Part 99A ************* “Ok, so what’s going on right now?” Maria twisted her head, watching as each of the guys stood, waiting to get their measurements. She grinned when she saw Max hold his arms out, while the guy measured the length of his arms. He had turned his head, keeping a close eye on Noah as he played a game of hide and seek with Alex between the coat racks. “Well, Romeo is getting his measurements, then the other guys will have their turn.” Liz smiled, cradling the phone against her ear as she filled the sugar containers in the back. “I wish I could be there.” Maria shook her head. “I know you do honey, but we’ll be back at the Crashdown soon.” Liz sighed, turning the ketchup bottles upside down. “Yeah, but then I’m gonna have to leave to get a fitting for my dress. I won’t have any time to spend with Max.” Maria’s lips curled at the corners as she began walking. “Hey Liz, you think you can hold on?” “Sure.” Maria walked behind Max, placing a finger on her lips, telling him to be quiet. She held the cell phone out to him, mouthing out Liz’s name. Max smiled a broad smile, taking the phone from Maria. He held it up against his ear, not saying anything, just listening to the sound of Liz’s breathing on the other side of the line. “Maria?....Maria, are you there?........MARIA!” Max bit back a chuckle, his deep voice slicing across the line. “Hey, gorgeous. I miss you.” Max was met with a clutter and a soft mumbling of a curse. “Liz?” The laughter in his voice was obvious as he imagined Liz’s surprise of hearing his voice instead of Maria’s. “Geez, Max. You almost gave me a heart attack.” “I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to scare you.” “I’m fine. I’m just a little jumpy is all.” Max sat down on a stool, his eyebrows knotting in concern. “What’s wrong?” “Oh nothing. It’s just nerves I guess. I don’t know how I’m gonna make it through this afternoon for the dress fitting. Having women with differing opinions is something I don’t want to deal with right now.” “Well, if it’s any consolation, Maria’s been on her best behavior. And Noah and I will be stopping by at the Crashdown before you guys leave, so maybe I could make it worth your while.” Liz chuckled into the phone, extremely delighted that Max was trying to lighten the mood. “Have I told you how much I love you today?” Max smiled against the phone. “Not in so many words, but I get the drift.” “Yeah, well let me say it again. Max Evans, I love you sooo much, and I can’t wait till all of this craziness is over.” “NOAH! No! Put that down!” A shuffling noise was heard, as Max ran to pick up Noah, to keep him from running through the Tuxedo store. Noah’s musical laughter floated across the line, lighting Liz’s eyes. “Max? Put Noah on the phone.” Max shifted Noah to his other knee. “Sure, just hold on.” He held the phone next to Noah’s ear, grinning. “Little man. Momma’s on the phone.” Noah practically grabbed the phone from Max, clumsily holding it against his ear. “Momma?” “Hiya, baby. I miss you.” “Mish you.” Liz felt her heart flutter against her chest upon hearing Noah’s sweet innocent voice. “Are you being good for your daddy?” Noah held up his hands, a mischievous grin on his lips. “Me a good boy. Bye, bye momma!” He dropped the phone on Max’s lap, sliding down his legs towards Kyle. “Lyle!” Max shook his head, laughing as he did so. “I have no idea how we can keep him still long enough for him to be the ring bearer.” Liz giggled, imagining Noah in his little tux, wreaking havoc at the wedding ceremony as he walked down the aisle with the rings. “Yeah, well it will certainly be a show to watch.” The jingling of the Crashdown doors averted Liz’s attention. She smiled as she saw Diane walk through the doors. “Max? I’ll just talk to you later. Your mom just got here, and I wanna bring her upstairs to my mom and grandma.” “Ok, sure. I’ll see you later. I love you.” “Love you too.” ***************** Max hung up the phone looking around the store for Noah. He had latched himself to Kyle’s leg, refusing to let go so that the guy could take Kyle’s measurements. Max stood up, grabbing Noah and placing him on his shoulders. He walked to Maria, handing her the phone. “Do you have the pillow?” “Oh, right over here.” Maria bent down, picking up the pillow that was supposed to hold the rings. Max kneeled down, letting Noah off his shoulders. He reached for the pillow, placing it into Noah’s little hands. “Ok, little man. Remember how momma and I talked to you about being the ring bearer? You’re gonna have to hold this pillow, and walk down the aisle.” Noah just nodded, grinning to show all of his teeth. Max stood up, standing beside Maria. “Ok, I’ll stand here with Maria, and you can walk towards us. Pretend that it’s your momma and my wedding day ok?” Max waved his hands, ushering Noah to walk to him and Maria, but Noah just stood there with the pillow. Max walked to him, kneeling so that they were at eye level. “Remember we practiced this with momma?” Noah nodded, his head bobbing. Max smiled. “Alright then. You remember what to do.” He walked to Maria, holding her hand as if she were Liz. But Noah refused to walk, just staring at his father. Slightly frustrated, Max pulled Maria with him, the two of them kneeling beside Noah. “What’s the matter, little man? You’re supposed to walk towards me and momma.” Noah shook his head, his little body swaying. He held up his hands, shrugging his shoulders. “But ‘Ria not momma. Momma not here.” Maria smiled, placing a kiss on top of Noah’s little head. She stood up, unable to stop the giggles. “Well, I guess Noah won’t settle for anything less than the real thing.” She stooped down again, ruffling Noah’s hair. Max picked up Noah, holding him against his chest. “Well, I guess we’ll have to just practice when your momma’s around.” He kissed his temple, letting Noah lay his head on his shoulder. He walked them towards the door of the tuxedo shop, just watching as people walked around the mall. Noah pressed his face against the glass, his mouth forming an O shape. “Laboons! Laboons!” Max laughed as he watched Noah’s attention divert to something else so quickly. He shifted Noah to his hip, the two of the walking towards a swarm of children crowded around a young lady selling balloons. Max turned to Noah, smiling. “So which balloon do you want?” Part 99B ************ Diane greeted Liz with a smile, her arms going around the petite girl. “Liz, it’s good to see you.” Liz squeezed her back, excitement building in the pit of her stomach. “I’m so glad you could make it, Mrs. Evans.” Diane pulled away, waving off Liz’s attempt at calling her Mrs. Evans. “I think Mrs. Evans is no longer appropriate, don’t you? It’s just Diane now.” She smiled, touching Liz’s shoulder. “I know it might be a little too much to ask you to call me mom, so why don’t we start small?” Liz nodded, speaking to practice Diane’s name instead of referring to her as just Mrs. Evans. “I really just wanted to thank you for coming today, D-diane. I just, it means a lot that you’ll be there with me to do this.” “I think I should be the one thanking you for even inviting me. This....Liz, you’ll never know how much it means to me that you asked me to be a part of this.” Liz gripped Diane’s hand in hers. “I just want everyone I love and care about, be a part of this wedding.” Liz pulled Diane through the double doors, calling out to Isabel by her locker. “Iz, just come upstairs when you’re ready. Oh, and send Courtney upstairs too. We’re still gonna have to wait for Maria to get here.” Isabel stuck her head, out from behind her locker door. “No problem. Hey, mom!” “Hi, Izzie. I guess I’ll just see you upstairs.” Diane waved, following Liz to the narrow stairs that led to the Parker’s upstairs apartment. “They’ve done a great job restoring this place.” Liz looked behind her, smiling. “I think so too. I guess we were lucky that they finished right before the summer starts. Right on time for the tourists and the kids out of school. Hopefully, we get everything fixed and ready to go by next week for the grand reopening.” Liz stuck her key in the door, jingling it a little. Finally, she pushed the door open. “Mom, grandma?....Mrs- ......I mean Diane is here.” Liz gave Diane a sheepish smile, taking her into the living room. Nancy looked up from having a quiet conversation with Claudia. “Diane, please, have a seat.” Nancy stood up, walking towards the kitchen. “Is there anything I can get you? A soda? Coffee? Tea?” Diane sat in the Parker’s arm chair, smiling graciously. “That’s alright, Nancy. I’m fine.” Liz pointed towards her room. “I’m just, I’m gonna get dressed in something a little more comfortable. Will you guys be okay out here for a few minutes?” Claudia smiled, ushering Liz to her room. “Go right ahead honey bear. We’ll be fine.” Claudia moved to a different seat so that she could sit closer to Diane. “Diane, it’s nice seeing you again.” “You too, Claudia.” Nancy sat back down, running her hands down her jean clad thighs. “Diane.....there’s something I’ve been meaning to say to you, and well....I can’t think of a better opportunity than now.” Diane sat up, nodding her head. “I just....I wanted to thank you for taking care of Liz. And I don’t just mean when Jeff and I were gone. I’m talking about how you’ve kept her safe, when she and Max started their relationship....I’ll admit I wasn’t a happy camper at first, so Liz pretty much felt at a loss that no one would listen to her, or understand her....I know that she sought refuge at your house, and....I want to thank you for accepting her into your home, and loving her....I don’t know what would have happened had she not had you there, being supportive.....I’m glad that it was you that was there for Liz.” Diane felt her eyes blur with tears, smiling. “There’s no need to thank me. If anyone should be doing the thanking it should be me. Liz has brought new life into my boys, and it means a lot to me and Phillip, that you and Jeff have accepted their relationship for what it is. I know that I couldn’t be more surprised when Max told us about the engagement. All I could think of was how Max wasn’t this little boy anymore. I mean it’s stupid to think this, but even though he had Noah, I still saw him as my little boy. But that night...the night of the prom. Something was just different about him. Like overnight he had grown into this young man right under my noise and I didn’t even realize it.” Diane took a deep breath. “I have to be honest and say that in the beginning, I too had my qualms about their relationship...Everything just seemed so soon, so fast. But what cinched my support for this relationship was when I saw the three of them together. There was just so much happiness radiating from the three of them that it just rubbed off on everyone around them....including me.” Nancy wiped away at her moist eyes. “I know what you mean....Watching the three of them together is just magical....You can’t help but want them to succeed because everyone wants what they have. Their love...it’s a love- Claudia chimed in. “It’s a love between soul mates.” The three women smiled. It had felt good to get all of those emotions out in the open. Just like Max and Liz, they had learned how important honesty was in any relationship. And by doing so, it had brought them closer together. The soft knock on the door, garnered their attention. Nancy stood up, opening the door. Isabel made her way inside with Courtney, with Maria and Max trailing behind. Noah walked through the door, a balloon tied to his wrist. He gave a small wave to Nancy. “Hi!” He wobbled into the living room, looking around everyone’s faces. He saw Diane, and began running. He jumped into her lap, placing a wet kiss on her cheek. “Gramma!” The balloon bobbed beside them. Diane reached forward, pulling the balloon down so she could look at it. “Isn’t this nice. Who got you this?” Noah grinned. “Daddy.” Unable to sit still, he slid down, walking to where Nancy and Claudia were seated. “Hi!” “Hi, Noah. Whatcha got there?” Noah held out his balloon, a proud smile on his lips. “Laboon!” The two women exchanged smiles, then smiled at Noah. Max had taken a seat on the arm of his mother’s chair. He bent his head, kissing the top of hers. “Hey, mom.” As if his sixth sense was kicking in, Max felt the hair on his arms stand, a charge of electricity running through his veins. Without having to look up, he knew that Liz was walking down the hall. It was like he could feel her. “Liz.” He stood up, intending to greet her, but he stumbled to the side as Noah side swiped him, running towards Liz. “Momma!” He threw himself at her legs, jumping up and down so that Liz would pick him up. “Hey precious.” Liz kissed his cheek, smiling at him. Noah tugged onto the string of the balloon. “Lookie, momma! Laboon!” “Isn’t that pretty?” Max finally made it to them. He ruffled Noah’s hair, shaking his head at him. “Seems like I’ve got a little competition.” Liz laughed, placing a hand on his cheek. “I missed you. C’mere.” She placed a light kiss on his lips before they heard someone clear their throat. The two of them turned around to see the amused faces of all the women. Maria began fanning herself. “It’s seems to be getting hot in here. Maybe we should head out before this place gets any hotter.” Max and Liz blushed simultaneously. Liz shook her head. “I get the hint. Ok, I’m ready to go.” Maria jumped. “Great! My mom’s closing the shop a little early so they can all get fitted.” Max walked Liz to the door, reaching for Noah. “Come on little, man.” Noah shook his head, holding tighter to Liz. “No!” “No. Remember, we talked about this. Momma has to get her dress now.” Noah pressed his cheek against Liz’s. “Me go wit momma.” Max was set to protest, but Liz placed a hand on his arm. “It’s ok, Max. I’ll just take him with me. It’s not a big deal.” Max frowned. “But I don’t want you having to run after him when you’ve got all this other stuff going on.” Liz kissed him, moving Noah so that they were facing each other. “You’ll be good for momma, won’t you precious?” Noah grinned, jumping in Liz’s embrace. As Liz carried him down the stairs, he looked over his shoulder, waving at Max as he followed. “Bye, bye daddy!” Part 99C *************** The ride to the bridal store was filled with girlish chatter. What with Maria’s incessant babbling about floral arrangements and Isabel’s insistence on color coordination, Liz felt her head ready to spin. She turned to face Courtney, making a face. Courtney laughed, leaning over Noah’s car seat to place her hand on Liz’s arm. “Well, think of it this way. They just love you and want you to have the best wedding.” Liz chuckled. “You have no idea how happy I am that you’re here. At least you’ll be able to keep me half sane today.” Maria pulled up into a parking spot outside her mother’s store, turning around to face Liz. “Liz? Have you been listening to anything I’ve said?” Liz tried to bite back a smile at Maria’s serious tone. “Of course I have. Courtney and I were just discussing what kind of flowers I want.” Maria’s mouth opened in excitement. She jumped out of the car, rushing towards Liz’s door. She pulled it open, yanking Liz out. Liz had to hold off Maria as she tried to get Noah out of his car seat. “You guys go on inside. I’ll be in, in a second.” Liz reached inside, unbuckling Noah out of his seat. Liz held him against her chest, walking inside the store. Once inside, she let him down so that he could walk around, but he refused to leave her side. He stood by her side, holding onto the edge of her skirt. Liz kneeled down beside him pointing around the store. “Don’t you wanna have a look around, sweetie? Your daddy told me you liked that.” Noah shook his head, hiding behind Liz. “No. Me stay wit you.” Liz smiled, reaching for his little hand. Her heart melted at the thought that he wanted to stay with her. This was the first time that she had been with Noah by herself without Max. Even though Diane was here, it somehow felt different. Maybe it had to do with the fact that Diane let her take care of Noah and didn’t interfere or tell her what to do. Maybe it had to do with how everyone accepted that Noah called her momma instead of Lizzie. No one had really mentioned anything about it. It was as if they had expected it, and now that it was happening, they accepted it. It was finally sinking in that they really were becoming a family. That she was really going to be Noah’s mother. That it wasn’t what he called her, it was more than words now. Noah really accepted her as his mother. “Well, I’d love for you to stay with me.” Noah grinned at her, clutching her hand. He let her lead him to everyone else. “Liz. Can I interest you in some wedding dresses?” Amy joked. Liz shook her head laughing. She took a seat with Noah on her lap. Amy handed her a binder containing pictures of various wedding dresses. “Alright, I’ve got the bridesmaid’s dresses that you decided on. I’ll give the girls a fitting, and if you find anything you like, give me a holler, ok?” Liz smiled, flipping through the catalog. After a half hour or so, Maria, Isabel, and Courtney stood before her, looking beautiful in the bridesmaid’s dresses she had picked out. The dress was a two piece. The top had spaghetti straps, with a scoop neck line that ended right above their breasts. It ended right above their middle. The skirt was an A-line cut, that made the girls appear taller. The colors of the dress was a cross between off white to champagne. Since Maria was the maid of honor, her dress was a little darker than Isabel and Courtney’s. While the girls struck a pose, Amy and her assistant tried to make a few tucks, to the dresses to make them fit correctly. Liz had left the binder on the table, walking around the store with Noah. She stopped by a few dresses, eyeing them with a slight interest, but nothing seemed perfect. Nothing made her breath catch in her throat. And that was what she wanted. She wanted to blow Max out of his mind. Even though he had always told her that he would always think she was beautiful regardless of what she wore, she wanted to knock the wind out of him. She took a dress off the rack, holding it against her body. She walked to a mirror, trying to imagine how she would look in it. Everyone had made it over to her, eyeing the dress in her hands. “You know Liz, you could try that on.” Amy said, as she wrapped the tape measure around her neck. Maria took it from her hands, twisting it so she could look at the back. “Oooh, this is a pretty one, chica.” Liz made a face, looking at the back of the dress. She tilted her head, speaking without realizing what she was saying. “I don’t know....there’s too many buttons in the back.” Maria made a face, snickering with the younger girls and Claudia. Diane and Amy tried to hold their laughter behind their hands at Liz’s comments. Liz looked up at the girls around her, wondering what was so funny. She looked towards her mother who only raised a playful eyebrow at her. It finally sunk in why they were all snickering. Liz shook her head, pulling Noah to the other side of the store. “You know, when you guys finally grow up, you can find me over here. I have a wedding dress to find.” When she was gone, all the women burst into laughter. ************** Liz walked down aisle after aisle, not finding what she wanted. It was kinda hard to find the perfect dress when you didn’t even know what you were looking for, she thought sarcastically. Realizing that it had become unusually quiet, she realized that Noah was gone from her side. Panic rose, as she began rounding the corner, yelling his name. “Noah!” She found him tugging on the skirt of a wedding gown. She kneeled down beside him, hugging him to her chest. “Noah. You scared me, sweetie. Don’t ever do that again.” Noah placed a hand on her cheek, his eyes sorrowful. “I sorry.” He reached for the dress again. “Lookie, momma.” After calming down a little, Liz stood up. She took the dress off the rack to humor Noah. She had after all looked at every dress in the store. It wouldn’t hurt to look at this one. When she held it out, her jaw dropped to the floor. “Omigod! This is it!” She picked up Noah, twirling him the air. “Thank you honey.” Amy led the pack, rushing to where Liz was. “You find something you like?” Liz looked up, her eyes dancing with excitement. “I found it. This is it.” ********** Amy had helped Liz into the dress while everyone had waited with baited breaths, wondering how it would look. They knew that Liz had been agonizing over what dress she was going to pick, so this was like a godsend that she found something she liked. Noah pulled away from Diane, walking to the dressing room. He poked his head in the opening at the floor. “Momma?” Liz chuckled, leaning down. “Go wait with gramma and I’ll be out it a sec.” Noah grinned. “Kay..” Amy came out of the dressing room, jumping up and down. “I think this is it.” Everyone stopped talking as Liz made it out of the dressing room. The dress was ivory colored. The spaghetti straps prevented the low cut dress from falling. The bodice was tight against Liz’s body, fitting against her curves. It billowed out around her waist flowing into a long skirt. The back was simple, leading out into a semi-cathedral train. Liz grinned, turning around to let everyone see the dress from all angles. “What do you guys think?” Everyone just nodded, stunned speechless at how beautiful she looked. The dress was simple by all means, but there was just something about it’s simplicity that made Liz fall in love with it. It was simple, yet elegant, and that was what she was going for. “I’ll take that as a yes?” She giggled. She walked towards Noah who just stared up at her with wide eyes full of awe. “What do you think, precious? After all, you were the one who found it.” Noah touched the matte satin, smiling that half smile that Max used with Liz. “Purtie....momma, purtie.” Liz picked him up, turning to face everyone. “Well, that does it for me. This is going to be my wedding dress.” Part 99D **************** Graduation Day. Graduation had been a success. Everyone had been somewhat misty eyed that they would no longer be walking down the halls of West Roswell, but as all good things come to an end, so did their senior year. Liz’s speech had touched everyone, reminding them that life was short and that they had to do things now instead of waiting later, because there was a possibility that tomorrow would never come. Jeff and Nancy had closed down the Crashdown, turning into a party hall for the recent graduates of the family. The eight people that had graduated had created a family that was more than just flesh and blood. It was a family based on love, trust, honesty, and friendship. So it was why they were all seated around the Crashdown, reminiscing about the happenings over the last school year. Max was seated at the counter with Liz. Noah was sitting on the counter top, wearing Max’s cap that was too big for him. It kept falling over his eyes as he tried to hold it in place. Max touched Liz’s elbow. "How you holding up?" Liz gave him a nervous smile. "Pretty good. I mean considering we just graduated, and the fact that Maria and Isabel have orchestrated a bachelorette party for me tonight, and that we’re getting married tomorrow, I’d say I’m holding up pretty darned well." Max pulled her to him, placing a kiss on her forehead. "If it makes you feel any better, I’m absolutely freaked out at what Michael, Kyle, and Alex have planned for my bachelor party." Liz looked up at him. "You did tell them no strippers, right?" Max nodded. "And I already told Isabel no strippers for your party tonight. I wouldn’t want you falling in love with some beef cake and running away with him," he finished with a serious face. Liz burst out laughing. "You do realize that that sounds absolutely crazy, right?" Max grinned. "Yeah, well, I’m just making sure." He looked around the party around him, catching Claudia’s eye. He picked up Noah, whispering into Liz’s ear. "I’ll be right back. Wait here." Liz watched curiously as Max spoke to her grandmother in hushed whispers. She watched as they exchanged smiles, both of them looking at her. Max placed a kiss on her cheek, handing Noah to her. Max strode to Liz purposefully, grabbing her hand. "Come on." Liz almost tripped over her feet as Max pulled her into the back room. "Can we go upstairs?" Liz raised an eyebrow at him. "What are you up to, Max?" He just grinned, gripping her hand. "Nothing, I just want to talk to you alone." Liz nodded, leading him up the stairs. She opened the door to the apartment, pulling Max to her room. She turned to face him, waiting. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Max reached into his back pocket, revealing a small gift box. "I wanted to give you your graduation present." He held it out to her, smiling. Liz ran to the other side of her room, digging into her closet. "Hold on. Let me get your present." She reached up, pulling out a flat rectangular object, wrapped in colored paper. She took a quick breath, handing Max her gift. "Open mine first." "Ok." He took the package in his hands, turning it over. He tore the paper slowly, being careful not to make a mess. His heart stopped when he realized what it was. Liz placed her hand against the leather bound book. "I know you wouldn’t accept it before, and well, now that it’s finished, I want you to have it." Max fingered the pages filled with Liz’s cursive writing, his hand tracing the smooth surface of the page. With misty eyes, he cupped Liz’s cheek, kissing her full lips. "Thank you, Liz." His eyes glanced to the page it was turned to, wanting so much to read what she had written. "This....this is the best present." He frowned when he looked at his gift for her. Liz took it from his hands, tilting his chin up. "Hey, what’s wrong?" Max bit the corner of his lip. "Well, your present was.....it was something special. It came from the heart. I’m afraid my present isn’t anything like that." Liz caressed his jaw, kissing him. "I’m sure whatever this is, I’m going to love it, because it came from you." She smiled, untying the ribbon from the box. She glanced at him quickly, pulling off the top. Slightly confused, Liz took out the key inside the box. She held it up, the sun shining off the copper color. "See, I told you it wasn’t any good." Liz rubbed his arm, using her most soothing voice. "No, Max. It’s, it’s......" She laughed a little, trying to ease the tension in his body. "Well, I know I love it, I just, I don’t know what it is." Max gave her a look, tracing the teeth of the key in her hand. "It’s a key," he answered simply, as if that should answer her question. Liz laughed a little more. "Well, I get that part. But what’s the key for?" Max looked at her, breathing deeply. "It’s a key to our future." Liz smiled, but her eyes were still a little confused. "Oh, I get it." She threw her arms around him. "I love it, Max. I love that you got me the key to symbolize our future together." Max pulled away from her, shaking her head. "No, no. It’s a real key. I wasn’t just talking metaphorically." "Huh?" Max reached into his pocket, pulling out his own keys. He searched through them, finally holding up an identical key to Liz’s. "I have one too." He gave her a shy grin, his hand tangling in her hair. "It’s a key to our new apartment, in Albuquerque. It’s a small two bedroom, and it’s right between ACC and UNM, so we don’t have to commute too far." Liz couldn’t make her voice work, so she just stood there. Max gave her a worried look. "You don’t.....you don’t like it?" Max felt himself pushed up against the wall, with Liz attaching herself to him, her lips devouring his. "Max Evans, I love you." Max grinned against her lips, his hands on her hips tightening. "I love you too. I can’t wait to make you my wife tomorrow." Part 99E ************ Liz, Maria, Isabel, and Courtney sat around the floor in Maria’s room, all of them wearing their pjs. They were stuffing themselves with junk food, just laughing and giggling. Liz looked around at her friends, her eyes misting up. “You guys, I love you sooo much....This is like, this is like the best bachelorette party you guys could have planned.” Her voice was muffled by the mouthful of chips she was eating, but the girls understood her anyway. “Aww!” “Group hug!” All the girls moved together in a circle, wrapping their arms around one another. With a trembling lip, Maria turned weepy green eyes to Liz. “Lizzie, I can’t believe you’re getting married tomorrow.” “’Ria, don’t cry.” Maria nodded, wiping away her tears. “I know, it’s just...you’re getting married..” Maria began weeping, her face landing on Courtney’s shoulder. Courtney did her best to comfort her, knowing a smidgen about how she was feeling. She had known Liz since grade school, but the two of them hadn’t really become close until this past year. It was weird to think that she was getting married tomorrow. But a smile quirked her lips at the thought that it couldn’t be more appropriate, more right. “It’s ok, Maria.” Maria sniffed, wiping at her nose. With an embarrassed grin, she shook her head. “Sorry if I’m freaking you guys out. It’s just, we just graduated today, and then one of our own is getting married tomorrow. It’s just, it seems like real life is coming to bite us in the ass.” All the girls laughed, including Maria. Isabel looked to lighten the mood. “Ok, time for presents!” She grabbed the various gift bags that they had hid in Maria’s closet earlier. Isabel handed them to Liz who smiled her gratitude. “You guys didn’t have to get me presents.” Isabel grinned. “Of course we did. Since Max was so adamant that there was to be no strippers tonight, then we at least have to do something fun.” She giggled. Liz laughed pulling open the first bag, her cheeks flamed when she held out a piece of sexy lingerie. It looked like something out of a Victoria’s Secret catalog. Maria waggled her eyebrows. “Ohh la la. Hold it up, Lizzie!” Liz frowned, holding up the piece of clothing in her hands, if it could even be called that, it was so small. “You and Max can thank me after the honey moon.” Maria winked. Liz covered her face with her hands. “This is so embarrassing.” Maria laughed. “Oh come on. I’m sure you and Max have done the horizontal foxtrot by now.” Isabel’s eyes grew wide, her jaw dropping. She covered her ears, singing. “I can’t hear you guys. La la la la la....” Liz was a ball of giggles as Isabel continued to sing, while Maria tried to tease her. “MARIA!” Maria stopped and looked at Liz. “Look what you’ve done to Isabel. You broke her!” Liz said with conviction. Isabel couldn’t keep the act up any longer. She fell back laughing, everyone following in her footsteps. ********************* Max, Michael, Kyle, and Alex were seated around the table in Michael’s kitchen. The four of them playing cards. Alex put his cards down. “I fold.” Michael threw his cards on the table, heaving a frustrated sigh. “This sucks!” Kyle smirked. “Another bad hand, Guerin?” Michael stood up and began pacing. “No, I’m talking about this bachelor party. I don’t think this,” he made a wild gesture with his hands, resuming his pacing. “It shouldn’t even be called a bachelor party.” Alex eyed how Michael’s feet padded across the floor. “Uh, Michael? You might wanna ease up there buddy.” Michael continued on with his rant as if he hadn’t heard what Alex had said. “I mean this is Max’s last night as a single man. We should....we should be doing more than just sitting around playing cards, and drinking cherry cokes.” “Well, it’s kinda hard to do anything pertaining to a good bachelor party considering we’re all only eighteen years old. No beers, strippers....did I forget anything?” Kyle looked to Alex for some help. “Yeah, did he mention no beer and no strippers?” Max laughed, looking at his friends. “Guys, relax. I think...this is the best bachelor party you guys could have come up with. And I’m not just saying that. I never get a chance to just hang out with the guys, you know? I’m either working, going to school, or I’m spending time with Noah and Liz. Not that I don’t love doing that because I do. I wouldn’t trade any second I could possibly spend with Noah and Liz. I’m just saying that I kinda like it that it’s just us guys. I’ve never really had a chance to do this. I’ve never had real friends like you guys before.” All the guys were quiet, once again in awe of Max. If he was happy right now, then that was all that mattered. And why wouldn’t he be happy? He was marrying the woman of his dreams tomorrow, and they were gonna be surrounded by everyone they loved and cared about. Life simply couldn’t get better than that. Max cleared his throat. “Also, I know that I never asked any of you guys to be my best man. Noah’s going to be the ring bearer so he’ll have the rings, but I just wanted you guys to know, that when you guys stand up there with me tomorrow, I consider all of you my best men. You guys accepted me into your group, you’ve watched after Liz, myself, Isabel, and my son. And I can’t even begin to thank you guys for that. This past year, it’s....I’ll never forget it.” They guys exchanged hugs, feeling a little teary eyed. It was Kyle that broke the silence. “Okaaay. How about we play some cards. This uh, mushiness is gonna ruin me for tomorrow.” Michael joked, taking his seat. “Yeah, we wouldn’t want you having a little puffiness under the eyes.” Kyle made a face. “Laugh all you can Guerin because tomorrow, you’ll be taking care of waterworks Maria.” All of the guys laughed, except Michael who visibly paled. Alex clapped Michael on the shoulder. “Well think of it this way, you won’t have to sleep under the same roof as her tomorrow night.” Michael smirked, directing it towards Kyle. “Looks like I’m gonna have the last laugh, Valenti.” More laughs echoed against the walls of Michael’s apartment. Max sat back, soaking it all in. He couldn’t imagine having a better last night as a single man. Tomorrow, Liz was going to become his wife. They would finally become the family they wanted to be. He crossed his hands behind his head, smiling. Goodbye bachelorhood! ********************* The four girls lay in their sleeping bags, staring at the glow in the dark stars that adorned Maria’s ceiling. Liz had opened the rest of her presents, thanking each girl for her gift. Courtney had given her a basket filled with scented candles, bubble baths, and various other things. Isabel had given her a light blue night gown with matching robe. Liz was unable to sleep, sitting up. “I can’t sleep. I’m gonna get a glass of water.” Isabel stood up, following Liz. “I’ll go with you.” The two of them walked into the kitchen, quietly drinking water. Liz stepped closer to Isabel, trying to find the courage to say what she wanted to say. “Isabel?” Isabel put her glass down, smiling. “Yeah?” “Could we talk? You know, just us?” “Sure.” The two of them sat at the Valenti dining table. “What’s this about, Liz?” Liz took a deep breath, her eyes focusing on Isabel’s. “I just, I guess I wanted to ask you how you feel about the wedding tomorrow. About me and Max.” “I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking me, Liz.” Liz tried to take a different route. “Ok, let me say it this way. Are you....do you resent me? For marrying Max tomorrow?” Isabel fell back a little, stunned by Liz’s words. “Of course not. Have I...have I given you a reason to think that? Because if I have, I’m sorry. It was never my intention.” Liz shook her head. “No, you’ve never....I guess that didn’t come out right. What I’m trying to ask you is, are you ok with my relationship with Max? I know that Tess was your best friend, and we’ve never really talked about that. I guess I’m asking you if you approve of my relationship with Max....With Noah.” Isabel smiled, taking Liz’s hand in her own. “I don’t resent you, Liz. If anything, I love you like a sister. You’ve opened up your heart, and let me, Max, and Noah into it. You’re the one that puts that twinkle in Max’s eye, that puts that skip in his step. Because of you, Noah will know what it’s like to have a mother that loves him......Liz, I believe that your Max’s true love. Without you, there was something missing. I was Tess’ best friend, and I saw them together. And while I know he loved her, he never loved her like he loves you. What you and Max have.....it’s what dreams are made of......You’re asking if I prove of your relationship with Max.....I’ll be behind the two of you 100 percent.” Liz pulled Isabel into a hug, trembling. “You have no idea how that makes me feel, hearing you say that.” Isabel ran her hand down Liz’s back. “Look at us. If we don’t stop crying, we’re going to have red, puffy eyes tomorrow. We can’t have that on your wedding day, can we?” Liz shook her head, smiling despite her tears. “You’re right. We should get some sleep.” Liz sat back in wonder. “I still can’t believe it. I’m going to be Mrs. Evans by this time tomorrow.” Isabel grinned, putting her arm around Liz as the two of them walked back to Maria’s room. “Welcome to the family, sis.”