351 Christmas 1

11:57 AM

Liz and Max arrived at the Anderson family's villa and asked the staff to help them carry presents inside. Other than Christmas presents, they also had souvenirs from their vacation.

Max immediately got busy arranging presents under the Christmas tree in the living room. Based on the number of packages, he guessed that Mia and Hunter contributed to the pile as well.

"How come you are here?", Liz asked Mia while giving her a hug.

Mia and Hunter were supposed to spend Christmas with Mia's family.

"I can ask you the same thing.", Mia returned the question.

Liz shrugged like it's not a big deal. "My dad is here, and it would be a pity to miss this gathering due to a few days of vacation that we can have later. Now your turn. I asked you first…"

"Two days with my father grinning and Roberto sulking, are plenty. For the first time in ages, my father didn't have a woman by his side. I thought that is a good thing until I realized that now he has more time to suffocate me. I wanted something normal and relaxing."

Hunter chuckled and pointed at Madeline whose smile stretched from one ear to another. "You call that normal?"

Mia rolled her eyes jokingly. "I think you forgot that there is a big difference between your crazy and my crazy. I will take yours anytime."

Nathan overhead Mia and he was not happy that she called them crazy. "What was that?"

Liz laughed. "Mia said that she prefers spending time here with you instead of with her family."

"Father.", Mia corrected Liz. "Others are not family. It's just my father and as much I want to bond with him, it's more challenging than I thought it will be."

"I'm sure that he is missing you. Don't get me wrong, I love that you and Hunter are here, but as a parent, I can tell you that you leaving probably broke his heart.", Madeline said. "If you can give me his contact information, we can make sure he is invited to our next gathering. I would love to meet him before you kids tie the knot. It will be sad if we meet for the first time at the wedding."

Mia was not sure how to respond to this. Does she even want Fabricio at her wedding? Her carefree life and happiness are partially due to her keeping the distance from her father. If Fabricio meets the Andersons, Mia fears that he might corrupt this pink and shiny world she created with Hunter.

Also, Mia's idea of a perfect wedding is Hunter and her, and a handful of selected friends. Hunter does not mind it one way or another, but Madeline and Sabrina are pushing for something grand with hundreds of guests.

Luckily, Sabrina and Ashton made their entrance, and Mia skipped on responding about Fabricio's contact information because Madeline was distracted. Everyone's attention was on the pregnant woman in the room.

Sabrina does not like these belly-rub sessions, but when she sees how much her mother and Mia are smiling, she can't refuse them. However, it's the first time for Liz to do such a thing.

"Didn't you say that touching a pregnant woman's belly brings good luck, is a baseless superstition?", Sabrina asked Liz. "You know that you are rubbing my abdomen and that if I do the same to you it would be weird and inappropriate, right?"

Liz giggled. "Well, it can't hurt. Besides, I didn't believe in many things before I met your brother. Max opened my eyes and made me feel and see things beyond my wildest imagination. Right now I am at the stage when I can say with confidence that anything is possible."

Mia whistled. "Someone had a good time on their vacation."

Sabrina and Mia observed Liz's face as it was getting redder. It was obvious that Liz is remembering something naughty.

"Oh, I will have another grandchild soon!", Madeline exclaimed.

Hunter and Max both perked up their ears and exchanged confused 'not me' glances.

Based on Sabrina and Mia laughing, Max understood that they are teasing Liz. He had to step in.

"Mom, don't put pressure on Liz. We love each other, but we are still dating and it's too soon."

Madeline was never the one to stay silent. How she sees the current situation, Max needs to seal the deal with Liz before she changes her mind, and only when Max and Liz are married and their bond is reinforced by a child, Madeline can sleep peacefully.

Madeline narrowed her eyes at Max. "Too soon? Why don't you look at Liz's reaction? It's obvious that she is not opposing the idea. As for the two of you still dating… that is your fault. When are you going to show your sincerity? It is obvious that you are a perfect match, how much more dating do you need? Did you buy a ring, or do I need to teach you how to do those things? If you don't know, ask your father!"

Max opened and closed his mouth, unsure how to respond and Liz's increased blushing was a sure sign that she is not comfortable with the current topic.

"Dad!", Liz exclaimed in relief when she saw Isaac and Foxy at the door of the living room.

Liz was so happy that she got out of the sticky situation with Madeline that she missed the detail of Foxy holding onto Isaac's arm. Liz launched herself toward Isaac and hugged him, noticing the awkwardness only when Foxy stepped away from them.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to barge in like that.", Liz said to Foxy while letting go of Isaac.

Inwardly, Liz cursed herself. She wanted to show Isaac and Foxy that she does not mind them dating, yet the first thing she did was act like a teenager who can't handle her father finding someone he cares about. Liz wanted to fix this, but she was not sure how. It seems that whatever she says or does now, will only make it worse or sound like a continuation of her lame apology.

"Make yourself at home, I will help Max arrange these under the tree…", Liz mumbled while getting the bag with presents from Isaac's hand.

Max saw that Liz is dejected and he knew what is on her mind. He leaned closer and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Relax and be yourself. Don't force it.", Max spoke only for Liz to hear.

Liz exhaled and leaned on Max. "Sometimes I wonder if I am that easy to read for everyone or only for you?"

Max remembered all the times when he was wrong about Liz… the most painful example was when he thought that Liz is moving according to his tune, yet she saw him as gay. The first kiss that was supposed to spread magic and make her his, ended up as a complete disaster. But he will not admit that. Never.

"Only for me, my love."

Since everyone arrived, Madeline ushered everyone to the dining room where lunch was served.

They agreed to open presents after dinner, as a grand finale.

"What's up with you?", Mia asked Liz when they returned to the living room.

Liz glanced around to ensure no one can hear them before responding: "I believe that my dad and Foxy are dating."

"So? You like her, right?"

"Yeah, but… Things are awkward. I want to tell them that I'm OK with them. How can I do that?"

Mia was always in favor of a direct approach. "Just tell them. It might be less uncomfortable if you tell them separately."

Liz agreed with Mia, but she already spoke with Isaac and told him that it's fine and she is not sure if he believed her or if he thought that she is saying it only to make him feel better.

For the next half an hour, Liz was eyeing Foxy and she finally found her chance when Foxy headed to the restroom.

"Foxy… can I have a minute?"

Foxy responded with a nod.

"I'm sorry about my behavior when you arrived and this morning. Me leaving was rude. My father didn't show interest in women since my mother passed and this is new for me. I am happy for him, and you, but I don't know how to behave. Until I figure it out, please excuse my inappropriate actions. I don't have any ill thoughts."

Foxy released the breath she was holding. "It's OK, Liz. This is new for everyone. I had two meals with your father, and I think that he is a charming man, a true gentleman. Honestly, I don't know where this is going, and if it will go anywhere, but if it does… it's good to know that we have your support. Isaac really values your opinion, and he craves for your approval..."

Liz smiled. This went better than she thought.

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