The Elite Press (Complete)

Oddly Domestic

Everyone got to know each other and had a great time. Slade took everyone out to dinner before they left. Baird and Selena stayed one more day and left. Bill promised to join them for the July fourth celebrations.

Solis and Alayna went home to get their little one from Kennedy. She stayed behind to watch her niece. She really didn't like to travel so she was content to stay and work in her diner.

Hurley had things to do so he left. He was taking a vacation with his wife. They were heading to a beach somewhere. Graham stayed for the week as did Terry. They wanted to tour the town and get to know Max.

Max and Slade had a routine that was surprisingly domestic. Slade made breakfast for Max and packed a lunch for him. He visited Max if he wasn't too busy and greeted him with sex when he got home.

They shared a meal, music and conversation during dinner and listened to music and talked until bed. Terry and Graham agreed that they loved them as a couple. Slade never got along with anyone this well.

Bill came over for dinner on Friday night. He helped Terry cook the meal. Max and Slade came into the kitchen while Terry was agreeing with Bill. "I think you have a point. But you should talk to Max." Terry was unsure about what Max would say.

Max sighed. "I heard my name."

Bill cleared his throat. "I think you should tell Brooke."

Max sat on a stool. "Great. Slade was saying the same thing. Give me a minute." He picked up his phone and took a breath. He pushed the button for Brooke.

"Hey, Boring!" Brooke answered on the second ring.

"Oh, Brooke. I didn't expect you to answer!" Max was stupid.

Brooke laughed. "Uh, you called my phone? How could you be surprised that I answered?"

Max stood up and started pacing. "Uh, I had some news."

"Okay? Bad news?" Brooke was worried. "Is Dad okay?"

"Dad is fine. He's right here, actually. Uh, I'm...engaged." He exhaled.

Brooke gasped. "Are you serious! Max, that is amazing! When? How did he ask? Did Slade ask you or did you ask him?" She was excited and Max didn't expect that.

"Oh, well, Slade asked me and then I asked him. We both said yes. Uh, are you okay?" Max was worried.

"Max, I'm fine. You know me. I wasn't that into Slade. I have a boyfriend here, for now. I'm really happy for you. What do the rings look like? Do you have rings?" Brooke smiled.

"Yes, they're silver bands." Max stared at the floor.

"Sounds perfect for you, Boring." Brooke smiled. "Really, Max. I am happy for you. You sound happy and I didn't know that was really a thing. People say it but I never knew until now. You sound happy."

"I really am. Never thought I would get married! I never planned on it." Max smiled.

Brooke nodded. "It's great to see you finally getting comfortable with yourself, Max. Hey, I have to go but thanks for calling me. Does Dad know?" She was fixing her hair.

"Yes. I just wanted to tell you. Slade didn't want you finding out any other way. I didn't either." Max inhaled.

Brooke nodded. "Okay. Thanks. Uh, I have a party to get ready for. Max, thanks for telling me!"

"Thanks for caring, Brooke." Max smiled. "Go and be good."

Brooke smiled. "I plan on it!" She hung up and laughed. Her brother was engaged.

Max sighed. "She took that well." He leaned into Slade as Slade wrapped his arms around his fiance. He loved that word.

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