Chapter 12

"We're home!" Niles yelled through the front door of the Sheffield mansion, setting the luggage down.

CC closed the front door behind them, "No answer. Does that mean we're all alone?" She asked, stepping closer to Niles.

"I guess so." Niles replied, and he kissed her.

"Good Lord!" Niles and CC immediately broke away at hearing Maxwell's voice.

"Are you two.... ya know...... doin' the funky monkey?" Fran asked.

Niles and CC blushed.

"Miss Fine!" Maxwell yelled, "Of course they aren't........ Are you?" He asked.

"Well, actually," Niles spoke, looking lovingly at CC, "We're engaged."

Fran squealed. "Oh, my! I'm plotzing!" She yelled, and walked over to CC. "Let's see the ring."

CC held out her left hand.

"Woah, Niles! That's some big rock!" Fran told Niles, making him blush.

"It was my grandmother's." He told Fran.

"I don't care who it belonged to, it's gorgeous!" Fran admired the ring, "So, Miss Babcock, you're going to need a wedding planner........."

CC smiled, "I'll let you help on one condition. I get the last say."

"Deal!" Fran smiled, and grabbed CCs hand, dragging her up the stairs.

"Well, old man." Maxwell told Niles, putting his hand on his shoulder. "Are you happy?"

"Very." Niles answered, smiling, still looking at the stairs.

"Congratulations." Maxwell told Niles.

"Thanks.....Max."

"You know," CC told Niles as they sat on the couch at her penthouse, "I never ever imagined us, of all people, would end up like this."

"Don't I know it, Babs." Niles replied.

"You know, if we get married, you'll have to think of a new nickname for me." CC told him.

"No more insults?" Niles asked.

"Oh, of course, insults! How else are we supposed to talk to each other!?" CC smiled.

"I love you, CC."

She looked at him and smiled, "I love you too, Niles."

That trip wasn't that bad after all.

THE END