Accident Prone

"We will need to take vacations more often if we are going to make use of this yacht.", Max said.

"Let's adjust our schedules so that every first weekend in a month we make it a long weekend by leaving work early on a Friday so that we can go somewhere.", Liz suggested. "Whenever the weather allows it, we can use this yacht. We should open this up for our friends as well. They can either join us or take the yacht out if we are not using it. The staff will be ready, and everything is covered anyway."

Max didn't object. "I am curious to see the controls and I would like to give this baby a ride..."

Liz smiled at the sight of Max's eyes which sparkled with excitement. It was obvious that he liked the yacht. Ah, all boys like toys, and as they grow older, the toys get bigger. 

Max opened the closet and found that there are several sets of clothes for him and for Liz, swimwear was included. "It seems that Rina helped in making sure we have what to wear…"

"I like the bathroom!", Liz exclaimed from the side. "I need a shower…"

At Liz's words, Max's lips lifted into a wicked smile and he stalked after her. "I need one too…"

…

"It seems you have too many clothing choices, and you had a tough time deciding what to wear…", Mia said teasingly when Liz and Max joined them on the main deck.

They took almost a full hour. But they all knew that Max and Liz were not tangled in picking swimwear. Liz's blush and Max's grin were a giveaway that they were doing something naughty.

Liz giggled and buried her face in Max's chest who put his arms around her protectively.

Max and Liz observed the entertainment area that was under the staircase. There were a bar and a cozy sitting area. A table next to the bar was lined up with various bite-sized snacks and fresh fruits. When looking up, one could see that the wide staircase is split in two by the waterslide that goes from the top deck straight to the swimming pool.

"OK! The party can officially begin!", Olivia exclaimed.

They all cheered, and Angela dashed inside with Derek following two steps after her.

"Is she OK?", Liz asked with concern obvious in her voice while looking after Angela.

"Angie is pregnant.", Sabrina answered. "They found out last week. Angie wanted to keep it a secret for the first twelve weeks, but considering that she is puking her guts out, the secret must come out or everyone will think that she caught some nasty virus."

"Oh, how nice! Will gets a cousin close in age!", Liz exclaimed.

"When will you have babies?", Brianna asked Liz. "Now that you are tying the knot, babies are next, right?"

Liz looked at Brianna like she asked something silly. "Instead of worrying about my babies, how about you make some of your own?"

Quentin smirked and hugged Brianna from the back with his hand landing on Brianna's belly, giving it a small rub.

Liz's eyes widened as she understood Quentin's action, but she still had to ask: "Are you pregnant?"

Brianna pouted. "What a timing! I can't drink at your wedding!"

Liz laughed and hugged Brianna. Max was staring at Quentin and it took him some time to process the news.

Max was a bit dejected because he met Liz first, yet Quentin and Brianna ended up marrying and they got pregnant before them. But that's fine. Max will make Liz his wife tomorrow and work on the babies part right after that.

Angela and Derek returned to the deck and Derek supported Angela like she is made out of glass. He was very gentle with her and their gazes were full of love. Everyone could see that they were happy. Even Ashton. Ashton didn't approve that his baby-sister came to Seattle to study and ended up married and pregnant, but he could not deny that Angela was glowing and that Derek was the source of her happiness.

Mia and Hunter weren't in a rush to get pregnant. They were busy and happy to be a family of two.

Lunch was served on the deck in form of a salad bar and tacos where everyone could make their own.

Since Brianna and Angela were pregnant, and Sabrina was breastfeeding, there were plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options.

The afternoon passed in a good mood where the swimming pool was at the center of the party with the waterslide for an extra splash.

Derek, Ashton, Hunter, Jake, and Mike discovered that the yacht comes with jet skis and they were happy to take them for a spin. It soon became a competition and Max, Quentin, and Mia joined in as well while others cheered.

Before dinner, they all retreated into their rooms to change into formal wear. Brianna and Sabrina worked together to ensure that ladies have gowns and gentlemen have sharp suits.

Sabrina was sad to be separated from William, but she knew that grandparents Nathan and Madeline will take good care of him. Rosie, Will's nanny was also at the Anderson villa, to ensure that Will is not neglected while Madeline takes care of final things for the upcoming wedding.

In one of the guestrooms…

Stephanie was looking at herself in the full-length mirror. The short-sleeved peach-colored gown fit her perfectly.

"You are gorgeous…", Gordon murmured as he hugged her from the back.

Stephanie and Gordon are Liz's interns, and they are dating since they started medical school, five years ago. That is why they got one room to share, while Valentina is staying in a smaller bedroom on her own.

Stephanie, Gordon, and Valentina graduated and are working on their mandatory internships in order to qualify to become MDs. They are discussing possibilities for their contracted internships to turn into full-time jobs at the Franciscan Medical Center, and even though all conditions are met and Liz gave them stellar references, chairman Lee is delaying on approving this. There are many other hospitals, but it's easiest for them to land full-time positions at the Franciscan Medical Center where they have a record of their performance.

Stephanie smiled at the sight of Gordon who looked sharp in a well-fitted black suit. "I'm glad that Liz invited us. I would never assume that some people can live such a luxurious lifestyle. This is something that can be seen only in movies. Can you believe that we get to keep the clothes and jewelry?"

Gordon nodded. His suit came with a golden clip for the necktie, diamond cufflinks, shoes, and a fancy watch. "It makes me want to work harder because once both of us become MDs, we will earn enough to afford something like this."

Stephanie stifled a giggle. "Sure. As soon as we pay off our student debts."

Gordon was not discouraged. "That will happen as well. Each of us will earn our place by working hard…" He remembered the third member of their lab at the Franciscan Medical Center. "Do you think that Valentina is having fun? I mean… all this is nice, but I would not enjoy it if we were not together, and Tina is dateless."

"I wouldn't say dateless. Didn't you see her talk most of the afternoon with Andrea? They were in the swimming pool close, too close… if you know what I mean."

Gordon paused. "You mean… Tina and Andrea?"

"Why do you look shocked? It would not be the first time for Tina to venture into a fling with a girl. Who knows? Maybe they fall for each other. I don't know how compatible they are, but they were laughing and having a good time."

…

Dinner was an elegant function in the main dining area where a table was set with candles and roses, and a delicious seven-course meal was served by skilled staff.

Everyone was wearing fashionable outfits, Zack and his three assistants included.

"Zack…", Liz called when she saw that Zack was walking around and snapping photos. "Can the four of you stop that and join us for a meal? You didn't touch your food."

"Who will take photos?", Zack asked.

"Don't you have a tripod or something?", Mia asked. "Set your cameras to snap photos on every minute and join the party. You've all earned rest and a good meal."

Liz nodded in approval and everyone urged Zack and his assistants to relax.

It was during the dessert when Grace hit her glass with a knife repeatedly, creating a loud clinking sound that got everyone's attention.

"I apologize for hijacking the party, but I promise that this will take only a few minutes…", Grace said as she stood up and turned to Jake. "Jake… I know that you have your doubts and insecurities. I want to take this chance in front of our closest friends to tell you that I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you and that no matter what is ahead of us, I will not be afraid as long as we are together. Will you marry me, Jake?"

Jake blinked rapidly and he was embarrassed that his insecurities caused Grace to do this. Jake loves Grace, but he was painfully aware of how much her status is above his and he didn't think that he was worthy. At the same time, he was unable to break up with her, so they were dating and argued whenever the topic of their future came together because Jake didn't dare to dream. But now Grace was standing in front of him, and he had to ask… "What about your parents?"

"They are not included.", Grace responded. "I want to marry you, and this is something between the two of us. My parents can accept it and be part of our lives or object and stay on the side. What do you say?"

Jake stood up and pulled Grace into his hug. "Shit, Grace… How can you be so perfect?"

Grace smiled. "Is that a 'yes'?"

Jake was super-embarrassed. "Yes."

The people at the table exploded into claps and whistles as Jake and Grace kissed and the noise didn't simmer down even after the newly-engaged couple took their seats.

"What about the ring?", Ashton asked teasingly.

Jake glared at Ashton and turned to Grace. "I have a ring for you at my place. I bought it a few months back, but I couldn't find the courage to…"

Grace pressed her lips against Jake's, preventing him from talking further, and that made people at the table start another round of claps.

Mike glanced at Olivia and he realized that he was the last one left. Ah, he was nervous!

After dinner, there was dancing and fireworks.

Liz sank in Max's embrace and she noticed a smaller boat further away that was used to launch the magnificent display of colors which lit up the sky and reflected in the ocean.

Max was next to her and all around her and their friends were nearby, and her world was at peace.

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