Maxwell was lying in his jacuzzi, sipping a cognac. After they arrived home, he had first tucked in sleeping Gracie. Maggie and Brighton had retired wearily to their rooms. Maxwell didn't feel like sleeping yet. He tried to relax, but his thoughts kept circling around a certain brunette. She had seemed happy. Again the jealousy gnawed at him. With uneasiness he thought about tomorrow. He was looking forward to seeing Fran again, but she would appear with Nigel and then he would have to see them together. Watching them as a happy couple was something he could disclaim. He came up with the idea to avoid this situation with some fake meeting? No, he couldn't do that. It was the children's last eve before their trip, they would be terribly disappointed if he would sneak away. "Please dear God, let a miracle happen and let Fran show up tomorrow without Nigel!" Immediately after he spoke out this wish, he felt rotten and mean. His mind traveled back to Fran. He wondered what she was doing right now? Was she already asleep?
Fran didn't sleep yet. She had just come out of the bathroom in a fluffy bathrobe. She had also taken a bath after her arrival at the hotel. Now she made herself comfortable in front of the television. What was Nigel doing for so long? She felt lonely. She thought about Maxwell. Was he already asleep? She was looking forward to seeing him and the kids again tomorrow. She zapped through the channels. "Oy only junk!" Annoyed, she turned off the TV and went to bed. In her dreams, a British gentleman with a gray streak appeared.
"Brighton give me my Discman, now!" "Niiileees! Where are my new shirts?" "Daaddyyyy, where are our tickets and passports? I better not be sitting next to Gracie on the plane! She's always throwing up!" "Baaaaah, not at all! You're stupid!" Maxwell startled out of his sleep. Grrh, what the hell was that noise, he had just had such a wonderful dream! Grumbling, he got up. Three kids preparing for vacation was a real ordeal. He slipped into his robe and yanked open the door. "Can you keep it down kids! You should really start acting more grown up. Get ready for breakfast, then you can finish packing in a calm and orderly manner. Margaret, please come to my office later. I'll give you your travel documents. All three immediately fell silent and stared at each other with a meaningful expression. What was going on with their father?
Nigel awoke, stretching comfortably. He looked at the figure next to him. Fran was still fast asleep. Snuggled deep in her pillow and blanket. Nigel pulled the blanket away, kissed her first on the lips and then down her neck. "Mmmmhhh!", Fran slowly opened her eyes. "Good morning baby! Has anyone told you yet how adorable you look in the morning?" Fran grinned, "You certainly know how to raise a woman's mood in the morning." "At least with you baby! What's on the agenda today?" "This afternoon we're invited to Maxwell and the kids, the three of them are flying to their grandparents tonight, they want to see us before they go and Ma is expecting us for lunch at one o'clock." "Oha!" Nigel glanced at his watch, then turned back to Fran, pushing her back into her pillows. One hand wandered under her nightgown and caressed her belly. "We still have some time!" He began kissing her again. Fran wrapped her arms around his neck, returning his advances and snuggling against him. Nigel pulled the blanket over them. Soon giggles were to be heard and then pleasant moans.
Maxwell sat at his desk. Niles knocked on the door, "Sir! Miss Babcock for you!" and handed him the phone. "Yes CC, what is the matter?...No I can't!...No CC, listen you know the kids are going on their vacation tonight...Of course that's a good reason!...You can handle it on your own CC. Bye!" "Sir, will Miss Babcock's planned candlelight dinner for two, turn into 'dinner for one'?" Since Fran's departure, CC was flirting with Maxwell more aggressively, constantly trying to persuade him to go on dates with her. "It was about a meeting with a writer who has written a very promising play and who can only meet with us today." "Mhhh!" "Niles! Control yourself! I'm really not in the mood for your remarks." "Could this be because you are expecting your brother and his fiancée?" He emphasized the word fiancée. "Not at all Niles! I'm delighted to see Nigel again. If you have nothing else to say, I would suggest you get back to your duties!" Nigel gave his boss a meaningful glance. "Actually, I wanted to ask you a favor, Sir. A friend from Galway has invited me to go fishing. I've already checked with the airline. There is one seat left on the plane tonight. I know this is very spontaneous." Maxwell was uncertain what he should say. He didn't like to do without Nile's services, but since Fran's departure he had been annoying him relentlessly with his remarks and innuendos. They would surely get worse now that Fran was in town. "Mhhh this is sudden but go ahead. You've deserved a few calm days." "Oh thank you sir! Thank you so much!" Niles was pleased and went upstairs to pack as well. However, the whole thing seemed puzzling to him. His boss had never agreed to a vacation so easily.
Fran and Nigel stood outside the Fine apartment. "Are you ready?" asked Fran her sweetheart and when he nodded, she pressed the bell button. Sylvia Fine rushed to the door and gave Fran and her future son-in-law a big hug. "You look fantastic sweetheart! Paris seems to be doing you good. And you, my son, who will make a Sheffield out of my little girl, come to my heart!" During the meal Sylvia chattered without a break. She was so happy to have Fran with her again. She had been depressed at first due that Fran was so far away, but the engagement and the fact her daughter will soon be the wife of a millionaire cheered up her mood. "Fran, you should have seen the faces of Jack and Masha. At first they were sure it was another act like last time, but the engagement announcement with your picture destroyed them. Jack asks me all the time in what setting the wedding will take place. He keeps bragging that there were 400 guests at Masha's wedding, so we have to invite at least 500 guests! Son, I hope you have a big family..." As she babbled on, Fran and Nigel exchanged definite glances. Fran had warned him, the best thing to do was to let her mother talk and not to contradict her. After endless hours, they said their goodbyes. They were late, they just managed to drive back to the hotel, freshen up and change. In no time they were back in the limo on their way to the Sheffields.
Maxwell paced nervously in the living room. They would be there any minute. "Kids, are you finally ready! Fran and Nigel will be arriving any moment." "Right away Daddy!" "I'm coming Dad!" "In a minute!" Again he wandered around. "I can't remember the last time your brother's visit sent you into such a flurry sir!" "Niles!" Maxwell was about to sush his butler when the front doorbell rang.