The power of old feelings!
"Nigel seems to be still as much of a whirlwind as ever!"
"Yes, he really is. A normal person can hardly keep up with him!" Fran agrees.
Maxwell sits down with her. He notices that something is bothering her.
"Are you all right?" he asks her. When she just nods mutely, he frowns at her and makes a very skeptical face.
"It's really nothing. I shouldn't be upset. But lately, incidents like this happen more commonly. One phone call and he storms away and I sit there all by myself and can only wait till he comes back."
"Well, that's a family disease. I have to admit I'm no better. Sara and I used to fight about it a lot because business was often more important to me than the family. How about if I try to lighten up your mood? A pina colada without rum? That's what the kids like to drink as well." Fran nods enthusiastically.
After they toasted together, there occurs an awkward silence for a while until Fran babbles on.
"I hope the kids got off, okay!"
"They certainly did. They're not toddlers anymore and Niles is with them." Fran sighs and takes a sip.
"I'm just so glad they're not mad at me any longer. Honestly, I was pretty scared to see them again. But they seem to accept my relationship with Nigel. I hope it stays that way." Maxwell feels a stitch but tries not to show it. With a calm voice, he explains.
"Well, they were never really angry, more disappointed and sad. And they were shocked. I mean, you left out of the blue and without a word. They first didn't understand what was going on."
Again, there is silence. Finally, Maxwell gives himself a jolt and asks the question that has haunted him since her departure.
"Fran! Why did you leave just like that? Without a word?" Tears well up in Fran's eyes.
"That was the only way. I could never look you in the eyes and tell you that I plan to elope with your brother."
"Do you know what a shock that was, for all of us but especially for me? To come home, without you no longer there, just this letter."
Fran stares down at the floor. She can't hold back her tears any longer. Maxwell lifts her chin, gently wiping her tears away. Fran smiles nervously at him, pleading with her eyes.
"Believe me, it was just as hard for me too. When Nigel proposed to me, I was completely blindsided at first, but then I saw it as my chance. To start over again. I mean, I couldn't have been the nanny forever. But I thought about the kids and you every day!" Maxwell reaches for her hand.
"I miss you, Fran, every day. The house is so empty and quiet without you."
Fran smirkes. At the same time, she is totally confused. The situation is overwhelming her. She engaged to Nigel and here sits Maxwell indirectly confessing his love to her. Fran wants clarity. She pulls her hand away.
"Maxwell, let it be! I mean, we both know what happened back then. You took back the 'thing'. You only wanted my friendship. You barely noticed me the last days before I left. Please don't start messing everything up..."
"Dear God Fran!" Maxwell interrupts her. He couldn't listen to her any longer.
"Yes, I took back the 'THING' because I was scared and not ready. I stayed out of your way because I could hardly stand to look at you." He holds her by the shoulders now.
"I took back my confession of love, but my love for you has remained. It has basically grown stronger every day even if I didn't want to admit it to myself. Fran! I love you! I love you more than I have ever loved a woman before. I can never take back my love for you."
Fran is speechless. She doesn't know what to say or do. Inside her rants a jumble of feelings and thoughts. Maxwell glances deep into her eyes. His head, his rationality, his calmness, all was gone. He lost the fight. He feels only his love, his longing and his desire for her. The room is silent. They both could hear the heartbeat of the other one. Then it happens. It was inevitable.
They fall into each other's arms and kiss each other with all their love and passion. They hug each other so tightly that they almost can't breathe. Their mouths are intertwined, greedily they circle each other's tongues. They break free, both gasping for air.
"I love you too, Max! I love you so much!"
"OH, Fran, I missed you so much!"
"Hold me, Max! Hold me tight!"
Again, they kiss each other. Even more intimately. Their lips seem to be melt into each other. They both let their hands wander longingly along their bodies. Maxwell lifts Fran in his arms and carries her upstairs. They are in their own world.