Disclaimer: "The Nanny" and all characters are owned by Fran Drescher, Sony Pictures, Tri-Star Columbia Pictures, High School Sweethearts, Sternim and Fraiser, Inc., etc.... This is for fun only, no infringements are meant.

To the nanny fans: I'm having too much fun with fanfiction and I can't stop writing them, so here is Part five of my Nanny saga. As always, it follows the last four stories. This is my way of re-writing the seasons a little. I hope everyone enjoys all of my stories. Please let me know what you think of this one.

The Husband, The Wife and The Surprise

by

Caryn
(drescher_fine@yahoo.com)

Max walks in the front door, smiling as he can't wait to talk to Fran. Putting his suit jacket on the couch, his smile fades as he looks around. Its quiet and his family is no where to be seen.

'Where is everyone?' He asks himself as he walks through the living room.

Max strains to listen, he hears voices in the dining room. He walks in and sees his family sitting there arguing about who knows what and who. His face relaxes as his smile returns.

Max looks at his wife, sitting in her usual spot, gorgeous as always. Fran turns in his direction and locks eyes with him. She smiles sweetly at him as he sits next to her. He takes her hand and entwines his fingers with hers.

He still hasn't said anything yet and Fran's eyes are still fixated on his. The conversations around them continue as everyone else is oblivious to them.

Max has never felt this way for anyone before. His love for Fran is so different than he has ever experienced. Words just cannot express his feelings for her. And now, that's she's pregnant with their baby, his love for her has just intensified. He, himself didn't know he could love her more than he already does, and yet everyday more love seems to flow out of him. His life is better by her just being near.

Max finally speaks, but in a whisper, so not to interrupt the rest of the families' conversations, "I love you."

Fran smiles this time with her eyes and reaches up with her left hand. She strokes his cheek with the back of it. Fran whispers a sweet reply, "I love you-well, we both do." She pats her stomach with their entwined hands. Max leans over and kisses Fran gently but passionately.

The kids notice that their parents are not listening to them , so Brighton clears his throat to get their attention, but they still don't notice.

"Gesh, what does it take?"

CC walks in and yells, "Maxwell, don't you two ever stop sucking on each other's faces. It makes me sick."

"You wanted to know what it takes?" Niles quietly comments, but loud enough for the children to hear, "It takes a squeal of a pig." He points to Miss Babcock.

Brighton, Maggie and Grace laugh hysterically at Niles' joke, but CC just glares at them. She didn't know what Niles had said, but she knew it was some sort of comment against her.

"Sorry CC." Max finally says after he breaks his and Fran's kiss, "No, actually I'm not sorry." He looks at Fran as he tightens his grip on her hand.

"Fran, I need to talk to you about a couple of things, after dinner-alone."

"Sure, Honey. How was your day?" Fran asks her husband.

"It was pretty good, we had a lot of meetings and things to set up."

"Maxwell, don't be so humble. Nanny Fine, we had one helluva day." CC makes a big dramatic scene, "We have an offer of a lifetime."

Max cringes and sighs, this is what he wants to talk to Fran about, alone, not in front of everyone. Max knows at any moment, Fran's going to ask him what CC meant and will want to know details.

"Max, what happened?" Fran excitedly asks as the entire family quiets down to listen.

'Well here it goes.' Max rolls his eyes, talking as fast as her can in order to get it all out before his wife kills him, "Well, it seems that an old buddy of mine, you know him, Fran. Remember Charles?" Fran nods her head in acknowledgment. "Well, it seems he's secured a theater in both London and Paris. He wants me to bring "The Widower" to both cities."

"Awe, Honey, that's wonderful. Who is gonna produce them other than you? Who do you trust over there?" Fran hopes Max isn't going to say himself. She hates to be apart from him, especially now that she's pregnant.

Max looks at Fran. He knows he shouldn't be going, but its an opportunity he's never going to get again. "Fran, I'm going." She turns away from him, but he puts his index finger under her chin, to make her look at him. "I know, Darling, but I'll be home before you k now it."

The kids look at each other and then back to Fran and Max. They see the very hurt look in their mother's eyes. Niles nods towards them, and all four of them file out of the diningroom to let Fran and Max discuss the situation now lain out before them.

Fran knows she can't go with Max. She has to watch the kids, although they can take of themselves, but she needs to be there for Gracie, because she's the youngest. Fran, herself has been sick. Morning sickness has hit her hard the last few weeks. She hasn't felt like doing much, she gets tired so easily, but Dr. Reynolds had told her, that this would soon pass.

Although, she's past her first trimester, Dr. Reynolds told Fran to be careful in how much she does, being an older first time mommy. Fran, of course, didn't take the word "older" well, so her doctor had told Max that he should really baby Fran for awhile. But in Fran's mind, she concludes, Max leaving, is him breaking his promise to always be there for her.

"Fran, are you angry?" Max carefully asks her, grabbing her hand in his once again.

"It depends...."

"On what?"

"How long? How long are you going to be gone?" Fran looks at him with tears in her eyes.

"Not as long as you think."

"Max, don't avoid my question. Remember, I'm the one who taught you how to do that. Now, how long?"

"Fran..." He starts out, but he knows he can't lie to her and even if he tries, she'd know in a second. She has this way about her. "Three weeks, four at the most. We are going to produce them simultaneously." He takes his eyes off hers, for he can't face her.

Fran releases her hand out of his as she stands up quickly, "Excuse me!"

Fran runs out of the room. Max sits there numb, 'She's so upset. How can I do this to her? We need to talk about this.'

He gets up and goes after her. By the time, he gets into their bedroom, he can hear Fran in the bathroom, getting sick again. He walks into the bathroom, sits on the floor with her as he holds her hair back. She throws up once more, and Max positions himself, so she is sitting between his legs. Fran lays her head back against his chest as he rubs her belly-the belly that is housing and protecting their unborn child.

They sit like this for quite some time, as a silent conversation is being spoken. Fran lays her hands on his, as she starts to cry lightly. Max brings his hands up to her face and wipes the tears away. He then places his hands back on her tiny belly. He kisses her neck and she finally lets all her tension go.

Max speaks first, "Fran, my Darling, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just I'm gonna miss you. We haven't been apart for more than twelve hours. How am I gonna make it through three or four weeks apart from you? Not being able to hold you, kiss you, see you and even make love with you."

"Sweetheart, don't you think I thought about that too. Honey, you'll see, I'll be back in your arms in no time. I'll call you twice a day," He looks at Fran's face staring up at him, and quickly restates what he said, "make that three time a day. I'll need to call to hear your voice and to make sure you're okay. I'm going to miss you just as much." He picks up her left hand, and fingers her wedding rings, "You see this? This is my promise to you, that I will never break."

"Well, you better be home quicky, because I'll look like a cow the next time you see me." Fran tries to laugh, but her voice catches in her throat, "Max, I'm scared."

"Of what, Fran?"

"Of being pregnant, and having you so far away from me. What if something happens, what would I do, if you weren't here?"

"Fran, stop it. Nothing is going to happen. We made this baby, and he or she is healthy and strong, just like us." He continues, but more quietly, "But, I'd be here in a second. There is nothing to worry about."

"Max, I just wish you asked me how I felt about this before you said yes. What if I really didn't want you to go?"

"Fran...." Max stops talking as her words finally sink into his heart. "Fran, I'm sorry. This is a decision we should be making together. You're my wife, and I should have came home and asked you about it, instead of coming home and telling you."

Max makes an attempt to get up, but Fran doesn't move. He slides from behind her and stands. He then bends back down and picks her up. He carries her to their bed and lays her down. He lies down next to her and looks her in the eye.

"Then, let's discuss it now."

"Max, you really want to go, don't you?" Fran looks up into his eyes, she already knows his answer.

She can't really be mad at him, it is a good opportunity for them. Max is a great producer and maybe this would prove his talent. "The Widower" did very well in New York and won five Tony's, now maybe it's London and Paris' turn to see how great he is.

"Okay, but don't ya dare enjoy being a bachelor again. You're big fat pregnant wife, will be here waiting for you, don't you forget that!!"

"Fran, are you sure?"

"No, but you want this, and that's part of marriage. Give and take, right?" Fran scrunches up her face, hitting Max in the arm. "So, ya think I'm fat?"

Max shakes his head, he knows he should have said something about her comment sooner, "Fran, you are absolutely glowing and I don't believe I've ever seen anyone more gorgeous that you. Baby, you're wonderful, you know that?"

"Yeah, but I like it when ya tell me." She runs her hands through his hair, "Miss me, yet?"

"Yes, I do, and I'm not leaving until Saturday. So, that makes five whole days to show you just how much I'm going to miss you and how much I love you." Max kisses Fran passionately as she wraps her arms around his neck. Max moves his hands down her back and gently pulls her body closer to his.

"Max?" He looks at her with questioning eyes, "I love you, too!"

He smiles at her as he brings up his left hand and strokes her face with it. She raises her head towards his and kisses him back.

"Fran, if this gets too bad for us or if you need me, I'll be home right then."

"Okay, I need you!" She teases Max and he laughs at her. "Well, I figure it couldn't hurt to try."

Max covers her mouth with his own and they slowly remove each other clothes. They haven't decreased their 'activities' even though Fran's pregnant, in fact, her pregnancy has made their love making even more special.

Dr. Reynolds said as long as Fran's feeling fine, than they can continue up until Fran gives birth or she decides it's too uncomfortable, with having a huge belly in the way. Fran had laughed at her doctor after she said that. She turned to Max, who was standing next to her and whispered to him, 'Yeah, like I would give that up. If there's a will, there's definitely a way.' Max had just laughed and kissed Fran.

So, now here they are, wrapped in each other's arms as they repeatedly please and satisfy one another. Fran adores the way Max gently loves, the way he holds her like a fragile flower, taking extra care in everything he does.

Knowing each other's bodies intimately, they know exactly what to do as they begin making love. Max softly caresses Fran with his hands and he kisses her with all his love. She responses to every little touch as her whole pleasure is to make Max happy. Max is the same as Fran, for his fulfillment is to satisfy her every desire. They are perfect for one another, both in body and soul.

~~~~~~~~~~

Days pass by as Max gets ready to leave on his venture in the European theater society once again, and his life away from his family, especially Fran. Can they really stay apart for that long?

Fran's been hiding out lately, not wanting to face Max. Deep down, she doesn't want him to go. She understands this is important to him, but how can she manage to sleep alone or take a shower without him. Who's going to comfort her when the baby doesn't like what she eats and she gets sick? Who's going to rub her back or cuddle up with her when she needs it?

Fran decides not to let Max know how upset she is. She sits on the couch as she thinks of her near future. She wishes Max could stay home with her and be there for everyday of her pregnancy. They made this baby and both of them should be there for every step.

Fran's thoughts are soon interrupted as Niles sits next to her. He sighs and then takes a deep breath, "Mrs.....Fran, are you okay?"

"Yeah, Niles, I am. I'm just thinking."

"About what? If you don't mind me asking."

"Just about Max leaving for so long. Niles, I'm gonna miss him." Her voice cracks a little when she speaks.

"I know, especially since you two finally are together and got it right!" Niles laughs trying to make Fran feel better. It works, she starts laughing herself.

"Do you realize how 'big' I'm gonna be when he gets back. He's leaving when I'm thin, just wait to later, I'm gonna look like a whale."

"Oh, no!" Niles mocks her and laughs, "I don't think the world's ready for you to wear a moo-moo."

"Niles, stop it!" Fran pushes her friend playfully, truthfully, he's made her feel so much better. "Thanks, you're a wonderful friend."

"Yeah, well if i was a true friend, I would have gotten Mr. Sheffield to stay home and make Miss Babcock go to Europe. Amonth of no Boobcock! Now, that's heaven!" Niles laughs even harder as CC walks into the room on her way out. "Oh, wait that would only help me out."

Niles stands up and goes up the stairs to get Mr. Sheffield's luggage. As he ascends the stairs, he looks over the banister and sees Mr. Sheffield walking towards Fran. Niles smiles hoping everything will work out.

Fran doesn't see her husband approaching her, she lies back on the couch, trying to relax. She feels hands massaging her neck, she looks up and sees Max. He sits down behind her. Max runs his hands down her shoulders and then down to her waist. She grabs his hands in hers and places them on her belly.

"Well, you better enjoy this little belly of mine, because when you get back, you'll be lucky to wrap your arms around me. I'll be too big." She tries lightening the mood a little, neither of them wants to say goodbye.

"Darling, there's no way, you're going to be that big."

"You leave soon, don't ya?" She just stares at their hands.

"Yes, my flight leaves in a couple of hours. Fran..."

At the same time, "Max..."

"I know Sweetheart, I know. I love you!"

"And I love you!"

Max slowly stands and brings Fran up with him. He pulls her close and kisses her so passionately, that she has to lean against him to stay up. He hasn't kissed her like this since their wedding. Slowly, their hands decide to play the game too.

Fran breaks their kissing and places her forehead on Max's. Breathing heavily, she tries to gather her thoughts, "Max, don't go." She whispers so softly he doesn't hear her.

"Fran, remember, I'll call you everyday and if you need me for anything, and I mean anything, call or page me. I'll always have time for you. I..." His voice trail off as a single tear forms in the corner of his eye.

Tears are already flowing done Fran's face, but she pushes herself forward, "Make me proud, Max. Go get'em, my big tiger! I love you and I'm gonna miss you more than I can tell you."

"Fran, I already miss you." He bends his head down and kisses Fran again and then looks into her eyes, "I love you more!"

They'll holding each other tightly, until Niles comes down the stairs with all his luggage.

"Sir, I'm sorry, but we must get going."

"Yes, you're right, Niles. Thank you." Max runs his hands down Fran's back and smiles. "I'll call you from the plane, then when I land and again when I get to the hotel, okay?"

"Be careful, Sweetie. Show London what you're made of, that means your mother too!" She kisses his nose and they laugh together once more.

"You take care of my baby." He strokes her face with his hand.

"Yeah, don't worry. I'll take care of her," Fran then smiles and quickly adds, "or him. And we'll wait for the return of Daddy." She smiles sweetly at him, as he takes her hand guiding her to the front door.

"No, I meant you, you're my baby too." He kisses her hand, "Fran, you be careful yourself. Remember, you've got Brighton, Maggie and Grace here to help you. And Niles is here too."

"Max, I'll be fine. I'll Just be missin' you!"

Max puts his coat on as Niles opens the door for their exit. He leaves Fran and Max alone for one last goodbye. Max grabs Fran's hand again.

"Okay, I'll talk to you in a couple of hours. I love you, Fran."

"I love you too, Max." He starts walking out the door and she lets her hand slowly fall out of his. Max disappears out of her sight. Fran sighs and walks back into the livingroom, but just then the door opens again.

Fran turns around and Max is standing there, with his arms open wide. Fran runs to him and jumps into his arms. She wraps her legs around his waist. They share a long sensual kiss, putting their goodbyes and their love all in this one kiss. Max hugs Fran tightly and sets her down on the steps.

"I love you."

"I love you."

Max exits once again, and Fran leans against the stairs trying so hard not to cry.

~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Max is in the limo, pulling a picture of Fran and the children out, looking at it intently.

He doesn't know how to handle the next few weeks without Fran. Maybe he shouldn't be going, maybe he should be staying home. But then Fran's voice of this evenings conversation comes back: 'Make me proud and go get'em my big tiger!' He knows she would prefer him to stay with her, but he also knows that if this was really important to him, then she would let him have his fun.

"Niles, she really is the most wonderful woman any man could ask for."

"Yes, Mr. Sheffield, she sure is."

~~~~~~~~~~~

It's been seven days and all is going well, or that's what Max is thinking. He's in London setting up all the little details of "The Widower". Everything at home is great and he talks to Fran at least three times everyday. He makes sure to find time for her and the children. Max looks up from his work and into the eyes of Fran-the picture of her and the children are on his desk.

Max's assistant walks up to him, and asks a question. "Thinking of your wife?"

Max smiles and answers, "Yes, I sure am. I really miss her. Thanks for asking. How are the sets coming?"

"They're all set up. We will be fine opening tomorrow night, and everything should be set for a two week run. Paris is also right on schedule."

"Wonderful! Thanks Alex."

Alex smiles at Max, but it's a more seductive smile than a friendly one. Alex is short for Alexandra and even though Max has no intentions in her, she has some for him......

~~~~~~~~

Fran walks into Max's office and sits in his empty chair. The children are at school and Niles is out shopping. She takes time some days to think of Max, she misses him more than she thought she would. She looks on his desk and notices his calender. She flips through it, and sees each week has a different set of numbers written by it. Fran smiles as she realizes what they are.

"Awe, Max.....you're so sweet!" Fran says out loud, "You keep track of how many weeks along we are." Fran's eyes start forming tears, but she blinks them back. She searches for today's date and sees that it makes her 15 weeks pregnant.

She sighs as she sees Max's handwriting on Wednesday, a week from yesterday, he has written: Fran's sonagram-Make sure everything is canceled for it'. There is a heart drawn around it. Fran runs her hand along it and smiles. She leans back in his chair, wishing Max would came rushing into his office, sweeping her off her feet.

Fran rubs her belly as a calm feeling washes over her. The front door slams, Fran smiles again and raises from her current position. She leaves Max's office to see what the rest of the day will bring.

~~~~~~~~

"Fran!" Max's voice is filled with excitement.

"Max, it's about time ya called me. This is the first time today and I only got to talk to ya once yesterday. Okay enough whining, how are ya?"

"I'm fine. How are you? The baby okay? The children?"

"I'm good, except for being extremely lonely without my husband. The baby is great! I have the sonagram, tomorrow. I wish you could be here for it. And the kids are all fine. Maggie applied to three colleges, Brighton is causing his normal amount of grief around here, and Gracie is the therapist we always hoped she'd be. How's the play going?"

"I'm glad everyone is okay. I miss you a lot, Fran. The sonagram is tomorrow, huh? I can't believe I'm going to miss it. What time is it at?"

"It's at 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. You'll promise to call right?"

"Oh, Darling, yes, nothing is important as that or you. I'll call at 3:00 to make sure you're home. The play is going wonderfully. Alex, you know my assistant, is doing a good job. Just don't tell CC that. She'd be jealous that someone can do her job."

"So, London and Paris are seeing the business side of my wonderful husband, huh?"

"Yes, I'm giving them hell....."

Alex, Max's female assistant walks up and interrupts. "Maxwell, are you coming? We need you now!"

"Fran, I have to go."

Fran hears the female voice and the way the woman says her husband's name. Fran shrugs it off, really thinking nothing of it.

"Yeah I figured so. Okay, Sweetie. I love you so much. And Max, one more thing, us being apart is killing me." Fran holds her voice in check or so she thinks.

"Oh, Fran. I know, its also killing me. Darling, only one and half weeks left. I promise you. And I'm planning on sooner, okay? Fran, I love you more." They kiss on the phone and hang up at the same time, each sighing, not wanting to let go.

~~~~~~~~~

The next day approaches and Fran's a little nervous about going alone, but she doesn't want anyone except Max to be here for this. Fran enters her Doctor's office and is escorted to her room. The nurse instructs her to change into the gown.

Fran lays on the bed and awaits the Dr Reynolds. Finally about ten minutes later, she enters and smiles.

"Fran, are you ready to see your baby?"

"Yes, I've been thinking of this for quite sometime." A huge smile spreads across Fran's face and her doctor prepares everything. She lifts the gown up and reveals Fran's abdomen, which can now be seen, a little belly is definitely starting to grow. Fran looks down and laughs, "Yeah, he or she is giving me a belly alright. I can't believe since Max has been in Europe how much I've popped out."

"Yes, you have, haven't you? Let's see, you are now, 16 weeks along. So, you should start to feel movements. They will feel like butterflies in your stomach. Believe me, you'll know when you feel them. Okay, then, ready?"

"Yep, let's go for it." Fran watches her gel up her belly and turn the monitor on. Dr. Reynolds moves the scanner on Fran's stomach.

"Oh, my."

"What? What's wrong? Please don't let anything be wrong."

"No, Fran, nothing is wrong. Everything is fine, look, your baby has four little feet and four little arms."

"What?"

"Fran, you're having twins!" She points to the screen showing Fran the outline of each baby.

"Wha....?" Fran's completely shocked, not fully comprehending the actual news.

"Do you want to know, what they are?"

Finally being able to speak, Fran answers Dr. Reynolds, "Well, I know Max doesn't want to, but he's not here. I do." Fran wipes the tears that are falling from her eyes.

"Okay, Mommy. Let's see.....we have a little boy and what do we have here.....it looks like he has a little sister."

"Oh my God, a boy and a girl!" Fran giggles as she thinks about what's happening. Wow!" More to herself, "Well, Max, I do believe your little 'swimmers' were on overtime!"

Dr. Reynolds breaks into Fran's thoughts, "Fran, I do however want you to be careful of how much you do now. Everything is looking wonderful, but twins aren't known for staying in their 'home' for the full term. So, I want to see you every three weeks now, instead of once a month, okay?"

Fran nods her head in agreement, she's too shocked to say anything. Five children, what is she going to do with five children? She sighs happily, as smile spreads across her face, thinking of how to tell Maxwell about this unexpected news.

As Fran redresses, she looks down at her belly and talks to her babies, 'Well, you two, help me find the perfect way to tell your Daddy about the both of you.'

Fran smiles all the way home, smiling still as she enters the townhouse. Smiling all the way up the stairs to her and Max's room, and smiling as she lays down. She's very tired, not only from being pregnant, but also from the news of the day. She closes her eyes and rests, Niles knows Max is going to call soon and to wake her up.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, in London, after wrapping up production for the night, the cast and crew of the London set of "The Widower" are throwing a party. Max looks at his watch, with the time difference, he has to call Fran in half of a hour.

Just then, Alex walks up and gives Max a glass of Merlow, "So Maxwell Sheffield, are you usually this good at things?"

Max looks at her, not fully seeing the seductive nature of this woman standing in front of him. He can be so naive sometimes.

"Yes, well my wife things so." Max smiles thinking of Fran.

"Ah, yes, your wife. This has to be hard for the both of you, not seeing each other for awhile, huh?"

"Yes, I'm thinking maybe I should take a break and go home."

"Maxwell, you couldn't do that, remember your contract. Besides, it's only a week or two more." Alex tries everything to keep Max's attention off of his wife. (If CC was here, she'd have to give Alex credit for her attempts, but even CC knew when to back off.)

"Alex, you're right, and I'm just home sick. I should get going back to the hotel and call Fran. I need to ask her how today's appointment went and tell her that we're leaving tomorrow for Paris." Max makes an attempt to leave; however, Alex has other plans.

She accidently bumps into Max, spilling the red wine all other both of them.

"Oops, Max. I'm so sorry, how clumsy that was of me. Now, I'll have to go and change. It's a good thing we're both at the same hotel, huh?"

"Um...yes." Max is a little irritated, walks over to the director and tells him he'll be right back.

He gets into the Mercedes that he's been driving and looks over in the passenger side seat, there's Alex already in the car.

"Maxwell, you don't mind, do you?"

"I suppose not." Max makes his conversation short, starting to get the point that Alex is a little too friendly.

~~~~~~~~~

Fran wakes up and stretches. She looks at the bed side clock, its already past four. Fran frowns and raises from the bed, fixing her clothes back into place.

She descends the back stairs and finds Niles fixing dinner. She walks over and sits on the chair behind the island counter and nibbles on the vegetables he's cutting up.

"Niles, did Max call and you didn't wake me?"

"No, Mrs. Sheffield, he didn't. Wow, its almost 4:30 isn't it?"

"Maybe he got busy or something, but he did promise to call, especially because of the sonogram today." She smiles mischievously at Niles, who is just dying to know what happened at the doctor's today.

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"Nope, not until I tell Max. Can you survive until later tonight? I'm gonna go call him, I'll use the phone in his office. Oh, and Niles, keep the intercom off!" Fran laughs as she walks out of the kitchen.

Fran walks around Max's desk and sits down. She grabs the note that Max scribbled the numbers of the hotel and the theater on. She dials the theater, being this late, he's probably at the cast party.

She waits as the call is connecting, it rings.

"Hello?" A male voice laced with a thick British accent asks.

"Hello, is Maxwell Sheffield there?"

"I don't know, let me find out. Can I tell him, who is calling?"

"Yeah, this is Fran, his wife."

"Oh, Mrs. Sheffield, a pleasure to talk to you. I've heard all about you. I'm Marcus, the director. Max speaks of you often, I do believes he's missing you rather much."

"Well, that makes a girl feel good, thanks!" Fran smiles hoping to catch Max there.

"I do know he just left about an hour and half ago. I think he may be back, I'll go check." Marcus puts the phone down, but not on hold, because Fran can hear conversations going on. She hears Marcus yelling for Max and another male voice yells back, "No, Mr. Sheffield isn't back yet, nor is Alex."

Marcus picks the phone back up and tells Fran, "No, your husband isn't back yet."

"I'll try to call him at the hotel, thanks a lot for checking for me." Fran disappointed, sighs deeply as she says her goodbyes to Marcus.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile as Fran's dialing the number to the hotel, Max is in the lobby talking to the clerk, trying to get a new key for his room. Suddenly his hotel room key has disappeared.

Alex in her own part, didn't look so shocked that Max lost his key. She's the reason, he doesn't have one. On her way upstairs of the hotel, she stops by his room, using the key Max supposedly lost. She's planning on misplacing Max's last suit, since the rest of his stuff is packed and ready to go to Paris.

As she's in his room, the phone rings. Seeing no harm in answering it, since no one calls except for the theater, she does.

"Hello?" Alex sweetly speaks into the receiver. Fran is taken aback, why is some woman answering her husband's phone in his hotel. "Who is this?"

"No, Honey, who are you?" Fran irritated beyond control.

"I'm Alex, I work for Max."

Fran couldn't believe that 'Alex' is a woman, she assumed to be a man. 'Wonderful, I'm glad Max told me that bit of information.'

"Is Max there or not?"

"Yes, he is. And can I tell him who is calling?"

"His wife!" Fran yells in the phone.

'Oh, this will be fun!' Alex thinks to herself, but to Fran, "Well to be honest, he's in the shower at the moment. He had to clean up after, well, anyway, can I have him call you later?"

Fran starts to shake and can't find the strength to fight with this woman, "No, don't bother!" Fran slams the phone down and soon tears are falling rapidly down her face. She walks over to the couch in the office. She sits down and buries her head in her hands. Now she knows why Max and Alex weren't at the party, and now she understands why their conversations have been abrupt.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Alex smiles to herself laughing uncontrollably. She looks at her reflection in the mirror, giving herself another huge smug smile. She turns to leave as Max enters the room.

"Alex, what are you doing in my room?"

"I walked by and it was open." She says innocently, forgetting for a moment that she has his suit in her hands, "Oh, and this suit of yours was on the floor. Sloppy maids!"

"My room was open?" He eyes her, not knowing what to think of this whole situation, he's gotten himself into with her.

"Yes, now I must go and get ready." She leaves abruptly as Max sighs and shuts his door of his room.

Max looks at his watch again, he forgot to call Fran. He picks up the phone and dials home, not wanting to waste anymore time. He can't wait to hear how the sonogram went today. He smiles as he is only seconds from hearing Fran's voice.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Niles walks in Max's office to make sure Fran is okay, but as he enters Fran is hysterically crying. He sits down next to her and places his arm around her.

"Mrs...Fran, is everything okay? What's wrong?"

"Niles, he's.......he.....her.....both!" Fran makes no sense, once in a while a word will come out between her sobs.

"What? Fran, tell me."

"Niles, I called to talk to Max, and she answered."

"Who is she?"

"Alex, his assistant!"

"Okay, so why are you upset? He was probably busy."

"Niles, she answered his hotel phone! He probably was busy, because she says he was in the shower. She said they, well, you know. Niles, why did he do this to me? How could he cheat on me? He hasn't called since yesterday and each conversation we've had, gets shorter and shorter."

"I know......." Niles is cut off by the phone ringing.

He grabs it answers, "Hello, Sheffield residence."

"Niles, it's me. Where's Fran? I can 't wait to talk to her." Max's voice is filled with anticipation, Niles didn't understand, his boss didn't act like anything happened.

"One minute, Sir." He holds his hand over the phone and looks at Fran. She knows its Max, but she can't talk to him. After what he's put her through, she just doesn't have the energy to fight.

"Fran, do you want to talk to him?"

"No.....I....I...." She starts crying again, he nods his head.

"Sir, Mrs. Sheffield is resting up in your room right now. She's been waiting to hear from you but today has been quite long for her." Niles threw in that last part with an attitude, hoping Maxwell Sheffield would get the point.

"Niles, is everything okay? Is Fran okay?"

"I don't know, Sir. She wouldn't say anything to me about the doctor's appointment, she wanted to talk to you first. Should I wake her? She's been having a hard time sleeping without you, but I can see if she is awake."

"No, Niles, don't wake her. Tell her that I called and I'll call her tomorrow from Paris, okay? And Niles tell her I love her and deeply miss her."

"Fine, Sir. Goodbye." Niles hangs up the phone and goes over to sit with Fran. "Fran, let's go in the kitchen and pig out, huh? The children are all out and won't be home until later. What do you say?"

"Niles, thanks but I don't feel very good. I'm not too hungry."

"Fran, did you eat already? Because if you haven't, I'm making you eat. That baby in you, needs food whether or not you want to eat!"

"Niles, you don't know the half of it." Fran laughs a little at the irony of her own statement, Well, that's not true you only know half of it."

"Fran, what are you babbling about?"

"Niles, I'll give you a hint, if "baby" is only half, then what word would make it whole?"

"What?" Niles' eyes widen in complete surprise, "Babies?"

"Yep, twins." Fran softly confides to Niles. "That's what I wanted to tell Max." Fran cries again, trying to be strong, but scared of what is going to happen from this day on with her and Max. "Niles, all I did was call my husband to tell him, that our love was so strong that we made two little babies, not just one."

Niles doesn't know what to do. Does he comfort Fran or does he go into the other room and call Max back and give him a piece of his mind? But, deep down, does he think that Max would do that to Fran? Max loves Fran, so why would he do this, either way he was going to be here for Fran.

Niles rises off the couch and leaves the office, hoping Fran will follow him. He's hoping to calm her down, this whole situation doesn't only involve two people, it involves four.

Fran sits on the couch staring out into the terrace, she hears the phone ring. She doesn't budge. The phone rings again. "Niles!"

No answer. Annoyed, Fran gets up and answers it.

"Hello?"

"Fran, oh, Darling! I'm glad to hear your voice. Niles, said you were sleeping, but I was calling back to make him wake you, so I could talk to you."

"Max...."

Max cuts her off, since he has no idea that something is wrong, he rushes on with his questions, "How are you? Niles said you wouldn't tell him how the doctor's appointment went. Is everything okay? What did she say?"

"Max, I don't feel good, and I'm really sorry to cut this short, but I don't feel like taling." Fran tries hard to stay calm, all she wants to do is tell him about their little surprise guest, but he doesn't deserve to know, at least not right now. She doesn't want to face everything right now, but Max does.

"Fran, what's going on? Darling, what's wrong?" Max can hear the coldness of Fran's voice, not understanding where it's coming from.

"Max, do ya think I'm stupid? I bet you don't think Alex is stupid, do ya?" She didn't mean to say that out loud, the furthest thing she wants, is to get into this now. "Max, I need to go, our babies here don't like me being upset. Goodbye."

Fran slams down the phone and wipes the tears of her face.

"Oy!"

~~~~~~~~~

Max quietly places the phone down and runs his hands through his hair, not understanding what is going on around him. Is it him or is Fran's hormones getting the best of her? Max doesn't know if he should call again or not, so he takes a walk.

As Max enters the lobby, the clerk positioned at the desk, comes over to him, "Mr. Sheffield, did your wife get a hold of you? She tried calling about an hour ago."

"What? My wife called here?"

"Yes, you were just down here getting your key, but you walked away before we could catch you. She had trouble dialing your direct number, so she dialed the hotel number and we transferred it to your room. It got picked up, so we assumed, you talked to her."

Max stands there thinking of what could have gone wrong. Who picked up the phone? Then reality hits him like a brick wall. Alex!!

"What has she done?" Max yells not realizing how loudly he spoke. "Oh my God!"

"Who did what?" The clerk asks him, not comprehending the whole situation.

"Oh, nothing. Thank you." Max start running away towards the stairs and up to Alex's room, but doesn't know what he's going to do when he gets there. He stands outside here door, thinking. He puts his right hand in his pocket, and feels the mini tape recorder, Fran made him take.

She had told him when he really missed her to talk into it and they would replay it when he got home. It was her way of hearing how truly much he missed her. Max smiles as he thinks that here again, Fran's ideas help in the most unusual places.

His own idea forms, and Max knows how to fix this whole mess. He walks up to Alex's door, and knocks.

"Yes?" Alex's voice comes through the door.

"Alex, I'm sorry its so late, but I need to see you."

"Oh, Max, of course."

She opens the door, smiling very happily. "What do I owe this wonderful surprise to?"

"My wife! We got into a fight and, well, I know I'm not thinking straight, but I had to come see you." Max sighs, this is going to make him sick, but he has to find out what she said to Fran and make her admit it, so he can prove to Fran.

"Awe, Maxwell, you had a fight with her. Tell me what was it about?"

"Well, she accused me of falling for you."

"You, what? You fell for me? That's wonderful, because I feel the same way." She walks towards him, but Max nonchalantly moves back.

"I only wish she could talk to you, so she would understand things." Max hopes he's right on target with this and he's not getting himself into a worse problem.

"Oh, Max. I'm so happy to hear you say that. Now, don't be mad at what I'm going to tell you. But your wife did call."

Max could feel the anger rise to his face, he couldn't believe that this was happening to him.

"Well, I think I gave her an impression about us. See, she asked to talk to you and I told her that you were in the shower. I don't think she took that well. Anyway, she hung up on me, can you believe that?"

Oy, did Alex have a warped sense of reality.

"You bloody hell, did what?" Max opens the door wider and starts walking away, as Alex yells after him.

"Max? Max, where are you going?"

Max stops and turns towards her, "I do believe I'm going home to the only woman I could imagine my life with. And Lady, it's not you!"

"Max, don't be like that. You're better off without her. You know that as well as I do. What about Paris?"

"If anything happens to my baby or my wife because of you and your games...." Max's voice catches in his throat, he can not finish his statement; however, his desired affect takes a hold of Alex, as she quickly closes her door.

Max goes back to his room and packs what he necessarily needs for his trip home, the rest can be shipped later or tomorrow. He has the hotel make plane arrangements-straight flight from London to New York.

~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, at the Sheffield mansion, Fran rests in her and Max's room. She's laying on her side trying to calm down. Her and Max had read once in a book, that babies can feel the emotions of their mother. She doesn't want her babies to know how sad and upset she is, so Fran is doing everything in her power to reassure them that everything is okay.

Talking to her babies, Fran stares at her and Max's wedding picture that was taken in Cape Cod, and next to that, is a picture of them in London, on their honeymoon. A passerby had been so nice to take it for them, telling them that he could tell they were going to be together forever.

The next picture is of their whole family, Max, herself and the kids, but the next frame contains a legal document, signed and sealed-it's the adoption papers that makes Fran, the legal mother of Maggie, Brighton and Grace. Fran smiles even through her misery, remembering every intimate and happy memory of her and Max.

As she is telling the babies stories of herself and Max, Fran jumps slightly. She smiles immensely, as she knows what just happened. Her first experience of the babies moving within her. Dr. Reynolds had told her it would happen sooner or later.

"Okay you two, which one of you kicked me. Or were ya just stretchin'?" Fran laughs, but stops as she hears the door to the bedroom open.

Maggie, Brighton and Grace come bouncing in. From the look on their faces, Niles must have told them something is wrong.

"Hey, guys. What's up?" Fran smiles at them, not wanting to worry them anymore than they looked already.

"We came in to see if our Mom was okay? Is she?" Brighton sits in front of her as Maggie sits next to her.

"Yeah, and if she needs anything. Do you?"

Grace sits on the other side of Fran, and puts her arm around her, "There's this wonderful woman we know, she's always taking care of us, so now it's our turn to take care of her."

Fran smiles at all of them as they hug her.

"We don't know what's going on, but whatever it is, we are a family and a family like ours can fix anything." Maggie, as the oldest, takes the lead.

"You three are wonderful, do you know that? Well, there is something going on, but it has nothing to do with you guys, so don't worry too much, okay?"

"And don't you worry too much, Mom. Stress isn't good for our little brother or sister." Gracie adds to the conversation.

"Okay, guys I have some news for you, don't worry it's wonderful, well, at least I think so. Are you ready?" Fran looks at each one of them, as they all nod their head, waiting for whatever it is Fran is going to tell them, "You are going to get a little brother...."

"Yes!!!" Brighton didn't let Fran finish, he is too excited about getting a brother.

"Hey, would ya let me finish." Fran shakes her head at Brighton as they all laugh, "Okay, your getting a little brother and a little sister."

"What?" All three of them, say in unison.

"Two?"

"Twins!"

"I'm not changing them both at once!" The latter being Brighton, as the three kids talk at once.

"So, does this mean, you're happy with this?" Fran asks them, hoping it a big yes is about to come out.

"Yes!! This is too cool!"

As to prove their point, they hug her again. Fran sits back as she feels another movement.

"They must be happy to hear their siblings, 'cause they're doing somersaults in here." Fran's rubs belly as she looks at them.

"Fran, can we see..." Brighton's face flushes and then bright red, too embarrassed to finish.

Fran lift her shirt up to reveal her growing tummy, which is now big enough to make her show through her clothes.

"Can we?" Maggie asks, not really sure of what to do.

"Yes." Fran smiles as she takes Maggie's hand and places in on her belly.

"Oh, it's hard. This is so cool! B, Gracie, feel it."

The other two put their hands on Fran and they laugh as they marvel at what's happening. For a few moments, Fran forgets her anger at Max, as she revels in the love of all her children.

Outside the door, Niles takes a picture of this loving scene, 'This is one for the photo album!'

"Can they feel us? I can't wait 'til they're bigger and we can feel them kick." Gracie says as she rubs her mother's stomach.

"I'm sure they can. But Angel, please don't hurry me, getting bigger, okay?" Everyone laughs as the four of them lay down on the bed.

~~~~~~~~~

A while later, Max has landed at JFK airport, he hurries as fast as he can, but hailing a cab at the airport is nearly impossible.

"Park Avenue, please! Oh, and hurry!" Max gives his exact address and the cab driver floors the cab.

What seems like minutes, Max is rushing into the house, looking around for everyone. He really needs to talk to Fran. Niles comes into the livingroom, as he sees who just walked in, his face turns red.

"What the devil are you doing her? Haven't you done enough?"

"Niles, not you too? Wait, before you give me the third degree, I figured out what happened. Alex set this all up for Fran to get the wrong idea. Niles, you know I love Fran. I could never do anything to hurt her, and you know something? I hurt her by leaving her."

"Sir, I think you're telling the wrong person that. If I were you, I'd go upstairs and take a long look at your family. Oh, and one more thing, Sir. Fran has something to tell you too, but don't you dare tell her I said that. You really need to talk to her."

"Niles, that's what I'm planning. Where are the children?"

"Like I said Sir, go upstairs."

Max shrugs his shoulders and runs up the stairs. Quietly, he opens the door to his and Fran's bedroom and he peeks through it and there is Fran in the middle of their children, with her and Gracie's hand on her stomach. All four of them must have fallen asleep.

Max smiles as tears well up in his eyes. Brighton must have heard him, because he sits up and looks at Max. He wakes up his sisters, which makes Fran stir; however, she doesn't wake up all the way. The kids get up and head towards the door.

Max opens the door wider letting them out, and turns towards them.

"Dad, I don't know what's wrong, but whatever you do, fix it! We don't like seeing you two fight or Mom hurting like this." Simple but to the point, Brighton states everything him and his sisters are feeling.

"That's why I'm home." He turns to go into his bedroom to talk to Fran, but turns back towards his children, "Thanks! Thanks for being the wonderful supporting children you are. I love all three of you."

"Yeah, we love you too, Dad." Maggie says as she pushes her siblings down towards the stairs.

Max enters the room and shuts the door behind him. He walks over and sits on the bed next to Fran. Fran's hand is still on her stomach, so Max places his on top of hers. Fran moves as she feels someone's hand on hers. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Max.

Fran doesn't know if she's dreaming or if he's real. Part of her wants to be dreaming because then everything would be perfect, but the other part wishes he is really here, and the last weeks had never happened.

Max smiles at her and kisses her lightly on her lips. Fran tries hard to fight him, but her body gives in and kisses him back.

"Fran, listen to me..."

"Max, I don't want to listen to you. How could y..."

"No, Fran. You will listen to me. I know you called, I didn't find out until after we talked. I didn't know Alex was in my room and answered my phone, I wasn't there. I was downstairs getting a new key, because mine disappeared. Alex, I suppose took it." He stops talking making sure she's listening to him and then continues, "Fran, I would nor could I ever cheat on you. You are everything to me. Darling, how can you not trust my love for you?"

"Max, you tell me this. How can I? I'm four months pregnant, my husband is off jet-setting the world without me, with God knows how many beautiful woman around him, and as my hormones are on overload, why would I expect you to come home to me. Max, i still can't believe you married me, you could have had anyone you wanted. Why me?"

"Because Fran, I love you. There's nothing more I can say, except that I love you."

"Max, what if love just isn't enough?"

"Fran, it has to be, because if it's not, then life isn't worth living. Then we should both give up and not fight for what we both want. And what I want is you." Max bends his face down towards hers, but Fran backs away.

"Wait, how did you know I called. Only Niles, knew that and he didn't tell you."

"Oh, figures Niles, knew. Anyway, after we got in the little fight, I went for a walk. I couldn't understand why you were so mad at me. I couldn't stand not being able to hold you and figure this out. So, I went downstairs trying to think. The clerk there asked me if I talked to my wife. Well, I was surprised to hear you called, because I never got the call." He took a breath as he strokes her face.

"He said someone answered it because they saw it had gotten picked up, they assumed it was me. It all started to make sense. Remembering back, when I had received my key, I went up to my room, but it was open and Alex was in there. She claimed in was already open, I should have known then something was up, then. Well, after the conversation with the clerk, I went straight to her room, to find out what really happened." Max grabs the tape recorder out of his pocket and presses the rewind button.

"I tried playing to her emotions and it worked. Here you can hear for yourself. " He presses the play button, and on comes Max's voice:

"Fran listen to this:"

'Yes?'

'Alex, I'm sorry its so late, but I need to see you.'

'Oh, Max, of course.'

'What do I owe this wonderful surprise to?'

'My wife! We got into a fight and, well, I know I'm not thinking straight, but I had to come see you.'

'Awe, Maxwell, you had a fight with her. Tell me what was it about?'

'Well, she accused me of falling for you.'

'You, what? You fell for me? That's wonderful, because I feel the same way.'

'I only wish she could talk to you, so she would understand things.'

'Oh, Max. I'm so happy to hear you say that. Now, don't be mad at what I'm going to tell you. But your wife did call.'

'Well, I think I gave her an impression about us. See, she asked to talk to you and I told her that you were in the shower. I don't think she took that well. Anyway, she hung up on me, can you believe that?'

'You bloody hell, did what?'

'Max? Max, where are you going?'

'I do believe I'm going home to the only woman I could imagine my life with. And Lady, it's not you!'

'Max, don't be like that. You're better off without her. You know that as well as I do. What about Paris?'

'If anything happens to my baby or my wife because of you and your games....'

Max clicks off the tape and wipes the tears falling from Fran's eyes.

"So, Fran, do you understand now?"

"I'm sorry, Max. I should have known that you wouldn't hurt me, but..."

"But, I didn't help things, did I? I didn't call you everyday, sometimes our conversations were short and I should have seen the signs of Alex. I'm sorry, Fran. As soon as I found out what happened, I was on the next flight home."

"What about the play?"

"Fran, you are much more important than that. I don't care what happens to it. That's what I should have decided in the beginning. I should have never left, and if I did go, I should have took the whole family."

"Max..."

"I know Darling, but we're together now. You do forgive me, right?" Max makes Fran laugh as he gives her his pouting look. "Can I sleep with my wife and baby, tonight?"

"Wife and babies." Fran decides its time to tell Max.

"Yes, babies." Max repeats, it didn't hit him yet.

He eyes widen as he shakes his head, "Did you just say 'babies'? And if you did, what does that mean?"

Yep, it finally hit him.

"Max, it means, we are having twins!" Fran couldn't help but laugh at her husband's reaction. "A boy and a girl! Sorry, Honey, but I wanted to know."

"Twins? Twins?" Max repeats himself, trying to get through the shock, he smiles as only a father expecting twins could, he looks deep into her eyes, "A boy and girl, huh? So, is this what Niles told me, you needed to tell me?"

"Hey, I waited for you to call me, but you didn't and we all know what happened when I tried to call and tell you. Now can you imagine, here I am trying to call my husband and tell him that his 'little swimmers' worked a tad bit too well, and instead I get a crazy woman. It's a good thing, I wasn't there, I would have killed her." Fran laughs as she slightly moves and rubs her belly that her shirt is covering.

"Fran, what's wrong?" Max looks worried that something's not right.

"Max, nothing. Just your children getting excited about hearing their Daddy's voice."

"Darling, they're moving?" Max is just like a little boy, excited about a new toy. "You can feel our babies?"

"C'mere." Fran grabs Max and pushes him down on his side besides her. She pushes her shirt up over her abdomen to show Max.

"Oh my God, Fran, your tummy's grown. I can't believe how much its changed since I've been gone. You barely had a belly and now its finally showing. Look at this," Max lets a tear fall down his cheek. He puts his hand on her stomach, and smiles, "it's so perfect, you're so perfect. Inside here, is our babies, the ones we made out of love. I can't believe I missed so much of you."

"Max, don't worry, you didn't miss much, from here on out, I'm gonna get bigger. Bigger!" Fran whines in her usual way, making them both laugh. "Just promise me, you will go to every doctor's appointment from now on. I don't want to go without you again, got it?"

"That's a promise, and I want to go. I want to hear my babies heartbeats, I want to see them moving around in here, and I also want to watch them measure you to see how much you've grown from month to month. I don't ever want to miss anything again."

Fran shifts as a baby moves within her. Max grabs her hand and kisses it, then he kisses Fran passionately.

"Wow! These two are active tonight."

"Just like the other three, probably fighting already!"

"Well, let's show them, how much fun, making up can be." Fran winks at her husband and he kisses her again.

"Are you sure? Are you up to it?" Max asks not wanting to do anything without her feeling okay. He puts her needs before his own, he knows how important that is now.

"Max, I'm fine and all I want now is to be as close to you, as I can possibly get. Would ya just pacify your big fat pregnant wife."

"Only if she knows she's not big and fat, just pregnant, and as long as she knows that I will never hurt her. She has to put her complete trust and faith in our love."

"Okay, you've got yourself a deal. Max, I really do believe in us."

"Fran, so do I." Max pulls Fran shirt all the way off and kisses every inch of her belly. He looks into her eyes as he talks to their babies, "Okay, guys, this is your Daddy. I just want you two to know how much I love your mother and how much I love you."

Slowly Fran and Max, begin their truest form of love making, always knowing exactly what to do and how to please the other. Knowing that everything is perfect and they are going to alright, they truly abandon all fears and tension, completely content in each other.

Fran and Max move in one direction and that is together.

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