Nothing I've Ever Known

2 out of 3

"I love the idea for a theme party. All the stock holders and all our employees! It's my treat!" Bryan Hunter was sitting with the rest of his personal staff. He was the head of one of the leading oil companies in the state of Alaska. A man of some wealth and means he treated the forty employees that worked at his corporate office like family. The men that worked out in the oil field also had been treated just as well. "Arabian nights! What do you think?"

"I think you just want to see Fran dressed in silks." Mike let out a laugh as did the rest of the staff.

"Any more comments?" Bryan grumbled as people started to file out of the meeting.

"Location?" A man called out and Bryan smiled.

"New York City." They all walked out leaving him alone with Mary Hunter his mother.

"What are you up to?"

"Nothing, mother!" Bryan glanced down at the list and get out a chuckle.

"You have been plotting the day since Jonah and Eve were born." Mary let out a sigh. "Are you sure you want to try this?"

"The twins need their father." Bryan glanced down at his paper work and then back up into his mother's eyes. "Didn't I give you this part time job for a reason?"

"So Fran could have half the day off with the twins." The woman let out a laugh walking out of the board room.

Bryan picked up the phone next to him and dialed the number.

"Hello this is Fran, I'm not able to take your call right now, but if you leave your name and number!"

"Fran… Give me a call when you get back from the doctor's. I want to know about Eve." Bryan placed the phone back on the hook letting out a sigh.

"Hey Bryan!" Mike walked back into the meeting room smiling. "Did you see the newest newspaper article! I have the gossip pages from New York."

"Burn it." Bryan let out a groan taking the cup of coffee. "I don't want to see…" His jaw dropped noticing the article.

Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield engaged to Heiress Anna Jameson!

"Yeah! It's a great … news…. Hey man don't look at Bryan that way." Mike watched as Bryan turned three different shades of purple and red.

"When you first saw your wife what did you feel, Mike?" Bryan reached out pulling the newspaper away and heading towards his office. "What did you feel?"

"Is this a trick question that Kathy put you up to?" Mike let out another soft chuckle and watched as his boss and friend sat down with a groan. "This should leave Fran free and clear!"

"Again.. You don't understand! Fran feels this cosmic pull towards Maxwell Sheffield. He needs to be here with all the problems Eve is having." Bryan eyed his phone and let out a sigh.

"How is she doing?"

"Last thing Fran told me is that the kid is lucky to hear anything." Bryan rubbed his face. "I…I want this to work." He closed his eyes and his mind started turning. His hand held a small business card.

C.C. Babcock

Sheffield and Babcock Productions

555-987-4320

"Do you need anything else before Grant arrives?" Mike watched him worried for a moment.

"No." Bryan waved his hand. He watched as Mike left his office. "I wonder how much money it would cost me to back a play." Bryan let out a laugh feeling his mind start to form a trap.

Fran glanced into his eyes. "Maxwell?" She reached out touching his gray streak. The gray streak she gave him!

"Twenty months, and nineteen days." Maxwell's mouth felt dry as he licked his lips. "That is the last time I last saw you… I couldn't live without you.. So… I..."

"Your beyond my reach." Fran's nasal whimper broke his heart as he reached out to hold her tightly against his chest.

"Never…" Maxwell let out a sigh and breathed in her perfume. This might all be a dream, but at times it seemed so real. "I pray to god that I can see you again."

"I can't leave. I can't face it!" Fran's whimpers grew. "I can't leave."

"God.. I wish…" Maxwell blinked awake sitting up in bed. "Niles?" He glanced towards the waiting butler who had a huge smirk on his face. "What time is it?"

"Your running ten minutes late." Niles shook his head handing Maxwell a cup of coffee. "Dreaming of Miss Anna?" He had heard her mumble Fran's name while entering the room.

Maxwell glared at him for just a moment. "Yes." He softly sighed standing up out of the bed. "Has …"

"No Miss Maggie hasn't called yet." Niles frowned as Maxwell shook his head. He had seen Maxwell's relationship with the children turn rather rocky once Maxwell told about his engagement. He understood Maxwell was lonely, but he wondered if he was just trying to smoke Fran Fine out of her hiding.

"I didn't mean to push her away as well."

"Your getting rather good at it." Niles let out in a soft mumble.

"What was that, old man?" Maxwell came out of his bathroom.

"Breakfast will be ready in a moment." Niles shook his head walking down the stairs.

Maxwell took a long look in the mirror letting out a groan. He had allowed a goatee to grow and raise his razor to it. "Bloody hell." Maxwell put the razor back down and finished getting dressed for the day.

Grace sat down at the table pulling out the latest letter from Fran. She had received them over the years with different post marks. She was sure Fran was trying to be sneaky. Course the letters were always short now a days. Niles glanced over her shoulder shaking his head. "Nothing?"

"Your sure daddy's people couldn't find anything?"

"C.C. was having trouble as well." Hearing Niles call C.C…. 'C.C.' made Gracie burst out in a fit of giggles. Niles shook his head as Brighton entered the room. "Good morning, Master Brighton!" Niles put down a plate of food in front of the young college student.

"Niles, do you realize I can hear everything that comes from your room." Brighton smirked as Niles playfully wiggled his eyebrows.

"Ewwwww!" Gracie laughed shaking her head.

"Anything new?" Brighton glanced over his sister's shoulder.

"No! It's like she knows we started showing the letters to Niles and C.C." Grace put the letter back in her pocket.

"I'm out of ideas." Brighton shook his head. "The last three haven't worked!"

"I was sure Val knew something." Grace glanced down at her food swirling a fork around.

"Hello, hello!" C.C. waddled in the dinning room sitting down in the nearest chair. "What's wrong?"

"Another letter from Fran! Course she says nothing."

"I should have killed that little twink." C.C. groaned thinking about how close her and Niles came to at last finding Fran Fine. "What I did…"

"Caca…" Niles walked over pouring her a cup of milk. "You shoved that twenty dollar bill…"

"Where the sun don't shine!" C.C. let out a laugh as Niles shook his head smiling. "Now if I could only do the same thing with…"

"Good morning children!" Anna came in the dinning room smiling, and taking Fran's old space at the table.

"Remember… Every dog has it's day." Niles mumbled walking over towards Anna. "What can I get you this morning, Mrs. Jameson?"

"The normal." Anna winked and watched the others gathered at the table.

"I know but we can pull it off in two months!" Bryan let out a groan pulling up to Fran's cabin. "Just make sure that everything is settled on New York. Yes Mike I'm STILL going there tomorrow. Listen I just pulled up to Fran's. No… YES… Geeze your as bad as mom! I'll talk to you later!" Bryan stuffed his cell phone in his jacket pocket letting out a sigh. Bryan reached the door knocking softly.

A blonde haired woman answered the door with one twin on her hip. "Mister Hunter!" The woman's southern accent was thick, and her smile bright.

"Hello there Teresa!" Bryan reached out for the small little baby all decked out in blue. "Jonah!"

The baby's eyes wide and Jonah let out a giggle as Bryan tickled and snuggled the small toddler.

"She's in her office… She was mumbling something about New York and Arabian nights? Eve's with her."

"You'll protect me?" Bryan glanced towards the little boy's eyes.

Fran sat in her office chair letting out a sigh. "No… I think if your going to throw a company party you wouldn't do it in New York!" Fran raised her head glaring at Bryan. "He's just entered… I better let you go Mary." Fran reached up keeping Eve from pulling out her hearing aid.

"Is that going to work?" Bryan watched as Fran hung up the phone trying to deal with a whimpering Eve.

Fran's eyes soften looking into Eve's eyes. "They don't know." She reached out as Eve pulled the small piece out of her ear.

Bryan walked over trading Jonah for Eve. "Allow me."

"Why are you throwing this party in New York?" Fran's lower lip started to tremble watching as Bryan soothed the toddler.

"Three of our major stock holders are there." Bryan smiled as the little girl stopped pulling out her hearing aid. "She's kinda young for one of these?"

"OY! Stop changing the subject."

"Fran… I'm not forcing anything. Have I mention he who must not be named?" Bryan smiled as the little girl put her head on his shoulder.

"Bryan…" Fran glanced at her computer screen and then back into his eyes. "She might not ever hear again."

"Might 'not'." Bryan smiled and knelt next to her still holding onto Eve. "Tell me what Lindsay said?"

"It's my fault."

"Fran!" Bryan rolled his eyes and felt Fran reach out touching the little girl's back. "It's not your fault."

"I should have told him."

"Are we going to have this argument again?" Bryan let out a sigh watching as Fran's eyes started to water. "You could always tell him two months from now."

"I…"

"Fran … Eve had a fever, and was a sick baby when she was born. This wasn't your fault. It happens, and we have to learn how to deal with the hand God gives us."

"I still dream about him." Fran held Jonah tightly causing the little boy to whimper.

Bryan felt his heart pound watching her pace up and down with the little boy. "Oy! Look at her." He leaned back so the little girl would watch him talk. "Your ma's a wreck Eve!" He smiled as the baby reached out to touch his mouth.

"OY! Your setting me up!" Fran glared walking towards Bryan.

"What?"

"I know you are! I thought we had a deal Mista Hunter!?" Fran shifted as Jonah watched the adults hiss at one another.

"Fran I had dealings in New York long before you came to work for me. I have to go there tomorrow! So I have to miss our outing."

Fran narrowed her eyes watching him for a moment. "Okay, but I'm warning you! No funny business!" She managed a smile as Bryan took Jonah from her holding both toddlers. She turned to glance at her ringing phone.

"I'm going to take these little ones in the back room." Bryan winked as Fran waved him onward.

"You two want to know a secret?" Bryan let out a laugh. "I'm setting her up, and hopefully if this works you'll have that daddy she's always promised ya!"

"So who are you going to meet in New York?" Fran followed him into the twins nursery.

"A few new investors, and I want to make a few investments." Bryan put Jonah down first in his crib and then Eve in hers.

"You want me to get to work on a few meetings for this party?"

"Please." Bryan leaned over watching Eve for just a moment. "How tell me! What did the doctor say about her?"

Fran lowered her head once more. "Oy are you going to push me?"

"I could.. Hard and often." Bryan wiggled his e ye brows make her laugh.

Fran let out a nasal laugh causing Jonah to giggle. "Oy! Are you laughing at my voice!" She walked over towards his crib and the boy let out another laugh.

Bryan glanced at his watch letting out a sigh. "I have to get going. Mike has a ton of things for me to do. I'll see you at dinner tonight?"

"Are you cooking?"

"If we are going to eat I am." He let out a laugh watching Fran's face.

"C.C. Babcock?" C.C. flipped open her cell phone letting out an annoyed sigh. Her morning sickness had been causing her stomach to jump now at the sound of her cell phone.

"Is this THE C.C. Babcock." Bryan's voice was playful listening to the grumbling woman on the other end.

"If you don't get to the point… I'm just going to hang up."

"I think we have a friend… If I recall she said something to you once." Bryan closed his eyes trying to remember one of Fran's stories. "If you ever hurt one of my kids again, they'll be wiping your blue blood off the wall… and I mean that in the nicest possible way!"

C.C. glanced up from her purse. "You know .. Nanny Fine.. I mean Fran."

"I know her, and I also know that lately you have become the laughing stock of the social world in New York. I know that rumors surrounding an affair with Maxwell Sheffield's butler are swirling around."

"Get to the point where IS Nann… I mean Fran!"

"I do, and need your help."

"Where are you? Where is FRAN!" C.C. was getting annoyed with all the games. "I'll drag her nanny ass back here in a second if you just give me a location."

"Meet me tomorrow! Do you have a pen?" Bryan waited and gave her an address.

"If your playing games with me."

"My name is Bryan Hunter. I suggest you do a little research on it Miss Babcock. I never play games with people I care about! I'll see you tomorrow."

C.C. closed her cell phone and glanced towards her front door. She opened it up to face Niles's handsome face. "Do they know you escaped?"

"I got out early." Niles reached out pulling her close. He blinked feeling her push away. "What's wrong?"

C.C. put the piece of paper in his hand. "I just received a phone call. The man claimed to know Nann.. Fran, and… his name is Bryan Hunter."

"Why does that name sound familiar?"

"I have a meeting with him tomorrow." C.C. felt the full force of his arms around her body. "HEY watch those hands bell boy!"

"Not without me Caca." Niles leaned forward kissing her neck. "I want to make sure your safe, and no one can stop us once we partner up."

"Expect locked doors." C.C. grumbled shaking her head. "What's wrong?" She glazed up into this eyes.

"Like you did last time with, Mrs. Hunter." Niles felt his jaw tighten. "Remember the limo driver that led Fran into the spa?"

"This isn't a game of Anna's then?"

"I don't think so." Niles rubbed his chin. "I at least… hope not."

"Arabian night is a party that could be held anywhere!" Fran let out a sigh placing plates on the table. "I really don't think…"

"Am I NOT your boss?" Bryan shook his head waving Fran way from the simmering pots. "Would you back away! MOTHER!"

"I rather like the idea of throwing the company party in New York. We have spent the last few years in such hot climates." Mary shook her head holding onto Jonah.

"I'm not going to be able to go."

"Course you are!" Mary smiled.

"Eve!?" Fran held onto the little girl.

"Fran!" Bryan walked out of the kitchen. "She can come with us."

"I don't think…."

"It's a good idea." Bryan and Mary both rolled there eyes mumbling at the same time.

"She has some hearing problems! Are you going to let that stop her?" Bryan narrowed his eyes. "Maybe you can at last show off your children to their grandparents!"

Fran let out a nasal whimper thinking about how close she used to be with her parents. Since going to New York she only dared called her parents once. It was a phone call that left her whimpering and crying for two weeks. "ermm Yeah."

"That doesn't sound to reassuring." Mary walked into the kitchen.

"I have a meeting later in the day with C.C. Babcock." Bryan glanced at his watch. "Which means I'm going to have to leave a few hours earlier to make it."

"Are you sure she's the one you want to contact." Mary lowered her voice.

"She's not but I suspect a certain butler will be following at her heels." Bryan picked up the huge plate of grilled salmon. "Dinner's here!"

Jonah let out a gurgle as Bryan set him next to his twin sister. "No fish for you Mista!" Fran sat a bowl for mash fruit before him.

Bryan leaned in whispering to the little boy. "Don't worry I made pudding!"

"Oy! You clean it up then!" Fran pointed her finger towards Bryan's chair.

"I'll clean them up don't worry!"

"He should be really going out and … dating…" Fran leaned over whispering in Mary's ear. "He shouldn't be hanging around me."

"He's where he wants to be." Mary watched as Bryan started to feed the twins.

Fran closed her eyes trying to picture Maxwell doing the same thing. "Oy…" Even now at this moment she couldn't drive the image of Maxwell Sheffield out of her life.

"Are you alright?" Mary leaned over feeling Fran's forehead.

"Nothing a good night sleep can't cure."

"Then why don't I sleep over in your guest room, and watch the twins?" Mary smiled as Fran nodded slowly.

"Thank you, your too good to me."

"Since my son is off again on another adventure! I could use the company." Mary winked towards a smiling Bryan.

His hand reached out touching her forehead. "What's wrong?" Maxwell moved in closer as Fran let out a whimper.

"You need to go away! I can't live in this dream state anymore." Fran's nasal whimper tugged out at his heart strings. "This isn't healthy for either of us."

"Then come home." Maxwell narrowed his eyes.

"I would ruin your engagement." Fran's voice was filled with bitterness.

"Then ruin it!" Maxwell's moved even closer taking a hold of her lips. Fran didn't respond at first and he felt her trying to push him away, but soon she began to soften giving into fate.

"Max…" Fran couldn't stop her soft moan as his hands started to slip under her night gown. "You're a dream."

"A rather good dream I hope?" He flashed a smile and watched Fran quiver in his arms.

"Your not fighting fair!" Fran opened her eyes wide feeling his hand on her bare skin was just to much.

"How long has it been?" He watched her with a boyish smile.

"Max….."

It was the worse way to start the day as Maxwell woke up in a cold sweat. He had reached out hoping it was not another dream only to find his part of the bed empty. Glancing at the alarm clock he saw the angry four a.m. flash. "Bloody hell." The pounding in his heart grew as he stood up walking towards his dresser pulling out her hidden picture.

"Oh Mista Sheffield, I wish wanted you to know that these last three years have been the best years of my life!" Fran reached out touching his hand as the plane started to shake even more.

"Oh God, my children! They adored you Miss Fine!"

"Ya know, now would be a good time to call me Fran." She had moved closer to him, and he couldn't prevent himself from staring into her eyes.

"I love you."

Maxwell let out a groan stuffing the picture back in the dresser. "I shouldn't have taken it back." He let out a soft sob walking towards his bathroom. He was getting use to cold showers. Maxwell had hoped he could either bring Fran out of hiding or move on with his life. He couldn't drive the images away of making love to her! The way she would always smile, and the touch of her hand on his arm.

Niles had a strange feeling about this meeting sitting in the chair. He had seen Maxwell's pale face again this morning and decided against his better judgment he would go with C.C. "He is running late!" Niles glanced at his watch letting out a sigh.

C.C. shook her head glancing around the cafe. "The guy bought out the ENTIRE place Niles! We can wait."

Niles glanced up noticing a rugged looking man with a long leather coat coming their way. Niles stood up along with C.C. eyeing the man.

"Sorry I'm late." Bryan flashed a smile offering his gloved hand. "Bryan Hunter."

C.C. reached out a hand and watched as Bryan kissed it. Niles of course let out a soft hiss. "C.C. Babcock… The pit bull at my side is…"

"Niles, but to this day no one is sure of your last name." Bryan took the man's hand and sat down. "I haven't had anything to eat all day!" He waved towards a waiter and noticed C.C. and Niles glaring at him. "In a moment… I'll answer all your questions, but a man's got to eat." He quietly gave the waiter an order and returned to his guests.

"Do you really know Miss Fine?" Niles couldn't wait a moment longer. He watched as Bryan pulled an envelope out of his jacket pocket handing it to Niles.

"She has me mail them every time I'm away on business."

Niles tore open the letter his eyes growing wide. "You?"

"Me…" Bryan nodded taking a large gulp of his water.

Thousand of questions entered C.C.'s mind all fighting to escape. "Why is Nanny Fine hooked up with you?!"

"We aren't 'hooked' up per say. She's my friend, and she's had a rather hard time of it ever since she left New York."

"How so?" Niles tilted his head reading something in the man's eyes.

"She can't leave the longing for Maxwell Sheffield behind." Bryan leaned back watching Niles and C.C. for a moment. "There is more, but … I won't betray my friend."

"Why have you contacted us?" C.C. was at last able to find her voice. "If you are here to lock Niles and I up in another room."

"What?" Bryan glanced at their glaring faces.

"Never mind!" Niles raised his hand. "How can we trust you?"

"I want to see Fran happy! I need help in setting a trap either one of them can escape from."

"Were listening." C.C. narrowed her eyes.

"How much does it cost to invest in a play?" Bryan glanced at C.C. who let out another hiss.

"Your joking?"

Bryan pulled out his check book. "Should I make this out to Sheffield and Babcock productions?"

"You want to meet Mister Sheffield." Niles felt something dawning on him as Bryan wrote out the check. Maxwell would make it a habit of meeting with all of C.C.'s backers.

"Yup!" He waved the check towards C.C. "For the next two weeks I'll be at the Four Seasons." He smiled as C.C. took the check from his hands.

"NILES!" C.C. let out a gasp holding onto his knee.

"Damnit woman! You have claws!"

"Look at all the ZEROS!" She flashed Niles the check and he let out a gasp.

"Now…" Bryan pulled out five envelopes. "I trust you all love to party?"

Niles glanced down opening the envelope and letting out a groan. "You have this all set up"

"Yes and don't give it to Sheffield or his children until after I meet him. The date and time is subject to moving around so if it does I'll mail Miss Babcock here new invites."

"If you have this all planed out then why do you need us?" Niles narrowed his eyes.

"Anna Jameson can a real hand full." Bryan smiled as the waiter delivered his order.

"Yeah tell us about it." C.C. rolled her eyes looking down at her salad.

"When they meet… I don't want her anywhere near it to ruin the moment. I can't get anywhere near her, but you two can." Bryan smiled raising his glass.

Niles smirked raising his glass and let out a laugh. "Mister Hunter I think this might be the start of a wonderful friendship."

"Yeah what ever as long as I get to handle Anna." C.C. raised her glass. "Here is to the plot to end all plots."

"For both their sakes let it work." Bryan lowered his glass glancing into Niles's eyes.

"From your lips to god's ears." Niles raised his glass towards the heavens.

"Yeah yeah…. All for one and one for all." C.C. rolled her eyes going back to her lunch.

Maxwell paced up and down his office. "I don't care if you have to redo the whole set! It looks trashy, and we aren't paying for it! Don't make me get Miss Babcock after you."

C.C. couldn't hide the smile on her face as she entered the office.

"I'll call you back… No just have the blasted THING DONE!" Maxwell hung up the phone glaring at his partner. "Please tell me you have good news!"

C.C. handed over Bryan Hunter's check watching Maxwell gasp for breath. "How about that?"

"Who in the hell is Bryan Hunter?" Maxwell sat down rubbing his chin. "Is this check any good?"

"I called the bank on the way here. It's good." C.C. watched as Maxwell's face twisted in shock. "He's an oil man with several companies around the world."

"How did you find him?"

"He found me." C.C. leaned back and shifted the weight of her belly around. "Why do you have that look, Maxwell?"

"This is a lot of money! I just can't accept it without …"

"We are having dinner with him tomorrow night. You can bring Anna." C.C. couldn't hide her growing smile.

"NILES!" Maxwell let out a call and C.C. chuckled.

"You gave him the rest of today off… Remember?"

"I have this feeling." Maxwell sat back down still holding the check. "He found you?"

"Yup."

"Any idea how and why?" Maxwell rubbed his goatee letting out a soft sigh.

"I never look a gift horse in the mouth, Maxwell." C.C. found herself chewing on the tip of her pen watching him. "That's enough money to back two plays."

"I have a bad feeling about this." Maxwell let out a groan and stood up opening up his safe and placing the check inside. "I want you to find out…." He turned back around and felt C.C. place a folder in his hand.

"Everything I can about the man."

"This is thick." Maxwell glanced at the file and then back towards a smiling C.C. "Why are you smiling?"

"No reason." C.C. glanced at her watch and then back towards Maxwell. "I need to make a phone call."

Niles had been following the man around since they had left lunch. As Niles expected he went to a few business meetings, but what shocked him is they ended up in a grave yard.

"Fran was right." Bryan let out a sigh yelling into the open air. "You are a YENTA!"

Niles stepped out letting out a sigh pulling his jacket tighter. "Sir."

Bryan let out a chuckle holding flowers in his hand. "Come on, Niles." Bryan walked past the rows of graves letting out a sigh. "You really don't trust me?" He stopped and Niles smirked.

"It has been a long time since anyone has heard from Miss Fine. Then a strange shows up flashing a check in front of Miss Babcock's face claming to know Fran? I'm not impressed." The watched as Bryan stood before a grave.

"To bad you didn't tie her up when she appeared in your kitchen last time." Bryan chuckled watching Niles let out a groan.

"I never make the same mistake twice." Niles glanced down watching Bryan dust at a grave stone. He let out a sharp hiss seeing the name.

Belle Jameson

He placed a single rose on the grave. "How well do you know Anna Jameson?"

"I…." Niles felt his throat tighten as he walked up closer. "Not well enough it seems."

"My sister." Bryan touched the grave stone. "My twin… You know there is a funny thing that ties twins together. You can feel them no matter what the distance." Bryan let out a sigh his eyes glancing off towards a group of clouds.

"You sister?"

"She married Peter Jameson with a full heart. She loved Peter, but then came along Anna… "

"Her husband died of cancer." Niles mumbled quietly.

"Belle became pregnant. My sister was told that having a child was dangerous to her health, and told Anna the good news. The woman saw her opening and told Peter." Bryan walked over and Niles let out a hiss noticing the small grave. "My sister ran of course. At this time I was away in Alaska taking my mother away. We had no idea what was going on." Bryan's face was racked with guilt. "I felt something, but… pushed it aside." Bryan knelt down besides the small grave pulling out a teddy bear. "While running for her husband.. Eight months pregnant…. She delivered early… and died…. The baby died a few days later."

"I'm sorry." Niles felt his heart race and shook his head. "What does this have to do with Miss Fine?"

"All this time Anna was moving in… pushing each side… She saw her chance and used the situation… So… Niles…a snake knows when to attack." Bryan's tone was bitter. "I will not allow this woman to push Maxwell Sheffield or Fran Fine around. If they have any chance to get back together then Anna Jameson must be pushed aside."

"Have you told Fran this story?"

"No! My mother and I have been begging her to come back to New York, but Sheffield didn't help my case with his damn 'friends' statement. That and the…" Bryan stopped himself eyeing Niles. "Never mind."

"Sir?" Niles narrowed his eyes.

"In Belle's last letter to me… She said that the feelings she had towards Peter was something she had never known for another being… 'Nothing I've ever known.'" Bryan felt his lip tremble letting out a sigh. "Fran told me that about Maxwell Sheffield."

"You were about to say something else?" Niles let out a groan. "Talk man! What's keeping her away it's more than just Mister Sheffield's idiotic statement."

"It's two reasons." Bryan smiled walking past Niles.

"GOOD Lord! Tell me! I swear on my mother's grave, and my unborn child's life I shall never tell!" Niles let out a groan letting out a whimper. He had to have answers to why Fran Fine was hiding away from the world and man she loved so much.

"Alright…" Bryan reached into his pocket pulling out a picture and handing it over to Niles. "Remember your oath." He winked and watched Niles's jaw drop.

"I… I…. I…" He gazed into the two sets of eyes. "Twins?"

"All good things should come in twos." Bryan moved closer. "Jonah" He pointed towards the smiling baby. "Eve."

"Babies?" Niles's eyes grew wide as his mind started doing the math.

"Come on Niles let me by you a drink." Bryan reached out touching the man's shoulder. He felt a sense of peace knowing that someone else knew. Bryan had George drive them to the nearest bar. He watched the British butler down the first three shots fairly quickly. "Are you alright?"

"Why did she run?" Niles felt his heart pound. "Why?"

Bryan reached out taking the bottle Niles had started to nurse. "You're a smart man. If Sheffield said that night was a mistake… then what would that say about Jonah and Eve?"

"What do you get out of all this?" Niles narrowed his eyes.

"Redemption for one….. That and I do love her. If Maxwell Sheffield wasn't hovering around in her heart do you think I would let Fran Fine alone for a moment?" Bryan flashed a playful smile winking at Niles.

Niles let out a snicker. "You haven't…."

"Come on you can say it." Bryan let out a laugh watching Niles's eyes.

"Slept with her?"

"Was that soooo hard?" Bryan took another gulp for the whiskey. He watched the butler's face twist and turn in pain. "Not that it's any of your business, but no."

"No?" Niles raised an eyebrow.

"Your employer is engaged to another woman, and your asking me if I've slept with Fran?" Bryan shook his head. "How twisted are the British?"

"He hasn't slept with Anna Jameson."

"Yet…" Bryan smirked watching Niles's lower lip tremble.

"He loves her."

"Well… Love is a funny thing isn't it?" Bryan tilted his head. "They both pushed one another away."

"You can set them up, and you can even lock them in a room…" Niles glanced into his eyes.

"I know the old saying Niles. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

Fran let out a sigh glancing into Eve's eyes. "This isn't working!"

"You give up to easily." Mary smiled joining her on the floor. "You need to relax." Mary moved her hands slowly looking into the little girl's eyes.

"Oy! What did you say?" She watched Mary and the woman let out a laugh.

"Hello!" Mary smiled as Fran repeated the movement of her hands to Eve.

"I'm not going to get use to this."

"You will in time. Eve still has some hearing, and she'll learn to make the most of it." Mary smiled watching as Jonah waddled towards them touching his little sister. Fran watched as Jonah managed to settle his cranky sister down with just a touch.

"He has a natural gift with her." Fran smiled touching the little boy's head.

"You'll notice in time she'll help him as well." Mary lowered her eyes.

"Oy are you okay?" Fran reached out touching the woman's shoulder.

"Just remembering old times." Mary let out a sigh. "Bryan should call this afternoon."

"Why are you both helping me again?"

"Your family." Mary smiled and let out a girlish giggle as Jonah climbed into her lap.

"Mary…" Fran narrowed her eyes for just a moment. "What's wrong? Why are you two helping me out so much?"

"Because we can?" Mary blushed as Fran rolled her eyes looking at Eve. "Oy! It's not because you and your son are yentas?"

"We are all yentas." Mary winked as Eve jumped up and down.

"I just…"

"She's fine, Fran." Mary smiled glancing down as Eve pulled on her hair. "Children have an ability to overcome anything if they just have the love and support." She glanced back up at Fran who let out a groan.

"Oy! Are you my mother all the sudden? I have a good eye Mary… I can see a temple by daylight."

"You only see one man making that walk with you. In order to get that man you need to tell him only three things. Here's Jonah!" Mary reached over tickling the little boy's face. "Here's Eve!" She snuggled the little girl next. "I love you."

"You and Bryan make it sound so easy."

"We know it's not, but it's a first step." Mary winked.

Maxwell narrowed his eyes looking at Bryan Hunter. He wasn't sure but he felt a cold chill enter the room as Anna glanced at him. "Mister Hunter! Maxwell Sheffield!" Maxwell reached out taking the man's hand.

"Bryan, please!" He leaned over taking Anna's hand. "How is this lovely lady." Bryan felt his insides crawl trying to push away his urge to strangle this woman. He had to be sneaky and careful.

"Anna Jameson." She smiled watching him kiss her hand. "There is something about you Mister Hunter."

"Bryan!"

"Bryan, have you met before?" Anna tilted her hand and offered him a bright smile.

"Dear lady, if we had met before now I assure you would remembered it." He winked and looked towards a groaning Maxwell.

"C.C. can't make it tonight. She said something about an upset stomach." Maxwell watched Anna for a moment and turned back towards Bryan. "Shall we?"

Maxwell let out a sigh watching outside the limo. "Why are you interested in investing in one of my plays, Bryan?"

"Last three openings you had were quite successful, and if you fail… I get one hell of a tax right off!" Bryan leaned back watching the couple. He watched as Maxwell's arm was near Anna's but not to close. They were a couple not in love? Maybe Sheffield was lonely?

"Why does that give me no comfort?" Maxwell grumbled rubbing his chin.

"What is it you do, Bryan?"

"A little of this, and a little of that." Bryan couldn't hide his sly smile glancing at a grumbling Maxwell. "You did a back ground check on me?"

"How the bloody hell did you know?" Maxwell blinked and let out a gasp.

"It's something I would have done in your shoes." Bryan offered him a smile. "So what did my file say?" He wondered if Niles or C.C. Babcock had edited out his connection to Anna.

"It mostly says what a playboy you are." Maxwell narrowed his eyes causing Bryan to laugh.

"Does he have any fun?" Bryan turned towards Anna who reached out touching his hand.

"You're a risk taker, Mister Hunter."

"That I am." Bryan tilted his head. "I do have my good qualities thou."

"Which are?" Maxwell felt his head pound watching the man's smiling face.

"I will always tell the truth." Bryan rubbed his hands together as the limo came to a stop. "I hope you both like lobster!"

Maxwell watched as the man seemed uneasy at times, but relaxed talking about the many places he called home. "So is there a Mrs. Hunter?" Anna playfully narrowed her eyes.

"Nope! Marriage and I don't agree."

"You should really try it!" Anna reached out taking Maxwell's hand. "I couldn't believe it when Max asked me."

"How DID you ask her?" Bryan smiled watching as Maxwell shifted in his chair.

"It's a really long story." He felt his cheeks grow flush and Bryan let out a laugh.

"We have time." Bryan tilted his head. "Alright Anna you tell me."

"It was really sweet. I was caring for him during another stressful time. He was all worried about some 'woman'."

"Ahhh some woman." Bryan tilted his head back towards Maxell.

"Fran…" Maxwell snarled.

"So she isn't just some woman? She has a name?" Bryan reached out towards the wine bottle and poured. He watched as Anna and Maxwell glared at one another. "I'm sorry? Is this woman a sore subject?"

"She disappeared some time ago." Maxwell's voice was so soft Bryan had to strain to hear him.

"She was nothing more than a little gold digger." Anna grumbled and Maxwell took his hand away from hers.

"Gold diggers don't run away." Bryan mused he was having some fun with this. "They tend to stick around."

"Well she's no longer here, and Maxwell spent some time nursing his broken heart." Anna reached up touching his cheek.

"You were more than willing to step in." Bryan mumbled under his breath.

"What was that?"

"It was lucky for him." Bryan winked speaking a little louder.

"Well that didn't go well." Maxwell put down his jacket and glanced at the clock. "C.C. is going to…" Maxwell stopped himself feeling Anna's hands around his waist turning him around.

"I really don't like the man." She reached up touching his goatee. "I really wish you would shave, Maxwell."

Maxwell groaned pulling away from her. "I can't refuse the check forever, and now that I know he's not some bloody drug dealer."

"Is something wrong?" Anna narrowed her eyes.

"You shouldn't have said that about, Miss Fine."

Anna rolled her eyes. "Maxwell, your affection for this nanny of yours has got to stop. She's gone!"

"If you ever say anything about her again." Maxwell's eyes darken and he looked somewhat dangerous.

"I won't." Anna backed away opening the front door. "I'll give you a call tomorrow." It was the first time Anna had left the house without receiving a kiss from Maxwell.

Maxwell let out a sigh as Gracie walked down the stairs. "Hello sweetheart!" He forced a smile watching his daughter's worried look.

"I got a way to contact, Fran!" She watched as her father's eyes started to widen.

"How darling?" Maxwell walked towards her the smile growing on her face.

"She sent me a P.O. Box and it's located in Santa Fe." Gracie shook her head looking into her father's eyes and handing him the small note.

Maxwell glanced at it and waved her back down the stairs towards his office. Maxwell went inside writing down the information. "I'm not sure what to say to her, or if she'll even read a letter from me."

"Hello, and I love you?" Gracie sat down smiling.

"That doesn't quite cover things sweetheart. I wonder how quickly we could get a letter to…"

"Two days." Grace smiled as her father pulled out the pen and paper from his desk. "If you want I'll address the envelope."

"Thank you." Maxwell blushed watching Gracie stand up and walk towards the door.

"Daddy…"

"Yes darling?"

"Are you REALLY going to marry, Anna?" Gracie narrowed her eyes and watched as her father's face became bright red. "Oy! You better make sure she knows that you have no intention… sooner rather than later."

Maxwell glanced down at the empty piece of paper. He felt his hand starting to shake. "I'm not sure what to tell her."

"The truth?" Gracie let out a small giggle and closed the door. She went into the kitchen to find Niles grumbling over a few pot holders. "Niles?"

"Yes, Miss Grace?"

"Do you think Fran and Daddy will …." She let out a soft whimper unable to finish.

"Yes, Miss Grace. I think they will find their way back to one another. Let's just hope it's sooner rather than later."

"Come to see me off?" Bryan smirked walking up towards the blonde.

"I read your file! I know what happened to your sister." C.C. did her best to keep up with Bryan.

"We all have our crosses to bare, and I was shocked when you didn't go after Sheffield after Fran left." Bryan smirked turning around to stare into her blue eyes. "Even more shocked to find out that your in the middle of a fling with Sheffield's butler."

"Listen if you cause any damage…" C.C. raised her finger but Bryan broke out into a huge fit of laughter.

"I'm a sheep here, and the real hunter is Anna." Bryan reached out touching the woman's hand. "We could easily force Fran and Maxwell into a room today if we wanted to but nothing would change. Maxwell has issues to deal with and so does Fran." Bryan started to walk towards his private plane again. "When they see one another again… I want it to be magical. I want them both to feel the pull of this unstoppable force that has been keeping them awake at nights."

"I know of the gossip surrounding you, Mister Hunter." C.C. narrowed her eyes. "Your history gives me no comfort… are you doing this because you think your sister sees you?"

"Yes." Bryan let out a chuckle.

C.C. sighed handing him a few papers. "I need a phone number."

Bryan reached out handing her a card. "My private line. Here is one for Niles as well." Bryan felt his cell phone ring and reached inside his jacket pocket. "Hunter?"

"Oy! You better be heading back here, Mista! Mike is driving me crazy." Fran cradled her phone while watching her computer screen. "If I have to deal with another upset stock holder…"

"I'm heading back now, but I need to stop by Santa Fe for a few days." Bryan reached out keeping C.C. from leaving just yet.

"Can you check my mail box please?"

"Sure thing." Bryan let out a sigh.

"Give Rose my love as well!" Fran giggled hanging up the phone.

"Why aren't you drooling all over, Nanny Fine?" C.C. narrowed her eyes. "I know what you told Niles, but …"

"For the same reason I'm not trying to steal ya from your butler." Bryan winked walking away from C.C. "I'll give you a call in a few days."

For one of the first times in her life C.C. found herself tongue tied watching the man jump on his private plane.

Fran let out a sigh calling Bryan's phone again. "Bryan?"

"I'm about to take off is everything alright?" Bryan leaned back in the huge chair.

"I just have this funny feeling. You and Mary have the hotel really close to Broadway." Fran's nasal sigh was soft.

"And?"

"I still get this feeling your setting me up." Fran now let out a hiss. "He's engaged to another woman. I hope your not up to anything."

"I promised to stay out of it didn't I?" Bryan shifted and glanced at his grumbling pilot. "Now I need to get going! Give the twins my love!"

"Will do!"

Bryan let out a chuckle glancing out the phone. "I said.. 'I' would stay out of it, but I didn't say anything about not getting help."

She watched his eyes and smiled. "What are you looking at Mista?" Fran shifted and watched his eyes.

"You." Maxwell reached out brushing her hair back. "I live for these dreams."

"They aren't enough."

"I know darling." Maxwell shook his head. "Why can't you tell me? Tell me what's wrong at least here?"

Fran narrowed her eyes. "Your… engaged…"

"I'm lonely without you, but that's not keeping you away."

"I can't tell you… not here…" Fran let out a soft whimper feeling his hand on her cheek. "I don't even know if this is real."

"Then you can tell me." Maxwell narrowed his eyes pulling her closer.

"I… was… pregnant when I left."

Maxwell blinked looking into her eyes. "What?"

"If you took it all back….." Fran's lower started to tremble. "What would that mean for them?"

"Them?" Maxwell blinked feeling his heart pound. He felt sunlight pour into his room pulling him out of the dream. He sat up and pulled his knees towards his chest burying his head in his hands. "Not… healthy…." He couldn't stand this much longer the dreams were all so real and Fran's eyes.

Fran let out a sigh shaking her head. "Oy, I can't believe it's been so long! Have you seen the costumes your son is sending out to everyone?" She tilted her head towards a red headed woman.

"Bryan has a habit of over doing it." She let out a laugh watching Fran's face. "What's wrong? You have been allowing that letter to set there ever since Bryan brought me back from Santa Fe."

"I'm kinda scared to open it. Oy, I left Gracie in the middle of the night." Fran glanced back at the letter sitting on the desk. "I'm not sure what to do Rose."

"I used to think you and Bryan were having an fling." The woman gave Fran a playful grin. "Come on Fran he helped deliver your twins!"

Fran's face twisted in pain. "I … I don't like to think of the state they where in." She glanced down at the bell dancer costume. "Do you have one like this?"

"Yes, the silver mask isn't going to fool anyone." Rose lifted up the silver thin mask towards her face. "Anyone will be able to tell."

"Who you are?" Bryan was standing in the door glancing at the women.

"I hired a few more cooks and waiters." Fran shook her head. She watched as Bryan reached out kissing Rose's hand. "Why haven't I been seen the guest list?"

"Why do you need it?" Bryan smirked looking into her eyes.

"I'm your director of personal. I'm suppose to be dealing with your stock holders and other employees."

"This is my party, Fran." Bryan winked reaching down glancing over her shoulder. "Why is the letter still sitting unread?"

"She's chicken." Rose let out a giggle and handed Fran a piece of chocolate.

"It's a shame to have a letter go unread…" Bryan picked the letter up waving it in front of Fran's face. "It's only one week before we hit New York."

All three adults glanced up hearing a small child's cry. "Come on Bryan, and we will leave Fran alone with her letter."

Fran glanced at her computer screen and then back towards the letter. She let out a sigh reaching out opening Gracie's letter. She let out a sharp gasp glancing at the hand writing.

Dear Fran,

I am sitting here trying to work up the courage to write out what I've been feeling now for nearly two years. I found myself drifting in a dream wanting more than anything to reach out and pull you back towards us. Do not be angry with me that Gracie gave me this way to contact you. If I could remove this force that has kept you from your home, I would. We are all worried about you. I dream of you at times, and reaching out I can feel the soft silk of your skin. The feel of your eyes burns into my soul. Then we both pull away and the waking worlds calls us both back. I am left heartsick trying to find sleep once more. Do you feel the same force? Do you feel the pulling at your heart? I will be honest in my grief and tell you something. I find myself engaged to another woman anything to fight the loneness in my heart. Are you feeling this? Do you understand? We should talk and soon. I doubt we can run from these feelings anymore. Please Fran… Contact us.

Max

Fran closed her eyes fighting the trembling of her lower lip. She found herself grasping the phone and closing her eyes. "Oy…" She quickly dialed the number before she lost the will.

"Sheffield residence." Niles waited for a moment. "Hello? Is anyone there?"

"Niles?" Fran felt timid around her old friend.

"Miss Fine!" Niles felt his heart jump hearing her voice. "Where are you? How are you?"

"Is he home?"

Niles let out a sigh glancing around. "Not at the moment, but he'll be returning within the hour. Miss Fine?"

"Yes, Niles." Fran let out a soft sigh feeling more at ease.

"Will you call him back later tonight?" Niles shifted glancing at his empty kitchen.

"I will if you promise that you'll have lunch with me next week." Fran managed a bright smile thinking about her long talks with Niles. "I'll even pay!"

"Ooooo! Are we rolling in it now?" Niles let out a teasing purr.

"We are rolling in something alright."

"Swear to me that you'll call him back later tonight." Niles's voice was unsure and full of trouble.

Maxwell sat down with a sigh. He had just spent the past three hours trying to explain to his director the guidelines he wanted. "Bloody hell." He glanced at the ringing phone. "NILES?" He let out a whimper reaching for it after a few rings. "Sheffield."

"Wha ever happened to Maxwell Sheffield, Broadway Producer?" Fran's voice was faint, but came across loud and clear. Her nasal sounding voice was music to his ears.

He felt his lower lip tremble and did his best to find his voice. "Miss… Fran?"

"How are you?" Fran held the phone tight against her ear afraid she might drop it because her hand was shaking so bad.

"Very… ill…" Maxwell couldn't help it. "You?"

"Very ill too." Fran felt her lip start to tremble. "Oy! I am heading into town soon. You and the children could meet me for dinner?"

"Fran." Maxwell felt strange calling her that, but right at the same time. "I'm sorry."

"For?"

Maxwell let out a whimper and shook his head slowly. "For pushing you away, and keeping you away."

'Tell him about the twins!' Fran heard her insides screaming but forced it back down. "You didn't push me away, Mista…. Maxwell."

"I must have."

"Look!" Fran let out a sigh and did her best to control the tremors going on in her heart. "It's hard to explain what happened."

"We need to meet. We need to talk."

"Is your fiancé going to approve of that?" Fran needed to hide behind something, and felt a drop of bitterness enter her heart.

"I explained that."

"I know you did, but it doesn't change the facts." Fran shifted in her chair.

"The fact is you left, and stayed away. I want to see you. I want to make sure you are alright. I want to …"

"To what?" Fran leaned forward and heard a small child's cry. "What Max?"

"Say that again?"

"Max?" Fran tilted her head.

"Will you let me know when you come into town?" Maxwell tapped his fingers on the desk. "Will you let your parents know?"

"Gee you know how to twist the dagger in my heart don't ya?"

"I love you." Maxwell isn't sure where it came from but the need to say it came out.

Fran waited a moment giving him a chance to take it back.

"Fran?"

"Are ya sure? Ya might have second thoughts later." Fran heard the cries grow louder and let out a grumble. "Max…. I will see you soon, and I promise to call ya when I hit town."

Maxwell hung up the phone letting out a sigh. He could have sworn he had heard a child's cry.

Fran glanced out the window letting out a sigh as Jonah leaned against her. "That's the third time you have sigh, and we haven't even taken off yet." Bryan leaned in close with little Eve on his lap.

"Give her a break, Bryan." Rose let out a laugh. "She's nervous."

"So when did you call?" Bryan narrowed his eyes.

"How did you know I called?"

"It's in your look, and every sigh you take." Bryan turned around smiling. "What did he say?"

"Bryan…" Fran let out a groan. "You better not be playing games."

"I never play games. Playing games mean you have to loose a few, and I never loose." Bryan winked reaching over to tickle Jonah's cheek.

"Careful Bryan, your ego is showing." Mary walked forward buckling up. "How did your phone call go?"

"I'm scared." Fran reached out letting Bryan take Jonah, and buckle him up. "Every step that I take brings me this much closer to what I've always wanted."

"There is more at stake than what I want here." Fran kept her eyes on the twins in their seats. "What will happen to them?"

"Wasn't Maxwell hiding behind his children?" Bryan smirked and felt Fran toss a pillow his direction. "Well it's true!"

"This is different…. OY! I do sound like Mista Sheffield." Fran blushed watching the three set of eyes on her. "Let's just drop this subject!"

"What did you tell him about the twins?" Rose leaned over and Fran blushed.

"I didn't tell him about the twins yet." Fran let out a sigh and Bryan shook his head.

"Maybe that's for the best." Rose narrowed her eyes.

"Pardon me?" Bryan and Mary glanced towards Rose.

"Well she's going to see him, and it's hard to tell a person over the phone. 'HEY by the way I had your children during our one night of passion!'" Rose put on her best nasal tone causing Fran to burst out in giggles.

"It's best to do that rather than have your son or daughter show up years later." Bryan smirked and Fran let out another sigh.

"Oy! Would ya drop the subject? Are we going to a party?"

"You are going to tell him?" Mary touched Fran's shoulder and she nodded.

"Sooner or later." Fran blushed as Bryan rolled his eyes.

"Would you relax." Rose whispered in Bryan's ear.

"Is everything ready?" Bryan whispered back his hand brushing her red hair to the side. "I want to make sure her and Sheffield can't run from this."

"It's all set."

"Anna?"

"I did that too, and sent Niles your note." Rose shook her head.

Fran closed her eyes as the plane took off from the small run way. Bryan had rented seven planes to take his employees in. She opened her eyes again watching Jonah and Eve drifting off to sleep. She soon found her own eyes fading fast. "Sleep Fran! I'll wake you in a few hours." Mary's kind words were all that she needed.

Maxwell was before her as her eyes opened up again. "Maxwell…" She felt the tears starting to form.

"I feel you coming nearer. I can't wait to see you."

"Oy!" Fran did her best to control her heart beat as it started to pound. "I'm scared."

"No more than I, but darling we have to try." Maxwell smiled touching her hand. "I can't wait to see you, and Gracie is so excited."

"Some many things have changed."

"Not my love for you." Maxwell moved in even closer.

Maxwell glanced at himself letting out a sigh. "Why did we agree to go to this blasted party?" He was all dressed out in white and gray robes. "I look rather SILLY!"

"I think you look great, daddy." Gracie giggle stepping down in her own costume. "Anna is going to meet us there?"

"Maybe she'll get lost." Niles came down looking at his outfit. "Sir this is rather silly?"

"Maybe it is but it provides me easy access to your butt." C.C. came up behind him and pinched him hard.

"Can you two behave for just one moment?" Brighton rolled his eyes coming down the stairs.

"Have you called your sister?" Maxwell glanced up towards his son.

"She's coming. Someone sent her a limo." Brighton pointed towards his beard. "Are you going to shave that sometime soon?"

"No." Maxwell shook his head trying to get used to the outfit. "Why are they having bloody masks at this thing if you can see easily tell who the person is?" Maxwell held up the thin mask to his face letting out a sigh.

"Daddy! It's a party!" Gracie placed her hand on her father's arm and watch as Maxwell walked downstairs.

"He's a little uptight." Niles shook his head and let out a soft chuckle.

"He's worried about tomorrow, but has no idea Fran's going to be at this thing?" Brighton glance towards C.C. and Niles who both shook their heads in response.

"OY! This is going to be good." Gracie let out a giggle walking down the stairs and joining her father outside. "Daddy don't you think you have to talk to Anna soon?"

Maxwell climbed inside the waiting limo. "About what sweetheart?"

Brighton soon joined them and let out a sigh waving towards C.C. and Niles inside another limo. "Come on, dad." Brighton drummed his fingers against the door. "We all know that you really want Fran, and not her."

"This isn't a good time to talk about this." Maxwell shifted letting out a groan.

"When is?"

"Not now." Maxwell shifted his headdress letting out a whimper. "I still feel like such a jack ass!"

"Daddy! Again it's a party!" Gracie giggled as Maxwell let out a whimper.

Fran glanced around the ball room which was dressed in silk. She giggled wiggling her waist around as the little bells started ringing out. "Wow!" Rose walked up wearing a silver costume and let out a giggle. "Do you feel like we are in some kind of day dream?"

"Oy! To bad Mary is up stairs with the twins." Fran glanced up towards the ceiling. She then glanced around looking at all the staff setting up other decorations. "They only have one hour until everyone gets here!" Fran waved her hands around walking up towards one of the hotel staff.

Rose glanced over seeing Bryan's smiling face. "You look like a man who can't wait to spring a trap!" She walked up putting her arms around his neck.

"You know when Fran set us up… I was looking for a way to repay her."

"Really now? Was this before or after you called me bull headed when she locked us in that room together?" Rose let out a giggle as Bryan laughed.

"I just want everything to work out." Bryan glanced around and let out a sigh.

"OY!" Fran waved a few people around carrying palm trees. "You better hurry, mista!" She winked at one man who whistled.

"Fran!" Bryan reached her side. "Breath! It's going to be ready in an hour."

"In an… HOUR!" Fran let out a nasal snarl and turned around. "Oy! This room isn't what it should be."

Bryan shook his head watching Fran move into the other room.

Maxwell's eyes became wide glancing around the room. It had been filled with palm trees, and sand. "It looks like a beach." He moved around hearing the sound of bells.

"It looks like some kind of oasis." Brighton lifted up his hand pointing out the fountain in the middle of the room.

Maxwell reached out taking a wine glass of the tray of a passing waiter. The lights had been dimmed so it could show the brightness of the lamps that were made to look like torches. He turned around to hear someone calling his name.

"Sheffield!" Bryan reached out taking the man's hand in his own. Bryan looked like some Sultan with his heavy robes. "Welcome to my little party!"

"I feel like a bloody fool." Maxwell groan as Gracie let out a giggle.

"Who is this lovely young woman?" Bryan walked over taking Grace's hand. "Bryan Hunter."

Gracie let out another giggle looking up into his handsome face. "Grace."

"What lovely daughters you have, Sheffield. I just saw you eldest child, Margaret?" Bryan reached out taking Brighton's hand. "You must be Brighton?"

Bryan reached for Maxwell's arm and lead him forward. "Your lovely fiancé is in the crowd somewhere as well."

Maxwell watched as three women stood up as a man with a some type of instrument played. He watched the belly dancers dance and could clearly tell one of them was a professional, but the giggle coming from one woman. "Fran….?"

Bryan watched Maxwell's eyes for a moment and turned to see Rose and Fran trying to match the dancer's moves. The twisting and turning as the two women tried their best to keep up with her. The crowd started to gather as everyone broke out in clapping along with the song. Bryan watched Fran's face and hadn't seen her act so happy since the twin's birth. Bryan turned to see Maxwell had left his side and reached out for a goblet of wine.

Maxwell moved from tree to tree trying to get a better look. He was sure this was some kind of day dream seeing her there before him laughing and dancing. He watched her spin around and around and at last he was sure when the dance ended it was indeed 'his' Fran. "Let's get some real music in here shall we!" Bryan roared after the applauses was over.

Fran turned round and hit a male chest. She felt her insides shiver as she glanced up into his eyes. She blinked again looking past the goatee and into his eyes. "Mista… Sheffield?" She let out a gasp as his hands held onto her waist.

"Where is that music, Bryan!" Someone called out in the crowd. Bryan tossed up his hands as music started to flood the dance hall.

"Right now I feel- like a leaf on a breeze. Who knows where it's blowin' Who knows where it's goin'"

Maxwell held onto her just keeping his gazed locked with hers. He felt his heart pound against her body and was aware of her bare belly.

'I find myself somewhere I-I never though I'd be. Going round in circles. Thinking about you and me. How do I explain it when I don't know what to say. What do I do now- so much has changed.'

"Your really here." Maxwell let out a gasp one of his hands leaving her waist to touch her cheek. "This isn't a dream."

'Nothing I have ever known- has made me feel this way. Nothing I have ever seen-has made me want to stay. But here I am ready for you. I'm turn', I'm fallin' - I hear my home callin'

Fran lowered her head but felt his hand lift her chin up. "Say something please?" Maxwell's voice was quivering.

'Hey-I've never felt something's so strong-Oh no it's like nothing I've ever known. Now you're the one I'm looking for. You're the one I need. You're the one that gives me a reason to believe.'

Fran felt her insides shake. She had agreed to meet him at dinner tomorrow but that was in the company of the children. She wasn't expecting this. His grip on her body was firm yet tender. "I….I…"

'Following a star-has lead to where you are. It feels so strong now- This can't be wrong now.'

"I'm not sure what you want me to say?" She felt her legs grow weak, but his hand on her back was so reassuring. "I'm afraid I'll wake up and find this has all be some strange dream. "

'Nothing I have ever known- has made me feel this way. Nothing I have ever seen-has made me want to stay. But here I am ready for you. I'm turn', I'm fallin' - I hear my home callin' Hey I never felt something so strong! It's like nothing I've ever known! It's like nothing I've ever known'

Maxwell released her for just a moment taking her hand. The pair was unaware of the pair of eyes watching them carefully. Bryan had spent weeks planning out every step of this trap, and now it was about to be sprung.

'Right now I feel- like a leaf on a breeze. Who knows where it's blowin' Who knows where it's goin'

"Where is Maxwell? Have you seen him?" Anna walked up taking Bryan's arm.

"Yes I have, and if you follow me." Bryan couldn't hide his growing smile. The rat had fallen into his trap nicely.

Maxwell opened up a door to what appeared to be a huge supply closet forcing Fran inside. "Why did you leave us?" He closed to door behind him as Fran turned on the light.

"I…I…"

"Talk to me, Miss Fine." Maxwell narrowed his eyes moving closer to her. "You left in the middle of… after we…" Maxwell felt his heart twisting glancing into her face. "Why?"

"I didn't want you to take it back." Fran now had her back against the wall. "After a while… I couldn't stand for you to take it back."

"Miss… Fran…" Maxwell reached out touching her cheek. "What makes you so sure I would have taken it all back?"

Fran rolled her eyes letting out a groan and reaching for the door. "Did you?" She moved the handle realizing they were both now locked in.

C.C. let out a chuckle watching the door handle and handed Niles the key. "I like this game!"

"So are you starting to warm up to Mister Hunter now?" Niles raised an eyebrow watching the blonde let out another evil husky laugh. "C.C.?"

"Nooooooo! You have to admire the guy thou, and after he levels Anna then I might." C.C. winked as Niles followed her towards their next task.

Maxwell reached out twisting the handle, but somewhere deep inside he was relieved that now they couldn't escape. He leaned in close whispering in her ear. "What makes you so sure I could have taken it all back?"

"We agree then…friends?" Fran felt her body shiver as Maxwell turned her around to face him. "You took that back with such ease."

Maxwell blushed looking into her eyes. "No I was scared of what could happen."

"What happened?" Fran shifted trying to control her pounding heart beat.

"You ran away."

Fran's mouth opened up but she couldn't find the words. She let out a soft whimper as he covered her mouth with his. She felt the power of his arms pull her tight against his body.

Maxwell felt his tongue dive into her mouth like a starving man. She was just as active in the kiss pulling on his head and deepening it even further. He felt his other hand slip down her back.

Fran closed her eyes wanting to die in his arms, but an image of Jonah's smiling face flashed. The newspaper article announcing Maxwell Sheffield and Anna Jameson's engagement. Fran let go of her grip on his body using the full force of her hands to push him away.

"Fran?" He watched as she rattled the door more. "What's wrong?"

"I can't do this… not again!" Fran felt her whole body shiver.

"Maxwell?" Anna stepped inside the room with Bryan glancing around as he faded into the back ground. It didn't take long before the someone turned on the lights, and the door slammed behind them. "Niles?" Anna glanced towards the door to find Maxwell's smiling butler standing before her with a huge grin on his face blocking the door.

"Sit down, Mrs. Jameson." Bryan had a deadly tone to his voice his eyes narrowed. "Sit down now."

"You don't get to tell me what to do!"

C.C. now appeared besides Bryan and displayed a harsh smile now seeing her foe caught. "Tsk, tsk Anna your caught in the trap!"

Anna narrowed her eyes towards Bryan who smile. "What do you want, and how much?"

Bryan let out a fit of laughter sitting down in the chair that he had placed in the small room. "Money! She thinks I'm doing this about money."

"I'm not here to play games! I just want to find my…"

"Your fiancé?" Bryan shook his head. "Your going to break your engagement, and now." He reached from inside a pouch and laying it down on a stable. "When I mean now.. I mean right now."

She picked up the small picture eyeing it carefully and then glancing into Bryan's eyes. "Belle's twin brother! I thought I had seen you before."

"You are going to leave Maxwell Sheffield, and leave New York."

"Again you have no right." Anna hissed and started to walk away, but Bryan reached out jerking her back into place.

"If you don't I will use every connection I have in the world. I will use my contacts from the I.R.S. to congress to make sure your life is a living hell. You know I have enough money to throw away backing a play! Think of what I could do." Bryan let go of her arm. "Even if something were to happen to me." He reached in his pocket handing Niles a small business card. "He'll act for me."

"With great joy, sir." Niles smirked as Anna backed away.

"Tonight Anna" Bryan let out a slow hiss. "I want you gone."

"Why are you doing this?"

"You stole my sister's life! I won't let you steal someone else's."

"Fran?" Maxwell stopped her for a moment grateful for the locked door. "Fran?" He turned her around keeping her from banging on the door. "What's wrong?"

"Maxwell…"

"What's wrong sweetheart?" He reached out touching her cheek. "Talk to me what's wrong?"

"We all have our ghosts." Fran mumbled closing her eyes at the touch of his hand. "It's hard to explain."

"Try." Maxwell narrowed his eyes.

"I can't explain."

Maxwell let out a groan leaning in closer. "I know you feel something. I can tell by the way you kiss me, Miss Fine."

"So many things have changed." Fran felt his lips on her neck and let out a sigh. "More than…." She was at last cut off by his lips. Fran wondered in the back of her mind if he would be so bold with her in public. She felt her own hands betray her again as she reached out for him and felt her body starting to sink to the floor.

Maxwell felt out of control like he did that night they had first made love. His right hand reached out touching her back pulling her closer to him, but his left hand touched her curves, and then he felt Fran release a moan in his mouth.

Fran felt powerless in his arms as they both sank to the floor. She had spent to many long nights desiring his touch to fight back now. She was finding her own hand snaking under the robes and finding the bare skin of his chest.

The soft rattle of keys caused them both to stand up all the sudden as a waiter blushed noticing the couple. "Hello?"

Fran took her chance making a run for it leaving Maxwell to run after her. "Bloody hell!" Maxwell groaned pushing aside the man and weaving into the crowd.

Fran felt her heart pounding in her ears as she managed to reach the elevator in time. She watched as the doors closed just before Maxwell could reach them.

"Daddy?" Maggie walked up touching her father's shoulder. "What's wrong?"

Maxwell glanced at the elevator letting out a sigh. "Fran was here!"

"Fran?" Maggie's eyes grew wide letting out a gasp.

Maxwell blinked noticing the floor and pounded on the other elevator. "Sweetheart I can't…"

"Go!" Maggie pushed on her father and watched him enter the elevator.

Maxwell slammed his hand on the number and watched the doors close. He felt his mind started to race wondering how many rooms were on that floor. "I'll knock on all of them if I have to." He let out a growl as the doors opened up and he raced into the hallway. He stood still for a moment seeing a cart with towels and other cleaning supplies. "You!"

"Me?" The cleaning woman let out in a heavy accented voice. "Sir?"

"How would you like to make four hundred dollars?" Maxwell managed to dig out his bill fold and flashed the cash.

"Yes!" The woman came forward and Maxwell held out his hand. "Did you see a woman with black hair and a really nasal voice walking past here a few moments ago?"

"Miss Fine!" The woman jumped up and moved towards the door. "Yes, yes! She went to Miss H room then back real quick!"

Maxwell stood in front of the door. He quickly handed over the money and watched as the woman winked opening the door. She waved her hand pocketing the money quickly moving away.

Maxwell walked quietly in the room. It was indeed a rather expensive room as he glanced around. He let out a sigh fighting her whimpering on the bed and came forward reaching out to touch her shoulder.

Fran was shocked to see him and even more shocked when he wrapped his arms around her whimpering body allowing her to now break out into a sob.

Maxwell leaned back glancing into her eyes. "Are you alright?" He now realized how bad him taking back the 'thing' was.

"I could kill you." Fran mumbled and broke out into a slow smile.

"I nor the children wouldn't blame you." He winked leaning down to kiss her softly. "I love you."

Fran looked at him unsure of what he would say next.

"No, I'm not taking this one back."

"I can't do this right now." Fran stood up pulling away from him. "I can't! Your engaged to be married, and I won't be the other woman. Oy! I can't be the other woman."

"You won't be! It will be just you, and me."

"It will be just more than that." Fran mumbled quietly rubbing her chin.

"What?" Maxwell blinked moving closer to her. "Fran… Darling we have to try. I doubt we can fight this any longer." He reached out for her again, and was thrilled that she responded by pulling him into a huge hug. "We can take things slow." Maxwell blinked something dawning on him. "What are you doing here anyway?"

Then it started to dawn on Fran who let out a soft nasal laugh. "Bryan set me up." She pointed towards Maxwell who shook his head.

"Mister Hunter?" Maxwell blinked trying focus on what was going on. All he could see was her outfit and the way it reveled her body. "You work for him?"

"Yeah…" Fran blushed noticing his gaze. "Oy! Remember you want to take this slow." Fran smiled watching him come towards her again.

"I never agreed to slowing things down tonight, Darling." Maxwell's dreams, and even some day dreams came back to haunt him as he kissed along her neck. "I'll agree with it tomorrow."

"What about…Anna…" Fran heard her own whimper and Maxwell release his hold on her. 'What about the TWINS?' Fran felt her inner voice cry out looking into his eyes.

Maxwell let out a sigh kissing the top of her head. "I have missed you so much. I'm sorry if I get carried away."

"Talk to her." Fran narrowed her eyes.

"Will you run away again?" Maxwell couldn't hide the hurt in his voice. "Are you going to be at dinner tomorrow?"

"I will be, and Ma's going to meet us." Fran watched as Maxwell's face brighten. She let out a soft nasal laugh touching his goatee. "I'm still not sure about this."

"I'm sure of only one thing. I love you more than anyone else in the wide world, and I can finally say so."

Fran blushed as Maxwell touched her cheek. "Max… I .. "

"You can't stay here can you?" Maxwell felt his heart start to break at the thought of losing her again.

Fran's thoughts turned to the twins, and the number of issues Eve still faced in the next few months. "Not yet."

"You won't hide anymore?" Maxwell narrowed his eyes.

"No more hiding." Fran felt the full force of his lips on hers as he now had her under his power. The feel of his arms around her waist was a drug she couldn't live without. The feel of his hands as they ran down her body. She found herself growing unsteady in his arms. "The party…" She mumbled as Maxwell picked her up in his arms.

"We have one right here." His eyes narrowed as his lips started to take a journey down her exposed flesh. Maxwell knew that the first time they had made love it was nothing but pure passion. This time it would be nothing but his love for her. His hands went over and then under the costume, and he was delighted with her small whimpers that started to fill the room.

Fran felt all reason being pushed from her brain. They still had issues to talk about! The fact he had gotten engaged while she was away, and the twins! She started to open her mouth but found her body unwilling to listen. She finally gave in feeling the last strap of silk being removed from her skin. She needed his touch. She needed him now more than ever!

Maxwell closed his eyes as he merged their souls feeling at last whole. He had felt heart sick when she had left, and now something inside was alive again. His hand traced the length of her body as they moved together. He was trying to burn this event into his memory.

The slow movement of his body on hers made Fran whimper and cry out. She at one time had tried dating other men once she saw Maxwell's engagement in the papers. She had even ended up kissing Bryan, but none of them could drive Maxwell from her mind or soul. "Maxwell…." She let out a soft whimper feeling both their souls release after a long wait.

Maxwell rolled over onto his back holding her damp body close to his. He at last had her back in his life. This wasn't one of his day dreams. "My Fran…" He held her face in his hands looking into her eyes.

"Max…I…"

Maxwell felt his heart twist. Now they had one another what could still be haunting her? He gently touched her cheek smiling. "Shhhhh."

Bryan sat at the table smiling holding little Jonah on his knee. "You see it's all about a game!" He watched as the little boy giggled at his funny faces more than the cartoon he was reading.

Rose had Eve on her hip smiling at him. "Where is Fran this morning? Did anyone ever get them out of the closet?"

Bryan let out a roar of laughter. "Yes my dear."

Mary's face darken looking at another piece of this morning's paper. "She didn't!"

"What's wrong, Mary?" Rose tilted her head as Mary handed her the gossip page. "Anna Jameson ends engagement with Maxwell Sheffield on the grounds that…. O…" Rose's face twisted in pain as Bryan raised an eyebrow.

"On the grounds?" Bryan's voice had a dangerous edge to it.

"That he didn't want anymore children." Rose's voice was faint and she watched as her lover's face became flushed with anger. "Well she had to tell them something!"

"C.C. Babcock was right I should have just went ahead buried her!" Bryan took the page letting out a sharp hiss. "I might do that later today."

"I don't understand? If everything went as planned… well Fran never came to check on the children last night.. So we know something must have happened between her and Maxwell!" Rose's eyes went from Bryan's to Mary's.

"Maxwell Sheffield needs his reputation in order to run his business." Mary's voice was faint. "If Fran were to show up with twins in tow…."

"Not to mention what Fran will think when she see's this." Bryan shook his head remembering what damage Maxwell's taking back the 'thing' did to her.

"Everyone got the paper this morning." Rose blushed watching Bryan's face. "She's going to see …. Hello Fran!" Rose stood up and Eve reached out for her mother's arms.

"Oy!" Fran felt her whole body tense looking at the gathering. "I know what you did Mista!" She reached out hitting Bryan on the back of the head playfully as he buried the newspaper article under the table.

"I didn't do anything…"

"Come on Rose! Let's do Fran a favor and get her a proper breakfast." Mary stood up and took Eve from Fran's arms. Rose reached out taking Jonah from Bryan's lap.

"Fran…. Did you see…?" Bryan couldn't lie to her.

"I saw it." Fran let out a whimper. "He left around midnight, and that article was waiting for me this morning on my door. Oy! Bryan what am I going to do?"

"Tell him anyway?"

Fran let out a whimper shaking her head. "I am…"

"Fran…" Bryan shook his head. "He's made some mistakes, and you've made some mistakes… I think he hand handle two toddlers running around!"

"I think it's more than that." Fran glanced into his eyes. "What if…"

"Fran you've told me all your fears before. Can you handle the ghost of Sarah Sheffield?" Bryan reached out touching her hand.

"Yes."

"Then what's the problem?" Bryan leaned back and Fran let out a nasal sigh.

"I don't want to ruin him by…" Fran stopped herself shaking her head. "Oy why am I even talking to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"When were you going to tell me about, Rose?" She poked him on the shoulder and Bryan made a pouting face. "She's glowing, and don't deny your going to let her escape back to Santa Fe!"

"She's got a business to run." Bryan reached out waving his finger towards Fran. "My relationship is different!"

"Yeah… right… Mista I'm never getting married man!" Fran reached out for a glass of water. She watched as Bryan's eyes glanced towards Rose and then back towards her.

"That statement does bug her."

"See! This statement bugs me!" Fran poked at the article. "What if I tell him and he pushes me away?"

"What ever happened to seize the day?"

"It's called 'Carpe Diem'" Fran put down the glass letting out a hiss. "I don't want to hurt them."

"Can you live now without Maxwell Sheffield?"

"No…" Fran shivered recalling his touch.

"Then what are you going to do?"

"Take things slow." Fran watched Bryan's face. "Don't give me that look."

"Are you going to make Jonah and Eve tell Maxwell he's a father?" Bryan wiggled his eyebrows playfully like a plan was forming.

"Bryan…. Stay out of this please… Oy, I have to deal with ma's reaction to this." Fran glanced back down at the article.

"What about her reaction to grandchildren?"

Bryan felt a hit on the head from a rolled up newspaper coming from his mother who sat a plate in front of Fran. "Stop pestering the girl!"

Bryan glanced at his mother and then back towards Fran. He watched as Fran took both twins in her lap as the pair settled down. "I pester because I care."

"I don't want to make a mistake. I want to give him a chance to…"

"Your hiding." He waved his hand again feeling another blow to his head this time coming from Rose. "Will people stop hitting me for just a moment!"

"Do you need some back up at this family dinner tonight?" Mary glanced towards Fran.

"Just watch the kids." Fran kissed Jonah and then Eve on the head. "I promise they'll have enough exposure to my family soon enough."

Maxwell shifted in his chair as Sylvia Fine gave him a harsh glance. "What is this I read about you not wanting children?" She poked a finger into his chest casing the man to tumble back. "My baby finally came back to us and your not going to drive her away!"

"Ma!" Fran rolled her eyes as Maggie was holding her neck. "Ya need to let go of that already." Fran was just thankful that Sylvia had no idea about Eve and Jonah yet. She was sure that she would have used their existence against him.

"What is it like living there? You really didn't give us many details!" Brighton reached out taking one of Fran's pictures she was showing the table. "What do you do for Mister Hunter?"

"I'm his personal baby sitter basically." Fran let out a laugh watching Maxwell's face.

"Isn't that what you did for, Mister Sheffield? Are you his nanny?" Morty narrowed his eyes towards his blushing daughter.

"No daddy. It's not like what I was doing for Maxwell." Fran felt Maxwell's hand under the table touch hers.

"Then what do you do?"

"I'm a personal director." Fran turned from her father's glare to see Sylvia's eyes. "What is it Ma?"

"I didn't raise you to be a career woman!"

"Well sometimes things change." Fran blushed as her mother shook her head. "It will all work out, Ma!" She felt Maxwell's hand clasp around hers tightly. She felt a strange sense of peace with Maxwell holding her hand under the table. They had both agreed not to come out with a formal relationship until later on.

"When are you coming home?" Maggie watched as Fran's face blushed scarlet red.

"Not for at least nine to ten months, sweetie." Fran glanced at all the frowning Sheffield children. "I could have you all come up and help me move!"

"That sounds like wonderful idea….Miss Fine."

"What about this, Mista Hunter? Is he just using you?" Sylvia glared at her daughter who rolled her eyes.

"He's seeing someone, Ma… Sort of.. It's really hard to explain he's taken some strange vow never to get married for some reason."

"Does his mother know?"

"Fran, we really need you home soon! I mean did you know about Niles and Miss Babcock?" Grace moved in closer. "They are expecting a kid and everything!"

Fran let out a nasal laugh glancing at Grace. "Your putting me on!"

"It's true! That's one of the reasons he couldn't be here today. C.C. had an appointment today!" Grace watched Fran's face for a moment as her former nanny shifted in her seat.

"That's something I would never have pictured." Fran did her best trying to see her friend and Miss Babcock together. "Nope still can't."

"Brighton found them yesterday inside the front hall closet!" Maggie watched her brother's face become white. "He passed out!"

"Have you ever seen Niles? In boxers? It's really not a pretty sight!" Brighton shook his head as Maxwell let out a whimper of pain.

"It was a rather surreal thing to see." Maxwell shook his head slowly.

"I have something to say." Sylvia turned her gaze towards Fran. "There is something going on here, and something your not telling your mother."

Fran let out a whimper shaking her head. "You won't let this go will you Ma?"

"You didn't even call us for months! You just came by once in the middle of the night! I bet Val got a call."

Fran blushed again as everyone in the table glanced her way.

"She's here now." Maxwell glanced towards Sylvia. "Let's not push this issue."

"Are you coming back home?" Sylvia let out a nasal whimper watching Fran shake her head slowy.

"Your not coming home yet?" Maggie glanced at her former nanny slightly shocked. "Why not?"

"Miss Fine still has a job in Alaska, but has promised to fly in often to come see us all."

Fran walked out into the night air letting out a huge sigh. She had never felt more guilty or cornered in her life. She turned as he reached out for her hand. "Is it wise to walk with your former nanny so soon after you've been dumped?" She smiled feeling his other hand on her waist pulling her close.

"They all missed you, and just want you back. I can hardly blame them."

"When… when.. I'm ready to come back." Fran reached out fixing his tie. "I can't not just yet."

"Are you ever going to trust me again?"

"I hope one day you can learn to trust me again." Fran's words were soft, and left him puzzled.

"Fran.. I…" He blinked this time she quieted him with her lips.

"I'll give you a call when I am safely back in my cabin."

"I'm going to call you every day. I don't care what I have to do! I'm going to make this work." His hand traced her cheek softly. "One day all will be right with the world again, and all our regrets will fade into the past."

"God, I hope so." Fran was melting in his arms, and she let out a sigh.

"No matter what happens… No matter where you go.. I love you!"