Niles returned a short time after Fran and Val left for their shopping spree. He walked into Maxwell's office carrying a tray with his afternoon tea.
"Ah, just the man I was looking for."
"You didn't look very hard did you?"
"What was that Niles?"
"I said what did you need me to do?"
Maxwell pulled off his wire-rimmed glasses and set them on the desktop.
"I wanted to speak with you."
"If this is about earlier this afternoon, one of you should have locked the door."
"I wasn't going to bring that up but now that you mentioned it, you should have bloody well knocked before you barged into my office."
"You weren't?"
"No."
"Oops, my bad." Glancing at Maxwell, he asked, "I presume I'm fired again?"
He glared at his butler over the rim of his teacup. Taking a quick sip, Maxwell sat the cup in the saucer and folded his hands across the top of his desk.
"Do you know if the children are home?"
"I believe they are sir."
"Would you tell them I'd like to see them in my office immediately."
"Why, are you going to fire me in front of an audience?"
"Would you just go tell the children I'd like to see them please!"
Niles tapped on the door as he ushered Maggie, Brighton, and Grace into Maxwell's office. He waited until his employer looked up to make his formal announcement.
"Delivering the children as instructed sir. Will there be anything else you require?"
"Yes. Stop behaving like a jackass and come in."
Niles glared at Maxwell as he stepped fully into the room. Closing the door behind him, he muttered, "This better be good. I'm missing my soaps."
Ignoring Niles' remarks, Maxwell rose from his chair. He glanced at each member of his family then began to pace the floor.
"Dad," Brighton said folding his arms across his chest, "we've got things to do before we leave for Sylvia's tonight. What do you want?"
"I didn't know trolls had lives," Maggie replied.
"And I didn't know stick figures could talk."
"Margaret, Brighton, will you please give the insults a rest until after I finish talking to you?"
Brighton shrugged his shoulders. "Wouldn't you have to start talking to us first?"
"That's enough of your smart-aleck behavior young man."
"Sorry dad."
"I was gathering my thoughts together before I was rudely interrupted. I wanted to discuss Fran's future in our lives. And since she's not here, this is the perfect opportunity to share my thoughts with you all."
"Where's Fran?" Grace asked. "She will be home in time to leave with us tonight, won't she?"
"Yes sweetheart, she'll be back in plenty of time."
"Excuse me sir, you said discuss Fran's future in our lives. What exactly are your thoughts about Ms. Fine?"
Maxwell began to pace the floor again. With each step, he could feel their eyes bore into him. Bracing his back, Maxwell turned and faced his expectant family.
"I know you all were happy when Fran and I became a couple. And since we've admitted our feelings for each other, our journey has been liberating. But I think the time has come where we both need a change. I wanted to run it by you before I approached Fran."
"You want to change the status of your relationship with Ms. Fine?" Niles asked cautiously.
"My relationship with Fran is going to change, yes."
"You're dumping Fran aren't you?" Maggie asked rising from the sofa.
Brighton looked at his sisters then to his father.
"It's not true is it dad? You're not breaking up with Fran are you?"
"How can you all think that? I love her dearly!"
"Then why do you sound so bloody ominous?" Niles asked.
Maxwell blew out an exasperated breath. "I am not going to break up with Fran. I want to ask her to be my wife."
Niles, Brighton, Grace, and Maggie stared open mouthed at Maxwell.
"What?" they asked in unison.
"I'm going to propose to Fran."
Maggie snapped out of her shocked stupor. "Oh my god! Daddy, that's great! When?"
"I haven't worked out all the details yet but I'm taking the family to a cabaret and I plan to propose to her after the show."
"What show are we going to see?" Grace asked.
"It's a Christmas show. The details are still being worked out."
Brighton flashed a wide smile at his siblings. "How cool is that?"
"Very," Maggie replied. "Fran will be with us forever."
"Congratulations sir."
"Thank you. Now I'm telling you all this for several reasons. One, not only is the show a surprise but so is my proposal. I'll be in and out of the house working on arrangements for both.
Keep everything said here today in the strictest of confidence. I don't want Fran to get even a hint of what I'm planning. If Fran finds out anything before she's suppose to, well let's just say whoever's responsible will not be very happy with me. Is that understood?"
Niles, Maggie, Grace, and Brighton looked at each other then back to Maxwell. They nodded in mutual agreement before verbally answering him.
"Utterly."
"Absolutely."
"Indubitably."
"Sure."
"Second, if something unusual happens on the night of the show, you cannot react to it."
Brighton arched an eyebrow. "Unusual?"
"Well, I was thinking," said Maxwell drawing light circles on the desk with his fingertip. "To keep everything a surprise as long as possible, I was um…I was thinking of blindfolding Fran until we reached the theatre."
"That's…unique sir."
"I'll say." Maggie folded her arms across her chest. "Won't that throw her off?"
"I think that's the point, right daddy?" Grace asked.
"Yes." Maxwell pushed back his shirtsleeve to check the time. "Fran will be home in a few hours. We'll be leaving for Sylvia's not long afterwards. May I suggest that you all go back to whatever you were doing before I called you into the office?"
As they began to file out the room, Maxwell sent out a final warning.
"Just remember: not one iota of an idea. If even the slightest hint of what I'm planning gets to Fran, someone will be extremely unhappy. Do I make my self clear?"
"Completely."
"Oh yeah."
"Positively."
"Crystal, sir."
Fran stood outside of Maxwell's office, poised to knock on the door. Instead of announcing her presence with a light tap, she let her hand fall to her side. Fran leaned against the doorjamb and watched him for a few minutes.
With the telephone cradled against his shoulder, Maxwell gathered the contracts strewn across his desk and dropped the paperwork in his briefcase.
Completely absorbed in his conversation, he glanced toward the door then did a double take when he realized Fran was standing in the threshold of his office. As he motioned for her to enter, Maxwell quickly ended his phone call.
"Um sweetheart, how long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to know that you're on your way to the theatre. What's so important that you have to go down there when Sheffield/Babcock Productions is closed until next year?"
"Although Sheffield/Babcock Productions is on holiday, there are some loose ends that need to be tied up at the theatre."
"What kind of loose ends?"
"Paperwork. You know budgets, payrolls, lease agreements, things of that nature."
"And this couldn't be handled over the phone?"
"Not every aspect of these details could be taken care of with a phone call."
"I still don't understand why you can't work from home? Or at least do some of your work from the house."
"Since CC's on vacation, I have to take care of them myself. As much as I'd love to spend all my time with you, I have to make sure that Sheffield/Babcock Productions will be in tiptop shape so we can start the new production season on a clean slate."
Fran knew Maxwell's responsibilities increased, especially after CC became ill. She wanted to be supportive but before she could curtail it, her words spilled out in a high-pitched wail.
"I understand that Max, really I do. It's just that you seem to be spending less time at home during the day. If I don't see you in the morning, the only time I see you is when you rush home in time to go to ma's for Hanukkah. The last time we spent time alone was on our date Saturday night."
"I know you're frustrated with me sweetheart but please have a little patience with me. This won't be much longer. It's just that all the pertinent information I need happens to be in my office at the theatre. It only makes sense for me to go there instead of bringing the records here only to take them back next year."
"I guess that does make sense," Fran replied with a slight pout.
Maxwell smiled as he pulled Fran by the waist with one arm. Crooking his finger beneath her chin, he tipped her face upward then gave her a soft peck on the lips.
"Darling, I'm not going to neglect you or the children. I'll try to be home as soon as I can and not work late."
"Really?"
"I promise. And if for some reason, I'm running behind schedule, I'll let you know."
Fran felt herself relenting. Sliding her arms around his neck, she met his mouth in a full kiss.
"Okay Max. Just remember your promise."
"You have my word."
Fran sat on the couch, curled in the crook of Maxwell's arm. They settled in for the night, watching an old movie on television. The other occupants in the house had long gone to bed, leaving the couple alone.
He reached into the bowl resting on the coffee table and grabbed a few kernels of popcorn. Holding the treat to Fran's lips, Maxwell watched her tongue dart from her mouth and draw in the buttery snack.
Her lips glistened under the soft glow from the television. Unable to resist the temptation, he cupped her jaw and pressed his lips to hers. Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her body into his, as their kiss grew fervent.
She gently pushed him against the cushions, letting her lips trail along the side of his neck. Maxwell's blissful moan grazed her cheek as she looped one leg over his thigh and straddled him.
Fran felt his hands grasp her waist, giving her sides a tender squeeze. Threading her fingers through his hair, she plied Maxwell's face with soft short kisses along the line of his jaw and worked her way down his collarbone.
"Oh god Fran," he breathed out, "you're incredible."
A mischievous glow brightened her dark brown eyes. Brushing her thumb across his lips, Fran took his mouth in a searing kiss.
"I'm just getting started. You haven't seen incredible yet."
Maxwell closed his eyes as her lips continued moving across his skin, kissing and licking the hollow of his throat. Raising his hands to her head, he stilled her movements, waiting for her eyes to meet his.
They both took deep gulps of air, desperately trying to maintain their breathing. Combing her hair from her face, Maxwell brushed his fingertips across her cheek. He sucked in a heavy gasp, attempting to control his erratic breath.
"Darling, do you have plans for New Year's Eve?"
Fran looked at him, her mind slightly dazed by their passionate tryst.
"What?"
"Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?"
"You want to know if I have plans for New Year's Eve and you decide to ask me now?"
"I'm sorry sweetheart but the question just popped in my head."
"Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"
"I suppose so." Maxwell curled his fingers in hers and bought her hand to his lips. "I made plans for the family."
"Where are we going?"
"Well what I have in mind is a little unusual."
She arched her eyebrow. "Unusual? Just what do you have in mind Max?"
"There's a holiday production I'd like the family to attend."
"Production as in show?"
"Yes sweetheart."
"Have you checked with the kids? They might have plans, especially Maggie and Brighton."
"I've already spoken to them. They don't have anything planned."
"Not that I don't want to spend time with the kids but wouldn't you prefer something a little more…intimate?"
"We spend so much of our lives darting here and there. The children have their schoolwork and extra curricular activities and I have my work at the theatre.
If you're not here, you're with your mother, Yetta, or Val. I just want the family to spend a little time with each other, all right sweetheart?" When Fran still seemed unconvinced, Maxwell played his final card. "Fran, we will have our own special time together. I promise."
"All right," she said in a heavy sigh. "Our time together is important but not as important as being with the kids."
"I'm glad you see it that way. I love you."
"I love you too."
A sensuous purr spilled from Fran's throat, reverberating against his mouth when she met his lips in a gentle kiss. Maxwell smiled, mirroring her pleasurable hum. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he let his hands wander across her body as he pulled her against him.
"You two must have a secret desire to be exhibitionists since you continue to display your, um, affection for one another in an open forum."
They quickly parted, a sharp gasp echoed between them. Fran straightened her clothes as Maxwell wiped her lipstick from his mouth.
"Niles!" Maxwell pushed his hand through his hair. "Bloody hell, you scared us!"
"I apologize for frightening the two of you."
Fran glanced at her wrist then looked at Niles. "What the hell are you doing up anyway?"
"I wanted a late night snack. Obviously you two had the same thought."
"Good night Niles."
"Good night sir, good night Ms. Fine."
They watched Niles shuffle through the living room and head toward the kitchen. Checking his watch, Maxwell traced the contours of Fran's cheek.
"I think we need to take our cue from Niles sweetheart."
"What have a late night snack?"
"No," Maxwell chuckled, "I mean go to bed."
"Mr. Sheffield, are you making me an offer?"
"Darling, it's not like I wouldn't want to."
"I know. The ground rules have already been set."
"Would you settle for being escorted to your door?"
Fran sighed and traced the edge of his collar with her fingertip.
"It'll due…for now."
Maxwell offered her his hand and helped Fran from the couch. Slipping his arm around her waist, they silently climbed the curved staircase.
A gentle quietness fell between them as they strolled through the hallway. Stopping at the threshold of her room, Maxwell let a soft smile crawl across his features.
"Well here you are, safe and sound."
"I guess any ideas of you coming in my room to molest me are null and void."
"I'm afraid so."
"The least you could do is offer," Fran replied with a quick wink.
A soft chuckle seeped from his throat. "Off to bed with you young lady. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night Maxwell."
He bent his head toward Fran, stopping short of pressing his lips to hers. Flicking his eyes over her face, Maxwell met her mouth in a gentle kiss.
"Good night my love."
Maxwell drew back the cuff of his shirtsleeve and checked the time. Right on schedule. A slight grin crossed his face. Of course Fran doesn't know that.
Leaning on the banister, he cast a quick glance up the staircase. Maxwell blew out an audible sigh then started pacing the length of the foyer.
"Fran, please hurry. We're going to be late."
"I'll be down in a minute. I've got one more thing to do."
Brighton laid his hand on his father's arm, stopping him in mid-stride.
"Dad, Fran's lived with us for five years. With all the premieres she's gone to, you should be use to the fact that she usually runs a little late."
"Being use to it and accepting it are two entirely different things."
"And he wonders why we said they were married," Maggie whispered to Grace.
"I heard that Margaret."
Grace looked up at the sound of footsteps on the landing above her. Maggie, Brighton, and Maxwell turned when they heard her speak.
"Wow. Fran, you look beautiful."
"Yeah Fran," Maggie agreed, "You look terrific."
Before Brighton could respond, the sound of a wolf whistle came from behind them. Everyone turned as Niles entered the living room.
"Hubba hubba Ms. Fine."
Brighton nodded. "Yeah. What he said."
Fran smiled and playfully waved her hand, dismissing their comments as she descended the steps.
Maxwell watched her glide fluidly down the staircase. His mouth gaped slightly, awed by the vision she created.
The dress was a black strapless gown with a white-cuffed collar around the back that formed a diagonal lapel across the bodice. The skirt was three quarters black except for a pleated slash of white notched just below the end of the lapel.
As she stepped into the foyer, Maxwell noticed the brilliant glimmer of the silver y-necklace resting at her neckline.
The crystal marquise stones formed flower petals and butterflies along the ornamental wire with two pavé leaves set at the end of the necklace. A pair of pavé drop floral earrings dangled from her lobes.
"So, what do you think?"
He shook his head, a wide smile gracing his face. "Fran, you are exquisite."
"Thank you Max," she replied rewarding him with a gentle peck.
Niles walked toward the couple with a faux sable stole laid across his arm. Maxwell took the wrap from Niles then draped it across her shoulders.
"Come along children," Niles said walking to the door, "let's wait in the car."
Maxwell waited until Maggie, Brighton, Grace, and Niles filed out of the house. Turning toward Fran, he wrapped his arms around her and met her mouth in a soft kiss.
"There is just one more thing darling."
"What's that?"
"This."
Watching him pull a white satin sash from his pocket, Fran flashed him a sexy smile.
"A blindfold? What do you have in mind Maxwell?"
Standing behind her, he replied, "Trust me darling."
"Oh I trust you. I just want to know what's going on in that head of yours."
"Don't worry sweetheart," Maxwell said as he covered her eyes with the sash. "I have everything under control." He leaned down and placed a light airy kiss on her ear.
"Be careful with my hair."
"I will."
"I've got a question for you."
"Yes darling?"
"How am I supposed to walk to and get in and out of the car if I'm blindfolded?"
"Fran, I told you not to worry about that. Tonight I'm your personal escort."
Her mouth broke into a soft smile. "Oh? What other personal things do you do?"
"All in due time Fran, all in due time."
Glancing down at the foyer table, he picked up the black silk evening bag. Maxwell traced the rhinestone flowered motif on the front of the purse.
Fran looks spectacular tonight. Everything about her entire ensemble is amazing.
"Here you are darling," Maxwell said placing the evening bag in her hand. "Are you ready for your surprise?"
Moving her body into his, Fran replied, "I'm ready for anything."
He chuckled then captured her mouth with his once more. Lacing their fingers together, Maxwell led Fran out the house and to the waiting limousine.
Fran crossed her legs, settling on the seat next to Maxwell. The blindfold made her other senses keener and sharper.
She could hear the soft rustle of Maggie's stocking as she crossed her legs; the light uneven tapping of Brighton's fingers against the armrest seemed amplified as well as Grace's barely audible sigh.
A faint tingle traveled through Fran's body as Maxwell traced the curve between her index finger and her thumb. The soft warmth of their entangled hands bit into her skin, inching its way along her arm.
The sharp aroma of Aramis flitted in her mind. Fran drew in a slow deep breath, seduced by the cologne combined with his own masculine scent. She felt Maxwell's hand grasp her fingers followed by the softness of his lips against the back of her hand.
"Darling, are you all right?"
"What?"
"Are you all right?"
"Yes." Fran cleared her throat of its odd pitch and spoke again. "Yes Max, I'm fine."
A peculiar stillness swallowed the interior of the limousine. Attempting to break the aura that settled in the car, Fran squeezed Maxwell's hand and sat up in her seat.
"So what's the name of this play anyway?"
"It's not a play…exactly."
"Then what is it exactly?"
"It's more of a cabaret."
"What's the difference between a cabaret and a play?"
"A cabaret consists of skits, songs, and improvisations where as a play utilizes popular-style songs and dialogue to tell a story in a series of acts."
"So basically a cabaret is a one act play."
Maxwell loosened their intertwined fingers and shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Well it's a little more complex than that but essentially…yes."
"Well now that we've got that settled, what's the name of the cabaret?"
"Veritas et Lux."
"What does that mean?"
"It's Latin for Truth and Light."
"What's the cabaret about?"
"It's an improvisational show based on The Twelve Days of Christmas only told backward."
"If the show is about The Twelve Days of Christmas, why is this cabaret running on New Year's Eve? And why didn't we go during Christmas?"
"It's an off Broadway production with an unknown cast in a very limited run."
"Then why are we seeing it? Is there a particular actor or actress you're interested in?"
"I thought the family would enjoy it. Outside of spending Hanukkah with your parents, we haven't had a family outing in a while."
"That's true but I have one question."
"Yes sweetheart?"
"For this you had to blindfold me?"
Maxwell bit the inside of his mouth to stifle his laughter. Fran turned and faced him as if she could read his expression.
"What's so funny? You think just because I'm wearing this blindfold I can't see the expression on your face?"
"How the devil do you know what expression I have on my face?"
"I've lived with you for five years. I think I know you pretty well by now."
Trying to mask his shock Maxwell patted Fran's hand. "Let me put it to you this way darling. It's a surprise I'm sure you won't ever forget."
Fran shivered against the brisk December night when Maxwell helped her from the limousine. She felt his arm link with hers and heard the gentle shuffle of footsteps as they followed Maggie, Brighton, Grace, and Niles into the building.
The doors closed in a soft thud, muting the outside world. The emptiness of the theatre echoed around them as Maxwell guided her through the lobby.
"Maxwell?"
"Yes darling?"
"Are you sure there's a performance tonight?"
"Of course I'm sure. Why?"
"The theatre sounds awfully empty."
Maxwell stood behind her. He unknotted the sash and carefully removed her blindfold.
Fran blinked her eyes rapidly, adjusting to the lights in the lobby. She cast a quick glance around until she found what she was looking for.
"I'll be right back."
"Where are you going?"
"To make sure you didn't mess up my hair and makeup."
A warm grin cast across his face as he watched her saunter down the hallway until she disappeared from his line of sight.
It's amazing how sexily she can prance, even in a dress like that.
His smile widened when he saw Fran walking toward him. Holding out his hand, Maxwell clasped his fingers around hers and escorted her to their seats.
"I take it you were as flawless as you were before we left the house?"
Should I tell him that the blindfold smudged my makeup and flattened my hair or just let it go?
Deciding not to spoil their evening, Fran slid her hand underneath his jaw and brushed his cheek with her thumb. She leaned in and met his mouth in a tender kiss.
"Everything was fine."
"See? I told you to trust me."
"You know you never did answer my question."
"What question?"
"About why the theatre is empty."
"You didn't ask a question, you made a statement."
"Same difference."
Maxwell shook his head and smiled. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Are you sure you want me to answer that question right now?" she replied with a wink.
"No. There are children around. To answer you pseudo-question, the reason there is no audience tonight is because this is a special performance for our family."
"An exclusive show just for us?"
"Yes."
"Maxwell, that's so exciting!"
"It's good to be a big macher producer."
"I'll say."
As the house lights began to dim, Maxwell threaded his fingers with hers and kissed the back of Fran's hand.
"I hope you enjoy the show."
"I'm sure I will."
Settling back in her seat, Fran squeezed Maxwell's hand as the thunderous drum roll reverberated in her body.
The curtains parted, revealing a majestic stage decorated in vivid colors of red, gold, blue, silver, and green. Through song and dance, the actors performed an interpretation for each day of Christmas. The musical numbers of the cabaret ranged from jazzy, upbeat melodies to soft, operatic ballads.
Fran stole a quick glance at Maxwell as he tapped his fingers against the armrest, keeping time with the rhythm of each song. Turning her head, she noticed Maggie and Brighton centered their attention on two of the individual performers instead of the show itself. Niles and Grace shifted in their seats, trying to keep their focus on the stage.
Maybe it's me, but I'm wondering what The Twelve Days of Christmas has to do with Truth and Light.
I love Max but how much longer do we have to sit through this cabaret, she thought stifling a yawn. Where are we anyway? That's right. The Turtledoves are on stage. Thank God, this is almost over!
The two turtledove performers finished their scene and made their way backstage. Fran looked around when the theatre lights rose and the curtains drew closed.
I know this can't be the end of the performance. What happened to the partridge in a pear tree?
Just as the question entered her mind, the house lights dimmed. When the curtains parted, the spotlight fell on a pear tree at center stage and three more upstage left. The props lifted to reveal a man with a guitar and three women standing to his left.
Fran's eyes grew wide when she realized who was standing directly in front of her. Grabbing Maxwell's hand, she squirmed excitedly in her seat.
"Oh my god! David Cassidy! I love him!"
A soft smile spread across Maxwell's face as he watched Fran lean forward, star struck by the singer as he moved downstage.
Last night, I turned out the light, lay down and thought about you
I thought about the way that it could be
Two o'clock, wonderin' what I'm doin' here alone without you
so I close my eyes and dream you here to me, and
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
Fran sang the lyrics with him, snapping her fingers and moving to the rhythm of the song. A flush of schoolgirl giddiness washed over her when David threw her a quick wink.
Hello, girl, yes it's five o'clock I know but you just listen
there's something that I've got to let you know
This is you, this pillow that I'm huggin' and I'm kissin'
and one more thing before I let you go
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
Do dreams come true, well if they do, I'll have you
Not just for a night, but for my whole life through
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
Fran shot out of her seat, her hands meeting in a series of rousing, thunderous claps. Suffocating her usual capriciousness toward a celebrity, she channeled her behavior into pulling Maxwell in an enthusiastic embrace.
"Max that was fantastic! How did you get David Cassidy to perform?"
"I do have my ways Fran."
"I'm sorry. I know you do. It's just that…that's David Cassidy!"
He laughed then gently pulled her into his arms. "Would you like to meet him?"
Fran's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
"Yes. Come along children."
Taking her by the hand, Maxwell escorted Fran to the stage. Stopping at the edge of the platform, he and David exchanged greetings before Maxwell introduced everyone.
"David, I'd like you to meet Fran Fine. She's a great admirer of yours. And these are my children, Margaret, Brighton, and Grace."
The children introduced themselves then stepped back to let Fran and Maxwell talk with the singer.
"Mr. Cassidy," Fran said stretching forth her hand, "it's such an honor to meet you. You were magnificent."
"Thank you. Please, call me David."
"I've been such a huge fan of yours for years!"
"Really?"
"Yes. I loved The Partridge Family. I always thought you had a sexy voice. It didn't hurt that you were gorgeous to boot." She swatted Maxwell on the arm. "Why didn't you tell me what you were up to? I could have brought my camera!"
"Fran?"
She turned toward Maggie. Initially puzzled by the object in her hand, Fran realized Maggie held a small camera.
"Smile!"
The flash blinded her for a moment. Blinking to clear her vision of the bright colored spots, a relieved smile broke across Fran's face.
"Thanks Maggie." Unable to contain her excitement, she started jumping up and down. "This is the best day of my life. I met David Cassidy and Maggie took our picture. Can this day get any better?"
"I certainly hope so," Maxwell replied. He turned, offering the singer his hand. "Thank you for everything David."
"Thank you Maxwell," David said returning his handshake. "Fran it was a pleasure meeting you."
"The pleasure was mine David. Thank you so much for singing for us. That's one of my favorite songs. I know most people say I Think I Love You is their favorite song from The Partridge Family but I've always loved I Woke Up In Love This Morning."
"You're more than welcome Fran."
She leaned into Maxwell, meeting his lips in a quick passionate kiss.
"You're the best boyfriend a girl could have."
"There is just one more thing sweetheart."
"What's that?"
"Your sixth gift."
"Another gift?"
Maxwell nodded then turned toward Brighton. Facing Fran, he presented her with a small royal blue box decorated with raised white snowflakes.
Fran stared at the box cradled in Maxwell's hand. Settling in the seat behind her, she reached out and took the gift from him. She set the box in her lap then drew a light breath to steady herself.
Working the top from the box, Fran dug through the blue and white tissue paper and pulled out another box.
"You're really making me work for this, aren't you?"
"Just think of this as one of the many elements of your surprise."
Fran drew a miniature porcelain trunk from the second box. The chest was adorned in a gold two tone scrolled floral pattern that embellished the lower half of the trunk.
"Max, it's beautiful." She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you so much."
"Fran, the Limoges box is not your final gift."
"It isn't?"
"No."
"Then what is my final gift?"
With a soft chuckle, he replied, "Darling look inside the box."
Fran's breath caught when she flipped back the hinged top. Clutching her hand to her chest, she looked up into Maxwell's bright dancing eyes.
"Oh my god! Max, I – I don't know what to say."
The seven and a half carat princess cut solitaire glinted under the theatre lights with beams of red, green, and yellow bouncing from each facet. Taking the trunk out of her hand, he plucked the ring nestled from its center then set the Limoges box aside.
"Fran, you awakened a part of me that I thought long dead. You are a source of love, comfort, and joy to us all. You blew into our lives and healed us. You've made us all happy, a lot happier than we had been for a very long time.
You mean the world to us because without you, we'd be lost. I can never repay the love you've freely given us but I hope that this will be a start."
"What are you saying Max?"
"I'm asking if you, Francine Fine, will do me the honor of giving me your hand in marriage. Will you officially become my wife and mother to our children?"
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
Fran looked from Maxwell to the ring to the children then back to Maxwell. She opened her mouth but words failed to spill from her throat.
Brighton huffed out an impatient breath waiting for Fran's decision.
"For God's sake Fran, say yes and put dad out of his misery!"
Maggie and Grace smacked their brother on the arm.
"Brighton!"
"What!"
"You can't rush things like this," Maggie replied.
"Yeah," Grace added. "This is a very important decision that affects all of us."
"What rush? They should have been married a long time ago and we all know it. I don't understand the hesitation."
"Yes."
Maxwell looked at Fran. He saw her lips move but wasn't sure of her answer.
"What sweetheart?"
"I said yes. I would love to be your wife and mother to your children."
"Our children," he corrected.
Slipping the ring on her finger, Maxwell cupped her face in his hands and pulled her into a quick kiss.
"Are you sure? Once you've said yes, there's no turning back."
"I'm very sure. I don't want to ever go back."
"I love you Fran."
"I love you too Maxwell."
He reached out and caressed the contours of her face with the back of his fingers. Smoothing his hand along her jaw line, Maxwell cupped the side of Fran's neck. Mirroring her slight smile, he drew her into another tender kiss accompanied by a torrent of applause that enveloped the theatre.