Snapshot · (Roswell Fanfiction) · √

55. Growing Pains

The Evans' Residence
(2031) Max is 46, Liz is 45

She smiled as his arms wrapped around her waist from behind. The faint stubble on his cheek prickled her cheek as he placed his chin on her shoulder.

"Hey," he mumbled and angled his head slightly to place a kiss behind her ear.

"Hey you," Liz answered, putting the sliced cucumber into the salad bowl.

"Do you need any help?"

She shook her head. "Nah, I've got it under control. The lasagna is in the oven and I just have to cut up some tomatoes."

He covered her hand that was holding the knife. "Let me do that."

"Max, there's no-"

"You've been on your feet all day. Go and sit down, Parker."

Knowing that there was not really any idea fighting him, Liz nodded and let him take the knife out of her hand. She turned her head and kissed him softly and walked out of his embrace with a whispered "Thank you."

Sitting down on one of the black bar chairs, she watched the broad back of her husband as he cut the tomatoes into wedges.

"How did it go for Zoe today?"

Liz supported her chin in her hand. "She was perfect."

Max sent her a smile over his shoulder. "She always is."

Liz jumped off the chair. "Yep." She walked towards the oven, but only got halfway before Max grabbed her by the waist and spun her to face him.

Holding her tightly in his arms, he gave her a mischievous smile. "Where do you think you're going?"

Looking innocent, Liz replied, "Just checking on the lasagna."

Max bent down and kissed her slowly. Pulling back, his smile returned. "I thought I told you to sit down."

She bit her bottom lip. "I guess I'm not that good at taking orders."

"Ah," Max laughed softly and kissed her again. "A confession."

She locked her fingers behind his neck and leaned towards his lips. Nipping softly at them, she purred, "I've got some more in store."

"Really?"

Liz nodded and ran her tongue across his bottom lip. "Uh-huh."

He smiled. "Okay, so how about we-"

"Moooom. Daaaaaad."

Liz bit her bottom lip in a typical 'caught with her hand in the cookie jar' expression and briefly met Max's laughing eyes before turning her head to face her 13-year-old daughter.

Brianna looked appropriately annoyed at her parents' non-parental behavior, her hands at her waist and a stern look in her dark brown eyes.

But as soon as Liz was about to address Brianna, Jacob Aston stepped around the corner.

Following the redirection of her mother's eyes, Brianna sighed dramatically as she saw her best friend by her side.

"God, you're so embarrassing," she mumbled to Max and Liz. "Why can't you be like other parents?"

Liz laughed. "We've never been like other parents. Why start now?"

Brianna rolled her eyes and decided to put it behind her. "Is it okay if we take the bus to the mall?"

"What about food?" Liz asked.

"We just ate something at the CrashDown."

"Are you sure you want to do that, Aston?" Max addressed Jacob, a twinkle in his eye.