Chapter 2

Fran Sheffield went over and over the situation in her mind. She had promised her husband that she would not contact his mother against her better judgment. If only I hadn't promised him that I would not interfere. Max and his mother needed each other whether they realized it or not.

"Mrs. Sheffield, is there something troubling you?" Niles knew his friend needed to talk to someone and he hoped that she would confide in him.

"Oh, Niles...I'm...I'm concerned about Max."

"Why? He's happier than I've ever seen him and it's all thanks to you."

"Thanks, Niles, but something is missing."

"He has you, the kids and two more on the way. What more could be missing?"

"What about his family?"

"Mr. Sheffield and his children are closer now. As for Nigel and Jocelyn, Max is civil to them but they're not exactly close. The Sheffield's are not exactly Ozzie and Harriet. You know that, Fran. What is going on in that head of yours?"

"You sound just like Max. Geez…What are you two on… the same cycle?"

"The only other person I can think of is…Surely, you're not suggesting that Mr. Sheffield contact his mother? Fran that would be suicide, trust me."

"That's exactly what I suggesting, Niles."

"That woman...that woman and I use the term loosely didn't have time for Nigel or Jocelyn, let alone Maxwell. Jet setting around the world…being seen with the right people was more important than her husband and her own children."

"I don't understand, Niles. How could anyone neglect their own children?"

"Mr. Sheffield's parents didn't know how to deal with the children. They were more concerned about themselves that the welfare or happiness of their children...They were shipped off to boarding school as soon as they were old enough…Max has always been much too independent, according to his parents. They wanted him to become a lawyer instead of getting involved in show business. No respectable person would chose such a career according to Max's mother."

"She probably thinks show business is beneath a Sheffield."

"Mr. Sheffield could be as successful as Andrew Lloyd Webber and it would make no difference to his mother. She has never been to one of his plays…she has basically ignored her oldest son and his career. She attended Sara's funeral only because it would have been socially unacceptable not to."

"No wonder Maxwell detests her so much," Fran stated.

"They have never been the typical mother and son."

"That's so sad. My parents have always loved me no matter what. Say what you will about Sylvia Fine...I have always known that I was loved..."

"You and the children make him happy, Fran."

"I wonder if a small part of him wishes that he had some kind of relationship with his mother...I love Maxwell so much. I want him to be happy."

"I know, Fran," Niles said as he went to answer the phone. "Sheffield residence, Niles speaking." He lifted his eyebrows as a familiar voice asked to speak to the woman of the house.

"Niles, who is it?" The usually unflappable butler seemed stunned.

"Mrs. Sheffield would like to speak to you , Fran," he replied as he covered the phone with his hand.

This is a surprise. I wonder what she wants..."Mrs. Sheffield, what a surprise," Fran said as she answered the phone.

"I'm in town visiting friends and I would like to stop by and visit with my son." Elizabeth hoped that her daughter-in-law would be put off-balance by the unexpected phone call.

"Maxwell and I would love to have you visit our home…"

"Do call me Elizabeth, dear. May I call you Fran?"

"Thank you, Elizabeth." I wonder what she's up to. What reason could she have for coming?

"I am looking forward to seeing my son and my grandchildren. I would like to get to know you better."

"We look forward to seeing around seven. Max will be home by then and so will the children."

"I will see you precisely at seven, Fran."

"That only gives me a few hours to prepare," Niles said with a trace of annoyance, "why is that woman coming here?"

"I don't know, Niles but I am sure she has her reasons, I'm afraid."

"I don't trust that woman..I don't trust her at all."

"I guess I had better call Max."

"I'm sure he is looking forward to this visit just as much as you are."

"I know, Niles," Fran picked up the phone.

ZZZ

Maxwell rubbed his eyes tiredly. It had been a difficult day. The actors were having difficulty with their lines and C.C. wasn't in the best of moods. At least, I can look forward to an evening with Fran and the children. Max smiled as his cell phone rang. "Hello, sweetheart. I was just thinking about you."

"You sound tired, Max."

"Just hearing your voice makes me feel better, darling."

"Sweetie, let me cut to the chase. Your mother called."

"My mother! Oh, Fran, you're not serious! What exactly did she want?"

"She wanted to come by and visit you."

"What happened? Did her poodle die?" Max said sarcastically.

"Max!" She is your mother." Unfortunately.

"You know how devoted my "mother' is to her children! She's up to something, I'm sure."

"That's what I think and that's what Niles thinks."

"What time do we expect the honor of her presence?"

"At seven."

"I'm glad that you will be there for moral support...I don't know what I would do without you, darling."

ZZZ

Fran massaged her husband's shoulders. He was tense after a long hard day at the theatre and apprehensive about his mother's visit.

"Thanks, darling. I feel a lot better. I apologize for my behavior earlier."

"Sweetie, you've already apologized," Fran smiled, "but I expect a little more apologizing later tonight."

"Your wish is my command, my lady," he stated as he kissed her lips passionately, "Is that enough of an appetizer for you?"

"It'll tide me over for now."

"How are Brighton and Grace…?"

"They're not looking forward to this dinner but they will be cordial, for your sake."

"I don't care what my mother thinks. I know that you are the one for me..When I lost Sarah, I couldn't handle anything especially the children. You came into our lives and for the first time made us all smile again."

A tear slowly slid down Fran's cheek. "Do you think so, Max?"

"I know so. You'll probably think I'm meshugneh but Sarah sent you to us."

"Sarah sent me to you? How? Why?" Fran whispered.

She is the one for you, Max. You are making the right decision, that's why I came.

Be happy, happy honey. I'll always love you, Max.

I'll always love you.

"That was so beautiful, Max""

Max gently kissed his wife. "That's even after she heard you speak," he teased, "She thought you had a cold."

Fran lightly popped her husband's forearm. "Mister, you're gonna pay for that one."

"I promise to make it up to you, darling..I love your voice."

"Sure, you do, Max," Fran smirked, "Some part of you hopes that the twins don't sound like me."

"If the twins resemble you in any way. They'll be very fortunate indeed."

"I'm flattered, Mr. Sheffield."

"I certainly hope so, Mrs. Sheffield." Max kissed her thoroughly.