Summertime Love

by

FJS
(franniesheffield )

Fran walked into Maxwell's office and perched herself on her favorite corner of his desk. He was deep into a conversation, but looked up and smiled as she handed him a glass of juice. She grabbed a nail file and began to work on her nails while he finished up on the phone.

"I understand completely, Steve, July will be perfect. I think I'll make a family vacation out of the trip. Friday, July 25th. Wonderful, thanks, Steve, see you then."

"Where're we goin'? Meanwhile, who's this Steve guy, and is he single?"

Max sighed heavily as he hung up the phone. "We're going to California, Miss Fine. Steve is Steve Silver. He founded a marvelous musical revue called Beach Blanket Babylon back in 1974. He wants to meet with me personally before committing his traveling troupe to play here, so I thought instead of going to Hawaii, we'd see some of California. As for him being single, I hardly think you're his type."

She looked over at Niles who was trying not to laugh. He swivelled his hips from side to side. "Oh, well." She giggled. "I've actually SEEN that play in Florida, it's really good."

"Wonderful. I think we'll leave as soon as the children are out of school for the summer. You didn't make any plans did you?"

"I was supposed to go see Heather with Val. She got a job on The Young and The Restless, but I'll call her and let her know you need me to go with you." She wasn't really looking forward to seeing Heather anyway, but it was a free trip.

"Good, good. How about we fly into Los Angeles, rent a car and find a hotel in, say, Long Beach. We can take in the local sights, take the children to Disneyland...they've never been there. I'm sure there are many things to do in the area. Then we can slowly drive up the Coast Highway, Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and then San Francisco. We can take three weeks or so and see as much as we can."

"We're going to have to rent a van or something. We'll need it to schlep all of us and all our things from place to place."

Max smiled. "Don't you mean all YOUR things, Miss Fine?"

Before she could respond, Niles stuck his head inside the office. "If it's all the same to you, Sir, I've never really wanted to see California."

Max chuckled. "All right, Old Man, you can stay here. You know, I think I'll let C.C. stay home as well. I can handle the negotiations alone, and then call C.C. so she can get started with the preparations on this end."

"One thing, Mr. Sheffield, we should probably fly into Long Beach Airport, if we're gonna be staying there. I've flown into LAX, and believe me, you do NOT want to fight that traffic."

"Good thinking, Miss Fine. I'll leave the flight scheduling to you, then. The children are out of school on the 18th, so why don't we leave on Friday, the 20th?"

"You're the boss!" She grinned and hopped off his desk. "Oh, Boss, I'll need your credit card to make the reservations."

"You'd think you'd have that number memorized by now." He laughed good naturedly as he reached into his pocket for his wallet.

"I do have it memorized." She giggled as she snatched the card from his grasp. "I just keep forgetting the expiration date. I'll make the call from the kitchen so you can get some work done." She hurried to the kitchen and picked up the phone book while C.C. was pouring herself a cup of coffee. She opened the yellow pages to "Airlines", then snapped her fingers and ran back to the office.

"Mr. Sheffield, the kids are supposed to go see their grandparents August 1st, isn't that going to be a problem with your plan?"

Max thought for a moment, tapping his pen on his desk. "I know, they can fly to Maine from San Francisco. They usually fly alone from New York; this will just be a longer flight. Oh, and when you make our reservations, make our return flight for August 5th. After six weeks with the children, we could use a short vacation ourselves. How about we head up to the Wine Country for a four day weekend?"

"That sounds wonderful; I've never made it that far north." She tried to appear calm, although she was plotzing inside. He wanted to spend the weekend with HER? Just the two of them?

"Then it's settled. I'll book one of the cottages in Calistoga, so we'll be close to the spas."

"Let me go make the flight reservations, are you taking care of the hotels?"

"Yes, I've been playing with an itinerary here, now I need to find hotels that can accommodate our needs. Can you share a room with both girls?"

"I usually do."

"Great, if I can't find us a large suite, I'll just get two large rooms."

She headed out the office door. "Be sure you get two beds in each room. Gracie smothers me, and Brighton bruises you." She laughed as she returned to the kitchen.

C.C. took a sip of her coffee. "What's up with the yellow pages? Are you taking a trip?"

"You'd better talk to Mr. Sheffield about that."

"Oh, no, what's he getting me into, now?"

"He's not getting you into anything. He and I are taking the kids to California for a vacation. I need to make the plane reservations."

"Are you taking your mother and Yetta?" Fran shook her head as she wrote down the phone number for the airline.

"Where are you going?" It was just going to be the five of them? Normally they took everyone on these vacations. This was just a little too 'family' for her liking.

"Well, San Francisco is our final destination, but we're flying into Long Beach and driving up the coast."

"You DO know that the little one gets carsick, don't you?"

"GRACE will be fine. They make medication for that." Fran rolled her eyes as she searched the phone book for the right number. C.C. shook her head and made her way to the office. Fran picked up the phone and dialed the number for the airline. "Hi, I need to make reservations for 2 adults and three children. Friday the 20th, from La Guardia to Long Beach, California. The adults will be First Class...one-way. The children will fly coach, and I'll need three seats together. They're 9, 13 and 18. One-way for them as well. I'll also need one-way tickets for two adults from San Francisco to La Guardia for August 5th, and three coach seats for the same children...San Francisco to Bangor, Maine for August 1st." Fran wrote all the information down, and then double-checked it with the ticket agent before giving her the credit card number. She called the rental car company and reserved a large SUV for the trip. It wasn't really Mr. Sheffield's style, but the kids would have plenty of room. She hung up the phone and hurried back to the office, where she found Max on the phone making arrangements of his own.

"This is one trip I'm happy to miss. How you are going to stand six weeks in a car with three kids..." C.C. shook her head and sipped her coffee.

"I happen to LOVE those kids, Miss Babcock. This is going to be a vacation that none of us will ever forget!" She perched herself on the desk and frowned at C.C.. How she could say she loves Maxwell and not love the kids was beyond her.

Max smiled at her as he hung up the phone. "We're all set for the hotels, Miss Fine, how did you do with the airline?"

"We're booked one-way La Guardia to Long Beach. I got two First Class seats for us and three seats together for the kids."

"First Class, Miss Fine?" He raised an eyebrow as he looked at her.

"Well, it's a long flight; I thought you'd like to have someone to sit with." She pouted as she handed him the itinerary.

"Oh, you thought to reserve a car...you reserved an SUV?"

"I know it's not your style, but it's got so much more room and it's a long trip. I thought the kids would be more comfortable. If they're comfortable, they're less likely to start fighting."

"Good idea." He loved the way she knew the children so well. "I booked us ten days at the Coast Long Beach. I thought that would be long enough to see the highlights of the local sights. It's also located in between Universal Studios and Disneyland." Fran and C.C. glanced at each other and tried to hide their smiles. "All right, what's so funny, ladies?"

"The thought of YOU on Space Mountain." Fran laughed.

"I was actually thinking of BOTH of you on that ride. Maxwell holding the car for dear life, and Nanny Fine holding her hair in place."

"Maybe I'll just sit that one out." Fran glanced down at the list of hotels Max had booked. "Four days in Carmel?"

"The Quail Lodge has an excellent children's program, Miss Fine. I thought you might want to check out the shops in Cannery Row."

"Oh, aren't you sweet?"

"We'll look for you to be our tour guide once we get to San Francisco, Miss Fine, since you've been there several times."

"Oh, that's easy. You just need to get a City Pass. That's seven days of tours. Make sure you get a hotel with babysitting service, since the kids can't go to North Beach with us."

"This is one trip I'm glad I'm not taking." C.C. held her cup as Niles poured.

"I'm with you on that one, Miss Babcock."

"There's going to be plenty for you to do while we're away, Niles. I'll need you to pack for the children's visit to their grandparents. When they change planes at La Guardia, you'll need to exchange their luggage. C.C., you can start securing backers for the new show and get the contract in order for the Silver show."

"Maybe I should do a little shopping this weekend. I can take the kids and get us all a few new things for the trip." Fran winked at Niles.

"Don't buy too much; you'll want to do shopping once we get to California."

"I won't, don't worry. I know you'll need new shorts, and a couple new shirts...same for B., and I'll pick up a couple of sun dresses for the girls."

"What about for you, Miss Fine?"

"That's a surprise, Mr. Sheffield." She winked as she sashayed from the room.

"Isn't that going to be a cozy little vacation? Just you, the children, and Nanny Fine." C.C. gritted her teeth as she spoke Fran's name.

"You're welcome to come, too, C.C.."

"Not on your life, Maxwell. As much as I adore your children, I am NOT going to be stuck in a small space with Fran again. Being on that jury with her just about killed me! I JUST got the Mr. Ed theme song out of my head!"

Max chuckled. "Yes, she does love her Nick at Night, doesn't she?" He smiled as he remembered nights when he'd be working late in his office, and could see her on the sofa, bowl of ice cream in hand, watching her favorite re runs.

C.C. rolled her eyes again. "You know she kept your credit card, don't you?"

"Of course I do, C.C., she's taking the children shopping this weekend. Now let's get this paperwork done, I don't want to leave any work for you when we go on vacation."

C.C. dove into the paperwork. Good grief, you'd think she was his wife or something!

The next few days passed quickly, and before everyone knew it, it was time to leave. Fran pulled her two suitcases out of her room and sat them in the hallway. "I think you should fire that secretary of yours for making these reservations so blasted early!"

Maxwell looked up at her and laughed at her use of one of 'his' words. "Now, now, Miss Fine, I think she made the reservations early so we could enjoy the sunset from our rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I was actually thinking of giving her a raise."

"You're the boss!"

He looked down at her suitcases. "That's all you're bringing?"

"How long ya know me? The others are still in my room. I have two more and my carry on."

"Only four, I'm impressed!"

"Well, I'm assuming the hotels you've booked us into have a cleaning service."

"I'm sure they do." He stepped into her room and picked up her carry on and her two large suitcases. "Leave those for Niles, Miss Fine."

"All right, I'll check on the kids." She made her way down the hall, knocking on each door to hurry the children up. Soon the limo was packed and the family was on their way to La Guardia. They checked their baggage with the Sky Cap, and headed for the gate. After getting the children settled in their seats, Max and Fran settled into their seats in First Class.

"You know, I feel a little guilty leaving them back there alone." She turned around and blew them kisses.

Max patted her knee. "They'll be fine, relax." He smiled at her reassuringly.

"I know. They'll feed them back in coach, too, right?"

"Yes, they'll get breakfast, too. You didn't check this out when you made the reservations?"

"Yes, I did, but they're my babies, I still worry about them."

Max smiled and squeezed her hand. Just one of the many things I love about you.

After breakfast was served, Fran lowered her seat to take a nap. Max could hardly concentrate on his novel. He just sat and watched her as she was sleeping, carefully moving stray hairs out of her face as she turned from side to side. She woke as turbulence bounced the plane over the Midwest. She opened her eyes, and found herself looking into the sexy green eyes she'd come to love.

"Hi."

"Did you have a nice nap?"

She nodded. "Where are we?"

"Oklahoma, maybe? I'm not exactly sure. You slept through the Dallas stop."

She moved her seat to the upright position. "Have you checked on the kids?"

"No, I didn't want to disturb you."

"I'll be right back; I just want to make sure they're all right."

The flight attendant watched her go back to where the children were sitting, and then smiled at Max. "If your wife is worried about your children, we're not full; they can come up here and sit."

Max started to correct her. She's not my wife. He looked back at her, playing with Brighton's hair, looking at his score on his game boy. "She's just a bit overprotective; the children are fine, thank you."

Fran sat back down in her seat and buckled her belt. "Feel better?" Max looked at her and smiled.

"B got a new high score, and they made some new friends that boarded in Dallas. And I DO feel much better, thanks for humoring me."

"You might want to take another nap before we land. There's quite a time difference."

"That's just what I told the kids." She took away his book and closed it. "That means you, too, Mister."

"Yes, Ma'am." He smiled and lowered his seat.

Fran moved her seat down and pushed the armrest out of the way so she could snuggle close to Max. He pulled the blanket up around her, and then sought out her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. He woke up just before the plane started over the ocean.

"Miss Fine...wake up we're almost over the water."

She sat up and leaned over him, allowing him to take in her intoxicating scent. "Oh, it's so beautiful! Look, there's the Queen Mary!"

"You'll be able to see it from your suite."

"I can't wait!" She smiled, and then stiffened as she felt the engines change. Max held her hand until they were on the ground.

"Better?"

She nodded. Ever since that scare on the plane ride from Paris, I get a bit shaky on landings."

"I didn't notice it on our trip to Bermuda."

"That's because you made me sit in coach with the kids. I almost broke Gracie's hand."

After the plane was at the gate, the flight attendant brought the three Sheffield children into First Class. "I thought I'd bring them up here so you don't have to wait for them to deplane."

Fran flashed a bright smile. "Thanks so much for everything." She put her arm around Grace's shoulders as they left the plane.

An elderly woman that had been sitting several rows behind Fran and Max smiled as she passed them. "You have a very lovely family."

Max looked at Fran and his children and smiled. "Thank you very much."

"Where's baggage claim, Dad?" Brighton was looking around.

"Do you know where it is, Miss Fine?"

She looked around. "It's this way, Mr. Sheffield." She took Grace by the hand and started in the direction the sign indicated.

Max and the children followed her to the baggage carousel, and they pulled all their suitcases off and put them on a trolley.

"Now what?" Max looked like a lost child.

"Oy, you're helpless without Niles, aren't ya?"

"Well, I'm not totally helpless."

"We need the rental car; it's supposed to be out front. B., push the trolley this way."

The family made their way to the front of the terminal and found a large SUV with the name SHEFFIELD in the window. Fran pulled the confirmation number out of her purse and secured the keys from the rental agent.

"O.K., let's load this baby up and get to the hotel."

"Do you know how to get there, Miss Fine?"

"We've got onboard GPS, and I've got a map." Fran grinned

"Who are the children talking to?" Max was frowning.

"Oh, those kids were next to them on the plane, they're staying at our hotel."

Brighton pushed the trolley over to the SUV. "We've gotta talk, guys." He sighed deeply.

"What's wrong, B.?"

"We'll tell ya on the way to the hotel."

They loaded up the luggage and returned the trolley, and then they were on their way to the beach.

"All right, somebody dish." Fran was looking at the kids in the mirror.

"It's this Miss Fine and Mr. Sheffield stuff. This is supposed to be a FAMILY trip, and it looks like we're out with teachers or something. Those kids, who are staying at our hotel and want to hang out with us, don't believe that you two are our parents."

"What are you talking about?"

"We LOOK like a happy family, except you two call each other by your last names. Do you know how that looks? Fran, don't take this wrong, but we're too old to have our nanny take us on vacations to watch us; you're more like our mom." Maggie looked at her siblings for help.

"We told them that the 'Miss' and 'Mr.' were just pet names, and that Fran's our step mom."

"Brighton, how are we going to explain the room situation, then? We got two suites."

"Well, Daddy, Maggie's eighteen now, and she's old enough to watch us in one suite and you and Fran can have the other one."

"Gracie, what if you have a nightmare? You won't be able to run to my room if you're across the hall."

"I'll be O.K., Fran, really."

"Dad, those other kids have THEIR own room, and invited us over for games and snacks, and they're younger than we are. I promise to be on my best behavior and not harass the girls."

Max took a deep breath. Well, Fran, what do you think?" He emphasized her name.

"I don't know, Max." She grinned, using the same emphasis on his name. "We can try it, and if it doesn't work, Brighton and I can always trade rooms." She had no clue how she was going to handle 10 days in the same suite with this man.

Max made another turn and smiled. "Fran, look what street we're on."

"Queensway Drive! Max, did you do that on purpose?"

"No, I wish I could take the credit. It's the only place with two suites available. It's also the most expensive." He pulled into the parking lot of the Coast Long Beach Hotel. "Well, here we are. Our home for the next ten days."

"Do you want me to check us in while you and the kids get the luggage?"

"That would be great, Fran, then we can go directly up to our rooms." She went in, picked up the room keys, and filled out the registration card.

"Sign right here, Mrs. Sheffield." The desk clerk pointed to a line on the registration card.

Fran looked outside at her family, then back at the desk clerk, and then took a deep breath and signed 'Fran J. Sheffield'. She walked back outside where Max was loading the luggage cart.

"Do I need to go in and sign the card?"

"No, I signed it."

"They let you sign it?"

"Uh- huh."

"That's strange; whenever I go anywhere with C.C., they never let her sign the card."

"All right. Fine! The girl said 'sign here, Mrs. Sheffield', so I did, O.K.?"

"Well, we're supposed to be a happy family." Max looked at his children and smiled.

"Here come the Martins! Remember, guys, no last names." Brighton was waving at his new friends. The family piled out of their rented car and introduced themselves to Fran and Max.

"You guys are right down the hall from us! Too cool!"

"Don't make any plans for tonight, B., it's been a long flight, and we need to find someplace to eat."

"Why don't we eat in the hotel dining room tonight, Sweetheart?"

Fran's head snapped around at the endearment from Max. "Mmmmm, sounds good to me. I am SO tired."

Max turned to the Martins. "It's good to meet you. I think I'd better get my wife upstairs and pour her into a hot bath."

"That sounds delicious, Maxwell."

They pushed the luggage cart to the elevator and pushed the button for the top floor. "All right, Children, we trust the three of you. Brighton, Grace, you listen to Margaret. Margaret, don't be a tyrant.

"Yes, Sir." She took the key card from her father.

"If there's a larger room, Brighton, give it to the girls."

"Yes, Dad."

Fran pulled the other key card from his hand. "While you're taking care of their lectures, I'm going to get settled." She opened the door and stood open-mouthed at the view. "Max, Max, come look at this!" She dropped her suitcase and went over to the window. He pulled in the rest of the luggage and closed the door behind him.

He walked over to Fran and slipped his arms around her waist. "It is beautiful, isn't it?"

She laid her head back against his chest. "It's amazing. Thanks for including me."

"You're family, Fran."

She turned around and snuggled against his chest, and then yawned. "Do I have time for a nap?"

"Not if you want dinner. It's almost six now." He reached over, picked up a brochure, and chuckled. "Look at the name of the hotel restaurant."

She looked at the paper he held in his hand. "Oceana?"

"I'm sure it's not the same as the one at home."

"Probably not. Do I at least have time for a quick shower?"

"If you don't wash your hair."

"Do we have one bathroom or two?"

He looked around. "It looks like only one. Go ahead and go first, then while you're doing your hair and make up, I'll take one. I'll call the children and tell them to get ready."

"Great. I'll be right out."

She hopped into the shower, and then realized that she didn't bring her robe into the bathroom with her. When she finished bathing, she wrapped the oversized towel around her and stepped into the living room, where Max was on the phone with the children.

"I forgot my robe." She looked down at her polished toenails and headed for her room. She was a bit disappointed that Max had chosen the larger room, the one with the view. He stood with the phone in his hand and watched her close the door behind her. This was going to be a long ten days.

By the time the family had eaten dinner, everyone was exhausted. Fran and Max tucked the children into bed before preparing for bed. Max tapped on Fran's door while she was putting her nightgown on. "Fran, would you like a glass of wine?"

"We have wine? Sure, it'll help me get to sleep." She opened her bedroom door wearing a satin nightgown and robe. "Sorry, I thought I was sleeping with the girls. I'll pick up some pajamas tomorrow." Max couldn't move, he couldn't speak. "Max?"

"You look absolutely beautiful, Fran." He handed her a glass of wine and they walked over to the window seat to watch the sunset.

"Now THAT is beautiful." She could see Max's reflection in the glass. He wasn't watching the sunset, he was watching her. She took a sip of her wine and looked over toward the Queen Mary. "Are we taking the kids on the ship?"

"That's the plan. There are plenty of shops to keep you happy, too." She took another sip and yawned.

"I think I need to go to bed."

"You do look very tired. Let me help you." He helped her up, walked her to her room, and turned down her bed. She lay down and he pulled the covers up to her neck. "Good night, Fran." He kissed her forehead gently.

"G'night, Max."

Fran woke with a start and looked at the clock. It was two in the morning. Her pulse was racing and her forehead was sweating. That was some nightmare! She tried to get back to sleep, but kept imagining all kinds of things going bump in the night. She got up and padded to Max's room. He was sound asleep on the left side of the bed with the curtains wide open. The light of the full moon illuminated his face. She climbed in on the right side of the bed and snuggled next to him.

"What the bloody hell are you doing?"

"I had a nightmare, I'm scared. Just hold me and go back to sleep. You won't even know I'm here."

He put his arms around her as she laid her head on his chest. "You're sleeping HERE?" He looked down at her frightened face and kissed the side of her head. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I don't remember it; I just woke up and was scared. The kids don't have a key to our room, do they?"

"No, why?"

"I'd hate for them to come in and see us in the same bed."

"Well, they're the ones that want us to pose as a happily married couple."

"Aren't we happy?"

"What's your point?"

"My point is...we've been together for four years, we know each other inside out; probably better than most married couples. We're better friends than most couples ever become."

He rubbed her arm. "You're right, we HAVE become good friends."

"I just wish..."

"You wish what, Fran?"

"Every time we start to get closer, you pull back from me."

"Now that's not true..."

"When I climbed in bed with you, instead of asking me what was wrong, you immediately got angry. I should be able to come to you and have you just hold me and make me feel safe. God, I feel safe when I'm in your arms. You're the only man I've ever felt safe enough to share a bed with, and know he'd be a gentleman."

"I'll always do my best to keep you safe from harm. You don't always make it easy, though. At least this past year wasn't as bad as last year. You're not going to be husband hunting on this trip, are you?"

"Of course not. I'm here with my husband and children." She giggled softly. "Can we go back to sleep? I have three kids that are gonna run us ragged tomorrow."

"You're sure you need to sleep here?" It was driving him crazy having her in his bed...in his arms.

"Unless you're throwing me out." She traced circles on his chest with her index finger.

He kissed the top of her head again. "Good night, Fran. Try to get some sleep."

"G'night." He held her close and after a while, felt her breathing become slow and rhythmic. Several times, she sighed in her sleep, and Max was sure she'd said his name. Finally, exhaustion overtook him and he fell asleep with Fran still in his arms.

Fran opened her eyes. Sunlight was streaming in the window. She climbed out of bed slowly, so she wouldn't disturb Max. He'd been so sweet last night, taking care of her after the nightmare. She tiptoed out of the bedroom and put on her robe and slippers. She went into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. As the coffee started brewing, the phone rang. She knew it had to be the kids.

"Hello? Hi, Mags. No, he's still sleeping, but I'm gonna get him up as soon as the coffee's ready. Really? Oh, I love a good buffet. Yeah, go ahead, but you keep an eye on Gracie and B., we'll be down after your dad gets up. I love you more. Bye, Sweetie."

"We'll be down where?"

She turned around and there he was in his maroon robe, hair tousled, unshaven, looking sexy as hell.

"Good morning. There's a free breakfast buffet downstairs. Maggie is taking Grace and B. down, and I told her we'd be down later." She handed him a cup of coffee.

"Thank you." He kissed her cheek. "Good morning. How did you sleep?"

"Like a baby, thanks."

"I didn't even feel you get up." He took a sip from his steaming cup.

"I didn't want to wake you. I thought I'd get the coffee made for you, since I kept you awake last night."

Max blushed at her remark. Why did she always have that effect on him? He looked down at his cup. "YOU made coffee? It's excellent!"

"Thank you. You'd be amazed at the things I can do, Mr. Sheffield." She winked at him and headed for her room. "I'm going to take a shower while you have your coffee."

"Take your time." She'd done it to him again. He watched her as she sashayed into her room and picked out her outfit for the day. She moved into the bathroom and turned on the shower. As she rubbed the soap onto her body, she wished it were Maxwell's hands on her body. Maybe by the end of this vacation things would look up a bit. She stepped out of the shower and wrapped her hair in a towel, then patted herself dry before donning her satin robe.

"The shower's free."

Max looked up at Fran as she exited the bathroom. The sunlight hit her robe just so you could make out the outline of her breasts through the thin material. His mouth went dry. He had to take a sip of coffee before he could speak. "Great, thank you."

She bounced into the bedroom and combed out her hair, and then blew it dry. She opted for straight hair in a ponytail, since it was popular style on the West Coast. She headed for Max's room to lay out his clothes for the day. As she passed the bathroom, she could hear him singing a song from his current production. She smiled as she listened, and then moved to his closet. She found him a shirt and a pair of shorts, and laid them out on his bed.

He emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. She eyed him appreciatively. "Feel betta?"

"Much better, thank you. Don't you look adorable?"

"Thanks. I laid your clothes out, we need to hurry or we're gonna miss the big berries."

He stepped into his room and closed the door before removing his towel and running it over his hair. "I'm sure they won't run out before we get there."

They finished getting ready and stepped out into the hall, running into Jack and Donna Martin.

"Looks like the two of you got a late start, too. I think all the kids went down to breakfast already."

"Maggie called me about a half an hour ago to let me know they were going down. I had to wait for Sleepy here to get all his beauty rest." Fran slipped her arm around Max's waist and he kissed the side of her head.

"I was actually surprised to wake and find her already up. Usually Fran takes all the beauty rest. Not that she needs it, mind you."

"Thanks, Sweetie."

"How long have you two been married? The kids said something about you being their step mother."

Fran looked up at Max. "We've been together four years now." He smiled at Fran as the foursome walked toward the elevators.

"Donna and I have been married nineteen wonderful years."

Fran felt Max tense up. That's how long he and Sarah would have been married. "So what do you do in Dallas, Jack?"

"I'm and executive for a major oil company and Donna is an administrative assistant for the same company. How about the two of you?"

"I produce musical theater, and my Fran is a stay at home mother. She takes care of the children, makes sure the household is running smoothly, and keeps our butler in line."

Fran laughed. "Niles gets into more trouble than the kids sometimes!"

The elevator bounced to a stop on the first floor. "Don't get in Fran's way at the buffet, you might lose a finger." Max laughed and she slapped his arm playfully.

"You can't tell me this tiny thing eats a lot!" Donna looked Fran up and down. "What are you, a size four?"

"I will be after breakfast. I'm usually a two." Donna watched as Fran piled food on her plate.

"You're eating all that?

Max laughed. "Only on her first trip."

The two couples sat down at a table and started eating.

"So what are your plans for today, Max?" Jack took a sip of his orange juice.

"We thought we'd take in the Queen Mary today, and some of the shops at Shoreline Village."

Fran looked around the dining room. "I don't see the kids."

"Oh, they probably discovered the game room. They have a wonderful program for kids here. There's a movie theater, a game room, a lifeguard for the pool. We stay here every time we're in town."

"Brighton was impressed by the Nintendo system in his room." Max smiled as he watched Fran go back for more shrimp.

Donna sighed. "Doesn't she ever gain weight?"

"She usually walks it off running after the kids or shopping."

Fran sat her plate on the table. "I'll be right back, I'm just going to check the game room and see if the kids are there."

"I'm sure they're fine, Darling, why don't you eat your breakfast?"

"I'll just be a minute, Sweetie." Max watched her hurry off down the hallway. She returned a minute later with a broad smile on her face. "All right, I fell much better. They'll meet us upstairs in about a half an hour."

"Are you taking the kids to Disneyland or Knott's?"

"We bought some sort of City Pass that allows us to take them to four resorts. They chose both Disney parks, Knott's Berry Farm and Universal Studios."

"Boy, that'll keep you busy. How long did you say you'd be in town?"

"We're staying here ten days, and then driving up the coast to San Francisco."

"What's your next stop?"

"The Santa Barbara area." Fran smiled. "I can't wait to see it. There's this little Danish town north of Santa Barbara called Solvang, and a town called Buellton that makes the best split pea soup in the world."

"I've had the soup, well, from a can. You're right, Fran, I think it IS the best." Donna looked up at the children entered the dining room. "Uh-oh, I guess they ran out of quarters." She laughed as she hugged her youngest daughter.

"Aren't you guys done yet? We want to go see the Queen Mary!" Brighton grabbed a strawberry off Fran's plate. "There's supposed to be ghosts on board!"

"Hey!" She pulled her plate away from him. "I've injured people for less." She winked at Max. "Actually, I AM done, how about you, Honey?"

"Ready whenever you are, Darling."

"Then let's go find some ghosts. I need to run upstairs and grab my purse."

"You won't need it, Fran, I've got my wallet."

"Sweetie, have you EVA known me to go ANYwhere without my purse?"

"Come on, kids, let's go upstairs so Mom can get her purse."

"Um, Daddy, can we just stay in the game room until you come downstairs?" Maggie looked at the game room then at Fran.

"Sure, Sweetheart, we'll be right back."

Fran put her arm around her oldest daughter. "Cute guy in the game room?" She whispered in her ear.

"Yeah!" Maggie giggled.

"I'll see if I can stall your father a bit."

"Thanks, Mom! Come on, we can play for a few more minutes!" She led her siblings back to the game room.

"I think I've been taken out of the loop, as Niles would say." Max frowned as they stepped into the elevator.

"No, Honey, it was just girl talk."

"Fran..."

"OK, she just wanted to talk to a cute boy, that's a lot more fun than schlepping upstairs with your parents, now isn't it?"

"Now was that so hard?"

"Wha?"

"Telling me the truth."

"Well, normally you over react."

"Am I over reacting now?"

"No, and it's scary...stop it." She grinned at him.

The elevator doors opened on their floor and Max led her to their suite. "You ARE just grabbing your purse, aren't you?"

"I think I'm going to change my shoes. If we're going to be doing a lot of walking, maybe I should be wearing tennis shoes, too." She looked down at his feet.

"Good idea. I'd hate to cut the day short because your feet hurt."

"O.K., ready!" She bounced out of her bedroom and threw her arms around his neck. "Are you sure you're ready for a day of shopping with me?"

He slipped his arms around her waist. "I wouldn't want you to go into shopping withdrawals or anything." He kissed the tip of her nose. "What is it?"

"What's what?"

"That look on your face. What's wrong?"

He could always read her like a book. "We're just getting along so well, I'm waiting for the bottom to drop out."

He knew she was right. He always withdrew from her emotionally when things got too close. "I'll try not to let that happen this time, Fran."

"That'll have to do." She smiled and kissed him softly. "Come on, Hubby, the kids are waiting for us."

They picked up the kids and headed over to the Queen Mary, just across the bay. Brighton convinced his parents to purchase the "First Class Package" tickets, allowing them to see the ship and the paranormal research center on board. Fran bought each of the kids a T-shirt and they stopped in the heraldry shop and bought all the "Sheffield" merchandise they could find. Maggie pulled Max into the Royal Crystal Arts shop to show him a pair of beautiful champagne flutes. Max had Grace busy Fran in another gift shop, while he and Maggie had the flutes engraved with "Max" and "Fran". He had these shipped home as a surprise for Fran's birthday.

The family's next stop was Shoreline Village. Brighton was impressed with Pirates Cove, so Fran bought him several pieces of pirate art for his room. At the Collector's House, they found several porcelain dolls for Grace, and Maggie fell in love with The Secrets of Provence. She and Fran loaded up with French soaps and bath oils, as well as decorations for her room. They stopped in Hot Licks to buy some spices for Niles, before looking for a restaurant for a late lunch.

"What does everybody feel like?" Fran was eyeing the boardwalk for ideas.

"Pizza!"

"Sandwiches!"

"I could actually go for a beer, how about you, Fran?"

"The Yardhouse?" She looked at the sign above her head.

Max read the menu on the door. "This sounds perfect, something for everyone."

They walked inside and once again ran into the Martin family. "Hey, Max, Fran, why don't you join us?" They motioned for the server to get them a larger table.

"I guess we're joining them, huh?" Fran said quietly to Max.

"Well, the children look happy about it. Be nice and I'll take you to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory afterwards."

"Have you got yourself a deal, Mister!" She smiled and ran her finger under his chin and moved toward the table.

"Isn't funny how we keep running into each other? Jack laughed. "We should check our itineraries and see if we can't spend some time together. Our kids really enjoy spending time with yours."

Fran squeezed Max's knee under the table. "That would be nice, Jack. How about joining us for dinner tonight? I'm taking Fran and the children to The Madison, over on Pine."

"The Madison?" He shook his hand in front of him. "That's pretty pricey, Buddy. How about we find a cheaper place?"

"Fran's really got her heart set on one of the desserts there; we'll do dinner another time, Jack." Fran smiled at Max. There was just something about this Jack character that bothered her.

"Well, all right, if you want to spend that kind of money while you're on vacation. Your plays must be pretty good!"

Fran beamed. "They are. Max is a wonderful producer."

"It's funny, I've never really heard of you. The only producer I've heard of is Webber."

"Who is an over rated snob, if you ask me!" Fran rubbed Max's thigh reassuringly.

"Thank you, Darling." He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

Brighton and Maggie exchanged glances. This was NOT a topic of discussion they wanted to stay on if they wanted their father in a good mood.

"Dad, do we have time after lunch to take a harbor cruise?"

Max looked at his watch and smiled at his son. "Of course we do, Son."

"Cool. Hurry up and eat, Mags!"

"I'll be done before you, Troll." She smiled at her brother.

Once lunch was done and the check paid, the kids hurried back outside to the boardwalk and headed toward the boats.

"Come ON, Daddy!" Grace tugged at her father's hand.

"We're comin' Gracie!" Fran laughed. "Oy, my hair is NOT going to like this.

"I'll make it up to you later. How about I take you dancing after dinner? I'm sure the children can get a movie or play computer games for a couple of hours."

"You have a date." She slipped her arm through his and followed the children to the boat. "Oh, this isn't so bad; I can get out of the wind if it gets too bad."

Max purchased the tickets and then helped Fran and the girls onto the boat. He and Brighton climbed in and found a seat along the rail. "Don't you want to sit over here, Fran?" He was grinning from ear to ear.

"She won't do it, Dad; she might mess up her hair." The two men high-fived each other.

"Oh, REALLY?" She got up from her sheltered seat and walked over to where Max and Brighton were sitting, and lowered herself into Max's lap. "I think I'll sit right here."

He wrapped his arms around her waist as the boat started up. "Here come your buddies!" He pointed to the ticket window where Donna was waving as Jack bought tickets for the cruise.

"Max, I've got a strange feeling about them. I just can't put my finger on it, but something's not right." She slid off Max's lap and on to the seat next to him. Jack walked over and sat next to Fran. The boat slowly pulled away from the dock and made its way past the breakwater. As it passed the last jetty, it increased in speed.

"Whoa, this is COOL!" Brighton was on his feet, looking over the side.

"B., make sure you're holding on tight." He turned and smiled at Fran. She was so overprotective sometimes.

Fran got up and walked over to the rail where Brighton was standing. The wind was hitting her in the face, along with some of the spray from the wake of the boat. "Oh, Honey, you've GOT to come see this!" Max got up and stood behind her. He slipped his arms around her waist, and she leaned back on his chest. "Thanks, Max."

He nuzzled her neck. "You're welcome, Fran." She was eating this up. He loved the way she faced new adventures head on. Her hair was blowing everywhere, she was getting wet, and she was having a marvelous time.

"I'll need to wash my hair again before dinner."

"We'll head back to the hotel as soon as the cruise is over." She nodded and closed her eyes, taking in all the smells, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face and the cool spray as they cruised through the water.

"Hey, you two. We thought you might like a drink." Jack and Donna were standing behind them. Each of them had a glass of wine in each hand.

"Thank you, that's kind of you." Max took the glasses from Donna and handed one to Fran.

She eyed the glass thoughtfully. "Just this one, Honey, if we're having wine with dinner." She held the glass over the rail and let some of the liquid spill into the ocean when the Martins weren't looking, much to Maxwell's amusement.

The Martins continued to talk about themselves the entire cruise. By the time they reached the dock, the Sheffields were ready to go back to the hotel and hide in their rooms. As Max helped the ladies off the boat, Jack assisted. As he helped Fran off, his hand slid downward from her back. She turned around and shot him a look that would kill, but he left his hand where it was and just smiled. As her feet hit the dock, she slid her arms around Max's neck and kissed him. "Thanks for the boat ride, Sweetie." Then she whispered loud enough for Jack to hear, "I'll thank you properly when we get back to the hotel." She smiled seductively, and then kissed him again. "Oh, remember, you promised to take me to the chocolate factory if I was a good girl...and I intend to be a VERY good girl."

Max knew something was up, he just didn't know what. He knew Fran would fill him in once they got back to their suite. He took her to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and bought her one of their signature caramel apples, drenched in chocolate, along with several kinds of fudge.

"Will this keep you happy for a while?" She smiled and nodded. The kids all picked out different kinds of chocolates, vowing to share with each other so they could taste as much as possible. "These are definitely YOUR children, Fran."

"Yes they are!" Fran answered proudly.

On the way to the car, Max held Fran back a bit. "So what was that display at the boat?"

"What display? Oh, the kisses and the bit about being a good girl?"

"Yes, what's going on?"

"I'll tell you when we get to our room."

"Why can't you tell me now? The children are far enough ahead of us."

"Maxwell, I promise I'll tell you as soon as we get into our room, now please, can we drop it?" She reached for his hand and held it tightly. They walked in silence, hand in hand to the car and returned to the hotel. Once in their room, Max locked the door and turned around with his arms across his chest.

"All right, Mrs. Sheffield, dish!"

She sighed deeply. "Promise you won't yell or over react?"

"No, not until you tell me what happened?"

"When you and Jack were helping us off the boat, Jack had his hand on my back, and then he sort of slid it down."

"Down?"

She walked over to him and stood behind him. "First his hand was here. Perfectly natural place when helping someone off a boat, right?"

"It seems like it."

She slid her hand down to where Jack's had been on her earlier. "THIS is not helping me off the boat. THIS is feeling me up."

"Why didn't you bloody SAY something? I would've..." He whirled to face her.

She could see the veins start to pop on his temples. "I KNOW what you would've done, Sweetie, which WHY I didn't say anything then. I gave him a dirty look, and then let him know that I only want YOU. We may only PRETEND to be married, but you know how I feel."

He gathered her in his arms. "I know. It's funny, we're pretending to be married, but I haven't noticed anything we've done differently."

"You haven't? Well, Sweetie, I know it's been a while for you, but married people usually sleep together."

"Fran, we slept together last night."

"I didn't mean SLEEP sleep."

"I know what you meant. Fran, don't take this the wrong way. That's a big step for us to make. I don't want to rush things and ruin what we've built."

"Max, it's been FOUR years! That's NOT rushing! I don't want to fight about this. I didn't come on this vacation expecting anything to happen, I just came to help with the kids and have fun. You ARE right about one thing...I don't want to ruin what we have either. We've got love, trust, respect, mutual love for the kids. The same kids who asked us to pretend to be married."

"Our kids." He smiled at her.

She sighed and smiled back at him. "Yeah, our kids. You didn't freak out when I said 'love'. That's a good sign."

"Fran, when I took back saying 'I love you', it didn't mean that I DIDN'T love you, just that I wasn't ready to love you. I'm not making a bit of sense, am I?"

"You're making all kinds of sense, Max. I know you love me. I see it in your eyes, feel it in your kiss...it's actually GOOD that we waited, it's hard to go straight from boss/nanny to a couple. We had to become good friends first."

"We've done that, haven't we?"

"You know, I always say that Niles and Val are my best friends...but I think, in reality YOU are my best friend." She looked at him to read his eyes. She saw the familiar twinkle and smiled.

"I think you've been my best friend since the first day you walked through my door. You've cared enough about me and the children to risk making me angry, to tell me the truth, to love me even when I pushed you away." He hugged her tightly. "I'm so lucky that you came into my life."

She rubbed her hands across his back. "We're getting WAY to serious, here; we're supposed to be getting ready to have fun!" She pulled away from him. "I'll shower first, since I need to do my hair. How much time do I have?"

He stoked her cheek. She always gave him a chance for an out. "You have one hour to go from windblown to smashing."

"Oh, good, I thought I was gonna be rushed." She laughed and headed for the bathroom.

He stood and watched her disappear into the bathroom, heard the water in the shower, then her voice, singing quietly off key.

Fran stood in the shower and let the warm water caress her body. He did it. He ADMITTED he loved her. Well, he didn't say the three little words, but what he DID tell her meant the same thing to her. She knew that it was time to stop pushing, to stop trying to force things to happen. They were playing married for the sake of the children and their new friends; she'd simply show him how wonderful it would be to be married to her. She finished with her shower and stepped out, wrapping a towel around her hair, then a large bath sheet around her body.

"Ok, Sweetie, the shower's all yours."

Max looked up and smiled. Even with no make up, and wearing only a towel, she was a vision. She returned his smiled and quickly made her way to her bedroom. She listened as the shower started running in the next room. How she wished she could just join him, help him wash that gorgeous body of his. She towel dried her hair and reached for the mousse. Stop it Francine, give the man time! She applied the mousse to her hair and blew it dry. She pulled a dress from the closet and smiled. It was perfect. It was a dress that Mrs. Maxwell Sheffield would wear; conservative and classy. She pulled the towel tighter around her and made her way to Maxwell's closet, and chose a suit and tie for him. She heard the shower stop, and tried to hurry out of his room, but as she reached the door, he was coming in. She had to stop and stare. His hair was dripping onto his bare chest, his towel wrapped around his waist. It took her a minute to find her voice.

"I laid out your clothes." Was that her voice? She slipped past him and hurried back to her room, then let out the breath she was holding. Oy, she needed to get out of this room! She'd just change places with Brighton, and if anyone asked, she'd just tell them that the girls wanted their mother with them. The kids would never go for it. She got dressed and styled her hair with just a slight poof. Max liked her hair long and straight. She stepped out of her room to find him on the phone with the children. He stopped mid sentence to stare.

"Just a second, Maggie. Fran, you look beautiful."

She smiled brightly. "Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself."

He finished his conversation and turned back to her. "The children are ready. You know, Fran, this is actually nice, having the children in a separate suite. It gives us time away from them, and lets them be as noisy as they want...within reason, of course."

Great, he's loving it, and all I want to do is run to another room! She smiled and reached for her purse. "It just seems strange not sleeping with Gracie. I can't believe my baby doesn't miss me. She ALWAYS wants to sleep with me when we're on vacation."

"I can't say that I blame her."

"What'd ya say?"

"I said, ready to go, Darling?"

She nodded and stepped back so he could open the door for her. She'd heard exactly what he said, and she had to stop herself from smiling. He not only loved her, he WANTED her. This was getting better and better. All she had to do was have patience and let everything happen naturally.

After dinner at The Madison, Fran and Max agreed they could trust Maggie to get her siblings back to their room on her own, so he called a cab and sent them home.

"So, Mr. Sheffield, where are you taking me?"

"Right down the street to a place called "Mums". There's a cigar bar on the roof, with dancing. I thought you might like to dance while taking in the view of the city, Mrs. Sheffield."

She smiled and took his hand. "You know, you don't have to call me that when the kids' friends aren't around."

"I know." He patted her hand. "Ready to dance the night away?"

"If it means being in your arms, I'm always ready for that." She flashed him a brilliant smile as they left the restaurant. They drove the four blocks to "Mums" and took the elevator to the terrace bar, where the dancing was in full swing. "Oh, MAX, this is beautiful!"

He looked around and noticed most of the women smoking cigars along with the men. "Would you care for a cigar, Fran?"

"You're not serious, are you?" She looked around and saw how many women were smoking. She sighed deeply. "You'll show me how so I don't make a fool of myself, right?"

"Absolutely. I'll choose a mild one for you." Max walked over to the bar and ordered drinks for the two of them, then purchased two cigars. "The bartender assured me that this wine goes superbly with this cigar. I didn't think you'd want a cognac."

"Ah, you know me so well." She smiled as she accepted the glass of wine and watched him light her cigar.

As he puffed on her cigar, he watched her taking it all in. She was right, he DID know her well. He knew the foods she liked, the music she liked, even that she preferred a sweet wine over a dry one. He also knew that she knew him just as well. She'd been able to get things out of him almost immediately that it took Sarah their entire marriage to find out. He handed her the cigar. "All right, now don't inhale this. Just pull the smoke into your mouth and savor it before expelling it."

"Don't inhale. Right." She put the cigar to her mouth and sucked in a mouthful of smoke, and then blew it out a few seconds later. "I should be able to handle this." Max lit his cigar and took a few puffs. "Oh, yours smells good, can I try it?"

"It's a bit strong, are you sure you can handle it?"

She gave him a seductive grin. "Well, you're strong, and I can handle you." He almost swallowed his cigar.

He shook his head. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Want a list?" He decided to quit before he dug the hole deeper. He put his cigar to her lips, and she took a large puff. "That's nice, not too strong at all."

The continued to walk around the terrace bar and take in the view of the city and the harbor lights. Once they'd finished their drinks and cigars, Max swept her in his arms and led her to the dance floor. Before they realized it, it was two in the morning, and the bar was closing. They made their way back to their car and headed back to their hotel. Fran yawned and leaned on Max during the elevator ride. By the time they reached their suite, she was almost asleep.

She yawned again as Max locked the door behind them. "G'night, Max. I had fun tonight, thanks for taking me dancing." She headed for her bedroom.

"You're welcome. I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Wha?"

"Aren't you afraid you'll have another nightmare?"

"Max, as much as I'd love to sleep in your arms, it's very hard for me to sleep that close to you without..." She couldn't tell him that she wanted to jump his sexy body and make love to him all, now could she?

"I know, it's hard for me, too." He took her in his arms. "Good night, Fran." He leaned down for what was originally intended to be just a quick kiss, but turned passionate quickly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, and then he swept her up in his arms, carried her to her bedroom, and deposited her on the bed.

"Max, we can't...not yet." God, he hated it when she was right. Almost as much as he hated leaving her.

"I know." He kissed her forehead. "Sleep well. I'm right next door if you need me."

"Thanks. I'll see you in the morning." She watched close the door and removed her dress, and then pulled on her pajamas. The next thing she knew, Max was standing over her with a steaming mug of coffee.

"Good morning, Sleepyhead!" She sat up and looked at the clock.

"Is it really after nine?"

"It sure is. The kids are downstairs eating already, I asked Maggie to bring us some food so you don't have to see the Martins."

"Oh, I love you for that! What do the kids have planned for us today?"

"They want to drive into Los Angeles, check out Griffith Park, Santa Monica Pier, and the tar pits."

"I guess I'd better get my touchas outta bed and into the shower, then."

He placed the cup on her nightstand. "Here's your coffee, cream and two sugars, just like you like it. I'll let you know when breakfast gets here."

She took a sip of her coffee. "Mmmm, perfect. Thanks, Max."

"My pleasure." He returned to the living room and turned on the local news while Fran showered. The children arrived with breakfast as Fran stepped out of the shower. Max sent them to their room to get ready for the day, and to give Fran a chance to get dressed and eat. He was enjoying spending time alone with her. She came to the table in her robe and slippers and ate breakfast with him while they chatted away, then hurried to her room and got dressed.

"So why can't you get ready this fast at home?"

"Well, at home I have to fix my hair differently, wear better clothes, wear more make up...you mean you haven't even noticed?" She definitely turned the tables on him with THAT one. She smiled smugly as he tried to find a witty retort, but nothing came to mind. She had him on that one. She grabbed her purse and headed for the door. It suddenly hit him; he knew how to get her back.

He walked up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, pulled her to him. Using his nose to move her hair aside, he nuzzled her neck gently. He put his lips to her neck as he spoke. "I notice everything." She felt her knees go weak and leaned against him for support. He turned her slowly around to face him, then lowered his head to kiss her.

The moment was broken when the children began to pound on the door. "Are you guys ready yet? Come ON!"

She looked up and smiled at him. "Rain check?"

He kissed the top of her head. "Absolutely. Shall we?" He opened the door and their three anxious angels greeted them.

"It's about time!"

"Now, children, in all fairness to Fran, she DID set a new speed record for getting ready today." Fran reached over and playfully pinched him. He smiled and grabbed her hand and laced their fingers.

They spent the day touring Los Angeles. They rode the antique merry go round, visited Travel Town and the observatory in Griffith Park. They saw the La Brea Tar Pits, and ended the day on the Santa Monica Pier, where they had dinner at The Lobster on the pier.

"Max, look over at that table. No, in the corner. Is that who I think it is?"

Maggie looked over at the table. "I think it IS!"

"Just who is that supposed to be, Fran?"

"It's Shane from Days of Our Lives! That must be his wife and kids. She's gorgeous, and those girls are adorable!"

"We're adorable, too." Brighton laid his head on her shoulder.

"You're the MOST adorable, My Darlings." She smiled at their children. She looked back at the actor in the corner. "You know, Maxwell, you sort of look like him, but he doesn't have that sexy grey streak." She smiled at him and patted his hand.

"You're not planning on trying to get his autograph, are you, Sweetheart?"

"No, he's with his family. I know how I hate it when people interrupt us to get YOUR autograph."

"That's never happened...OUCH! Well, it hasn't." Brighton rubbed his shin where Fran had kicked him.

Max leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thank you." As soon as they had finished eating, Max paid the check and led the family to the car before Fran could change her mind and accost the actor.

The next few days were hectic, but fun-filled. They took the children to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, Knott's Berry Farm, and Universal Studios. The last couple of days in Long Beach were spent exploring the quaint shops in Belmont Shore and sailing in Alamitos Bay.

As they loaded the SUV to leave Fran offered to drive the two hours to Santa Barbara, their next stop.

"Fran, as much as I'd love to be able to enjoy the California Coast Highway, there is NO way I'm letting you drive past the beaches."

"What, you don't think I can concentrate on driving?"

"Not with half naked men doing body building on the beach, I don't."

"Fine, if you don't trust me." She pushed her lower lip out slightly.

"Tell you what; I'll drive the first hour, you can drive the second hour."

She smiled. "Thanks. Where are we staying in Santa Barbara?"

"The San Ysidro Ranch. They have private villas, and I've rented one for us for the four days we'll be there."

"Four days?"

"Well, if you want to see the mission, the beaches, eat at that restaurant in Montecito you've been drooling over since you saw it on the Food Network."

"Oh, Piatti? You're taking me to Piatti? You sweet man!" She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him gently. "I'll find some way to thank you, I'm sure." She winked at him so the kids couldn't see.

After four days sight seeing in Santa Barbara, they made an overnight stop in Solvang, and stopped in Buellton for pea soup on the way. Then it was on to San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. They stayed at the pink hotel, the Madonna Inn. Every room in this hotel was different. Brighton stayed in the Bear Cave Room, Maggie and Grace stayed in the Cinderella Room. Max and Fran took the Romeo and Juliet Suite, to Fran's surprise.

"Dad, Dad! You've GOT to see this bathroom! You go in a waterfall!"

"What's that, Brighton?"

Brighton grabbed his father and pulled him into the public men's room. He pointed to the wall where a man was about to urinate. "Watch!" The stream broke an invisible beam, causing a waterfall to cascade down. "Cool urinal, huh, Dad?"

Max laughed. "Yes, Son, very cool, indeed." He exited the restroom to find three very puzzled ladies. He whispered into Fran's ear, telling her about the restroom.

She brought her hands to her mouth. "Oh, NO, that's just too much!" She laughed.

"How's steak sound for dinner? I saw a place called McClintock's just down the road."

"Sounds good to me, Max."

The next day they drove to Montano de Oro State Park and visited the Pygmy Oaks in the Elfin Forest and the tide pools. By the time they reached their rooms, they were exhausted.

"Everyone try to go right to sleep, we need to get up early if we're going to drive to San Simeon and see Hearst Castle in the morning and still make it up to Carmel."

"Carmel...ah, the spa!" Fran sighed deeply.

"You know, Fran, there's another Piatti in Carmel."

"Mmmm, I can't wait! Ok, off to bed kids, you heard your father." She tucked her three charges into bed and waited for Max to kiss each of them goodnight. They walked hand in hand to their suite, and while Fran was taking off her make up in her room, Max ran the bath for a Jacuzzi for her.

He tapped gently on her door. "Fran?"

"Come on in."

"I ran a bath for you. I thought you could use one after the day we had."

"What about you?"

"I'll take one when you're done." He picked up her robe. "Come on, the water's getting cold."

She smiled and kisses his cheek as she walked out of the room. "Thanks, Sweetie, I'll be out in a bit." She stopped at the bathroom door and watched him move back toward the sofa. She so wanted to invite him to join her, but would be devastated if he said 'no'. Their relationship had definitely taken a turn for the better on this trip. She closed the door, slipped out of her clothes and into the warm water. She turned on the jets, letting the bubbles massage her tired body until the water started to get cool.

She drained the tub as she patted herself dry, and then re filled it with warm water for Max's bath. She wrapped her robe around her and securely tied the sash. "Max, your bath is ready." She walked over to the sofa and found him sleeping. She dropped to her knees and played with his curls. "Max?" She kissed him softly, causing him to stir.

"Now there's a sight to wake up to." He stroked her cheek gently.

"Your bath is ready, or do you just want to get into bed?"

"I'll take a quick bath, since you went to the trouble of filling the tub for me." He sat up and stretched slowly.

"It was no trouble. If you'd rather just go to bed, you can just shower in the morning."

"Give me fifteen minutes in the tub. If I'm not out, come in and wake me, will you?"

She smiled wickedly at him. "It'll be my pleasure!" Please, God, let him fall asleep! "You go ahead and get in; I'll toss your robe in after you're in the tub. Don't worry; I won't be able to see anything." She gave him a few minutes to get into the tub, then opened the door just a few inches and hung his robe on the hook behind the door.

"You've got ten more minutes, don't you fall asleep, now." She laughed as she closed the door, and then went into his room and turned down his bed. She pulled his pajamas out of the drawer and laid them on the bed before heading to her own room and donning her pajamas. She looked at the clock. Time to get that sexy man out of the tub. She stepped out of her room just as he exited the bathroom.

"I was just coming to get you."

"It was all I could do to stay awake."

"Are you sure you want to do everything we've planned for tomorrow?"

"We'll play it by ear." He gathered her in his arms. "Stay with me tonight."

"We've talked about that, Max."

"I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms, and wake to your beautiful smile in the morning." He pulled her gently toward his room.

"You promise to be a good boy?"

"I'm too tired to be anything else."

"I could do with a bit of cuddling, myself. All right, you win." She pulled away from him, turned off her bedroom light, and joined him in his bed, where they both fell into a deep, restful sleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

Fran felt like she'd just fallen asleep when the alarm clock rudely jolted them out of their dreams. "Oh, make it stop." Max reached over and hit the snooze alarm. "What time is it?"

"It's almost seven."

"SEVEN? I'm goin' back to sleep!"

"No, you're not, Sweetheart, you're going to get up and start getting ready to go." He kissed the back of her neck.

"But, MAX...mmmmm...you keep THAT up, and I'm neva gettin' outta this bed!"

He rubbed her arm gently. "Come on, we've got to get the children up." He got out of bed and donned his robe.

"I SO don't like you right now!"

"How about I make us some coffee, will that help your mood?"

"You'll buy me some cinnamon rolls?"

"Yes, Fran, I'll stop at Cinnabon again for you. Now will you please get out of bed?"

She hopped out of bed and bounded into his arms. "So, hurry up and get dressed, Mista!"

She kissed him softly, and then skipped off to her room to dress, leaving Max shaking his head. "Meshugana!"

"I heard that!" God, she loved that man!

The family decided to pass on seeing Hearst Castle, deciding that it would be more fun to check out the sea lions and seals up around Big Sur before continuing on to Carmel.

The pulled into the Quail Lodge right at dinnertime. They were shown to their three-room villa, where the children immediately began fighting over the room assignments.

"It's quite simple, children. Brighton, you'll sleep with me, Maggie and Grace will share a room, and Fran gets her own room."

"I'm a little old to sleep with my 'daddy', Dad, why can't Fran sleep in your room and let ME have my own room?"

Max coughed and avoided eye contact with Fran. Did the children know? "Son, that's really not appropriate, Fran and I aren't married."

"Well, people that aren't married sleep in the same bed all the time." Margaret chimed in.

"You'd better not be talking from experience, Missy!" Fran and Max eyed their oldest carefully.

"No, I was just talking in general. I haven't..." She lowered her eyes and blushed.

Fran turned to Brighton. "Sweetie, I know you don't want to sleep with your father, but he's right. What kind of example would we be setting for you kids if we shared the bed?"

"The way I see it, this pretending to be married has shown all of us that you two NEED to be married. For the last sixteen days, there hasn't been ONE fight. It's felt like we're all a REAL family!" Grace was in the middle of the room with her hands on her hips. "I know you started pretending for us, but you kept it up even after we left the Martin kids! It's so obvious to everybody but you guys that you love each other. Daddy, you need to get over the guilt about Mom. She would want you to be happy, and she'd love Fran as much as we do. Fran, quit thinking you're not good enough for Daddy. He's lucky someone like you WANTS to love him. We're lucky you love US."

Fran and Max exchanged glances before Fran moved to pull her youngest into her arms.

"Gracie's right, Dad, Fran. You two belong together. This has been the best vacation ever, because it's more like we're with our parents, and not our dad and our nanny." Brighton moved to where Fran was cuddling Grace and put his arms around them. "You quit being our nanny a long time ago. Even though you're not married to Dad, you're still our mom."

Maggie wiped the tears from her eyes and joined the group hug, leaving Maxwell frozen to the spot watching his family. His family. His son, his daughters, and Fran had said herself not too long ago, they didn't have a signed piece of paper, but she WAS his wife. He loved her, he trusted her, he respected her, and he knew she felt the same way about him. He cleared his throat to try to gain their attention. "Maybe we need to find some dinner, shall we?"

As the children peeled away from Fran one by one, he held out his arms to her, and she gladly moved into his embrace. "Children, go get washed up for dinner." He watched them disappear into the two bathrooms, and then tilted Fran's face up. "I love you. I know what you're thinking, Fran, and the bottom is NOT going to fall out of our relationship this time." He used his thumb to wipe a tear as it made its way down her cheek.

"I love you, too, Maxwell. I've been so afraid of telling you how I feel, because I didn't want to push you away. I love you so much it hurts sometimes."

"I'm not going to back pedal this time. Let's take each day as it comes and see what happens." He kissed her nose softly. "Now, what sounds good for dinner?"

"I don't know. What about that forest restaurant the kids saw in the brochure?"

"Yeah, Dad, The Forge in the Forest. They've got all kinds of food there, even kibble for Maggie." Brighton snickered as he walked back into the room.

"Shut up, Brighton!" Maggie thumped the back of her brother's head.

"Now, that's enough, you two, or you'll do without and go right to bed."

"Sorry, Dad."

After dinner, Max drove the family around town to see what other amenities it had to offer before returning to their villa.

"O.K., kids, get your showers and off to bed, we've got tickets to the aquarium for tomorrow."

"G'night, Fran, g'night, Dad!" The kids hugged and kissed their parents and went off to bed, leaving the adults sitting in the living room.

Max moved over to the sofa next to Fran and slipped his arm around her. She snuggled down so she was comfortably nestled against his chest. "Tired?"

She sighed softly. "No, not really. I was just thinking how nice this feels. I like sitting like this with you."

He kissed the top of her head. "It does feel nice, doesn't it? Are you up for a walk around the grounds?"

"I'd love to; just let me tell Maggie we're going."

"Fran, leave a note for them, don't wake her."

She smiled and nodded. "O.K., how's that?" She showed him the note.

"Sounds good to me. Do you want to get a sweater? It might be a bit cool."

"I'm fine. If I get cold, I'm sure you can think of a way to warm me up." She smiled and winked.

"I'm sure I can." He took her hand and led her outside the villa to the dimly lit paths between the residences. "Let your eyes get accustomed to the dark first."

She looked up at the sky. "Oh, Max, so many stars!

"They are beautiful, aren't they, but nowhere as beautiful as you are."

She rested her head on his shoulder. "You always know just what to say, don't you?"

"Not always, especially around you." He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, and smiled when she sighed softly. "You're so quiet, are you sure you're not tired?"

"No, I was actually listening to the quiet." She giggled. "That sounded strange. But listen, Max, no traffic, no sirens, just crickets."

"I thought you'd like this place. After a day in Monterey, I figured you'd like to take advantage of the spa. I might even try out the driving range."

"Will you teach me?"

"Teach you to golf? So you can beat me like you do in tennis?"

"No, I just thought it might be fun to go to the driving range together sometimes...or is that your escape from all of us."

Max knew he'd been caught. "Well, Darling, I don't always have to go by myself. Of course I'll teach you."

They started moving along the path slowly. "You know, I think I AM getting a bit tired."

"Well, then, let's head back, shall we?"

"I'll fix you a brandy to have with your cigar."

"That would be wonderful, Fran, if we had brandy."

She smiled brightly at him. "Well, we DO have some; I bought it when we were in San Luis Obispo."

"Aren't you just full of surprises?"

"Well, I know how much you enjoy a nice cognac with your cigar."

They walked hand in hand back to the villa in silence, enjoying the quiet.

"Max, why don't you have a seat, I'll bring everything to you." She might as well show him what an attentive wife she could be.

"Thank you, Sweetheart." He kissed her gently and made himself comfortable on the porch swing.

Fran went inside and removed the crystal decanter from the cupboard. He'd better like this for what I paid for it. Well, it was his credit card. She smiled as the aroma reached her nostrils. She poured him a small snifter, the reached in the cupboard for a second one. "I might as well join him, it might help me sleep." She poured herself a snifter and then selected a cigar from Max's small humidor. She clipped the end, grabbed the lighter and the cognac and made her way to the front porch.

"Did you say something, Fran?"

"Oh, I just said I'll have some cognac too, to help me sleep."

He took the snifter from her, inhaled the fragrant aroma, and then took a sip. "Fran, what brand is this?" He was sure he already knew the answer.

"Remy Martin. I told the man at the store I wanted the best cognac. This is Louis XIII." She took a small sip. "Oh, this IS good, it doesn't even burn going down!"

"Darling, there are many good cognacs that don't cost nearly as much as this one."

She looked at him with her lethal lower lip protruding. "You don't like it?"

He moved his hand to her thigh and patted her softly. "I love it, Fran. Thank you for thinking of me."

"No, tell me, should I buy another brand next time?"

"I have Niles keep a bottle of Louis XIII around for special occasions. He usually picks up a less expensive brand for every day. I shouldn't have said anything, Fran. This was extremely thoughtful, and you COULD have bought something ghastly."

She smiled and laid her head on his chest. "Thanks." She took another sip. "This is sort of a special occasion. You told me that you love me."

"You are absolutely right, Fran. It IS a special occasion." He raised his glass. "To our future together." Her eyes filled with tears as she touched her glass to his. He loved her, he really loved her, and instead of taking it back, he's toasting their relationship. She took another sip of the warming liquid and shivered slightly. "Are you getting a chill?"

"No, not really." She put her hand to her mouth to hide a yawn.

"Time for bed, Frannie, you want to be able to have a good time tomorrow, don't you?"

She grinned seductively. "If I don't go to bed, will you spank me?"

Max swallowed hard, and then snuffed out his cigar. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her inside. "So you want a spanking, do you?" He carried her to her room and sat down on the bed, with her still in his arms.

"Maxwell Sheffield, don't you dare start something you can't finish!"

He stood up and sat her on the bed. "You're right. We've got the kids next door on both sides of us."

She stood and slipped her arms around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Get some sleep; I'll see you in the morning." She kissed him softly.

"No nightmares tonight, Fran. Sweet dreams. I love you."

"I love you more."

"We'll have to work on that, then, won't we?" He leaned down and claimed her mouth with a searing kiss. "That should tide you over until morning."

Her knees felt weak. Could that man kiss or what? "Uh, yeah, that should do it. G'night!"

He kissed the tip of her nose. "Good night." He took her hands in his and squeezed them gently before exiting the room. He checked on his sleeping son, and then stepped into the shower and let the cold water run over him.

The next morning Max heard Fran's shower running when he awoke. He chuckled to himself, thinking about how much fun she would have exploring the shops on Cannery Row. He stepped into the shower and began to hum softly.

"Geesh, Dad, what time is it?" Brighton stepped into the bathroom.

"It's about seven thirty. I'll be out in a minute."

"Didn't you shower last night?"

"I needed another one to wake up; it took me a while to get to sleep last night."

"Yeah, I felt you tossing and turning. Never complain about ME again."

Max stepped out of the shower and wrapped a large towel around his waist. "I'm going to put a pot of coffee on to surprise Fran. I'll be right back to get dressed, start deciding what you're going to wear."

"Uh, I think She's already making coffee, I heard her in the kitchen."

Max opened the door and saw her in the kitchen, still softly singing. She was cutting up fresh fruit, and he could smell the coffee brewing. He moved behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck. "Good morning. How did you sleep?"

"Good morning! I slept like a baby, thank you. It's a good thing we stopped at that fruit stand, we can have fruit and cinnamon rolls before we leave."

"Good idea. Are the girls up?"

"Uh-huh. I woke them up right after I got out of the shower. They're supposed to be getting dressed." She reached down and ran her fingers along the top of his towel. "Is this what you're wearing to the aquarium?"

Max looked down and blushed. He'd forgotten that he was only wearing the towel. "Oh, uh, I, uh, didn't know you were already out here, I was going to surprise you..."

"Oh, Honey, I'm surprised, all right!" She slipped a finger under the towel.

He grabbed her hand. "I was going to surprise you with coffee. Now, you behave."

"Mmmm...make that two spankings you owe me now."

"What am I going to do with you?"

She leaned forward and whispered into his ear. He pulled back, looked into her eyes, and smiled. He definitely needed time alone with her. "I'm going to go get dressed before you get us both in trouble."

"Oh, you act like I make a habit of getting into trouble." She smiled back at him and winked. Max just shook his head and made his way back to the bedroom.

After breakfast, the family piled into the SUV and made their way to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They spent most of the morning going from exhibit to exhibit, each of the children finding on that suited their own interests best. Brighton was mesmerized by the Shark Exhibits. He stayed behind to watch the sharks while the rest of the family moved on to the Splash Zone for Grace. She enjoyed the penguins and learning more about Coral Reefs. Maggie's favorite was the Sandy Shore and Aviary Exhibit. By the time everyone had seen all the exhibits, it was time for lunch.

They decided on Bullwacker's Restaurant and Pub, who proudly advertised the best fish and chips on Cannery Row. Once Fran had refueled, she was in full shopping mode. She first sniffed out the factory outlet stores and picked up several bargains. Then she hit the gift shops, picking up mementos for Niles, C.C. and her family. Max pulled her into "Charms by the Bay" and bought her a gold charm bracelet as a memento of the trip. The family stopped at the heritage museum and learned all about the history of the area before heading back to the hotel.

"When we get back to the hotel, Fran and I are going to visit the spa and get all the kinks rubbed out. You children will go to the Children's Activities area and spend the afternoon having your kind of fun."

"What do they have, Dad?"

"Let's see, swimming, golf, arcade, nature hike, horseback riding, I'm sure there's more."

"Cool, thanks!"

"Ah, the spa! I can't wait!" Fran leaned back against her seat and closed her eyes.

"I thought you got a good night's sleep last night." Max rubbed her arm.

"I did, but someone seemed to forget that I have a low tolerance for alcohol and ordered me a second Black and Tan at lunch."

"Well, then I'll have to make it up to you at dinner. Would you prefer Piatti or Anton and Michel's?"

"Can we do both while we're here?"

He smiled and patted her hand. "Why did I know you were going to say that?"

"Because you know me so well." She returned his smile.

They got the children settled in their various activities, then headed over to the spa.

"Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield, right this way." Fran and Max exchanged glances as they were led into a room with two tables. The room was dimly lit, and the smell of aromatherapy candles filled the air. "The changing room is through that door. You'll find hangers for your clothes. Just wrap yourselves in one of the towels and make yourselves comfortable on the beds, someone will be right with you." The receptionist shut the door leaving them alone.

"Didn't you make separate reservations?"

"I told them full treatment for two."

"Well, they booked you a couple's treatment, then." She sighed, and then smiled at him. "I'll change first, unless you want to help me."

"Throw me a towel, I'll change out here."

"You DO realize that they take the towels OFF at some point, right?"

"You're not serious."

She giggled as she tossed him the towel. "It's nothing I haven't seen before!"

He turned around and blushed as he remembered that day she walked in on him in the shower. He disrobed quickly and lay on his stomach on the bed.

"Are ya decent?"

"As decent as one could expect wrapped in a towel."

She emerged from the changing room and moved to her bed. "This won't be so bad, Max." She patted his shoulder reassuringly before taking her place on her bed.

The two technicians arrived with smaller towels under their arms. "Are you both ready?" Max took one last look at Fran and nodded nervously. The young brunette smiled warmly. "I'm Abby, and this is Hannah. Have you been here before?"

"No, but I go to Elizabeth Arden in New York." Fran smiled at the blonde girl as she changed her towel. Max chanced another glance at Fran, who now was on her stomach, with a small towel covering her bottom. He bit his lip and turned his head the other way. Fran, on the other hand was enjoying the show, watching him struggle to remove the bath towel without showing anything too personal. She finally started to giggle. "He's a bit shy; you might have to take the towel away from him by force."

Hannah rubbed the scented oil in her hands to warm it, and then began slowly massaging Fran's back. She moaned softly as Hannah found the knots, and began to work them out. Abby was busy working on Max, who was still trying not to think about Fran lying naked beside him. "You're awfully tense, Mr. Sheffield. Take some deep breaths and try to relax."

"You'd be tense, too, if you had to schlep in to every shop on Cannery Row, and referee arguments between our three children."

"No one schlepped you anywhere, Maxwell. You planned this stop for me, and you know it."

"It's just that you've perfected your shopping skills since I last shopped with you. I think you even wore the children out."

"Good, so they can sleep and we can go dancing maybe?"

"We'll see how tired you are after dinner."

"Or how tired YOU are. I'm not talking a loud disco, Sweetie, just some nice, relaxing place where you can hold me close for a couple of hours."

"That does sound nice. Do you ladies know of a nice place where I can take my incredibly spoiled wife so she can dance?"

"There are a couple of nice places. I'll write them down and draw you a map before you leave today."

"That would be wonderful, thank you." Max looked up at Hannah and smiled just as Fran was turning over. Her eyes never left his as she turned slowly, deliberately baring her chest to him, before Hannah covered her with the towel. She knew there'd be hell to pay for that one, but she just couldn't resist. The girls finished the body massage, then added some fragrance to the Jacuzzi and turned on the jets.

"All right, you have 30 minutes in the tub, and then you're all set. I'll get those directions for you while you're soaking."

Max's mouth went dry, he couldn't speak. Fran thanked the girls and watched them leave the room. Then she slowly slid into the warm water, tossing her large towel aside. "Coming in, Maxwell?"

"Fran, I don't know..."

"Max, it's a large Jacuzzi...you sit on your side, I'll sit on mine. If I turn around will you just get IN?" She turned her back to him and slid to the far side of the tub. He quickly entered the tub, placing his towel within easy reach. Once he was in, Fran turned back around and touched her toes to his. "See, that's not so bad, now, is it?"

"It's excruciating, Fran. You're sitting five feet from me with no clothes on, and all I want to do is slide over there and show you how much I love you."

"So what's stopping you?" She played with the water in front of her. "Oh, never mind, I forgot who I was talking to." She closed her eyes and laid her head back against the pillow that was provided.

"Fran, it's not that I don't want to, GOD, it's not that. It's just that, when we, I mean, our first time should be more romantic."

"I think this is very romantic. We had a couple's massage, now we're sitting in a private hot tub together." She slid over closer to him.

"Fran..."

"Shhh..." She began tracing the lines on his face with her fingers, the grazing her nails across his scalp when she played with his dark curls.

"What are you doing?"

"Memorizing how you look right now. This is the first time we've been close like this. I half expected you to push me off and run from the room."

"I told you, I'm through running from you. Anyway, it's not our first time in the tub together."

"What are you talking about? We've never been in the Jacuzzi together. I saw you in the shower, but that's all."

"No, that's not all. I didn't want to tell you because I thought you'd be embarrassed. Last year, when you had amnesia after you hit your head in the taxi, you thought we were married, and you surprised me in the tub one evening."

"Oh, God, what happened?"

"You were so beautiful, so sexy, I wanted to make love to you so badly, but instead, I told you the truth. I just couldn't take advantage of you in that state."

"Aren't you adorable?" She laughed and ran her fingers down his chest.

He brushed her cheek with his hand, and then moved his fingers through her hair until he found the back of her neck. He pulled her to him and touched his lips to hers. She responded eagerly, but knew that they needed to slow things down.

"As much as I hate to say this, we need to wait, Sweetie. I mean, we're only pretending to be married, and we don't have any protection. We've waited all this time; I can wait a while longer if that's what you want, too."

"You're sure you don't mind?"

"As long as I know that you DO want me and it's going to happen eventually, this can wait."

"Oh, Fran, I DO want you, and I love you so very much. I just want the first time I show you much I love you to be extra special."

"I love you, too, Maxwell." She kissed him again, but just as he started to respond, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. She sighed heavily. "I guess our time's up." She stood up and stepped out of the tub, reaching for her towel.

"My God, Fran, you are beautiful."

She turned around and smiled at him. "You're not so bad yourself!" She wrapped her towel tightly around her and held his for him as he climbed out. Max was much more relaxed during the rest of the spa treatment. He started thinking of the future, his future with Fran. He smiled as he pictured them married, maybe having another child. "Maxwell, Sweetie, did you hear me? We're done, it's time to get dressed."

"Oh, sorry, Darling, I must have drifted off for a moment."

"You must've had a great dream, judging by that smile on your face."

He took her hand and kissed it. "It was. It was a wonderful dream."

They took turns changing back into their clothes and picked up the children from the recreation center. The next couple of days passed quickly. Max took Fran to the driving range and tried to teach her how to play golf, while the children went horseback riding. The family visited the mission, and took the seventeen-mile drive so Maxwell could see the Pebble Beach Golf Course up close. Before they knew it, it was time to leave.

"Can we come back here some time, Dad? This place is awesome!" Brighton was carrying his suitcase out of the bedroom.

"We'll see, Son. It IS awesome, isn't it?"

Fran laughed. "I think I could stay a month here. It's so beautiful."

"Well, if I'd known how much you all were going to like it, I'd have reserved more time here and less in San Francisco."

"Oh, no, Honey, we'll NEED those three weeks in San Francisco, if you want to see everything properly."

"You're the tour guide, Darling." He kissed her on the cheek.

Brighton crossed his arms across his chest and looked at his parents. "O.K., what's going on with you two?"

"What are you talking about, Brighton?" Max took a quick glance at Fran, who was busying herself with the luggage.

Maggie came out of her bedroom and stood by her brother. "When we were in Long Beach, and you were pretending to be married, it was only outside of the suite. Now the two of you are, well, it looks like you really love each other."

"Daddy, DO you love Fran?" Grace had joined her older siblings.

Fran had been keeping herself occupied with packing, with her back to the family. Max walked over to her and took her hand. "This conversation concerns you, too." He led her over to the sofa. "Sit down, children."

Fran and Max sat on the sofa, and the three children sat across from them on the coffee table. He laced his fingers with hers and held her hand tightly. He looked at Fran and took a deep breath. "Yes, Grace, I DO love her."

"Yes!" Brighton let out a yell, and then all three children looked at Fran.

"You kids know I love your father very much. Now, no more pushing, from any of us. Your dad and I have talked about this a great deal, and we want to let things happen at their own pace."

"Are you guys going to get married?" Maggie smiled hopefully.

Max caressed Fran's hand with his thumb. "Maggie, that's between the two of us. When the time comes, I'm sure you children will be the first to know."

"Not if Niles finds out first." Fran giggled. "Sorry, Honey, go 'head."

"When we get to San Francisco, we'll be there as a family. Fran will NOT be there as your nanny. Don't look at me like that, Fran, I'm not firing you!" He smiled at her. "Fran will be there as a second parent."

"Uh, Gee, Dad, she's been a second parent since...well, since..." Brighton was at a loss for the exact time Fran became more like a mother to them.

"Since she hosted that Mother-Daughter debutante tea and dressed up in that ridiculous dress and talked in that hilarious accent." Maggie smiled at the memory.

"Since I ran away and she told C.C. what she'd do to her if she ever hurt one of her kids again." Gracie giggled.

"How did you know about THAT?" Fran's eyes widened.

"Since she found out I smoked in school and took me to meet Yetta to scare me into never doing it again." He looked at his frowning father. "I haven't either, Dad, really!"

"I think, for me, it was our first Christmas together. She got me off my touchas and out shopping for you children. She made it a happy occasion again." He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"You all have made me feel like part of the family since the beginning. I think when I felt it the most, though," she patted Maxwell's hand "was the first time you shared Sarah with me. Remember? We'd joined that country club, and Gracie and I were entered in the mother-daughter talent show?"

"I remember that day quite well."

"When you brought in the tape of you and Sarah and the children, it brought her to life for me. It made me want to be the best nanny I could be. I promised her right there and then that I'd raise her children the way she'd want them raised, and that I'd always look after you."

"You've certainly done that, Fran."

She laid her head on his shoulder. "Sweetie, I hate to break up this wonderful family time, but if we don't get goin' we're gonna hit all kinds of traffic."

"It's Friday; do you really think it'll be heavy?"

"Oy, you'd never know you're a New Yorker. Here, look at this map. We get into traffic here...and our hotel is here. See what I'm sayin'?"

"How many miles is it?"

"Let me look at the notebook. I have it all figured out." She flipped through the pages. "One hundred and twenty eight. Are we still stopping in Santa Cruz?"

"If we leave right away, we can stop there for an hour or so."

"You heard your father, kids. If you want to see The Boardwalk, we need to leave now."

The children scattered to finish packing. "Well, you certainly steered them away from the subject of marriage. I thought that's what you wanted to happen."

"It IS, Maxwell, but it'll happen when we're BOTH ready, not just because the kids are pressuring us. I told you, I'm done pushing you. Except now, I'm gonna push you into your bedroom to finish packing." She turned him around and playfully slapped his backside.

"What about you?"

"I'm ready; I'll go help the girls." She blew him a kiss as she headed for the girls' room.

An hour later the pulled into the parking lot of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Maxwell pulled out his wallet and handed Maggie several bills. You children stay together, and meet us back here in one hour.

"Thanks, Dad!" They hurried off, heading for the ticket window.

Max took Fran's hand. "How about you, games, ride, shopping?" He watched her eyes light up at the mention of 'shopping'. "Shopping it is, then." He led her to the boardwalk, where they walked hand in hand. He bought her some cotton candy, and then some popcorn. "You know, you make me feel like a teenager?"

"How do I do that?"

"Watching how excited you get watching the games and rides, the way you take everything in, like you're memorizing it."

She smiled. "I AM memorizing it, Max. I want to remember this trip for a long time."

He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed it. "I'm sure we will, Fran. I'm sure we will."

They spent the next hour wandering in and out of shops. Fran hand her hands full of souvenirs when Max stopped her. "Fran, you've already bought things for everyone, don't you think you're going a bit overboard?"

"These are for Val. She's pretty upset that I didn't go to Los Angeles with her."

"She was more than welcome to join us the day we went into L.A., but she chose to go to the set to see Heather again."

"It wasn't Heather she was interested in. It was the good looking actors on the show."

"All the same, it was her choice. Do you really think she needs all these things?"

She sighed deeply. "I really wish you were more wrong right now." She put the items back on the shelf and looked at her watch. "Oy, it's been over an hour, the kids should be at the car by now."

"You're right; I lost track of the time watching you shop."

"Oh, thanks, blame me."

"The children won't attack you; I'll catch hell for being late."

"Oh, fine, it was my fault...but you owe me Mister!"

"I'll pay you when we get to San Francisco. Just wait until you see our suites. I've taken the entire 17th floor."

"Who am I sleeping with this time?"

"We both get our own beds. No more getting kicked in the middle of the night."

"You are wonderful!" She moved in front of him, placed her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly. A devilish grin spread across his face. He moved his arm around her waist, picked her up and carried her down the boardwalk.

"Maxwell Sheffield, you put me DOWN!" She slapped his back lightly.

"Is there a problem, Ma'am?" Fran looked up into the frowning gaze of a security guard. Max lowered her back to her feet.

"Oh, no, no problem. My husband just thought I didn't get out of the stores fast enough." She giggled nervously, hoping it wasn't against the law to carry someone down the boardwalk. This WAS California.

The guard laughed and patted Max's shoulder. "I know exactly how you feel. I can never get my missus out of a store. You two enjoy your day." They turned and watched him walk away before erupting into laughter.

"I thought we'd broken some strange law or something." Fran slipped her arm through Max's as the continued to make their way to the SUV.

"What took you guys so long? We've been waiting fifteen minutes!"

"Sorry, kids, it was my fault, I got crazy in the stores and tried to buy everything in sight. Your daddy had to practically carry me out!"

"All right, did everyone use the bathroom?" Max watched as four heads bobbed up and down. "Next stop, Nob Hill!"

One by one, the children fell asleep. Max could see Fran's head bobbing as she tried to stay awake. "Why don't you get some sleep, I'll wake you when we get close so you can direct me."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive, Sweetheart, you're going to get whiplash if you keep snapping your head back like that." He laughed as she lowered her seat.

"You'll wake me BEFORE you get us lost?" She giggled.

"I promise I won't get us lost." Max turned on the radio and tuned in some light jazz as he drove. Soon he could hear Fran softly snoring. Before long, he started to see signs for the Oakland Bay Bridge, and knew they were getting close. "Fran, Darling, it's time to wake up." He patted her thigh.

"Wha? Are we there already?"

"We're almost to Daly City, which way to I go?"

"Right, sorry, hang on I forget the number of the freeway." She pulled out the map and studied it for a moment. "O.K., the One splits just past Daly City, you want to go right onto the 280 towards the Bay Bridge and the Civic Center." She looked up and saw him veer right onto Interstate 280.

"That was fast, Daly City must be small."

She laughed. "No, Honey, it's to our right, now. O.K., follow this around, we'll pass Interstate 80. Then look for the 6th Street Exit. It's a straight shot off the freeway, you won't turn until we get to Taylor Street, then it's a slight left."

"All right, now what?"

"Right on California, then another right on Mason, they're close together. Then we dead end at the hotel."

Max followed her directions, which took him to the valet parking of the hotel. "I must say, Fran, you make an excellent navigator."

"Well, it helps when you have a son that teaches you how to use the Internet to look up maps and directions." She smiled lovingly at Brighton, who was just starting to wake up.

"You mean I didn't get us lost? I tried to steer her to Black's Beach in San Diego."

"Nice try, Mister."

"What's Black's Beach?"

"It's a nude beach, not that I've ever been there, mind you.

"Are we at the hotel?" Maggie yawned and stretched. She looked around, and then nudged her sister. "Gracie, wake up, we're here."

"Will you see to the valet, Fran, and I'll go check us in?"

"Sure, Sweetie. Come on, kids, everybody out and start grabbing suitcases."

The valet appeared with a trolley and began to load the family's luggage, when Max stormed out of the hotel.

"You're not going to believe this."

"What's wrong?"

"There was a mix up in our reservation. We were supposed to have the entire 17th floor, lots of privacy, everyone in their own room."

"Uh-oh, why do I get the feeling I'm not gonna like what's coming next?"

"I suppose it's not THAT bad. You'll see when we get upstairs. They gave us the 18th floor at the same rate as the 17th, and it DOES have a better view. There's just one little drawback."

"So tell me already!"

"Wait until we get upstairs."

He took her by the hand, as the family followed the valet to the penthouse elevator. "The children will be staying in the California Suite."

"Yes, Sir." The valet opened the door to the suite and moved the children luggage off the trolley. "Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield, you'll be staying in our Penthouse." He opened the door, and Fran held her breath. It was the most beautiful hotel she'd ever stayed in.

"Oh, this is beautiful!"

"The paneling and built-in book cases are the originals from 1926, and you'll find forest green and black Spanish marble in the bathroom." Fran walked over to the window to admire the view while the valley moved the luggage to the bedroom.

"You can see all of downtown and the bay from here!"

Max moved behind her and slid his arms around her waist. "You like it, then?"

She turned herself and snuggled against his chest. "I love it. Thank you, Max." She kissed him softly.

"Will there be anything else, Mr. Sheffield?"

"No, thank you." Max reached into his wallet to tip the valet.

"Oh, there is one thing. What time does the lounge upstairs open?"

"It's open for breakfast and lunch daily, dinners on Friday and Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. The music starts at about seven each evening, but no one under 21 is allowed after eight at night."

"That's perfect, thank you." Max handed him another bill.

"Thank YOU, Sir."

Fran watched the valet leave the room, and then turned back to Max. "All right, what could possibly be wrong with this room?"

"Look around, open some doors, explore a bit, you'll figure it out." He grinned as she made a face at him. Max made himself comfortable on the sofa and waited for her to make the discovery for herself.

"Um, Maxwell, Honey?"

"Yes, Darling?"

"Sweetie?"

"What is it, Fran?"

"Where's the other bedroom?" She stood in the doorway of the bedroom with a stunned look on her face.

"It's downstairs, where I had reserved us all our own rooms."

"Max, the kids..."

"We'll keep the door closed and let them think it's a hallway to two separate rooms."

"That's fine for us, but what about their room?"

"We'd better go check on them." Max grabbed the key card and they headed to the children's suite. They found them in their rooms unpacking. "What, no fighting over the rooms?"

"No, Daddy, there really was no other way to do this. One room has a king sized bed, the other has two beds. We gave Brighton the room to himself, and Gracie and I are taking the other one. Have you SEEN this view? Look at the Golden Gate Bridge. I don't know what that island is over there."

"That's Treasure Island, Sweetie, and just past it, that's Alcatraz."

"You mean like in the Clint Eastwood movie?"

Fran nodded. "We'll take the tour, and you can see the hole in the wall from the REAL prisoner, when he escaped."

"Cool! Hey, how is your room? Is it as nice as this one?"

Fran and Max exchanged nervous glances. "Oh, it's beautiful, it has the same great view." She looked quickly at Max for help.

"Did we ever decide on the City Passes, Fran?"

"I looked at what's available for their five choices, and it's ALL museums and harbor cruises. We know we want to see Alcatraz, and you get a harbor cruise with that. Let's see, Coit Tower and Corona Heights have spectacular views of the city. We just HAVE to walk up Lombard Street. OH, the fire engine tour! There's a couple that live in an old firehouse, and they have a restored fire engine that takes people around the city. It's a pretty long tour, if I remember right, it lasts over an hour." She looked at the kids and laughed. "They even dress you up in fire fighting gear!"

"That sounds like fun, Fran! Can we do that, Daddy?"

"Fran's the tour director, Grace. So, no tour passes then?

Fran smiled at Max. "I didn't want to totally bore the kids, I wanted to include some fun things, too. Well, we don't want to do ALL fun things, we'll see a few educational things as well. Fort Point, Yerba Buena Gardens, the Museum and Historical Society. We have three weeks, kids. We'll just play it by ear, O.K.?"

"How about we finish unpacking, and then have an early dinner?"

"Sounds good to me!" Fran laughed and headed for the door.

Max laughed and looked back at the children, smiling. "Now THERE'S a shocker!"

Fran was halfway out the door. She spun around and grabbed his arm. "I HEARD that!" Max pulled the door closed behind him, and they laughed all the way to their suite.

"Who WAS that with Fran?" Brighton looked over at his older sister.

"Maybe he's finally decided to stop fighting his feelings for her."

"Oh, I hope so. He's going to wait too long, and she might meet someone else and marry them instead." Gracie had a worried look on her face. "Remember all the guys she's gone out with? There was that mortician guy, and then she almost married Danny."

"Ugh, I was SO glad that you said something, Brighton." Maggie smiled at her brother.

"Thanks, Mags. Eeew, remember that old rich guy she went out with, the one that kept buying her stuff? Then there was that hot dog vendor that she met in the market." He laughed, remembering the day he and Fran had found him on the street.

"Yeah, then there was Kurt, my friend's nanny, and that doctor that almost got her arrested for stealing that ring?"

"It was a good thing Dad got her out of that one. OH, remember that mob guy that Dad was so jealous of? He actually hired him to sing in one of his shows to get him away from Fran."

Brighton chuckled. "That was before she told Dad the guy was in the mob. Let's see, who was next? Oh, yeah, Mike LaVoe. That was cool; Dad and I got to go to a few hockey games."

"Then she met that Cantor at temple. She went out with him for a long time, and then he ran off with Andrew Lloyd Webber."

"Yeah, Dad wasn't even upset, because at least he had Fran back. Well, at least until you failed French and she hired Philippe."

"She sure showed him the door. That guy was a creep, using Fran just to get his green card."

"Uh-huh. Then we all went on the cruise, and it was like we were a family again. Dad and Fran looked happy together, they even danced together."

"That's because that guy she was supposed to dance with got arrested for being a stowaway."

"Then when they came back from Paris, everything changed. Fran practically stopped dating, Dad and Fran hardly spoke. I mean, what was that thing with Uncle Nigel, anyway? They went out every night he was here, and Dad never said a word."

"Niles said that Uncle Nigel kissed Fran."

"Are you kidding?"

"No, it was the day before he left. Then Fran seemed sad again. I guess Dad noticed it, too, because he started paying more attention to her."

"Well, he's definitely paying a lot of attention to her now. He'd better not blow it this time!" Maggie turned and headed into her room. "We need to hurry and get our stuff put away, they'll be back soon and wonder what we were doing all this time."

"We'll just tell them we were planning on how to get them together for good."

"Thanks, Brighton, THAT will go over well!" Maggie laughed and disappeared into her room.

"So what ARE we going to do? We can't make it look like we're setting them up this time." Grace sat on her bed and handed her clothes to Maggie.

"We'll just make sure they get time alone. I know Fran and Dad want to do a lot of family stuff during the day, but we need to take turns being 'tired', if you know what I mean." Maggie made little air quotes as she grinned at her sister.

"I get it, we'll come back to the room and let them go upstairs and dance."

"Right, and since the club is only one floor above us, they'll feel safe leaving us alone."

"Maggie, I never knew you were that smart! That's a GREAT plan!" Brighton stood in the doorway, leaning against the wall.

"Thanks, I think."

"No, really, it's a good plan. Look at this list of available in-room movies, and we can have a Nintendo brought up."

"I think we shouldn't try to do it every night, Dad will catch on." Gracie was frowning.

"No," Brighton laughed, "It's usually FRAN that catches on to matchmaking, since she's such a yenta herself."

The three children laughed and plotted until they heard Max knock on their door. "Coming, Dad!" Maggie opened the door to let her parents in.

"Are you three ready?"

"I think so, Grace is just finishing up."

"I'm ready too. Come ON Brighton!"

"I'm coming, geesh! I thought we'd have more time, since Fran had to..." He stopped as he saw the glare she was sending his way. "Are we going upstairs for dinner?"

"Yes, but we have to be done by eight. No minors are allowed past then."

"Well, Dad, we could just come down here and watch a movie or something if you two want to stay longer and listen to the music." Gracie smiled innocently at her father.

Max looked over at Fran. Well, we'll play it by ear, see how tired we all are. The music might be just the thing we need to relax from today's drive."

"At least no more long drives for three weeks." Fran looked relieved.

"The children will be on their way to the east coast when we make our way north." He smiled at his children.

"You tryin' to get rid of us, Dad?" Brighton smiled mischievously.

"Not immediately, Brighton, but Fran and I deserve a vacation, too. You know, she passed up a trip to the set of The Young and the Restless to come with us."

"Oh, that was a hard decision. Go see Heather or go on vacation with you and the kids." She moved her hands as if they were a scale. "Let's see...Heather...my kids. Heather...Maxwell Sheffield. Nope, either way, this was the trip to take. Now can we please go eat?"

"Absolutely, Darling." He took her by the hand. "Come along, children."

The children exchanged glances. He was still holding her hand and calling her 'Darling'. This might be easier than they thought!

After dinner, the children decided to return to their room immediately to watch a movie, leaving their parents alone. The band started to play soft jazz. Max took Fran's hand and caressed it gently. "Would you like to dance, Fran?"

"Mmm, I thought you'd never ask." She smiled brightly at him as he led her to the dance floor. He held her close to him as they glided around the floor. She laid her head on his shoulder and inhaled his scent. After several dances, Fran was ready to go back downstairs.

"Do you mind if we call it a night, Max?"

"Tired?"

"A bit." The look she was giving him made his blood race. Max paid the tab and they walked arm in arm to the elevator. As the elevator doors closed behind them, he took her into his arms and kissed her softly.

"Tonight was nice. We'll have to have more nights like this once we get home."

She looked into his eyes and smiled. "It WAS nice. So are you saying we're going to stay a couple once we get home?"

"I'd like that, Fran. We've wasted so much time...I'VE wasted so much time already."

"I don't think it was all you." The elevator doors opened and they stepped into the hallway. "Maybe if I hadn't pushed you so much, you wouldn't have pulled away." She started down the hall towards the children's room.

"Where are you going?"

"I want to check on the kids, make sure they don't need anything, kiss them goodnight..."She grinned at him. "You should try it sometime."

He slipped his arm around her waist. "How about right now? Let's go tell our children goodnight."

"Our children. I like the sound of that." She laid her head on his shoulder.

"Fran, you've always treated them as if they were your children. It was never just a job for you, was it?"

"No, it wasn't, Max. I've loved them from the first day I met them, and I promised Sarah that I'd do my best to raise her children the way she would, and love them as if they were my own." She giggled softly. "I also promised her that I'd look after you, and never let you fall for some gold digger that wouldn't love the children."

He kissed the top of her head. "Well, it looks like you kept both of your promises. You love the children and you HAVE raised them the way Sarah would have wanted and you HAVE kept the gold diggers at bay. That's one of the things I love about you. You enjoy the lifestyle, but I don't think you'd blink if the money was gone tomorrow."

"Well, I might blink, because I'd have to get a real job to support us, but you're right, I really don't care about your money. To me, you're not Maxwell Sheffield, rich, sexy successful Broadway producer. You're just Max, the father of the children I adore, and the sweet man I fell in love with."

Max tapped gently on the children's door. "Let's tell our adorable children goodnight then, shall we?"

Brighton's voice could be heard on the other side of the door. Fran giggled at the sound of it. He was trying to deepen his voice to appear older. "Who is it?"

"It's us, B., can we come in for a minute?"

The door opened slowly, revealing all three children clad in their pajamas. The girls were on the sofa playing Nintendo.

"Well, look at you three! I'm very impressed." Max smiled at his children.

Maggie paused the game. "We thought it might be a good idea to get ready for bed, in case we fell asleep during the movie. It comes on in about fifteen minutes."

"That's awfully late, Mags, doesn't it come on any other time?"

"It's the last showing, Fran. Please can we stay up and watch it?"

Fran sighed and looked at Max. "What's the movie?"

"Mouse Hunt. It's a comedy with Nathan Lane and Lee Evans. There's no sex, no nudity, no real violence, unless you count the mouse attacking the exterminator." Maggie giggled.

"Ok, but pull your blankets out here in case you fall asleep." Fran reached down and hugged the girls, then turned to Brighton. "I'm really proud of you kids. Sweet dreams." She stepped aside for Max to hug the children.

"If you need anything, just dial our room number and one of us will be right over."

"Ok, Dad, g'night. I'll take care of the girls."

Max tousled his son's blonde hair. "I know you will, Son."

Fran's eyes teared a bit as Max closed the door. "They're growing up too fast."

Max smiled and wiped her tear with his thumb. "They sure are." He slipped his arm around her waist as he walked her down the hall. He slipped the key into the lock and stepped into the room, but Fran hung behind in the hallway. "What's wrong?"

"This room. How are going to make it through the next three weeks with only one bedroom?"

"Well, I can have a rollaway bed brought up, or I can sleep on the sofa."

Fran sighed. "Not with your back, you won't be able to move after a couple of nights. We'll just have try to behave ourselves."

Max pulled her into the room and closed the door behind her before stroking her cheek gently. "Fran, we don't HAVE to behave, you know."

Fran shivered as she moved into his arms. "I know, Max. Remember, I told you I'm not going to push anything, and I KNOW you won't. We'll take each day...or night...as it comes."

He rubbed her back gently. "That's a very good idea. Why don't you go get ready for bed, I'll step out the terrace and have one of those wonderful cigars you bought for me."

"We have a terrace?" She pulled from his embrace. "I'll meet you out there in a few minutes."

He watched her as she disappeared behind the bedroom door, wondering how he was going to keep his hands off her. Now that he'd admitted his love for her, all he wanted to do was spend the rest of their lives showing her. He sighed deeply as he reached into his pocket for his small humidor. He smiled when he remembered when she'd given it to him. It was shortly after he'd driven up to Camp Kinderveldt to help her show up Judy Silverman, and she bought it for him as a thank you gift. He tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn't hear of it. Looking back, that's when their relationship started to make its turn. He poured a glass of cognac, stepped out on the terrace into the cool, damp air, and lit his cigar. He was lost in thought when he felt Fran move beside him and lay her head on his shoulder. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

He looked down at her in her adorable pajamas. "Yes, you are."

She smiled and blushed. "I was talking about the city, but thank you."

"Aren't those Maggie's pajamas?"

"These? No, Maggie, Gracie and I all got matching ones when we shopped for this trip. It's just been too warm to wear them." She reached for his cognac and took a small sip. "Ya know, I could get used to this."

He took the glass from her and frowned slightly. "Not with your tolerance for alcohol."

"Especially not in this room. Are going to be long?"

"I was just going to finish my cigar, why?"

"I think I'm going to head to bed and get to sleep before you get there. That way neither of us will be tempted."

"That's a good idea. Although I'll still be tempted." He kissed her softly on the forehead. "Good night, Fran."

"G' night, Max."

The rest of their time in San Francisco was filled with exploring as much of the city as they could each day and falling into an exhausted sleep each night, always waking up in each others arms. With Fran's help, Max secured the rights to the play that he wanted, all seemed right in their world.

The three weeks passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was time to pack up the children and get them to their grandparents.

"Now, children, Niles will meet you at check in with your luggage for your flight, and you'll give him these suitcases."

Fran hugged the children tightly. "We'll miss you so much! Remember your manners; I don't want your grandparents to think I haven't raised you right."

"We will, we promise." Maggie hugged her father before herding her siblings onto the plane. Fran waited and watched tearfully as the plane took off and soared out of sight.

"Fran, you'll see them once we get home." He put his arms around her and held her close.

"I know, but they're my babies. I hate being away from them for one DAY!" She sobbed into his shirt.

"I know what you need. Let's head to Ghirardelli Square, shall we?"

Fran looked up and forced a smile. "You know me so well, Max. I could definitely use some chocolate right now."

They hailed a cab and headed to the ice cream shop in Ghirardelli Square, where Fran found one of the biggest sundaes Max had ever seen.

"I don't know how you stay so slim eating like that." He took her spoon and tasted her dessert.

"Well, you usually help me with some of it, and the rest I burn off running after the kids, or," she giggled, "running away from you when I screw something up." She took the spoon back from him, and fed him another bite. "Maybe one day I'll let you catch me and see what happens."

"Well, I'm not sure what I would have done before this trip."

She took another bite. "And, now?"

"I'm still not sure, Fran. We have redefined our relationship, so I don't know how I'd react."

"How did you react with Sarah? Well, THAT was a stupid question. I'm sure she never pulled anything like I've done."

"Sweetheart, she was raised in a different environment than you were. She had servants doing everything for her, like I did. She never had the opportunity to 'screw things up' as you called it."

"Thanks, I feel better. No, really, stop frowning, I do. I guess I've always sort of compared myself to her, hoping that I could be more like her, but every time I try, I mess up."

"Well, stop trying so hard. If you were just like her, I don't think I would have fallen in love with you. You are completely unique, Fran." He watched her scrape the bottom of her dish. "Do you need another one?"

She giggled. "No, but I would like to buy a couple of jars of this hot fudge to take home with us."

"I think I can handle that." He went up to the cashier, bought a case of sauce, and brought it back to the table. "How's this?"

"I think you're out of your mind. Do you know how long it will take me to eat all this?"

"Let's see, if I keep you happy, it should last until our next trip here, if not about two months or so."

"So I guess you'd better keep me happy, then, right?"

"Absolutely. Speaking of keeping you happy, I thought we'd drive up to Napa today. I pulled some strings and got us a reservation at the French Laundry in Yountville."

"How did you pull THAT off? The waiting list for that place is, like, months long!"

"I DO have some connections, you know, Fran. Now, don't look at me like that. Do you want to go or not?"

"What are we waiting for? Let's get to the hotel and get packed!" She was out the door and hailing a cab before Max could pick up his case of chocolate and chase her down.

As he climbed into the cab he was chuckling. "Fran, we're already packed. While you were helping the children, I packed our things up."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Aren't you a doll! So all we have to do is pick up the luggage, check out and grab our car?"

"Yes, well, that's partly it. The reason we took a cab to and from the airport is that I had the rental company exchange vehicles for us. We don't need that big SUV for the two of us, so I ordered a convertible sports car."

"When you were ordering things, you DID make sure we have TWO rooms in Napa, right?"

"You're tired of me already?"

"Ma-ax!"

"Yes, it's a two bedroom cottage. That way you can either sleep alone, or if you have more of your nightmares, you can run into my room."

"Nightmares?"

"Like in Long Beach."

"It was ONE nightmare, Max!"

"Well, I can always make sure we have a horror movie on television before we retire for the evening."

"Oh, aren't YOU the comedian!" She slapped him playfully, and he reached over and tickled her ribs. Yes, he was definitely liking the change in the relationship. He'd never seen her so relaxed around him. The guilt for his repressed feelings gnawed at him more than ever. She must have been trying so hard to hide her feelings for him when he was keeping his distance from her.

When the cab stopped in front of the hotel, there was a convertible Mercedes waiting for them, with their luggage loaded. "It will just take me a minute to check out, do you want to wait in the car?"

"That's our car? Wow. Sure, I'll be right here." She walked around the car, admiring its beauty. He was really going all out for her, making sure her vacation was special. She'd spent the last three weeks resisting the urge to encourage him, and she knew he'd been fighting his feelings as well. She sighed deeply as she saw him emerge from the lobby grinning from ear to ear. "Oy, how am I going to last for the rest of this trip?" She smiled back at him as he held the passenger door for her. "What's funny?"

"Oh, nothing really. They just wished us a pleasant journey, and hoped I'd bring my wife and children back soon. Apparently you made quite an impression on the staff."

"I barely SAW the staff. Oh, you mean the ones in the nightclub?"

"Didn't you wonder why we had fresh flowers every day?"

"I thought YOU did that."

"I suppose I should have, but, no, they were from the waiters. They DID ask my permission first."

"And you told them it was alright to sent your wife flowers? Or did you tell them the truth?"

" I simply told them that they could send the flowers to the room, as long as it was clear it was from the hotel, and not them personally."

"Oh, so none of them were from you?"

Max turned the car onto the freeway. "I promise, when we get to the cottage you'll have more flowers than you know what to do with. Happy?"

"Happi-er. Sorry, I guess I was just getting to into the part. I have to remember that we'll be home next week, and I go back to being the nanny. Back to Mr. Sheffield and Miss Fine."

"Now where in the bloody hell did that come from?" I told you things were going to be different, and I meant it. I promise you, no back peddling this time, Fran. FRAN, that's your name, and that's what I intend to call you. My name is Maxwell, or Max if you prefer, and that is what you will call me, understood." He appeared stern, but his eyes were smiling.

"Yes, sir." She looked over at him, and watched his face soften. "I'm sorry, all my life, whenever things started going good for me, the bottom always dropped out."

He reached over and took her hand in his. "Not this time, Fran. Not this time. You are safe and loved and we are together. Nothing can change that."

She squeezed his hand and kissed it. "I love you, you know that, right?"

"Of course I know that, and I hope you know just how much I love you."

"Enough to be taking me to Napa, when you should be home getting this new musical going. I've never seen you put anything personal over your work, not even the..." She stopped short. This was not the time to bring the children into the discussion.

"I know what you were going to say. Not even for the children. Well, that stops, too. This trip has opened my eyes to what I've been missing. When we get home, and the children get home from Boston, we'll have more family time. How does that sound?"

"You're totally serious, aren't you?"

"Being on this trip with you and the children, Fran, I see a family I don't know. Thank you for coming with us and making me a part of the family again."

"You're thanking ME? This trip was your idea."

"But it was your idea to drive up the coast with the children. You always know just what I need, even if I don't. I think you know me better than I know myself."

"That's me. I've always been a yenta, trying to fix everyone else's lives, so I don't have to see how bad mine sucks."

"I can promise you, it will never suck again." He smiled at her, and pointed to a large building. "Look, the first winery. We should be getting close to our turn off. Ah, here it is." He pulled the car off the highway and onto a two lane road. At the end of the road, a small cottage emerged out of the grape vines.

"Is this it?" Fran had her seatbelt off and was standing up.

"Sit down before you fall out of the car." He reached up and pulled her down by her belt, then slowed to a stop. "Now you can get out. You look around, I'll get the luggage into the house."

"Don't you have to pick up a key or something?"

"I thought we'd just kick in the door." He grinned at her. "The landlord mailed the key to the hotel, I've had it for a few days, now."

"Well, what are ya waitin' for? Open the door, I want to see the inside!"

The inside was as beautiful as the outside. It was furnished with antique oak, had a stocked kitchen, complete with a selection of local wines and cheeses.

"Oh, MAX, this is just wonderful! Have you seen the bathroom? It's got an antique claw foot tub!"

"Well, why don't you go try it out and I'll get us unpacked. If you can manage to get enough bubbles in the tub, I'll bring you some wine and cheese."

"What do bubbles have to do with..." She blushed the color of the wine that Max was holding. "Oh, I get it. I'll make sure I use extra bubbles, I wouldn't want to embarrass you or anything." She smiled and waved as she disappeared into the bathroom, where she found an assortment of bath salts and bubble bath. "Max, you should see all the bath stuff the management sent us."

"No, Fran, actually this time, it was me. I know how you love your baths."

She ran from the bathroom and threw her arms around him. "Thanks. That is just about one of the sweetest things anyone has done for me!" She kissed him quickly, then headed back to the bathroom. She stopped at the door, then turned and gave him a wicked grin. "Too bad this tub is only big enough for one." She giggled as she shut the door behind her. "I gotta stop doing that to him." She picked out her bath products and filled the tub with hot water. Just as she eased herself into the steaming, fragrant liquid, there was a soft knock at the door.

"Fran, are you covered up? I have your snack ready."

She moved the bubbles up over her chest, and made sure there were no openings. "Yeah, I think I'm OK, c'mon in." He sat a tray down beside her with cheese, crackers, fruit and a glass of wine. "You made this?"

"I cut the cheese and fruit, poured the wine, I'm not totally without culinary skills, Fran." He thoughtfully eyed the tub as he left the room. "You know, I think two people COULD fit in that tub." He quickly closed the door behind him before Fran had a chance to retort. Two could play that game. He went to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of wine, then headed out to the yard, making him comfortable on the swing. Fran emerged about thirty minutes later, hair still damp, carrying the tray of food and her glass of wine.

"Here you are. I was starting to think you ditched me out here."

"Ditched you? Never. Here let me take that so you can sit." He moved his feet so she could sit next to him. "So, what do you think of my little hideaway?"

"YOUR hideaway? You own this?"

"Oh, no, it's actually a time share sort of thing. I always wanted to come here, but once Sarah and I started having children...well, Napa Valley isn't really a great place for children."

"No, I guess not." Fran looked around at her surroundings. "It's too bad she missed this, I think she would have loved it."

"Fran, you know, one of the things I love most about you is the way you talk about Sarah, like you knew her, you've never been jealous of her."

"Jealous?" She laughed. "Well, I wish I could be more like her, you know, more of a lady, but, no, your love for her just makes me love you more. If you can love her as much as you do even after she's gone, it makes me believe we have a chance for a long life together. And the kids...she may have given birth to them, but I feel like she feels comfortable with me mothering them."

"I think she would be very happy with the way you are mothering them. I know I am."

Fran took a sip of her wine and popped a grape into her mouth. "It's been my pleasure. I just hate it that they're growing up so fast."

"That they are. I'm just grateful that you opened my eyes to just how fast they were growing so I don't miss any more of that growing up." He watched her pop another piece of cheese into her mouth. "I'd watch how much you eat right now. The restaurant serves a nine course dinner."

"Nine?"

"So you want to go a bit hungry. Oh, wait, I forgot who I was talking to for a minute." He laughed as she tossed a handful of grapes at him. "Oh, now you want to play, do you? He picked up the grapes from his lap and tossed them back at her, one by one. As they flew at her, Fran batted them back at the man she loved. The man she loved. And he loved her. He had promised not to back pedal this time, and this time, she knew he meant it.

As Max watched his love playing with the fruit, giggling like a child, he knew that he would never be bored with her. He loved her playfulness, her zest for life, her laugh, her caring. He loved HER. Period. For the first time since Sarah died, he could see a future with a woman. He knew he could grow old with Fran, he could even picture having children with her soon. For the time being, they had these last few days alone, to let their love blossom without distractions of children or business. Only Niles had the number to the cottage, and he left word that he was only to be called for an emergency with the children, or Fran's family.

Niles knew something was up at this point. He couldn't wait to tell Miss Babcock that Mr. Sheffield had turned off his cell phone and hung out the "Do Not Disturb" sign. He wished he would have gone on this trip, he wanted to see his boss and his best friend together more than almost anyone.

Back in Napa, Max drove slowly back to the cottage, his fingers laced through Fran's. "Are you sleeping in your own room tonight?"

"I'm not sure. If I keep sleeping in your arms every night on this trip, it's going to be so hard to sleep in my own room once we get back home."

"Let's think about that when we get home, then. Why don't we make the most of the private time we have." He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. "No pressure, Darling." She smiled at him and sighed. He was just too hard to resist.

They drove the rest of the way to the cottage in silence. They were both thinking of the future. Fran was thinking of how miserable she was going to be without Max's strong, loving arms wrapped around her every night. Max was thinking of how excited she was going to be when he proposed to her on their last night here. As much as he would like to make a stop in Las Vegas and take her home as his wife, he knew that she wouldn't be happy without her family and friends in attendance. He'd made up his mind. Tomorrow he would find an excuse to run into town, where he'd already told the jeweler what to have ready for him. He was ready. More than ready, and he'd waited way to long to marry the woman he loved. As he pulled up in front of the cottage, she stopped staring at the moon and smiled at him.

" Why don't you pour us a glass of wine, and I'll meet you in the swing in ten minutes? I'll go get changed."

He kissed her softly. "Sounds good." He watched her until she disappeared into her room, then went into the kitchen and poured two glasses of red wine. As he was getting comfortable on the swing, Fran was standing in the doorway.

"Hi." She was wearing the black negligee he'd only gotten a glimpse of a couple of times.

He swallowed hard. "Uh, Hello."

"I thought I might have a nightmare tonight, so maybe I can sleep in your bed, so you can protect me."

He pulled her to him as she sat down, and handed her a glass of wine. "I think you might have nightmares the rest of the week, my love."

She took a sip of wine, leaned her head against his chest and sighed softly. "I think you're right, Max. I just might."

The End