It had been hard keeping Fran away from the attic. Her unending curiosity made it difficult for Maxwell not to give in and reveal his surprise. He smiled, thinking of the different ways she tried to get him to admit what he was up to.

Her variety of methods nearly drove him to the point of madness. During the past few weeks, he had been tempted several times to confess everything but some how he managed to keep his secret under wraps.

Niles checked the hallway before entering Maxwell's office. He stepped onto the terrace to make sure they were alone before he spoke.

"Everything should be completed by this evening," Niles said.

"Thank God. Maybe the house can finally be restored to some kind of order without the battle lines being drawn."

Niles smirked. "Hoping to work out a peace treaty with Fran?"

Maxwell slipped his off his glasses and massaged his temples. "You have no idea what my life has been like since I started working on this project."

"No, but I have a pretty good idea. Hopefully all will be forgiven tonight. And how are you going to spring your surprise to Fran?"

"I've got the entire evening planned. Dinner, a romantic walk along the beach, and then home to wow her."

"I like the way you haven't factored in any unexpected problems," Niles replied. "Especially given Fran's stubbornness and occasional temper."

"Let's just hope there aren't too many hiccups."

"What about Jonah and Eve?"

"They're old enough to take care of themselves."

"Grace coming home?"

Maxwell shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Yes."

Niles glanced at his watch. "I've got to pick Madeline up from her piano lesson."

"I wish Eve were interested in playing a musical instrument. Margaret played the piano for a little while then for some reason gave up on it."

"Mercifully," Niles muttered.

"What?"

"I said unfortunately. Margaret had potential." Niles paused before he opened the door. "I hope everything works out for you tonight."

A moment of silence fell between them. As Niles studied his former employer and life long friend, he reflected over the years Fran had been apart of their lives. His low chuckle turned into full-fledged laughter.

"What's so funny?" Maxwell asked.

"Oh nothing," Niles replied attempting to control his laughter.

He walked around to where Niles stood. "Come on old man, share the joke. What has you grinning like a Cheshire cat?"

"Well I was just thinking about how amazing your marriage to Fran has been for the last twenty-one years."

"Well that is pretty amazing since we've only been married sixteen."

"Oh I know how long you've been married. Sixteen years ago was just the legal formality." At Maxwell's confused look, Niles continued. "Although she may not have been your wife, you and Fran acted like a married couple. The way you argued; the way you shared things. They way you've depended on each other. You two were and probably always will be a very passionate and loving couple whose bond will continue to deepen with each passing year."

Maxwell smiled, digesting Niles' words. "You're right. We have been married for twenty-one years. And they have been the most colorful, exacerbating, sometimes frustrating, joyful and loving times in our life," he replied escorting his friend out of the office. "Thank you Niles. For everything."

"You're welcome Maxwell. I wish I could see the look on her face when she finds out what you've been up to for the last month and a half."

"I'm sure you'll get all the details when you and Fran meet tomorrow over coffee."

Niles sighed. Sometimes he wished he still worked for Maxwell. Although Fran would fill him in, it just wasn't the same as hearing it him self. As he exited the house, he bid hello and goodbye to the Sheffield twins.

Maxwell pushed the kitchen door open and paused at its entrance. He wasn't really sure what incarnation Fran's mood would be. He smiled, mentally reviewing his plans for tonight.

Stepping into the kitchen, he said, "I've been looking for you young lady."

Fran sat with an open magazine next to a half eaten slice of cake on a saucer, sipping a cup of tea. An acknowledgement of his presence flickered in her eyes but she didn't verbally reply to him.

He stood behind Fran. Brushing her hair aside, Maxwell softly kissed the nape of her neck.

"Darling, are you all right?" She turned, attempting to move away from him but he trapped her against the island. "You didn't answer my question Fran," he said resuming his kisses. "Are you all right?"

Fran closed her eyes, willing herself not to give in to him. Her body began to respond to his touch as her mind desperately tried to hold on to her fleeting anger. As his hands caressed her, Maxwell pressed himself into her body.

"Damn you Maxwell," she murmured breathlessly.

When he stopped kissing her, Fran opened her eyes. With a broad smile he asked, "Does this mean you're speaking to me now?"

"That depends. Are you finally going to tell me what you've been doing upstairs for the last two months?"

"Of course darling." He pressed his lips against her collarbone. Fran pulled back and looked at him. "Oh, did you mean now?"

"No, I meant next Tuesday. Of course I mean now."

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

"Why?"

"It's part of my surprise." He checked his watch. "I made dinner reservations for the two of us. Why don't you go upstairs, take a nice long bath and get ready for dinner," Maxwell said guiding her to the stairs.

"Why don't I trust you?"

"Sweetheart, have I ever given you reason not to trust me?"

"Until two months ago, my answer would have been no. Now I'm not so sure."

"Believe me you're going to love it."

Fran looked at him, unsure of how to take his response. She accepted a final kiss from him and made her way to their bedroom.