by
Mary Ann
(maryanncleveland@prodigy.net)
"Fran--you made it!" Nigel yells. "Hurry, they are casting off in a few minutes! Oh, darling, I thought you weren't coming--you've made me so happy! "
"Nigel, I want to talk to you. I need just a little more time with you, so I decided to take this cruise. I will make my final decision when we reach London. I think we should have separate cabins, if you don't mind." Fran says.
"Darling, whatever you want--in fact, I agree, and have already booked 2 suites. Come, I'll show you."
Maxwell opens the front door of the Sheffield mansion. Walks through the dark living room to his office, tired as hell. He sits at his desk and notices the envelope. He reaches over and opens it.
Dear Mr. Sheffield,
By now you know that I have left you. This is the hardest letter I've ever had to write. Please know that, no matter what, I will always love you. I know now that you will never return my love--I understand, a man with you backround could never really love a girl like me.
I have taken the QE2 tonight sailing to London. Your brother has asked me to marry him, and I accepted. I can't have you, but, at least I can be part of your family.
Please tell the children everyday that I love them. I have left them and Niles individual letter.
I will never forget you...and what we almost had.
Love, always...Miss Fine...Fran
Mr. Sheffield, hand shaking, looks up in disbelief. "What, the bloody hell...is this a joke?" He bolts out of the office, tears up the stairs and opens Frans bedroom door. He opens the drawers and closets to find them almost empty.
"No, noo, noooo...."he cries. "Miss Fi....FRAN!"
He races down the stairs and out the door. On his cell phone, he calls the New York Heliport..the ship has been sailing for 2 hours. He also calls a member of the New York Port Authority, for permission to land a helicopter on the ships pad. (When you are that rich, believe me, you can get permission for just about anything).
When he arrives at the Heliport, the chopper is ready. "Hurry, it's a family emergency, I must get on that ship bloody fast!"
"No problem, sir...I've done this before--only it was to pick up people who have had medical emergencies ON the ship--this is the first time I've taken anyone TO the ship."
"I'll make it worth your while," Mr. Sheffield tell the young pilot and thrusts ten $100 bills in his hand.
The chopper takes off towards the Atlantic Ocean. After 10 minutes... "There she is! She's slowed down in preperation for our landing--see the lights the signalers are waving us. We'll be there in a jiff."
As they make a perfect landing..."Thank you so much--thank you." Mr. Sheffield crys, as he jumps out of the chopper. The Assistant Captain is waiting there for him.
"Mr. Sheffield, the lady you inquired about is in Royal Suite 6137 on the Penthouse Deck--this is highly irregular, and must be kept between us, but here is a copy of the key."
"You mean she has her own cabin?"
"Yes, your brother is in the cabin next door." Ecstatic, he shakes the officers hand. "I won't forget this, sir, thank you."
Mr. Sheffield goes through the empty lobby to the elevator, and hits the button to deck 6--the Penthouse Deck. The doors swing open. His whole body is shaking. What if she doesn't want to see me? What if she rejects me? What a bloody fool I've been.
In Royal Suite 6137, Fran is sitting in the huge love seat in front of the roaring fire place. She has a beautiful white neglige with fur trim and a long shear outer cover with white fur around the collar and on the long train. Stunning.
She is sipping a glass of wine and staring at the fire. "I've never even slept with another man since I met Mr. Sheffield. Is it time? Should I go in to Nigel?" It's late, but, I'm sure he wouldn't mind." she thinks outloud.
"You've not slept with him--nor anyone since you met me?"
Fran turns around to see Maxwell standing behind her with tears in his eyes clutching her letter.
"M M Mr. Sheffield..what...?"
He move towards the room and gathers her in his arms. "Ms. Fi....FRAN, forgive me--I have been a complete fool. I love you...I always have. Please don't marry my brother."
"Mr. Sheffield, what do you want from me--you just want me to hang around--I've wasted four years, and you barely touched me...."
He lifts her in his arms, and gently kises her as he lays her on the huge bed. "My god, look at you," he says as he gazes down at her. "I love you...you're mine." He kisses her fiercely, tears in his eyes. "You're mine, and I will never let go of you again."
Fran, her body now on fire, is crying also. She hugs him and tears at his shirt. "I'm so sorry...Fran, forgive me. I love you so much." I just want you...forever."
He kisses down her throat and finds all the special spots. A small moan escapes her lips. "This isn't really happening" she thinks.
"Don't do anything, darling...I just want to make you happy." he says. He proves to be an exceptionally skillful lover. Fran nearly faints from pleasure. After two hours, they are wrapped in each others arms. She is sleeping, exhausted...he can't let go of her, and spend the rest of the night gazing at her perfect face--not believing what he almost lost, and how fortunate he made it in time.
"These four years, and she has not been with anyone but me. I was so jealous when she had a date, and didn't even know it. The fact that she saved herself for me just makes me love her all the more. I can't wait for the ships jewelers to open today...."
The End