Fran had been getting ready for the past three hours. She wanted everything to be perfect for the big event. It nearly killed her, but she went the whole day without spilling the beans about the proposal.

'Good thing my mother never questions if free food is involved,' Fran laughed at the thought. She wanted everyone to be genuinely surprised when Maxwell popped the question. And more important that Sylvia and Val didn't slip and ruin it.

"Ahh," Fran sighed. "I can't believe I am going to be an engaged woman by the end of the night."

" F R A N!" yelled Maxwell from downstairs. "We would like to eat dinner today."

"Smooth, sir," smirked Niles as he handed Maxwell his coat.

"I'll be down in a minute," rang out that nasal voice.

Taking one last look in the mirror, "Perfect. This dress should leave Maxwell speechless," Fran said to herself. "Let's just pray everything goes all right- no surprise guests or mothers fainting. And I am definitely saying 'yes' this time."

As Fran descending down the staircase, Maxwell stared open-mouthed. "Fran who look absolutely breathe taking," he managed to say.

"Aww, ya like?" Fran replied as she spun around when she reached the bottom.

"Very much so. You look just smashing. Everyone at dinner will be jealous," Maxwell replied lovingly and kissed Fran. "Now, let's get going everyone is waiting for us in the limo."

The limo ride to the restaurant was pretty calm. Most of the chatter came from the children talking about school and their weekend plans.

As they walked into the restaurant the matire'd showed them to a secluded table so that they would have some privacy. As the dinner progressed the more nervous Fran got. 'I don't know why I am the one so nervous, if anyone Maxwell should be, Fran thought. 'I just wish he would ask already…dinner is almost over.'

As if he was reading her mind, Maxwell cleared his throat and stood up from the table. All eyes laid on him as he started, "I want to thank you all for coming out tonight with us. But I didn't just invite you here for dinner. I wanted you to be hear when.." Maxwell paused. The air buzzed with excitement. The children squirmed in their seats they hoped their father was about to do what they think he is about to do.

"I tried this before and it didn't go to well, so let's hope it works better this time," Maxwell chuckled nervously. 'I can do it. I love Fran, and want to marry her,' Maxwell reassured himself.

Fran was sure she had stopped breathing, she was waiting in anticipation for the big question, and she was going to be ready this time.

Looking down at Fran, Maxwell continued, "Fran you blew into our lives almost 4 years ago like a whirlwind, and we have never been the same since. You made us a family again when we really needed it. Suddenly, we all remembered what it was like to smile and laugh again. And we all have become accustomed to that laugh of yours, and your smile could light up the city."

Fran could feel herself on the verge of tears. 'Is this man a doll or wha?' she thought.

"My children learned to love you as a mother, and I learned that life sometimes gives you second chances. Fran, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you and our children. Will you marry me?" Maxwell asked as he bent down on one knee in front of Fran holding open a jewelry box.

Fran's eyes went from Maxwell's face to the 8 carat diamond ring twinkling at her, back to Maxwell.

"If you don't say YES this time Frannie I'm gonna kill myself," Sylvia threatened dramatically, before Fran had a chance to speak.

Ignoring her mother, Fran enthusiastically replied, "YES, Maxwell I will marry you." Maxwell smiled as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Fran stood up and hugged Maxwell before planting a big kiss on his lips. Everyone at the tabled cheered with excitement.

"Aww, congratulations Miss Fine," Niles said as he got up to hug Fran. "Finally, you two get together. I was starting to have doubts," he laughed.

"You and me both mister," Fran shot back with a wink.

"Oh, Fran we are so happy for you two," Maggie said.

"Yeah, it's about time Dad," Brighton remarked as Maxwell shot him a glance.

"Hey, give me some credit. I recall asking Fran to marry me a few months ago but someone said 'no,' " Maxwell teased nudging Fran.

"Hey Hey! Let's not gone down that path again, OK. What's important is we are getting married now!" Fran said putting her arm around Maxwell's waist. "So is this going to be a long engagement or a short one?"

"Oh, I see, now someone wants to rush things?" Maxwell laughed.

"What do you mean, rush things?" Fran asked with a laugh. "I've wanted to marry you ever since I first laid eyes on you." With that, the happy couple kissed passionately.

The End

A/N: Phew! We both survived this one. I thought for sure one of us would have killed each other by the end with all the twists and turns. It was a challenge this one, but we had a ball writing it. And we hope you all enjoyed reading it. Drop us a line letting you know what you thoughtJ Franala & Kristen3 (aka FranMaxFanatics)