Ok, I know it has taken me like forever to continue, but I'm still pretty busy with school. I fact it's getting worse right in the new year, so I figured I better do this now:- )
Have fun reading it, and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2003!!!!!
P.S.: I know some of you would have liked to read the story of the night the two of them spent there, but I'm afraid I don't feel like I can do that- not in a foreign language. So if anybody out there would like to add that part, contact me!!!Thanks:- )
**
The next day they enjoyed the breakfast buffet before heading back to the car and then home. As it was Sunday the streets were relatively free and Logan guided her through some nice areas of the city.
Finally Max turned off the engine in front of the house of Logan's grandparents.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful night."
"I have to thank you. For making me feel whole again. I have never imagined that to be possible ever again."
"Usually I'd kick your ass for talking like that, but you know, I'll leave it if you promise it's always gonna be like that."
"I swear."
They looked each other in silence fo a few more moments before Max got agitated again. "Let's go inside, something smells delicious."
"Max! You's just had a really huge breakfast!"
"Girl's gotta eat," she shrugged.
Laughing they made their way inside and were greeted with knowing looks. "Hope you enjoyed your night out."
"We did. Can we please leave it at that." Logan asked, not able to avoid the boyish grin on his face.
"Sure. Hungry?"
"Max i."
"Listen, George called," Anna told them while she put two more plates on the table. "He asked if you would mind seeing him today. Off the record. If you are interested you can call him."
"Sure." Logan nervously glanced at Max, who nodded in determination. "I can call him right away."
While Logan wheel out into the hall to make the call, followed by Peter, Annasat down opposite of Max and smiled. "How did it go? Did you two have fun? I don't mean to be curious, but..."
"It was great," Max happily cut her off. "The best evening of my life I'd say."
"That's good. I must admit I was a little worried."
"Why?"
Anna uncomfortably shifted on her seat and glanced towards the door, making sure Logan wasn't coming back. "Well, Logan is not like all the other guys."
"Thanks God."
"I mean, people look and it takes guts to get involved with all that."
Max looked directly at Anna. "I don't care what other people think, never have."
"Yes, you are an amazing young woman, Max. And I'm so happy for the two of you."
"Thanks..." The door opened and Peter returned.
"George will come over in the late afternoon," he announced.
"Cool. Where is Logan?"
"Garden." Max nodded, but stayed where she was. When she noticed the questioning glances, she explained: "I have a feeling that he needs some time to think."
And she was right. Logan sat under a birch tree and let the sun warm his face. This day might change his entire life forever, and he knew that with Max by his side he would be strong enough to face it, but there were doubts crossing his mind nevertheless.
He had learnt during his life how easily things taken for granted could disappear, and he had learnt that holding back feelings could lead to disaster. He wanted to sort them out this time, and be prepared for possible consequences of his decisions.
Max still was a killing machine on the run, there wasno guarantee she could keep her promise to stay with him forever. Neither a child nor he could run with her, so he had to consider raising the child alone, no matter how much that thought hurt.
He had also experienced how his body could betray him, there was a possibility of further complications concerning his spinal cord. He might end up quadrilepgic or even worse. Then he wouldn't be of any help to Max, just a liability, even worse than now. Then she would also have to worry about an invalid husband she couldn't just lave because of the child they had together.
But in the end Logan came to the onlyacceptable conclusion: He loved Max, and Max loved him, and together they would find a way, no matter how hopeless it might seem. He opened his eyes and turned his chair to head back inside when he saw Max standing on the terrace, looking at him.
"Hey you. What's up?"
"Hey you too. I was just thinking."
"I know. Are you still positive?
"Yes."
"Good."
"You know what you are getting into, right?"
"I do."
"Good."
"Just one more thing. This is not through, we don't have her yet."
"I know."
"One reason for a refusal to give her to us might be my condition. I just want you to be aware of that. Please don't..."
"Logan, do me a favor and shut up." She sat down on his lap and gave him a passionate kiss. "We are in this together, remember?"
"Yes."
**
It was just about to get dark when the doorbell rang. Logan had helped his grandfather paint the fence, claiming this was probably the one thing that was easier for him to do. Max had helped Anna clean the windows and had insisted on doing the ones upstairs. Now they were sitting in the living room, freshly bathed and dressed.
George was a friendly elderly guy with white hair and a round face. Max remembered him from one of the parties as a pretty funny person, and, what she has become sensitive for, as someone who treated Logan like a normal person.
Now he asked then about their lives in Seattle and Max and Logan willingly told him, leaving out the more dangerous and exciting aspects, but still trying to be as honest as possible.
Finally he became a little more serious.
"Well, this all sounds pretty good, there are a few things though, usually those would make me deny your request right away- in your special case I'm willing to consider it, despite those things." He put the pen he had been playing with on the table and leaned back.
"First of all, you are only 21 years old, Max."
Logan leaned forward. "I know that sounds young, but she has been through quite a bit and is very mature. She knows what she wants."
"I actually came to that conclusion myself." He smiled reassuringly. "Then, you two are not married and apparently you haven't been together for long."
"We are engaged and have known each other for nearly two years now. There never is a 100% guarantee, but we belong together, and we wanna stay together, forever." Max answered.
"Alright. Well, then, I'm sorry, but you knew it was gonna be a point to discuss- your disability, Logan..."
Logan tooka deep breath. "Listen, I'm gonna be honest. I had a hard time coming to terms with it, and without Max I probably would never have. But I have accepted fate and myself, and just because I can't walk doesn't mean I can't be a good father."
"Are you capable of leading an independent life where you have room for a child? I'm really sorry, but I have to ask those things."
"Don't worry, I expected that. But I absolutely am."
"Well, then. I hope I'm not gonna regret this, usually this is a long process, but with Anna and Peter as credentials I think I can use my influence. For now I would like to congratulate you to your babygirl."
Max grinned from ear to ear and jumped up to embrace George, Anna and Peter in one big hug. Logan watched, laughing. When she released her hold she turned towards Logan and literally flew into his arms. "I can't believe it!"
"Me neither Angel, wow."
"I'm a Mommy," she giggled. "And you're a daddy..."
"One more thing though," George interrupted them. "I'd like o see her again in about half a year, so I have to ask you to come back to the UK."
"No problem." Logan smiled. "When can we get her?"
"Tomorrow, there is some paperwork, stuff to sign. We can met at Arlington House by 9 am."
"We'll be there."
"So enjoy your last night in peace." He smiled and shook four hands. "See you tomorrow."
Peter saw George out and Anna stayed with Max and Logan who both sat at the table, suddenly unable to move.
"I can't believe it's been that simple..." Logan said, tonelessly.
"As we told you, George is a dear friend, and he trusts us. We gave him our word that this is the best thing that could happen to Hope." Anna explained.
Logan and Max didn't answer for another minute, but finally Logan grinned. "This feels really good. Others come home with souvenirs, postcards, stuff like that, and we take a baby home. This has been a helluva vacation."
Max nodded, still shocked. She stood up and climbed on Logan's lap without saying a word and embraced him.When Peter returned they were still like that.
"How about we go out for dinner and celebrate? I mean, this is your last evening off for a long time."
"Sounds good to me. Max?"
"I'd love to."
Have fun reading it, and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2003!!!!!
P.S.: I know some of you would have liked to read the story of the night the two of them spent there, but I'm afraid I don't feel like I can do that- not in a foreign language. So if anybody out there would like to add that part, contact me!!!Thanks:- )
**
The next day they enjoyed the breakfast buffet before heading back to the car and then home. As it was Sunday the streets were relatively free and Logan guided her through some nice areas of the city.
Finally Max turned off the engine in front of the house of Logan's grandparents.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful night."
"I have to thank you. For making me feel whole again. I have never imagined that to be possible ever again."
"Usually I'd kick your ass for talking like that, but you know, I'll leave it if you promise it's always gonna be like that."
"I swear."
They looked each other in silence fo a few more moments before Max got agitated again. "Let's go inside, something smells delicious."
"Max! You's just had a really huge breakfast!"
"Girl's gotta eat," she shrugged.
Laughing they made their way inside and were greeted with knowing looks. "Hope you enjoyed your night out."
"We did. Can we please leave it at that." Logan asked, not able to avoid the boyish grin on his face.
"Sure. Hungry?"
"Max i."
"Listen, George called," Anna told them while she put two more plates on the table. "He asked if you would mind seeing him today. Off the record. If you are interested you can call him."
"Sure." Logan nervously glanced at Max, who nodded in determination. "I can call him right away."
While Logan wheel out into the hall to make the call, followed by Peter, Annasat down opposite of Max and smiled. "How did it go? Did you two have fun? I don't mean to be curious, but..."
"It was great," Max happily cut her off. "The best evening of my life I'd say."
"That's good. I must admit I was a little worried."
"Why?"
Anna uncomfortably shifted on her seat and glanced towards the door, making sure Logan wasn't coming back. "Well, Logan is not like all the other guys."
"Thanks God."
"I mean, people look and it takes guts to get involved with all that."
Max looked directly at Anna. "I don't care what other people think, never have."
"Yes, you are an amazing young woman, Max. And I'm so happy for the two of you."
"Thanks..." The door opened and Peter returned.
"George will come over in the late afternoon," he announced.
"Cool. Where is Logan?"
"Garden." Max nodded, but stayed where she was. When she noticed the questioning glances, she explained: "I have a feeling that he needs some time to think."
And she was right. Logan sat under a birch tree and let the sun warm his face. This day might change his entire life forever, and he knew that with Max by his side he would be strong enough to face it, but there were doubts crossing his mind nevertheless.
He had learnt during his life how easily things taken for granted could disappear, and he had learnt that holding back feelings could lead to disaster. He wanted to sort them out this time, and be prepared for possible consequences of his decisions.
Max still was a killing machine on the run, there wasno guarantee she could keep her promise to stay with him forever. Neither a child nor he could run with her, so he had to consider raising the child alone, no matter how much that thought hurt.
He had also experienced how his body could betray him, there was a possibility of further complications concerning his spinal cord. He might end up quadrilepgic or even worse. Then he wouldn't be of any help to Max, just a liability, even worse than now. Then she would also have to worry about an invalid husband she couldn't just lave because of the child they had together.
But in the end Logan came to the onlyacceptable conclusion: He loved Max, and Max loved him, and together they would find a way, no matter how hopeless it might seem. He opened his eyes and turned his chair to head back inside when he saw Max standing on the terrace, looking at him.
"Hey you. What's up?"
"Hey you too. I was just thinking."
"I know. Are you still positive?
"Yes."
"Good."
"You know what you are getting into, right?"
"I do."
"Good."
"Just one more thing. This is not through, we don't have her yet."
"I know."
"One reason for a refusal to give her to us might be my condition. I just want you to be aware of that. Please don't..."
"Logan, do me a favor and shut up." She sat down on his lap and gave him a passionate kiss. "We are in this together, remember?"
"Yes."
**
It was just about to get dark when the doorbell rang. Logan had helped his grandfather paint the fence, claiming this was probably the one thing that was easier for him to do. Max had helped Anna clean the windows and had insisted on doing the ones upstairs. Now they were sitting in the living room, freshly bathed and dressed.
George was a friendly elderly guy with white hair and a round face. Max remembered him from one of the parties as a pretty funny person, and, what she has become sensitive for, as someone who treated Logan like a normal person.
Now he asked then about their lives in Seattle and Max and Logan willingly told him, leaving out the more dangerous and exciting aspects, but still trying to be as honest as possible.
Finally he became a little more serious.
"Well, this all sounds pretty good, there are a few things though, usually those would make me deny your request right away- in your special case I'm willing to consider it, despite those things." He put the pen he had been playing with on the table and leaned back.
"First of all, you are only 21 years old, Max."
Logan leaned forward. "I know that sounds young, but she has been through quite a bit and is very mature. She knows what she wants."
"I actually came to that conclusion myself." He smiled reassuringly. "Then, you two are not married and apparently you haven't been together for long."
"We are engaged and have known each other for nearly two years now. There never is a 100% guarantee, but we belong together, and we wanna stay together, forever." Max answered.
"Alright. Well, then, I'm sorry, but you knew it was gonna be a point to discuss- your disability, Logan..."
Logan tooka deep breath. "Listen, I'm gonna be honest. I had a hard time coming to terms with it, and without Max I probably would never have. But I have accepted fate and myself, and just because I can't walk doesn't mean I can't be a good father."
"Are you capable of leading an independent life where you have room for a child? I'm really sorry, but I have to ask those things."
"Don't worry, I expected that. But I absolutely am."
"Well, then. I hope I'm not gonna regret this, usually this is a long process, but with Anna and Peter as credentials I think I can use my influence. For now I would like to congratulate you to your babygirl."
Max grinned from ear to ear and jumped up to embrace George, Anna and Peter in one big hug. Logan watched, laughing. When she released her hold she turned towards Logan and literally flew into his arms. "I can't believe it!"
"Me neither Angel, wow."
"I'm a Mommy," she giggled. "And you're a daddy..."
"One more thing though," George interrupted them. "I'd like o see her again in about half a year, so I have to ask you to come back to the UK."
"No problem." Logan smiled. "When can we get her?"
"Tomorrow, there is some paperwork, stuff to sign. We can met at Arlington House by 9 am."
"We'll be there."
"So enjoy your last night in peace." He smiled and shook four hands. "See you tomorrow."
Peter saw George out and Anna stayed with Max and Logan who both sat at the table, suddenly unable to move.
"I can't believe it's been that simple..." Logan said, tonelessly.
"As we told you, George is a dear friend, and he trusts us. We gave him our word that this is the best thing that could happen to Hope." Anna explained.
Logan and Max didn't answer for another minute, but finally Logan grinned. "This feels really good. Others come home with souvenirs, postcards, stuff like that, and we take a baby home. This has been a helluva vacation."
Max nodded, still shocked. She stood up and climbed on Logan's lap without saying a word and embraced him.When Peter returned they were still like that.
"How about we go out for dinner and celebrate? I mean, this is your last evening off for a long time."
"Sounds good to me. Max?"
"I'd love to."
