A "What If" About Rash to Judgment

by

Fran and Mandy
(fran_bluelight@yahoo.it and bedrock_babe15@yahoo.com)

Fran woke up that morning in an unusual depressed state: she remembered the family meeting, when she had hoped that Mr. Sheffield would eventually propose. What a waste of time and effort! However she decided to try to forget it and live the day as usual. 

She was still a little upset when Sylvia came to visit, bringing with her a diet soup. She insisted that Fran should have tasted it, but her daughter had already eaten a full box of chocolates to ease her sorrow, so she wasn’t so hungry anymore. When Val came she saw her friend’s bad mood and decided to lighten her up by giving her two tickets to Michael Bolton’s premiere, she wasn’t going to use them anyway.  

Fran accepted and started thinking: 

Fran: ‘What about inviting Mr Sheffield to join me? What if he feels I’m putting pressures on him? What if he lets go even more?’  

But then her strong nature had the better of her and she decided to give it a try: how could it be any worse than this, after all? 

She knocked at his office door and when he told her to come in she caught her breath. 

Fran: ‘I’m as nervous as a girl on her first date. Here we go: it’s now or never. But how can I ask him out with C.C. listening?’ 

Luckily her good old friend Niles had eavesdropped her conversation with Val, and with an excuse brought C.C. out of the room. Now she was ready to face him. 

Fran: "Mr Sheffield, do you have a moment for me?" 

Max: "Sure, how can I help you?" 

Fran: "Well, you know, Val got two tickets for Bolton’s premiere tonight and has given ’em to me this morning. I was wondering if you would like to come with me." 

Max: ‘And now what I’m supposed to do? If I said yes, would it be compromising my position? But on the other hand, if I refuse she will probably go with someone else and I can’t take the risk of losing her. Oh, what the hell, I won’t miss this occasion to spend an evening with her alone!’ 

Fran: "Of course, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to…" 

Max: "No, I mean yes, I’d really like to join you. What time is the concert due to start?" 

Fran: "We should be there at 8.30." 

Max: "Let’s meet at 7.45 at the front door, tell Niles to prepare the limo. I’ll see you then." 

Fran: "Ok, goodbye." 

Max: "Bye." 

Fran told Niles all the details and went to her room. While she was drying her hair, someone knocked. 

Fran: "Come in." 

Maggie: "Hi Fran, I’ve heard you’re going out with dad tonight. Since I’m going out with Matt, I think we could give each other some advices on dress and make-up." 

Fran: " That’s great hon, but who is Matt?" 

Maggie: "That guy I met at the theatre class last week." 

Fran: "The one who sounded like Shakespeare himself while he was acting?" 

Maggie: "Yeeeesss, he’s so cute with that deep strong voice. And the way he speaks: it’s sooo romantic." 

Fran: "Whatever, if you’re happy then it’s fine for me." 

They got prepared together and then said good luck to each other and went to their dates. It was already 7.45 and Max was waiting in the lounge. 

Max: "Miss Fine, we are going to be late if we don’t hurry" 

Fran: "I’m coming, I’m coming" 

She looked simply fabulous in her black dress and Max thought he was going to fall if he continued to stare at it. They got their coats and went to the concert. 

There Fran wasn’t enjoying herself like she was expecting: she was too afraid of doing something stupid and ruin everything again. She went to the toilet a hundred times but then stopped because she noticed Max was getting suspicious about it. 

She stood still but started to jump a little for nervousness: her heart was beating at a million miles a minute, her mouth was dry and her hands were dripping wet. Not to mention a strange tickle all over her skin. She started to give little strokes to Max’s jacket, since he was right behind her, to stop her hands from sweating. Then she lightly rubbed her back against his chest and when it didn’t work, she took his hands and stroked her itching belly with them, trying to look as casual as possible. Her small, fitting dress was really torturing her. 

She wasn’t doing it on purpose, but Max misunderstood her behavior and thought it was a clear signal for him to make a move. To free himself of every doubt. He said casually: 

Max: "You’re beautiful this evening, but maybe you would have preferred to go into a quieter place" 

Fran, without thinking, replied: "You’re right. I can’t wait to get out of this dress." 

Max was now sure of what she wanted and strangely wasn’t so willing to escape. Maybe it was the fact she looked so stunning in that dress, or the several champagne’s flutes he had drunk, or the fact that he had been repressing his feelings for five years and was now more than ready to give up and let himself go. 

Max: "Why don’t you stay here while I get us a room?" 

Fran was stunned by his proposal: she would never have expected it. Then she reflected and realized what kind of messages she had been sending him since they arrived there. Who would have thought an accidental behaviorr would have worked so good? She had to learn from this and stop pushing him and make up tricks to make him commit: maybe this was really the best solution. 

Fran: "Ok…" 

The two of them went to their room silently. They noticed the house they wouldn't be home for awhile. Niles gave a little cheer

Max opened a bottle of the best champagne and poured one glass for himself and one for Fran. 

Max: "To us and to this beautiful evening," 

Fran: "To us." 

They drank slowly, not even tasting the expensive and aromatic liquid. Then, without a sound Max took their flutes and put them on the vanity. He approached her calmly and their mouths met in a passionate kiss. Soon they were both undressed on the bed, doing what they had always dreamt of since they first met. It was very passionate and yet tender and loving. 

They did it several times, till they were both exhausted in each others arms. Max gently tucked her in with him and hugged her tightly under the covers. 

Fran: "Tonight was so perfect, I hope we could still the time right at this moment, I wish it could never end." 

Max: "This night was wonderful for me too, I hadn’t felt this good for a very long time." 

Yawning Fran said: "Me too." 

Max thought for a moment and then gathered up his courage. He should really tell her now, in this magic moment how he felt. 

Max: "Fran, I…" 

But he stopped when he saw she was already peacefully asleep next to him. He hugged her even closely and sonn was asleep himself.

Fran awoke the next morning unsure of where she was. Then the thoughts of the previous evening flooded her mind and she smiled. She turned over hoping to see Maxwell lying next to her. His side of the bed was now empty.

Fran put on a robe and went in search of him. She found him on the balcony. She quietly walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She was surprised when he pulled away.

"Fran. About last night. I don't know what I was thinking," he replied. "Why are you sorry? You were incredible," Fran said with a smile.

"Yes I know but I'm not sure if we should have took our relationship to that level! I don't want to ruin what we have", he replied.

Fran was hurt by his words. "Maybe we should just go home then. I think that would be best," she told him walking back into the hotel room. 'What am I doing? Why can't I just commit. Just tell her that I love her', Max thought to himself.

When he walked back into the room, she was already packed and ready to leave. The taxi ride home was very quiet. Niles met them at the door with a huge grin on his face. He handed Fran a picture. Fran looked at it and smiled. It was a picture of Ms. Babcock sprawled on the floor. She had obviously fainted. "I took this picture after I told her what happened," Niles explained.

Max walked up the stairs leaving the two standing by the door. "Niles I don't think that was such a good idea," Fran replied.

"Why not? Didn't he tell you he loved you?," Niles asked. "No he didn't. He doesn't think what we did was the right thing to do," Fran answered. Just then the doorbell rang.

Fran's mother burst through the door. "Niles told me the news! Both of our dreams have come true!," Sylvia exclaimed.

"Ya called my mother!," Fran replied looking at Niles. The next month or so Max avoided Fran as much as possible. She knew he was upset so she left him alone.

For this and another reason. For the past few weeks Fran had been feeling under the weather. She had an upset stomach and felt nauseous a lot. Worried that something might be wrong she scheduled an appointment to see the doctor.

"Fran what seems to be the problem?", the doctor asked. Fran gave him her symptoms and he ran a blood test. She was sent home to receive the results in a few hours. The time flew by and before long Brighton was telling her to pick up the phone.

When she heard the results of the test she dropped the phone to the ground. "I'm pregnant!?,"

Fran was more than shocked by the news: that night her and Max hadn’t used precautions, but she shouldn’t have been fertile. Now what? She was pregnant with HIS child and he barely spoke to her. Not to mention his fear for any form of commitment. She was in trouble. First of all she had to make sure her mother wasn’t going to hear about it, at least for a while. 

She went downstairs in the kitchen, where the three kids and Niles were happily chatting. 

Brighton: "Hi Fran, what did the doctor say? Is everything all right?" 

Fran: "Yes, sweety. I’m perfectly healthy." 

That wasn’t a lie, after all. She wasn’t ill, just… pregnant. 

Grace: "Good Fran, we were worried about you. You’re kinda pale these days" 

Fran: "Maybe, but there’s nothing to worry about. Come on guys, why don’t we go to the cinema tonight" 

Maggie: "That’s a wonderful idea. We could also invite daddy, he is so busy with work, a little distraction could be good" 

Fran: "I don’t know Mag, maybe he doesn’t want to be interrupted" 

Maggie: "If you say so…" 

After a while the three siblings left the kitchen and Fran remained alone with Niles. The kids knew nothing about that night: Niles had made sure they thought the concert was in another town and their "parents" had to stay there for the night. However Maggie and B. had sensed something strange had happened: both Fran and Max hadn’t been the same since then. 

Fran reflected for a moment: she could really use a shoulder to cry on, not to mention that yenta was going to discover her secret anyway. 

Fran: "Niles, there’s something I’ve to tell ya, but it’s a secret. If somebody knows our friendship’s over" 

Niles: "Ok, I promise I’ll keep my mouth shut" 

Fran: "Thank you. Well, I don’t know how to put this… Niles, I’m pregnant!" 

Niles’ mouth formed a perfect O, and he stood still, unable to move. 

Fran: "Niles… NILES!" 

Niles : "Excuse me, Miss Fine, but this news shocked me deeply. HE’s the father, right?" 

Fran: "Of course, you don’t even have to ask!" 

Niles: "Have you told him yet?" 

Fran: "No, how could I? Since that night he practically ignores him, it seems I’ve some contagious disease. It’s even worse than before. He’s scared to death to have to commit, this news will destroy him completely. I’m in a big mess: I’m pregnant, not married and the father of my child evidently doesn’t want me. How can I get out of this?" 

Niles: "You don’t have in mind to… at least I hope" 

Fran: "No, Niles, no. I could never kill my baby that would be egoistic and inhumane." 

Niles (with relief): "I’m happy to hear that. If you want to know my opinion, you should tell him. He has the right to know." 

Fran: "Maybe you’re right. I’ll go see him immediately" 

Niles: "Ok" 

Fran: "Not a word to anyone, not even to Ma, ok?" 

Niles: "Ok" 

She left the kitchen, headed to the office, knocked at the door and entered. 

Max: "Good morning, Miss Fine" 

Fran: ‘Good, now we’re back to the surnames’ 

Fran: "Good morning, Mr Sheffield. There’s something important I’ve to tell you" 

Max: "Ok, I’m listening" 

In that moment the phone rang 

Max: "Just one moment… Hello, this is Maxwell Sheffield, how can I help you?" 

Elisabeth: "Hello Maxwell, I’m calling from Heathrow. I’m coming to NY on the next flight. It’s about your brother: I’m bringing him there, so we can make him change his mind" 

Max: "Mother, I don’t understand, what’s happened?" 

Elisabeth: "One of those sluts he works with is pregnant with his child. Can you believe it? The honorable name of the Sheffields disgraced by such a scandal. An illegitimate child! That’s the worst thing possible. And now he wants to marry her, the little gold-digger. I think she did it intentionally" 

Max: "Listen, Mother, Nigel is an adult, if he wants to do it, I don’t see how we can stop him." 

Elisabeth: "We have to, Maxwell. Thank God you never did anything like that with that tramp you had for a nanny. You fired her, right?" 

Max: "Actually Mother, she’s right in front of me, and you don’t have the right to call her like that. But you don’t have to worry about me. I couldn’t do anything like that, not because of you, but because of Sara and the children." 

Elisabeth: "Good for you. I’ll be there this evening. Prepare two rooms, one for me and one for Nigel" 

Max: "All right, Mother. Have a nice fly, goodbye" 

Elisabeth: "Goodbye" 

Fran: "What happened?" 

Max: "My Mother is coming here with Nigel. He has gotten one of his employees pregnant and now wants to marry her. Mother is totally furious, as you can well imagine. She thinks this will dishonor the name of the Sheffields. However, what did you want to tell me?" 

Fran thought for a minute: the words he had said to his mother "I couldn’t do anything like that for Sara and the children". The message was clear. Not to mention the fact his odious mother was going to come there, with Nigel, who she had been going to elope with. That was surely the worst moment possible to tell Maxwell the news, if there was a right moment at all. 

Fran: "I just wanted to let you know I’m going to the cinema with the children tonight" 

Max: "Ok, but they have to be here when Mother arrives. Then you can bring them there" 

Fran: "As you wish Mr Sheffield, goodbye" 

Max: "Goodbye" 

Fran walked up the stairs. She found all the kids and told them of their granmother's and uncle's impending visit. "Why do we have to wait? I don't want to see Grandma!," Maggie protested. "

"No matter what your father expects you to be here when your Grandmother and Uncle arrive. After that I promise we will go to the movies," Fran told them. Awhile later Elizabeth and Nigel arrived. "Maybe you can talk some sense into him," Elizabeth said to Maxwell.

She turned to Fran. "And I see you're still here, little gold-digger" she replied. At those words, Maxwell’s rage started to rise. Ok, he might have been scared of commitment, but he loved Fran and wasn’t going to let anyone insult her. "You’re immediately going to apologize to her, Mother. She has done nothing to you and doesn’t deserve such a treatment. Yes, she is here and it couldn’t be otherwise, since this is her place… with the children, I mean" Fran had however noticed his slip and was really touched by it: maybe there was still some hope for the two of them. Elizabeth pretended to ignore Max’ comment and added: "Yes, the children are growing up so fast, Brighton looks just like you Maxwell," Elizabeth complimented. "Mrs. Sheffield, Nigel your rooms are ready," Niles announced taking their luggage upstairs after Elizabeth and Nigel. "Mr Sheffield I really need to talk to you about something", Fran replied.

She had finally built up enough courage to tell him. She couldn't keep it from him forever."Yes Miss Fine what is it?," Maxwell asked. "This is so difficult to tell you," Fran said blinking back tears.

Maxwell saw she was having trouble so he took her hand and led her to the couch. "It's okay Miss Fine. Just tell me what it is. I won't yell at you. I hate seeing you this upset," Maxwell said. "Remember that night a month ago. When we didn't use precautions...," Fran started. Maxwell's mouth dropped open. "Oh my! Are your trying to tell me you're pregnant?," Maxwell exclaimed. "Yes!," Fran said starting to really cry. "Come here Miss Fine,". He held her in his arms while she cried.

"That night I was going to confess my feelings for you but you had fallen asleep. I am sick of running away. Fran I love you," Maxwell replied. "You're just saying that because of the baby," Fran said.

He looked deeply into her eyes and they shared a passionate kiss. "No Fran. I loved you that night. Hec I loved you before that night. I was just too afraid. Well not any more. I really and truly love you," he replied. They kissed again but stopped at the sound of Maggie's voice.

Maxwell and Fran decided they couldn't keep this any longer from the children. They told Maggie everything and she in turn told her brother and sister. Brighton and Grace ran down the stairs to congratulate their father and Fran. Elizabeth was right behind them. "What is all this talk of that woman being pregnant with your child?," Elizabeth asked. "That woman is the love of my life and yes she is carrying my child," Maxwell said smiling at Fran.

"I have every intention to disown both you and your brother," Elizabeth replied. "Well Mother I bloody don't care! I've got all the family I need right here in this house!," Maxwell yelled."Fine. I'm leaving on the very next plane!," Elizabeth said retreating upstairs.

"Can you believe it Fran? We're going to have a baby!," Maxwell exclaimed. "How are we gonna tell Ma?," Fran asked

In that right moment, Elizabeth was dialling furiously a number on her phone. ‘My sons have both gone nuts, how can they love those sluts? It isn’t the right marriage from them. Luckily, I’ve finally succeeded in breaking Jocelyn marriage with that good for nothing. Now maybe she will marry a count, or a duke… Well, if I’ve done it once, I can do it again" 

"Hello, CC Babcock speaking" 

"CC, darling, it’s Elizabeth here, how are you?" 

"Oh, Mrs Sheffield, I’m doing nice. What can I do for you?" 

"I arrived two hours ago in NY. I wanted Max to shake some sense in Nigel head. One of his dancers is pregnant with his child, and he wants to marry her." 

"That’s surely awful, but how am I involved in this?" 

"Well, maybe it’s better if you take a sit…. What I’m going to say will probably shock you" 

"Ok, tell me" 

"Maxwell… His trampy nanny is also carrying his child" 

CC didn’t reply, but a loud noise was heard. She had fallen unconscious again. 

"Maybe I should have told her in first person… Well, I’m paying her a visit right now. She’s the only one who can help me with this" 

In the meantime, Fran and Max were passionately kissing on the couch. He was so happy, finally he had gotten the courage to commit, and it wasn’t only for the baby. Ok, maybe it had pushed him a bit, fastening the natural flow of the events. He knew he had neglected her in the past month, but he was so confused. He had been thinking to what had happened, trying to understand what had gotten into him that night, worried that it had been a betrayal to Sarah, to his duties, worried that a change could have compromised everything also with Fran. He hadn’t been himself, that was for sure. 

But now, everything was so clear and simple: there was nothing bad in being in love, and that night his instinct had managed for a moment to break his rational walls. He was very glad to have done it: there he was, with a beautiful, loving woman in his arms, who carried his fourth child. His "kids" were growing so fast, soon they wouldn’t have needed him and Fran so much. Now he was going to have a new life, fate had brought him back what had previously taken. He was sure Sarah would have been happy for him, he couldn’t hide behind her anymore. He was ready to face the world with Fran. Suddenly she pulled back. 

"Darling, I’m really worried about Ma, I don’t know how she will react. She has always said getting pregnant without being married was the worst thing possible" 

"I know, Fran, but it’s not like that. I’m here with you, and I will take care of you and the baby. Maybe he or she was conceived when we weren’t legally a couple, but there’s nothing that can’t be helped" 

"What do ya mean?" 

"Why don’t you invite your parents to the Rainbow Room tomorrow in the evening? Sadly, it’s too late to do it now. We will have dinner and tell them the news" He said that with a secret smile: that night he had in mind to make two announcements, but first he needed to pay Cartier a visit. 

"Yes, that’s a wonderful idea, honey" 

They were going to kiss again, but were interrupted by Elizabeth, heading nervously to the door. 

"I’m going out, I’ll come late…" Shutting the door as noisily as she could, she disappeared in the night. 

"I’m not going to miss her…" 

"Me neither, Max, but your Mother is a real problem. She hates me and will never accept this baby or the fact we love each other. I don’t want to cause a fight in your family" 

"This is my problem, not yours. Now all you have to worry about is the baby. Mother will have to live with this, because I’m not going to change my mind. If she doesn’t, I can survive it. She has never been a very attentive mother, and I have enough money to live easily without her inheritance. Of course, I’d prefer she approved my choice, for once, but I’m used to it" 

"Well, compared to yours, Ma is the best in the world." 

"That’s right, honey, and I think she will be happy for us. Now let’s go to bed" 

"Which one?" 

"I know what you’re thinking, and I’d really love to do it, but here is full of kids, plus there are Mother and Nigel. I think it would be best if we wait a little" 

"But they surely know we have done it. I think the child I’m carrying is a clear prove" 

"I know, but please, be patient, at least for tonight" 

"Are you having second thoughts?" 

"No, of course not. Trust me, you won’t regret it" 

"Ok, as you wish. I love you" 

"Me too… Goodnight" They kissed each other and went to their rooms. 

Elizabeth parked her car and rang CC’s bell. After a while, the door opened and she entered the apartment. In front of her was a broken woman, her blue eyes were full of tears. 

"I’m sorry, CC, really. You didn’t deserve it. Maybe I’ve been too direct, but I wanted you to know. This way we can work together and separate them" 

"I appreciate it, but I don’t think anything can be done. She’s carrying his child. He will never let her down" 

"He will, if he discovers she has been betraying him. Furthermore she’s so insecure, all pregnant women are. If we can make her doubt of his love, if we can convince her he’s doing it only for the baby, if we can show her he doesn’t trust her, she will give up" 

"How can you be sure of it? Miss Fine hasn’t dated much recently, this son can be only his" 

"I have some good friends who owe me a favour. Believe me CC, soon that slut will be out of our lives, and you will be the new Mrs Sheffield" Elizabeth said, with an evil grin on her face 

The next morning the kids were happily talking about the baby in the kitchen. Brighton wanted a brother, the girls wanted a sister. Max and Fran walked han in hand into the kitchen. "Don't make any plans for this evening. We're taking Sylvia and Morty out to dinner to tell them the news," Maxwell explained. "I hope Sylvia doesn't disown you Fran," Grace said worriedly. She ran to Fran who opened her arms. "Don't worry sweetie. Everything will turn out fine," Fran reassured her still unsure herself. "Will we be a family?," Grace asked looking from her father then to Fran.

"There's one way to find out," Max said kneeling down in front of Fran. He took out the ring he had just picked up from Cartier. "Fran, will you marry me?," "Yes!," Fran answered in a whisper. He placed the ring on her finger and kissed her gingerly. The kids cheered and congratulated the couple. "I was going to wait until tonight but I knew I couldn't," Max explained. "I sure am glad you didn't,"Fran said admiring the ring. Maxwell placed a hand on her stomach. "We'll finally be a family!,"

Afterwards Fran sent the kids off to school and the couple went on a romantic picnic. While they were eating a man came up to them. C.C. and Elizabeth stood behind a statue nearby. "Fran, baby there ya are! I haven't seen ya since we spent that night in the hotel awhile back!," the man replied.

Fran was confused. Maxwell looked at her for an explanation. "I swear sweetie I have never seen this man in my entire life!," Fran replied. It was something in the look she gave Max that told him she was speaking the truth. It was pure love. "I'm sorry but I think you are confused with someone else," Max told the guy.

The guy turned and mouthed 'What do I do now'. Maxwell and Fran both turned around. "C.C, Mother? What is going on here,?" Maxwell asked angrily. Our plan is ruined. Don't blame C.C. It was my fault. I devised a plan to split you two up but obviously it can not be done," Elizabeth explained. "How could you Mother? Of all the awful things you have done this has to be the worst!," Max yelled taking Fran's hand. They walked back to the limo. "

"I'm so sorry my darling. And to our baby. It doesn't deserve a Grandmother that mean," Max said in the limo. Fran kissed him. "Don't worry. All this was was a test to see if our love can truly withstand everything. And it can. As for the baby, he or she has the best parents in the world, 3 siblings who already love him, and 2 grandparents who I hope will be thrilled when they hear about him. We are all the family this baby will need," Fran explained. The spent the rest of the way home talking about how they would break the news to Fran's parents..

That evening, the children, Niles and Maxwell were waiting downstairs for Fran to come. Elizabeth hadn’t been seen since the awful episode in the park. However, her suitcases were still in her room, so evidently she hadn’t left NY. Maxwell was grateful of her absence, Fran was already to worried about her mother’s reaction and another fight wouldn’t have been good for her and the baby. 

Finally, she appeared in a long, black dress, which covered all of her body. Max was very surprised: she usually liked to wear very revealing dresses. However, she looked more than good, she always looked good. 

Fran: "Here I am, how do I look?" 

Max: "Stunning, really" 

Fran: "Are you sure?" 

Max: "Of course, why?" 

Fran: "Don’t I look fat? I wore this dress to hide my belly, so it could be a surprise for Ma, but what if…?" 

Max; "Don’t be silly sweetie, you’re so slim, and just a month pregnant, nobody could notice that." 

Niles: "Ok, let’s get going, you kids come with me right now" And he blinked to Maxwell, knowing he probably wanted some time alone with Fran to reassure her before the "event". 

Fran: "Max, I’m so edgy. Do you really think I’m slim?" 

Max: "God Fran, yes, for the millionth time, yes. And even if you were as big as a whale, I wouldn’t mind. I love you for what you are inside; of course I’m also attracted by your appearance, but that’s the last thing in my mind now." 

Fran: "Thank you honey, that means a lot to me. Do you think Ma will be happy?" 

Max: "You don’t even have to doubt it. She loves you, we love each other, everything will turn out fine. Now, let’s go or we’ll be late. And remember, I’ll always love you, no matter what." 

Fran: "Me too…" 

They kissed and headed towards the car, hand in hand. 

At the restaurant, they found Sylvia and Morty waiting for them. The waiters were desperate because the two guests seemed to be really hungry. They greeted each other, sat at their table and had a relatively normal dinner. At the end, Max got up and said. 

Max: "Fran and I have an announcement to make" 

Fran got up and looked at him and at Sylvia nervously. She, in turn, had stopped abruptly eating her cake (shocking thing, isn’t it?), just at the word "announcement". 

Max: "Today, I’ve asked Fran to become my wife" 

Fran: "And I said yes" 

On the table fell an awkward silence: the children were waiting for Sylvia’s reaction, but she stood there, mouth open, in pure shock. Fran was truly afraid, her ma was going to have an heart attack. Suddenly, a loud scream came from the woman. 

Sylvia: "YYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS. GOD, THANK YOU, YOU’VE HEARD MY PRAYERS. I can’t wait to tell the rest of the family! Son, can I call you this way, right? You’re the best man in the world, I’ve always said that!!" 

Fran: "Last time I checked he was the meshugene schmuck who didn’t deserve your daughter, Ma!" 

Sylvia: "Well, I changed my mind. Now all I want is a little grandchild running around and my life will be perfect. You have to promise me, you will have one right after you’re married." 

Max: "We can’t do it, because…" 

Sylvia: "YOU… YOU… YOU DON’T WANT TO GIVE ME A GRANDCHILD? WHAT A SCHMUCK!!!" 

The children and Niles started laughing: Sylvia had the unique power to change her mood twice in two minutes. 

Fran: "Calm down Ma, what Max was trying to say…" 

Max: "Is that it isn’t necessary to wait that long" 

Sylvia fell back on the seat with a loud noise, it was a wonder it didn’t broke. 

Sylvia: "Is it the way I think?" 

Fran: "Yes, Ma, I’m pregnant. The child is due to arrive in eight months" 

This time, Sylvia didn’t say anything, but started crying silently. Fran was really panicking: her mother was taking it bad. 

Fran: "Ma, please, say something. I know you didn’t want me to get pregnant before marriage, but…" 

A little smile started to appear on Sylvia’s lips, then she laughed wholeheartedly, but still with tears in her eyes. 

Sylvia: "I’m just so happy, I can’t stop crying" 

All the Sheffields, Niles and Fran started to laugh relieved, Sylvia hugged Fran and her "Son" and wished them good luck. Then, she and Morty went back to the car, promptly imitated by Niles and the children. The two "lovebirds" remained a little longer, then they took a limousine and went back to the mansion. There, they sat on the couch, chatting happily about their plans for the wedding and the baby. Without noticing, they soon fell asleep there, in each other’s arms. 

The next morning they started the wedding plans. They decided to get married sooner rather than later because Fran was sub-concious about gaining weight before the wedding. They decided on April 10th which was only 2 months away.

Elizabeth was gone by breakfast and it made everyone a little more relaxed. In March Sylvia and Val took Fran to buy her wedding dress. Fran searched through hundreds until she found the one she loved. It had a long trail and had lace all around the neckline.

Fran:"Thanks Ma, Val. I'll call you later," she replied when they dropped her off at home. She hurried up the stairs to put her dress away. She opened up her closet and let out a scream.

Max, the only one home at the time, came running to her room. Max: "Darling? Are you okay? What happened?" he asked worriedly. Fran pointed to her closet. It was empty. "What happened to all my clothes?," she asked. A smile appeared on Maxwell's face.  Max: "Come with me," he said leading her into his bedroom.

He opened his closet. Next to his clothes were hers. "So what do you think?", he asked.

Fran:"Oh Max. This is so wonderful. But does this mean what I think it means?,"

Max: I'd like you to move in with me. I know we should wait until we are married but I want to watch over you and the baby. We will wait to uh consumate until our wedding night though," he told her.

Fran:I agree Max. This is going to be great," she said hugging him. Finally the big day arrived. Fran gained a few pounds but nevertheless the gown fit perfectly. Maxwell watched as his daughters, his son, Niles, Val, and the rest walked down the aisle. Finally it was Fran's turn. When she started down the aisle he almost gasped. She looked like an angel in her gown.

He couldn’t still believe she was going to be his: he was surely a very lucky man. He mused around, watching as the people he loved the most were smiling at him and Fran. In the first row he saw his brother Nigel, with his wife Maxine blinking at him. They had both had practically the same experience in the past months and that had created a strong bond between them. They weren’t so different, after all. 

Fran had, in the meantime, reached her place next to him. They got lost in each other’s eyes and it seemed like the time was flying away so rapidly, the barely noticed it was the moment to pronounce their wows. Then, the priest’s voice brought them to reality and they said their "I do" with a strong emotion in their voices. 

At the end, everybody clapped at the new couple, and, after the photographs, they headed to the big party. Everybody was having a good time and the absence of the groom’s mother passed almost unnoticed. Even CC seemed to have taken it good, finally. She was dancing with Niles, forgetting for a moment her troubles. In her mind she found herself thinking how good he always made her feel, even with his bad jokes. She blushed lightly at the thought, but it filled her being, breaking her resistances, relieving her from a big weight. He noticed her relatively light mood and smiled silently: he loved that woman, that was for sure. Now, with Mr Sheffield out of reach for her, he could hope that someday… 

In the meantime, the two lovebirds were also dancing, exchanging passionate looks. Suddenly, Fran felt a pang in her belly., and let out a soft moan. 

Max: "What’s up, darling?" 

Fran: "I don’t know, honey. My belly hurts a little." 

Max immediately got worried, fearing that the stress of the day might have caused some mess with the baby. 

Max: "You know what? Now we say everybody goodnight and go back home." 

Fran: "Ok, sweetie, I can’t wait…" 

Max smiled, but frowned when he noticed Fran’s face was in pain. 

Max: "Forget what I said, we are going directly to a hospital. NILEES!" 

At that sound, Niles awoke from the trance he and CC were in and ran at his Master’s side. 

Niles: "Yes Master?" 

Max: "Take the limo, Fran is having some problems, it’s better if we go to see a doctor" 

Niles (worried): "Ok, sir, consider it done" 

They exited the room together with the children and Sylvia. In the meantime the news had spread around to the other guests, who were also getting worried. 

"Where's my daughter?," Sylvia asked the nurse at the main desk. "Settle down Miss. Name?," the nurse responded. "My daughter is lying in a hospital I need to see her now," Sylvia responded. "I understand but I need your daughter's name,".

"Fran Sheffield," Maggie said coming up behind Sylvia. The nurse went to find Fran. She told them, upon her return, that Fran was with the doctor and that Mr. Sheffield would come and tell them when he knew anything.

A half hour later Max came to find the family. "The doctor says everything will be fine. Alot of stress was placed on the baby and the pain Fran felt was from the discomfort of the baby. She and the baby are both doing now but the doctor thinks it would be best if she was admitted just for tonight," Max explained.

He then instructed Niles to take the kids and Sylvia home while he went back to Fran. "Oh Max I'm so sorry. This was supposed to be a romantic evening," Fran replied. "Darling I'm just glad you and the baby are alright. There will be plenty of time for romance," he said kissing her.

A nurse set up a cot next to Fran's hospital bed. And that is where he stayed all through the night. Right by his wife's side.

Luckily Fran didn’t have to experience much more pain during the remaining part of the nine months. However, she had to stay still most of the time and sleep a lot. The doctor had told her stress could have done harm to the baby, so she decided to slow down. 

In the meantime, Niles and CC’s fights had transformed: now they looked, every day more, as a bickering couple. Both Fran and Max noticed and decided to do their best to put them together. One night CC had to go to an important reunion party, and Max practically forced Niles to go with her. 

The two of them enjoyed the evening a lot, dancing and chatting with the other guests. CC was so happy: for once she had cut a very good figure with her old friends. They were all envying her handsome partner. At the end of the evening they went to the limousine, but found it had disappeared. They couldn’t know it, but it was part of Max’ plan. 

CC: "Damn, where did that stupid shoelicker go?" 

Niles (laughing): "Don’t you think you’re overreacting a bit, Ms Babcock?" 

CC: "Tell me what’s so funny about our situation. We are here alone, in the middle of the night, nobody in sight and…" 

She stopped abruptly, realizing what she had said, blushing at the idea of being alone with him. He saw her cheeks changing colour and smiled. 

Niles: "What’s the problem? Witches should like midnight time!" 

CC: "Will you please stop it, bellboy?" 

Niles: "In your dreams, chicken" 

At those words, CC’s face became of an even deeper red. She could remember well that night, so long ago. She had liked that, she had to admit. Niles took advantage of her stillness and silence, and gathering up his courage, took her face in his hands and kissed her. 

At first, she was shocked and tried to pull back, but then she realized she was willing to continue that kiss, as much as he was. So she responded with passion, to Niles pleasure. After a while they parted and looked in each others eyes. 

Niles: "This is probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done, but I have to admit it. Your devious spell has finally paid its effect on me. You’ve caught me in your web, I… I love you CC" 

CC was taken aback by his confession, and her heart started to jump and beat even faster. She couldn’t speak anymore. 

Niles took her behaviour for a refusal, and turned to go away from her, but was blocked by her strong, slender arm. 

CC: "You silly servant, how do you dare running away without listening to what I have to say?" 

Niles: "Please, I’m not in the mood for stupid games. If you want to humiliate me even more, do it now, but then let me part from you with my dignity" 

CC (smiling): "Ok Niles, as you wish. Even if I hate to have to say it out loud, I lo…ve you too. I think I always have, in a certain sense, but I was too busy with my false hopes to notice" 

He was so happy, he couldn’t breath anymore, they kissed and kissed and kissed, not wanting to let go. After a while, they heard an engine rumour. They went checking and found the limousine, even if empty. Only a little note was placed on the front seat. 

Dear Niles, 

The car is yours, at least for tonight, consider tomorrow your day off. We hope you’ll make good use of it, we have noticed how you and CC are made for each other, so we organized this little thing. 

We hope you won’t be angry with us, and that you’ll be happy as much as we are. We own you a big deal for it, and will never be able to repay you as much as you deserve. 

Good luck! 

Niles smiled, he loved those guys! They were really his family. He passed the note to CC, who laughed wholeheartedly, seeing they had been fooled. The two lovers mounted on the car, heading for CC’s flat. 

Finally the due date for the baby’s birth arrived. Both Max and Fran were edgy and tense, everything had been prepared, and the hospital alerted. Two days after the correct date, Fran started feeling the contractions, and all the family hurried to bring her to the hospital. Max went with her, wanting to face everything with her, easing her pain. 

After some strong pushes, the doctor saw the head of the baby emerging at the open air. 

Doctor: "Ok, Mrs Sheffield, just a last strong push. 3, 2, 1, PUSH!" 

Fran did as said, and the baby went out completely. The nurse took the little creature in her arms and made him cry. The little sound filled Fran with joy. 

The woman smiled and said: "It’s a girl!" 

Max hugged his wife tightly and they smiled, in pure happiness. Then the nurse, after cleaning the baby, put her on Fran’s belly. 

Max: "Another girl, B. is going to hate us" 

They laughed again, knowing that wasn’t the truth. 

Fran: "I promise I’ll do my best to have a baby boy soon, if you give me a hand, of course" 

Max: "It will be my greatest pleasure, Fran. Have you any ideas for the name of our little girl?" 

Fran: "Actually I have, what about Sara?" 

Max was speechless, Fran was always surprising him. 

Max: "Oh Fran, I… I don’t know what to say! That means so much to me, I love you so much!" 

Fran: "Not as much as I love you" 

Max: "And what about the middle name?" 

Fran: "Well, I’ve always liked Lynn" 

Max: "That’s a nice name, ok so Sara Lynn… Our jewel!" 

They kissed, then Max went out of the room and told the beautiful news to the family. After Fran was moved to her hospital room, they all went to see the mother and the baby, bringing presents, flowers and toys. 

When they were all gathered around the bed, Niles coughed lightly, attracting everyone’s attention. He smiled and, holding CC’s hand, started speaking, even if with emotion. 

Niles: "First of all, let me wish Fran and the little Sara all the joy in the world. I think there couldn’t be a best moment than this to tell you this." He exchanged a loving glare with CC and added " CC and I are getting married in three months, of course you’re all invited" 

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