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 all Nanny fans: This is my fourth fan fic. It follows the first three, "What If She Said It First", "Fran'sPlan" and "What Love Can Do." So, this is part four, hope all of you like it. Please feel free to let meknow what ya think of it.
by
Caryn
(drescher_fine@yahoo.com)
The sun shining brightly through the curtains, but neither one of them notices. Life is too perfect for them to notice anything else but each other. He stirs slightly but tightens his grips around her. She shifts her position from one side to the other, in order to face him. She watches her husband's face intently and smiles. He looks deeply into her eyes as his hands wonder up and down her naked body. They're enjoying the last day of their honeymoon, for tomorrow they go back to civilization, called New York City, but mainly back to the family, who awaits their return.
Fran and Max lie in each others arms, not wanting to move, ever. They have finally made it to their long awaited honeymoon. Good old London, was here to welcome them back with open arms. Now, it is time to leave the beautiful city, this time on better terms than the first time around. For Fran and Max, life couldn't get any better than this.
After repeatedly making love for days, Max finally gathers his wife, in his arms and the two of them actually make it out to the streets of London. Finally after six days. Oh well, who needed to sight see, anyhow?
Being their last day in London, they decide to enjoy the romance of the city in high style. Off to the little bouquets for Fran to shop, the little café down the street. Then over to the see the London bridge, and of course, for Fran, they went to see Buckingham Palace.
A couple of hours later, after much sight-seeing and eating, they enter the hotel once again. Of course, to rest is Max's suggestion, but both of them know that sleep is the furthest thing on their minds.
Max picks his wife up in his arms and carries her to the bed. He removes her shirt without difficulty, as she pulls his sweater over his head. Item by item is slowly being removed from one another and soon nothing is left. Once again, Fran and Max immerse themselves in their pure passion and love for each other.
Max kisses Fran long and deeply as their hands play and teases one another with their never ending games. Loving the feel and touches of the other's hands and kisses, Fran and Max are intensely wrapped up in their own perfect world.
Max's kisses travel down her body as little giggles and moans escape from Fran. Max looks up at her as Fran reaches her arms out to him. Max lays back down pulling Fran on top of himself.
"Fran, I love you!"
"Oh, Max, I love you!"
Their love making is long and tender, and finally they both collapse next to each other, breathing heavily, but completely content. Holding tightly on to one another, re relaxing, soon falling asleep in each other's arms.
~~~~~~~~~~
Max eases his arm from underneath Fran and slowly slides out of the bed to fix the surprises he's planned for her.
A little while goes by and Fran rolls over and reaches for her husband. To her surprise she finds the bed empty. Searching for her 'lost' husband of hers, Fran looks up and there is Max, lighting candles, that are now all over the room.
She silently slips out of bed, but as she puts her robe on, Fran becomes a little dizzy. She shrugs it off, since nothing is going to ruin their last day in paradise. She slowly sneaks up behind Max and wraps her arms around him. He turns in her arms to face her and smiles broadly. Fran herself, couldn't get a bigger smile on her face.
"Do you like what you see, Sweetheart?"
"Oh yeah, my husband is the most sexiest......, oh, ya meant the candles, didn't ya?" She winks at him as he kisses her nose. "Max, you are so wonderful, do you know that? I love it."
Max guides Fran to a little table by the french doors that has already been set for two. He pulls her chair out for her and then goes over to his own, which is directly besides her's.
"Awe, Honey, the roses are so beautiful and wine too!"
"That's not all. Look Darling, cracked crab and jumbo shrimp. Just for you!"
"Max, this is the best week we've had in, well, I don't know how long. I love you so much."
"And I love you, Fran, my love." Max leans over and kisses Fran thoroughly.
The night goes on perfectly and morning is soon upon them once again. Max and Fran bid farewell to London as they board the plane back to New York, silently thanking it for its wonderful and romantic environment.
~~~~~~~~
As Max and Fran get into the limo, Fran becomes lightheaded again. 'Jet-lag, it must be jet-lag.' Fran convinces herself, but soon nausea sets in.
It's a good thing the hotel found a doctor to see her at 3:00 in the morning and a good thing her husband is a very sound sleeper. She didn't want to worry Max, so she had slipped out; however, the doctor couldn't find anything wrong with her. Some tests results wouldn't be ready until the next day, but since they were leaving, she told Fran to see her own doctor in New York.
Max places his arm around her and she settles against him, hoping it will make her feel better.
The limo soon stops in front of the townhouse. The chauffeur opens the door awaiting the exit of the Sheffield's, but to his surprise, no one exits. He looks in and is immediately embarrassed as he sees the boss and his wife together in a feverish embrace. He clears his throat and Max breaks the kiss looking up to realize that they are home. He straightens his clothes as Fran does the same.
"We're home, Darling." Max extends his hand to help her out of the limo.
"So soon?" Fran bats her eyelashes at him. "I was just starting to get into it in there." Fran points to the limo and Max blushes.
"Shall we go and find out what our children have been up to?" Max asks as he wraps her arm around Fran's waist guiding her to the front door.
"I love you, Mrs. Francine Sheffield." Max states as simply as he breathes in and out.
"I love you Mr. Maxwell Sheffield." Fran kisses her husband once more before entering their house.
As they walk in, all they hear is Maggie and Brighton shouting at one another. They see Gracie's sitting on the chair watching them argue, with Chester yapping in her lap. The livingroom is a complete disaster and Niles is no where to be seen.
"Oh, Maggie........Do you want your diary back?" Brighton's holding the diary over his head as he walks backwards towards the front door.
"Yes, Brighton, I think she wants it back." Max grabs the diary out of his hands, while Fran hits him on top of the head.
"Ow! Mom that hurt!"
"Well, what do ya expect? We've told you to stop teasing your sisters." Fran looks at him and he pulls a puppy-dog look.
"What?" Brighton asks her, still giving her the look, "It works on you, when Dad does it. Who do you think taught me?"
Fran looks over to Max, who smiles innocently at her, "Don't worry, Maxwell, I'll punish you later."
"Oh, I can't wait!" Max whispers into her ear.
Fran turns her attention back towards the kids, "We leave you guys here for a week and look at this place. It's a mess!" Fran puts down her luggage and starts picking things off the floor.
"Welcome home, Mom and Dad!" They all chime in.
"Nice try!" Max voice is laced with irritation, "You three better get this all cleaned up. In fact, where's Niles? He's the butler, why isn't he butler-ing?"
Niles walks in to hear Max's comment, "Sir, that hurts me so, I've been cleaning this house for the last week but the children are so messy."
"Niles, that's not true, you've been in their Jaccuzzi all..." Gracie states as Chester yips in unison with her.
"Now Miss Grace, it isn't nice to tattle on others."
"Niles! Would you just help them. By the way, what's for dinner? Fran and I are starving."
'Oh my work is never done.' Niles mumbles to himself.
"I heard that!" Fran rolls her eyes at Niles and lightly slaps his arm.
Just in time to join in the arguments going on, CC walks over to Max and points a finger at him. "Maxwell, while you were off doing who knows what, we lost a backer, the cast is threatening to strike, and...and..." CC stops and quietly adds, "I don't know what else, but I'll think of something."
Niles hears her and replies, "Oh, that's mature."
"Oh, shut up, Dust Buster!"
"Maturity again." Niles retorts back.
"Niles, my patience is low, I'm PMS-ing and if you keep this up, you are about to find out how the food feels as it gets shoved into the garbage disposal, when I do the same to your head!" CC face is pure red with anger.
Niles can't help but to continue torturing her, "Oh, Ca-Ca, you scare me so." Niles smiles at her, but she could kill him at this very moment with her look.
"I hate you so much, you miserable excuse for a mop."
"And you're a miserable excuse for a man." Niles is about to say something else, but Max stops them by yelling.
"Would you two stop! Now!" Max loses his own patience with their immaturity. "Niles, pick this mess up, and children, you can help him."
"But, Daddy..." Grace is trying to tell him not to forget they all have plans, but Max cuts her off.
"No buts, young lady." Max looks over at the other two kids and sees Maggie and Brighton, ever so slowly try to sneak out. He opens his mouth to yell, but it's Fran's voice that comes out.
"Margaret! Brighton! Hold it right there. Don't even think of taking another step! You both are going to help out."
Max looks at Fran and smiles. He can't believe how fast his wife has fine-tuned her parental tone. 'Wow, what a turn-on! Oops, don't think of that right now!' Max starts blushing a little as he realizing his body is agreeing with his heart.
Fran looks over and catches his eye, for a moment they forget that they are not alone. They stare at one another, thinking the same thing and wondering how to get up to that bedroom without being missed. She smiles at him and he can't help but to chuckle a little. They have this connection that only two people completely and madly in love with each other would understand. Neither of them has to say a word, they already know.
"Hello?....Mom?....Dad?" Brighton is waving his hand in front of their faces. "Hello!"
"What is it, B?" Fran says to her son without breaking her gaze with Max.
"Did you guys forget that we have major plans tonight?" Brighton starts out, "We have the charity benefit for Dad's new play and it starts in like two hours. Knowing you both, you'll need to get ready now, otherwise we'll all be late!" Brighton laughs as Maggie high-fives him on his last comment.
"Hey since when are you two on the same side?' Fran asks her kids, trying to figure out why everyone is behaving the way they are.
"Brighton, that's not this week, its next week." Max can't believe he forgot about he benefit, he is so sure its not tonight, but Brighton picks up an invitation to the benefit and shows him the date. "Oh my God, that's today's date."
"Yep, now do you believe me?" Brighton asks him and in the background Grace and Maggie are whispering to each other, which catches Fran's eye.
"B, you didn't answer my question. Since we've been home, no one is acting like the same bunch of people we left here a week ago. What's going on? I don't trust any of you." Fran asks, getting this feeling that they are holding back something from her and Max. She knows her children well. Fran knows something is up.
Brighton looks at Maggie and Gracie with a slight panicked face, thinking that maybe their parents are going to figure out everything, but he catches himself, and smiles to cover up.
"Geesh, Mom, why are you all of a sudden wondering these things. Ya know, once in awhile the three of us get along. We are related, and sometimes, we even have fun."
"Nice one, B" Grace whispers to him.
"Since when does everyone want to go to a boring benefit, especially one of mine?" Max still stuck on the fact the benefit is tonight, asks them all.
"Well, Dad, Pierce Brosnan is supposed to be there, and you know how cute Mom and I think he is" Grace starts her excuse, so her siblings could think of something fast. Max looks at Fran, wondering how long she's thought that Piece was cute.
"Oh, and I heard that Michelle Pfeiffer, is going to be there." Brighton can't help but to laugh.
"Brighton, stop it. She's married, she's not going to notice you." Maggie laughs at her brother.
The phone rings and Niles answers it, "Hello? Yes, she is. Just one moment, can I tell her who is calling?" Niles turns towards Fran, "Mrs. Sheffield, it's a Doc...."
"Thanks, Niles. My mother had an appointment today," Fran tries to change the subject, "she must need for me to tell the Doctor her weight. She probably refused to get on the scale again." Fran walks into the hallway to talk, not wanting to let anyone hear.
"We will talk about the clean up later. Well, everyone better go and get ready. We'll be leaving in about an hour, so lets hurry up." Max tells everyone as Fran reenters the livingroom. Max smiles, grabbing Fran's hand and pulling her up the stairs. "Darling, everything okay with your mother?"
"What? Oh, yes. Everything is just fine. It's great!" She kisses him quickly as they enter their room.
As soon as Fran and Max, were out of earshot, Maggie begins tonight's plans. "Okay, guys, I knew we needed to clean this up before they got home. Do you think they know something?"
"Maggie, we're talking about Fran, of course, she knows something is up. I just hope they didn't see anything that gave away the party." Gracie starts picking things off the floor. "They never had a reception, so this is going to be so much fun!"
"Wait, I have an idea. Dad wants us to all go together, but you know we have to be there earlier. So, in order to leave without them knowing, let's look them in their room. Niles can unlock them and tell them, that we already left and we'll meet them there, and he'll take them. What do you think?" Brighton's idea seems to be good, and his siblings nod in agreement.
"B, I'm so glad, you changed the date on that invitation. I hope Dad doesn't find another one or call someone. They are going to be so surprised! I just can't believe we got Sylvia not to mention a word and even Miss Babcock is being nice about it." Maggie looks at Brighton and smiles, "You know something, this has been fun, with the two of you. Maybe we should hang out more."
The three look at each other and in unison, "Nah!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~
Some time later a key is being inserted and turned in the lock of Max and Fran's bedroom door. Niles laughs.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Max, will you zip me up, please?" Fran turns her back towards her husband.
Max's hand wander on her bare back. She bends her hands behind herself and places them on his.
"I wish we didn't have to go anywhere. Now that I have you in here, I don't want to leave this room." Max whispers in her ear. He zips her up and wraps his arms around her waist, resting his hands on her hips, as she leans back against his chest.
"Sweetie, I wish we didn't have to either. I'd rather be right here in your arms." Fran turns herself around and comes face to face with Max. He gives her a long sensual kiss, with passion building every minute that goes by.
"Fran, did you notice how strangely our children were acting downstairs? What's going on around here? Have we lost it since we left here a week ago or has the world gone mad?"
"I donno. I do know that they are hiding something though, that includes Niles too. I wonder if something happened while we were gone, and they're afraid to tell us. Nah, I'd know if it was something really bad. They don't keep secrets well."
"Speaking of secrets, how long have you thought Piece Brosnan was cute?"
"Oh Max, would you stop with that. I only have eyes for the most sexiest, romantic, thoughtful man with the most alluring English accent that any woman would die for. Not to mention how cute his tuchaus is. Oh wait that describes you too, doesn't it?" Fran giggles as Max grabs her, pushing her onto the bed, and starts tickling her, of course, as her punishment. "Okay, okay, I give up. Max, I was just kiddin'. You are truly the only man for me. There are, and will never be, no others. Have I told you lately how happy I am to be married to you?"
"Fran, you're awfully frisky today." Max looks at her. She seems to be glowing in his arms. Fran smiles at him mischievously. Max looks at his watch. "We have a little time, Mrs. Sheffield. Do we dare try?"
"Ya have to ask?" Fran grabs her husband's face in her hands, bringing it down to her own, kissing him thoroughly.
Max starts to undress Fran as a knock on the door, interrupts them.
"Someone better be dead or bleeding, and I mean badly!" Max shouts irritably at the interruption.
"Sir, I'm sorry to so rudely interrupt, but its time to leave. Your presence is being requested by the host, Sir Elton John. He's requesting a private meeting with, Mrs. Sheffield and yourself. He wants to get to know her better and hope they can get past the last two meetings they've had." Niles lies through his teeth, hoping that they'll take the bait. He children just called and gave the okay.
"Fine, give us a minute and we'll be right down." Max answers, but Niles walks away, forgetting to unlock the door to their room. (Does this present a problem?)
Max looks at Fran and frowns, "Of all times, Elton wants to do this, why did he have to pick tonight?"
Fran slaps Max's arm, "Well, thanks a lot. I think it's kinda sweet, maybe I did charm him over the last time."
"Fran, I don't think so, you liked like Yetta. I didn't mean it's a bad thing, him wanting to meet you again. I just meant that why now..."
"Well, I do have to admit I'd rather be here making love. We'll pick up later, I promise." Fran winks at him as he helps her up and redressing.
They're already to go and Max reaches for the door. He tries the handle but it won't turn. He tries again and nothing. He searches for the key and it's no where to be found.
"What the bloody hell?" Max says angrily as Fran joins him at the door.
"What wrong?"
"The door won't open." Max tries once more, but no luck. "NILES!!"
"Niles!!" Fran yells too, but it doesn't do any good. "What about the kids?" She looks and Max and shrugs. "They're still here, they can get us out."
"Fine. Brighton!"
"Maggie!" Fran joins in with Max.
Silence........
~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile in the limo, Niles waits and waits and waits. "What are they doing up there? Come on, you two." Niles states impatiently, "How long can it possibly take them to finish up?"
Niles decides to go and get them, its not going to be his fault the two don't make it to their own reception.
~~~~~~~~~
"When I find Niles, remind me to kill him after I fire him!"
"Honey, calm down. Think about it, this time it isn't my fault you screwed up with Elton John." Fran laughs a little, but stops at her husband's look. "How did this become Niles' fault anyway?"
"Oh, I don't know, I just have this feeling."
Max of course, is right. As Niles approaches their door, he realizes he forgot to unlock the door. He quietly turns the key, and as he is walking away, Max opens it.
"Niles, my man, how did you know the door was locked?" Max asks him.
"Sir, I heard you yelling and I figured it out."
"Niles, we've been yelling for twenty minutes, what took so long?" Fran looks at him suspiciously. "And where are the kids?"
Niles looks back at her, damn, she knows him too well.
"I was in the limo waiting for you two." Pointing to Max, "You did say, you'd be right down. As for the children, they went on without you. Miss Margaret was out of film, so they took the town car to pick some up. They didn't want to make you late, so they said they would meet you both there."
"Well, fine then. Let's go." Max grabs Fran's hand, dragging her down the stairs. Fran barely had time to grab the right purse. She would not be ridiculed by the fashion industry again for having the wrong purse with the right outfit.
Meanwhile at the Waldolf Astoria, two hundred people are waiting the arrival of Maxwell and Francine Sheffield. Maggie, Brighton and Gracie have set this all up for their parents. How they did it, is the question they're asking themselves. It took them all week, with the help of their trusted accomplice, Niles. They had come to him with the idea right after Fran and Max left for London, and he thought it was a very moving and loving gesture, so he promised all the help he could.
The kids made the list of who to invite, of course with Sylvia's help for the Fine side and Aunt Jocelyn and Niles helped with the Sheffield side. Anyone who is anyone in New York, including the theater society was invited to this happy occasion. The kids thought that Dad could make bonus points with some important people while celebrating his marriage to their wonderful mother, Fran.
The three of them decided to do this as their wedding gift to their parents. They want it to be a surprise, since surprises in the house were very few. Yentas seems to run in this family. Most of all they want it to be perfect. The kids made each invitation and sent them out, they knew it was going to be short notice for most people but the turn out was better then they had imagined. Since most of the Fine family is in New York or surrounding areas, it wasn't hard, and since most of the Sheffield family is rich, everyone could take the Concord over for the celebration, not thinking twice about it.
As far as everyone at the party knows, everything is going perfectly, but as far as Fran and Max are concerned, everything that could go possibly wrong in one night, does. One thing after another, what else would anyone expect from Fran and Max?
~~~~~~~~~
As Fran and Max slip into the limo, Max accidently shuts the door on Fran's dress. They didn't realize until Fran scoots closer to him, and the more she moves, the more it tears until finally it rips completely from her thigh all the way the way down. For once Fran, is wearing a long, black, fitted dress, but now it seems to be missing most of the bottom.
"Oh my God, Max. What am I gonna do? I know I wear short dresses but this is a little short even for me. I have to change." Fran looks at Max with warily eyes.
"Darling, its too late to go back to the house to change now, what if we stop at Bergdolf's and I pick you out something smashing to wear?"
"Oh, Max. That's so sweet." Fran smiles at her husband.
"Niles, stop by Bergdolf's before we get to the benefit."
"Yes, Sir." Niles tries stifling a laugh, but a little chuckle comes out, and Fran gives him a look, which makes him straighten out quickly.
Max grabs Fran's hand and gives it a little squeeze. She smiles at him and he leans over and kisses her nose. She settles against him and Max places his hand on her thigh, right were her dress now ends. They look at each other and laugh.
Soon, the limo stops in front of the store and Max hops out to find the perfect dress for Fran, while she waits in the car. Ten minutes later, Max emerges out of the store with a box. Fran excitedly opens the door for his return. She can't wait to see what he has picked out for her. He smiles at her mischievously as he hands her the box.
Fran opens it and pulls out a shimmering gold and ivory off the shoulder dress, with beads of gold wove in, to enhance the color. In some places its even see-through. Max knows this, that's part of the reason he bought it. For some reason tonight he decides not to let it bother him. Fran is beautiful and there is no chance of losing her, so why not show her off? Well, not too much, that is.
"Awe...Max, its gorgeous. Honey, I love it!" She looks at him and smiles, "Your taste is definitely improving. That beautiful, sexy woman you married, must be teaching you very, very well." Fran teases her husband as she nudges him lightly. Max kisses her tenderly.
"Help me with it?" She asks him as she winks.
"It would be my pleasure to. Every time I get a chance to touch your body, I'm there!" He laughs a little while helping her slip the old dress off and slowly, ever so slowly, replacing the new one on her.
It fits perfectly, like a glove to a hand, accentuating all the right curves. Max is completely stunned by the vision in front of him.
"Fran, you are so beautiful. I do believe you are more gorgeous than the day we first met. What I wouldn't do to be alone with you at this moment." Max is so turned on right now, he really could care less to see Sir Elton John again. He wouldn't mind if the whole world would just disappear and leave him and Fran to themselves.
As they cuddle up in the back, the limo comes to a screaming halt. Nothing like a New York City traffic jam to ruin the plans of the Sheffield's.
"Damn!" Niles holds back more; they are already fifteen minutes late for the reception. He picks up the cell phone to call the children, but just then Max slides the divider down.
"Niles, what the hell is going on?" Max asks irritably.
Niles looks in the rearview mirror, seeing Mrs. Sheffield fixing her disheveled clothes back into order. "Car jam, Sir. This is New York City, what else do you expect? It looks like it's gonna be awhile. So, sit back and relax, Sir."
"In that case, I'd better call the benefit and talk to Elton, to let him know we're going to be late."
"Sir, I've already left a message for you." He holds the cell phone up, of course, lying through his teeth. "Mr. Sheffield, relax. CC's there, she can take care of things at that end."
"Niles, since when have you thought that CC could actually do something? Why does it seem everyone knows something, that we don't?"
"That's not true, we always know more than you do." Niles laughs at his own little dig into his boss, but changes the subject, as he sees Max fuming.
"Niles, when we get home tonight, I'm disconnecting the intercom."
"Oh no, Sir, not the life line!" Niles sulks, but recovers, "No, really, I've spent some time watching her this week, while you were on holiday. She does know something or two, but Sir, don't you ever tell her I said that. I will deny it 'til the day I die." Niles hopes this will pacify Max.
"Fine, just let us know when all is clear." Max settles back and puts his arm around Fran. Niles slides the divider up again.
"Damn!" He swears repeatedly, trying to think of what to do. He picks up the cell phone again and dials the children. Busy signal. He tries again, of course, another busy signal. "So much for New York City, when this city is jammed, everything gets jammed.
~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, at the party, Maggie, Brighton and Grace are wondering what's keeping their parents. They try calling Niles, but to their surprise, a busy signal. (Could it be they were calling each other at the same time?)
Sylvia walks up to the children wondering what's taking so long, "Kids, I don't know what's happening, but where are my daughter and son-in-law? The Fine family is not one to keep waiting to eat. The finger food isn't gonna last much longer."
"Sylvia, just wait. They'll be here any minute. If not, we'll let you know." Maggie tries to be strong against Sylvia. Not an easy task for one who is only half 'Fine'.
The kids look around and at least everyone is talking to one another. The Sheffield's and the theater society are finding they have many things in common, and well, the Fine side, let's just say, they can take care of their own.
"What are we going to do, if they don't show up soon?" Gracie asks her older siblings.
"I don't know, Gracie, just pray it doesn't come to that. I don't want to be left alone with both sides of our family. It scares me." Brighton admits to them both.
~~~~~~~~~~
Back in the limo, Fran rests her hand in Max's and starts playing with his fingers. Her head is resting on his shoulder and he's lazily playing with her hair. Max kisses her forehead and Fran turns to look at him.
"Well, we could do something to pass by the time." Fran says in her seductive voice, hoping Max gets the idea.
"Oh really, like what?" He teases her.
"Let's see. You're a man and I'm a woman. What could we do?" Fran kisses her husband passionately, asserting her point. Max lays Fran on his lap, stroking her face with his fingertips. He shifts his position to join her, but then the limo makes a sharp turn toward the left and Max and Fran are thrown about.
"Bloody hell, now what?" Max asks, afraid to find out. He slides the divider down once again. "Niles, now what's happening?"
"They're directing traffic in this direction. We're going down alleys, this should help us a little. Just hang on."
"Max, is everything okay?" Fran asks finally rising from her last position--the floor.
Max leans back and helps her sit, "Yes, Darling, Niles was directed to go through the back alleys to the next street. We're on our way. So much for your little suggestion, huh?"
"Yeah, well, you'll have to make it up to me later." She pokes him in the ribs.
Just then, a tire blows and the limo shakes to a stop. "Damn!" Niles mutters once again. "Sir, um, we have a slight problem."
"Niles, that wasn't the tire, was it? Please tell me it wasn't the tire." Max warily looks at Fran and back to Niles.
Niles turns around to face Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield, "Unfortunately, Sir, that is exactly what it was. Oh God. Why tonight?"
Max looks at Fran and Fran looks back at him and whispers, "That's a response I'd expect from you or me, what's he so worried about? I'm the one meeting Elton John again, not him."
"Your guess is as good as mine, and I don't think either of us want to know." He caresses her cheek with his right hand.
"Sir, we need to get Mrs. Sheffield and yourself to your recept...um, the benefit. I suggest you try to get a cab and head to the Waldolf. I'll stay here with the limo and change the tire. I'll meet you there later."
"You're right, Niles." Max grabs his jacket and holds his hand out for Fran to take. "Darling, let's go." Max and Fran get out and start walking down the sidewalk, whistling loudly, he successfully hails a cab.
Niles sighs and grabs the phone again. He dials the children and this time it rings.
"Hello?" Brighton's voice is heard.
"Oh, Master Brighton, finally. We are having some car problems and..."
"Niles, is that you? I can't hear you. What did you say?" Brighton hits the phone in his hand and shrugs. He turns to Maggie and Gracie, who are standing next to him, wondering what's going on, "I think it's Niles, but the phone just went out. I hope that means their on their way."
The phone goes dead, and Niles looks at it. The display says 'No Service'.
"Damn!" Niles signs and takes his jacket off to fix the flat.
Meanwhile, in the cab, Max yells at the cab driver, "Ah Meyah..." Max looks at Fran for help trying to pronounce the driver's name. "Meyahalia...oh, whatever! We need to go to the Waldolf Astoria."
"Okay." The cab driver says back.
"Thank God, you know where's that's at right."
"Okay."
"Okay, what? Do you or don't you know, where's that's at?"
"Okay!"
"Oy, Fran I don't think he knows where we're going."
"Well, make him understand, Max. You're a foreigner, talk to him." Fran's on the verge of tears. She's frustrated and starting to get tired.
"So, you're from Queens, you make him understand." Max teases her, trying to make her laugh.
Fran slaps his arm and pushes her husband closer to the glass that divides the driver and themselves.
"Driver, you need to take us to the Waldolf. It's a very big building on the left side of the street." Max shrugs his shoulders, as the driver hums the music to Phantom of the Opera.
"Sure, we have a driver who doesn't know where anything is and he prefers Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals. What else could go right tonight, huh?" Max is lost for suggestions and Fran takes over.
"Hey, yo' driver. Take us to the Waldolf Astoria, now!"
"Okay, why didn't ya say so the first time." The cabbie says in perfect New Yorker accent.
"What the hell? I just did." Max is angry at this point, trying to figure out where he went wrong.
"Sir, you said something?" The driver starts to laugh as Max is fuming.
"Oh, Sweetie, it's in the way you talk. Don't take it personally." Fran lays her hand in Max's and smiles.
"No, it's in the way you look. I can see him looking you up and down, and it's making me very, very upset."
"Max, stop it. He maybe looking at the dress, but only you know what's underneath it." Fran kisses him lightly on the lips.
The cab stops but Fran and Max didn't notice the driver stepping out. Max breaks their kiss and looks out the widow. They're back in front of their house and the driver is missing.
"What the bloody hell is going on? We're right back at home again." Max grabs the door handle, slides out and turns back to help Fran.
"Honey, lets go in and call Niles....." Fran's sentence is cut off as police sirens go off, and stop right where Fran and Max are standing. Two cops get out and start walking towards them.
"Put your hands behind your back."
"What?" Max unbelievable about what's happening to them. "What's going on?"
"Sir, I said put your hands behind you back, now! This is a stolen cab and you were seen getting on of it."
"You think we stole this car? In these clothes? My husband bought me this. Are you stupid?" Max covers Fran's mouth with his hand, before she could say anything else to get them into trouble. As he holds his hand there, Fran is still mumbling.
"Officer, we were the passengers. The driver stopped here in front of our house and we got out."
"If that's true, then were is the cab driver?" The man looks at Max suspiciously.
"I don't know. He stopped and by the time we looked up, he disappeared."
"Likely story. What were you doing that took your attention off the driver?"
"Making out with my wife, if you need to know." Max is starting to get angry at this point. "Are we free to go now?"
"No, sorry Sir, but you and your wife will have to come with us." The officer takes a hold of Fran's arm, but Max removes it.
A passing car slows down and who sticks his head out, none other than Max's rival, Andrew Lloyd Webber. "Oh God, what else could happen tonight?" Max looks at Fran, who now is crying hysterically. Max puts a protective arm around her.
"Max, what are we gonna do?" Fran asks him with pleading eyes.
"Please sir, ma'am, we need to take you in." He motions for them to get into the car. Max helps Fran in the back and they settle against each other, not believing what is happening.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Niles makes it to the party. He enters in the room and looks around, and Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield is no where to be seen. 'They must be here, probably socializing somewhere.' Niles says to himself. He overhears the Fine side, threatening to sing and dance. He looks over to the Sheffield side, 'They look quite toasty already. Oy!'
"Niles? Niles, where Mom and Dad?" Gracie comes running over to him.
"They aren't here yet? I tried calling you guys to let you know that we had car trouble and your parents took a cab here. They should have been here about an hour ago." Niles' face flashes with a very worried look.
"Niles, what do we do? Are they okay?" Maggie comes up and hears their conversation.
~~~~~~~~~
Max and Fran are sitting in the back of the car, listening to the officers in the front talk about their families and work. Just then the radio goes off: "Anyone in the vicinity of 57th and Broadway, the Cab thief just took another cab. He heading towards Central Park."
The officers turn around and look at Fran and Max, smiling lightly. "Oops? Please accept our most sincere apologies. Anything we can do for you? Besides dropping the charges?"
"Yes, take us to the Waldolf Astoria. You do know where that is, right?" Max repeats his original request.
"Sure. You heard him Joe, take them to the Waldolf."
Fran's stops crying and Max puts his arm around her, "Darling, everything's alright now."
"Do you think Elton is gonna give us another chance after this?" She laughs and Max joins in with her.
"No, Sweetheart. But you know something, I think I found out what my new play is going to be about."
The police car stops and lets the two of them out to their final destination. Max and Fran happily exit the car and run into the building. Niles is just about to leave, as he rounds the corner, he spots them running in. He rushes back into the room, the families are occupying and shouts the good news.
"Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield are now here!!! Please everyone quiet and when they walk in yell..."
"Surprise!!!" Yetta shouts out, of course, not at the right moment.
"Yell surprise, like Yetta just practiced for us." Everyone laughs and gets into character.
~~~~~~~~~~~
In the hallway, Max and Fran are being escorted to an adjoining room, "Sir, Ma'am, I was told to tell you that Sir Elton John, will be right in the see you. The benefit hasn't started yet, it seems two key people have been missing. You probably don't know who they're talking about, do you?" The doorman walks out of the room as Max and Fran laugh.
"Oh, no, we don't know who that is do we?" Fran slips her arms around Max, who is gazing into her beautiful face.
"My Darling, I have no idea, what you're getting at." He teases her back and just then the lights go out and the false wall between the two rooms is slowly being slid apart.
"Fran, the lights went out. Why doesn't this surprise me?"
"Max, at the moment I could care less. Just move your hands down lower."
In the dark, a couple giggles of either the Sheffield or the Fine members, couldn't be held back, but Max and Fran don't notice. They're too busy making out and groping each other to notice the lights are back on and their families staring at them.
Niles, clears his throat and they look up in ultimate embarrassment, especially since their hands are in positions they are.
"SURPRISE!!" Two hundred people shouted in unison.
"Wha...." Fran couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.
"Mom! Dad!" All three kids coming running up to them.
"I think we surprised them." Gracie whispers to Maggie. Max and Fran are standing there completely taken by surprise.
"What is all of this? What happened to the benefit?" Max asks not really understanding everything.
"Dad, you were right when you said the benefit is next weekend. Not our fault you didn't double check things. The three of us planned this reception for you, since you didn't have a proper one after we came back from Cape Cod. We really wanted to surprise you. We even changed the date on everything you may find around the house." Brighton explains everything, "but it almost didn't work, since you two kept disappearing on us."
"Yeah, what happened?" Maggie asks, wanting to know too.
"Ah, everything that could happen to two people, has happened to us. Let's eat and we'll tell you guys everything." Fran puts her arms around Gracie and guides them all to the food. "By the way, how did you get my mother not to spill everything?"
"You'd be surprised how easy it is to bribe her with food." Maggie tells them all.
"No, honey, I don't think we would." Fran starts laughing, "Food is my mother's life."
They all laugh on the way to eat and relax after the stress of pulling this party off and the stress of finally getting to the final destination. After awhile, and after visiting with each and every guest, Max and Fran take a little time to themselves and dance.
The music is loud but slow. They hold on tight, swaying to the music in perfect rhythm with each other. The work the dance floor for all its worth as everyone in the room watches them.
"Can you believe our children did this?" Max brings Fran's body closer to his own, positioning his hands tight around her.
"Yeah, they are so sweet. I just can't believe all this time we thought we were seeing Elton John and worrying about that, when they were worried about us. Life is wonderful and so unpredictable, isn't it?"
"With you, Fran, life is very unpredictable. I don't think one more thing could surprise me tonight."
"Wanna make a bet?"
"Fran, what are you talking about?"
"I'm betting you that I can surprise ya one more time tonight."
"Really? Let's see the terms of the bet are.....if you can surprise me then, I'll do whatever you want for a whole month; but if you can't, then you have to do what I say for two months. Deal?"
"Deal! Is that just in the bedroom or anywhere?"
"Let's make it everywhere." Max winks at her as he holds his hand out and she gladly takes it in hers.
"Okay, Maxwell Sheffield, here it goes." Fran looks at Max with more love than she has ever felt for him before. He stares back at her and leans in to kiss her. After their lips reach, Fran brings her loose hand up to caresses his cheek with the back of her hand. "Max, I'm pregnant." She whispers to him.
"What? I didn't hear you."
"Oy! I said I'm pregnant." She whispers it again but with the music so loud, he still didn't hear her.
Fran smacks him the forehead and grabs his hand and places it on her abdomen. "I'm pregnant! We're having a baby!"
Just as she says it, the music stops and everyone in the room hears the happy news.
"What, my baby's having a baby?!" Sylvia is the first to respond.
"Mazel Tov!" Is heard from all over the room as well as, "Congratulations!!"
Two hundred people talking at once and Max is just standing there, still with his hand on Fran's stomach, not noticing anyone but her. The world is stopped around them and only the two of them are moving. It's one of the perfect moments in their lives. A huge smile spreads across Max's face and he picks Fran up and spins her around. She wraps her legs around his waist. He brings his lips to her and brushes they lightly against hers. Fran opens her mouth the accept his passionate, demanding kiss.
"Max?" Fran finally asks, as they break apart, wondering how he really feels about the news.
"Well, I guess I'm your slave for the rest of your life." Max smiles at her again.
"Honey, are you happy? I mean I know we didn't plan this but..."
"Fran, no buts. This is the most wonderful thing to happen. The best laid plans are those that aren't planned at all. Fran, I'm so happy, I don't think I could explain just how happy I am. In fact, I can't find the words to tell you, how much I love you at this moment." Max kisses her long and deep, coming up for a breath once in awhile. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Life seems to have its own rules, and I'm not complaining. Life has given me, a second chance. It's given me, our children and now our new one, and most of all it has given me, you!"
"I love you so much! I wasn't really sure, until this morning when we got home from London. I wanted to wait and tell you in a more romantic setting, but I couldn't resist your 'no more surprises'." She hugs him and Brighton walks up to them.
"Dad, can I cut in?" He asks a little shy at first, "I want to dance with my Mom and teach my little brother how to dance."
"Yes, sir. Take good care of them around the dance floor." Max gracefully exit his position with Fran and Brighton wraps his arms around her, ever so carefully. Max watches his son and his wife, proud of his accomplishments.
"B, you can hold me tighter, I'm not gonna break." Fran kisses Brighton on the cheek, "Thanks for dancing with me. You know, he may be a she."
"No, I need a boy. We have to have it even, its not fair to be overrun by women." They both laugh and as Fran looks over she sees Max dancing with both Maggie and Gracie. They catch each other's eye, and smile.
The song changes and Max comes back over and takes his position back with Fran as Brighton dances with Gracie. Maggie is being asked to dances with a very cute relative of Fran's.
"Do you think they'll be okay with it?" Fran waves her hand towards the kids.
"Fran, why wouldn't they be okay? You and I are a part of them and they are a part of us. You are a part of me and me a part of you. So this baby is a part of us all."
"Do you know how wonderful you are? Max, I wish I could explain how I'm feeling right now. To have this new life that is half me and half you, growing inside of me, it's the most extraordinary experience, I could ever imagine. I am so glad we're together. I love you so much!"
"Fran, I love you," Max stops dancing and gets on his knees so he's level with Fran's stomach. Whiling speaking into her stomach, he kisses it and places both hands on it, "and I love you, little one!" Tears spring from both Fran and Max as they stand there, marveling in their lives together.
Both families all stop and watch the beautiful scene unfolding before them. Has anyone ever seen two people more in love with each other, than Fran and Max?
Niles, comes out of the hallway with a beautiful wedding cake for them. He trips over someone purse. He's heading right towards Fran and Max, but right at the very last second, he regains his balance. CC, is just now walking in, and walks up behind Niles.
"Hey, lint trap!" She screams behind him, trying to make him jump. Little did she know what's going to happen next.
As Niles turns suddenly, loses his balance once again. He didn't realize how close she is to him, until it is too late. Oops, the cake is now all over Miss Babcock, and mostly on her face.
Niles laughs so hard he falls on the floor. CC takes a handful of cake and throws it at him. The kids rush up and start a food fight. Everyone joins in, and so the party begins.
The lights go off again.......
"What more could happen?" Max asks but is cut off short by Fran.
"Wait to see...." She kisses him passionately. "Darling, how many times do I have to tell you? Lower............"
Pure love and each other is all they need.
The End
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