Sorry it's been a few days. I had an important biology test friday so I've spent the last few days preparing for it. In my opinion, I would have rather wanted to spend my study time writing for you guys, but I had to pursue my studies. I hope that's a good enough excuse for my delays. Part 4 of Happy Anniversary.

After seeing Barbra Streisand sing Fran and Max were back in the limo, headed for Fran's last surprise. Inside, Fran snuggled up to Maxwell, her head resting on his shoulder.

"Oh, honey, thank you so much for tonight. I couldn't have imagined it any other way."

"Really? Just wait, this evening will be even better, trust me."

Fran sighed contentedly. "You know you're a man of mystery, Max?"

"Oh, am I?" He smiled down at her. He brushed away a few hairs from her forehead, letting his hand linger on her cheek.

"Yup. Every day is something new with you."

"Well, that's because you blew into my life twenty years ago and taught me how to love again."

Fran pondered his answer for a moment. She relaxed comfortably in his arms, letting out a yawn.

Max felt Fran relax so he tightened his arms around her. When the limo came to a halt he almost didn't want to leave their warm, comfortable embrace.

"Darling? We're here," Max spoke in a whisper.

Fran picked her head up. "Where?"

"Our last stop this evening," he answered.

The door opened, and Max stepped out, helping Fran behind him.

Fran took in her surroundings. They were definitely at the beach, Santa Monica Pier to be exact, but why? "Sweetie, what are we doing here?" Fran asked.

"Our dinner reservations," Max said, leading Fran closer to the sand.

"What?"

When the answer to her question came into view she put her hands to her cheeks in surprise. "Max, when did you do this?"

Where the sandy beach began, a table was placed. Flowers adorned the center while candles created a romantic ambiance. It was a quiet area. The only sounds were the faint bustle of the city behind them, and the crash of the waves as they hit the sand. The sunset and closing darkness completed the view.

"I had it set up earlier today. Do you like it?"

"Words cannot describe how beautiful this is. And you did all this for me?"

"Yes."

Fran felt a tear run down her cheek.

Maxwell stepped closer to Fran and wiped away her tear with his thumb. "Are those tears of happiness, I hope?"

Fran nodded, unsure of what to say. She looked down then back up into his eyes. "No one has ever done anything like this for me before."

"Then I'm glad I'm the first. I love you with all my heart, Fran, " he said, lightly stroking her cheek with his thumb.

More tears of happiness fell at his words. "I love you more," she smiled.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, Max bent down and pressed his lips to hers. Fran wrapped her arms around his neck; her hands combing through his hair. They stood locked together, a gentle breeze blowing in between. Pulling apart, Max took Fran's hand in his and led her to their lone table.

Fran took a seat at the table, her appetite growing by the second seeing the covered plate in front of her. Still standing, Max removed the sterling silver covers from the plates, revealing a decent sized lobster with steamed vegetables. Fran's eyes widened in delight seeing her favorite food in front of her.

"Oh honey, this looks delicious," Fran said, digging her way into her lobster.

Taking his seat across from Fran he marveled at her excitement as she ate.

"I still can't believe you did this for me."

"Darling, I've told you multiple times. It's my gift to you." He said smiling while picking up his fork.

They ate with the soothing sounds of the ocean drowning out the commotion of the city behind them. Finishing her first course Fran stared across the table at Max.

Sensing her intense stare Max looked over at Fran. "What?"

She had a smile on her face. "There is desert isn't there?"

Max chuckled. "Not until we get home, sweetheart," he answered, a mischievous grin forming.

"Ooh, Mr. Sheffield!" Fran giggled, playfully hitting his arm.

Max stood and offered Fran his hand. "Would a walk along the beach do you good?" He asked.

Nodding, Fran placed her hand in his. Together, they walked along the beach staring out at the dark sky. They stopped at a rock formation lining the coast of the water. Climbing up, Max helped Fran up on to one of the rocks, careful not to rip her dress.

As Max shifted his body into a comfortable sitting position he felt the slender box in his pocket slap against his chest. He had almost forgotten he put it there. Sensing this might be the perfect atmosphere to give it to Fran he pulled it out of his jacket pocket.

"Sweetheart, I want to give you something very special."

Fran turned to face him. "Sweetie, you don't..."

"Shh," he silenced her. "Open it." He handed her the black box.

Fran opened the box. Staring back at her was a silver heart pendant. Picking up the necklace, it glistened in the moonlight. Engraved on the heart were the letters 'M' and 'F.' Fran ran her thumb across the smooth silver heart. She let her head hang down.

Max placed a finger under her chin, lifting her face so it met his. He saw tears in her eyes. "Hey, what's wrong," Max whispered.

Fran turned her head away from him. "Nothing. I just... I don't deserve all this," she said, barely a whisper.

"Fran, look at me." Fran turned to face him again; her tears now falling freely from her eyes. Placing both hands on her cheeks, Max wiped away as many tears as he could. Caressing her cheek with one hand he said, "you do deserve this. And so much more. Sweetheart, you do so much for our family than you realize. Don't you ever say you don't deserve anything like this, because you do."

"It's not just that. Sometimes I... Well, sometimes I feel like I just don't belong with you. I know it's been fifteen years, but still. I mean, you could have any woman you want, but you choose me. Why? I know you love me, I just feel out-of-place with you sometimes because you're the classy British aristocrat and I'm the poor girl from Queens who worked for you."

Max wrapped his arms around Fran's shoulders pulling her close. "Darling, you do belong with me. And I chose you because you're the one who captured my heart. You're the one who brought life back into me when Sara died and I wouldn't have chosen any other woman but you to do so. And you're no poor girl from Queens. Don't ever say that. You know what?"

"What?"

"Sometimes I feel out-of-place with you too."

Fran gazed deeply into his eyes. "Really?"

Max nodded. "Yes. I mean, you're so lovable and outgoing with such a fiery personality, and I'm the boring business head of the household."

"Honey, you're not boring. You just don't express your emotions freely. But, you are getting better." Fran managed a smile.

Max smiled back. "So, are we all better now?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin our moment. I really like the necklace, thank you."

"You're welcome, darling." Feeling the gentle breeze grow colder, Fran shivered. "Oh, here. You must be freezing." Max took off his jacket and draped it over Fran's shoulders.

Meeting his gaze, Fran placed a hand on his cheek. Leaning closer, Fran kissed him. She felt his mouth part, accepting her tongue. As their kiss intensified, both knew what was to follow. With one hand tangled in his hair, Fran reached up with her other and started unknotting his tie.

Max broke their kiss breathing heavily. "Fran. As much as I want to continue this, I don't think it would be very wise to do it here." He saw her unconvinced look. "We are sitting on a rock after all. Anyway, I think it'll be better if we have some privacy." Standing on his feet, Max jumped down from the rock they were sitting on. Extending his arms he helped Fran down. Seeing the necklace he gave her was still clutched in her hand he took it from her and fastened it around her neck. "There. Right where it belongs."

Clasping each other's hands, they walked back to where the limo was to finish what they started.

Is there a part 5? I hope so.