Chapter Twelve

he was gone again after that. Now he started to wonder if it was something else. Max seemed more subdued lately and if he had any suspicions he would think that something happened between them when they had gone together, but Max had promised him and his word was virtually unbreakable. Yet, he still couldn't help but wonder, and first thing on Monday he would ask him. First, he was getting his sister a Doctor's appointment. Monday was crazy and it took Luke half a day to finally get Max alone. He didn't waste any time. After Nancy left and shut the door behind them he turned to his friend, 

-What happened between you and Lily in Athens? Max kept his expression carefully guarded, 

-What did she tell you? Luke narrowed his gaze knowing his suspicions were correct, 

-Nothing.

-Then why do you ask?

-She won't eat, she's lost weight and whenever I bring her home for the weekend she spends the whole time in her room. 

-He paused, 

-She says she hasn't been feeling well, but this has been continuous for the past month. 

-he stopped again and studying his expression for any clue of what he really thought he continued, 

-Did you sleep with her?

-No. he said keeping the tone of his voice even. He studied his friend's expression and narrowed his gaze. He was one of the few people in the world that could read Max and although he knew he was telling him the truth, it wasn't the whole truth. 

-But something happened.

-Yes Luke, something happened, but your sister is still chaste. He admitted remembering that night then his composure faltered a little as he ran a hand through his thick hair, 

-We, we did get intimate, but not how you think, and as for her being pregnant, unless there's a star in the East, it's impossible. He sure as hell hoped he didn't ask what kind of intimacy that they shared because he didn't want to tell his best friend that he'd taught Lily oral sex. Over the past month he still couldn't erase that night from his mind. In all of her innocence it brought a new erotic pleasure to the act. One he couldn't forget and didn't want to. Somehow he was still able to restrain from making her completely his although he had no idea how he managed it. No matter how desirable and passionate Lily was, his promise to Luke managed to break through. Luke released a sigh of relief, 

-I don't need any details Max. He shot him an accusing look, 

-But she's either extremely depressed or there's something seriously wrong with her. I'm getting worried.

-I'll speak to her. Truth was, he'd been anxious about her since he practically hauled her away from Nikos by the hair. Besides Cybil intruding at the office, there was her last day working for him. He knew she was crying, but he'd hurt her enough and didn't go after her. Instead he'd fired Brittney on the spot and told her she'd never get another job in the industry because of the way she treated Lily. He also went on to tell her that he was marrying Lily, and the insults she just gave his future wife were unforgivable. The shocked look on the woman's face gave him some satisfaction for Lily, but it still didn't heal his pain. He missed her more than he'd miss a part of himself. There had been many occasions that he nearly drove down to her college and confessed everything to her, but right now she was hurt and upset with him and needed time to heal. Not only that, he was beholden to Luke. He'd promised him he'd leave her be until she was done College. 

-No, Luke held his hand up, 

-I think you've done enough. It's not just the illness; I know there's some damage from you also. Max pursed his lips and stared at his friend. He was right but Lily wouldn't always be Luke's responsibility and he told him that. Luke narrowed his gaze, 

-You have no rights now Max, and I don't appreciate you seducing my sister when you know how vulnerable she was around you. 

-Something I can't undo Luke, but I can make things right. I've tried to talk to her, but she wouldn't have it. Let me see her.‖ He thrust sliced a hand through the air, 

-If I had things my way, I would be married to her already. You knew how I felt about her for years. The only reason I kept my distance was because you asked me to.

-She's only twenty.‖ Luke reminded him. 

-She's got the maturity of a woman ten years older than that, and you know it. He thrust his fingers through his hair again, 

-Look. I'm having a hell of a time concentrating on anything. I told you how I felt when I found her with Nikos. Now I know she won't give me the time of day because she's as angry as hell over the security team. She feels as though we betrayed her and she may forgive you because you're her brother, but for me it's just another mark against me. Luke took a long deep breath. Max was right, but he couldn't help feel that they were rushing her, taking away her youth before she had experienced anything. However, he didn't miss the way Lily reacted to Cybil and the jealousy she portrayed. He knew she loved Max, what woman wouldn't? His shoulders slumped in defeat and he nodded, 

-She looks terrible. He finally said looking back at Max helplessly, 

-I'm still pissed at you but, maybe I didn't help much.

-Maybe we both screwed up. We didn't give her a choice in anything. Max said seeing his friend's guilt. 

-Yeah, maybe she's not too far off calling us overprotective louts.

-And because of it, she got hurt. Max winced. 

-Hell, I wish I could change the past but I can't. I've tried to talk to her, but she won't hear it and short of betraying you, I couldn't tell her anything. Luke studied his friend's pained expression, 

-You love her that much? Max managed a bittersweet smile, 

-You have no idea. Luke nodded and released a slow breath, 

-I'm taking her to the Doctor's today at three. He looked at his watch. 

-I kept her home from school because I wanted to go with her. Max straightened himself and shoved his hands in the pockets of his dark slacks, 

-All right, however, I am marrying her in the future if she'll still have me, and I understand your anger with me, it's warranted, but as soon as you hear anything I'm entitled to know. Luke thought about this for a moment. A man like Max really shouldn't be held at fault for hurting Lily. He was acting on Luke's wishes, yet he obviously did get carried away with her and he held him responsible for that. In a way he was hoping she was pregnant, then it would explain her symptoms, but now a new worry set in. Would depression explain all of what she was portraying? He wasn't a doctor so he didn't know but he had a sense of dread over it. 

-I'll call you Max. I promise.

-That's all I ask. Thank you. After Doctor Chang was done her examination, she helped Lily don a hospital gown while pressing her lips together, 

-Is your brother here? 

-I think he's in the waiting room. Why? Doctor Chang had been Lily's doctor since she was fourteen and moved to Chicago with Luke when he started working for Max. Despite her name she wasn't Asian, but looked more Romanian with her dark hair and eyes. It seemed sort of funny to Lily when she first met her and actually asked her about her name. She said her husband was Asian and worked in the city as an engineer. She also told her with a smile that she got that a lot. Regardless, she was always very considerate to Lily. Maybe it was because her and Luke were looking after each other since the death of their parents and her Doctor knew that. 

-He's your guardian right? 

-What's wrong? She started to get worried. 

-It may be nothing, but I should speak to him first. She picked up Lily's folder, 

-I'll send the lab tech in to take some blood so I can run some tests. She said, 

-I'll be back in a few minutes.

-Okay. Lily said unable to keep the worry out of her expression. Luke was sitting in the waiting room rubbing his forehead with his hand in obvious worry. Time seemed to pass slowly and it was excruciating waiting for the results. He stood immediately when the Doctor approached, 

-My sister, is she okay? Doctor Chang indicated for him to sit down and she took the seat next to him, 

-It may be nothing, but your sister has a lump in her breast.

-Oh Jesus, Lily! He could physically feel the blood drain from his face. 

-I'm running some blood tests, but she says it's been there for about two months. The Doctor continued. 

-I didn't know, I've been away, he said brokenly. She was the only family he had and he felt completely negligent over not seeing the signs sooner. He'd also been away a lot in the last year, and Max had always made sure she was looked after, but now he felt guilty over it. It never bothered him before, because Max was right, she was mature for her age and cold look after herself. Now everything had changed and his sister was going to need him. Doctor Chang saw his guilt, and it was common among family to feel responsible, but unless you were a doctor, the signs weren't easy to see. 

-The last thing you need to do is blame yourself Mr. Shayne. She's young and breast cancer is not common in her age group. The lump is barely detectable, but it's significant enough to raise a flag. I won't lie to you. If you combine that with her symptoms, I'm afraid there's a high percentage that it's malignant, but we need to do a biopsy if the blood tests are conclusive to see how aggressive it is.

-does she know?

-No, I needed to speak to you first. Don't tell her yet. He said pulling his mobile out of his pocket, 

-I need to call her fiancé. He's going to want to be here when we break the news to her. She's not going to take this well. Max was in the middle of dictation when the phone rang. 

-Hold that Nance, I need to get this, it's Luke. He said looking at the caller id. Luke said he'd call when he got some information of Lily. 

-Certainly Mr. King. She said patiently noticing that he glanced at his watch again. He'd been doing that constantly since he called her into the office as if anticipating this call. Then there was the slight urgency in his tone when he spoke to her. 

-Luke? How's Lily? He said before his friend could even get a word out. 

-Max, do you have a pen?

-I do. He said hearing the tone of his voice. He sounded oddly subdued, 

-What's wrong?

-I'm going to give you the address of the clinic that we're at. I need you here. I think Lily is seriously ill. He said giving him the address unable to stop his voice from cracking. Max scribbled it on a piece of paper while doing his best to squash the dread that washed through him. Luke sounded worried, and it took a lot to worry his number one man. However, Lily being sick would do it for both of them. 

-I'll be there in twenty minutes. He hung up, 

-Nancy cancel my appointments for this afternoon and get Oscar to bring the car around. She stood up, 

-Is everything okay? Is Lily all right? Nancy remembered how upset she was when she left there the last day, followed by Max's bellowing voice as he fired one of the office girls publically which was completely unlike him. Whatever went on between the two women had been witnessed by Max and had obviously hurt Lily deeply. Shortly after Brittney, red faced and weeping, packed up her desk but Nancy didn't feel sorry for her at all. She knew the young woman had been drooling after Max and obviously had gone too far in belittling Lily. Apparently as she found out from the other office girls that this had been going on for some time under Nancy's nose and she didn't see it. She would have fired Brittney herself if she'd known. She knew how much Max coveted Lily and rightly so. The girl was a complete doll. Nancy couldn't help feeling protective of her also. Then when rumor reached them about her and Max's engagement she wanted to jump for joy. She was perfect for him. At least that's what Nancy thought. She had time to ask Luke about it the next day when he was waiting patiently for Max to finish a meeting. Luke sat on the corner of Nancy's desk with one foot on the floor while flipping through a magazine. 

-So, when's the date? Luke glanced down at Nancy who had her spectacles shoved to the end of her nose and was eyeing him intently over them. 

-Date? She pursed her lips impatiently,

-The wedding Luke, don't play dumb. Everyone here has seen the rock on Lily's finger, and Max is floating on air. He laughed, leaned over and kissed her on the cheek like he would his own mother, 

-Nothing gets by you does it? She acted indifferent to his bold affection for her, and if he didn't know her any better he would have thought so except for the warmth that filled her eyes, 

-It wasn't exactly subtle. She nodded toward the office doors, 

-When she wasn't looking, he never took his eyes off of her, ever. Smiling she continued, 

-it was like being at the zoo and watching a caged lion pace back and forth inside his cell while eyeing up some tasty morsel out of his reach. Luke grinned, 

-Nice analogy. She shrugged, 

-Who can blame him, your sister is gorgeous. She practically knocked the socks off of every male who caught sight of her. That's why he kept her so close for the past few weeks, not to give any one of them the chance of asking her out. She sighed, 

-It's such a relief really because he'd been giving her all of my errands, now I'll get my job back. Luke stared at the older woman with admiration, 

-You are a rare gem Nancy. Finally smiling, she nodded in agreement, 

-Don't I know it. However, one of my boys is getting married, that only leaves you.

-Whoa. Luke practically jumped off her desk, 

-Not interested. Not for a while at least. I like women too much.

-Uh-huh, that will last until the one show up that'll spin your world around. Beware Luke, not everyone is immune.

-Thanks for spoiling my day mom. He added in an endearment and tossed the magazine on her desk. She actually laughed, 

-Anytime. Watching him turn and head back to Max's office. At that time Nancy thought it was a time for celebration, but when the couple returned from Greece something had changed, and Nancy didn't ask. Although Max still looked at Lily like she was still the last woman on earth, Lily looked sad. Something had happened between them to call off the engagement. Now Max looked genuinely worried as he gathered his things to leave the office. In turn it made her concerned because his expression never faltered ever, so this had to be serious. Max didn't seem to hear her question a moment ago. 

-Mr. King? He stopped and looked at her trying to recall what she said. Then he spoke obviously distracted,

-I don't know yet. Just call me when Oscar is here. He said picking up his briefcase and tossing things in it absently. Nancy quickly left the office and did as he asked. The ride to the clinic must've been the longest in his life. His angst built the closer he came. If Luke called him, it had to be serious. He didn't wait for Oscar to open the door of the car for him as he practically bolted out of it and headed through the front doors of the clinic with a long determined stride. Max was led into an examination room by a nurse and saw Luke sitting in a chair next to the bed. Lily was sitting on the side of it with a hospital gown on and her legs bare from the knee down. She looked so vulnerable to him it was all he could do not to gather her into his arms and ask for her forgiveness for the past month. It was hard enough for him to keep the pained expression off his face. Lily was stunned at the sight of Max walking in the room. 

What was he doing here? She darted her eyes back and forth between the two as he Max strode in. That caused more anxiety to creep in knowing that it was Luke's doing, so something more was going on than she realized. 

-Max, Luke did you call him? she accused her brother while gesturing her hand toward the Max, who couldn't look more devastating in a dove grey suit striped tie and white shirt. It seemed like she hadn't seen him forever even though it was just last week, but the memory was not pleasant. She wanted to weep at the sight of him and apologize for yelling at him then, but somehow she couldn't find the words. She missed him terribly and seeing him made a flood of emotions resurface. She clenched her jaw and pressed her lips together to prevent them from reaching her expression. 

-I did. Luke admitted. 

-What for, it's just the flu! She argued, 

-You two are so overprotective! Her eyes searched her brother's expression looking for any indication that Max told him what had happened between them in Greece, but he didn't give anything away even if he knew. At times his demeanor could rival Max's on how he presented himself. Hopefully Max kept his promise. The only reason she thinks he did, is Luke wouldn't be able to hide his animosity towards Max knowing how protective he was of her, but there was nothing and Luke looked at him as he always did with the affection of a friend. 

-Yes we are Lily, because you are very special to us. Now, I asked the Doctor that I'm to be the one to tell you what she suspects it is. I wanted Max here because he's part of your life. Luke explained calmly. She still couldn't bring herself to look at the other man, 

-not anymore.

-Stop it Lily. Said Max finally, 

-I am as much as you don't want me in it right now. As soon as you're done being angry with me, you'll understand that.

-I'll never stop being angry at you. She answered knowing it was a lie. She wasn't angry she was hurt, heartbroken and devastated. 

-Lily, Luke said finally, 

-I need you to listen to what the doctor told me

-Her mouth fell open, 

-It's the flu. She said more quietly now unconvinced. Finding her courage, her eyes guided to Max. There was concern in his expression and it was genuine, 

-Isn't it? Luke stood up next to Max, 

-Actually honey, it may be worse than that. The doctor thinks you may have breast cancer. He watched her lip tremble after a brief pause for his words to sink in. 

-Breast, 

-She choked unable to finish. Luke went to reach for her but before he could, and contrary to her testimony only moments ago, she went to Max's outstretched arms who embraced her tightly without hesitation lowering his head on top of hers while speaking softly to her. It was then that Luke realized that he handled this whole thing with Lily and Max wrong. Had he allowed Max to marry her when he wanted, she wouldn't have gone through the stress of heartbreak besides the shock of what he'd just told her. Her actions were completely opposite of what she'd just voiced. In the end she needed Max to comfort her not her own brother. As his eyes guided over the couple it was definitely more than just a reassuring hug. It was intimate and Luke almost felt as if he was intruding on the two. They loved each other. It was as obvious as a slap in the face. Why hadn't he seen it before? Was he that overprotective of his baby sister to realize that she was old enough to make mature decisions and that she was old enough to genuinely love someone? He already knew the answer to that. 

-He was. Max held onto her like she would disappear any moment and spoke to her endearingly, 

-Look baby, don't panic yet until we get the results, then we'll go from there

-She released a muffled sob, 

-I'll hire the best oncologists the country has, he continued soothing her in a soft deep voice while inside he felt like weeping himself. He could feel her fingers scrunch the cloth of his shirt as she wept clinging to him. Max kissed the top of her head before he lifted his eyes to Luke, 

-Go and find her doctor and see if the results are back yet. Then get Nancy on the phone and tell her to find out who the best Oncologist is in Chicago. I want appointments yesterday. Then we'll go from there.

-I'll get right on it. He said walking out of the room as he pulled out his phone. It should have been him comforting Lily, but she wanted Max and for some reason that was okay with him. Also, Max was able to take charge when he could hardly think right and although he hated to admit to feeling helpless, he was thankful for him. He nearly fell to pieces after seeing the look on Lily's face when he broke the news to her. What good was he to his sister in that condition? Back in the room Lily was completely inconsolable. She had soaked the front of his shirt and showed no sign of letting up. He didn't blame her, the news was devastating. 

-Honey, look at me. Max finally said placing his hands on either side of her head and tilting her red tearstained face up to his, 

-I won't let anything happen to you. I swear to God we'll beat this.

-We? She managed to choke out. 

-We. He brushed his mouth across her forehead. 

-You don't think I'll let my girl go through this alone do you? She hiccupped, 

-no. she said uncertainly. He gave her an adoring smile at her tone that literally pulled at her heart. 

-First don't get so upset until we hear the results. Then we'll panic. He smiled. 

-Okay?

-Okay. She said weakly. 

-Hey, I won't abandon you and neither will Luke. You have family that love you button. She nodded and he pulled her into his arms again just as Luke came back in and mouthed the words how is she? Max just shook his head and mouthed back not good'. 

-Lily the doctor is coming back in to speak to all of us. Just then his phone rang, and he pulled it out, 

-It's Nance. And he turned away just as Doctor Chang entered. She looked at Luke who was on the phone then held out her hand and introduced herself. Max took her hand but kept his other wrapped tightly around Lily, 

-I'm Max King, Lily's fiancé. That brought Lily's head up abruptly and she looked back and forth at Luke and Max, neither one of them looked at her. 

-What did Nancy say? Max asked Luke. 

-Doctor Jenson. He answered. Doctor Chang looked back and forth at the both of them recognizing the name, 

-Wow, you two move quickly. I'd like a referral to him. Max said. 

-I was actually going to suggest it Mr. King. She said opening the folder she had and pulled out the lab results. 

-I had them double checked as Mr. Shayne asked, but they're not good. I'll phone Doctor Jenson and set up surgery for a biopsy.

-No,

-Max? Luke started but he held up his hand. 

-No biopsy. Take the lump. I'm not wasting time finding out if it's benign or malignant. Take the whole damn thing, she's not going through two surgeries. Is that clear? You tell Jenson that if he gets rid of it, I'll fund his next research project and the amount of money he receives is based on her prognosis. Her eyes widened, that was a dream for any researcher. She had meant to protest his request, but no smart physician would turn down such an offer, 

-Mr. King this may be nothing,

-I'll go somewhere else that complies with my wishes Doctor Chang. I'm serious. When you contact Doctor Jenson, set up an appointment as soon as possible, and I'll discuss this with him. I know what it's like waiting around for surgery or between surgeries for results. If it's benign then it may be a pointless surgery but Lily won't have anything to worry about.

-All right Mr. King, I'll speak to Doctor Jenson. She resigned knowing that it was better not to argue with him. She'd dealt with plenty of determined families like this, but Max King had money and a reputation and she really didn't want to cross it. She recognized his name immediately when he introduced himself and from the way he was holding her young patient, she knew that he meant every word he said. 

-come on Honey, he said reaching for her clothing, 

-You need to get dressed, you're going home. He glanced up at the Doctor, 

-I expect a call by this evening on those appointments Doctor Chang.

-I'll do my best. She said as Max pulled the curtain to give Lily some privacy. After the Doctor left Luke pulled Max aside, 

-Thanks. Max nodded, 

-I should be thanking you for that phone call. I may look in control, but I'm a fucking mess on the inside. He whispered casting a glance over his shoulder at the curtain. 

-My mother

-yes, I remember Max. Breast cancer. Look, I'll take her home, make her something to eat

-I'm coming. He interrupted, 

-Luke, you know I love her more than my own life. I can't leave her even for a minute. I'll clear my schedule for the next few weeks. Luke saw the anguish in his friend's face, and finally nodded, 

-Okay. I'm not going to be greedy and demand that she spend every second with me, but we're not going to smother her either even though we're both dying to do it. So we'll take turns. That way there's always someone with her, and someone taking care of business.

-I may not be able to hear what you two are saying, but I know it's about me, so stop it. Came a voice from behind the curtain. Max grinned. That sounded more like Lily. It even brought and expression of relief to Luke's face. 

-Sure honey, Luke said. Once at home Luke sent Lily to her room to get ready for bed while he went to the kitchen to make her some decaffeinated tea and a snack. Max followed him. 

-You'll have to manage in my absence, he told Luke. 

-I'm going to be spending a lot of time here.

-No problem. He said without turning around as he filled the kettle, 

-We can balance things out together.

-I'm staying the night to. Luke stilled, set down the kettle and turned to face his friend. 

-With Lily. Max said. 

-Max, she's my baby sister.

-Yeah, and she's my future wife. He countered. 

-You already know how I feel about her. He paused swallowing hard, 

-If this is serious, I don't want to miss out for a moment. You have to admit, she's more mature than her age, and she's a big girl. She can make her own decisions.

-I've seen the way she looks at you; she wouldn't deny you anything Max. This is my concern and she has enough to worry about.

-Something the three of us will take on together, but I'm not leaving. He said just as his phone rang. It was Doctor Chang. Luke finished making tea while Max was on the phone. Lily was sitting on the couch in a satin baby blue robe just staring at the far wall,

-How are you holding up? He said setting the tea down on the table in front of her before sitting beside her. 

-I'm still trying to absorb it all. It seems like a really bad dream. Luke put his arm around her and pulled her into his embrace, 

-its okay sis, we'll beat this. She looked up at him, 

-I think that's one of the stages of grief, denial. He chuckled and flicked a finger over the tip of her nose, 

-Maybe, but we do have an advantage that a lot of people don't have.

-What's that?

-Max. That made her smile. 

-You love him don't you sis? he said seriously. 

 It took her a moment to respond, 

-I think from the moment I hit puberty. She said releasing a small laugh. 

-I'm just another woman in a long line of women to fall for him. She sighed taking a sip of her tea. 

-Do you think that's how he sees you? She shrugged a shoulder, 

-I don't know, there are times I think, maybe, then something happens and he withdraws. Luke knew that was his fault. He made Max promise him that he would give her time to grow up. Despite Max's love for his little sister, he had shown an incredible amount of restraint. He doubted he could do the same if it were him in that position. 

-Did Max go home?

-No he's on the phone with the Doctor from the clinic.

-About the specialist?

-Yes.

-Do you think he meant that, about funding a research project on my prognosis?

-Definitely." 

-Why? He studied Lily's expression of puzzlement for a moment to see if she even had a clue on how much Max cared for her, but there was nothing. He felt guilty over that, because it was his wishes that kept Max at a distance, and if this was a serious illness that she had, she would never know how much Max really cared. 

-Do you even have the slightest idea on how much he cares about you?

-Yes, he loves me like a little sister of his best friend. He watched me grow up, he helped me with my homework, and he was there for me today she stopped because her eyes began to water up remembering what he told the doctor. 

-I suppose I should blame myself for you not knowing the truth Lily. I've asked Max to take it slow

-Slow? she said blinking, 

-Take what slow? He turned to her with his expression serious, 

-Max wasn't saying he was your fiancé so he'd have rights over your care, which is what you're assuming. He really does want to marry you. Lily's mouth hung open, 

-What, but he, I mean…

-The only reason you aren't married to him now is because I told him to stay back and allow you to grow up for a few more years. As my friend he's respecting my wishes.

-You told him?

-He wanted to tell you when you were sixteen. Way too young. Lily just stared at him with a mixture of shock and anger on her expression. Everything started making sense to her. He didn't want to betray Luke and that's what kept him from making love to her completely in Greece. Then there was his coolness, the guilt she thought she saw and his ever looming possessiveness. 

-Listen. Don't blame Max, I told him to wait at least until you were twenty-four, but when Nikos showed interest, he near went through the roof

-She just gaped at him. 

-He wanted to propose to you that day, I told him no, you were too young. You walked in after the argument was over. He finally conceded to a mock engagement. That ring he gave you was one he bought when you were seventeen. It was too much, she started weeping, 

-You mean that really was my ring?

-Yes, and you'll get it back, probably soon. I'm leaving you two alone. I think I messed up this relationship as much as I possibly could. I realize now that I should have let Max tell you how he felt all those years ago. It's funny how something like this makes you really think.

-Oh Luke! She threw her arms around him hugging him tightly. 

-You have no idea how you just made me feel! I needed that! 

-she pulled back and tried frowning but it was unsuccessful,

-I'm still mad at you though. He grinned and kissed her cheek, 

-I can handle that. Just then Max came down the hall from the kitchen, 

-Luke I, he stopped when Lily got up from the sofa and launched herself at him. He was startled but easily embraced her, 

-Wow, what's this for? He said looking over her head at Luke. 

-I'm going to the office for a bit, Luke said standing up, 

-I'll get a head start for Tuesday. He glanced at his watch, 

-I'll be home late, so don't wait up. He turned and walked out of the room leaving Max staring at him completely baffled. Then he felt Lily's hands on either side of his face causing him to look down at her. 

-I want my ring back. He stared down at her still confused about the sudden affection not missing her tearstained eyes. Then he smiled slowly and reached into his pocket withdrawing the ring, All right.

-You had it with you? she said in awe as he slipped it back on her finger. 

-I've had it with me for three years. He confessed deeply. 

-All the time?

-Every day.

-Is it really mine? She looked up at him after admiring it. 

-Luke's got a big mouth. He said pursing his lips. 

-I would have said yes at sixteen. He reached up and brushed her long hair back over her shoulders to cup her face in his hands and search her eyes for some sort of apprehension, there was none. 

-I would have married you then button, but Luke was right in a lot of ways.

-I'm not sixteen Max, I'm twenty now.

-Yes you are. He said huskily before he lowered his head and kissed her.