He takes one of the toothbrushes and heads to the en suite bathroom where he and Liz had showered together the night before only to find that she’s not there.

He hears movement in another part of the house and concludes that maybe she needed some personal time so he brushes his teeth and answers natures’ call. He returns to the bedroom with fresh linens, makes the bed, gathers the soiled bedding and heads for the laundry room off the kitchen.

Max has put on a pot of coffee and the washing machine has just started its cycle when he hears music from the front of the house.

(Amel Larrieux “Make Me Whole” is playing)

Darlin’ I want you to listen
I stayed up all night
So I could get this thing right
And I don’t think there’s anything missing
Cuz a person like you
Made it easy to do
I’ve waited for so long
To sing to you this song.

He follows the music to the end of the hall and through an open door leading to the master bedroom and deeper still into the adjoining bathroom where Liz is immersed in the largest bathtub he has ever seen full to the rim with bubbles. Their eyes meet and hold.

Your eyes are the windows to heaven
Your smile could heal a million souls
Your love completes my existence
You’re the other half that makes me whole
You’re the only other half that makes me whole

Dozens of lit candles reflecting off the ceramic tile illuminate the elegant room and Liz is its focus point. She is so beautiful it takes his breath away.

I think the angels are your brothers
They told you about me
Said you’re just what she needs
And I find myself thankin’ your mother
For giving birth to a saint.

“Max,” She says on a whisper. “What took you so long?”

He can’t take his eyes off of her as he unfastens his jeans and lets them slid to the floor and makes his way over to and into the tub.

My spirit flies when I say your name
If there’s one thing that’s true
It’s that I was born to love you.

Max takes Liz’s place lounging back against the curve of the tub, gently lifts her into position in front of him easing her back into the water where she fits perfectly into his arms and against his chest.

He lets his head rest against the bath pillow that Liz’s head previously rested on, closes his eyes and luxuriates in the only place on earth that comes close to heaven. You make my dreams
Come true over and
Over again
And I honestly truly believe
That you and me are
Written in the stars
I’d live my whole life through
Just giving thanks to you.