Disclaimer: As always all characters belong to Sweetheart productions. I'm an all time reader, still a rookie writer. I've been sitting on this one for a while. I've finally had time to finish it! So let me know what you think! ENJOY!

This story picks up at the end of Pen Pals, but revisits that ever-so popular Strange Bedfellows episode and what could have happened after that, a lot of the popular ideas and a couple of my own.

Untitled

by

Janice
(JaniceL@aol.com)

Fran followed Max quickly up the stairs. When he approached the landing he turned to say, "good night Miss Fine."

"Good night Mr. Sheffield." She turned and quietly closed the door behind her. She immediately went to change into her nightgown and made her way to her vanity take her makeup off. After crawling into bed she laid there and thought to herself about the evening she just had. 'Man what a great night. Well I didn't meet Lenny, but Mr. Sheffield and I had a great time. We always do when we go out together.' Recalling all the details of the evening she slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Fran arose as she usually does, made her way to her closet to pick out a robe. She opted for a big fuzzy one with fruit on it and quickly made her way down the back stairs into the kitchen.

"Ooh Niles, something smells great!"

"Oh good morning Miss Fine. How was your evening? Tell me all about Lenny."

Fran walked over to the cabinet, grabbed a cup and began pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Well, the evening was good, but I didn't meet Lenny."

"What happened?" Niles asked curiously.

While taking a seat at the table she began to explain. "He came in and saw me sitting with Mr. Sheffield and thought he couldn't compete. So he left a note. I never saw him."

"I thought Mr. Sheffield was just dropping you off."

"He was, but some shumck tried to hit on me. I told him I would be fine, but he insisted on staying with me until Lenny showed."

"So Lenny thought you and Mr. Sheffield were..."

"I know...could you imagine?!?!"

Suddenly Fran jumped out of her seat and ran out of the kitchen with her hand over her mouth.

'Well, she's sickened by the idea of the two of them together. Too bad they're great for each other' he thought to himself.

Niles looked up to see Fran slowly walking through the door with one hand on her head and the other on her stomach. "Miss Fine are you feeling ok?"

"Niles, I don't know, maybe I'm coming down with something. Feel my forehead, do I have a fever?"

He walked over to her and placed the back of his hand on her forehead. "No, I don't believe so. How long have you been ill?"

She thought silently and then reluctantly replied, "Everyday this week."

Niles looked concerned, "maybe you should see a doctor Miss Fine."

"Maybe you're right. I'll make an appointment for later this morning." She picked up her coffee, "but first, lets eat!" and walked into the dinning room.

Later that afternoon, Niles was stammering around the kitchen preparing this evenings dinner, when Fran quietly crept through the back door.

"Well Miss Fine, how did everything go?" He looked at her face and saw she had been crying.

"Oh Niles...well, I don't have the flu." She took a seat at the table.

Niles quickly wiped his hands and took the seat beside her. "What is it then?"

She turned toward him, "Niles, I'm pregnant."

Niles didn't respond immediately. His look said it all. All the questions and suspicions he had were all there.

"Well" she started, "do you remember that night about a month ago when I went out with Mona and the girls?" He nodded. "Well, I somehow ended up in Mr. Sheffield's bed..."

She was interrupted by his chuckling.

"What's so funny mister."

"Oh nothing Miss Fine, just the look on Miss Babcock's face when I tell her this one!"

"Niles, come on be serious for a minute! What am I going to do?"

"I thought you too didn't do anything that night?" He was puzzled.

"We didn't think so...although my ears did itch and..."

"He was singing 'Georgy Girl'."

"Oh Niles, what am I going to do?"

He held her hands in his trying to comfort her.

"Well you will need to tell him."

"I know, but how...he's gonna..."

"Miss Fine, listen. I have known Mr. Sheffield for a long time. I know him better than he knows himself. He may seem mad or angry at first, but he will be ok with it. I know he has feelings for you Miss Fine. He just hasn't realized them yet. Just talk to him calmly about it."

A small smile crept from her lips, "you think he loves me Niles?"

He couldn't help but grin too, "yes, Miss Fine, I do, deep down, he does."

Fran was a bit relieved. Maybe this wouldn't be as hard to say as she thought. "Thank you Niles. I'll tell him tonight after dinner. The kids all have plans and you have your butler's association meeting. He's not going out is he?"

"No, I don't believe so."

"Well," she took a deep breath, "tonight it is then."

She got up and started out of the kitchen. She got to the door and turned to Niles, "Thanks Niles."

"You're welcome Miss Fine."

After dinner everyone was off doing their various activities. Max was working in his office as usual. Fran moved from the couch over to the office door. 'Well it's now or never,' she thought to herself.

She knocked on the door and slowly pushed it open. "Ah Mr. Sheffield, you got a minute?"

He looked up from his work, "oh of course Miss Fine, do come in."

Fran slowly walked in and stood in front of his desk.

Max took his glasses off and laid them down, "so, what did you want to talk about?"

"Well, Mr. Sheffield, this isn't easy for me so I'm just gonna throw it out ok?"

Max nodded, he knew this couldn't be good. 'Oh dear what has she done now' he thought to himself.

Fran took a deep breath and began, "well remember that night of Mona's party when I came home a little tipsy and ended up in your bed and we didn't think anything happed." A look of fright started to cross his face, she continued, "well the last week or so I've been feeling very nauseous, so I thought I might be coming down with something so I went to the doctor this afternoon and I was right I am...I'm pregnant."

"Wait-you're what?!?!" He quickly stood up and moved from his desk to pace in front of it.

"Mr. Sheffield, I...We're pregnant."

Max was floored by what he just heard. "What do you mean 'WE'RE' pregnant? I don't even remember doing any-" he then remembered singing the next day. "Why are you assuming it is mine?"

"How could you say such a thing!" tears began to well up in her eyes, "I haven't even tried to go out with another man in months!"

He sat down on the couch and began rubbing his temples, "well, I just can't believe this. I don't remember, I can't...it can't..."

"Now listen here Maxwell Sheffield, this baby is in fact yours. I'm sorry what happened, happened but it obviously did. But now there is a new life because of it and with or without you I am having this baby!!"

Fran was sobbing as she ran out the door into the kitchen where Niles was just arriving home.

Max just sat there with his thoughts. 'How could I be so mean? I know she hasn't been out with anyone other than...well me. I know she's telling the truth. After all it's not just her fault I was there too.'

He got up and moved over to the terrace doors. 'I can't just push her away, she is carrying my child. My child...I guess it would be fun to have a baby running around that house again.' He felt a smile cross his face. 'What would I do if she left? She's so wonderful and the kids love her-I love...I can't lose her...I've got to help her in her-our situation!'

Max turned to leave in search of Miss Fine to explain his actions and feelings.

In the kitchen-

"Oh Niles, It was terrible!"

He immediately saw her tears and hugged her.

"Miss Fine surely it's not that bad."

"I told him and doesn't believe that it's his. Why would he think that I would try to pass someone else's child as his? He just wouldn't hear it. What am I going to do?!"

"There, there Miss Fine. It will be ok. Let him think about it for bit. He'll come around, you'll see."

Fran rested her head on Niles' shoulder and cried. Niles gently caressed the back of her head, trying to comfort her. She rose up and gave Niles a quick peck on the lips. This was supposed to be nothing but a peck to simply say thank you. A kiss among friends. Niles misinterpreted her means and with out notice pulled Fran closer and began kissing her. At that moment, the instant before Fran pulled away, the door opened. Max saw just enough to jump to conclusions before Fran pulled away.

"What is this all about?!?!"

Niles was the first to answer, "Um Sir...I can explain..."

"No, Niles, you don't have to, neither one of you need to. I can see exactly what this is."

"But Mr. Sheffield..."Fran tried to explain but he cut her off.

"No, Miss Fine, I get it now. You're right you haven't been out with anyone but me...because you and Niles are here, under my own roof!"

"Sir, there's nothing of the sort..."

"Niles, you are fired!"

"But Mr. Sheffield..."

"Miss Fine, if you know what's best you'll leave me be." Max left the kitchen and locked himself in the office.

"Oh Miss Fine I am so sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"Niles, it's not you I'm upset with. Do you see what I mean, he doesn't want to believe that I'm...we are having a baby so much that he would think that me and you have been going behind his back. He doesn't trust me."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going upstairs and packing my bags and leaving. He didn't tell me I'm fired but I know he wants me gone. Where are you going to do Niles?"

"I am going to go back to England I guess. An uncle of mine is ready for retirement, maybe I can take over for him or something."

"Ooh Niles, I am so sorry for bringing you into this." She hugged him.

"It's not your fault. He saw me kiss you. Which I am sorry for, I was completely out of line...but he just won't listen."

"If he's that quick to jump to conclusions then so be it. Come on lets go pack. I need to write the kids a note."

They parted and quietly walked up the back stairs.

Back in the office-

Max slammed the door behind him and sat his desk, rubbing his temples. 'What just happened? Why Niles? His best friend. Why would he betray him like that? Wait-betray, I haven't even admitted anything caring for Fran...but he knew. He always knew...why would Fran say I'm the father? CC has always said she was nothing but a gold digger. Maybe I just missed it? If this is the case, she can't be my nanny. But I can't fire her the children would hate me...I'll talk to her in the morning. Right after I call the agency for a butler.'

Niles and Fran quickly gathered the bulk of their belongings. They would send for anything else later. Fran wrote a brief note to the kids telling them that she had to leave and that she loved them and would miss them very much. She figured anymore than that Mr. Sheffield could explain. He already had to tell them why he fired his best friend after a life time of service and friendship. Fran called her mother and told her that there was a huge fight and she was going away for a while. Fran couldn't face telling her mother everything that had went on along with her pregnancy. She told her she would call her when she gets where she's going and begged her not to try to call Mr. Sheffield and if he did call her not to tell her. After countless promises, she finally agreed.

Niles hailed a cab for the two of them to share.

"To Sylvia's Miss Fine?"

"No Niles, I can't deal with ma too right now. I just need to get away"

"Airport? What do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking about Michigan. An old friend of mine has a beach house on Lake Michigan. She says it's beautiful and keeps buggin' me to visit. I think now is as good a time as any."

"I really am sorry Miss Fine."

"Niles, stop. Call me Fran already. Mr. Sheffield's true colors would have shown sooner or later regardless what he says about the baby. He doesn't trust me."

The remainder of the ride to the airport was quiet. The only sound heard was Fran's quiet sobs. Niles felt horrible about what happened, but Fran was right, if Mr. Sheffield didn't trust her, it didn't matter what he did. At the airport they parted. Niles went toward his overseas flight and Fran went toward her terminal for her flight to Detroit and then to Grand Rapids. They exchanged numbers so they could keep in touch. After all they were friends.

About six months had past and things were finally starting to settle down in the Sheffield residence. Well as close to normal as could be. CC had helped find a new butler. As much as she hated Niles and Miss Fine she missed them both terribly. The family had fallen apart. Max never left his office. Grace shut down again and was going to therapy all the time, Brighton was practically failing out of school, he didn't see the point of doing work. Fran wasn't there to push him and his father obviously didn't care. And Maggie. Maggie was hardly ever coming home anymore. She stayed over friends houses as much as possible. The children hated their father for pushing Fran away. Even though Fran didn't tell them why they knew it was his fault because he wouldn't talk about it.

Max and CC were working in the office on their latest play.

"Maxwell, who are we going to cast in the lead?"

"I don't know CC. They are both good."

They were interrupted by the phone.

"Hello"

"Oh, hello mother." A frown crossed his face.

"Mother, I can't just drop everything...I do have work."

"Ok. Ok. I will take the Concorde this afternoon. Goodbye mother."

"Maxwell, what was that about?"

"I'm sorry CC. It seems there is a situation in London that needs my attention."

"But what about the auditions?"

"You'll just have to use your best judgment."

"I'll call you when I land to check in."

Max landed and went straight for his usual London hotel. He never stayed with his mother. Max checked in and the clerk handed him a key.

"I will have some one take your bags and show you to your room." The clerk rang a tiny bell.

"Thank you, but that won't be..." He was interrupted by a familure voice.

Almost appearing instantly out of nowhere was Niles. "You rang sir?"

Max turned around in shock.

"Yes please escort Mr. Sheffield to his room, number 1412 please."

With out looking at Max, Niles picked up his bag and began walking toward the elevator, "this way sir."

Max followed obediently.

They were the only two on the elevator. It was an uneasy silence.

Max broke it, sarcastically, "so how is Miss Fine these days?"

Niles was calm, "I wouldn't know sir."

"What do you mean you don't know, I assumed she left with you?"

"You assumed wrong sir."

The elevator opened and Niles walked down and stood in front of the door, waiting for Max to open it.

"You mean you don't know where the woman carrying your child is?"

"Like I said, you assumed wrong sir." Niles was doing all he could to keep his cool. After all he didn't need anyone seeing him mouthing off to a guest.

"What do you mean I assumed wrong again?"

"Sir, would you mind opening the door."

Max obeyed and Niles followed him in. He placed his luggage in the bedroom of the suite, and was headed toward the door.

"Niles, wait, will you stay and explain this to me?"

"Sir, I need to get back to work."

"I'll call the front desk, we need to talk. Niles please?"

Niles closed the door, walked over and sat on the couch.

"What do I need to explain sir?"

Max didn't like Niles' shortness, but under the given situation he deserved it.

"If Miss Fine isn't here with you, where has she gone? She left with you, I tried calling Sylvia and she wouldn't tell me anything. Is she ok?"

"She did leave with me but we parted at the airport."

"Where did she go?"

"I'm not at liberty to say sir, but I should get back." He stood up and started toward the door.

"Niles, wait, I'm sorry I fired you."

"You're sorry sir? My I ask why you did it to begin with?"

Max was silent for a moment. "I was outraged. Miss Fine pleaded with me that child she was carrying was mine and I didn't want to believe it. Just as I brought myself to think it was true I walked in on you two kissing. I just assumed she wanted it to be my child...I saw you too and it broke my heart. I over reacted I know. The next morning I was hoping to talk to you, you both but you were gone."

"Well, sir, the child is yours. What you saw was an absolute accident. She came to me upset about your reaction. We were hugging. She gave me a quick peck on the lips, as to say thank you and something came over me and I kissed her. The second I did it, you walked in and blew up. I had just convinced her that you would come around with the idea of a baby with her because you loved her." Niles was in Max's face. "But when you assumed that we were having an affair, she knew that you would never trust her again, so she left."

Max couldn't believe what he was hearing. He collapsed on the couch and buried his face in his hands.

"Oh Niles, what have I done. You're right I do love her. The house is a mess without her...with out you. The children hate me. Even CC misses you two." He looked up to catch Niles' eyes, "have you talked to her is she ok, is the baby ok?" he looked down, "is there still a baby?"

Niles sat down next to him. "I spoke with her just a few days ago. Yes there still a baby. Mother and son are doing well."

"Son?" a faint grin formed on his face.

"Yes sir. That's why she called me, she found out that she's having son, your son."

"Niles, how could I have been so blind? The woman is having my son and I didn't believe her."

"Sir, you were scared. You didn't expect it happen. You took it really badly."

"Niles you're right. I was scared...scared about what everyone would have thought. Now look at the mess I made."

"So fix it sir. Go to her. I will tell you where she is on one condition."

"What's that old boy? I'll do anything."

"Please can I have my job back? I miss you and the children and even Miss Babcock."

"Oh, of course Niles. They will be so glad to see you. I am glad to see you."

"Ok, she is staying with a friend on the beach in Michigan."

"Alright Niles, grab my bags we're going to Michigan."

"But sir, why are you in London anyway?"

"Oh I forgot. Mother called with some business. Nothing I really can't take care of on the phone. Lets go."

Fran was taking her morning walk along the beach. Even though she wasn't on the ocean, the view was still beautiful in the morning. A nice walk always started her day off good. A long her walk she came across a father and sun playing in the sand. She had to stop and watch. That could have been her child and his father. But now he would grow up not knowing his father. 'Someday I'll meet Mr. Right' she thought.'

Max and Niles were driving along the waterfront looking for the address Fran had given him. Max wasn't helping much he was just peering out the window at the beach. When suddenly he saw a familure form,

"Niles, stop! There she is!"

Niles quickly pulled the rental car over to look. Max practically jumped out of the car and ran down the beach.

Fran stood on the beach watching the wave roll in. Lost in a day dream, she thought she heard Mr. Sheffield calling her. She dismissed it to her mind playing tricks on her, since it has done it many times since she left. She still hadn't come to terms with him not believing her. She placed her hand on her stomach thinking about the baby and turned to keep on walking. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a figure running toward her. She turned to look, it was Mr. Sheffield. She wasn't dreaming it was him!

"Fran! Fran, wait!"

She stopped for him to catch up to her. What was he doing here?

"Mr. Sheffield, how did you find me? What are you doing here?"

"Please, call me Max." He said trying to catch his breath. "To make a long story short, I ran into Niles, he explained what happened, and brought me to you. Fran I am so sorry."

"Fran?"

"Yes, I suppose I should call the mother of my son by her first name."

"Niles told you it was a boy?"

"Yes. Fran, please believe me when I say I'm sorry. I was scared, I overreacted. I was afraid of what everyone would say when they found out."

"When they found out what? That you slept with the help?" He looked down, "why are you here then Max, aren't you still afraid?"

"No. I'll tell the whole world if you want that the child you are carrying is mine. The process may have been an accident, but the result is not. It's a life, something to love and cherish with someone you love."

She hugged him.

"With someone you love? You love me?"

"Yes, Fran I do. I didn't realize it until Niles told me."

"I love you too. Oh I've missed you terribly Max."

"The children and I have missed you too. I asked about you, but Sylvia wouldn't tell me anything."

"I know. She told me. How are the kids?"

He pulled back to look into her eyes. "They are terrible with out you...I'm terrible with out you. Please come home Fran...to our home."

"Our home?"

"Yes, our home. The home where we are going to raise our baby, the home where I am going to make you my wife, if you'll have me that is?"

"Oh Max, are you sure you're not doing it for the baby?"

"No Fran, I'm asking for us. So, will you marry me?"

"Yes, Max, of course!" She leaned in and kissed him.

When the limo pulled up in front of the house, Niles immediately jumped out to grab the luggage.

"Don't worry about those Niles, I will have the butler bring them in before I relieve him of his duties!"

"Thank You, Sir."

Max stepped out of the limo and turned to help Fran out.

"Oh Max, what are we going to tell the kids?"

"Relax Fran. We'll tell them exactly what happened. We obviously can't hide it from them."

"Do you think they will be happy?"

"Of couse they will Darling, because we're happy." He leaned over and kissed her passionately. "Shall we?" He offered her his arm.

"Let's go."

The children were gathered around watching TV when they heard the door open. They looked up to see their father enter followed by Fran, and Niles.

"FRAN! NILES!"

They ran to embrace her.

"Oh kids, I've missed you all so much!"

"Fran we've missed you too. What happened?" Maggie was quick to find out why she left.

"Children, lets get settled and Fran and I will explain everything."

The children followed Max's request and took their seats on the couch.

Together, Fran and Max explained the pregnancy, her and Niles' absence, and their plans for marriage.

The children were ecstatic. Especially Brighton, finally he was going to get a brother!

As a family they decided on a small ceremony at home with just the family, immediately, and a large reception after the baby was born.

Max sat in his office gazing out the terrace doors, recalling to himself his life's actions over the last nine months. He quietly chuckled to himself how bringing Fran home just two months ago changed so much. The children are happy again, his best friend and Yenta king is back, and himself. He had allowed himself to love again and was truly happy. He chuckled one last time and turned his attention back to his work when Niles came running through the office door. "Sir, it's time!!!"

He looked up in confusion, "It's time for what old man?"

"Sir...your wife, the baby, she's in labor, IT'S TIME!"

"Oh..oh it's time! Niles get the car!" he stood and ran out after his Fran.

15 hours later, Maxwell Beverly Sheffield Jr. was born. Just after his arrival, the whole family rushed to greet the newest member. Finally after hours of passing the young one around, visiting hours were over and everyone said their goodbyes, leaving just parents. Max was lying beside Fran, her head resting on his shoulder.

"Fran, are you happy?"

She looked up at him, slightly confused by his question, "what do you mean?"

"Simply are you happy?"

"Yes of course I am." A look of worry crossed her face. "You are too aren't you?!"

He chuckled, pulling her closer looking into her eyes, "yes Fran, I am. It's just with everything that's happened in the last year, I'm still awed by what brought it back to me."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, today is one of the happiest days of my life," he leans and kissed Fran, but breaks away laughing, "and we owe it all to pink squirrels!"

Fran smacked him on the arm playfully, "I love you Mr. Sheffield."

"And I love you Mrs. Sheffield."

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