Rien que j ai voulu parti 1

by noemie dubois

I did my best to edit this! So you been warned! This one is for Edith! Love ya Kiddo!

1. Chapter 1

I did my best to edit this! So you been warned! This one is for Edith! Love ya Kiddo!

Nothing I've Ever Known

Part 1 of 3

Ceniana

"You know, Miss Fine? Your right, I am afraid. That's why I took it back." Maxwell shifted on the stairs trying to avoid her eyes.

"I know..." Fran chewed on her lower lip trying to push away the sting of his rejection.

"I've only really been in love once in my life, and when my wife died..." Maxwell closed his eyes for just a moment letting out a sad sigh. "I'm just afraid to go through that pain again. What if it didn't work out between us? What about the children?" He tilted his head looking into her eyes trying to build up his wall.

"Well, it would be hard at first but we'd let you come visit us on weekends!" Fran flashed a playful smile but could tell that didn't help lighten his mood.

Maxwell couldn't help but smile. Something about Fran Fine's smile made him want to. "Oh Miss Fine, What if something happened between us, it would ruin everything we have."

"Or it could add a whole other dimension that wouldn't be entirely unpleasant. Or it could ruin it. It's happened before." Fran felt her heart pound in her chest filling with the same doubts he was having.

"So we agree then? Friends?" Maxwell reached out offering his hand to her.

"Friends..." Fran felt herself lost in his eyes as she moved closer. Then the soft brush of his lips against hers sent her head in a tail spin. She closed her eyes pulling away unable to see Maxwell run his hands threw his hair trying his best to get a hold of himself.

Maxwell found himself stumbling back inside his house. "Sir?" Niles tilted his head watching his employer walk towards the couch. "Popcorn?" He offered Maxwell a small bowl.

Fran walked in moments later and seated herself next to Gracie smiling. She could feel the heat of Maxwell's eyes staring at the back of her head.

Maxwell grumbled feeling a tightness in his chest as the movie played on. He wasn't paying much attention to it just watching his nanny talk with the children. Had he been a fool to push her away like that? Finally the ending of the movie came and Maxwell heard Fran's nasal voice let out a laugh.

"Okay, it's time for bed!" Fran stood up and locked eyes with Maxwell Sheffield. Maybe saying 'bed' was the wrong choice of words? "Oy! Wake up! Mista Sheffield, the movie is over!" She poked at him playfully and Maxwell stood up taking the children's popcorn bowls to the kitchen.

"Is everything alright?" Niles stood their for just a moment his jaw hitting the floor.

"Why?" Fran smirked and received a kiss from Gracie watching her and the other children headed upstairs.

"He never helps!" Niles pointed back towards the doorway and Fran let out a nasal laugh.

"Oy! Just escape now... Don't look a gift horse in the mouth would ya?" Fran pushed on Niles's shoulder. "Good night ya old,scarecrow!"

"Good night, Miss Fine." Niles stood still for just a moment. "Are you sure everything is alright?"

"Would ya go to bed already?" Fran giggled again walking into the kitchen. She wasn't prepared for what happened next. His strong arms wrapping around her small waist. She was quickly turned around and pressed against the kitchen door. She knew it was him.

Maxwell felt his whole body shiver as her small hands started to trace his back. He didn't know the reason behind his desire. He did his best to pull back from this course of action, but Fran now tighten her hold on his body. He lifted her up in his arms taking her up the back stairway.

Fran felt her feet leave the floor and being held in his arms. She had remembered their agreement and did her best to pull away, but her own desires took control. She loved him and could no longer fight the urges of her own body. She found her lips entangled with his as she did her best to hold on. If she broke the whole then he might give into reason... He might open his mouth... He might want to 'talk'.

Maxwell placed her on his bed and did his best to move back trying to slow down what was happening but Fran's arms trapped him and he was unable to pull back. He let out a moan that echoed inside her mouth as he felt her small hands tug on his jeans.

She felt out of control as Maxwell's hand went under her shirt touching the bare skin. The feel of his hands on her curves caused her to grind against him slightly.

Maxwell was unable to remove her shirt over her head. Fran refused to leave his lips alone for a moment. He pull and the sound of tears filled the room. It was beyond erotic as Maxwell tried to pull away again only to find her holding him still. He let out a groan and settled on his hands moving against her bare body and removing the last of her clothing that covered her chest.

She reached up and pulled his shirt apart with an equal force as her body kept on wiggling against his. A part of her started to worry about all the noise they were making, but something in her knew that Maxwell's room was away from the children's for good reason.

His hands started to tease and stroke as he removed the last barriers between them. With one movement he had join them together, and nothing could change that no matter what tomorrow would bring.

Fran closed her eyes as Maxwell started to move. She felt like dieing inside as her body held on for dear life.

Maxwell felt his body arch and twist as he reached the moment where his soul poured out into her. He didn't want to stop for a moment as his lower lip trembled. He dared to open his eyes glancing down into hers.

He's going to regret this. He's going to take it all back. Fran's mind raced as Maxwell's mouth opened up to say something. She quickly covered it with her own.

Maxwell closed his eyes again allowing her to take control. He felt his heart pound as Fran started to wiggle against him and moan inside his mouth.

She had kept him busy not allowing him to utter one word as they made love countless number of times. She watched as Maxwell slept with the knowledge that this too he would try and take back.

"Part of me would die if he does." Fran mumbled wearing Maxwell's robe. She closed her eyes remembering the plane ride.

"Ya know Mista Sheffield this would be a good time to call me Fran." Fran held onto the seat praying quietly that this wasn't the end.

"I love you!" His head had turned so suddenly and the brushing of his lips against hers was so erotic.

"No..." Fran opened her eyes and left the room. She wasn't about to let him take this back. She pulled out a bag glancing at her rather large room. "Oy..." She had so much stuff... She grabbed her check book and purse throwing it inside the bag and picked out something to wear. She grabbed a few other items but froze. "The children..." She mumbled picturing their faces, and then Niles's face with his questioning eyes. Who could she tell? What could she do? Fran reached out for a pen and paper coming up with a quick plan as she dressed in her most casual clothes. She took a deep breath trying her best to gather her thoughts. She quickly wrote the note and gathered the rest of her things.

Gracie shifted in her bed letting out a grumble as a small light filled the room. She glanced at the clock and then up into her nanny's eyes. "Fran? It's three in the morning?"

"Oy... I know sweetie." Fran sat beside her bed trying to put on her best fake smile.

Gracie's eyes grew wide noticing the bag. "Where... where are you going?"

"Away..." Fran felt her lower lip starting to tremble. "Oy! I can't explain it." Fran's mind started to race with the images of Maxwell Sheffield and her making love.

"Are... are you coming back?" Gracie's lower lip started to tremble looking down at Fran's bag and then back up into nanny's eyes.

"I ... I..." Fran hadn't thought that far ahead. "Of course sweetie..." Fran let out a sigh pulling the girl into her arms. "Until then.. check Yetta's mail for me? Please?"

Gracie nodded her head slowly as Fran stood up. She glanced at the letter then back at Fran. "Just Brighton and Maggie?" She blinked looking at the letter only to find Fran gone.

Fran closed her eyes leaning on Maggie's door looking inside the young girl's room. She let out a sigh watching Maggie sleep. "I'm sorry... I can't stay..." She whimpered and shut the door finding Brighton's room.

Brighton shifted as light poured into his room and placed a pillow over his head. He wasn't sure what was going on. "Five more minutes please, Fran?" He mumbled and the light disappeared.

Fran walked downstairs grabbing her best coat from the closet and glancing around the living room one last night. "Goodbye..." She turned out into the night letting out a nasal whimper as she quietly shut the door.

Maxwell shifted in his bed grabbing a pillow. The morning light came pouring into this bedroom. He sat up blinking at his empty bed. Images started to flood his mind recalling Fran's heated kisses. "Niles, old boy?" He blinked noticing Niles putting down his tray.

"Sir?" Niles tilted his head. "Are you alright?"

"Fine old boy." Maxwell sat up and noticed the ripped clothing had been picked up off the floor. "Did you see?..." He mumbled pointing down at the floor.

"What sir?"

"Never mind." Maxwell grumbled as Niles shook his head leaving the room.

Gracie Sheffield had pulled her siblings inside her room early. "She .. She's gone?" Maggie glanced again at Fran's simple note.

"That's because you scared her off!" Brighton tried his best to put on his best joking tone.

"Shut up you, toad!" Maggie tossed a pillow towards her brother.

"She told me to check Yetta's mail for her." Gracie glanced down at the note.

"We better tell daddy..."

"If she wanted dad to know... she would have told dad?" Brighton glanced at Maggie and then a grumbling Gracie.

"You know what I think is going on?" Gracie started to open her mouth as her siblings glared at her that this wasn't the time for 'big' words. "Trouble?" She let out a soft sneaky noise.

"I don't think trouble covers it." Maggie stood up eyeing her siblings. "Come on we better get going. I hate to be around when daddy finds out she's gone."

"Hate? I want a front row SEAT!" Brighton raced out of Gracie's room leaving the two sister's alone.

"Maggie... do you think we'll ever see her again?"

Maggie smiled touching her sister's hair. "Come on you'll be late."

Maxwell raced down stairs deciding that nothing happened. Fran would have stay in his room if she wanted something further. We agreed ,we are just friends... Aren't we? He stopped for a moment letting out a huge sigh then entered the dinning room. "Good morning children." He eyed their long faces. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing I'm going to head out early." Maggie stood up and eyed her siblings.

"Noooooooooo!" Brighton let out a yelp as Gracie reached over stomping his foot. "Hey what was that for?"

"Come on!"Maggie hissed as Brighton stood up.

Maxwell looked around feeling his heart pound. "Niles... Old man?

"Sir?" Niles stood up straight.

"Have you seen, Miss Fine." Maxwell started to drum his fingers on the table feeling his heart pound.

"No, but I'm sure she'll be down any moment." Niles glanced up at the ceiling. "Is something wrong sir?"

"Hello, Hello!" C.C. walked inside with a huge smile on her face.

"Never mind... " Niles groaned. "Something is wrong... I forgot the rat traps today."

"Would you shut up, Niles..." C.C. sat down and Maxwell stood up. "What's wrong?" They both glanced towards a pale faced Maxwell.

They both watched as Maxwell walked out of the dinning room. "Well now you done it."

"Maybe it was your stinky morning breath." C.C. waved her hand in front of her face as the house echoed with Maxwell's cry.

"What the hell?" Niles ran up the stairs followed closely behind by C.C.

"She's... she's .. gone." Maxwell's face twisted in pain, and Niles turned around glancing at the desk drawers and the dresser drawers that had been pulled out.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHOOO!" C.C. let out a call of victory.

"What was that?" Maxwell whimpered and Niles glared towards the blonde.

"What?" C.C. gasped as Niles let out a snarl.

"Not another word!" Niles pushed her out of Fran's room leaving Maxwell alone.

Fran let out a soft sigh looking at Yetta. "I don't know what I'm going to do?" She glanced around knowing her time was limited before someone came searching for her.

"Did ya take out yer money?"

"Yes, Yetta." Fran rolled her eyes answering the question for the third time.

"Well good give me a twenty!" Yetta reached out an Fran placed the bill in the woman's hand. "What you need to do is to go to a place no one would find you!"

"My nephew runs a business in Alaska." A woman across the room chimed in. "He makes tons!"

"Oy no one cares!" Yetta rolled her eyes and noticed Fran getting up.

"What does he do?" Fran sat down in front of the elder woman.

"Oil!" The woman giggled pulling out a picture. "He sends me a check every week. That is the place you should go! No one would be able to find you." She reached out pulling out a business card.

"Listen.."

"Lacey." The woman winked as she wrote out a small note.

"I'm not sure about this." Fran let out a groan and the woman placed the paper in her hand.

"If you want an escape... Alaska is the place." The woman winked.

"Oy! I forgot your mother is coming." Yetta let out a yelp and Fran pushed on Lacy.

"Hide me..." She whispered as the elder woman lead her into a small room. She pushed her way in as Lacey limped and let out a gasp at all the artwork.

"I was quite an artist back in the day!" Lacey walked over towards her bed and padded a chair. "Come here... No doubt they'll be a while."

"Oy.." Fran left her heart pound sitting down in the seat.

"Now what's wrong?"

"It's a rather long story." Fran looked around and lowered her voice as she heard Sylvia's voice in the hallway.

"I think we have time deary." The woman winked as the hallway echoed with Sylvia's whine.

Fran recalled each moment she had spent with Maxwell and the children. She told this stranger about last night. She watched as the woman shook her head letting out a huge sigh. "Oy.. I'm not sure why I'm telling you all this."

"Well you want my honest..." Lacey stopped herself letting out a huge sigh. "Nevermind.. It doesn't matter. You take that phone number and get yourself to Alaska!"

"I... I couldn't call ma she should just tell Mista Sheffield." Fran looked down at the paper then back up into Lacey's eyes. "I can't take it if she takes back that night."

Lacey let out a sigh touching Fran's shoulder. "He's scared."

"Yeah."

"Now your scared!

Fran frowned lowering her eyes. "Yeah."

"You are willing to give up everything just to keep that night?" Lacey narrowed her eyes for a moment watching Fran's lower lip tremble.

"It means everything."

"Then head up to Alaska!" The woman winked and turned on her t.v.

"Oy! Ma! Are you even listening?" Sylvia rolled her eyes. "Frannie's missing!"

"Whose Frannie?" Yetta looked around trying to find the piece of paper she was looking at earlier. "Who are you?"

"Ma? Have you seen her?" Sylvia let out a sigh.

"NO!" Yetta let out an annoyed growl waddling towards her door shutting it tight. "Why are you looking for her anyway? Shouldn't she be watching my grandchildren?"

Sylvia let out a sigh rolling her eyes. "Never mind Ma... I have to go find Nadine maybe she has a clue."

"What ever! I want you to tell your father that he needs to .."

"He's dead ma!" Sylvia reached for her purse jerking the door open. "If you see Frannie tell her that I'm worried sick, and she's twisting a knife in my heart!"

"How many knifes do you have in there anyway?" Yetta let out a snarl as Sylvia walked out the door. "She was here a moment ago!" She mumbled unheard as Sylvia shook her head walking down the hallway.

"Oy!" Fran glanced outside shaking her head.

"You better head out of town. If this man has any pull he'll find you quick!" Lacey pushed Fran out into the hallway.

"Thanks again." She waved the paper. "You'll call him? Won't you?"

"Course!" Lacey winked. "I remember a lot more than your grandmother." She giggled as Fran made her way carefully outside.

Fran slowly slipped off her high heels walking down the hallway. She slowly opened Yetta's door letting out a soft nasal sigh. "Yetta?"

"Do you know yer mother is looking for ya?" Yetta whispered quietly and watched as Fran nodded slowly.

"I'm going to have Gracie come and check your mail for ya." Fran smiled as Yetta shook her head slowly. "Wha?"

"Who is Gracie?" Yetta tossed up her hands letting out a groan. "Never mind! Are you coming back Tuesday?"

"I don't think so..." Fran felt her lower lip start to tremble. She had been to the bank early this morning and emptied out her accounts. Her mind had a plan to stay out of New York for just a few weeks giving Maxwell Sheffield enough time to forget about the fling. She could never go back to his household, but New York was home... wasn't it?

"Then next Tuesday?" Yetta's eyes grew wide watching her granddaughter twist and turn.

"I'll try, Yetta." Fran's voice broke with emotion. "Oy...If only.."

"If only what?" Yetta pulled on Fran's arm trying to get her to open up.

"Nothing... nothing..." Fran kissed the old woman's head letting out a sigh. "I'll call you when I'm able... can you keep a secret?"

"I can't even remember it!" Yetta let out a laugh and turned to watch Fran walk out the door.

Fran let out a sigh climbing into Val's car. She had borrowed the car earlier this morning ending up on her best friend's doorstep seeking a hiding place. Fran placed her head against the wheel taking in a deep breath. Her mind started flashing images of his smile... the echo of his laugh. The gray streak in his hair. "Stop it..." She mumbled lifting up her head. She would have to return Val's car hopefully Sylvia and Maxwell had been there and left. "Please... Please..." She mumbled in quiet prayer.

"Mista Sheffield... I haven't seen her." Val let out a sigh as Maxwell worked his way into Val's small apartment.

Maxwell turned his head towards the left and then the right noticing two plates on the table. "Was she here?"

"I haven't seen her today..." Val groaned as Maxwell picked up a bracelet Fran had received last Christmas from Maggie.

"Miss Fine?!" Maxwell turned his head around to come face to face with Sylvia Fine.

"What did you do to her!" Sylvia poked him in the chest causing Maxwell to back up against Val's fridge. "Why did you have to take it all back!?"

Maxwell blushed thinking back to the plane ride and his agreement with Fran that they would be only 'friends'. "Back away just a moment!" Maxwell hissed trying to force her back with the sound of just his voice.

"Now you listen to me!"

"This is my apartment!" Val put her hands on her hips looking at the pair. "Oy..." She backed up as Sylvia glared at the woman. "I'll guess I'll just leave my... own apartment." Val quickly walked outside letting out a groan.

"What's wrong with you?" She poked Maxwell's chest causing him to cough.

"Bloody hell.. I didn't do anything wrong!" Maxwell blushed knowing that wasn't true. "If you would just try and remain calm and tell me what she said to you."

"That you took it back!" Sylvia let out a groan pulling up a chair. "Then Niles called the next morning telling me she took all her best makeup but left the lipstick. How many times did I try and teach her. You always TAKE the lipstick!"

"Any ideas where she might have gone?" Maxwell felt his heart pound. He couldn't control his growing fear that every moment he didn't find her was another moment she would be lost.

"I already tired Yetta... You know our cousin's cousin has this travel place..." Sylvia pulled out a card but before she could blink Maxwell had taken it from her hands and was out the door.

Niles whimpered quietly looking at the dishes. "What's a matter dust pan." C.C. walked in the room smiling. "Did you loose your best friend?"

"I guess you would understand." Niles snarled throwing down his dish wraps. "Wait that's right you don't have any friends."

"Come on Niles!" C.C. pulled out a bottle water from the sub-zero. "She's gone and I say..."

"I say you better watch your tone when you talk about Miss Fine." Niles glared walking up towards C.C. causing her to back against the sub-zero. "At least she's a real woman."

C.C. felt her heart pound as Niles had her penned against the mental door. "We both know she's coming back." C.C. let out a whimper as Niles held her still. "She wouldn't miss out on this meal ticket."

"Don't be so blind... Miss Babcock." Niles pulled away freeing his foe. "There is only so much punishment someone can take before they walk out of your life forever."

C.C. watched as Niles left the room and she let out a shiver. "Oy..." She held up the bottle to her forehead walking out of the kitchen.

Brighton let out a groan walking into the kitchen followed by Gracie. "So... Where did he go?"

"He went looking for her!" Gracie sat down shaking her head. "He's not going to find her."

"Why not?"

"Life isn't a fairy tale." Gracie waited as Brighton pulled out the ice cream and grabbed two bowls. "I have this bad feeling."

"Gracie... You always have a 'bad' feeling." Brighton groaned placing the ice cream in front of his younger sister. "Niles told me we should stay out of it."

"Fran told me that too." Gracie frowned and let out a sigh. "So .. what should we do?"

"Ermm?" Brighton blinked. "I guess we check Yetta's mail for the next weeks and find out if she's going to contact us or not."

"Daddy?" Gracie blinked as Maxwell walked in the back door grumbling. "Is..."

"Do you know anything about, Miss Fine?" Maxwell eyed his youngest child and then his son.

"Fran? What about her? She didn't pick me up today, and I had a date!" Brighton tapped his watch as Maggie walked in.

"I'm sure she blows up all the same." Maggie snickered as Gracie pulled on her arm pointing out their father's pale face. "Daddy? Are you okay?" She reached out leading Maxwell to a chair. "Daddy?"

"I can't find her." Maxwell felt his insides shake wondering what madness had driven him to take it all back. He recalled his earlier thoughts that morning of his 'mistake'. He was going to tell Fran that things had gotten out of hand. He was going to tell Fran that... "I can't find her..." He mumbled looking down at his hands.

"What did you do!" Gracie reached out hitting her father playfully. "You need to find her!"

Maxwell turned towards Gracie looking into her eyes. "Do you know anything?"

"She told me goodbye." Gracie watched as Maxwell buried his head in his hands. "Daddy what did you do? Tell us and maybe we can help."

"You don't understand!" Maxwell stood up letting out a groan.

"You screwed up didn't you daddy?" Maggie's voice was tender, but she eyed her father. "You screwed up just admit it..."

"Find her!" Gracie stood up eyeing her father. "Do what ever you need to do to find her!"

Maxwell let out a groan walking towards his office leaving his three children alone. "Should we tell him about..." Brighton let out a groan as Gracie shook her head. "We should at least do something!?"

"Unless we want to risk driving Fran away from us... What can we do?" Gracie grumbled shaking her head. "No... I don't know what to do."

"Maybe we should talk to someone..." Brighton raised his hands in pain.

"Niles?" Maggie let out a sigh watching her siblings shaking their heads.

"We really have no one?" Gracie let out a sigh and shook her head. "We will have to do our best to shape events."

"Children?" Niles came down eyeing the three Sheffield children. "Did your father just come home?" He tilted his head and notice Gracie let out a groan of pain.

"He's a mess, Niles." Brighton reached out taking an apple. He quickly left the room before the butler could question him further.

"I better get going..." Maggie quickly made her exit leaving Niles alone with Gracie.

"Miss Grace?" Niles narrowed his eyes. "What do you know?"

"I know that Fran's gone." Gracie put on her best pouting face.

"What do you know?" He narrowed his eyes looking for hope.

"She's gone Niles, and daddy should do everything in his power to find her." Gracie quickly made her way upstairs escaping the butler's glare.

Fran let out a groan looking at her watch again. "This is crazy." She had a strange urge to find the nearest telephone. "I should call her." Fran groaned walking up and putting in the quarter.

"Hello?" Sylvia's voice rang out with a huge nasal tone.

"Ma..." Fran felt her voice quiver for just a moment.

"Frannie! What are you doing? Where are you? You get back over to that house this moment! You realize that your throwing it all AWAY?"

Fran hung up the phone letting out a sigh. She couldn't go back in that house not if they could only be 'friends.' She glanced at the phone again shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Ma." She glanced at the departing flights. "What am I doing?" She lowered her eyes.

"It's agreed .. Friends then?" Maxwell Sheffield's voice rang out in her head.

"No... " She let out a sigh.

"Flight 343 now boarding..."

Fran picked up her single bag and shook her head. "Oy... here we go."

Now in ever story you must have that strange that comes out of no where to help. The only question is will the strange do more harm than good?

Bryan Hunter let out a groan eyeing his desk. His wavy brown hair was pulled back into a pony tell and he touched his beard noticing he needed to trim it down. He had started his company at a rather young age, and at twenty had made his first million. "Aunt Lacey..." He let out a groan holding the telephone to his ear. "You expect me to just help someone off the street?"

"Why not? It's what your uncle would have done! Your mother does it all the time!" Lacey's tone was stern.

"You just sent this woman here... in the middle of no where?"

"The same place you keep on wanting me to retire?" Lacey let out a chuckle.

"Point taken." Bryan let out a hiss. "What's her name? When can I expect her?"

"Fran Fine! Any moment!" Lacey hung up her phone letting out a soft giggle at the match she had just made. What was Maxwell Sheffield's loss was surely Bryan's gain. "The boy will thank me for this someday!"

Bryan shook his head and turned around in his office chair looking out into the snow capped mountains. He closed his eyes only to receive a jolt. "HELLO?" The nasal voice echoed around in his office. He turned around expecting some...something other that what was before him.

He blinked looking up into those eyes. "Have I died and gone to heaven?"

"Oy!" Fran felt light headed looking into the man's eyes. "Your Mista Hunter?"

"Bryan..." He moved quickly from behind his desk taking Fran's hand. "Your Miss Fine?"

"Fran!" She felt weak at the knees.

"My aunt knows you from New York, and you just came out of no where?" He waved a hand towards a chair sitting down.

"Ya see... I needed to..." Fran blinked wondering if she should just tell him everything. I slept with my boss who just wants us to be 'friends', and can't get over his dead wife. Fran started to blush and Bryan smiled.

"You aren't ready to tell me.. are you?" Bryan picked up his pen chewing on the end while looking at the nodding woman.

"No..." Fran blushed a deeper red thoughts about Maxwell Sheffield start to overpower her once more.

"You know... running away is never the answer." He watched as his words hit Fran like a ton of bricks.

"I'm not running away! Oy!" She stood up looking around the room. "Okay maybe I am."

He watched her for just a moment as Fran started to stand up. "Where you going?"

"This was a mistake! Oy.. a very big mistake."

"Now did I say that?" Bryan smiled letting out a sigh. "Come on... if you really want to start a new life out here.. The least I can do is show you around... Mike!" Bryan called out and a young man came out of the hallway. "Do we have any openings?"

"We have a few..." He narrowed his eyes looking at Fran. "That is some outfit, but I hope your brought winter clothes."

"Oy!" Fran blushed shaking her head.

"See what you can find... and I'm taking the rest of the day off." He reached for a coat grabbing an extra one to hand to the woman. "Here take it. This isn't New York , and it tends to get chilly here even during the summer."

"I'll try to remember that." She followed him into a glass elevator. "I'm not even sure what I'm doing here anymore."

"I came here for the adventure. My mother says I came here because it was a place to avoid the big city life style. My family most live on the east coast."

"I've neva lived anywhere but New York." Fran pulled on the leather jacket feeling warm for the first time since landing.

"New York... Blagh! It has nothing on his place." He waved her forward as the doors opened up. "Shall I show you my world, and perhaps get you some clothes?"

"Oy.. I'm not ..." She blushed again as Bryan quieted her.

"Any friend of my aunt's is a friend of mine." He winked pointing towards his jeep. "Come on and we'll talk about your business skills."

"Oy..." Fran groaned following the stranger.

"C.C… I have more important issues going on here." Maxwell looked up from his paper work passing it back. "Just take care of the bloody thing." He let out a hiss as Niles walked back in the room.

"I did take care of it, but she keeps on coming back." Niles glanced back as C.C. stood up and left the room. "Sir? No word on…"

"Not one bloody word." Maxwell let out a sigh putting his head in his hands. "I think .. I did something…"

"What did you do?" Niles moved in closer. "If you need me to handle Miss Babcock I will!"

"With Miss Fine." Maxwell rolled his eyes and stood up to close the door. "Niles… I need you to keep a secret."

"Then I'm really the last person you should tell." Niles let out a grumble as Maxwell glared at him. "Sir?" He blinked waiting on his friend to continue.

"I … I told Miss Fine …. I loved her on the plane." Maxwell sat down in his office chair watching Niles's face twist in a blanket of pure joy. "And then…" He lowered his eyes. "I took it back."

"Wha?" Niles blinked stopping in mid-jump. "You took it back?" Niles blinked recalling Fran's hurtful look. "That isn't everything is it?"

"No…"

"Oy… You did a big one!" Niles sat down on the couch. "What did you do?"

"We…. I…" Maxwell's face blush as Niles was able to read his friend's face. He watched as Niles stood up his jaw hitting the floor.

"Let me get this straight… You took it back, but then you… and she…?" Niles started to wave his hands around wildly.

"Yes…" Maxwell couldn't fight the strange urge to hide under his desk.

"SIR!" Niles jumped up and down in place for just a moment. "I could just hit you BOTH!"

"I feel bad enough as it is Niles." Maxwell let out a sigh. "I have to find her and make her understand…"

"Are you going to take that back too?" Niles glared towards his employer.

"Yes.. I mean no!" Maxwell let out a whimper running his hands in his hair. "Please Niles this is hard enough without you…"

"Find her! You have to find her sir!" Niles started to pound his fists against the wooden desk. "Find her no matter what the cost. You wrecked this thing, and you fix it!"

"I don't think I can." Maxwell put a few papers inside his desk.

"You better!" Niles let out a sigh. "Do you really love her sir?"

"Yes… but.."

"UGHHH!" Niles tossed up his hands leaving the room.

"NILES!" Maxwell quickly raced to the doorway feeling his own heart pound dragging the butler back inside. "I'm serious you can't tell anyone." He wave his hand and pointed his index finger. "Please… Niles.."

"Let me guess you don't want the children to blame you?" Niles smirked shaking his head.

"I already blame myself." Maxwell could feel the gray streak in his hair growing. "I have three people searching for her now."

"Are they the best?" Niles narrowed his eyes.

"That money can buy."

"Triple it!" Niles glanced at his watch. "I have to go pick up, Miss Grace."

"I'm sorry old man." Maxwell watched as Niles left the room.

"Oy this doesn't feel right." Fran glanced into his eyes letting out a sigh. "Your not really here." She touched Maxwell's cheek and he broke out into a huge smile. "Your just a dream."

"Then let's never wake up." Maxwell closed his eyes enjoying Fran's touch.

"Why.. Why did you take it back?" Her lower lip was trembling now. "Would you have taken back … back.."

"Us making love?" Maxwell narrowed his eyes. "You didn't give a chance to do anything remember?"

"It would have killed me… I couldn't take it Maxwell." She moved in closer feeling his breath tease her ear. "I can't fight a ghost, and it's not fair to you."

"What's not fair is having you and then losing you." Maxwell wrapped his hands in her silken gown letting out a sharp breath. "Running away never solves anything Fran."

"Taking things back never solves anything either Maxwell." Fran arched against his body feeling her mind struggle with their odd connection. "We are dreaming… remember?"

"Where have you gone?" His lips trailed down her neck as Fran arched against him. "Come back to us… Please…"

Fran let out a gasp of pleasure feeling his hand move under her gown now touching her bare belly. She shifted trying to escape the onset of emotions as his hand started to tease her flesh. "Maxwell… I… can't…"

"Yes you can.." His lips trailed lower as he rolled onto her. "You want to call!"

"I'm dreaming…" Fran mumbled feeling Maxwell's other hand join in the teasing. "I'm going to wake up any moment now… and you'll be gone."

"Call me and I'll be by your side in a moment's notice." He leaned up stopping his assault. "You think I would take it all back? Even our night?"

"We… agreed…"

"We might have agreed… Fran, but our hearts have other things in mind for us." Maxwell cradled her face in his hands. "We are connected now.. In more ways than one.."

"What does that mean….?" Fran blinked as the ghost image of Maxwell Sheffield faded.

*BEEEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEEEEEP*

She blinked awake pushing down the covers of her hotel bed. She had to be at work in an hour. She let out a grumble glancing at the crisp air outside her window, and walked back towards the shower. She would grab a quick shower and then write the children, but what would she say? Fran let out a groan as the cold water hit her body. She had to drive the image of Maxwell out of her mind.

"We are connected now."

"What does that mean!? OY!" Fran grumbled resting her head against the shower wall remembering what his hands felt like. What his lips tasted like. "It's over.. Get a hold of yourself!" She quickly climbed out of the shower hearing the phone ring. "Hallo?"

"Fran!" Val let out a yelp of happiness. "Thank God! Are you alright?"

"Depends on what you mean about being alright."

"What?" Val blinked.

"Never mind! Sorry about your car. I got carried away and just had to escape."

"That's alright do you know the airport is a fun way to pick up men!" Val let out a giggle. "I met this man, and he offered to show me what the mile high club means."

"You just met him? Do me a favor and don't…" Fran let out a laugh.

"Well what does it mean?" Val waited as Fran explained it.

"The more things change." Fran let out a laugh. "Val…. Do me a favor…"

"What is it sweetie?" Val let out a sad sigh.

"Don't tell anyone you know my numba would ya?"

Maxwell opened up his desk glancing down into her eyes. "Where are you?" He quickly closed it. "Niles? What the bloody hell are you doing standing there?"

"I'm sorry sir.. Should I leave?" Niles let out a long hiss. "Give you time alone with the photo?"

"Would you shut up Niles!" Maxwell stood up and then rubbed his eyes. "Wait.. I'm sorry old man." He mumbled sitting down.

"Well well… Mister pouty." Niles turned around heading out the door.

"Was there a reason you came in here old boy?" Maxwell rubbed his temples pulling out the script he had been reading before thinking about Fran.

"I want you to know that… I have a lead." Niles smiled as Maxwell waved him forward. "Well you didn't hear it from me.."

"NILES! Would you get to the bloody point."

"Val…" Niles smiled as Maxwell shook his head.

"What about Val?"

"Well .. Miss Fine has called her!" Niles watched as Maxwell raced out of the room. "SIR!" Niles pulled Maxwell back inside the room letting out a sigh. "Val didn't tell me herself."

"Well how in the heck do you know?"

"Well Val told Tony the dry cleaner who in turn told Albert from the fruit stand." Maxwell let out a sigh holding up his hands. "Are you alright sir?"

"I didn't sleep well last night old man."

"Were you missing your nanny?" Niles let out a laugh.

"Niles…" Maxwell blushed letting out a sigh. "Yes… I had a dream about her."

"Then why did you take it back!?" Niles let out a sigh but shook his head. "No wait you already told me." Niles shook his head letting out a sigh. "The grapevine is at work sir, and we both know Miss Val can't keep her mouth shut forever."

"That is unless…" Maxwell shook his head trying to force the worse from his mind. "Have you ever loved someone so badly, but a small force was keeping you apart?"

"You mean like taking back the fact you LOVE the woman?" Niles shook his head as C.C. Babcock walked inside the office.

"Hello, Hello! What a wonderful day." C.C. took in a deep breath glancing around the office. "Niles, would you get me a cup of coffee?"

"Would you jump off a cliff?" Niles hissed whispering in C.C.'s ear.

"What's his problem?" C.C. glanced back and towards where Niles had just walked out the door. "What's your problem?" She then noticed Maxwell's look.

"It's been a rough night." Maxwell shook his head trying to drive the picture of Miss Fine teasing his bare chest. "It was only just a dream."

"Bort tells me that dreams are a way of our souls trying to tell us something." C.C. sat down on the couch watching Maxwell grumble. "Why are you here?"

"What?"

"If your not going to get any work done why don't you go after HER!?" C.C. rolled her eyes and let out a sigh.

"I have no idea where she went."

"She didn't call her parents?" C.C. tilted her head in shock as Maxwell shook his head.

"No." Maxwell reached out taking the new script from the pile. "She didn't."

"Come on sooner or later she's going to call them! She's going to contact SOMEONE in this house."

Maxwell narrowed his eyes thinking about his children's faces. "Someone… or.. Maybe…" Maxwell tapped his fingers on the desk remembering Grace's face. "They would have told me."

"Come on even Niles doesn't tell you everything."

"He does to! I can get him to shut up about it sometimes." Maxwell let out a groan.

"Are you sure about that? Think back Maxwell… " C.C. smirked as Maxwell let out a playful whimper.

"Good lord I don't want to know what sick games you play with the man!"

"Well… My theory still holds true! She's going to contact someone here." C.C. shook her head as Niles returned. "He wants to know what sick games we play when he's not looking."

"Sir… I never touched her!" Niles blushed as C.C. displayed a sly smile. "She costs to much."

"Did you see this Bryan?" His assistant handed over the latest news clipping. "Our stock is up three points!"

"Is Fran working out?" He glanced at the paper and noticing his friend's huge grin. "What?"

"She's not even here a month and your already drooling over her." The man let out a laugh shaking his head. "You could ask her out! She keeps to herself most of the time. I know a few people that try to go out with her during the weekends, but she stays in that basted cabin you and your mother rented her."

"She was looking rather pale this morning." Bryan let out a sigh. "What?"

"Are you going to ask her out or what?" Michael let out a chuckle standing up. "I'll send her in." He laughed as Bryan let out a groan.

Bryan closed his eyes rocking back in his office chair.

"You alright?" Fran's voice was barely a whisper as she walked up to his desk.

Bryan opened his eyes and glanced at her outfit. She was still wearing clothing that wasn't really warm enough for the climate and let out a sigh wondering what 'winter' clothing New Yorkers wore. "I was about to ask you the same question, Miss Fine." He smiled and waved a hand. "Don't you think it's past time you told me about why my aunt ran into you?"

"It's kinda hard to explain." Fran crossed her legs and drove out another vision of Maxwell's hard body against hers.

"Fran…" He lowered his voice. "Tell me."

Fran felt her insides shake remembering Maxwell's words. "He just wanted us to be friends, and then… then…." She glanced around the office and watched as Bryan stood up to shut the door.

"Who?" He knelt beside her taking her hand in his.

"Maxwell Sheffield." Fran blushed letting out a nasal sigh. "I… slept with him."

Bryan watched her face for a moment and reached out brushing away the tears. "Did he say .. He wanted to be friends before or after that?"

"Before…"

"Then why did you run?" He waited as Fran's mouth opened and shut again.

"I don't think he can get over his wife. That's the whole reason he wanted us to be friends."

Bryan narrowed his eyes taking her other hand. *What kind of man is he? Was he having an affair with her?* Bryan quickly made a note for his research department to look into Maxwell Sheffield. "Enough tears." He reached out touching her cheek. "What would it take to see you smile?"

"Cheese cake?" Fran sniffled and Bryan let out a soft laugh.

"Have you had lunch?" He stood up and reached for a jacket.

"No.. I just couldn't keep anything down this morning." Fran held her stomach letting out a nasal groan. "The stress of the move and not being able to call, ma or daddy. OY! I have to mail a letter today!" She walked outside and Bryan followed her into the small area she called an office.

"I know some place that has the best cheesecake in the world." He watched as Fran reached over the desk. He couldn't take his eyes from her shapely legs.

"The best?" She blinked and he helped her into his old jacket. "I know I should buy another one."

"My gift to you." Bryan winked reaching inside his pocket for his cell phone. "Mike.. Miss Fine and I will be calling in sick for the next two days." He winked as Fran's jaw dropped. "Cheesecake.. Yes we are going there… two rooms please.. Thank you."

"Where are we.. Going?" Fran gasped as Bryan opened the door.

"I promised you good cheesecake, and a gentleman keeps his word." Bryan winked and pointed towards her. "Maybe your color will come back after you've had a proper meal."

"Nanny Janet would you please leave me alone." C.C. glared as the elder woman followed her around.

"Niles did you really have to tell Janet that C.C. was a man?" Gracie let out a giggle as Niles nodded.

"I'm shocked the foolish woman hasn't checked yet…" Niles let out a sigh and the house echoed with a loud scream. "Ahh there we go." Niles let out a laugh walking back inside his kitchen leaving the three children studying at the dinner table.

"Did you get it?" Brighton shifted upwards as Gracie flashed an envelope.

"A month with no word." Maggie let out a grumble as Gracie opened the letter and handed Brighton the envelope.

"What does the post mark say?" Gracie leaned over as Brighton let out a long hiss.

"Anchorage."

"Where the heck is Anchorage?" Maggie shook her head.

Gracie rolled her eyes. "Alaska!"

"Alaska what?" Maxwell walked in as Gracie quickly hid the letter. "What's going on children?"

"Nothing!" They all three called out at once.

"Daddy is everything alright with Nanny Janet?" Gracie put on her pouting face.

"Well… I don't think she'll be coming back after what, Miss Babcock did to her." Maxwell pulled out a chair sitting beside Maggie. "Can I help you children with your homework?"

"Is everything alright, daddy?" Gracie narrowed her eyes. "Are you perhaps feeling guilty about, Fran?"

"What do you mean sweetheart?" Maxwell let out a small whimper.

"Niles told us." Brighton watched as his father twisted in his chair.

"Well he didn't really tell us." Maggie glanced towards the ceiling letting out a laugh.

"He wrote it down and everything." Gracie let out a giggle watching as Maxwell started to grow pale.

"Children… " Maxwell felt his chest tighten and let out a whimper. "I…"

"You took it all back and everything!" Gracie let out a sigh. "You know they say regrets can lead to all kinds of health problems."

"I'll keep that in mind, sweetheart." Maxwell reached out touching his chest. "What did Niles tell you three…. Exactly?"

"Do we have to spell it out for you man? You could be spending time on the phone with your P.I. Watching Val rather than talking to us." Brighton stood up waving his father out of the room.

"Well?" Maggie leaned over as Gracie pulled out the letter. "What does she say? Does she leave us an address?"

Gracie waited a moment as Brighton walked back into the room and hit the intercom. "Okay we are safe!" Brighton waved for Gracie to start. She opened her mouth reading the letter aloud.

Dear Children,

Oy! How long as it been since I last saw your faces? I awake each morning smelling Niles's home cooking, and I'm rather disappointed seeing that all I have is a cold breakfast. I find the night life here at times rather boring, but there are some cute guys! I really miss your smiling faces, but I can't come back. I wish I could!

"Maybe we should tell daddy?" Maggie let out a sigh as her siblings stared at her. "I just want Fran back."

"We all do." Brighton nodded Gracie to continue.

Then my boss comes out of no where renting me this wonderful cabin. I saw deer this morning on my patio! They walked up and took some popcorn from my hand. You know what I really need is some pancakes with peanut butter on them this morning, and I been wanting some good cheesecake.

"Pancakes with peanut butter?" Gracie made a face shaking her head.

Then the stars! I have never seen so many stars in my life. I find myself hope that maybe.. He's looking at the same star.

"She can't forget about him!" Maggie leaned in closer. "We could at least give daddy a clue."

"The envelope later? We could leave it around for Niles to find." Brighton rubbed his chin thinking.

I don't have much time, but I took some pictures! I have to get going so I can get this in the mail. My boss is taking me out for a good cheesecake today! Love each of you and tell Niles… well.. never mind Love you!

Fran

"Yeah.. Leave the envelope." Maggie reached out taking a picture of the green landscape with snow capped mountains. "It looks like heaven."

"Alaska is awfully big. Even with the stamp it's going to be hard to find her." Grace turned a picture around showing Fran wrapped up in a huge blanket on her patio. "Someone else had to have taken this picture."

"I'll find a place to leave the envelope so Niles can find it." Brighton let out a sigh standing up.

"That means we better prepare for questions."

"It's Niles!" Brighton rolled his eyes. "If we can't handle Niles then we are in real trouble."

Fran glanced out towards the blue ocean and giggled. "I didn't expect ya to take me to Hawaii for cheesecake!"

"I could have taken you to several different countries in Europe." Bryan smiled as Fran let out a sigh. "Thank you for coming with me. Mike was suppose to attend this meeting, but the man would have been rather boring."

"Oy? I'm not?" Fran blushed recalling the first day they arrived she had spent sick in her hotel room. They had walked along the beach that night, and all the time she was avoiding any topic about her personal life.

"Don't you think it's pass time you talk about it?" Bryan reached out taking her hand. "I hate to see a lady so sad."

Fran closed her eyes letting out a sigh, and felt the world twist and turn again.

"Fran?" Bryan reached up and then rushed her side as she fainted in her chair.

Hours later he paced up and down in a hospital waiting room as his cell phone called out demanding his attention. "Mister Hunter?" A doctor smiled touching his shoulder. "You can see her soon. It's something that's expected from a first time mother."

"When can I … wait what?" Bryan blinked touching the doctor's shoulders. "What did you say?"

"Just be careful about long plane rides, and you might want to delay going home. You can see her shortly." The doctor smiled and backed away from him.

Bryan let out a gasp at last hearing his ringing phone. "Hunter? What?"

"I got the news on Maxwell Sheffield. He's been a widower for years now, and he's looking for his 'nanny.'"

"Is he now. Listen Mike I can't talk now."

"Enjoying your time with Fran are we?" Mike let out a laugh. "Let me know and I'll keep the home fires burning."

"Oy…" Bryan shook his head. He walked down the long hallway to find her curled up on the bed sniffling. "Fran?"

"Bryan.. I'm…" Fran opened her mouth and let out another sob as he came closer grabbing his chest.

"Shhhh… How is this a bad thing?"

"He… he wanted us to be friends! He.. He…" Fran mumbled in-between her tears holding onto the man's hard lean frame. "I….we…"

Bryan let out a soft chuckle as Fran released him for just a moment. He pulled up a chair smiling. "Well… I've never taken a pregnant girl out before." He flashed a boyish smile and Fran felt her heart twist.

"I… don't know what I should Dooooooooooooooooooooo!" Fran's nasal sobs started again and she reached out for the man who was quickly becoming one of her closest friends.

Bryan closed his eyes for just a moment. "Let me take you back to the hotel. You don't have to do anything today. We have to get you well rested and taken care of. No arguments!" He glanced down at her and let out a sigh.

"I want him to want me. I think I deserve that."

"You deserve a lot of things. Right now let's work on getting the color back into your face, and lucky for you my mom can take care of all your needs."

"OY! Your mother super woman or something?" Fran recalled Mrs. Hunter laughing and joking with her when she showed Fran the cabin.

"She's a retired doctor. Shhhh… " Bryan felt his stomach tighten thinking of Maxwell Sheffield. 'I will worry about Maxwell Sheffield tomorrow.' "Let's get you back to the hotel."

Fran soon found herself in the middle of a larger room with hot tub! She felt like a queen relaxing in the middle of the rather large bed, but then the memories came back. Maxwell's smile, or Gracie's laugh, Brighton's comments… She couldn't stop the tears from flowing as Bryan came in to check on her. She wasn't even aware that he was holding her tight. She allowed a month's worth of hurt feeling to pour out and soon found herself sleeping in his arms.

Bryan let out a sigh glancing up towards the sunroof that displayed the starlight. She brushed the black locks out of her face wondering what was going threw her head now. He shifted to escape her grasp but left her stir. He grumbled letting out a sigh and settled down for the night. He was after all clothed and there was no harm in holding a friend… was there?

Fran let out one whimper and felt the dream take hold. She opened up her eyes to come face to face with 'him.' "Mista Sheffield?" She felt his hand reach out touching her cheek.

"It has been far to long since I've last saw your face." Maxwell's voice was full of hurt. "It has been even longer since I've seen you smile."

"I don't know what to do. I was only going to stay away for a few months. I was trying to get you out of my system… and… then…and… then…" Fran felt her heart pound thinking about the life growing inside her. 'His child' her mind started to pound as she did her best to come to terms with that fact.

Maxwell moved even closer to her his lips brushing against her forehead. "I've missed you, Fran."

"Friends can miss one another." She couldn't hide her bitter tone.

"We are far more than friends. Darling can't you feel the pull?" His lips started a soft trail down her neck and Fran let out a soft moan. "This is force that is beyond both of us."

"Oy…" Fran could no longer deny herself the guilty pleasure of reaching out to touch his bare chest. "I can't come home now."

"Nothing is stopping you." He leaned in close his lips now teasing her ear. "You could come home."

"I want you to want me….not…. Just…" She couldn't come out and say it.

"I do want you. I have wanted you since you walked in my bloody door. " His lips traveled lower and played with her curves. "I have wanted every piece of you!"

"God… I can't do this." Fran used the force of her hands pushing the dream away.

"Fran?" Bryan reached out shaking her.

"Bryan?" She was shocked to see him laying on the floor. "OY! Are you alright?"

"I was just introducing myself to your floor." He let out a groan sitting back on the bed. He glanced at the hour. "The sun will be rising soon. Do you feel up for a walk on the beach?"

Fran glanced at the clock then back into his face. "Sure."

"Then maybe we will talk?"

"Ermm yeah." Fran blushed standing up. "Did I say anything while sleeping?"

"You mumbled, but nothing I could understand." He let out a sigh watching her enter the bathroom.

Maxwell blinked awake in his office. Him falling asleep while reading the script had been unexpected. The play was unbelievable dull, but him dreaming of her touch caused a pounding in his temples. "Bloody hell." It all seemed so real to him. He needed answers and quick.

"Maxwell?" C.C. let out a groan shaking her head. "Why don't we call it a day?"

"Fine." Maxwell shook his head and blinked as the door flew open.

"I… and they… and…" Niles opened and closed his mouth again trying to force the words out while touching the envelope.

"Are you alright? Did Gracie give you a tongue twister again?

"He might have inhaled to much comet." C.C. let out a hiss watching as Niles opened his mouth and closed it again. "Would you SPIT IT OUT!"

"Alaska!" Niles let out and handed Maxwell the envelope. "She's somewhere there!" He pointed at the stamp.

"Fran…" Maxwell mumbled quietly touching her handwriting. "Where did you get this old man?" He glanced inside seeing the empty envelope. "Where?"

"Well I was cleaning Master Bri…"

"BRIGHTON!" Maxwell walked into the hallway bursting into the boy's room.

"Yes?" He glanced up with a huge smile on his face. "Do you need something?"

"Where….. Did you get this?" Maxwell flashed the empty envelope. "Where…" Maxwell watched as Brighton stood up smiling shutting the door on both Niles and C.C. "Please…"

"Listen… I know you said you loved her and then… you took it back." Brighton's eyes twinkled and he shook his head. "I could give you the letter but it won't give you a clue."

"How did you get the letter?" Maxwell narrowed his eyes.

"Dad… I can't tell you that…"

"Brighton…" Maxwell let out a groan. "I could ground you, and your sisters until one of you talk."

"It's at least a line. She's talking to us, but we don't' have any way to mail her a letter back yet." Brighton reached inside his desk pulling out the photo. "Here… We all took a vote and figured you can at least have that."

Maxwell glanced into her pale face and smiled. He noticed her wrapped in a huge blanket setting out on a porch. "Is.. She at least okay?"

"She misses you, but I think she's off licking her wounds." Brighton let out a sigh.

"Are you going to hear from her again?" Maxwell felt his heart soar with renewed hope. "Soon?"

"I have no idea, dad." Brighton let out a sigh.

"The people I hired are throwing up road blocks. She has to be earning a living somewhere. I can't believe that they haven't found any record of her."

"You know that sounds like someone is protecting her." Brighton rubbed his chin. "Someone with more money than you!" He pointed towards him. "Dad?" He poked him.

"I feel.. Something pulling at me… I dream about her pulling away, and there isn't anything I can say or do to stop it."

"We'll find her dad. I mean how much longer can she stay away?"

"Fran?" Bryan watched her with growing worry. They had walked along the private beach for an hour with her saying nothing. "Are you alright?"

"Have you ever had that feeling in your heart, Bryan?" Fran glanced towards the sunrise. "The pulling in your heart that you wonder if it's breaking… or calling out?"

"I think they call that heart ache. Why don't you call him?"

"I don't want him to take it all back." Fran felt her lower lip tremble. "Now…." She glanced down at her belly. "I don't think I can."

"Any man would be over joyed about a baby. In eight months it will come kicking and screaming! You could at least call your family."

"Ma would just want me to call him." Fran's face twisted in pain. "I don't think I could face her like this."

"Beautiful?" Bryan smiled listening to her nasal laugh. "It's a simple phone call. Hello, I'm going to have a baby."

"Hello, Maxwell… I'm going to have a baby." Fran's heart started to pound.

"I'm just afraid to go through that pain again. What if it didn't work out between us? What about the children?"

Fran shook her head trying to drive out the image and his voice.

"It's just a phone call. It's a baby step." Bryan held her face in his hands. "You love this man, and it's pulling you apart. I want to see you happy, and I want to see you smile."

"I want to be happy too." Fran let out a nasal whimper.

"Then try it Fran! What could go wrong? " He felt his heart pound and twist.

"Why are you so good to me?" Fran reached out hugging him tight.

"Because every woman needs a knight." Bryan wrapped his arms around her feeling a huge amount of guilt wanting to do more than just hold this woman.

Fran glanced into his eyes and felt his lips brush against hers. Fran felt her insides twist at the contact of his lips. "Bryan…" She lowered her head pulling away.

"It's alright. You have a lot to think about, and in eight months you'll have even more. I want to see you happy!" He lifted up her chin. "You need to reach out back into your life, and make sure you don't want to go back."

"I … I don't think I can."

"Call them… Call at least one of them and try."

Maxwell shivered feeling his stomach twist into thousands of knots. "I'm sorry." He glanced at the attractive young woman was writing out the check. "Give me a moment."

C.C. let out a sigh shaking her head. "Anyway was that five thousand or… Hello?" She reached out snapping her fingers in front of the woman's face.

"Is he seeing anyone?" Anna smiled watching Maxwell walk away. "I know you have a crush on him…" Anna turned and her light brown tossed in the light breeze.

"I do not." C.C. rolled her eyes. "I really just use him to annoy someone else."

"Who?" Anna smiled.

"Never mind.. Anyway…" C.C. reached out and felt Anna pull back her check.

"Who?" Anna's smile grew watching C.C. twist in her chair.

"Just… a… servant." C.C. let out in a soft mumble.

"So he IS free." Anna leaned back in her chair. "I might have to give you two more money."

"He's looking for his NANNY at the moment. He's been moving heaven and earth to find that woman." C.C. rolled her eyes but then stopped to notice her friend's look. "Ermm.. Listen Anna… I wouldn't try to get in their way if I were you."

"His nanny isn't around now is she?"

"No.. but…" C.C. groaned again watching Anna tap her chin.

"Then it shouldn't be a problem." Anna stood up and waved her hand. "I will be right back."

"Oy…" C.C. glanced around feeling her heart twist and pound. "Wait a moment why do I care?"

Maxwell felt the insides of his stomach twist and turn and reached out for the cold water. Looking into the mirror he found a pale image staring back. "Sir is there anything I can get for you that might settle your stomach?" The bathroom attendant handed him a hot towel.

Maxwell opened up his mouth and then shut it quickly.

"Very well, sir." The elder man shook his head as Maxwell left.

"Are you feeling alright?" Anna Richardson came out of no where. Maxwell turned his head and smiled. "You look so pale."

"I have had better months." Maxwell put his hands inside his pockets. "So do we have an agreement?"

"Only if you come with me to dinner." Anna winked holding out her card. "I can have James pick you up around seven."

"That is a lovely offer, but…"

"Maxwell I won't take no for an answer. It's just dinner what harm could it do? You might find yourself smiling by the end." Anna tossed her long brown hair, and moments later she was gone. He turned and jumped finding C.C. once again by his side. "Bloody HELL would you not sneak up on me like that!"

"Why can't you learn one simple word… No…"

"It's not that easy you know how much money she's put into our past plays." Maxwell shook his head and lifted up an hand to his forehead. "Niles was suggesting I have a little fun this week anyway."

"I think he was thinking with your CHILDREN!" C.C. rolled her eyes pulling his arm.

"C.C.!" Maxwell grumbled as she pulled him outside to wait for a cab.

"You know in this town that little nanny of yours knows people who knows people." C.C. rolled her eyes watching Maxwell's clueless face. "You don't think she's checking up on you?"

"I doubt it the children say she didn't even leave them an address to write back."

"Think…. Maxwell… She's talking to someone here." C.C. called out and pulled him into a cab. "My money is on her 'friend'."

Maxwell closed his eyes for just a moment. "You don't even like Miss Fine!"

"And…. So?" C.C. leaned over giving the driver instructions.

"Never mind then." Maxwell reached inside his pocket pulling out the picture of Fran sitting on the patio. "I just felt a strange emptiness closing around me."

"It's called … not sleeping." C.C. shook her head. "…or missing…. 'her'." C.C. made a mental note to tell Niles about Anna so he might delay the woman's hunt of Maxwell. She dragged Maxwell back into the house and turned to a grumbling Niles.

"Man handling him already? I'm shocked it only took a month."

"We got trouble." C.C. let out a slow hiss.

"I had it the moment you walked in the door. He still looks awful." Niles waved his hand upstairs and walked into his kitchen. He was followed by C.C. "What DO you want woman!"

"You recall… The problem?" C.C. shook her head reaching inside the sub-zero. "We had a meeting with a friend."

"You have a friend? I'll alert the media!" Niles tossed up his hands pretending to dance and felt her hands reach out squeezing his face.

"Anna Jameson." C.C. narrowed her eyes and then she released Niles.

"O…. OOOO that Mrs. Jameson the one that you share a corner with?" Niles had heard of the woman. She had a history of going after single men and then tossing them aside for her next prize.

"What are you going to do?" C.C. watched as Niles drummed his fingers on the counter top.

"I bloody hell wish Miss Fine would come home." Niles glanced back towards a mumbling C.C. "What was that?"

"I said… never mind!" C.C. waved her hand and walked out the door.

"I heard you Caca.." Niles let out a chuckle and reached out to rub his chin. "I got to think of something." Niles grumbled as Gracie walked in the door. "Miss Grace! What wonderful timing can I get you anything?"

Grace narrowed her eyes and sat in the chair. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing that a few words from Miss Fine couldn't help." Niles narrowed his eyes. "I know you have contact with her."

Grace let out a sigh opening her text book. "Yeah some contact. Last thing we got was a post card."

"O? From where?"

"Alaska again." Gracie shook her head. "I don't know what to do yet. We have no way of contacting her back."

Niles let out a groan shaking his head.

"What's wrong?"

"Your father has someone about to 'hunt' him." Niles tapped on the table eyeing the girl. "A few words from Miss Fine might help."

"Soon as I get anything you can use. I kinda thought…." Grace let out a sigh.

"She would be back by now?"

"What's stopping her, Niles?" Gracie glanced up and Niles felt his heart twist. "I mean she should have come home by now."

Fran rolled over in the bed letting out a sigh. She was back home in the small little cabin still trying to get used to the idea of being a mommy. "Oy!" The ringing of her phone pulled her out of the daydream.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Bryan's voice was soft and tender.

"Sick." Fran wrapped herself up even tighter.

"Since you had to take the day off today. Now would be a good time for you to place several phone calls." Bryan's voice was now teasing, but it held the hint of fear.

"I'm not sure that's a …."

"It's a good idea. Just two words Fran. 'I'm pregnant.' " Bryan rocked back in his office chair. "That's all you need to say."

"If he takes it all back… If he says it was a mistake." Fran's mouth trembled. "I don't think I can do it today."

"You wait long enough that kiddo will be doing it for you."

"Oy! I know! I know… I have to call someone." Fran tossed the cover off the bed. "I just can't do it yet."

Bryan narrowed his eyes as Michael walked in the door holding a few files. "Why don't you rest up and later if your really good…I'll come by with some of my mom's stew."

"Bryan…"

"Yes Fran?" He reached up taking the files from Mike's hand.

"Thanks." Fran put the phone back on the hook and Bryan glanced up into his friend's face.

"What?" Bryan leaned back eyeing Mike.

"Your in love with this woman, but you want to make sure Sheffield finds her?" Mike let out a large groan shaking his head. "WHY! Why?"

"It's the right thing to do?" Bryan shook his head. "Just make sure Sheffield's P.I.'s find out she's working here." He signed a few papers and handed them back placing them in Mike's hands.

Mike left the office shaking his head. His friend was always willing to do the right thing, but this time he would act on Bryan's behalf and deal with Maxwell Sheffield. He would make sure that Fran stays hidden away, and that Bryan had his chance for happiness. "Sorry, mate." He grumbled picking up the phone. "I'm not going to let you throw away your chance at love!" He quickly dialed the phone.

"James here." A voice answered on the other line.

"James, I need a favor from you in our Juno office!" He started to think of ways he might be able to throw the P.I.'s off the trail forever.

"Anything for you man! Just name the need, and I'll get to work on it."

Mike let out a laugh and glanced back towards Bryan's office. "You are going to love this."

Fran let out a groan hearing the banging on the door. Fran had spent most of the day in bed feeling the waves of dizziness. She opened up to see Bryan's smiling face followed by Mary Hunter. The elder woman reminded her of Niles in so many ways. "Oy! You didn't have to come all this way Mary!" She reached out kissing the woman's cheek.

"When Bryan told me the news I thought you could use a friendly ear." She smiled and glanced at Fran's p.j.s "Bryan said you were feeling rather rotten getting back."

"That and I woke up with a huge headache." Fran followed a whistling Bryan inside her kitchen. "You didn't have to bring your mother along."

"She's here for reinforcements." Bryan smiled touching her cheek. "Your color looks better at least."

"So…" Mary came up behind Fran. "Bryan tells me you haven't called anyone in New York yet."

Fran let out a nasal groan and glanced towards a laughing Bryan. "WHY did you have to tell her that!" She reached out hitting him with a spoon that was in her hand.

"Well?" Mary watched as her son waved Fran towards the table.

"Go! Talk to her! I'll get dinner ready in a moment."

Fran went towards the wooden table pulling up a chair and let out a nasal groan noticing Mary's eyes on her. "How much has Bryan told you?"

"Enough to let me know your hiding. You're a wonderful woman Fran, and I know there are people back in New York that are worried about you."

"Ma is going to kill me." Fran shook her head trying to picture Sylvia's face. "I think she would have preferred me married and then pregnant."

"Sometimes life throws you a curve ball."

"If he takes it all back now… Then what does that mean for this baby?" Fran glanced down at her stomach. "I couldn't stand that."

"Why not face the fear, and come back to New York with me? I need someone from the company to come. Bryan is offering you." Mary smiled watching Fran's face twist in fear, pain and surprise.

"What would I say to them? I mean… " Fran felt her heart pound thinking about facing Maxwell Sheffield again.

"Hello… I'm pregnant?" Bryan walked back inside the dinning area handing them bowls. "Easy and simple."

"Easy you say… " Fran shook her head.

"Come on! We can go to New York and woo stock holders and you can visit your family." Mary reached out touching her hand. "You can even face Maxwell Sheffield, and TELL him that he's going to be a father."

"We agree then? Friends?"

Fran frowned hearing his words ring around in her head. "I'll try."

"Good! I'm sending you away next week after you finish your reports back at the office. You of course need to also go to your first doctor's appointment." Bryan smiled watching Fran dip her spoon in the beef stew.

"Alright! Alright! If things don't work out would you both drop this?" Fran glanced from a smiling Bryan back towards Mary.

"Agreed." Mary eyed her frowning son. "Bryan?"

"I'll let it go if he's an ass!" Bryan mumbled quietly to himself. 'Well Sheffield.. You'll be getting a chance… I hope she finds you and you take it for your baby's sake.. Because if you don't I will!'

Niles let out a sigh hanging up the phone. He couldn't put off this woman forever. "Did someone stick his head in the towel bowl again?" C.C. smirked walking in moments earlier.

Niles narrowed his eyes. "Have I thanked you again for releasing a shark?"

"She's still calling?"

"Yes." Niles shook his head. "She's coming over later today, and I've used every trick in the book to stop her."

"Well maybe Nanny Fine isn't coming back?" C.C. reached inside the sub-zero and turned back around looking into his eyes. "What?" She reached his side touching his cheek. "Are you feeling alright?"

"She might not be coming back." Niles reached out pulling C.C.'s hand away and sat down at the table. "I don't understand what is going on. I know she loves him and he loves her, but…"

"He took it all back." C.C. let out a groan. "I hate to tell you this Niles, but for any woman that's like a kick in the gut."

"You must have a strong stomach then." Niles smirked and C.C. shook her head.

"I'll let that pass for now, because you are going to have to face the viper alone."

"Your not staying?" Niles watched as C.C. stood up.

"Sorry, Bell boy! I have things to do places to be." C.C. displayed a tender smile. She waited for a moment tapping her foot. "Come on… say it…"

"Alright!" Niles groaned and narrowed his eyes. "Street corners to walk!" He managed a smile but felt his heart twist watching her leave. Something was changing with them, and he felt as if they were bonding keeping Maxwell away from Anna Jameson.

C.C. opened the door and let out a sigh. "Anna…" She narrowed her eyes. "I was just…."

"Leaving I know." Anna smiled walking into the living room. "Is Maxwell around?"

"He's in the office." C.C. pointed towards the back room and let out a sigh. She walked out towards the street were her limo was waiting. Maxwell had to live his own life.

"Mrs. Jameson!" Niles ran into her in the hallway. "I didn't expect you here!"

"You should you've been screening Maxwell's calls all week." Anna shook her head. "Is he feeling better at least?"

"Some…" Niles followed her inside Maxwell's office.

"I don't care how much money it takes." Maxwell let out a groan slamming down the phone. "Niles.. Old boy… "He blinked glancing up into Anna's face. "Anna! This is a pleasant surprise!"

"Is it now? How are you feeling." Anna reached his side feeling his forehead.

Niles let out a groan standing in the doorway.

"That will be all, Niles." Maxwell shook his head as Niles closed the door.

"He hates me." Anna walked over sitting down on the green couch.

"It's Niles! He's just having a hard time with Miss Fine gone." Maxwell glanced up and saw the image of Fran sitting on the edge of his desk. She crossed one leg and then started to file her nails.

"Maxwell?" Anna reached out touching his cheek. "You still have a temperature."

"I'll be fine." Maxwell leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh.

"Why don't you finish up here and allow me to take care of you today?" Anna displayed a bright smile and noticed Maxwell's mind tuning her out again.

"I'm sorry Anna." Maxwell groaned snapping back into reality. "My mind is else where."

"Come on." Anna reached out taking his hand. "Let's put you back to bed."

Maxwell blushed as the woman led him to his room. "I… I…"

"Don't worry Maxwell.. I'm not going to stay." Anna laughed and touched his nose. "This time." She winked opening the door and watched as Maxwell walked inside. "Sleep and I'll stop by tomorrow."

Fran reached out touching the door and knocked softly. "Please don't be home please don't be home!" She mumbled quietly to herself as the door opened up wide.

"Frannie!" Sylvia opened up her arms pulling her youngest daughter into a bear hug. "Where have you been! Oy I have half a mind to spank you! MORTY! It's Frannie!"

Fran let out a nasal laugh and glanced around. "Ma… I don't want you to tell anyone I'm in town yet."

"Do you realize the hell you put all of us threw?" Sylvia narrowed her eyes. "What's with you! Did you gain weight?"

Fran rolled her eyes sitting down on the couch. "Yes Ma!"

"You better drop it then! You better walk back into that house and fight for him!" Sylvia walked towards her daughter letting out a sharp nasal hiss. "The vipers are circling."

"Are they now Ma?" Fran shook her head. "He and I agreed to be friends." *Course that was before we ended up in bed together* "I have no hold on him."

"You love him don't you?"

Fran felt her lower lip tremble. "Ma.. It's gotten all messy…"

"Messy? As long as your out of that house anyone could wheel him in! You get back there!"

"It's more than that." Fran glanced down at her belly letting out a nasal sigh. "I have a meeting in an hour. I'll be back later tonight."

"Don't run from this! I want you back here and back in that house! You want to drive a knife in my heart?"

"I'm starting to agree with Yetta how many knifes do you have in there?" Fran mumbled glancing at her watch.

"What are you doing with a limo outside?" Sylvia glanced outside and then back towards her daughter. "What are you mixed up with?"

"Nothing Ma!" Fran sat down rolling her eyes reaching out for a candy bar. "This needs jelly!"

"Who are you and what have you done with my daughter! You never spoil chocolate with jelly!"

"I'm only in town for a few days. How about I take you and daddy out to dinner!"

"Your father is watching a marathon tonight." Sylvia shook her head. "Are you going to go talk to him?"

"Who?"

"Mista Sheffield! Oy!"

"I'll call you later then." Fran felt her mother's hands push her out the door.

"Woah! You really have gained weight! You need to watch that skinny girls get men not fat and tubby."

"Gee… thanks Ma." Fran shook her head kissing her cheek. "I'll give you a call."

"Well have a long talk after you talk to him!" Sylvia waved her index finger in Fran's face.

Maxwell felt his stomach twist looking at the clock. He had never gone to an opening night stag in years. He missed the feel of her arm around his. "Daddy are you alright?"

"Yes, sweetheart." Maxwell let out a sigh taking Maggie's arm. "I just wish…"

"We miss her too." Maggie shook her head.

"Gracie… GRACIE!" Maxwell glanced up the stairs as his youngest child came down. "What were you doing up there?"

"Someone called." Gracie blushed as Niles shook his head smiling.

"Who darling?"

"Anna! She wanted to come along, but I told her we were already leaving." Gracie raced ahead outside towards the limo.

Maxwell glanced towards a smiling Niles.

"What?"

"Nothing old man." Maxwell glanced at his watch. "Come on let's get this over with."

"Break a leg." Niles closed the door behind him and walked towards the kitchen. "If you look behind the frozen bread you'll find the ice cream, Miss Fine!" Niles froze in place turning around. "Miss… Fine?" He blinked twice and felt Fran's arms around him.

"Niles!" Fran let out a whimper holding her best friend tight.

"Dear GOD! Where have you been!" Niles felt his heart pound and pulled back glancing into her eyes.

"It's a long story, and… I had to see you." Fran pulled up a chair as Niles spooned out some ice cream. "How are they?"

"A mess! Why in the hell didn't you come back sooner? What has happened?"

"Oy!" Fran glanced into his eyes. "If only I could tell you."

"Then why don't you?" Niles sat down looking into her tear stained face. "What's going on?" He glanced down at her form. "Have you gained weight?"

"You can say that." She smiled and let out a sigh. "I heard Mista Sheffield as an opening tonight?"

"Are you going to see him? HE NEEDS YOU to see him."

"O MY GOD! He told you didn't he?" Fran blinked and dropped her spoon.

"About the 'Thing'" Niles shook his head standing up and taking the bowls to the sink. "Are you going to see him?"

"Yes, and the kids." Fran blushed feeling his eyes on her. "I want to tell you everything, but I just can't."

Niles turned around letting out a groan. "When…." He blinked finding the kitchen empty. "Bloody hell!" He glanced outside in the living room to find it empty. "Dammit!" He felt his heart swell with renewed hope.

Fran jumped inside the waiting limo. She felt the pounding inside her heart and the twisting in her belly. "Oy, I know what you want, but I can't do it yet." She let out a soft whimper touching the small swell of her stomach.

"Where to Miss Fine?" The driver opened the privacy window.

"Back to the hotel." Fran glanced out the window seeing the street disappear. "What's your name again?" She leaned forward smiling at the old man.

"George! What is a pretty lady like yourself doing crying?" His eyes seemed to twinkle.

"Have ya ever felt a pull that was tearing your soul apart?" Fran reached out pulling out another tissue. She felt her tear drops fall and then the limo pull over. Fran froze as the man came into the back.

"Shhhhh…." George wrapped his arms around her. "Now… Now.. Mrs. Hunter gave me instructions to watch after you. What do you want to do?"

"I shouldn't have run away."

"That's in the past." The man narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"

"Wha?" Fran blinked watching the man's eyes.

"Do you want to face this force that is pulling you apart? Do you want to run away from it?"

"I don't think I can stop the pull now." Fran glanced at her belly and then back up into the man's eyes. "He's opening a play tonight."

"Would you like to go there?" The man smiled watching Fran's face.

"I'm not sure… Maybe I could see him after the party?" Fran recalled the restaurant that Maxwell and C.C. loved to use during the after parties.

"I could take you back to the hotel. You could always slip into something more suitable for a party." George winked and Fran nodded slowly. "Then it's agreed!" He slipped out of the limo and back into the driver's seat.

Maxwell shifted into the crowd of cast members and praising credits. "It was another successful opening!" He felt her arm around his and let out a soft sigh. "Are you feeling better?"

"Much!" Maxwell glanced into Anna's eyes wishing they were Fran's. "Nothing like a successful opening to raise one's spirits!" He felt his heart pound, and watched the group of actors dancing on the dance floor.

"How about a dance Maxwell?" She reached out taking his hand.

*"How about a dance Mista Sheffield?" Fran's smile and her hand taking his.*

Maxwell pulled the woman onto the dance floor. "I really shouldn't…." He felt the music carry him away and managed to laugh. He hadn't felt this good in a month since Fran had left.

C.C. let out a sigh watching them. "Maxwell…" She rolled her eyes glancing up at the ceiling and then back towards a window. "Nanny… Fine…" C.C. locked eyes with the woman. She watched as the vision melted away. "No!" C.C. knocked over a few people getting to the door. "Nanny FINE! FRAN!" She turned around to see a limo door open and managed to reach it just as it closed.

She had seen him there holding another woman. "We agree then? Friends?" She let out a quiet sob demanding to go back to the hotel.

C.C. let out a groan pulling out her cell phone. "Niles?"

"What's wrong, Caca?" Niles let out a snicker. "Did your pimp drop you off at the wrong corner again?"

"She was HERE, IDIOT!" C.C. let out a yell. "SHE WAS HERE?"

"Did you tell, Mister Sheffield?" Niles felt his soul cry out. "Did YOU?"

"No….She saw him dancing with Anna." C.C. heard Niles's whimper. "There was nothing I could do, Niles." She felt her lower lip tremble. "I'm… sorry… I tried to reach her."

"She's in town. Caca.. Help us… Help her? Can you use your contacts?"

"I don't know if I can find her, Niles." C.C. let out a whimper. "I'll try."

"Thank you. I have to talk to her before she slips away again." Niles closed his eyes trying to picture his friend's face. "Something more is keeping her away. Fran Fine isn't afraid of anything, but something is scaring the hell out of her."

Fran curled up in her bed holding tight her belly. She did her best to sleep but the tears wouldn't stop falling at the telephone rang. "Hello?" She dried her eyes and wiped her noise.

"It can't be all bad?" Bryan's voice was tender. "Fran? Talk to me… You have to talk to someone."

"He was dancing with another woman? Bryan I can't do this and have him take it all back. I…"

"I look into your eyes.. Fran… and see you light up every time you mention his name. Every time you talk about his children something pulls you back. I see it in your eyes and I know it's a power like nothing you have ever known."

"I can't do this now." Fran let out a whimper into the phone.

"You have a few more days. Mother is suppose to take you shopping tomorrow. I am sure you need a few items for the baby. It's on me, and her…. Then you have a meeting out in Long Island…. Just remember how it felt when he told you."

"Then he took it back." Fran let out a sigh. "I'm sorry."

"Your pregnant, and need time to think clearly. Have you at least told your parents yet?"

"No… " Fran sat up looking at the clock.

"Take a deep breath, and a hot bath. Remember if you need my help… I'm a phone call away."

"Why Mista Hunter you know how to spoil a girl!" Fran managed a laugh and felt her heart cry out for Maxwell again.

"Just you… now go…" Bryan hung up the phone shaking his head.

"Why are you crying?" Maxwell touched her tear stain cheek. "What's wrong?"

"I just never realized how much I was going to miss you." Fran closed her eyes. "These dreams aren't helping me either."

"You feel soo…. Real… Where are you?" Maxwell's right hand remained on her cheek while the left was exploring the soft curves of her body. "Why don't you come home?"

"Everything is different now."

"How are things different?" Maxwell raised his eyebrow waiting for her to answer. "Darling… why don't you come home?"

"I… can't…" Fran let out a whimper watching his eyes.

"What's wrong? Why can't you?" Maxwell moved closer his arms now wrapping around her body in an effort to hold onto the feeling.

"I….am…" Fran felt her mouth go dry and the alarm clock buzzing in the background finally woke her from the dream. She let out a sigh pulled the covers off the bed. The dreams won't let go. She felt at times Maxwell Sheffield was really there with her in bed. The touch of his hand on her hip, and the way his mouth broke out into that boyish smile. She leaned against the wall while the water dripped in the shower.

"We agree then? Friends?"

It always came back to THOSE words! Fran let out a groan shaking her head. "Oy! How am I going to get pasted this!" She glanced up towards the ceiling.

She soon found herself changed and ready to take on the day of shopping. They of course had one lunch time meeting with a stock holder, but that was simple. Fran had spoken to the woman several times over the telephone listing to stories about children and grandchildren. "You look pale again. How did it go?" Mary Hunter tapped her foot as Fran joined her down in the restaurant for breakfast.

"Oy… I don't want to talk about it." Fran sat down folding her arms. "You think they might fix me a hamburger?"

"For breakfast?" Mary laughed waving a waiter towards them and giving Fran's request. Course the waiter nodded and ran off to put in the special request. "Now… talk!"

"Not much to say… I saw him and he didn't see me. I saw him dancing with another woman… OUCH! Wha ya do that for?" Fran rubbed her arm where Mary hit her playfully.

"My dear, men and women can be friends without anything going on."

Fran made a face.

"I know your history….Bryan told me what your Maxwell said before…."

'Mary.. Oy… Does Bryan tell you everything?" Fran narrowed her eyes playfully at the elder woman.

"Like every good son should!"

"I'll have to rememba that." Fran let out a nasal laugh. "None of this seems real to me. It's hard to picture the fact my growing belly.. .has a real person in there."

Mary pulled out her phone smiling. "We have some time to drop by an old friend's office." She winked and stood up walking away from the table.

Fran smiled as the waiter came over delivering the huge hamburger. "Thank you…" She let out a sigh reaching for Mary's pancake syrup and placing it on the hamburger bun.

"Okay it's settled… Soon as we finish here Lindsay is going to allow us to use her office for a few moments."

"Who is that?"

"She's an old friend that still practices medicine part time. Last visit did Kelsey let you hear the baby's heartbeat?" Mary watched as Fran's eyes grew wide.

"Isn't it to early?"

"Well there is a chance we won't hear it. It's stronger when your in the tenth week, but it might be possible to hear it around the seventh."

"We… we… can do that? Hear the baby's heart beat?"

"Finish up my dear." Mary smiled and felt her heart lighten as Fran shared her same exact smile.

Fran found herself and hour later back inside George's limo. Maxwell had often allowed her to 'borrow' the limo for errands with the children. It was hard for her to get used to having one at her disposal. They traveled down the New York streets and Fran felt at ease. Alaska was quiet and had it's own beauty, but you could never take the New York out of a girl! She soon followed Mary inside a huge Manhattan building. Sitting on the table she waited as Mary listened.

"You hear it yet?" Fran felt her mind start to race watching Mary move from one side of her belly to the other. "Mary! What's wrong?" She watched the woman's face twist in puzzlement.

"Nothings wrong… It's just…" She let out a laugh turning on the speaker.

Fran held her breath and heard the faint sounds of one heart beat. It's rapid beat made her worried at first, but then she heard an echo. "Is that an echo?"

"No… It's two heart beats!" Mary smiled as Fran's eyes grew wide. "I think your first ultra sound will be fairly interesting."

Fran felt her body shiver and reached out for the woman's hand. "Oy…"

"Fran?" Mary glanced up watching Fran's face.

"It's really happening…."

"It really is." Mary smiled as the sound of heart beats filled the room.

"NILES! NILES!" Maxwell let out a sigh walking into an empty kitchen.

"What's wrong daddy?" Maggie walked in the door.

"Have you seen either Niles or C.C.? I have this feeling both of them are avoiding me." Maxwell reached out and rubbed his temples.

"Well you have been in a rather bad mood lately. I mean I would even avoid you… if you didn't control my trust fund." Maggie flashed a playful smile at her grumbling father. "Alright I'm going to shut up now."

"It is so hard for people just to let me know they are leaving?" Maxwell glared at Maggie to keep her mouth shut. "Not a word about, Miss Fine!"

"Did I say anything?"

"Maybe I should just let everything go." Maxwell rubbed his eyes. "I guess she's not coming back."

"Could you let it go? Really?" Maggie eyed her father for just a moment.

"No… We have to keep on living in this household."

"Niles, saw her last night." Maggie leaned in closely whispering in her father's ear.

"WHAT? Why in the hell didn't anyone tell me?!" Maxwell let out a gasp. "Where, when? What did she say?" He gently pulled on Maggie's arm.

"Niles really didn't say much. He talked about how she gained a little weight." Maggie watched as her father closed his eyes.

"I got to find her!"

"Sylvia, called her to and said Fran was traveling around in a limo." Maggie watched as Maxwell shook his head in disbelieve.

"I know I paid, Miss Fine … a lot but not that much!" Maxwell felt his head starting to throb.

"I'll I know is C.C. received some phone call an hour ago and Niles took off with her."

"With those two that can't be good news." Maxwell glanced at his watch. "I have a meeting with the private investigators. If Niles or C.C. show up here! Have them stay put!"

"Yes, Daddy." Maggie let out a sigh following him into the living room and towards the front door. "Anna called also."

"When?" Maxwell blinked as Maggie's face started to glow bright red.

"An hour ago."

"I was here!" Max rolled his eyes and kissed her cheek. "We'll talk about this later."

Niles glanced at his watch and looked back up into the blonde's eyes. "Are you SURE she has an appointment here?" They had both went halfway across town to one of the best spas in New York City.

"Yes! Niles would you take a deep breath. I don't understand how a woman like Nanny Fine got herself an appointment here." C.C. shook her head and glanced at the spa's appointment book. "Are you sure this was phoned in?"

"Yes." The man held out his hand as C.C. placed another twenty dollar bill in his palm.

Niles glanced out the window and let out a gasp. There she was a moment later climbing out of the limo. He quickly pulled on C.C. to hide in an empty room near the welcome desk.

"You don't have to help me in George." Fran giggled at the driver holding her on his arm.

"I was told to take care of you, and I am!" George leaned over and grumbled at the man with the open appointment book. "I want you to take care of Miss Fran Fine, Markus!"

"I always take care of my clients."

"Like you did last time with, Miss Hunter?" George shook his head.

Niles and C.C. glanced at one another. 'Miss Hunter?' C.C. mouthed the name but no bells where going off as of yet. They waited long enough for the figures to disappear and C.C. quickly came crawling out of the room and eyed the appointment book again.

"Niles!" C.C. glared at the list and pointed something out.

"Oy… This can't be good." He saw Anna's name and shook his head. "We have to work fast Caca or she'll slip away again."

Fran felt her mind start to let go in the heat of the sauna. "I'm sorry I wasn't expecting anyone else here." Fran pulled off one of the cucumbers and smiled at the brown haired woman.

"It's alright!" She reached out with one hand and used the other to hold the towel in place. There was something familiar about this woman that make her stomach turn and twist in warning. "I'm Fran."

"Anna." She smiled reaching out to touch the woman's hand.

Fran sat back and let out a nasal sigh. "Oy…"

"Long day?"

"Nothing I can't handle." Fran watched as Anna poured more water over the hot rocks. "You?"

"I'm just trying to get over the best night of my life!" Anna held out a newspaper pointing it out to Fran. "See! Have you seen any of his plays?"

Fran felt her heart pound and the image of this woman in Maxwell's arms came back. "I…yeah…"

"He's wonderful!" Anna started to gush. "Are you alright?"

"I'm… fine…" Fran leaned back hiding herself in the steam. "So how as your night?"

"Dancing the night away. Which reminds me I have a meeting with him today!"

Fran felt her lower lip starting to tremble and doubt fill her heart. "Dancing the night away?"

"It was magic! The feel of his arms around him, and his kiss!" Anna let out a sigh and glanced up towards the ceiling.

Fran closed her eyes feeling his hands explore her curves, and his lips teasing and taunting. "Magic… Yeah.. I bet.." Fran stood up and waved her hand. "Have a good day."

"Have a good day." Anna sat back with a huge smile on her face reading the reviews from Maxwell's play.

Niles let out a groan reaching for the door handle. "What the hell is going on here?" Niles had been prepared to go out with C.C. searching the rooms for Fran. He now found himself locked in one of the rooms he had been searching.

"NILES!" C.C. hit the door letting out a groan. She was now trapped in a room alone. She glanced at her watch noticing that she had been there for over an hour, and reached for her cell phone trying to get a signal.

Anna let out a laugh walking past Markus. "Thank you for the information, Markus." She placed a few hundred dollars in his hand. "Let me know if I can get you anything else. You can let them out in a few hours."

"I will…" Markus smiled watching Anna Jameson walk out his door.

Fran closed her eyes reaching down to touch her belly. "You should at least see the children? You should at least see your mother again before we leave."

"No…" Fran's heart skipped a beat waiting in the limo.

"Fran…" Mary reached out touching her shoulder.

"It's over Mary, but at least I have …." Fran felt her body tremble in a quiet sob. "The twins."

"It doesn't have to be over."

"It … is…. " Fran closed her eyes and then opened them up again determined to put Maxwell Sheffield behind her.

To Be Continued