Chapter 4: Surprise Birthday Party

A few days after Fran's real birthday, was a surprise party for her. Max and Sylvia planned it, a couple months before Max and Fran got together. Fran had gone shopping with Val as both Sylvia and Max was decorating, with the assistance of the children and Niles and C.C. But while Max was decorating, he stopped for a moment to ask Sylvia a question.

"Sylvia, can I ask you something?" Max asked nervously.

"Sure, son," Sylvia answered.

"Okay. So of course it's been a couple months since Fran and I started dating. Well I gave her a necklace for her birthday but I have something else I want to give her," Max said nervously.

"Yes?" Sylvia said wondering what Max was talking about.

He grabbed a small box out of his pocket and opened it. In it, was an engagement ring.

"Sylvia, I'm going to ask your daughter to marry me," he said smiling.

"Oh my gosh. Max that's so great," she said giving him a hug.

"I know, so you won't mind," he said hoping she would approve.

"Max, darling, I am so happy that you finally told her that you loved her. You make her happy. Of course approve," Sylvia said happily.

They gave each other a hug. Sylvia was the third person that knew. Max told C.C. and Niles and they were both happy for the couple.

The decorations were finally done. Sylvia picked up the phone and dialed Val's number. The phone rang once and Val picked up.

"Hi Sylvia," Val said on the phone.

"Val, where's Fran?" Sylvia asked.

"Oh, she's in the dressing room." Val said.

"Okay good. We are done with decorating and the food is all ready. Go to Macy's so Fran can pick up a nice dress. As soon as the dress is bought along with some nice shoes, tell her to change into the dress, okay" Sylvia said explaining to Val the plan.

"Okay, sure," Val said happily. "See you in a little bit."

"See you, bye." Sylvia said.

She hung up the phone just as the guests were about to arrive. All of Fran's friends were there including Heather Biblow and Danny Imperiali.

(Author's note: Okay, in my story, Fran and Danny became good friends after their break-up and she was still friends with Heather)

Meanwhile, at the mall...

Fran and Val were at Macy's looking for a dress. Fran tried on a lot of dresses although none were the right one, until she found a light pink strapless long dress and silver sandals. Fran tried on both and it was perfect.

"This dress is perfect," Fran said to Val.

"Yes it is. Okay let's go buy it and then you can get back in the dress," Val said.

"Ok," Fran said.

As soon as the dress and sandals were paid for, Fran took it out of Macy's and changed in the bathroom. As soon as she was dressed, both girls went to the beauty salon to get Fran's hair and makeup done. As soon as that was finished, both girls went straight back to the Sheffield house, and on the way, Val called the house to let Sylvia know they were on their way. In about five minutes, they reached the house

Fran opened the door to the house when all of a sudden:

"Surprise, happy birthday" everyone in the living room shouted.

Fran looked at everyone in shock. She couldn't believe that the surprise was for her.

"Oh my God," Fran said with tears of joy.

Max waltzed over to her and gave her a kiss. The party started and Fran made her way to say hello to the guests.

"Hi Danny, Heather," Fran said giving both a kiss on the cheek.

"Hi Fran," they both said.

Fran was glad that she remained friends with Danny and Heather. She was really glad that they were both here.

"You know Franny, I am so glad you have Max. He is one lucky guy," Danny said smiling.

"And I am lucky to have her," Max said wrapping his arms around Fran's waist and gave her a kiss.

A couple hours later, all the guests were having a good time. Fran were spending all her time with everyone. All the chatter had stop with Sylvia, tapping on the glass.

"Everyone, I want to thank all of you for coming to help celebrate Fran's birthday with us." Sylvia said and continued. "A lot of us know and love Fran. You all are important to her and I would ask you to come up and say a few words about Fran."

All of Fran's family and friends went up to say a few words about Fran. As soon as Fran's friends and family were done with their speeches, it was time for the Maggie (who represented for her, Brighton and Gracie), Niles and C.C. to say a few words.

"Okay so I was chosen to be the spokesperson for my siblings. I have known Fran for three years and there is a lot to say about Fran." Maggie said and continued. "She has always been there for me and Brighton and Gracie as well. Fran, thank you so much for being a wonderful person and a great friend. I love you. Happy birthday," she said.

She walked down to Fran and gave her a hug. Niles walked up and started his speech.

"I have come to love Fran like a sister. When we lost Sarah, the house just felt happy. But Fran came into our lives, and changed all our lives forever. Fran, all I want to say thank you for being such a wonderful woman and making Max happy, I love you," Niles said.

C.C. also went up to say a few words. She mentioned how she and Fran weren't the best of friends but as soon as Fran started dating, they became good friends and really enjoyed having her in her life. She also wished Fran a happy birthday, finished with a hug from Fran.

Now it was time for Maxwell to say his speech. He walked to the platform, followed by Fran who had no idea what was going on.

"Hello everyone," Max said and continued. "As you all know, Fran came into my life a few years ago. It was a couple months after my wife died but Fran blew into our lives and made us all happy again. We are now dating and I have never been happier." He turned and looked at Fran. With a deep breath, he said "Fran, you are the love of my life and I want to thank you for being there for me always. I love you, Fran."

With that, he bent down on one knee, grabbed a small box from his pocket, and opened it. As soon as Fran saw it, her eyes welled up with tears.

"Francine Joy Fine, will you marry me?" Max asked.

"Oh yes, Max. I will marry you," Fran said with tears in her eyes.

He slid the ring on her finger and stood up, giving her a passionate kiss. The guests all applauded, with tears in their eyes.

As soon as the party was over, Niles, Fran and Max cleaned everything up.

"Oh Max, I'm so happy you did this for me," Fran said giving him a kiss as soon as they were done. "I cannot wait to be married to you."

"Me neither," Max said kissing her back.

They both walked up the stairs, into Max's bedroom. They both lay on the bed, and started making out, and both started to slowly undress each other. They made love for hours. Hours later, they both fell asleep in the most perfect place…right where they belonged.