the mattress to settle across his thighs.
“You turn me on.” Liz said, swallowing hard as she shifted in Max’s lap. Xan was right in the next room, it’s not like they were actually going to get very far…but one little kiss wouldn’t hurt anything. She leaned in…and then blinked in surprise when Max shook his head.
“Your next command, my Lady?” Max prompted, his lips hovering dangerously close to Liz’s own.
“Kiss me.” Liz breathed.
Max slanted his mouth over his wife’s, nibbling gently, teasingly at her lips and smiling when she arched against him, wanting more. “Yes, my Lady.” He agreed, moaning softly into a kiss that turned quickly from gentle, to needy.
“Hey! Whewre awre you guys?” Xan called, blinking a little in surprise when he looked into his room and couldn’t see Max or Liz.
Liz scrambled from Max’s lap as Xan’s disgruntled voice cut through her haze of desire like a knife. She stood up quickly, tripping a little over Max as he did the same, and moved around the tail end of the plane so Xan could see her. Jesus! Talk about a buzz kill! “We’re right here, sweetie.” She said, smiling innocently at the little boy.
Xan’s brow furrowed as he walked around the foot of his bed and stared at Max and Liz. “What wewre you doin down dewre?”
Liz felt her mind go blank. “We were…uh, we were…”
“Playing. A game.” Max stuttered out quickly, nodding at his son as he leaned nonchalantly against the tail of the plane bed. “We were playing a game.”
“What game?” Xan asked suspiciously.
“Hide and go seek.” Liz blurted out.
“Oh. I don’ weally like dat game.” Xan said, shrugging as he moved back to the box of toys he and Max were unpacking.
Max sighed and followed his son back to the toybox, his desire a distant, and vaguely traumatic memory. “You will, pal. You will.”
********************
Michael burst through the door, gratefully escaping the three bickering people behind him as he hit the street outside Max and Liz’s apartment building. He’d never been so happy to see pavement in his life! Taking a deep breath, Michael turned to glare the rest of the group into silence. When that didn’t work, he gave in and did what he’d wanted to do since they’d stepped into the elevator. “Everyone just SHUT. THE. FUCK. UP!” he roared, nodding his contentment with the vague sense of accomplishment that accompanied the sudden block long silence. And then Isabel’s mouth snapped shut and she drew herself up to her full height. And Kyle snorted. And Maria stared at him. Hard.
“Well?” Maria demanded, following Isabel’s example and drawing herself up to her full height. Which Michael, for some reason, found more threatening.
And then the dog on the corner started barking again. And the old woman two doors down continued to beat her rugs with a broom. And the kids playing on the stoop next door started screeching with carefree laughter. “This is what we’re gonna do.” Michael announced, ignoring the return of the chaos.
“What, Michael? What exactly do you think
we’re gonna do?” Isabel asked contemptuously. “Just because Max decided to take a break doesn’t mean you get to decide everything.”
“Um, actually…” Kyle broke in helpfully. “I think it does. Hence the whole ‘Michael’s in charge’ proclamation.” He paused, matching Isabel glare for glare as he wondered aloud. “Maybe next time Max should get someone to trumpet before he makes a proclamation. Then everyone’ll catch it the first time around.”
Michael stared, wondering what the hell had set Valenti off. And why the hell Isabel wasn’t fighting back. Shaking his head, he pushed his curiosity aside and continued with the plan as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “Iz, you take Jesse back to your apartment and stay out of sight. I’m gonna get in touch with Langley and see what kind of alarms your husbands disappearance set off.”
“Michael, I have a job! I am not spending all my time cooped up in that apartment. And Jesse…”
Michael held up a hand. “Look! You fucked up, Isabel.” He raised his voice when Isabel’s eyes narrowed and she looked like she was going to argue with him. “The least you can do is not get us,
or Jesse, caught while I try to sort this out!” Michael was more than a little relieved to see Isabel’s stiff nod, the sudden realization that Jesse was in as much danger as the rest of them seeming to finally penetrate her stubborn anger. “Stay in that apartment. No one in or out until you’ve seen me, got it?”
“Fine.” Isabel bit out, turning on her heel and heading for her car, and Jesse, who was leaning easily against the passenger side door. She’d rather be at home anyway. Now she just had to figure out a way to explain this whole ridiculous situation to her husband.
“And keep your phone on!” Michael called after Isabel’s retreating back.
“Yes, dad.”
Michael blinked, ignoring the finger Isabel threw in his direction to ponder his new nickname. “Dad?!” he muttered, horrified. He grabbed Maria’s arm as she headed after Isabel. “Where are you going?”
Maria pulled her arm from Michael’s grip. “I have to take Liz’s shift. Iz is giving me a ride.”
Michael nodded, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “Ok, fine. Just…”
“Oh, thank you, my lord and master. I am
so glad you approve, now I can die a happy woman!” Maria crooned sarcastically, figuring she’d gotten her point across when Michael’s jaw clenched spasmodically. “I’m outta here.” She said, turning to catch up with Isabel.
“Whatever.” Michael growled under his breath, turning to head for home. Why did he think he was gonna hear about this later tonight? He pulled up short when he almost fell over Kyle. “What?!” Michael bit out, already annoyed by the other man’s expectant expression.
“Can I go? I mean, am I excused or do you want me to bow and scrape a little before I head back to work?” Kyle asked innocently.
“Go. Before I blow you up.” Michael said, pulling out his cell phone and dialing Langley’s emergency number. He watched Kyle head away from him with a certain amount of relief. Now maybe he’d be able to get his thoughts in order. Michael let himself relax, figuring the worst of the day was over.
And then Langley answered the phone. “Can’t you people take care of yourselves for more than a week at a time?!”
Michael closed his eyes in defeat.
*******************************
“Weally, Liz. I’m not tiwred.” Xan insisted, holding onto her shoulders as he stepped into his pajama bottoms.
“I know, baby. But now’s the time when all good little boys go to sleep.” Liz soothed, smiling when Xan dropped his head heavily onto her shoulder, scrubbing at his tired eyes with one fisted hand. “You don’t want your dreams to start without you, do you?” she asked softly.
“I don’ cawre.” Xan replied around a yawn.
Max stood by the tail end of the plane bed feeling somewhat extraneous as he watched Liz get Xan ready for bed. And yet he couldn’t bring himself to leave the room. Instead, he simply watched the two of them, slightly surprised by the oddly visceral confidence that so clearly existed between his wife and his son. There was something intrinsically right about the way Liz gently steered Xan toward bed time, ignoring every protestation that he wasn’t tired without making Xan feel like he, himself was being ignored. Max stood vaguely in awe of their connection, even as he was utterly grateful for it. And suddenly he realized that it wasn’t simply a matter of Liz helping to heal his son’s wounded spirit. Max could feel it now, though he hadn’t even been aware of it until this moment. Xan was helping Liz almost as much, healing a concern so deep that Max wondered if she’d ever have let him anywhere near it. It was incredible, and beautiful, and
right. Right in a way that few things in his life had been right. Shaking his head, Max shrugged self consciously as Liz stared at him over Xan’s shoulder, her gaze clearly questioning the sudden overwhelming stream of emotion that was moving across their connection. ‘I love you.’ He mouthed, silently. Three little words that explained so much, telling her everything she needed to know at the most honest, primal level of truth.
Liz smiled softly. ‘I love you, too.’ She mouthed back. Her attention returned to Xan when the little boy reached out to be held. “Ok, sweetie. Time for bed.”
“I still need a stowry.” Xan pointed out drowsily.
“Ok, one story.”
“Twelve stories.” Xan countered seriously, holding up 2 fingers.
“How about one story tonight and we’ll see about the rest tomorrow?”
“Kay.”
Max grinned at his sons easy compliance.
Liz shook her head at her husband, not wanting him to get the wrong impression. “He’s not always this easy, he’s just really tired.”
“I’m not tiwred.” Xan corrected, squinting in an effort to keep his eyes open.
“I know, sweetie.” Liz said, shifting Xan more comfortably against her as she headed across the hall. She knew that Xan wasn’t ready to sleep by himself so she figured she may as well settle him in their bed. “Max, grab his sleep book, will you?” Liz called over her shoulder.
“Uh, sure.” Max replied, somewhat startled at his sudden inclusion. A place for everything, and everything in its place, Max recited silently as he sifted through the books resting on the shelves under the plane’s wings. God, he loved his wife. Now if only he could find the frickin’ book.. “Um, which one…”
“It’s the Dr. Seuss one called…”
“The Sleep Book. Right.” Max muttered, pulling it from the shelf and wondering if he’d ever get the hang of this. He followed Liz into their room and handed her the book.
“You’re doing great, Max.” Liz quietly reassured her husband. “Now have a seat.” She said with a smile, nodding at the empty side of the bed.
Max glanced uncertainly at Xan, adamantly unwilling to ruin his bedtime routine with Liz, no matter how much he wanted to be part of it. Patience. That was his mantra.
Xan bit his lip as Max continued to hover uncertainly beside the bed. “Don’ you wanna listen to da stowry? Is a good book.” He hinted cautiously.
“It is, huh?” Max asked, relaxing as Xan nodded seriously at him and then scooted over a little so that there was more room. “I’m always up for a good book.” He said softly, sitting down next to his son.
Xan yawned. “Good.” He smiled sleepily as Liz flipped open the cover. “Dis book is to be wead in bed.” He recited, pointing at the cover page.
Max settled onto his side and propped his head in his hand so he could read the book over Xan’s shoulder. He couldn’t help smiling proudly as Xan continued to chant sleepily along with Liz, obviously having memorized most of the book. He didn’t think there was a smarter kid on the planet. He felt his wife’s amusement float across their connection and he caught her gaze, slightly mollified to realize that while he might amuse her, she didn’t disagree with his assessment.
“Lookit dat, Max…” Xan whispered a little while later, pointing to a picture of Seusical creatures half falling out of their nests. “I don’ tink dat’s vewry comf’table bu’ Liz says is fowr dem.”
“I think Liz is probably right.” Max whispered gently, his head bent close to Xan’s.
Liz shook her head. “Shhhh. Everywhere creatures have shut off their voices.” She glanced at Max and Xan. “That means you two…” she warned with a smile. “They’ve all gone to bed, In the beds of their choices…”
Max ducked his head, sharing a guilty chuckle with his son before Xan settled in to hear the rest of the story, and he settled in to watch his little boy. Slowly but surely, Xan’s lids got heavier and his sleepy blinking became more pronounced as Liz lulled him to sleep.
“And now, adding things up, we are way beyond billions! Our Who’s-Asleep-Score is now up in the zillions! Ninety Nine Zillion, Nine trillion and two Creatures are sleeping! So…how about you?” Liz paused, biting her lip a little as she watched her husband stroke his fingers absently through Xan’s hair. She wondered if he even realized how soothing Xan found that. Or how safe he felt, nestled between the two of them. Clearing her throat, she finished. “When you put out your light, Then the number will be, Ninety Nine Zillion Nine trillion and three…Good night, sweetheart.” Liz whispered, closing the book with a soft whoosh and placing it on the nightstand next to the bed. She sat up carefully, sensing that Max needed some time with his son to simply process everything. Liz bent to kiss Xan goodnight before leaning over to capture her husband’s lips in a gentle, solemn kiss. “I’m going to go take a bubble bath.” She said, shaking her head when Max looked like he might protest. “I’ll be right down the hall. And he knows he’s safe with you.” Liz whispered, shifting carefully from the bed so as not to wake Xan.
Max stared after his wife, her confidence in him blowing across their connection to still his lingering doubts. He might not completely trust his ability as a parent, but he trusted Liz. And
she did. It was amazing really, the faith she had in him. And as always, the tangible sense of her love and trust eased his fears and gave him strength. It allowed him to relax, to consign worry to the morrow and simply enjoy the way his son was sleeping so peacefully next to him. Max shook his head, wondering vaguely how anything as simple as watching a child sleep could be so fulfilling. But it was.
The sudden well of emotion was almost painful, but Max could feel Liz with him, navigating the same sharp tangle of emotion that clogged his throat and left him reeling. Taking a deep breath, Max let Liz lead the way, let her soothe their souls and settle their spirits. So many things had led to this moment, but all she’d let him focus on was the love. Their love for each other. And
their love for the little boy who was going to share the rest of their life. It was the fulfillment of a promise Max hadn’t even realized he’d been clinging to. Family. It was a simple thing and yet…at it’s heart, so very profound, the intrinsic way it bound people together. Max brushed the hair from Xan’s forehead. “It’s ok, Xan. You’re home now. You’re safe.” Max soothed, when his son’s brows furrowed and he shifted slightly, sighing in his sleep.
His son was home.
Max took a deep breath. His family, his
family was finally home. And safe. And in his arms. Right where they belonged. A place for everything, and everything in its place. Max closed his eyes. His wife was absolutely brilliant. “I love you, Xan.” Max whispered, resting his forehead lightly against his son’s and hoping that in some part of Xan’s heart he heard, and understood. Max kissed Xan’s temple lightly, smiling as he felt Liz reach out for both of them, her love blending purely, seamlessly with his own. “Liz and I both love you.”