Hello! I'm a 16 year-old Nanny Fan and I just love to read those FanFics that I decided to write one by myself.
I'm from Portugal so please don't mind if I have an error or two in grammar.

This story is another version of "The Engagement". Hope you like it!

Back At One

by

Raquel
(angeluncovered@gmail.com)

Maxwell Sheffield was in his office reviewing some contracts (what a shocker). He was working since 10am and now were 9h45pm. Max rubbed his tired eyes and decided to rest a little bit.

He put the CD player on without knowing that the CD who was playing was Maggie's.

Maxwell started to listening to the songs and when his finger was close to hit the eject button a beautiful ballad started to play.

Max listened to the music and paid extra attention to the lyrics. When the song was over, he had a smile on his face and went to Maggie's room.

- Maggie, are you awake? May I come in?

- Yes daddy.

Max looked at his daughter who had turned twenty two a few weeks ago. Fran had arranged every detail to be a surprise party with Maggie's colleagues and a male "friend" called Michael. Max noticed at how close they were while dancing and did not like it one bit. But, as usual, Fran put some common sense and he started to relax.

- Daddy, you want something?

- Uh… Yes Maggie. I was listening the CD player and one of your CD's was in it. I must say that I did not like most of the songs you have here but I…

- C'mon dad. Who is the person in their twenty's that doesn't listen a little bit of rock or metal.

Max gave an apprehensive look to his daughter and continued:

- As I was saying, I listened to a song- a very beautiful song- and I want to know what's the name of this song.

- The only romantic song I have in that CD is Back at One by Brian McKnight.

- Ok. Thanks Maggie.

- You're welcome dad. Night.

- Good night.

Max went to his office again and started to hum the lyrics. As the hours went by, Max knew that destiny and faith had put him and Fran together.

"The song lyrics are true. Before I met Fran I promised to Sarah that I would never fall again. But it was inevitable. When Fran arrived at this house it was a promise that things were going to be different. She knocked on our door with the suitcase of <Shades of Orient> and handed me the resume in Cadillac lipstick" – he smiled at the thought – "I was lost when I heard her laugh and saw that deep brown eyes full of love and joy. She's every man's dream. She's my dream of woman. She knocked me out with that kiss*.

Fran is a dream come true, she's the only one for me and I love her with all my heart and soul." – Max looked at the clock and saw it was 3am. He climbed upstairs and decided to check out on his girlfriend. She was sleeping peacefully and a little smile could be seen on her lips. "Hope she's dreaming about me"- he thought bending himself to give her a kiss on the cheek, then Max closed the door and went to his room thinking about how would it be to sleep and wake every day with Fran in his arms.

*********************************************

The sunlight made Max stirred.

He went to shower and put some jeans and a black sweater. Today he had plans for him and Fran, and he intended to make everything right.

Meanwhile, Fran was getting ready for breakfast. As always, she put one of her best fuzzy robes and some slippers matching the robe.

She smiled at the thought of Max saying he loved her in Koorestan and in Manhattan again.

They, respectively, went downstairs to the dining room.

- Good morning everyone! - Greeted Fran as usual.

- Good morning Miss Fine/ Fran. – Was Niles and the children's answer. Max hadn't arrived yet.

- Good morning children, Niles and Fran. – Was the greeting.

- Boy, are you in good mood today.

- Well, that's life. – He said with a grin.

The breakfast was a bit agitated. The children were talking about their school problems, (Boys/ Girls/ Friends- Funny thing, they weren't talking about the grades) and Fran were counselling them about what to or not to do.

Max was observing every gesture; absorbing every little word, marvellous about the way Fran and his kids connect with each other.

The kids – finally – went to school and Niles was in the kitchen cleaning the dishes.

- Uh, Fran would you mind come to my office? We need to talk.

- Sure Max. – Fran answered not knowing what if this was good or bad.

Max closed the door behind Fran. He motioned her to seat in the loveseat and sat beside her.

- Fran I was wondering if you would join me today in the Rainbow Room at 9o'clock to dinner and dancing, maybe.

- You mean, like a date?

- Yes Fran. Like a date.

- Okay Max. It's something casual or fancy-schmancy?

- It's a fancy-schmancy thing. I took the liberty of buying you a dress for tonight. It's in your bed now.

- OH Max. Thank you so much.

- So at 8h30pm be ready, ok?

- Okay. – Fran got up and stopped before the door. She went near Max and, gently, grabbed his face and bringed him closer and closer to her. She stopped when she felt his hot breath near her lips.

- I don't think that today you told me how you felt Max.

- Uh, I uh… I'm sorry Fran. I should have said it today at breakfast. I love you Fran.

- I love you too. – The sensation of having him near her, like this was sensual. And the feeling of his breath was erotic. When she couldn't resist she kissed him. A kiss so ever gently that when their lips touched their legs couldn't support them, they felt like jelly.

Lips parted and tongues met for an in love battle. Both won.

They broke the kiss slowly and stared at each other's eyes.

In Fran's eyes, Max saw the love for him and for the kids, the passion for life, the vivacity and the strength she had.

In Max's eyes, Fran saw the unconditional love for her, the raw and lust and the passion also.

They loved each other and there was no use to deny what they felt.

Fran turned and left the office to get ready for that night and Max just stood there with a smile playing on his lips and his eyes sparkling with love for this woman.

******************************

Fran opened the box that was on her bed and saw the most beautiful dress she had ever seen.

It was a long blue sparkling dress. She noticed a paper inside the box and she read it: "To My Beautiful Darling Fran

Love is beautiful

Love is pain

Love is punishment

Love is inside us

I remember the smile

The paradise that now, without you, is painful

One life without you

Kicks me out

But in slow time

Whatever it is

When I'm alone

In the silence

Behind your voice

And I see you in front of me

One kiss

I smell your perfume

I feel your jealousy

The missing thing that completes my own being"

Fran wiped her tears and smiled. The man that for five years had been her boss and friend was now her date; her boyfriend. She believed that they were meant to be together and the love she felt for Max had no possible dimension.

Fran went freshen up and prepared herself for the night that was coming.

At 8h25pm Max was ready.

He put on his double breasted tuxedo and splashed a bit of Aramis, he knew Fran loved it.

Niles was at the door and looked at his boss and friend, smiling and thinking "Who would say that five years later, the big Broadway Producer, Maxwell Sheffield would be ready to commit to this beautiful young woman that came into our lives like a hurricane. The 22nd June 2000 will be marked for the rest of our lives as the day of my best friend's engagement."

Max was nervous like a schoolboy but when he saw the vision of her in one of her "Fran poses", he felt the happiest man on earth.

- Fran, my darling, you look… there are no words to describe right now.

- Oh Max, thanks. You're not bad ya self. – He offered his arm.

- Shall we?

- We shall. – And they left the house leaving Niles wiping the tears that softly ran down his face.

The ride in the limo was quite and they were enjoying the other's company.

Max had time to think about what he was going to say and Fran, well Fran had time to enjoy the comfort of Max's arms.

The maitre'd recognised Max as a usual costumer and lead them to their table.

- Are you ready to order, monsieur?

- Yes Jacques, we are? Fran?

- I'd like to try the rosbife with French fries please.

- Yes madam. And for you monsieur?

- The same Jacques.

- And to drink monsieur?

- That red wine that I always ask.

- Certainly monsieur. I'll be right back with your orders.

- Thank you Jacques.

When Max and Fran were left alone, Max took the opportunity to lead Fran to the dance floor.

- Would you like to dance Fran?

- Of course Max.

The hostess of the Rainbow Room took the microphone.

- Ladies and Gentleman's I would like to present to you one very special guest this night. Please welcome Brian McKnight. – The persons in the ballroom were amazed and cheered for the singer who walked on the little stage.

- Thank you. – Brian grabbed the microphone and started to sing "Still".

Max led Fran to the centre of the ballroom and started to move slowly at the beat of the song. Fran put her cheek against his and one of her hands went to the back of his neck while the other was grabbed by one of his.

Max leaned his chin to her head and smelled her vanilla shampoo. She had put the perfume ha had come to love since that kiss*, "Obsession" and he lost himself in the scent of her. His other hand made way to her waist increasing the proximity between them.

When Fran played with a lock of Max's hair he felt his legs turn to jelly.

His body attempted to betray him at the moment the song stopped and they cheered once again the singer.

- I have a special request this night, from a good friend of mine. He said he would like to dedicate this song to his girlfriend. He would like to thank her for everything she did to him and to his family. So, from my dear friend Maxwell Sheffield to Fran Fine, "Back at One".

Fran was speechless. She looked at Max and, with one tear rolling down her face, knew that the she couldn't love him more than that moment.

Max leaned and kissed her tear then moved his lips to her ear and whispered:

- Fran, when I met you I felt that I was in a dream that I never woke up.

Maybe it's because I didn't want to wake up, but I, in that dream felt the happiness that I'd never felt in my whole life, and it's hard to admit that even with Sarah I hadn't felt this way. I've lost myself in the lust and raw and finally love for you.

I didn't saw anyone else. I only wanted you.

Do you know what it feels like to be in my bed just thinking about you? Just thinking about how I couldn't get you out of my heart?

Couldn't have your look and your breath; dream about your body and couldn't touch it or feel it?

Couldn't scream to the world what you meant to me…

I don't know what to do without you Fran.

You are what I've dreamt to me.

You are like a star

Like a heaven without end

I could look for another

But like you, there's no more

You don't' know and I can't express half of what I feel about you.

I love you fran and I want you to be by my side to the rest of our lives, so I'm asking you:

Fran Fine, will you marry me?

Fran was in tears of happiness for the words of the man of her life. She turned her face to him and nodded smiling between her tears.

Max lifted her and hugged her for his dear life. Setting her on the floor he leaned his lips to hers and kissed her. Immediately she deepened the kiss and they were completely lost in another world, the lover's land - their land.

**************************************

- Mommy, mommy! Hurry up! – A little boy tugged at his mother's coat calling for her attention. – Daddy's downstairs already. We're gonna be late.

- Sweetie calm down. Your daddy is used to this and so you'll be someday. – Fran Sheffield smiled at her son. The sparkling green eyes from his father and the boyish smile he had made her heart melt.

- But mommy I wanna hurry up. I'm hungry. – The boy almost begged to his mother.

- You'll have to wait, Jonah. Brian's not going anywhere.

- Yes mommy. But hurry up, okay?

- I'll try sweetie. – Fran smiled at the face of the youngest Sheffield, well that was going to change because of her six months pregnancy. She smiled. Four years had passed since that marvellous night when her husband proposed to her.

Fran gasped as she felt two strong arms grabbing her from behind. He kissed her neck and caressed her swollen belly.

- You look beautiful darling.

- Thanks sweetie. – She looked at him. Her husband in his tuxedo could make a Greek God undesirable. – You're not pretty bad ya self honey.

- Fran do you still remember our song?

- Of course I remember. Why? Have you forgotten?

- Of course not, darling. I want to dance it with you again. I want to remember that night, tonight. I want to love you tonight like I did that night. I love you Fran Sheffield.

- I love you too Maxwell.

They kissed. A long and sweet kiss.

- MOMMY! DADDY! HURRY UP! We're going to be late! – An child with English accent like his father could be heard through the entire house.

- Wonder why his voice carries so much?

Max chuckled and offered his arm to his beautiful wife; witch was gladly accepted by her. Their son hugged them both and ran to the limo.

Max and Fran smiled.

It's undeniable that we should be together

its unbelievable how I used to say that I'd fall never

The basis you need to know, if you don't know just how I feel

Then let me show you now that I'm for real...

If all things in time,

Time will reveal...

Yeah

One you're like a dream come true

Two just wanna be with you

Three girl it's plain to see that your the only one for me

Four repeat steps one through three

Five make you fall in love with me

If ever I believe my work is done

Then I start Back at One (yeah)

So Incredible the way things work themselves out

And all emotional, once you know what it's all about babe

And undesirable for us to be apart

Never would of made it very far

Cause you know you've got the keys to my heart

Cause

One you're like a dream come true

Two just wanna be with you

Three girl it's plain to see that your the only one for me

Four repeat steps one through three

Five make you fall in love with me

If ever I believe my work is done

Then I start Back at One

Say farewell to the dark of night

I see the coming of the sun

I feel like a little child

Whose life has just begun

you came and breathed new life

into this lonely heart of mine

you threw out the life line

Just in the Nick of Time

One you're like a dream come true

Two just wanna be with you

Three girl it's plain to see that your the only one for me girl and

Four repeat steps one through three

Five make you fall in love with me

If ever I believe my work is done

Then I start back at one.

(Kiss*: The kiss on the episode "A KISS IS JUST A KISS!)

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