Maxwell stood on the balcony, looking at the grounds below. Rows of chairs stood silent, like a plastic army waiting for command.
I can get through this, Maxwell thought. I've done this before. Suddenly he realized he'd never done this before.
He and Sara never had the opportunity to renew their vows. He fought against the wave of sorrow that threatened to overtake him. He closed his eyes, willing his mind to focus on Fran instead of Sara.
"You know, I'm the last person you should be thinking about now."
Maxwell opened his eyes. Sara sat perched on the side of the bed. A broad smile graced her face as she made her way toward him.
"Hello Maxwell."
"Hello Sara."
"You and Fran have had a beautiful life together."
"I know. She's an amazing wife and mother and friend to us all."
"I told you before she was the one for you."
"I know."
"Then why are you thinking of me when you should be thinking about Fran?"
Sara gently laid her hand on Maxwell's arm as he ran his fingers through his hair.
"I understand why you're sad. Believe me, if I had a choice, I would prefer being with you in flesh and blood and bone instead of appearing to you as an apparition. But Fran is a great mother and I thank God that she loves you all unconditionally."
"I love her too. More than - "
Sara watched a flicker of remorse cross his face. "It's okay Max. I know how much you love her. I know your love for me is different than your love for Fran."
"Sometimes I still feel guilty about loving both of you."
"Tell me something Max. Do you regret your life with Fran?"
"Of course not. She means everything to me. I'd be lost without her."
"Then why do you feel guilty?"
"Sweetheart, I know you said you were happy that I found Fran and I truly love her but part of me will always be sad that we never had this opportunity because you were taken from me so early."
"If I had never left you, we would have had a great life together but you never would have met and fallen in love with Fran and you never would have had Jonah and Eve. Could you imagine your life without them?
A faint smile appeared on his face as Maxwell shook his head. "No."
"Not everything in life is fair. The only thing you can do is to make the best with what you've been blessed with."
"I love you Sara. I always have and I always will."
"I love you too Max. Fran is going to be a beautiful bride. Again."
She reached out and stroked his cheek. Her hand felt warm against his skin. Logically he knew it wasn't possible but he couldn't deny the sensation.
"Thank you Sara. You and Fran are opposite ends of the spectrum and yet so similar to each other. Like Fran, you always knew when I needed comfort or a good swift kick in the tuchas."
"That's why I knew she was the one for you." She looked into his eyes and smiled. "Be well darling. Have a great life together and continue to make each other happy."
Maxwell's eyes drifted shut as Sara's lips grazed his cheek. A warm sense of contentment and peace replaced the sorrow he felt earlier.
"Dad?" His eyes opened when he heard Jonah's voice. "Are you ready?"
Maxwell stepped into the bedroom. He walked over to the valet and slipped the jacket off the wooden rack. Checking his appearance a final time in the mirror, he flashed a broad grin at his son.
"Let's get this show on the road."
Fran sat in the corner of the limousine, watching the outside world move by in a soft blur. Closing her eyes, she let the memories of the past three weeks replay in her mind.
With the exception of the occasional dinner and movie, she and Maxwell spent very little time together. Fran suppressed her laughter when the irony of Maxwell's prediction of their being sexually frustrated came true.
Every time they were about to make love, something or someone interrupted them. At first, it was comical and they could laugh at the humorous situation but eventually it became frustrating and they vowed to make up for their missed time during their honeymoon.
"Fran? Are you okay? We're almost at the house."
Fran opened her eyes and focused on the woman sitting across from her. She smiled and took her friend's hand.
"Yeah Val, I'm fine. I was just thinking about the last three weeks."
"I know it must have been hard being away from each other but I think it's so romantic that you and Max are celebrating your twentieth anniversary by renewing your vows."
"I know. If I married Danny, we would have never made it this far."
"That's because he's dead Fran. Don't you remember when he died from an allergic reaction to back wax?"
"Look Val, we're here," Fran said as they pulled into the driveway. Rolling her eyes, she murmured, "And not a moment too soon."
When the chauffer opened the door, Maggie, Grace, and Eve stood on the porch with wide broad smiles.
"Dad is going to be utterly speechless when he sees you," Maggie said hugging Fran.
Grace nodded. "He's going to plotz!"
"You look gorgeous as always ma," Eve added.
"Thank you." As they stepped into the foyer, Fran asked, "Where's your grandmother? Is she here?"
"Here I am sweetheart."
They watched Sylvia lean into her companion. Her friend was a tall, flaxen haired man in his early fifties. He stuck out his hand, greeting Fran with a warm smile of a long lost friend.
"Hi. I know we haven't been formally introduced. I'm Peter."
"I'm Fran," she replied with a tentative handshake. "This is my friend Val and those are my daughters, Maggie, Grace, and Eve. Take no offense but one, this is my wedding day, and two, who are you?"
Sylvia fluffed her silvery blond hair. Smoothing her hand over her black leopard print suit, she smiled and patted him on the cheek.
"Fran, Peter is my... physical therapist."
"Since when do you need a physical therapist ma?"
"Since when do you need to know my business?"
Maggie turned to her sisters and Val. Their only response was a shrug of their shoulders. Shaking her head, she drew a deep breath and entered the battle zone.
"Mom, Nana, do we have to do this now? Everybody's waiting for us."
"You're right sweetie," Fran replied. Turning to Sylvia she said, "Ma, we'll talk about this after the wedding."
"What's to talk about?"
"You want to do this now? Fine. What do you know about this man ma? Where did you meet him? How long have you known him?"
"Darling, you don't need to worry about him taking your father's place."
"I'm not worried about him taking daddy's place. I'm worried about what kind of influence he may have over you."
"Peter's a good man. He helps me with things around the apartment."
Peter stepped forward. "Fran, I know we just met, but - "
"Do you mind? This is between me and my mother."
"Look Fran, I know you're concerned about me but it isn't necessary."
"Let's just wait until after the wedding."
Sylvia threw up her hands. "Whatever you want darling. I'm just happy that God allowed me to live long enough to see you and Maxwell renew your wedding vows. I don't know how much longer I'll have before I join my beloved Morty."
Fran rolled her eyes as Peter wrapped his arm around Sylvia. She arched an eyebrow and watched in detached curiosity the display her mother made as she left the room.
"If, God forbid, something happens to your father and I start acting like that, put me away."
"Can we have that in writing?" Maggie whispered to her sisters.
When their eyes locked with Fran's, Maggie, Grace, and Eve smiled nervously at their mother.
"Um, mom, I think we need to go outside. Daddy's waiting for us," Grace said.
Through narrowed eyes, Fran studied her children. Picking up her bouquet, Fran checked her appearance in the mirror and followed Maggie, Grace, Eve, and Val outside.
Niles watched Maxwell peer up the aisle for the tenth time in the last two minutes. He checked his watch, looking for any sign of his wife and children.
"Maxwell, you weren't this nervous the first time you and Fran married." He reached out and placed a steady hand on Maxwell's arm. "Fran will be here."
"I know. I'm just being silly but I won't be able to calm down until I see her for myself."
"If you're like this now, what are you going to be like on your honeymoon?"
He glared at Niles as he paced the grounds. Chuckling at his friend's discomfort, Niles tapped Maxwell on the shoulder when he saw Maggie.
"There's Margaret. Take a deep breath and relax."
When Maggie smiled and gave him the thumbs up signal, Maxwell released the taut breath he held. As the music for the processional started, he turned and watched his children walk slowly down the aisle toward him.
A soft breathy gasp escaped from Maxwell when Fran stepped onto the patio. She looks lovelier than I imagined.
"Dad?" Brighton whispered. "Are you all right?"
He nodded, not trusting his ability to speak. Fran's eyes never left Maxwell as she made her way down the aisle. Her smile seemed to broaden with every step.
When she reached Maxwell's side, Fran could see the love, affection, and desire for her reflected in his eyes. They turned and faced Niles, waiting for him to begin.
"Friends and family, we have gathered here to witness Maxwell and Francine reaffirm their vows and pledge to one another their everlasting devotion. Each member of the wedding party will read a cherished quote for the ceremony."
Rising from her seat, Sara passed a small book to Maggie. Opening it at its bookmarked site, Maggie, Michael, Grace, Brighton, Eve, and Jonah read selected quotes in succession.
"Tenderness emerges from the fact that the two persons, longing, as all individuals do, to overcome the separateness and isolation to which we are all heir because we are individuals, can participate in a relationship that, for the moment, is not of two isolated selves but a union."1
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."2
"We all want to fall in love. Why? Because that experience makes us feel completely alive. Where every sense is heightened, every emotion is magnified, our everyday reality is shattered and we are flying into the heavens. It may only last a moment, an hour, an afternoon. But that doesn't diminish its value. Because we are left with memories that we treasure for the rest of our lives."3
"Love is the flower of life, and blossoms unexpectedly and without law, and must be plucked where it is found, and enjoyed for the brief hour of its duration."4
"Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of partner."5
"There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved."6
Closing the book, Jonah passed it back to Sara as the wedding party turned and faced Niles once more.
"Marriage is an Athenic weaving together of families, of two souls with their individual fates and destinies, of time and eternity - everyday life married to the timeless mysteries of the soul."7 "Do you Maxwell pledge to love, honor, and cherish Francine until the end of your days?"
"I do."
"Do you Francine pledge to love, honor, and cherish Maxwell until the end of your days?"
"I do."
"At this time, I ask that you present your wedding bands to each other as you recite your vows."
Taking her hand, Maxwell took her wedding ring from Michael and slipped the gold band onto her finger.
"As I stand here today with the world as my witness, I pledge to you my undying and everlasting love. I will stand beside you as your partner, I will stand before you as your protector, And I will stand behind you as your solace. Please spend and end your life with me."8
Fran took Maxwell's wedding band from Maggie. Slipping the ring onto his finger, she said, "As we grow older together, As we continue to change with age, There is one thing that will never change...I will always keep falling in love with you."9
"If anyone wishes to raise their objection, now is the time to do so." When silence greeted them, Niles smiled. "Maxwell, you may kiss your bride." Moving toward Fran, Maxwell placed a soft kiss on her lips. "As the officiator of this ceremony, it is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Sheffield."
Murmurs of congratulations and compliments on the ceremony met Fran and Maxwell as they floated among the tables.
While Maxwell spoke to their guests, Fran stood back and watched Peter and Sylvia. She reluctantly admitted that he genuinely seemed to care about her mother's well-being. Squaring her shoulders, Fran kissed Maxwell's cheek.
"I'll be right back."
Maxwell watched Fran as she made her way to her mother's table. He said a quick prayer, hoping that she remained calm and tactful when she confronted her mother's friend.
"Darling, it was a beautiful ceremony. The kids did a great job putting everything together."
Nadine nodded. "It was gorgeous Fran. Just like the bride."
"Thanks ma, Na." Turning to Peter, she said, "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Sure."
"In private."
"Fran - "
"Don't worry ma, he'll come back in one piece."
Nadine nudged Sylvia's shoulder. "Ma, what's going on?"
"Fran doesn't approve of Peter. She wants me to be all alone like a dog in the world." Sylvia took a bite of her quiche. "Meanwhile, this quiche is delish."
Peter followed Fran into the kitchen. Closing the door, she set her bouquet on the island.
"Before you begin, I'd just like to say that it was a beautiful ceremony and you made a lovely bride."
"Thank you." She folded her arms across her chest. "Since we're being frank, I'd like to say that if you have any designs on my mother other than friendship, you're in for the surprise of your life."
"You may not believe this but I really like your mother Fran."
"Like as in how about a game of mahjong or like as in how much money can I bilk from the old broad?"
"How can you say that? Your mother and I are great friends."
Fran's eyes narrowed. "Are you two doing the bing-bing?"
"That's really none of your business."
"Oy."
"Look Fran, I know you're concerned about your mother. Any person in their right mind would be. I don't have any sinister motives. I'm just her friend."
"I'm going to take you at your word. But if I find out that you're trying to pull a fast one, I'll have my lawyer cut you faster than a mohel at a bris."
Peter's eyes widened. Swallowing the lump that formed in his throat, he said, "Understood."
Fran smiled brightly at him. "Good. Shall we rejoin the others?" At his nod, she added, "Oh by the way, I also have power of attorney."
"What is taking your mother so long?" Maxwell asked pacing the grounds.
"Dad, this is mom we're talking about," Jonah replied. "She's probably giving grandma's friend an earful."
Eve chuckled. "If Peter had any ulterior motives, I have no doubt that ma will set him straight."
"I think mom missed her calling," Brighton said.
Maggie took a sip of orange juice. "You mean as an interrogator? Oh definitely."
When they erupted in laughter, Maxwell rose to Fran's defense. "Now children, you know how your mother feels about family. If someone is perceived as a threat, she will confront them, no questions asked."
Reigning in his laughter, Jonah said, "Yeah, but dad - "
"Shh!" Grace said. "Here comes mom."
Maxwell turned to watch Fran walk toward him. As she drew closer, he reached out and took her hand in his.
"Is everything all right sweetheart?"
"Everything is just fine."
"You were gone a long time mom," Grace said.
"Really? It didn't seem that long."
"Did you get everything straightened out?"
"Believe me when I tell you that I'm sure we completely understand each other."
"I believe it," Maggie said.
"How much time do your mother and I have before we have to leave to go to the airport?"
"A couple of hours," Maggie replied. "So whatever you're going to do, make it quick."
"Guess that only leaves us time to make a quick speech and change our clothes," Maxwell whispered.
"That's okay. We have three wonderful weeks to do what we want."
"Um guys," Brighton said, "If you're going to say something, now's the time."
Fran winked and asked, "Don't you hate pushy children?"
Kissing her on the cheek, Maxwell replied, "It is a little annoying."
Maggie stood up, tapping the side of her glass. When the muted conversations died down, she nervously licked her lips and began.
"Thank you all so much for coming out and celebrating our parents twentieth anniversary. Instead of all five of us speaking individually, we thought it would be easier if one of us spoke." Maggie paused then looked at her siblings. "Hey, why do I have to be the official spokesperson for the group?"
"It's the privilege and burden of being the eldest Margaret," Maxwell replied. Raising his glass, he said, "Welcome to the club."
Low-level laughter burst from the crowd. Maggie smiled, nodding in accession. Slipping a lock of hair behind her ear, she continued.
"As I was saying, since I've been appointed spokesperson for my siblings, I just wanted to say to our parents that you two set the example of what a loving, caring sometimes loud but nevertheless beautiful friendship and marriage should be. Happy Anniversary mom and dad."
A murmur of applause flowed through the crowd. As the clapping began to fade, Niles took a quick sip of tea then rose from his seat.
"When Fran first came into our lives twenty-five years ago, we were all fascinated and drawn into a bright and colorful world of food, laughter, Yiddish ramblings, and most importantly, love. Having been a witness to their friendship and love, I ask that you all raise your glasses to toast Fran and Maxwell and their twenty glorious years together. May your love for each other continue to thrive and flourish for eternity. Mazel tov."
Brushing the tears from her eyes, Fran walked over to Niles and folded her arms around him. He tightened his embrace as they exchanged kisses on the cheek.
"I love you."
"I love you too Fran."
Rising from his chair, Maxwell tapped the edge of his glass and waited for all conversations to quell before he spoke.
"I would like to thank you all for coming to our ceremony. I am beyond pleased that our family and friends could share in this special occasion. There has never been a dull moment with Fran. She keeps me on edge with her exuberance and charm, and I thank God every day that I was lucky enough that she chose to fall in love with me. I love you Fran."
Oohs and ahhs mixed with the gentle clapping of hands as Maxwell leaned down to kiss Fran. She took several deep breaths trying to compose her self.
Dabbing the last remnants of tears from her eyes, Fran cleared her throat and began to speak with a nervous smile.
"I'm going to try and make this as short as possible which isn't easy for me because many if not all of you know that once I start talking, it's kind of hard for me to stop. I too would like to thank everyone for coming. There are no words to express what this means to me that you chose to share in our special day. Our children planned an exceptionally beautiful wedding. Maggie, Michael, Jonah, Grace, Brighton, and Eve – you all did a terrific job and I thank you. I love you all so much."
"We love you too mom," Brighton said.
"Niles. I don't know what my life would be like if I never met you. From day one, you have always been a great friend. Thank you for your love, guidance, and support."
Turning to Maxwell, Fran drew a shuddery breath to try to calm her jumbled nerves. When their eyes locked, a sense of calm flooded her soul.
"A lot of people thought Maxwell was crazy when he married me. They thought our relationship was purely physical. That it was shallow, had no foundation, and would never work." Cradling his jaw with her hand, Fran's thumb gently stroked his cheek. "But we proved them wrong, didn't we baby?"
With a slight turn of his head, Maxwell covered her fingers with his hand and kissed her palm.
"Yes we did."
"What can I say about the man who has captured my heart for over twenty years? A man that knows me like no other person can or ever will? You are my soul mate, my reason for being. You filled a void in my heart and I feel very blessed to have you in my life. I love you Maxwell."
He stood, pulling her into his arms. Maxwell leaned into Fran and caressed her mouth with a kiss.
"That was beautiful my darling. Thank you."
"Thank you for being my friend, my lover, and the best husband any woman could ever wish for."
"It was a beautiful ceremony," Joanna said as she closed the bedroom door. "Your children did a great job."
"Thanks Jo."
Joanna watched Fran's body contort as she struggled to reach the zipper at the back of her dress. She let out an exasperated sigh and tried one more time to catch the zipper with her fingers.
"Stop that," Joanna said crossing the room. "You look like a fish gasping for its last breath."
"Thanks a lot," Fran replied as she entered the walk in closet. "I always wanted to be compared to Flipper."
"Hey that's what friends are for." Joanna curled up in the chaise lounge. "So where are you and Maxwell going on your honeymoon?"
"Napa Valley."
Fran emerged from the closet wearing a tailored red and black pinstripe suit with a short matching skirt.
She stood in front of the mirror trying to decide if she liked her outfit. Joanna watched her, debating whether to voice the wicked thought that crossed her mind.
"I've got a question."
"What?"
"How long will it take Maxwell to get you out of that suit?"
Fran laughed and replied, "Given the fact we haven't been together in three weeks, my guess is that if he were here right now, I would be out of this suit before I finished this sentence."
They shared a knowing laugh as Fran pulled her overnight bag from the closet and set in on the bed.
"Where's your suitcase?"
"It's already in the car. One of the stipulations from the kids was that we both had to be ready to leave after the reception. The only thing I was allowed to pack was my overnight bag."
Joanna reached down beside her and picked the gift bag off the floor.
"Well then my wedding gift to you should come in very handy after Maxwell has undressed you and at his mercy."
"Honey, believe me when I tell you that when it comes to Maxwell Sheffield, I enjoy being at his mercy."
Fran dug through the brightly colored tissue paper and took a leather bound book and a wrapped rectangular box from the bag.
Holding up the book, she asked, "Is this what I think it is?"
"Yes. Only one printing and you're holding it. The original will be mailed to you."
"Jo, thank you so much. How much do I owe you?"
"I told you before. It's my gift to you.
Fran gave Joanna a quick hug. "Thank you. This means a lot to me."
"I know you two will enjoy it. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if there's additional material after the honeymoon."
"Can I open my other gift?"
"Not now. Wait until you're in Napa Valley. It's a gift for both you and Maxwell.
She arched her eyebrow, curiosity clearly written across her face. Before Fran could respond, there was a gentle tapping at the door.
"Fran, sweetheart? Are you ready? If you're still indecent, I won't mind. In fact, I prefer it."
When she opened the door, Maxwell's face twisted from a licentious smile to an embarrassing grimace.
"Oh. I didn't know you weren't alone. Hello Joanna."
"Hello Maxwell. Congratulations. It was a beautiful wedding."
"Thank you."
"I'll see you guys downstairs."
"Thanks again Jo."
"Anytime Fran."
Maxwell waited for the sound of Joanna's fading footsteps on the stairs. Slumping against the doorframe, he tunneled his fingers through his hair.
"Oh my God," he sighed, "that was so incredibly embarrassing."
"Why?"
"Fran, she heard not only what I said but how I said it!"
"So?"
"So? What do you mean so? Fran, Joanna - "
"Could care less. She heard your desire for me. I think she understands that you're my husband and that we have sex." Fran left a trail of kisses across his throat. Nipping his earlobe, she felt him pull her body into his own. "How about we get out of here and makeup for lost time?"
Maxwell's fingers slid down her back then fanned over her bottom, cupping her fully in his hands. He bent his head, meeting her mouth in a passionate kiss.
"I thought you'd never ask."