"California?" C.C. repeated, somewhat taken aback. When Maxwell had told her he had an urgent proposal, a film deal was the last thing she'd expected.
"We can at least fly out there and talk to the man," Max encouraged her.
"I guess," she shrugged. Her mind was racing. Move to the west coast? She was a New York girl, born and bred. But…still…in the back of her mind she pictured raising her child in a lush, fenced-in backyard, far removed from the mean streets of the Big Apple. "I'll call and make the arrangements," she told Max as she rose and left the room. She went into the kitchen to find some pretzels – she'd been craving salt lately. As she rummaged through the cupboard, Niles sidled up to her and started murmuring in her ear. "I wish they all could be California girls…"
"Remember," C.C. purred, as she turned and bumped him with her pelvis, "that East girls are hip…"
Fran and Max entered the room, and Niles and C.C. checked themselves.
"Really, sir," Niles remarked, nodding towards C.C., "California? We'll have to see that in shorts?"
C.C. was just winding up for a retort when Fran interrupted. "Oy, for cryin' out loud, who do you two think you're fooling?"
Niles and C.C. simultaneously attempted to look confused and innocent.
"Besides that rock Miss Babcock is sporting, the fact that she turns into a big pile of giggling girl-mush every time you're near certainly gives you two away!" she chided Niles.
C.C. blushed, and alternately looked at her shoes and at Niles. He stepped towards her and protectively put an arm around her waist.
"Well, we weren't quite ready to announce it yet, but yes, Miss Babcock – er, C.C. has graciously accepted my marriage proposal."
Max let out a whoop of joy and punched Niles in the shoulder. "Well done, old man! Why keep it a secret? Congratulations, the both of you!" He embraced C.C., and then vigorously shook Niles' hand.
"Have you set a date yet?"
"They should at least set it before the baby is born," said a voice from behind. All heads turned around to see Yetta shuffling her way towards the sub-zero.
"How did you know?" C.C. demanded, without thinking.
"Oh my gosh, you mean it's true?!" Fran asked, clasping her chest.
"I've seen that look before," Yetta answered, while rummaging in the freezer. She selected a container of chocolate cookie dough ice cream and closed the door. "The ice lady is glowing, and besides, she's eating all the pretzels."
She left the room, and all eyes fell on Niles and C.C. C.C. looked helplessly at Niles, who turned to the room and spoke hastily.
"It's true, we're having a baby, and we couldn't be more pleased. As soon as we've firmed up our wedding plans, you will be the first to know."
Max was trying to catch his breath after this latest revelation, while Fran swooped down on the couple. "I know a great caterer! Miss Babcock, what are your favorite flowers? I know a florist – we can get them wholesale. You'll make such a beautiful bride… I'm sure it's not too late for Max to rent the grand ballroom at the Club, we can have the reception there!"
C.C.'s head was spinning as Fran carried on with a multitude of preparations. Niles took Maxwell aside to discuss the situation with him. He wanted to assure his boss that, for the time being, he had no intention of changing his employment status. He would wait to see what the future held after their meeting in California.
C.C. finally managed to get a word in edgewise as Fran went on about a live band versus a DJ, and color coordinating the table linens.
"Nann- er, Fran," she said evenly, "I do appreciate your interest, but Niles and I haven't even begun to discuss the ceremony yet. There's the whole matter of moving to the West Coast… Without knowing what's going to happen there, I really can't make plans for a wedding at the moment."
"Quit being such a nudnick and let me take care of things… what do you like best, the Hokey Pokey, the Chicken Dance, or the Macarena?"
C.C. stretched out on the king-sized bed in their hotel suite. She was exhausted not only from jet lag and the time change, but from the seemingly endless meetings with producers, and, of course, her pregnancy.
"What do you think?" Niles asked her as he emerged from the bathroom. He'd spent the day with Fran, looking at prospective living quarters. The California weather was oppressively hot and humid that day, and he'd headed gratefully for the shower after inspecting a number of properties that afternoon.
"It would be hard to turn down what they're offering," C.C. replied without opening her eyes. "From a financial point of view, it would be stupid to refuse them."
"But…" Niles prompted her.
"That's just it; I can't really think of a 'but." I mean, I was born and raised in New York, and never conceived of living anywhere else…but, then I think of raising a child in the city, and suddenly the grassy, secluded neighborhoods of Beverly Hills look so much more inviting. What do you think?"
"I think I'd be happy as long as I'm with you. And one of the houses we looked at today has a large guest home on the property, with a lovely yard attached."
C.C. sat up and looked at Niles. "It sounds like we've made up our minds then, eh?"
Niles sat down and took C.C.'s hand in his. "There's something else I want to discuss with you…"
C.C. knitted her eyebrows, momentarily concerned.
"Nothing to worry about," Niles assured her, "but it's something I've been considering. As you know, I've got my law degree from Oxford…well, I've been thinking about sitting for the bar exam. My original interest was in criminal law, but having worked in the world of musical theater for so many years, I believe I might do well to be an entertainment lawyer. I've discussed it to some extent with Mr. Sheffield, and he's agreeable. I could manage his new household staff, and also serve as his legal counsel when it came to contract negotiations and such." He paused and looked at C.C. His eyes were dynamic punctuation.
C.C. grasped his two hands in both of hers. "Darling, there's one thing that I thought I made clear when we first got engaged. Whatever you want to do with your life is OK with me. I'm fine with you being a butler, but if you want to make use of your law degree, that's just as fine with me. My only desire is for you to be happy."
Niles leaned forward and kissed her. "Thank you. For everything."
He headed out to the USC law library to check out some reference books in preparation for the bar exam. C.C. settled back against the pillows, smiling. "At least when he's got his nose buried in law books, he can't badger me with questions about Lamaze and doulas and La Leche League and all those other childbirth things he'd looked up on the Internet." She rubbed her tummy gently. "Or can he? Hang on, little baby, it's going to be an exciting ride."
