Max spent the next few days considering what Niles had said. He rather liked the idea of proposing in front of everyone. If nothing else, thought Max, it would save her the trouble of having to call her mother!

So, the following afternoon, Max told Fran he couldn't take her to lunch because he had a "business meeting" with C.C. In reality, he was taking a trip to the diamond district to look at engagement rings. It didn't take him long to find one that he knew Fran would love. With that out of the way, the only question left was what to say.

In order to tackle that problem, Max retreated to his office right after dinner that night. Everyone thought this was odd behavior for him. Usually, he helped the children with their homework, or watched TV with Fran in the evenings.

"What could Daddy be up to?" Grace asked as she watched her father leave the room as soon as he was finished eating.

"He's probably just working. You know how C.C. is, she's never happy unless Dad's busy all the time," Maggie said.

Fran was every bit as puzzled as the kids were. "Niles, you wouldn't happen to know what Max is doing, would you?" she asked.

Niles smiled. His boss hadn't told him, but he was willing to bet anything he was plotting his proposal to Fran. But of course, he couldn't tell. "Now, Miss Fine, I'm sure it's nothing for you to worry about."

Fran gasped. "You know, don't you! You know what he's doing!" Fran accused.

"So what if I do?" Niles countered. "I'm not going to tell you. Mr. Sheffield would fire me in a heartbeat."

"Well, then we know it must be something big." Fran said. She was determined to find out what the big secret was.

"My birthday's coming up soon," Maggie said. "Maybe he's ordering me that car I've been hinting about."

"There is no way your father is buying you a convertible, Maggie!" Fran said. "Come to think of it, Max kept looking at me and smiling all through dinner. Could that have anything to do with this?"

Upon hearing this, Niles quickly hurried into the kitchen before he could spill the beans. He knew the conversation was getting into a dangerous area now.

Fran followed Niles. "OK, Mister, I know you know something, so spill!"

"No way, Miss Fine, a butler always keeps his employer's secrets.," Niles replied.

"Tell me what he's up to, or I'll invite my mother over here every day next week!"

Niles sighed. "Oh, all right! Let's just say, someone in this house is about to get a new piece of jewelry."

"Oh, is Max ordering Maggie something for her birthday?" Fran asked.

"No, not Miss Margaret," Niles said. "Someone in this very room," he hinted.

Fran looked around. The only people in the kitchen were herself and Niles. "You mean me?" she asked. Niles nodded. "Well, why is he buying me a present? It's not my birthday, and it's not Hanukah."

Niles rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Remember that question he tried to ask you at the party for 'Pajama Game'? Well he's going to try asking it again."

"He's going to propose again?" Fran asked. Niles grinned and nodded. Fran quickly hugged him.

Just then, Maxwell entered the kitchen. "I've been thinking, what do you say I take you and the children out for dinner tomorrow night?" he asked. "Oh, and invite your parents and Val, too."

Fran had let go of Niles now and was staring at Maxwell, trying to get a read from him. "Oh, OK honey. Anything special going on?" Fran said.

"No, No. I just thought it would be nice for all of us to go. It has been awhile," Maxwell responded. 'Gee, I hope she bought that. I have to get out of here before I let something slip,' Maxwell thought to himself.

"Well, I still have some work to finish up in the office. I'll see you later," Maxwell said as he awkwardly walked out of the kitchen.

Fran turned back around to Niles simply beaming, "Well, Niles, looks like I have some shopping to do. Seems a new dress is in order," she winked.

Niles just laughed as Fran retreated up the back stairs to call Val and her mother.

AN: Next chapter is the last one! All good things must come to an end!