Surprise for Fran!

The holidays are over and life in the Sheffield mansion turns back to its normal life. Maxwell Sheffield is sitting at his desk in his office like every day. This time, however, he is not busy with his work. He is looking at the pictures taken at Christmas. His heart warms up as he flips through the pictures seeing the happy faces of his children. All three were extremely excited when he had to stay with them due to his accident. They were all able to spend a wonderful Christmas together. It ended up to be a cheerful celebration and they all had a great time. Maxwell really enjoyed spending some carefree and undisturbed time with his children for once.

He feels a sting of guilt. Over the last years he had spent every Christmas without his children. After his wife Sara died, Maxwell had avoided every holiday, because especially on these days he had become particularly aware of the pain and he had preferred to run away rather than face the pain.

Now when he thinks back, he feels terribly ashamed about what he put his children through. Maxwell makes a firm resolution not to miss another Christmas ever again.

He smiles to himself as he continues to look at the pictures. His gaze falls on Fran Fine. It's crazy. It took a funky Jewish girl from Queens to storm into his house and explain him the true meaning of Christmas and family. Maxwell is well aware that mainly thanks to her, he has a closer relationship with his children now. And she was also majorly involved in his accident that forced him to spend Christmas at home. As painful as it had been when he sat on the vase, thinking what he had gained from it, he comes to the conclusion the pain was worth it.

He smiles to himself. Fran Fine really was the most unconventional nanny in the whole world. They had had a lot of nannies over the years. But none of them had ever been as devoted to the children as Fran. Alone the trouble she had brought herself into only to buy the children nice Christmas presents. Maxwell feels a deep wish to show Fran his gratitude. And he already has an idea how. He picks up the phone to call Fran's best friend Val.

A few days later, Fran is relaxing on the couch when Niles approaches her with a stern expression.

"Miss Fine, you couldn't help yourself again. You never learn from your mistakes."

Fran stares at him in confusion.

"What have I done now?"

Niles looks at her intently.

"Well, think carefully!"

Fran thinks hard. Had she accidentally put the good dishes in the dishwasher again? Or stolen something from the fridge? Or had Niles noticed that some nail polish had dripped onto the table in her room? Fran is about to confess when Niles puts a package on the table.

"Here! This has just been delivered for you. You couldn't resist ordering something again. And you've just gotten through the whole mess with the gifts for the children. All I can say if you're hoping for my help, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. I already have plans on how to spend my Christmas check."

While Niles continues to grumble, Fran eyes the package with fascination. She hadn't ordered or bought anything the last few days. Therefore she is extremely excited to see the content of this ominous package. Niles, who has noticed that Fran apparently isn't listening to him at all, finally leaves. Fran hastily opens the package and finds a box and a card. First she takes the card and reads it.

'Thank you to our unique Christmas angel. May you spend many more holidays with us.'

Fran immediately recognizes her boss's handwriting and her excitement grows even more. When she opens the box, her eyes light up. She can't believe what she sees and her heart skips a beat. In the box is her grandfather's watch. The same watch she had sold with a heavy heart. And this time it was the right watch. Fran has never felt a bigger gratitude and happiness in her life as at this moment as she is holding her grandfather's watch in her hand. It's a shame that Mr. Sheffield is at the theater all day. She would have loved to storm into his office and jump into his arms. But then another idea comes to her mind.

As Maxwell is about to finish work after a long, exhausting day, the janitor comes towards him.

"Mr. Sheffield, this has just been delivered to you."

Maxwell peeks at the huge envelope in surprise. He opens it curiously. A huge photo collage appears with lots of pictures of his children. Maxwell looks at the gift, deeply touched. He already has an idea who he has to thank for this surprise. And as if to confirm his suspicion, a card falls out of the envelope.

'That you may never forget what is truly important in life!'