Nothing I've Ever Known
Part 3 of 3
Ceniana
Maxwell glanced out the window feeling his heart beat heavy inside his chest. "How much longer?" He mumbled quietly to himself trying to count down the hours he had already been on this blasted plane. He closed his eyes trying to recall the last time he had heard her voice.
*'So will you come? I have something important to show you.' Her voice was timid and strangely enough full of fear.
'I'll be there with bells on! Does this mean that you are moving back to New York next month?'
'Oy, nothing can stop that now!' Fran let out a nasal laugh. 'I just hope you'll be able to forgive me for keeping this from.'
"Mister Sheffield, can I get you anything?" The woman did her best to smile reaching out taking Maxwell's untouched cup of coffee.
"When will we land again?" He glanced up into her eyes.
"Not for few more hours." She walked away towards the cabin letting out a sigh. "Can I get you fellows anything?"
The pilots both shook their heads. "It's hard to believe any of this."
"What did you hear? No one told me anything when they woke me up!" He reached over pushing another button.
"It's all mixed up, but from what I heard Mister Hunter is dead. Miss Rose is on death's door, and Miss Fine is no better."
"Woah!" The man blinked leaning back in his chair. "What a moment Mister Hunter and Miss Rose had a baby just a month ago?"
The man shook his head slowly. "It's all still such a mess, and the police are still trying to figure it out."
Two weeks earlier
"You can't be pulled in two forever, Fran!" Bryan displayed a huge smile glancing into the little baby's face. "He IS coming here right?"
"Oy! He's coming. He might want to strangle me once he sees the twins." Fran glanced out towards the twins running around being chased by Mary.
"When did you start trusting him again?" Rose sat down taking the little baby from Bryan's arms.
"I…." Fran narrowed her eyes trying to think. "When he was willing to slow things down."
"Every time she comes back from New York… She talks about the small romantic stuff he does." Rose watched as Fran blushed. "Just think you finally will get to share the twins with him."
"Long over due if you ask me." Bryan let out a yelp as Rose reached out with one hand to pinch his arm.
"Are you over the 'Thing'?" Rose narrowed her eyes towards a blushing Fran.
"Yes."
"So if he was to ask for your hand…." Rose gave her a playful smile. She then watched as Fran glared at Bryan.
"I'm not planning anything!" Bryan lifted up his hands. "I swear this time I'm staying out of it!"
"That's what you said last time, Mista!" She watched as Bryan stood up going after a laughing Jonah. "I'm going to miss you two."
"You act like we will never come to New York."
Fran blushed looking into her eyes. "You know Rose… I hope he can forgive me. I don't think I could forgive me for keeping this quiet."
Rose smiled looking out towards the playing children. "You wanted to protect them, and in the long term he'll understand that. Wasn't he worried about his children? He'll understand you wanting to protect them."
Fran shifted hearing her purse ring. "I'll be right back!" She walked up pulling the phone out of her purse. "Hello?"
"There you are! I was starting to wonder." Maxwell's voice was thick with excitement.
"You called me this morning silly!" Fran let out a nasal giggle like a school girl with a new crush. "Do you have any idea how large my long distant bill is?"
"I have some idea." Maxwell reached out handling a small jewelry box. "I just had to hear your voice again. "I have a meeting to attend to… I love you too." Maxwell hung up the phone glancing into Niles's face. "Stop looking so please with yourself, old man."
"You should have asked her the last time she was here." Niles held his hands behind his back as C.C. walked into the office.
"I didn't think it was the right time." Maxwell handed the box to C.C. "It came back from the jewelers today."
C.C.'s eyes grew wide as Niles glanced over her shoulder. "Wow, Nanny Fine is going to love this!" The engagement ring was simple with a huge diamond set in the middle.
"You have really outdone yourself sir."
"I want to drag her back here soon as possible. I never thought I would miss her so much." Maxwell glazed into Niles's face and blinked. "Something wrong?"
"It will be good to have her home… sir…" Niles watched as Maxwell pocketed the ring and walked out the office door. He moved to follow his employer, but C.C. let out a hiss. "Leaking, Caca?"
"Something is bugging you." C.C. stood up.
"Shouldn't you go check on, Vicky?" Niles turned around only to feel her reach out turning him around. "What?"
"Split it!"
"I…." Niles let out a whimper bowing his head. "I can't."
"Can't or won't?" C.C. stood up quickly putting her hands on her hips. "Spill it, bell boy! Something's been bugging you for months now. I'm just shocked you managed to keep your mouth shut this long."
"I had to." Niles let out a sigh.
"Why? What's stopping a big yenta like you?"
"I took a oath on our child's life!" Niles blinked feeling C.C. slap him playfully on the arm. "Stop it woman or you'll break something!"
"Never, never do that! Oy! This one is a big one isn't it?"
"It's more than just big…" Niles let out a sigh. "I just hope they can work it all out in the long run."
"Well if you can I can get together." C.C. rolled her eyes as Niles let out a chuckle.
Present day
"Mister Sheffield?" The woman's touch on his arm broke him from his dream. Maxwell glanced up looking blurry eyed into her eyes. "Fra…." He stopped himself letting out a sigh. "Yes?"
"We will be landing in a few minutes." She smiled as Maxwell sat up. "There will be a limo waiting for you."
"Thank you." Maxwell shifted letting out a sigh feeling the plane starting to decent towards land. "Do you know when the Fines might be coming?"
The woman sat down letting out a sigh. "They are a few hours behind you. Mrs. Hunter has sent another plane for your children."
Maxwell closed his eyes and felt his stomach twist and jump as the plane hit the run way. "My answers can't come soon enough."
George let out a sigh watching the private plane taxi around coming to a full stop. He had been awaken in the middle of the night by that awful phone call. He waited seeing the man come from the plane walking up towards him. "Mister Sheffield? I'm George!" He reached out for the man's single bag.
"Yes." Maxwell glanced around the darken private airport. It would be a few more hours before dawn. "How far is the hospital?"
"We will be there soon enough." George tried to smile but he felt the crushing stress of what happened hit him all over again.
Maxwell climbed in the back of the limo and waited. "What the devil happened?"
"Mister Hunter was always a giving soul." George pulled out starting down a long and lonely road. "He could give anything to anyone. That kind of giving has two followers those who admire you, and those who want to take from you."
Maxwell felt his throat tighten. "Miss Fine was shot and stabbed…." Maxwell couldn't picture someone wanting to attack Fran.
"I'll tell you what I know. They suspect it was some kind a robbery in Mister Hunter's house. They were not expecting the three of them there. He had sent away his housekeeper earlier in the day. Who ever they were cleared out the place."
"Leaving them to die." Maxwell felt his hands ache wanting to reached out and strangle the person or persons that would do such a thing.
George blinked grabbing his car phone and keeping one hand steadily on the wheel. "Yes, Miss? Are you sure?" George shook his head slowly as Maxwell did his best to hear.
"What's going on?"
"I can see why, but he's not going to be happy." George let out a grumble turning the limo around heading a different way. "I know… Miss Rose?" George let out a gasp after a few moments. "I understand."
"George?" Maxwell moved closer. "What's happened?"
"There is another place we need to go first. You can't help, Miss Fine now she's in surgery."
"Bloody hell! I'm going to see Miss Fine!"
"Sir…" George did his best to control his emotions. He pulled the limo over just for a moment leaving it running. George let out a sigh turning his head to face Maxwell Sheffield. "It is important that you do this first. It is something that she would want you to do."
"How well do you know, Miss Fine?"
"Very well!" George let out a sigh. "Trust me, Mister Sheffield."
Maxwell nodded slowly as George started up the limo once again. "How long will this take?" Maxwell relaxed burying his head in his hands. It felt like forever this 'side' trip he was forced to go on. The moment the limo stopped he lifted up his head to look outside to see the wooden cabin. He blinked as the door to the limo opened up and a small female hand reached out for him.
"Mister Sheffield." Mary's voice was faint and full of grief.
Maxwell jumped out of the limo glancing into her face. "Mrs. Hunter… I'm sorry for…"
Mary lifted up her hand quieting for a moment. "I can't think about that right now." Her eyes started to fight the onset of tears. "Do not mention it again or I'm not going to get thru this." She reached out taking his arm.
Maxwell blushed walking towards the cabin. "Why are we here?"
"Fran was preparing to tell you next week, and someone took that away from her. She should still be the one, but it's important you know this now." They both stood at the door as Mary gently knocked.
"Mary!" Teresa opened the door pulling the elder woman into a huge hug. "Mary, Mary!" Maxwell watched for a moment and let out a sigh.
"Teresa, are they alright?"
"They know something is going on." Teresa stopped for a moment glancing at Maxwell. "Hello…"
"Maxwell Sheffield." He reached out to take her hand. Teresa quickly led them both inside the cabin.
"Go get some sleep my dear." Mary touching Teresa's hand. "I'll handle things from here." Mary waited watching Teresa head down the hallway. She waved her hand towards Maxwell who followed her down the other hallway.
Maxwell followed and entered a room of pink and blue. He glanced at the pink flowers on the wallpaper, and blue horses wondering about Fran's latest taste in decoration. Then he came face to face with two small beds, and a travel crib.
Mary watched him for a moment she could see the wheels in his head turning as he walked over towards Jonah's small bed. "She was worried… if you took back that night… what would that mean for them…" She was unsure if Maxwell heard her or not watching him touch Jonah's cheek.
"Mummy?" Eve's little head poked up glancing around the dark room. Maxwell's eyes came in contact with the little girl's
"What would that mean for them." Maxwell repeated the words he had heard Fran say during one of his strange dreams glancing into that set of small eyes. Maxwell felt Jonah react to his twin's cry causing the little boy to sit up and stare at Maxwell.
Mary walked over towards Eve taking her hand. "They are normally a hand full." She smile kneeling down and had Eve face her.
Maxwell noticed the hearing aid on Eve's ear. It was all so much! He reached out brushing one of the little girl's black locks to get a better picture.
Mary glanced at Eve and made a movement with her hands. "Daddy." She then pointed towards Maxwell.
"Daddee?" Jonah blinked rubbing his eyes and glancing at Mary.
"Yes, Jonah." Mary smiled.
Maxwell paced in the living room up and down unable to absorb it all. "Here." Mary handed him a cup of coffee. "This will help, and after this we will be off to the hospital."
Maxwell took the cup but kept on pacing.
"Mister Sheffield…. Maxwell…" She watched him a moment longer.
"This isn't fair to you." Maxwell stopped lowering his head. He opened his mouth and then shut it again pacing up and down. "I was such a bloody fool… I knew.. " He let out a soft growl trying to find someone to blame for nearly.
Mary stood up holding the small little bundle in her arms. "There is more, but we will have to talk…"
Maxwell let out whimper. "More?" He stood frozen for a moment watching Mary's soft eyes gaze into his. 'I'm being selfish.' Maxwell lowered himself onto one of the seats. He watched as Mary reached out into a small carrier to hold her small granddaughter.
"I need to prepare you for a few things. Fran's injuries…. " Mary stopped herself and closed her eyes. "She has four. The first one is a knife wound that luckily didn't damage anything. The second is a wound that grazed one of her kidneys. The third did damage to her liver. The fourth is a bullet close to her spine." Mary realized that her voice sounded cold and reached out to touch Maxwell's knee. "It's the blood loss that worries them. She was on that floor for … a long time."
Maxwell felt his insides shiver, and he glanced at the clock. "The Fines should be here in an hour."
Mary stood up and Maxwell reached out getting the baby's carrier. "Either one of us will be sleeping… so we are taking little Belle with us."
Maxwell watched as Teresa came forward. "Will you call me? Soon as she and Rose are out of surgery?"
Mary froze for just a moment shaking her head towards the woman. "Rose… is gone." She forced back a cry as Teresa reached out to touch Mary. "No… Stay with the twins… Fran's the one who is in trouble now."
Fran felt her whole body tinkle and shiver as she felt a gray light flood her eyes. "Oy!" She sat up looking at the foggy room. "Hello?"
"Hello, Fran!" Bryan appeared if by magic in the fog and smoke.
"BRYAN!" Fran made a move to reach out for her and jump off the table put he quickly signaled for her to stay put. "I… I… saw you…."
"Die?" The man reached her side smiling. "Yes."
Fran glanced around trying to get up from the table again, but Bryan kept her still. "Am I …?"
"No, Fran." Bryan let out a sigh. "Not unless you move from that table."
Fran glanced around and Bryan reached out to close her jaw.
"It's alright, Fran."
"Maxwell… Twins… What about Belle?" She glanced into Bryan's eyes. "You… can't be."
"Fran, don't be afraid to tell him everything. Tell him everything that happened, and trust him. He loves you." Bryan reached out touching her tear stained cheek.
"What will I do? Oy! You can't be gone!" Fran pulled on his shirt letting out a whimper. "What about Rose?"
Bryan's face twisted in pain glancing into her eyes. "Fran…."
"no…." Fran's voice was soft and she let out a whimper. "Not her too."
"Things happen in this life. You have to hold on to what you have. I expect you to take care of Belle and mother." Bryan winked letting go of her cheek. "You have a long road back, but what ever you do… tell him and let him know everything!" He stood up letting out a sigh. "I have to leave you."
She reached out touching his hand once more. "Bryan."
"Take care of my daughter." He leaned in kissing her cheek.
Fran glanced around noticing she was alone once more. She let out a whimper as the smoke grew thicker. The soft sound of a beep could be heard in the distance as she waited quietly on the table.
Maxwell was expecting Sylvia to be a basket case, but her quiet manner he found unsettling. He glanced at Mary and then back at Morty and Sylvia. "Sylvia…."
She opened her mouth and then shut it again. "Oy…" She managed to say after a few moments. "I can't feel her! For the first time in years I can't feel her!" She glanced at her frowning husband. They all glanced as a worn out doctor stood before them. "Docta?" Sylvia raced up to him before anyone else could speak. "How is she?"
"We won't know for a while. She's in recovering and in a few hours we will move her into intensive care." The doctor glanced towards Mary and the two seemed to exchanged unspoken words. "I can take you in there but only for a few moments. She's not going to come around for a while." The doctor reached out leading Sylvia inside.
Maxwell glanced back into Mary's eyes. "What is it?"
"The bullet was closer to her spine than first thought." Mary's voice was faint.
"You got that much from a man's look?" Morty blinked glancing at Mary. "How do you know?"
"I used to work with him Mister Fine." Mary closed her eyes. "He'll tell you once your wife is done." Mary closed her eyes for just a moment.
"Why don't you go lay down somewhere?" Maxwell sat down next to her.
"I don't have the energy to tell them about the twins." She whispered quietly into Maxwell's ear. "Forgive me, Maxwell… I don't."
Maxwell blushed and nodded quietly. "Do you have a picture of them at least?"
Mary reached inside her small purse pulling out a picture. Her lower lip trembled looking into his eyes. "For my part… I'm sorry."
"For your part?" Maxwell blinked taking the older woman's hand. "Bloody hell… With all the mistakes I made… no one but me is to blame."
"I'm going to take Belle, and go back to the cabin. I will send George back and have him wait if you need him." Mary stood up taking the sleeping baby in the carrier.
Maxwell watched her go letting out a sigh and glancing at the smiling picture of Fran with the two toddlers. He knew Brighton, Gracie and Maggie would be here in less than an hour. He glanced up to see Sylvia storming towards him. "Sy…."
"You did this to her! If you hadn't pushed her away! Why did you have to take it back!" Sylvia started to hit him with her heavy purse and Maxwell felt cornered until Morty pulled her off of him.
"Bloody hell!" Maxwell held him arm letting out a whimper. "I would change things if I could." His words broke with emotion as he placed the picture in his pocket.
"Mister Sheffield would you like to be next?" Morty watched his face as Maxwell quietly nodded.
He walked into the room and let out a whimper. She was there in bed covered by blankets, and tubes ran in and out of her small body. He reached out touching her bruised cheek wondering how much of a fight Fran really did give her attackers. "Darling? I'm here…" He was careful touching her cheek. He was quick to notice the state of her hair a mess of tangles, and something was making it look rather matted. "Doctor?" Maxwell glanced up into the man's eyes.
"She's lucky. She's got a fighting chance from this point on. If she can stay with us the next twenty four hours then…."
"Then?" Maxwell felt his throat tighten.
"Her chances go up remarkably." The man reached out touching his shoulder. "I'm sorry, but you can't stay."
"Maxwell?" Fran mind reached out hearing his voice faintly.
"I know your there." He touched her cheek again. "I will be back, but make sure you hang on."
Fran's eyes fluttered open and the doctor let out a sharp gasp of surprise. "I'll be damned."
Maxwell's eyes widen turning around letting out a whimper of joy. "Fran?"
Fran opened her mouth trying to say something but then shut it again as her eyes closed.
"Shhhhh…. I'll be back soon." Maxwell ached to stay but the touch of the doctor's hand on his shoulder was a warning.
"That is the damnest thing I have ever seen." The doctor mumbled quietly. "She shouldn't have been able to do that."
Fran felt surrounded once more but the waves of pain and gray fog. Her mind recalled the events that led up to her shooting.
"Come on! Instead of going out tonight, and taking you two to dinner we can talk here private! I can make…"
"Fish!" Fran and Rose both glared at one another standing in his living room.
"Bryan! Come on we could go out and play tonight." Rose giggled as Bryan wrapped his arms around her.
"Oy! You two make me wish I had Maxwell here." Fran let out a whimper watching them head towards the kitchen. "What am I going to tell him?"
"Here's an idea!" Bryan called out in the kitchen. "The TRUTH?!"
Rose came out a moment later letting out a giggle. "It's strange from what you told me about Maxwell…" She let out a laugh shaking her head.
"What?"
"You both have hidden yourselves behind children." Rose felt Fran's gentle push on her arm. "What was that for?"
"I'm not hiding!" Fran let out a sigh. "I… am just moving slowly."
"Turtles move faster!" Bryan yelled from his kitchen as the two women sat down.
"POT calling kettle!" Fran responded letting out a nasal sigh. "He'll be here in two weeks, and I have no idea how he's going to handle the twins."
"Are you still thinking about the newspaper article you saw in New York at that time?"
"Yes.. It does bug me." Fran closed her eyes. "I will have to trust in my love for him."
"I think real love can overcome anything." Rose winked letting out a laugh.
*BANG! *BANG!* Fran hear the house shake standing up with Rose by her side. "What the hell!?" She watched Bryan walked out of the kitchen his chest covered in blood. He quickly fell to the floor.
"BRYAN!"
"Fran Fine?" A mask man called out.
"Yes!" Rose's voice had a strange nasal tone as another shot rang out.
Fran's mind then blinked and she found herself on the table again. "Rose?" She turned to find the red headed woman smiling next to her. "Rose!" She wrapped her arms around the laughing woman.
"Like the table?" Rose's voice had her faint Irish accent as she stood up walking around Fran. "Marble…"
"They…wanted me, but why did you speak out?"
"I do anything for a friend." Rose's eyes seemed to glitter in the strange light. "Do you feel that strange pull to move off this table yet?"
"No." Fran closed her eyes. "I don't want to die."
"Fight then… "
Fran felt a strange tinkling feeling on her hand and reached out with her other hand to touch it. "Oy! What's that?"
"Maxwell." Rose reached out to hug her one more time. "Bryan's waiting for me, and Maxwell's waiting for you. Wake up Fran!"
Maxwell had expected the twins introduction to everyone else to go chaotic. Jonah was at in between fits of giggles and whimpers trying his best to warm up to everyone, but one person was missing. He called out for his mother for an hour before he settled down. Eve was quiet watching her twin and hiding behind his leg. It was hard leaving the two of them with Gracie and Maggie. He watched as the monitors made the soft beeping noise reaching out to stroke her hand gently. "I felt something between us that night… that first time." Maxwell was mumbling but had to let it out. "We were connected forever."
Fran's monitors let out a soft beep as her only response.
Maxwell reached inside his pocket feeling the small little jewelry box. "Fran… wake up just a little." He waited a moment and reached out for her hand. "We can start again and give one another a clean slate."
Fran's hand moved slowly in his and Maxwell gazed up into her unopened eyes.
"Wake up Fran! Please just wake up." It had been two days since she had gotten out of recovery room. He watched as her eyes opened up slowly. "Fran…." He let out a whimper of joy. "Those eyes."
Fran felt her something pull on her as her eyes started to close again. "Max?" It was barely a whisper. Fran's mind started to race as her body respond back in a series of aches.
"Fran…" He felt his lower lip starting to tremble. "Thank God!" He knew she wasn't out of the woods yet, but her being awake was the first step. "Eve misses you."
It hit her all the sudden as she closed her eyes. "I'm…"
"Shhhh shhh." He reached out touching the tears coming from her eyes. "None of that now, sweetheart."
"They… knew…" Fran's closed her eyes again trying to fight sleep.
Maxwell leaned in closer holding her hand. "Fran?"
She struggled to open her eyes again.
"I love you."
Maxwell waited a long moment watching her sleep before standing up and leaving the room. "Maxwell?" Mary's voice was faint and she reached out taking his arm. "I have to talk to you."
Maxwell blushed recalling it was Bryan and Rose's funeral today. "Mary, I…"
"You belong here… Your son was very kind to me attending the funeral." Mary lead him on letting out a sigh holding tight to a folder. "I need to tell you about Bryan's and Rose's wishes."
Maxwell stopped for a moment tilting his head.
"Here." Mary placed the packet in his hands watching as Maxwell opened it up. She stood there forever watching as Maxwell's eyes read Bryan, and Rose's will.
'Trust funds for Fran, Eve, and Jonah? Fran has guardian ship of Belle Ann?' Maxwell glanced up into Mary's eyes. "Do you know what this will says?"
"It gives Fran custody of my granddaughter." Mary watched Maxwell's jaw twist in pain. "I know what it says, and I know the reasons behind it."
"Your….." Maxwell was in shock. "What about…" He couldn't quite get the words out.
"I'm an old woman Maxwell." She took his arm again. "Bryan lost his sister years ago, and Rose was by herself in life expect for us." Mary let out a sigh. "I'm not sure how Fran will take this news."
Maxwell glanced at the document again. With the trust fund Bryan had set up just for Fran, and Fran's control of Belle's inheritance it would leave her a very wealthy woman. "I don't know how…. If Fran recovers she's going to…"
"Breath!" Mary reached out touching his arm. "She will recover, and after that you will heal her heart once and for all."
Maxwell's mind started to race back towards Fran's broken form laying in her hospital bed. "Bloody hell." Maxwell let out a groan holding onto the will. "All I want to do at this moment is get her back to New York."
"It will be several weeks before we have her able to travel." Mary's mind already started turning working on a plan.
"Your… Belle…. " Maxwell let out another sigh.
Mary managed a small smile glancing into his eyes. "I'm an old woman Maxwell. I have longed to be a grandmother for years. Fran's twins gave me a taste of what it's like… I'm not leaving Belle's life for all the money in the world. I'm not staying here either." Mary glanced around the hospital hallway. "There is a penthouse in New York. I shall make my home there."
Maxwell once again glanced down at the will. Fran was now even more wealthy than he. "She's not going to want any of this." He narrowed his eyes glancing into Mary's.
"Yet.. She'll receive it all." Mary winked leaving Maxwell alone in the hallway still shocked.
Niles sat in the dark of his kitchen feeling a great weight on his shoulders. He had been playing with the business card for over an hour unable to sleep. His eyes then focused on his little daughter sleeping quietly in the chair. "He knew this would happen." Niles shook his head pocketing the card trying to force the matter from his mind.
'If anything happens to me….' Bryan's words echoed in Niles's brain.
Niles pulled out the card once more walking towards the phone. He noticed one word on the card along with a phone number. Quickly he dialed the number letting out a sigh hearing it ring.
"Hello?" The voice on the other end was deep, and a male. "What's the word?"
"Heartache." Niles read the word and heard the silence on the other end. "Hello? Are you there?"
"I understand, and all will be done."
Niles shook his head as he was soon greeted by a dial tone.
Fran felt the dull ache of her healing body as she opened her eyes to greet another day. She turned her head to see him sleeping in the chair. She glanced at his handsome face, and noticed his unshaven appearance. Her head then twisted towards the other side to see her sleeping father. "Daddy?" She managed to reached out shaking him awake.
"Sweetheart?" Morty woke up whispering quietly.
"What time is it?" Fran tilted her head towards the darken window.
"Two in the morning." Morty smiled touching her face. "This is the first time you haven't looked pale."
"Go home to the twins for me?" Fran's mind started to race thinking about her little boy and girl. "I want to see them tomorrow."
"I don't think…" Morty watched Fran's face and let out a sigh. "I'll go home, and bring them both in the morning."
Fran watched her father leave and twisted her head back around to find Maxwell staring at her. "Hello…" She smiled feeling yet another ache hit her wounds.
"Fran…" Maxwell moved in towards her touching her face. "You feel warm." He could indeed see Morty Fine was right her color was coming back.
"I… " Fran let out a sigh. "I'm sorry for not telling you about the twins."
"I'm sorry I pushed you away." Maxwell kissed her palm and smiled. "No more apologizes." Maxwell reached inside his pocket pulling out the small jewelry box. "I was bloody hell hoping to give this to you over a romantic dinner, but I don't want to waste one more moment with you."
Fran blinked watching him pull out the ring. "Max…"
"Fran Fine, I want you to be my wife. I want you, and I won't take no for answer." Maxwell waited hoping to God she won't turn him down. He was aware of the long road back to recovery she had to face, but he wanted to share every moment with her.
Fran's mind started to flash images of Bryan and Rose. She felt her heart twist looking at the ring, and into his face. "I don't deserve this." Her voice was barely above a whisper looking into his eyes.
"Please…" Maxwell felt his voice break with emotion. "I lost you once, and I nearly lost you this past week. I will NOT loose you again."
Fran felt him reach out kissing and doing his best to hold her. She let out a soft whimper of pain shot back into her body. She frowned watching Maxwell pull back. "Yes."
"What was that again?"
"Yes.." Fran smiled as Maxwell leaned over kissing her lips.
"I can't wait to take you into my arms." He touched her sides and smiled slipping her new ring on to her finger.
"Just wait until you have to deal with the troublesome two some all the time." Fran let out a soft laugh.
"Might want to start thinking about calling them a 'threesome.'"
"Ooo Mister Sheffield! A girl has to recover first." Fran tilted her head noticing something in his eyes. "What?"
"Belle…." Maxwell knew he had to tell her, and the sooner the better.
Fran's lower lip trembled thinking about the now orphaned little girl. "Yes?"
"Bryan and Rose left her to you." He waited watching her face tremble as his hand touched her cheek.
"No…."
"I talked to Mary, and she says it was Bryan and Rose's wish." He reached out drying her tears with his hand. "She told me to tell you… not to fight it."
"I…."
"Fran…" Maxwell felt his own eyes start to tear up. "The most important thing is for you to get well. I want you to head back home as soon as the doctors will allow it." Maxwell glanced into her eyes and saw the haunted look. He had called Niles earlier in the day giving him instructions to make things ready for three small children. He was shocked when C.C. mentioned that Fran might want to see Doctor Bort. Maxwell had heard her whimpering during the night, and knew that he couldn't push Fran to talk about the events surrounding Bryan and Rose's death.
"Well…" Fran closed her eyes trying to stop her own grief from overwhelming her.
"Do they realize how serious her condition is?" The doctor twisted his hands looking into Mary's eyes. "She could still have dozens of set backs!"
"She's going to be in a New York Hospital close to her parents and the man she's going to marry. I think she'll be fine, Jeremy." Mary slipped a paper towards Fran's doctor once more. "I have three nurses flying with her."
"I don't advise…"
"Do you think she wants to stay here?" Mary smiled waiting for him to sign the release papers.
Jeremy let out a sigh handing them over. "Have the people in New York contact me first thing."
"I'll talk to Maxwell." Mary let out a sigh as Jeremy glared at her. "Yes?"
"Your staying?"
"I have a few things to do here before I leave." Mary reached out touching his shoulder. She turned her head to see Maxwell walking around with the twins and Belle in his arms.
"Well, well this makes a pretty picture." Mary walked up picking Eve up in her arms.
"Fran wanted to see them." Maxwell blushed feeling guilt rush over him.
"I have a present for you." Mary waved the papers in her free hand. "I'm going to make sure everything is set into motion." Mary turned smiling at Eve. "Kiss?"
The little girl giggled giving the elder woman a small kiss on the cheek.
"Mommy!" Jonah pulled on Maxwell's pants and Mary put Eve down to her twin brother.
"Remember what I said, Jonah." Maxwell let out a sigh glancing up to find Mary walked away.
"Gently, gently…" Jonah walked quietly down the hall.
Fran shifted feeling her body ache as the door opened up again. "Hello?"
She lifted up her head to see the two small children glaring at her. "Babies?" She let out a whimper of joy as they carefully moved closer.
"Hi!" Eve smiled sitting by her mother's beside and glancing at the monitors. The two children couldn't help the urge to want to push buttons and quickly stuck their hands inside their pockets.
"They got ahead of me." Maxwell smiled putting Belle down. The baby was sleeping quietly inside her carrier.
Fran lifted herself up slowly to glance at the red haired baby and let out a soft sigh.
Jonah's eyes were big looking at his mother. "Sick?"
"Yes, sweetheart." Fran felt tears starting to form and fought the onset.
"I think Mary has your release papers." Maxwell rubbed his chin.
"That means?"
"We can take all four of you home." Maxwell felt his heart burst with joy. "Course you'll have to stay at the local hospital for a few more weeks."
"Oy? Weeks? Any news on… on…" Fran felt her lower lip tremble thinking about her attackers.
"No sweetheart."
"Pardon me." The nurse smiled poking her head inside the room. "Mary let me know these little rug rats were in here." She pointed at the twins. "Would you like me to take them to our daycare for a while?"
Fran let out a soft sigh noticing the pair's eyes were wide with terror over her state. She wondered what her twins were thinking about all the tubes and monitors she was plugged into. "Please."
Maxwell lifted each twin up one by one to give Fran a kiss. He soon left to see the nursery. That left Fran to glance at sleeping, Belle. She watched as the child opened up her little eyes to gaze back. Her green eyes were bright and Fran could have swore she was smiling. "Darling?" Maxwell walked back inside the room glancing from Fran to Belle. "Are you alright?"
"Let me hold her." Fran reached out and Maxwell placed the small child inside her arms.
"Careful!" Maxwell watched and help Fran shift pillows around.
"She should be with her parents." Fran felt guilt overwhelm her.
"I know." Maxwell moved in closer. "She'll have us." He watched as Fran's face filled with doubt. "I'm not letting you escape. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
"Maybe until we say 'I do'" Fran smirked as the baby let out a gurgling giggle.
Maxwell's mind started to race. He wanted them to have a proper wedding. "It's going to be months before your fully recovered. If you want me to find a justice of the peace…."
"Ma would have a fit."
"I'll take you anywhere, and anytime." Maxwell's eyes glazed over kissing her forehead and then lightly touching her lips with his own.
"Is that a promise?"
"The moment your out of a hospital." Maxwell let out a laugh as Belle let out a cry that no one was looking at her.
"Oy! Okay kiddo we are sorry!" Fran felt her heart lighten and closed her eyes. "We'll pay attention to you now." Fran touched the little baby's forehead smiling.
Belle let out a gurgling giggle at Fran's attention.
"She likes you."
"Bryan spoiled her like he did with the twins. I don't think that man could have left any baby untouched." Fran glanced up into Maxwell's guilt ridden face. "Oy! It was my fault more than yours that you weren't around for the twins."
"No more regrets then." Maxwell let out a sigh glancing into the little girl's face as her eyes closed again.
Fran felt like hell being loaded onto a private plane. She had spent hours just before being carried on with the police going over the details of the attack. The details that she could remember were hazy at best. Maxwell was ridding with her and the army of nurses, and one doctor on board. The others had their own plane. Maxwell had brought along Belle and the twins who settled down quietly watching their mother do her best not to weep in pain.
"Can I get you something for it, Miss Fine?" A nurse touched her shoulder and Fran nodded slowly.
"Max?" She reached out touching his hand reassuring herself that he was indeed there. She was alive!
"What did they say to you?" He moved in closer as the twins settled down to take their afternoon nap.
"Nothing…" Fran blushed and started to turn her head away from him, but Maxwell reached out gently touching her.
"Darling…"
"They wanted to know all sorts of details." Fran's face twisted in pain and she let out a whimper. The Captain that had questioned her was anything but kind. He wanted to know all sorts of things about what she remembered. Fran blacked out at one point during her attack, and after what she learned she was beyond grateful. "They told me… things too."
Maxwell's face darken. "Try not to think about it." He watched as the nurse injected something into Fran's iv. "Just think about all the things you missed in New York! Val is coming by first thing to see you tomorrow."
Fran gushed thinking about her old friend. "Max?"
"Yes?"
"I… love you." Her eyes fluttered as she settled down into a whimpering sleep. He glanced up into the nurse's face letting out a sigh.
"She'll sleep at least until we land."
He nodded sitting down by a sleeping Jonah and Eve. He found himself glazing into those small green eyes again. "Can't sleep?" He reached out taking the small baby as they plane took off.
"Children that small normally have problems flying airplanes." The doctor make one last check to make sure Fran wouldn't move around during flight much.
Maxwell reached out taking her into his arms. "I owe your father, and mother everything. I think you know that?" Maxwell whispered softly watching her for a moment. He reached out tickling her chin causing Belle to giggle.
"She's a rather happy baby! Is she yours?" One of the nurse's sat down beside him smiling.
Maxwell raised an eyebrow looking into Belle's face. "Yes…" Maxwell felt his heart jump and Belle let out another gurgling giggle of her approval.
"Daddy?" Eve woke up for just a moment moving in closer towards her father. She now snuggled his side and Maxwell felt his heart pound. The next step was to get Fran well, and after that he would have his happily ever after.
He cradled Belle in one arm and reached down to lightly pet Eve's small head. "We are going home sweetheart, and soon … very soon.. Your mommy will be well! I promise you."
Grace Sheffield glanced out of the window and then back towards her two elder siblings. "Do you think it's really over? Do you think Daddy and Fran can be happy at last?"
Brighton moved in closer to keep his voice down from the Fine's. "Well did you hear dad's plan for Fran when she gets out of the hospital?"
"No." Maggie blinked and she moved in closer. "What is he going to do?"
"She's coming home with us. I don't think Sylvia and Morty will put up to much of a fight." Brighton winked eyeing the pair who were to busy trying a dish being offered to them. "Did you check out the ring Fran had on?"
"Let's just hope that everything runs smoothly." Grace let out a sigh.
"I hate it when you do that." Brighton narrowed his eyes towards his younger sister.
"Why?"
"It always means that you feel there will be one last problem ahead." Brighton shook his head leaning back in his seat.
"She's still has to recover." Grace chewed on her tongue. "We will see what happens after that."
"Niles old boy!" Maxwell smiled watching Niles glance from Belle back towards his little girl. "What's wrong?"
"It's strange sir, but I swear they are plotting against me!" Niles smiled at the two little giggling babies. "My little kitten has that same look as Belle."
Maxwell rolled his eyes picking Belle up in his arms. "Belle wouldn't hurt a fly!" Niles watched as the baby dripped down Maxwell's jacket. "Old man?" Maxwell glanced towards the laughing butler.
"Sir?" Niles waited as Maxwell carefully handed Belle back. "Have the doctors given you any idea when Miss Fine might be coming home?"
"No…" Maxwell's lower lip trembled. "Niles, do you think I'm wrong for planning this?"
"Wedding?" Niles's face broke out into a huge smile every time he said the word. "No sir! I think it's something you should have done…"
"NILES!" Maxwell groaned shaking his head.
"Well it's true! Anyway… did you read the paper I left on your desk?"
"I sent some flowers." Maxwell's face grew pale thinking about Anna. "It's really strange her getting into that car accident."
"Do you think it's odd?" Niles felt his heart pound.
"Is something wrong?"
"I feel rather guilty about it." Niles let out a sigh placing Belle down.
"Old man! IT was an accident." Maxwell shook his head slowly. "Things happen in life."
"Like robberies?" Niles raised an eyebrow and Maxwell nodded slowly. No one had been happy with the police claim that the attackers had entered Bryan's house to steal.
"Like robberies." Maxwell groan reaching out to wipe his jacket. "About the wedding… I talked to Fran's doctor and do you think three months is to soon?"
"I think Miss Fine can do anything."
"I just have to have her Niles. I remember that song Bryan played while I held her again." Maxwell felt his body shiver at the memory. "We nearly lost her, but now.. I want to make sure."
"You never loose her again." Niles smirked finishing his friend's sentence. "Sir… I think what you are planning … with the children and Fines is something she'll never forget."
"She won't push me away again?"
"Well nothing is certain." Niles put on his best pouting face and glanced into Maxwell's worried eyes. "Sir, if she does that then FIGHT BACK!"
"Thanks old man." Maxwell reached out touching his shoulder. He glanced down towards a giggling Belle. "What me to take her today?"
"No, we'll be fine.. With the twins in daycare, and Master Brighton picking them up today things should be quiet." Niles watched as Maxwell left the room. "You hear that! SOON!" Niles let out a soft yelp of joy.
Belle answered back with a soft gurgling noise.
"OOO no he won't screw it up!" Niles waved his hand playfully towards the baby. "We won't let either of them screw this up."
His own daughter gurgled and Niles let out a soft laugh.
"Yes, yes I know." Niles let out a sigh reaching for the telephone. "We have to make sure they don't do anything rash!"
Fran let out a yelp of pain. "Oy!" She groaned as the doctor pushed her onward. "Are ya lewking to kill me?" She glared at the doctor.
"Miss Fine, this is normal."
"Is it normal to feel a HUNDRED needles in my back?" Fran let out a nasal whimper. "Will this get me home sooner?" She walked down the hall slowly taking her time.
"Yes." The doctor had a fairly cold manner about him. He narrowed his eyes waving her onward. "It will indeed."
"That's all I need to know." Fran moved onward and felt his eyes
"Well the view is stunting." Maxwell's voice was teasing as he had a view of her backside. He was almost wishing he hadn't bought Fran that robe so he could have a clear view.
Fran let out a grumble moving forward trying to take each step. "Maxwell, your not helping here!"
"How is she doing?" Maxwell glanced at a smiling nurse.
"She's done a whole lap around the hallway."
"Am I a dog or something?" Fran was getting annoyed. They had been hovering around her all day and night looking for signs of progress. "Would you let me do this!" She grumbled taking her hand away from one of the nurses.
Maxwell frowned watching her move slowly down the hall back to her room. Fran's temper was up this week, and that had him worried. He watched as they helped her back in the bed, and left. "Darling?"
Fran closed her eyes trying to drowned out her pain. "I'm sorry, Maxwell. I just want to go home."
"Eve and Jonah keep asking to see you." Maxwell reached out touching her hand.
"I know." Fran closed her eyes. "The investigators were here today."
"Are they still pushing the 'robbery' theory?" Maxwell narrowed his eyes and watched as Fran's lower lip trembled. "Darling maybe C.C. is right… You should see Doctor Bort?"
"I.." Fran blinked thinking of her nightmares.
"If only one time! It might do you some good." Maxwell let out a sigh. "We want you well." He reached out touching her cheek. "I can't wait to get you home."
"I can wait to feel your arms around me again." Fran's lip started to tremble. "Maxwell…"
"Fran?"
"I'll see Bort tomorrow." Fran closed her eyes. "I… "
Maxwell let out a sigh. "Tell me about it."
"I still hear Rose's scream, and Bryan covered in blood. Those men… those mask men and what they did." Fran shook her head. "I.. "
"You have told the police everything correct?" Maxwell felt his face grow strangely flush wondering what happened. "Fran?"
"I have." Her voice was strangely faint.
"Can you tell me everything yet?"
"Not yet." Fran shook her head. "I just want to go home."
"In the mean time I have something for you." Maxwell pulled out a small box and watched as Fran's face brighten. "It's not much, but… when I saw it.." He watched as Fran's face brighten slightly glancing inside the box pulling out the diamond necklace.
"Oy! This matches the ring!" Fran glanced down at her hand and then back up into his eyes.
"I'm glad you like it." He moved closer. "Can I bring them tomorrow?"
"I don't want them to see me like this." She glanced around the room.
"Fran."
"I don't!" Fran let out a soft nasal roar.
"They NEED to see you." Maxwell didn't want to fight with her now. "Fran, they all miss you. You don't even allow your mother or father near you."
"I…"
"Fran are you feeling guilty… about … surviving?" Maxwell lowered his head. He had heard of people entering dark depressions over surviving traumas.
"Yes." Fran closed her eyes. "I can't escape it Maxwell."
"Then you should see Bort." He kissed her hand. He now knew that Fran's mind as well as her body needed healing. "I remember seeing you in that belly dancers costume." Maxwell made up his mind to change the conversation.
"You were looking rather sexy too mista!" Fran giggled and her eyes seemed to sparkle.
"I can't wait to see you in it again."
"I still have the costume!" Fran leaned forward but let out a soft whimper of pain.
"Rest now, sweetheart." Maxwell smiled as Fran settled back down. "I wouldn't mind if you wear it during our honeymoon."
Fran giggled watching Maxwell's face brighten. "That's many months away."
'Not if I can help it.' Maxwell smiled as the thought of her finally becoming his wife rocketed threw his body.
"What are you smiling about?"
"You." He leaned over kissing her gently. "I can't wait until your strength has returned."
"Oy, something tells me I am needing all this rest just to prepare for your lustful explosion." Fran let out a teasing nasal laugh and watched as Maxwell's face turned bright red.
"You have no idea, sweetheart. You have no idea."
"I don't think Fran would like those flowers." Gracie glanced down at the book pointing towards another display. "What about that color?"
"To pink." Maggie frowned and lifted up her head to see Sylvia nibbling at the tray of food. "Do you really think we should have let Sylvia in charge of the food?"
"Do you think we could have stopped her?" Grace smiled returning to the book. "She's still so weak. Three months isn't a lot of time to heal after her injuries."
"That's not half of it." Maggie moved in closer. "Grandmother called daddy last night."
"What did she say?" Grace bit her lower lip as her sister's eyes narrowed.
"She's not coming."
"Doesn't surprise me." Gracie shook her head. "Did daddy tell her about the twins?"
Maggie rolled her eyes and let out a grumble. "Yeah, and you don't want to know what Niles and I heard."
"Yeah I do!"
"She said if daddy opened a phone book anyone could be Eve and Jonah's father." Maggie shifted and Gracie let out a soft hiss.
"Is daddy okay?"
"Yeah." Maggie glanced down at the book. "He just wants Fran home."
"I heard that doctors might allow her to come home in a few weeks." Grace smiled as Maggie let out a soft yelp of joy.
"Then this long nightmare is almost over?"
"Almost! I like that one!" Gracie pointed towards balloons shaped like swans.
Fran smiled glancing into his eyes. "I thought these dreams would end after I came back to New York." She reached out touching his cheek.
"I always dream of you." Maxwell moved in closer.
"Care to tell me about your dreams?" Fran giggled as Maxwell's lips blazed a trail up and down her neck.
"I would rather show you once your able." Maxwell smiled leaning back glancing into her eyes.
"What are you planning?" Fran finally was able to read something in his face. "I know you, Mista!" She playfully hit his chest.
"A happy ending?" Maxwell let out a laugh as Fran reached out to pinch his rear.
Maxwell rolled out of bed reaching for a spare pillow. "A happy ending." Those sounded so good. He glanced at the clock and rolled back onto his back. If everything went smoothly in three months Fran would official be his wife, but one thing remained. "Please, God… Let her be alright."
Fran had agreed to meet with Bort later today. He stood up pacing the room. Bort have him instructions that the meeting was between her and Fran alone. "Sir?" Niles stood in the doorway with his normal tray in hand.
"Maybe this surprise wedding is a huge mistake old boy?" Maxwell took the coffee and Niles glared at him. "Don't give me that look, Niles."
"Your not spoiling MY wedding!" Niles lowered his eyes towards the ground.
"Good God man!" Maxwell put down the cup of coffee rolling his eyes. "I'm just worried that she'll …"
"Miss Fine will love it. She will love the effort everyone has put into surprising her. Even Mrs. Hunter has given you her blessing and has gone with the children."
Maxwell let out a sigh.
"Couldn't sleep last night?" Niles picked up the tray.
"I woke up with the children. Belle wanted attention and a bottle. Then Eve woke up wanting me to read her a story. I'm not good with signing." Maxwell frowned glancing at his watch. "Speaking of which she has an appointment today."
"For a little girl that wasn't ever suppose to hear again… She has improved." Niles handed Maxwell a Yankee's t-shirt. "I thought something 'normal' might be in order today, sir?"
Maxwell smirked glancing at the shirt and jeans tossing them both on fairly quickly. "You know what the children will say."
"The girls are already gone picking out Miss Fine's dress. Master Brighton is outside trying to teach Master Jonah how to throw a ball." Niles smiled. "I'm sorry… you slept rather late."
Maxwell gazed again at the clock. "Bloody hell.. NILES.."
"The limo is downstairs and Eve is ready." Niles smiled as Maxwell pulled on some shoes. "Anything else, sir?"
"No thanks." Maxwell rushed downstairs to find the little girl giggling with C.C.
"What more do you want from me? Blood?" Fran narrowed her eyes towards the smiling doctor. "I don't remember anything else!"
"Fran, how are you feeling besides your memories and back?" Bort watched her face and Fran turned her head away from the woman.
"I…"
Bort shifted as Fran's lower lip trembled.
"It's my fault." She lowered her eyes.
"Did you give those men guns?" Bort's voice was soft trying to soothe the former nanny. "Did you tell them where to find Bryan?"
"No." Fran glanced at her hands playing with her engagement ring.
"Then how is it your fault?"
"I don't know." Fran had an urge to curl up on the bed but groaned as her back let out a blot of pain down her spine.
"Bad things happen to us Miss Fine. Sometimes we will never find out the true reasons why they happen." Bort reached out touching her hand. "It's alright if you feel guilty, but you shouldn't allow that to control your life."
"I feel like two sides of me are at war! Oy! I want to marry him, but a part of me feels so guilty about living happily ever after."
"What would Bryan and Rose want?" Bort smiled as Fran let out a nasal laugh.
"They would want me with Maxwell, and they would want the twins and Belle to be little hellions."
"I think the best way to honor your friends wishes is to live." Bort smiled as the door opened up slowly.
"Hi!" Eve's bright face glanced up towards her mother and then towards Bort.
"Baby!" Fran let out a nasal call holding out her arms towards the child. Bort helped Eve on the side of the bed, and the little girl carefully hugged her mother. "Where is your father?"
Maxwell leaned against the door gasping for breath. "Eve…." He glared at the giggling girl who was now snuggling her mother's neck. "Doctor." Maxwell blushed as Bort let out a soft laugh.
"It's always nice to see you, Mister Sheffield." She then tilted towards Fran. "I'll see you the same time tomorrow then." She then walked out the door as Eve sat up.
"WELL?" Fran glanced towards a still gasping Maxwell. "What did the doctor say about her?"
Maxwell waved his hand finding a chair. "They… did another hearing test."
"AND?" Fran let out a groan. "Your daddy loves to keep me waiting!"
Eve giggled watching as Maxwell finally regained his breath.
"She's starting to hear out of her other ear." Maxwell's voice was soft as Fran let out a gasping noise. He felt his eyes starting to tear up as Fran kissed the little girl's head.
"How much?" She glanced back and Maxwell could tell Fran was cover come by the good news. "How much?"
"Just ten percent, but the doctor is highly impressed with the treatment she received in Alaska." Maxwell smiled as Eve leaned back snuggling her mother's neck. "The doctor was on the phone with her that moment!"
Fran closed her eyes. "Thank you God."
"I have even more good news." Maxwell nearly jumped out of his chair. "I was talking to your doctor before this one left my side." Maxwell pointed towards a smiling Eve.
"Yeah?"
"Do you want to come home tomorrow?" Maxwell watched as Fran's sparkle returned full force. It had been weeks since he had seen her eyes with that glow. "I'll take that as a yes!"
"I can't WAIT to go home! What about…" Fran blushed thinking about the sleeping arrangements.
Maxwell echoed her blushing. "I'll take care of everything, sweetheart. I just can't wait to get you home." He reached out touching her cheek. "I've missed you."
Fran leaned into his tender kiss. "Like nothing I've ever known." Fran smiled recalling the words of the song that haunted all her dreams.
"It's been haunting me as well." Maxwell blushed and felt a small hand pinch his arm.
"Play!" The little girl smiled holding out a small puppet causing them all to let out a soft laugh.
Epilogue 2 months and 29 days later
Niles felt his heart pound as another man entered his kitchen. "DOWN STAIRS!" He waved the delivery man down stairs who was carrying some of the balloons. They had all put in an effort to hide the wedding from Fran, but it was taking it toll on Niles.
"Niles?" Maxwell turned around hold a bubbling little Belle. "Is everything alright?"
"Sir! I can't take this much longer!" Niles held his chest as Belle giggled.
"Ni!" She pointed towards Niles taking the cookie out of her mouth.
"With all that's going on.. I'm rather shocked old man! You've managed to keep your mouth shut for so long." Maxwell smiled as Niles's eyes filled with tears.
"There is no way I'm going to spoil MY wedding!"
C.C. rolled her eyes walking inside the kitchen with her little girl. "Is he annoying you?"
"Stuff it trollop I have fifty swan balloons to shift around!" Niles headed downstairs as Maxwell let out a happy sigh.
"Maxwell, the lawyers are here with the papers about Belle." C.C. tickled the little girl's chin. "Are you sure you can handle all this? Adopting a little girl one day? Marry that WOMAN the next?"
"C.C." Maxwell narrowed his eyes.
"Okay, okay! Fran." She shook her head as Maxwell headed towards his office.
Maxwell blushed seeing Mary Hunter standing next to Fran as they went over the paperwork.
Fran stood up slowly. She had been on her feet for over a month now. Maxwell was still sleeping on the cot next to his own bed waiting until their wedding before fulfilling his desire for her touch. "Are ya ready for this?" Fran smiled waving the paper work towards Maxwell.
"Are you sure?" He glanced towards Mary who nodded.
"I think Bryan and Rose would have approved of you adopting Belle." She smiled as Maxwell glanced towards the man seated towards the back. Fran had made sure in the agreement to protect Mary's visiting rights to her grandchild. It was an act that Marry told them wasn't needed since she was living down the street from them now. Still Fran made sure to work the 'legal' terms inside the document.
Maxwell added his signature next to Fran's letting out a happy sigh. He watched then as Fran turned handing the document over to their lawyer.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Mary pulled on Maxwell's arm lowering her voice and took Belle into her arms.
"More than ready." Maxwell narrowed his eyes glancing towards Fran. "Do you think she's ready?"
Mary let out a laugh and quieted as Fran moved in towards them.
"Now we can talk about setting that date, Mista Sheffield!" She playfully poked him in the chest smiling.
"We can all talk about a proper wedding date tomorrow?" Maxwell couldn't hide his coy smile as Fran tilted her head towards Mary.
"Okay what's going on!?" Fran let out a nasal yelp and Maxwell reached out for Belle again.
"What?" Mary raised an eyebrow as Maxwell nuzzled his newest daughter.
"Niles has been acting all strange. The twins have been giggling! Grace and Maggie look all flustered! What is going on here?" Fran placed her hands on her hips eyeing the pair. "Ma won't even eat over here! She keeps on mumbling something about Invitations and Israel."
Maxwell whimpered as Fran backed him up against a wall. "Darling… We have guests?" He tilted his head towards a laughing Mary.
"Come on, Belle." She reached out taking Belle from Maxwell's arms. "Your parents are going to have a small disagreement." She walked out still laughing. The lawyer smiled soon following Mary's footsteps.
Fran smiled as her hands reached out pulling on his tailor made shirt. "Ya know what I'm feeling like right now?"
Maxwell felt that desire rocket in his body. "Your appointment went well?" Maxwell lowered his lips to her neck as Fran let out a soft giggle.
"Oy…" She smiled as Maxwell put her gently on her corner of his desk. "Are you getting fresh with me?"
Maxwell ran a hand up her skirt and let out a groan. "I want to!"
"But?" Fran's face twisted in a playful pout.
"I have a business meeting in an hour, and I want all day to get 'fresh' with you." Maxwell wiggled his eyebrows as Fran let out another nasal giggle. "How about as soon as I get back?" His hands remained teasing her legs as Fran shivered.
"You keep that up Mista! You'll never make that meeting." Fran smiled as Maxwell glanced at his watch.
"Bloody hell." Maxwell recalled Sylvia's instructions about leaving twenty four hours before the wedding.
"I'll miss you." Fran released her hold smiling.
"I already miss you." Maxwell picked up his briefcase smiling. Maxwell slowly walked out the door hoping everything would work out.
Fran waited for a moment glancing at the clock and sat down in Maxwell's desk chair as she eyed the telephone. Mary soon walked back in the room this time carrying Eve and Jonah. "Okay! Spill!"
"What?" Mary glanced around. "Maxwell gone?"
"Yes! Everyone around me and in this house has been on high alert about something." Fran stood up and slowly walked around Mary. "Ma is even having fits."
"I'll give her a call later." Mary smiled as Fran shook her head.
"Spill!"
"Well…. Want to have dinner with me tonight?" Mary smiled as Fran shook her head. "Come on! Grace has already agreed to watch the children."
"Will you tell them THEN what's going on?"
"I promise." Mary smiled and held Jonah out for Fran to take.
"Oy, your mother is being plaaaaaaaaaaaaaayed!" Fran shook her head as the little boy let out a laugh.
"It will be worth it… " Mary reached out touching Fran's arm. "What did the doctor say?"
"That expect for some pain in my back once in a while….. I should be completely recovered." Fran's smiled grew as Mary let out a soft sigh.
"I'm glad."
"I still have times when it hurts to walk." Fran shook her head. "The doctors say that should clear up in time."
"I have to get going. Mike is expecting a phone call from me." Mary glanced into Eve's eyes. "Would you mind if I borrowed Eve this afternoon?"
"Sure! She loves your attention." Fran watched as Mary now left her alone with Jonah. "Now.. Let's go see about getting the information out of Niles!" She smiled walking from the office and into the kitchen. She found Niles flushed face and on the phone.
"I DON'T CARE! It must be PERFECT!" Niles turned around and his face changed seeing Jonah and Fran staring at him. "Thank you we don't need any.." He hung up the phone quickly as Fran raised an eyebrow.
"Oy!" Jonah pointed towards the Butler.
"Niles? What was that?"
"A salesman." Niles reached out taking his sponge and wiping down a counter. "Nothing to worry about."
"Niles? Something is going on! Now talk!" She placed the boy on the counter and gave Niles a playful push.
"We…" The little boy opened his mouth and Niles quickly covered it.
"Jonah KNOWS?" Fran glared at her son and watched as the little boy playfully bit Niles's hand.
"Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!" The boy broke out into a series of giggling fits as Niles waved his hand around.
"Master Jonah that hurt!" Niles growled at the boy who displayed a coy smile.
"Jonah.. Isn't Niles tasty?" Fran glanced from her son and eyed Niles.
"Miss Fine that isn't fair!"
"Then what is going on?" Fran tapped her foot as Gracie entered the room.
Gracie glanced towards Fran and then gave Niles a glaring look. "Now Fran you aren't bugging Niles?"
"Grace knows? Am I like the last person in the house that knows about this big secret?" Fran reached out hitting her best friend on the shoulder. "How can you not tell me!"
"I think Miss Babcock had him tied to the bed!" Grace smiled as Fran let out a groan.
"That is an image I didn't need."
"She hurts worse than Master Jonah." Niles stuck his finger under running water.
"C.C. knows?" Fran let out a nasal sigh picking up Jonah and sitting down in a chair. "When am I going to be clued in?"
"Tonight! Mary is taking you to dinner." Grace smiled. "It's for your own good, Fran."
"Oy the last time I heard that statement…" Fran closed her eyes. "Never mind!"
"Fran." Grace narrowed her eyes shaking her head. "You trust us?"
"Okay, Okay!" Fran stood up slowly walking out of the room.
"Bloody hell, I have to call the cater back." Niles picked up the phone punching in the number. "He better have everything ready for this wedding."
"Did daddy like our idea?" Grace glanced towards Niles's smiling face.
"He loved it! I just hope Miss Mary was able to find Fran's costume." Niles shook his head and let out a roar. "I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU!"
Fran glanced around at the restaurant and noticed that Maggie, Val, Mary, Yetta, Sylvia and C.C. were all waiting for her. "Oy! What's going on?" She noticed all the gifts on the table and started to blush.
"Sit down, dear!" Sylvia stood up taking her daughter's hand. She could no longer hold her joy and started to jump up and down letting out loud mumbles.
Fran glanced from her mother and then towards the other women. "Translation?" She turned her head towards a laughing C.C. who backed away.
"Your getting married tomorrow!" Sylvia managed to spit out.
Fran's eyes grew huge. "I'm.. I'm…"
"Getting married tomorrow?" Sylvia raised her index finger towards her daughter. "Don't you back out on me Missy!"
"It's all set! Everything is ready for you and daddy!" Maggie reached out touching her former nanny's hand. "People are coming from all over the place to see you two married."
"Your great aunt Laey and Jean are coming! I better see a smile on your face."
"Breath Fran." Mary reached out helping her friend towards a chair.
Fran lowered herself into a chair. "Where is it?" She felt like her head was spinning.
"That's part of the surprise." Maggie giggled handing a present over for Fran to unwrap. "This is from Grace and myself."
Fran blushed glancing inside the package. "I'm not showing that!"
"Wait until you see what Niles and I got ya." C.C. snickered and watched Fran's blushing face.
"Your not going home tonight. We have you a room.. Upstairs!" Mary smiled as Fran glanced around. Fran knew this hotel it was the same place that Bryan had held the company party.
"The kids?"
"Are being cared for." C.C. snickered. "Grace has them and Niles is home tonight. All the women glanced towards a laughing C.C. "Come on! Do you really think I would have let Niles go out to a strip club?"
Fran reached out for another gift and was soon blushing bright red.
"You and Maxwell will have an interesting honeymoon." Mary let out a laugh.
"Did yall plan that too?"
"Course we did! We aren't letting you get away this time." Maggie reached out taking Fran's hand. "Never again."
Maxwell shifted in his bed his head was lightly throbbing from his 'meeting' yesterday. "Sir?" Niles walked in carrying a bag and his normal sliver tray.
"Is today really the day?" Maxwell stood up taking a sip of coffee.
"Yes sir and Miss Fine was rather shocked last night when the girls told her." Niles smirked as Maxwell's eyes glazed over with terror. "No sir… This time she's not backing out."
"The girls were really cleaver coming up with this idea." Maxwell undid the bad and smiled at the Arabian style robes. "Did Mary find Fran's costume?"
"Yes and it was quickly tailored for a wedding." Niles smiled as Maxwell let out a happy sigh. "I'll go wake the children."
"I doubt the girls slept last night." Maxwell let out a chuckle taking another sip of coffee.
Maxwell glanced around at the hotel lobby. The staff had set things up perfectly right down to the band playing soft music. "It's lovely, Mary." Maxwell reached Mary Hunter's side. "I have a request for you."
"Yes?" The woman was holding Eve and Belle again as both little girls let out giggles seeing Maxwell dressed up.
"My mother didn't bother to show. Will you stand in her place?" Maxwell's eyes started to fill with tears noticing Mary's lower lip trembling.
"Bryan always said you had to be a good man. He knew that because Fran was so deeply in love with you." Maxwell reached out taking Belle from her arms.
"Sir!" Niles reached Maxwell's side. "The music is ready." Niles smiled as Maxwell turned around.
"Would everyone please take your seats." The rabbi and priest walked forward as the hundred guests sat down. They were all dressed out in find silk robes. Maxwell walked forward handing Belle off into Mary's arms. Maxwell felt his heart stop glazing towards Fran's eyes. She was all dressed in white, and small shiver bells marked her slow movements.
Right now I feel… just like a leaf on a breeze! Who knows where it's blowin'. Who knows where it's goin'. I find myself somewhere I never thought I 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 as changed.
Fran felt her heart pound as she reached for his hand and smiled glancing into his eyes. "Nothing I have ever known." She whispered as they both turned towards the priest and rabbi.
