Friends and Lovers
Chapter Five
The next morning, Max called Fran right after the children left for school, to let her know the limo was on the way. They agreed that Anthony would stay at his house after school, since the children were going to spend the night there anyway. Fran packed the children's clothes and sent them with Max's driver. One less thing she'd have to do before they went out tonight. C.C. had offered to pick up Irene on her way to Max's from the theater, so everything was set. She spent the morning going through the house, cleaning up. When she got to the kitchen, she opened the dishwasher. That's funny; I could have SWORN I hadn't emptied this. Niles. It had to have been him. She opened a few cupboards and noticed a couple of things out of place. What a sweet man. She finished her housework, and then played with Irene until lunchtime. After she was sure the child was upstairs asleep, she built a fire in the living room and brought in the box of photos. As she thumbed through the box, some shots she recognized, some she didn't. She finally turned her attention to the large sealed envelope. She pulled it out and turned it over to read the front, and her blood ran cold. SARAH AND GRACE. No, no way. This isn't possible. She put the envelope down and reached for the phone.
"Sheffield residence."
"Hi, Niles, is Max busy?"
"I'm sure he's not too busy for you. I'll get him for you." He carried the phone into the office.
"Sir, Miss Fine is on the phone, she sounded upset about something."
"Thank you, Niles." He took the phone from his butler. "Fran, Darling, is everything all right? Is Irene all right?"
She smiled at how he immediately worried about her daughter. "Reenie's fine. Um, can you come over for a few minutes? I found something in Tony's box of pictures that I think we need to look at together."
"Of course, Sweetheart, I'll be right over." He hung up the phone and went in search of his butler. "Niles, can you keep a listen for Grace for a while, I've got to go over to Fran's."
"Is everything all right, Sir?"
"I'm not sure, Niles. She found something in that box of photos that upset her."
Niles had a good idea what that was. He'd seen the envelope when Anthony was rummaging around in the box. That had to be it. He wondered exactly what WAS in that envelope. Max hopped into his sports car and sped off. He didn't like the concern in Fran's voice. Five minutes later, he pulled up in front of her townhouse and bounded up the stairs. She didn't wait for him to ring the bell, opening the door as he reached the top stair.
"Hi, thanks for coming so quickly. I hope I didn't pull you away from anything important."
"Nothing is as important as you, what's wrong?"
"Hopefully nothing." She put her arms around him and kissed him softly before closing the door and leading him to the living room. "Would you like some coffee, tea...a brandy?"
"A brandy? Is it that bad?"
"I don't know...it could be nothing...it could be...oh, I don't know, I've just got a sick feeling." She handed him the sealed envelope.
"Sarah and Grace? You didn't open it?"
"No, I'm hoping it's just a coincidence and that you'll just laugh at me and tell me that I have a very active imagination."
"Well, let's find out, shall we?" He slowly opened the envelope and poured the contents out on the table.
"Oh, God." Laid out before them were pictures of Sarah. Of Tony and Sarah...of a pregnant Sarah, with Tony's hands protectively on her abdomen. Max picked up several and turned them over. "Princess Grace?"
"I think I'm gonna be sick." She put her hand over her mouth and took a deep breath. Then her eye caught another photo. It was of Grace as a newborn in Tony's arms. She turned it over. GRACE MEREDETH BERGMAN. "I AM gonna be sick." She dropped the photo and ran for the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and emerged from the bathroom several minutes later, to find Max sitting on the floor in tears, still looking over the pictures.
"I can't believe this. Sarah and TONY? Did you have any idea?"
"If I had, don't you think I would've told you? I was the one that said 'oh, she's having your baby, Max; of course she can't be having an affair'. So the whole time we were in London, fighting our feelings, abstaining, they...they..."
"Weren't."
"Oh, Max, I'm so sorry. I knew Tony was low, just not THAT low. This can't be true, it just can't."
"Fran, look at the pictures. He called her Princess Grace. She named our daughter Grace."
"Meredith is Tony's mother's name. Look at this...this is MY old bed! He took these pictures in our bedroom. And these...these later ones, and the ones with the baby...these are at his parent's house. They KNEW? DAMN him! If I could go back in time, I'd kill him myself!"
"They robbed us of four years. She must have known I'd leave her, so she passed off Tony's child as mine. She told me the baby was late, but she must have gotten pregnant shortly after I left for London. This explains Tony's behavior at Brighton's birthday party, watching you and me with Grace. I'd thought he'd heard my comment about how wonderful you looked carrying my child."
She smiled at the memory. "No, he never heard that. Well, if he did, he never mentioned it. He was mad that I spent so much time holding the baby, after telling him I didn't want another one. I couldn't tell him the real reason...that I was trying not to hate that sweet baby, since she was the reason I was so miserable."
"Fran, I'm so sorry. I should have gone ahead with the investigation. Then we would have known, we could have gone ahead with our plans...Irene would have been OUR child."
"Max, we still don't know if this is true or not. Maybe it was wishful thinking on Tony's part, maybe they weren't sure. Grace is still your daughter, you've raised her. Is a blood test going to change the way you feel about her?"
"No, it isn't but I need to know for sure, Fran. If she IS his child, you realize that would make you her mother, don't you?"
"I hadn't even considered that. The girls would be sisters."
"That explains why they look so much alike." Max looked over at Fran. The tears had started falling in earnest now. He reached over and pulled her into his arms. "We'll get this figured out. I'm just so angry that you were so hurt, and for nothing. I could have saved you so much pain if I'd only known."
"What about YOU? This has to be killing you. I know, I'll call Meredith. She's got to know something; Tony had them both at her house."
She reached for the phone and dialed the number. When Meredith answered, Fran fought back her tears. "Hi, Meredith, it's Fran. Not so good, right now. Tell me what you know about Grace." Fran was met by silence on the other end of the line. Finally, Meredith answered quietly.
"How did you find out?"
Fran closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. "So, it's true? And you've known all along? How could you DO this to me, you're supposed to be MY family, too!"
"Fran, listen to me, please. Sarah and Tony didn't want this to ever come out."
"Well, it's out now."
"Sweetie, Sarah was worried about her husband, what this would do to him."
She looked over at Max before continuing. "Well, she wasn't so bloody worried about Maxwell while she was sleeping with Tony, now, was she? Now, both of them are gone, leaving Max and me to deal with their lies. What do we tell Gracie? What do we tell the other children? You know, she has two brothers and two sisters to consider, too...did they think of THEM?"
"Fran, Honey, calm down." Max rubbed her back gently.
"I CAN'T calm down, Max!"
"He's there?"
"Yes, he's here. I called him when I found the envelope of pictures with their names on it. Do you have proof that Grace is Tony's child? Or were they just assuming?"
"We have the original birth certificate, Dear. The original was filed, then a corrected one made, showing Maxwell as her father, but that one was never filed, it was only for show."
She looked over at Max. "They've got the original birth certificate, Max."
"That doesn't prove a blasted thing."
"We've also got the medical report, where the blood tests were taken, showing that she couldn't possibly be Maxwell's child. I'm sorry, Frannie, but it's true."
"My, God, Meredith, do you know what they DID? What YOU and Anthony did? Max went back to her because of that baby. Without Max to help me fight Tony for custody, I went back to Tony."
"Well, that worked out, you had another baby, you were happy that last year."
"Happy? When? I deserve an academy award for my acting that last year. I had to put on a happy face for my son, for you, for Max. I couldn't let on how miserable I was. And for what? A lie." She dropped the phone and collapsed on the sofa in tears. Max moved over next to her and picked up the phone.
"Hello, Maxwell Sheffield here. She'll have to call you back; she's a bit distraught right now."
"I'm sorry; we were only following their wishes."
"To hell with their wishes. Fran and I would have been married for over three years now, if not for their wishes."
"Married?"
"I hurt the woman I love deeply because of a lie. You'll have to excuse me; I need to tend to Fran now. She'll call you in the next day or so." He slammed the phone down and gathered Fran into his arms. "I love you, My Darling. I'm so sorry."
"You didn't do anything wrong. You thought she was carrying your child, you went back to her, that was the right thing to do."
"If I had only known."
"Tony was good at hiding things, I'm sure he convinced her that she could pull this off." She stopped as she heard her daughter's soft voice over the intercom. "Ree's awake."
"I'll go up and get her. Go wash your face, get a drink of water, and try to relax. We're still going out tonight, after this day, we need some time alone together."
"You're sure you still want to go out?"
"I'm sure I want to spend all the time alone with you I possibly can. Now more than ever." He kissed her, and then headed up the stairs to get the baby. Fran got up and headed toward the bathroom, then heard her daughter on the intercom.
"Hi, Daddy! Where Mommy?"
"Hi, Sweetheart, Mommy's downstairs." Max sat on the bed and lifted the child into his lap. "I love you, Irene." He hugged the child tightly. She giggled, and then looked at the tears in his eyes.
"Daddy, y' O.K.?"
"Yes, Sweetheart, Daddy's O.K."
"Y'sure?" Max laughed. How many times had she fallen down and they'd asked her if she was all right, then asked, 'are you sure'? He hugged her again.
"Yes, Ree, I'm sure."
Fran smiled and went in to wash her face. Her eyes were red and puffy. Damn you, Tony Bergman! She came out of the bathroom as Max was carrying her daughter into the living room.
"Hi, Mommy. Daddy cry."
Tears returned to Fran's eyes as she looked at the man she loved holding her child so lovingly. She reached to take the child into her arms, but was surprised when the toddler put her hands on her mother's cheeks. "Why cry, Mommy?"
Fran looked up at the ceiling. She hated her children to see her like this. She was just glad that Anthony wasn't home. "Mommy's just a little sad. But now that YOU are up, I can be happy again." Irene giggled and took one hand from her mother's face and put it on Max's.
"Daddy kiss Mommy."
"That would be my pleasure, Ree!" He leaned forward with the help of the baby's guiding hand and kissed Fran gently.
"Mommy happy now?"
Fran smiled. "Yes, Precious, Mommy is happy now."
"Why don't I take her home with me, that way you can concentrate on getting ready?"
"You want to take her?"
"If you'd rather I didn't we can drop her off before we go out, but I thought she might like to play with her sister, and you look like you could use some tea and a hot bath."
"You're right, I could. I sent her things with the driver this morning, so the packing is done. Honey, do you want to go with Daddy and play with Gracie?"
She nodded her head up and down vigorously. "Want Racy."
"Well, I guess that's settled, then. Do you want to run your bath, or make your tea?"
"I'll make the tea. I need to call C.C. to let her know she doesn't have to come by and pick her up."
"C.C. was coming over?"
She nodded. "On her way from the theater. Maybe it's a good idea she's not. I don't want to slip and say something."
"I suppose we'll have to let C.C. know, and I'm sure Niles will find out soon. What are we going to do about Tony's parents?"
"What about them?"
"I'm sure they're going to want to see her. The last time they saw her was at the memorial service."
"And you're asking ME? Max, she's your daughter."
"She's OUR daughter."
"Well, I don't think it's a good idea for the older three to know yet. This is something they really don't need to know about their parents. So, if Meredith and Anthony want to see Grace, they need to treat all five children as their grandchildren. I'll tell my mother the same thing. That way, there's no yours, mine, theirs..."
"Just ours. That actually makes sense. If we can get Sarah's parents and my parents to agree to this plan, the children would have four grandparents. I wonder if Sarah's parents have any idea."
"An affair isn't exactly something you tell your parents. I never even told my parents about US. They knew I was involved with someone, Ma knows me well enough to have figured that out, but she has no idea that it was you."
"I'll call them when I get to the house, after I get the girls settled. I'll get Niles to keep an eye on them for a bit. That reminds me, we have four nanny candidates to interview tomorrow afternoon."
"Does Judy know yet?"
"She hasn't been back. Niles has instructions to keep her away from the children if she does show up."
"Hopefully we'll find a good one this time."
"I think this last one was my fault, I was running out of patience, and let her talk her way into the job."
"Well, this time, let's make sure we get one that isn't out to snag herself a handsome producer." She smiled and pinched his arm playfully.
"There's that smile." He looked at his watch. "I'd better get back before the children get home from school. Come on, Ree; let's go make Mommy a bath."
"I can do that."
"No, you go call C.C. and make your tea. I'll pour your bath, and get Irene ready to go."
Max went upstairs and ran a bath for Fran, then got the toddler into her coat and boots. "Ready to go, Ree?"
"Go see Racy." He carried her downstairs, and met Fran coming up.
"You're ready to go? Be good for Daddy. Max, this feels so strange."
"You're all right with this, aren't you?"
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine with you taking her. It just feels, oh, I don't know, like we're divorced sharing custody or something." She laughed.
"Well, we have been sharing custody, in a way. You've had my children probably more than I have over the last two years."
"Yeah, but now it feels, different."
"In a good way, I hope."
"In a very good way. Give me a kiss, Baby. Be a good girl."
"K, Mommy. Love you."
"I love you, more, Angel. I love you, too." She kissed both of them and walked them to the door. "You've got the sports car?" She took a deep breath. "Any chance you'd leave that here and take the Rover?"
"You're actually going to let me drive your precious baby?"
"If you're going to take THIS precious baby, I'd really rather you take the Rover."
"No problem, I'll drive the car home later." She went for her purse and handed him the keys.
"Thanks, Sweetie."
He pulled out his keys and took off the key to his car. "In case you need to go somewhere."
"I've got the Mercedes, Max, remember?"
"You're going to have to show me that car one of these days." He put the key back in his pocket.
"If you're a good boy." She kissed him again. "I'll see you in a few hours."
"I'll be here at six. Enjoy your bath." She stood in the door and watched him strap the toddler into her car seat and drive off, then headed upstairs to enjoy a long bath.
At five o'clock, two dozen Sterling roses were delivered. Fran put them in a vase, and placed it on the in the den, so they could be seen from the front door. So he wanted romance, did he? She went upstairs to her room and placed candles all around the room. She also put some in the living room, and brought in several logs for a fire. As a final touch, she visited her wine cellar and brought up two bottles of vintage Bordeaux, remembering that had always been his favorite. She looked at the clock. Five thirty, time to put on her dress. She went upstairs and got dressed, and pulled on her shoes. She made some last minute adjustments to her curls, and headed back downstairs. It was five minutes until six, and Maxwell's limo had just pulled up.
Thirty minutes later, they pulled up in front of Rockefeller Plaza. They took the elevator up to the 65th floor to the Rainbow Room. Fran was impressed at how he remembered everything about her, from her weakness for champagne and caviar, to her penchant for lobster. He ordered for her as if he were reading her mind. When the band started, he led her to the dance floor, and it was as if the world stood still for them. The more he held her, moving their bodies together, the more she wanted him. After about an hour of dancing, she was ready to go. She nuzzled his neck, and kissed it softly. He held her a bit closer, and she decided to give him a stronger hint. She began nibbling his neck softly...this got his attention.
"Ready to go?"
"Mmmm-hmmm."
He led her to the table and motioned for the waiter to bring the check. He paid the bill and summoned his driver before retrieving their coats. They sat in the limo, wrapped in each other's arms all the way back to Fran's townhouse. Max knew if he touched her at this point, they'd never make it home.
Once at the townhouse, Max took the keys from Fran and helped her from the limo. He released the driver, letting him know that he had his car here and would get home on his own. Max opened the door, and Fran stepped in and shut off the alarm. She motioned to the flowers on the table. "Thanks again for the roses. They're beautiful. I can't remember the last time I got roses. Wait, yes I can. July 18, 1988. You sent them when Ree was born."
"No roses for three years? We'll have to do something about that, won't we?"
She smiled and led him into the living room. "If you start a fire, I'll open the wine." She showed him the bottle. "I brought it up from the cellar. I'd been saving it for a special occasion." Oh, shut UP, Fran, you're gonna scare him away!
He got the fire going and joined her on the sofa, after turning off the lights. She handed him a glass of wine, and he took a taste. "This is one of my favorites."
"I remember." She sat her glass down on the table. If he didn't kiss her soon, she thought she'd die. She didn't have to wait long. He put his glass next to hers and took her into his arms.
"I love you." He didn't give a chance to respond. He brought his lips roughly to hers; kissing her with all the emotions he'd been feeling all day. The one thing in his life he could always count on was right here, in his arms.
She finally pulled away slightly, breathless. "Max, I love you so much. Make love to me?"
That was all he needed to hear. He pulled the blanket off the back of the sofa and laid it on the floor in front of the fire. Then he reached for her hands and helped her up, pulling her close to him. Reaching behind her, he found her zipper and let her dress fall in a puddle on the carpet. He stepped back to admire her beauty. "My God, Fran, you are even more beautiful than I remember."
Even in the light from the fireplace, he could see her blush as she reached up to untie his tie and work on his buttons with her trembling fingers. He took her hands and kissed them several times. "We don't have to do this."
"Oh, yes we do. I need you, Maxwell." Her hands more steady now, she continued to relieve him of his shirt. She tossed it onto the sofa, and then kissed him softly as she began to find his belt, then his zipper. Soon, his pants were on the floor with her dress. She giggled softly. "Don't forget your shoes this time."
"Am I ever going to live that down?"
"I don't think so, Sweetie."
He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the blanket in front of the fire. They finished undressing each other, then spent time caressing and exploring each other's bodies. They made love slowly and tenderly. Fran marveled at how he took time to make sure she was satisfied. Her husband had only been interested in what made HIM feel good. Max's lovemaking was all about her. Afterwards, he held her close, rubbing her back, kissing her gently.
"Are you warm enough?"
"We could go upstairs. I'm sure my bed is much more comfortable than my rug."
He nibbled her neck. "I hadn't noticed." He stood up and helped her up, wrapping her with the blanket. Then he lifted her into his arms.
"You're going to carry me up two flights of stairs?"
"Right now, I could carry you up ten flights." He whisked her up the first flight, the slowed down as he headed up the second flight. "O.K., maybe two's my limit." He smiled and kissed her softly as he laid her on the bed. She got up and began lighting the candles, then pulled back her fur comforter. They climbed into bed and held each other closely. They made love several more times before finally falling into an exhausted sleep.
The next morning, Max awoke first. It took him a moment to remember that he wasn't at home. He looked in the bed next to him…he loved watching her sleep. All the cares and hurt she carried seemed to vanish when she was sleeping. He reached over and ran his fingers down her side. She moved slightly. He repeated this action several more times, and then finally got the desired results. She began to stretch, slowly at first, from one side to another. He'd always joked that she looked like a cat waking up from a long nap. When she had finished stretching, she opened her eyes slowly and smiled at him.
"Good morning, Sweetie, you hungry?"
"Yes." He was hungry all right, but breakfast was not what he had on his mind. They made love two more times before finally moving to the shower.
Fran pulled on her terrycloth robe and watched the man she loved pull the large bath towel around his waist. "I don't suppose you have extra clothes down in the car, do you?"
"Well, as a matter of fact, I DO have a gym bag in the trunk."
"Hmmm, I guess I'll have to be the one to go get it. You can't very well go outside like that." She giggled as he pulled her to him for a kiss. "I'll be right back. I'll go put a pot of coffee on, and get your gym bag."
"Like that?"
"Wha? I've been outside in my bathrobe before, but usually it's just to get the paper. Your keys are in your pants, right?"
"Hopefully." He watched her bounce down the stairs. Soon, the smell of coffee made its way up the stairs, and then he heard the front door close.
"It is SO cold outside!" She tossed his bag on the foot of the bed and hopped under the covers. He tossed the towel on the sofa and climbed in next to her, taking her in his arms.
"Better?"
"Yeah, but we're never gonna get breakfast this way." She laid her head on his chest.
"Something's wrong."
"Do you realize this is the longest I've been away from my son since I got back from London? And I've NEVER been away from Reenie overnight."
"You miss them."
"Yeah." She tightened her arms around him as the tears welled up in her eyes. "Max, what are we gonna do about Gracie?"
"That's right, you haven't seen her since we found out. I'm not sure, I suppose we should call our lawyers and see what needs to be done. You know what I did when I got home yesterday? I went to her room, and just sat and held her tight. Poor thing, all she wanted to do was go play with her sister, and I couldn't let her go. I simply can NOT believe Sarah would do something so underhanded."
"Maybe we should take Grace and Irene to the doctor and have them tested, to verify the results for ourselves."
"Why Irene?"
Well, all testing you and Grace will prove whether you're her biological father. Testing Irene will prove whether the girls are related. I'm sorry, Max, but I can't help thinking, what if there was someone besides Tony. I mean, she lied to you..."
"I hate putting the girls through that."
"Maybe all they'll have to do is swab their mouths. I don't really want to put either one of them through this, either, but we need to know for sure."
"Then what?"
"We need to make sure no one can take her away from you. She's YOUR daughter. YOU raised her."
"Fran, Darling, she's as much yours as mine if she's, in fact, Tony's child. You forget you also helped raise her. What do you say we eat a nosh, and go see our girls? We can play with them a bit before lunch, and then read to them before their naps. Then it should be time to start interviewing nannies."
"That sounds good. The coffee should be ready. I can make some eggs and toast."
"What, no bagels?"
"I might have some in the freezer, if you really want some."
"Toast is fine. Are you going to be warm enough, or do I need to build a fire?"
"I'll be fine as soon as I get some clothes on." She kissed him softly and climbed out of bed. She went to the closet and pulled out a pair of black jeans and a tan sweater. "Will this be O.K., or do I need to dress up a bit for the interviews?"
"I think that will be just fine." He pulled on his sweats and long sleeved t-shirt. "I'll have to change when we get home." He stopped short and looked over at her. Home. They had two homes, and that would definitely have to change. He couldn't wait until the pageant, he wanted her to know how he felt NOW...but he'd wait. He wanted to make some wonderful memories for her, first.
She sat on the sofa and pulled on tan socks and black boots. "I'm going to call Niles and check on the girls, do you want to talk to any of them?"
"Sweetheart, we'll see them in just a few minutes, if Niles needs anything, he knows where we are."
She sighed deeply. "I know. I'll be downstairs in the kitchen." She kissed him and bounced down the stairs. She looked the refrigerator, and found some fresh fruit that she cut into small bites and placed in a bowl then broke several eggs into a bowl and began to whip them. Damn, he likes his eggs boiled. He slipped quietly into the kitchen and put his arms around her waist. He looked over at the bowl of fruit.
"Everything looks wonderful."
"I scrambled your eggs before I remembered you liked them boiled. I'll get more and boil you a couple."
"No, this is just fine. Coffee?"
"Mmm, yes, please."
He reached above the pot and pulled out two large mugs. "Niles and I explored the kitchen when we had the boys here the other day. I hope you don't mind."
"Mind? I came home and my dishwasher was miraculously emptied. I loved it!"
"You know, I can have Niles come over and clean, if you like."
"Oh, he'd love that. If I didn't have a house to clean, what would I do all day?" She laughed. "Until I had this pageant to plan, all I did all day was play with kids, clean house, cook, and read."
"I'll have to put you to work, then."
She threw back her head and laughed. "Sweetie, you couldn't afford me."
"How much do you make?"
"Take what you clear in a good year."
"Yes?"
"Triple it."
"That much?"
She grinned broadly. "I make that in a slow week."
"You're not serious."
"Think about it. How many seventeen year olds can pay cash for a house like this?"
"So, do you plan to work this summer?"
"No, I'm actually thinking of retiring. Between my money, and what Tony left me, not to mention the Jeep settlement, I can just kick back and enjoy my kids. I've already put money in trust for the kids."
"Retired by 28, not a bad life. Maybe I should take up modeling. How much do you think I'd get paid for a billboard of me in MY underwear?"
"I'm not sure I LIKE the idea of other women seeing you in your underwear."
"Now you know how I felt in London. There you were, up there for the whole country to see. Do you know just how much I hated that?"
"You told me. Every single day. I don't do underwear modeling anymore. I'd hate for Anthony's friends to see me like that. And now I have to think of Brighton and Maggie, too." She scooped the eggs onto two plates and carried them into the dining room, then returned to the kitchen for the toast and fruit. Max carried the coffee cups and placed them on the table at their seats. They ate quickly, discussing the questions they planned to ask the nanny applicants, and how they would handle firing the old nanny. When they finished eating, they cleared the table, rinsed the dishes and loaded the dishwasher. Fran turned it on before heading to the closet for her hat, coat and gloves.
"Fran, why don't you pack some clothes and bring them to the house? That way, if you ever spend the night, you have your own clothes to change into."
"I thought you said I looked sexy in your clothes."
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. "You DO. But it still might be a good idea to leave some clothes at the house."
"All right, you win." She climbed the stairs and stopped in the living room to pick up his tuxedo and her dress, which were still on the floor, then carried them upstairs and tossed them on her bed. She grabbed a suitcase from the hall closet and began tossing in various items of clothing, then folded his tuxedo carefully and placed it in his gym bag. Max appeared at her bedroom door, watching her every move.
"Almost ready?"
"Yeah, I think so. I put your tux in your gym bag, or do you want me to take it to the cleaners with my dress?"
"Bring your dry cleaning with you; Niles will take care of it for us."
"Are you sure he won't mind?"
"It's what I pay him for, Darling. Don't worry, he adores you, he won't mind taking yours along with mine."
She folded her dress and placed it in the bag with Max's tuxedo. "Gee, all I need is an extra toothbrush, and it'll look like I'm moving in!"
"Actually, I was going to suggest that next time you're at Elizabeth Arden, picking up some duplicate items to leave in your bathroom at my place. That way you won't have to, oh, what's the word...schlep...all your things back and forth?"
"Max, do you think it's a good idea for the kids to see us practically living together?"
"It's fine, as long as you actually sleep in the guest room, not that I want you that far away from me. I think it will be good for the children to start seeing us as a family, don't you? When the truth comes out about Grace, and you know it's bound to sooner or later, they're going to need to see that nothing's changed. All packed?" She nodded, and he picked up her suitcase and his gym bag and headed down the stairs.
"I'll be right there; I just want to make the bed."
"Fine, I'll just take these to the car."
Fran finished making the bed and looked around her room. He sounded like he was intent on her moving to his place. She was definitely going to miss this room. She headed downstairs and pulled on her hat and gloves before Max helped her put on her coat. They pulled up in front of Max's house 10 minutes later.
"Where's the Rover?"
"Don't worry; I put it in the garage. Since this car was at your place, I pulled your car into its parking space."
"You're gonna spoil my baby. I only garage the Mercedes." They grabbed the suitcases and slipped quietly into the house. C.C. was sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace making a Lego city with the girls. They placed the bags at the foot of the stairs and took off their outer garments, placing them in the closet, and then walked into the living room. Grace looked up first and smiled.
"MOMMY! DADDY!" She got up and ran to Fran, leaping into her arms. She was followed closely by little Irene, who slammed her body into Max's legs.
"Miss you!"
"Oh, Honey, we missed you, too!"
Fran hugged Grace closely, walked over to the sofa, and sat down with her in her lap. She rocked her gently, tears threatening to fall. Max picked up Irene and joined them on the sofa. C.C. watched this intently. Something was up.
"What happened?"
"Later, C.C.." Max's gaze shifted from his business partner to his children. He reached out and stroked Grace's hair. He watched Fran shift the child in her lap, and look deep into her eyes. She looked over at him, blinking back the tears.
"I know these eyes, Maxwell."
He looked closely at Irene's face. "I know." He moved Irene onto the sofa next to Fran. "Sit with Mommy Sweetheart, Daddy needs to make a phone call." Fran looked over at him. "I'm calling Chandler. I'll fix this, Darling, I promise." He kissed her cheek, and then kissed each child before entering his office and closing the door behind him.
C.C. watched her new friend. "This is something bad, isn't it? Anything I can do to help?"
"Yeah, Ceece, it's bad. Right now, there's not a lot anyone can do to help. Once the girls take their naps, we can talk." C.C. nodded and started picking up the blocks on the floor. "So, on a hopefully happier note, how was your dinner with Niles last night?"
She grinned. "You know, I always saw him as just a servant. Did you know that he has a college degree? He could be a lawyer, but he stayed with Maxwell out of loyalty and friendship." Fran nodded. "You KNEW that? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Yeah, Maxwell told me when we were in London, when he drove me around, showing me places he'd lived, gone to school. He told me that they were both at Eton. Maxwell's father paid for Niles' education so he could attend with Maxwell. Did he tell you about the musicals he was in?"
"No! Niles SINGS?"
"Yeah, I've recruited him for the boys' pageant. Hey, if I've gotta sing, everybody's gotta sing. What about you?"
"Oh, no, you're not dragging me into that thing."
"Gracie, does Aunt C.C. sing?"
"Uh, huh. She sings pretty."
"O.K., C.C. if Max and I are doing this, and Niles is doing this, you gotta do it, too."
"I most certainly do NOT!"
"What are ya afraid of? Think of the publicity for Sheffield Babcock! You could do a number from one of your shows."
"What are you singing?"
"The boys have Max and me singing a duet. The song is called 'Just to Hear You Say That You Love Me'. Is that a set up or WHAT? They want each of us to do a solo, too, but I'm not sure how that's gonna work. Val's gonna do a number...hey, you know, we could all do one together, one of those girl group numbers."
"You know, that's not a bad idea at all." They looked up as Max came out of his office. He reached down and picked Grace up from Fran's lap.
"Chandler wants you to call your lawyer, too. After you get done, we can compare notes."
"O.K., I'll be out in a few minutes."
"Where goin', Mommy?"
"I'm going into Daddy's office to make a phone call. You stay here and play, Sweetie." She kissed the toddler on the head, then kissed her older daughter and squeezed Max's hand. "Wish me luck."
C.C. watched the pained look on her partner's face as he held his daughter. They're calling their lawyers? Oh, this can't be good.