Part 9A ***************** Max watched as Noah ate his cereal. Liz had left for work a while ago, leaving both of the Evans men alone together. Max had been up all night, thinking about what Jeff had said to him. He had to wonder if McKenzie’s intentions were good, and if they were, was he willing to let his pride get in the way of his son knowing a part of his birth mother? What was it that Jeff had said? Blind faith? Could he really go on blind faith? “Daddy?” Noah’s voice broke Max out of his daze. “Huh?” “Sumpthin’ the matter?” Max slid onto a stool next to Noah, turning it so that they were facing each other. “Little man. You remember how we talked about you having three grandmothers yesterday?” “Uh huh.” “Well, I’ve been thinking. Would you.....do you wanna meet her?” Noah’s eyes brightened, a small smile playing against his lips. “You mean I can?” Max felt his stomach clench, his heart thumping wildly. The look of hope on Noah’s face was just.....words couldn’t describe it. Max knew that he didn’t want to be the one to tell him no. The one that would disappoint him. He forced a smile on his lips, his large hand cupping Noah’s cheek. “Well, if that’s what you want, then, by all means.....” Noah leaned across his seat, giving Max a hug. Max kissed Noah’s head, his grip tightening. Being the bigger person certainly wasn’t the easiest thing to do. Jeff Parker was a man of heroic proportions for being able to go on blind faith. *************** Isabel looked at the piece of paper in her hands, the number written on it, corresponding to the door in front of her. When she had come home the night before, she had talked to Alex about what had happened. She had told him about her conflicted feelings, and her desire to contact McKenzie on her own. If anything, she just wanted a few answers, maybe a little closure. She had enlisted Alex’s help with tracking down McKenzie’s information, leading her to a hotel in the heart of Albuquerque. She had no idea if what she was doing was right, but it was something that she felt she had to do. Isabel pulled back her sleeve, raising her hand to knock on the door. Her palms were moist, her breathing erratic. Her feet began to itch with the sudden urge to run, almost as if this was some wild prank she was playing. When no one answered, she let out a defeated sigh, her shoulders sagging. The tremor in her lip turned into a sob, her stance of authority melting away as she once again felt like she was a child. She wiped angrily away at her tears, silently berating herself for losing her cool. Maybe this was a sign. Maybe this was fate’s way of telling her that she was making a mistake. Holding her head up high, she turned on her heel, walking towards the elevator. The chime of the elevator sounded, the doors sliding open. People walked passed each other, no one really taking the time to make eye contact. Isabel hurried in, her shoulder bumping someone accidentally. “Oh, excuse me. I’m sorry.” “It’s not a problem. Don’t worry about it.” The woman looked up, smiling to let the stranger know that it was no trouble. She and Isabel locked eyes, the smiles on their faces falling. “Isabel.” Isabel placed her hand in the way of the door, keeping it from shutting close. Her stomach took a nose dive, her blood pounding in her ears. “Mrs. Harding.” McKenzie looked behind her, almost afraid as if someone was watching her. She turned back to Isabel, quickly making a decision to jump into the elevator. McKenzie pressed the door close button repeatedly as if that would make the door close faster. She turned wild eyes to Isabel, her hands wringing the strap of her purse. “What are you doing here?” She shifted her weight from foot to foot. “Did anyone see you?” She shook her head, her blond curls flying. “You shouldn’t be here.” Isabel could barely hold herself together, but the things that were coming out of McKenzie’s mouth was causing her teetering emotions more harm than good. “I knew this was a bad idea. I don’t know what I thought I would accomplish by coming here today,” she muttered under her breath. She had already cried enough tears over this. She wasn’t going to allow McKenzie to see her weak. McKenzie reached out her hand to touch Isabel, but Isabel pulled her arm away, her eyes full of venom. “Don’t touch me!” she hissed. McKenzie stepped back, her hand flying to her chest. The look of contempt in Isabel’s eyes scared her. Even back in California, when emotions were flying high, and Isabel had felt the brunt of the fire of her and Ed’s anger, not once had Isabel said an unkind word, nor had a look of hate passed her face. Isabel straightened her back. “Don’t be so surprised, Mrs. Harding. I’m grown now. I’m not just going to stand back and let you walk all over me like you did.” “Is that what you think I’m going to do?” McKenzie’s voice trembled, not really sure if she wanted to hear Isabel’s answer. The chimes went off again, the doors sliding open. Isabel just looked at McKenzie as she stepped out. “Stay away from us, Mrs. Harding. Whatever your intentions are for being here in New Mexico, forget about them.” She turned on her heel, heading towards the revolving doors. McKenzie ran after her, almost tripping as she tried to keep pace with Isabel. “I can’t just do that. I have- Isabel turned sharply, her voice coming out in a harsh whisper. “You have no business here.” “My grandson’s here, I can’t just walk away.” McKenzie let her walls down, hoping to let Isabel see the truth in her eyes. Isabel let out a bitter laugh. “You have some nerve. Six years go by and suddenly you think you can stake claim to your grandson who you’ve turned away at every other opportunity before? You know, I thought that if I came here today, I was going to be able to forget, to let bygones be bygones. But I don’t think I can. You’ve cut too deep.......Noah doesn’t need someone who’ll flake out when things get tough, when the emotions are running amuck. If you thought that being a grandmother was something you could just walk into, you’ve got another thing coming.” McKenzie wiped away at her tears. “You’re right.....I shouldn’t......I have no business being here....I don’t, I don’t know what I was thinking....” She met Isabel’s eyes briefly, before walking away quickly. “I’m sorry.” Isabel felt her stomach twisting, her heart aching as she watched McKenzie scurry away. She had done the right thing, right? She was supposed to feel proud that after all of these years, she had finally grown a backbone and stood up for herself. If that was true, then why did she feel like the world’s biggest, heartless bitch? Making a snap decision, Isabel picked up a run, heading towards the direction that McKenzie had headed off to. “WAIT!” *************** Max tapped onto the clear glass, smiling when Liz looked up at him. He leaned against a table, waiting until Liz came through the door. She lifted up her plastic goggles, wiping the sweat off her brow. She walked up to him, placing a sweet kiss on his lips. “This is a nice surprise. What are you doing here?” Max placed his arms lightly around Liz’s waist, pulling her closer to him. “I have a free period, and lunch is right afterwards. I thought I’d stop by and see if you’d like to go to lunch with me?” Liz smiled, tossing her goggles and lab coat onto the table behind Max. She grabbed Max’s hand, calling out to her coworker. “Nadine, I’m headed off to lunch!” Nadine waved, grinning at Liz. “Have fun! But not too much fun. You‘ve still got work to do when you come back.” Liz waved back, linking her arm with Max’s as she buried her face against his shoulder, taking a whiff of his scent. “So, what are you really doing here?” “I told you, I came by- “To have lunch with me. I know.” Liz finished. “I know that’s what your mouth is saying, but your eyes are saying something completely different.” She turned his face to look at her as she gave him an encouraging smile full of love. “Tell me what’s wrong, babe.” Max let out a small smile, as he kissed Liz’s temple. “How do you do that?” Liz chuckled as they walked to the parking lot. “Do what?” Max stopped them, his hand gripping hers as he stared deeply into her eyes. “Know exactly what I’m thinking, what I’m feeling.” Liz felt her knees wobble slightly as Max gazed lovingly into her eyes. She brushed away his bangs. “It comes with the territory of being married. Besides, how can I not know when you look at me with those soulful eyes of yours?” Max blushed. He began to steer Liz towards the car, hoping to keep the flush from deepening in his cheeks. “I....I talked to Noah this morning. He says that he wants to meet McKenzie.” Liz stopped in her tracks, pinning Max with a look. “What did you tell him?” “What else could I tell him?” Liz felt her stomach drop. She had thought that after calming down, Max would at least be open to hearing what McKenzie had to say. But if he had made his decision, she was going to stand by him. “You know I always did find it hard to say no to him.” Liz turned around so quickly that her brown hair flew around her face like wings. “What did you say?” Max shrugged his shoulders, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. “Noah wants to meet McKenzie, and I said yes.” Liz smiled, as she stepped closer to Max. She ran her hand along the side of his face, her hand cupping his jaw. “What made you change your mind?” “Actually, your dad.” Liz’s brow furrowed with confusion. “My dad? What does he have to do with any of this?” “Nothing.......It was just something he said that made me see things a little clearer.” He let out a breath. “I’m not willingly going to open my arms and welcome McKenzie into the family, but if I could be given a second chance to start over without anyone judging me, then I think that it’s the least that I could do for Tess‘ mom.” Liz threw her arms around Max, peppering his face with kisses. “I’m so proud of you, honey. I know how hard this must’ve been for you.” She pulled back, as she caressed his skin. “You’ve got a heart of gold, Max Evans.” Part 9B *************** “WAIT!” Isabel picked up her pace, making a sharp turn as she tried to keep McKenzie’s blonde curls in view. With long strides, she was by her side in a matter of seconds. McKenzie stopped, eyeing Isabel warily. “Look, can we talk? For a few minutes, like adults?” McKenzie looked reluctant to say yes, but her gut told her to go for it, knowing that this may be the last chance she would ever get. She nodded, leading Isabel out of the hotel to a nearby cafe. “Not here.” ******** Isabel took a seat, as she held her purse on her lap. “I wanted to apologize for what I said back there. I shouldn’t have chewed you out like that.” McKenzie smiled a little, intending to reach her hands out across the table to hold Isabel’s hands in hers, but decided against it. She didn’t want to push her luck. “Don’t apologize. I deserve that and a lot more.” Isabel wasn’t going to argue, instead shifting the focus. “I’d really like to think that you have good intentions for being here, Mrs. Harding, but I have to wonder with all of the secrecy.” McKenzie squeezed her hands together, taking a deep breath. “My intentions are good, but I’m not here alone.” Isabel felt squeamish. “Mr. Harding’s here?” McKenzie was quick to shake her head. “It isn’t....please, just hear me out?” Isabel nodded, keeping her feet glued to the floor. She had come this far, she may as well hear what McKenzie had to say. “Like I said, I’m not here alone. Ed’s here on business. I begged and pleaded with him to let me come with him. He doesn’t know that your family is in Roswell.” “If he doesn’t know, then how did you?” McKenzie took a few minutes to compose herself. “After you guys left, I....I couldn’t stand the thought that I wouldn’t know anything about what was happening with all of you. I hired a private investigator, and he’s kept me up to date with everything that’s been happening.” Isabel fell back in her chair. “You had someone spying on us?” “It wasn’t....it wasn’t like that. Don’t you see that there was no other way?” “No other way? How about the truth, Mrs. Harding? If you cared that much, why just show up now?” McKenzie’s eyes dropped to the table. “This was my only opportunity. Ed’s going to be busy with work that he’s barely gonna even notice that I’m not around.” Isabel let out a breath. “I don’t want to sound unwilling to understand, but maybe I’m missing something here. If this really mean so much to you, why don’t you just tell Mr. Harding the truth?” “The truth hurts, Isabel. I can’t just tell Ed that I want to see my grandson and have a relationship with him. Ed doesn’t think like that. If anything, Ed still won’t acknowledge Noah as his grandson.” Isabel’s lips curled into a tight line. “If Mr. Harding still won’t accept Noah, then why should I believe that you’re ready to do that?” “I’ve wanted to be a part of Noah’s life for a long time. Ed’s a man who likes to be in the driver’s seat. He’s a person that thrives on control, and when he doesn’t have that, his whole world falls apart. When Tess got pregnant, Ed about lost his mind because there was nothing he could do to change the fact. He tried to take control of everything, cutting all of her ties just so that he could feel like he was doing something. That he wasn’t just letting things happen. He wanted to believe that he was taking control of the situation and that because of that, things were going to be alright. When Tess died, Ed, he became a different person. He couldn’t stand to look at Noah because he looked so much like Tess.........I know that everything he’s done up to this point was wrong, and I’m not trying to excuse his actions, but you have to know that Ed and I are two different people.” “If Mr. Harding is really an over-bearing control monger like you claim, then why not just leave him? Why stay with someone who controls everything you do?” McKenzie smiled sadly through her tears. “Despite everything that’s happened, Ed’s my husband. I still love him. He’s my home......I know that it’s hard for you to understand that, but he’s all I’ve got left. With Tess gone.......” She ran her hand under her eyes, wiping away the tears. “I know that it sounds like I want to have my cake and eat it too. And it’s probably true. I just want an opportunity to know a part of my daughter’s son......But, but if I’m asking too much, I’d understand.” Isabel mulled over McKenzie’s words. In a way she knew what McKenzie was talking about. There was so much bad blood between the two families, but they all agreed on one thing. Noah. Going with her gut, Isabel reached for McKenzie’s hand. “Come to Roswell with me.” Part 9C ************ “Hello?” Isabel cradled her cell phone against her ear as she drove. “Max, it’s Isabel.” “Oh hey. What’s up?” Isabel threw a quick glance at McKenzie in the passenger seat, as she turned the steering wheel. “Not much. I...you know, I’ve been thinking a lot about Mrs. Harding showing up, and- Max cut her off. “Me too. I’ve talked to Noah, and Liz. We’ve decided that we’re going to give her a chance after all. I know that mom and dad aren’t particularly going to like the idea, but....but it’s what Noah wants. I can’t keep him from her, for my own selfish pride.” Isabel beamed against the phone. “Really? You mean it?” “I do. My only problem is trying to figure out how to contact her. Mom didn’t exactly let her say much, let alone leave a number.” “Why don’t you leave that to me?” “Isabel, what are you talking about?” “Max, do you trust me?” “Of course I do.” “Then, trust me and expect a guest at your house tonight.” “What? Isabel, what’s going on?” “Trust me, big brother. I’ll see you later.” Isabel snapped her phone shut, her foot pressing a little harder against the gas pedal. ************* Max sat on the sofa, flipping a pillow in his hands as he spoke to Liz. “I mean, she wasn’t making any sense. No sense at all.” He turned his amber gaze to Liz. “She was being cryptic.” Liz laughed, laying her hand on Max’s thigh. “Then it must be a twin thing, because you aren’t making much sense yourself.” Max pouted. “That’s not funny.” He crossed his arms, his brows knotting together. “I’m having a crisis here, Liz, and you’re just laughing at me.” Liz made smoochy lips, pressing Max’s cheeks together so that his lips looked like hers. “Oh, I’m sorry baby. I didn’t mean to laugh.” She placed a kiss on his lips, making a smacking noise. “Forgive me?” Max tried hard not to let his smile show on his lips. “I don’t know. My manly pride is hurt. It’s gonna take a lot more for me to forget.” Liz gave him a cheeky grin, pulling the pillow from his lap. She grabbed him by his shirt collar, straddling his hips as she situated herself on his lap. “Let me see what I can do.” She licked her lips, leaning her face down to kiss him, when the doorbell rang. “NOOO!” Liz moved away from Max, intending to get the door, but Max just pulled her back. “Don’t get that.” Liz raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m sorry, honey, but I don’t think they’re just gonna go away.” Max tugged on her hand, his other hand grabbing the pillow beside him. He threw it towards the door yelling. “Go Away!” Liz giggled despite herself. “Max, behave yourself!” The doorbell rang again, with Noah skipping down the stairs. “I wanna git it!” He continued running, his hand reaching for the doorknob, ready to open it. “NOAH!” Max jumped out from his position on the couch, lifting the six year old up in his arms, giving him an admonishing look. “What did your momma and I tell you about not opening the door to strangers?” Noah squirmed against Max. “But it’s not a stranger.” Max let Noah slide down to the floor. “How do you know that?” “Cos I sawed them from the window.” Max opened his mouth to begin a lecture, but Liz came up behind him, reaching for the knob. “Hey, Iz.” Liz pulled the door wide open, welcoming her inside. Her smile faltered when she saw McKenzie standing beside Isabel. “Mac....I mean, Mrs. Harding.” It didn’t take long before Max pulled Isabel into the house. “Kitchen. Now!” Isabel looked back to McKenzie, but Max didn’t give her a chance to say anything. “What do you think you’re doing?” Isabel straightened out her sleeves, glaring at Max. “I could say the same for you.” Max threw his hands up in the air, his feet picking up a pace. “Look, cut the crap. What’s she doing here?” “You said Noah wanted to meet her. I thought I’d do you a favor and bring her over.” Max stopped. “I know, but...but couldn’t you have warned me?” “Warned you? Max, she’s here to meet Noah. You’re acting like this is some sort of unannounced bombing raid.” Max crossed his arms, ready to give a smart-alecky retort, but Noah’s voice filtered into the kitchen, making Max and Isabel turn their heads. ********* Noah held out his hand, a small smile on his lips. “I’m Noah. Wanna come inside?” McKenzie couldn’t help but smile at the adorable little boy in front of her. She looked up at Liz, silently asking permission if she could enter her home. Liz just smiled, stepping aside as she placed a hand on Noah’s shoulder. “Please, come in.” McKenzie still looked a little hesitant, but Noah reached for her hand. “Come on. Momma wants you too.” She let herself be led inside, her heart thumping wildly against her chest. Noah led her into the living room, sitting next to her on the couch. His head tilted at an angle as he studied McKenzie closely. McKenzie resisted the urge to squirm at Noah’s intense scrutiny of her appearance. Sensing her discomfort, Liz spoke to Noah, whispering softly. “Honey, please don’t stare. It’s not nice.” McKenzie smiled politely, her hands wringing in her lap. “It’s...it’s alright.” Noah let his eyes fall to the floor. “I sorry.” He looked up at McKenzie again, pulling his legs up underneath him as he made himself comfortable. “Daddy sayed that you were my other momma’s momma.” McKenzie looked confused for a second, but Liz intervened, breaking down Noah’s speak into regular english. “Max and I told him that you were Tess’ mom. He knows that your his grandmother.” McKenzie nodded in understanding, turning her eyes to Noah. “That’s right.” She offered him a smile. “If you’d like, you can call me grandma.” “Can I call you Mac?” His hazel eyes turned serious, as he spoke. “I don’t want gramma Di, and gramma Nancy to get upset.” The smile on McKenzie’s face disappeared as she realized how much she had missed. Noah already considered Liz’s mother as his other grandmother, and it tore threw her heart. She knew that she had no business being upset by that, but she was only human. She forced a smile on her lips. “You can call me anything you want.” Noah gave her a smile, breathing a sigh of relief. He moved closer to her. “You know any stories? My gamma has lots of ‘em.” McKenzie looked up to Liz again, hoping to get some answers. Liz spoke softly. “He’s talking about my grandmother Claudia.” “Oh.” She looked down at Noah, shaking her head slowly. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know any stories.” “Is okay. We can play with my toys. Wanna do that?” He turned hopeful eyes at her. “S-sure....if you want.” Noah slid off the couch, bounding up the stairs. “Be back!” he yelled over his shoulder. McKenzie looked around her, her eyes taking in everything. The house was brand new, but it already had a worn in feeling. A warm feeling, that spoke volumes of a close knit family living inside. The house was littered with photographs, most of them, of family, she thought sadly. A family she didn’t belong to. Liz stood up, walking closer to McKenzie. “I’m just....I’ll be in the other room.” McKenzie turned wild eyes to her. “Don’t leave.....You don’t have too.” Liz just smiled. “I think this would work better if I wasn’t here.” McKenzie stood up, grabbing Liz’s arm. “I don’t know what to do.” Noah ran back into the living room, his arms overflowing with toys. “I’m back!” Liz looked at her son, then back to McKenzie. “Just relax. Don’t be so nervous. He’ll pick up on your feelings, and you’ll make him nervous.” McKenzie nodded, her throat working hard to get a word out. “But- Liz freed her arm from McKenzie’s grip, giving McKenzie her most sincere smile. “He just wants to play. The most you’ll have to worry about is that he’ll talk up a storm.” Noah looked up at the adults from his spot on the carpet where he had arranged his toys. “Mac, you gonna play?” Liz gave McKenzie a gentle push, making her way into the kitchen to Max and Isabel. Max pulled Liz into his side, his eyes glued to Noah and McKenzie. “Are you sure it’s such a good idea to leave them by themselves?” Liz kissed his shirt covered pec. “I think it’ll be easier for them to relax around each other if we weren’t there watching them constantly.” “I hope you’re right.” ********** Noah grinned at McKenzie, holding out his toy airplane. “This is my plane. I’m gonna fly planes when I get older.” McKenzie relaxed a little more, feeling at ease with the way Noah smiled so sweetly at her. The way he just struck up a conversation with her, like they had known each other for years, instead of the few minutes that they did. “You wanna be a pilot?” Noah shook his head, his face dead serious. “No. I’m gonna be a plane flyer.” McKenzie chuckled. “That’s what plane flyers are called. They’re called pilots.” Noah nodded his head slowly, his face deep in concentration, letting her words sink in. “Pilot.” McKenzie grinned. “That’s right.” Noah moved closer to her, smiling at her with eyes full of wonder. “What else do ya know?” Part 9D ************* Max paced the tile covered floor, his eyes flying to the living room every time he heard Noah and McKenzie laughing. Liz grabbed him by a belt loop, making him stop. “Max, would you please quit it? You’re making me dizzy.” Max tipped his head. “Sorry, I just....I’m just a little nervous.” “Well, you’re not gonna do anyone any good if you keep watching them like a hawk.” Max crossed his arms, refusing to take a seat. “Look, I know I agreed to this, but I just want to make sure that she’s not....that she’s not doing anything to him.” Liz looked at the two huddled figures, laughing. “What do you think she’s going to do? Poison him with laughter?” Max just pinned his wife with a look, but changed his tune immediately when he realized that she was only trying to lighten the mood. He ran a hand down his face. “I’m sorry.....I guess I’m not as ready for this as I thought I was.” Liz placed her hands on his waist, pulling him towards her so that he was standing between her legs. She lay her cheek against his stomach, her arms wrapping around him. “I know this is a lot to take in. And considering the circumstances, I think you’re doing an amazing job.” Max expelled a heavy sigh, his hands playing through Liz’s hair. “I’m glad one of us thinks so.” Liz turned her head, her lips gently kissing his stomach. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Max.” Max bent his torso forward so that he could kiss the top of Liz’s dark shiny head. “Well seeing as Isabel is gone, then there’s only one other Evans I can get mad at.” Liz looked up at him, raising a slender eyebrow. Max chuckled a little. “Ok, I get it. Enough with the self beating.” ****************** Noah had pulled out the photo albums from under the coffee table, placing it on his lap as he leaned against the foot of the couch. “Wanna see some pitures?” McKenzie grinned, feeling more and more at ease every second she spent with Noah. She had no idea how she had lived without having him in her life for so long. “I’d love to.” Noah patted the spot next him. “Ova here.” He flipped through the various pictures, giving explanations of the different pictures. “This was when momma and daddy took me to da zoo.” He pointed a stubby finger to the next picture, smiling as he spoke. “This is me and momma at granpa Jeff’s.” “That’s me and momma again......and again.” McKenzie realized fairly quickly that Noah seemed very attached to Liz. Even with the few encounters she had with Liz and Noah, he always seemed to be glued to her side. In the pictures that Noah showed her, he was always holding her hand, or laying his head against her chest as he sat on her lap. What was it that they said? A picture was worth a thousand words? By looking at these pictures, one would be a fool not to realize that Liz and Noah had a special bond. Had it not been for the obvious differences in their physical features, most would think that Liz was his biological mother. McKenzie cleared her throat, her eyes glued to Noah instead of the pictures he was showing her. “So you and your momma are close?” “Uh huh.” “So then she treats you well?....She loves you?” McKenzie knew that it was ridiculous to ask the question, seeing as she already had the proof sitting next her. Noah’s friendliness and loving nature proved that he was well loved. Abundantly so. Noah shook his head, chuckling slightly. “Of course she does, silly. I’ve got the bestest momma in the world. She says that I’m the luckiest boy in the whole world cos I got two momma’s that love me.” McKenzie moved so that she could get a better look at Noah’s face. “Really?” “Yep.” “Does she....does your momma talk about your other momma?.....my daughter?” Noah grinned widely, his head bobbing up and down. “All the time. She tells me stories about how much my other momma loves me, and how she’s watching us from up there.” He pointed his index finger towards the ceiling. “Momma even lets me keep a piture in my room.” “S-she does?” “Uh huh. Momma sayed that she doedn’t want me to forget.” He smiled some more as he stood up. “We even got flowers in the yard. They’re called, forgive-me-nots.” McKenzie bit her lower lip to stop herself from crying. “You mean forget-me-nots?” Noah reached out a hand to her. “That’s what I sayed. Wanna come see?” McKenzie nodded her head, letting Noah pull her through the kitchen. “Where are you going?” Max stood up from his seat, watching closely as Noah held onto McKenzie’s hand. “I’m showin’ Mac momma’s flowers outside.” McKenzie didn’t get a chance to get a word out for Noah dragged her into the yard. He had kneeled down on a patch of grass, pointing to the forget-me-nots in the garden. “See, here they are.” Noah continued to talk, as McKenzie kneeled down beside him. “Momma and daddy take turns taking care of it for my other momma.” He let out a proud smile. “Sometimes, momma lets me water them.” McKenzie fingered the soft petals of the flower, the tears silently coursing down her cheeks. Any thoughts she had of Liz being just a replacement, flying from her mind. It was obvious that she was the light of Noah’s life, and that she took care of her grandson well. Her shoulders shook as she remembered Noah’s words, telling her that Liz wouldn’t let him forget about Tess. Her head turned as she felt Noah’s small hand on her shoulder. “Is okay, Mac. Momma knows that we love her.” Sniffling, McKenzie wiped away at her tears. “How do you know that?” Noah gave her a half smile. He pointed towards the house where Liz was. “Momma sayed that love is a great thin’. She sayed that if we love someone, it doedn’t matter where they are, cos they’ll know.” He placed a hand on his heart. “If we feel it in here, then they know.” Part 9E ***************** McKenzie sat on the edge of Noah’s bed, grinning wildly as he continued to chatter even though he was supposed to get to bed already. Liz knocked on the side of the door, leaning against the frame. “Lights out.” Max came up behind Liz, peeking in. “Say goodnight little man.” The two of them went back downstairs, giving McKenzie and Noah some privacy to say goodnight to each other. Noah stopped talking, sitting up. “You have fun today, Mac?” She gently stroked his cheek. “I don’t remember having so much fun.” Noah grinned. “You should smile more.” He placed his tiny hands on her cheeks, pulling at it a little to widen her smile. He got on his knees, kissing McKenzie’s forehead quickly. “Nite, Mac.” McKenzie wrapped her arms around Noah, squeezing him gently against her body. “Goodnight, Noah.....Thank you for today.” Noah scrambled back under the covers. “You gonna be here when I wake up?” “I’m afraid not. I have to go home tonight, but I’d love to come and visit again another day?” He grinned as he held Pooh Bear closer to his chest. “Good. I wanna ‘troduce you to my friend Jade.” He yawned, turning to his side. “Nite nite.” McKenzie ran her hands through his soft hair, unable to resist placing a gentle kiss on his cheek before getting up. She made her way downstairs to find Max and Liz cuddled up on the couch. Liz stood up, pulling Max with her. “Did he finally stop talking?” She asked with a grin. McKenzie nodded. “Yeah.” The three of them stood there, not really knowing what to say next. McKenzie opened her mouth, seizing the opportunity say some things. “I wanted to thank you both for letting me do this. I know that this wasn’t an easy thing for the two of you. Lord knows that I don’t deserve this second chance, but I want to thank you for giving it to me.” Liz smiled warmly, her hand reaching to touch Max’s where he had placed it on her shoulder. McKenzie stepped closer, the expression on her face unreadable. “And.....I wanted to apologize as well......for so many things. For showing up unexpectedly, for thinking I could just come back after all of these years, and especially for how I treated you all those years ago, Max. I know that saying sorry is never going to be enough.....I know that Ed always told you that you took Tess away. But we took her away from you too.......Nothing I’m going to say or do will ever make up for what I did, or excuse it. But I want you to know that I do regret my actions......I wallowed in my own loss, and completely overlooked the fact that I wasn’t the only one that lost Tess.....” Max opened and closed his mouth, trying to wet his parched throat as he swallowed. “I don’t....I don’t know what to say.” McKenzie clasped her hands together, her sparkling blue eyes pleading. “Say that you’ll let me see Noah again?......I know that’s a lot to ask, but....I just can’t walk away.” Max looked down at Liz. She gave him a loving smile, merely shrugging her shoulders, saying that it was up to him. He looked at McKenzie, then up to the stairs that led to Noah’s room. His mind flashed with images of Noah, and how genuinely happy he seemed to be in McKenzie’s company. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, his decision having been made. “You can see Noah again.....but, I still don’t know how I feel about all of this......I need more time.” McKenzie nodded in understanding. “Of course. Thank you......again.” She gave them a quick tip of her head before letting herself out. **************** Later that night. Liz rolled over, her arms unconsciously pulling Max closer to her. When he didn’t respond to her touch, she sat up, looking at him quizzically in the dark. “Max? What are you still doing up?” He turned on his side, propping his elbow against the pillow so he could look into Liz’s face. “It’s nothing. Just go back to sleep.” Liz groaned, lying flat on her back. “Don’t you know that when you say something like that, it just makes me worry more?” Max copied her movements, a deep breath escaping his lips. “Sorry.” Liz snuggled into his side. “Don’t be......I just worry about you.” He kissed the top of her head. “I know. And I don’t mean to worry you. It’s just.....I’m just having a hard time falling asleep after what happened today.” “Understandable.” Her fingertips danced lightly across his skin. “Today was a lot to take in.” Max nodded, even though Liz couldn’t see him. “You think I did the right thing? Letting her see Noah again?” “Yes.....regardless of what’s going on between you and McKenzie, Noah likes spending time with her....I think it’s important that she’s a part of his life....She can fill in the blanks about Tess, and tell him things about her that we don’t know.” Max caressed her bare shoulder. “Does this bother you?.....That McKenzie can do that?....tell Noah stories about Tess.” Liz was silent for a moment as she tried to find the right words. “Had it been a while ago, I’d say maybe......but now.......I don’t know......I guess I feel a little more secure.....I don‘t think it would bother me now.” “Why?” “Because we love each other....The three of us,” she chuckled lightly. “I mean the four of us,” Max smiled, his hand creeping down to her tummy. “We’re a family. If we stick together, like we did, we can get through anything.” Max nuzzled her hair, softly inhaling her strawberry scent. He shimmied down the bed, throwing the covers off of them. Liz giggled. “Max, what are you doing?” He gave her a boyish grin, lifting up her night gown. He looked at her belly, before peppering it with kisses. “You hear that, little one? We’re a family that can’t wait to have you.” He lay his large hand against her stomach. “Be good to your mother.” Pulling his hand away, he placed a sound kiss on her belly, his hands pulling her nightgown back down. He lay his head against the pillows, pulling Liz to him so that her head was lying on his chest. “I think I’m ready to sleep now.” *********** McKenzie fumbled with her keycard, pushing the door open to her hotel room. She held a hand to her chest, a loud gasp escaping her lips as she saw Ed sitting at a chair in the dark. “Oh God. You scared me.” She flipped on the light, dropping her purse on the bed. “What’re you doing sitting in the dark anyway?” Ed shrugged his shoulders. “Waiting for my wife. You know, I convinced Joe to let me have the day off so that I could spend some time with you, but lo and behold, you’re not in the room. I try your cell phone, and surprise, surprise, it’s not on.” McKenzie flinched at the sarcasm in his voice. “Look, I’m sorry. I got caught up sight seeing.” “Sight seeing.” He nodded his head. “Must’ve been some sights for you to be gone all day.” McKenzie closed her eyes, letting out a breath. “What do you want me to say, Ed?” He stood up. “How about the truth? Where the hell were you?” “I told you, I went sight seeing.” Ed raised his voice slightly, anger flashing in his eyes. “And you’d have to be stupid to think that I would buy that. Tell me what the hell is going on McKenzie. Why are you gone all hours of the day? Why are you lying to me?” He turned to the desk, his hand reaching for a piece of paper with a guys name on it, and a phone number. “And who the hell is Chuck?” McKenzie stood frozen to her spot, the color draining from her face. “How did you get that?” “He left at the front desk for you,” he spat out bitterly. McKenzie cursed inside her head. She couldn’t believe that her PI was stupid enough to leave a message for her at the front desk. Her thoughts were interrupted by Ed’s booming voice. “How long has this been going on?” McKenzie sighed, realizing that there was no use in lying. “On and off for the last few years.” Ed’s jaw fell to the floor. He stumbled back to the chair behind him. He shook his head, mumbling. “I can’t believe this. All this time, behind my back.” He turned wounded eyes at her. “I can’t believe you would have an affair, with this....with this, Chuck, person.” “WHAT?!?” It was McKenzie’s turn to let her jaw drop. Did she just hear him right? He thought she was having an affair with Chuck? Part 9F ****************** Ed stood up, pointing an accusatory finger at McKenzie. “Don’t play games with me! You’ve already admitted to it.” McKenzie squared her shoulders, her back straightening. “I didn’t say I was having an affair with Chuck! You were the one that assumed that.” Ed threw his arms up in the air, frustration rolling off of him in waves. “Do you really think I’m that stupid? You were the one that said that this had been going on for a few years.” “I said that, but I have a completely different relationship with Chuck than what you’re thinking.” He crossed his arms, sarcasm staining his words. “Let me guess. You’re going to tell me that what you have with Chuck is just a friendship. Am I right?” “Would you just shut up for a second and let me speak?” Her jaw fell as she heard the words come out of her mouth, surprising herself more than it did Ed. Ed’s eyes flew to hers. It was almost as if he didn’t even recognize the person in front of him. The defensive stance of her body, the rise of her voice, the sudden confidence that she possessed was something he hadn’t seen in her since they had first met. It was one of the things that attracted him to her, because she wasn’t one to give up so easily. McKenzie noted the shock in his face, deciding to take advantage. It was a rare moment to have Ed stunned speechless, and she was planning on banking on that experience. “Chuck isn’t a friend, not even an acquaintance. He’s a private investigator I hired a few years ago.” Ed stumbled back blindly, falling into the chair behind him, looking almost confused. “What the hell do you need a private investigator for?” McKenzie crossed her arms across her chest. “Well, seeing as my own husband wouldn’t tell me where my grandson had moved to, I thought I’d take it upon myself to find out.” “That’s what you wanted a private investigator for? Why the hell are you so intent on finding that shmuck and his kid?” McKenzie began pacing. “Would you listen to yourself? Max Evans is not a shmuck! And that kid, that kid is a part of me. Of us! Noah is Tess’- Ed stood up again. “Since when did you become Max’s defender? Have you forgotten that it’s because of him that Teresa isn’t here anymore? That child took her life, and for what? Huh?” “ENOUGH!” McKenzie’s voice trembled with her pent up anger and frustration. “For the last seven years, I’ve let you dictate my life. I let you walk all over Max and his family, and I did nothing. I even agreed with you to a point......But, I can’t do it anymore. We’ve been blaming Max, and Noah for Tess’ death unjustly. They don’t deserve any of the grief we gave them.” She turned steely eyes at her husband. “It stops now, Ed.” “Don’t be stupid, McKenzie!” She strode up to him, slapping him hard across the cheek. “Just because I don’t agree with you, it doesn’t make me stupid. If there was ever a time that I was stupid, it was when I wouldn’t stand up to you.” Ed just held his hand against his burning cheek, wondering who it was that was standing before him. “I want to be a part of Noah’s life, and miraculously enough, Max and his wife are giving me a chance. Even after all of the terrible things that I’ve done, they’re willing to give me a second chance.” She ran her hands across her cheeks, wiping up the wet trails of her tears. “I’ve had enough. I don’t want to hide the fact that I want to be a part of my grandson. Doing that makes it seem like I’m ashamed of him, and I’m not. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the most loveable little boy in the world.” She reached out to place her hand on Ed’s where it lay across his cheek. “Don’t make me choose between the two of you, Ed.” She smiled at him sadly. “I love you, and I probably always will. You’ve been my everything for so long, and you were the only thing I had to keep me sane when Tess died.....But if give me an ultimatum, I guarantee you, that both you and I are going to walk away unhappy.” His hot tears trailed thickly across his cheeks, down across their hands. “I’m not asking you to agree with me, or to even want to be a part of Noah’s life. But don’t take away the one thing that’s kept me alive all of these years.”