Happenstance

Throughout the week they stayed in contact with each other. It almost became routine. She would call or one of the kids would call so they could tell her what had happened with their day, while she made sure that they were doing what they were suppose to be doing. Then after she talked to each child she would chat with Niles and then end the conversation with Max.

She and Max would talk about their days and the idiotic people each had to deal with, it felt good for him to have a bit of normalcy, to talk about the mundane things that really did matter in the end.

The children were making great strides with the constant interaction. Margaret was becoming more confident, Grace was interacting with everyone more and Brighton was learning to behave.

It was late in the week that Fran got a call from Max late in the evening. She had just finished getting ready for bed when the call came. “Fran? It’s Max.” She looked at her clock 11pm!

She began to worry, he never called this late, “What’s wrong Max?” “I don’t know. It’s Brighton. He’s fallen ill and I don’t know what to do. It’s after the doctor’s hours and I don’t really want to move him to go to the hospital.” She jumperd off her bed, already in action, “Enough said. I’m on my way.”

She hung up the phone, quickly got into a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, pulled her hair up and grabbed her keys. “Val! I’m off to the Sheffield’s.” Val walked out of her room, Fran could see Freddie in there. “What’s the matta Fran?” Val asked. “Brighton’s sick,” she said hurriedly.

“Let me get Freddie to get you a cab,” Val said while turning back towards her room. Fran stopped her, “I’ll be alright Val, I don’t think I’ll be harassed tonight. I’ll call when I get there.” Val nodded her head, wished her a safe trip and walked back to her room.

As Fran hailed a cab she could see him walking towards the building, “Frannie!” She hopped in the cab and told the cabbie to, “Go, go, go!” Off they sped in the direction of the mansion.

Niles saw the cab drive up and immediately opened the door for her. “Tell me what’s going on Niles.” “Well he is in the fetal position clutching his stomach and sweating profusely.” They ran up the stairs and into Brighton’s room where Max was sitting with him wiping him down with a wet cloth.

Fran walked to the bed and knelt on the floor near his head. “Hey B, tell me what’s wrong.” The boy opened his eyes to see her. “Fran, everything hurts,” his hands traveled over his body indicating where it hurt.

She turned back towards the men, have you taken his temp?” Without a word Niles ran out of the room to fetch the thermometer. She told Max to go refresh the cloth and turned back towards Brighton.

She combed his damp hair away from his forehead with her fingers. “It’s okay B, I’m here now.” She took the thermometer from Niles and put it in Brighton’s mouth.

“Niles would you be a doll and go get us some children’s Tylenol?. Oh and can you call my apartment and tell Val that I’m here and that I’m safe?” Niles nodded and left the room again. Max came back with a damp towel.

“B, lie on your back for a moment.” Brighton obeyed. “Where’s the nanny Maxwell?” she asked without taking her attention away from the task at hand. “Night off, and I couldn’t get in touch with her.”

She gently pressed on Brighton’s stomach and he moaned. Max asked worriedly, “Do you think it’s appendicitis?” Fran looked up at Max briefly with a gentle, reassuring smile, “No I think we just have a nasty case of the stomach flu.”

She pulled the thermometer from his mouth and read a temperature of 101°. Brighton suddenly sat up with his eyes wide and his hand over his mouth, “Okay Brighton! Here we go.” She ran out of the room with him to the bathroom.

Niles returned with medicine in hand and stood with Max listening to the vomiting sounds coming from the bathroom and Fran giving Brighton comforting words. Finally there was a flush and the running of fresh water from the faucet. Together they exited the bathroom.

Once in bed she gave him some of the medicine Niles had brought up for him. Brighton looked at her with sad eyes. “Sweetie, it’ll bring down your fever and it will make you feel better.” He took the medicine from her hand and swallowed it immediately followed by water.

“I’m sorry Fran,” he cried. “Oh sweetie, its okay. Just close your eyes and try to get some rest.” She wiped his brow with the damp cloth and rubbed his arm till he closed his eyes and fell asleep. By this time Niles had retired for the night but Max stayed close by watching her take care of his son. When the boy was asleep they both went to wash up.

“You need to keep the girls away from him for a couple of days, although they may have already caught the bug. Us too.” “I’m so sorry Fran,” Max said apologetically.

“What’re you sorry for. I’m glad that you called me. Besides you probably saved me from my own personal hell that I would rather not talk about.” Max was curious but decided not to push the issue, she confide in him if she wanted.

“I guess I’ll be off,” she began to collect her belongings. Max took her bag from her hand, “Nonsense. You’re staying here tonight.” “Oh, Max, I…” “No discussion Fran. It’s late and we’re tired, the guest room is quite comfortable.” He showed her to the guest room.

“Do you need something to sleep in?” Fran looked at her clothes and realized that she wouldn’t be comfortable sleeping in her tight jeans. “Do you have anything I could borrow?”

Max walked to his own room and returned with a pair of pajamas, “I’m sure they’re too big, but they should work for the night.” “Thanks.” She looked up at him with weary eyes. “Sleep well Fran.” “You too Max.”

She closed the door behind him and changed for the night. The pants were too big and she found herself getting tangled in the legs so she simply took them off and climbed under the sheets.

As soon as her head hit the pillow she was asleep and didn’t wake until she could hear Brighton moaning again. Without thinking she ran towards his room and began caring for him.

Max also ran to Brighton’s room but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her wearing only his pajama top. He was able to see her beautiful long legs and his heart rate increased. He noticed that her hair was down and around her face. She looked like a dream. Fran was too busy tending Brighton to notice her admirer so he took the opportunity presented before him.

Once Brighton took his medicine she turned to sit on the floor and that’s when she noticed Max clad in only his pajama bottoms. She looked down at her own attire and tried to cover herself up to no avail.

“Oh Max, I’m so embarrassed,” she whispered. “Don’t be, I should be the one who’s embarrassed.” He walked into the room and sat on Brighton’s bed, “How’re you feeling Son?” “Sick.” He patted his son’s legs, “You’ll be alright.”

Brighton turned his head towards Fran, “Thanks Fran.” Fran knelt beside him again, “Oh B, for you I would do almost anything.” She kissed him on the forehead and then combed his hair again with her fingers.

Together both Max and Fran watched the Tylenol work its magic. Brighton slowly fell back to sleep and quietly they exited the room.

Outside Brighton’s door Max looked down at Fran, he opened his mouth to say something, but nothing could come out. In the soft hue provided by the hall light he could see her brown eyes and he was drowning in their depth. He knew that he was falling hard for this woman and it scared him to death.

“Good night Max.” She reached up and gave him a light kiss on the cheek before walking in the direction of the guest room. After being motionless for a second he ran after her and whispered her name. He guided her into the guest room and closed the door.

He pulled her into his arms and held her. He held her tightly as if he would never let go. They could feel the heat of their bodies soaking thought the thin layer of silk on her pajama top and the feeling intoxicated both of them.

“Thank you Fran. You don’t know how much your presence here tonight means to Brighton…and me.” She brought her arms up and snaked them around his neck. “You have no clue how happy I am to be here Max. How meaningful it was that you called me.”

He pulled away from her to look into her eyes, he saw something there. What was it? Fear? Whatever it was, it shook him to the core. What or who could frighten someone so wonderful as the woman he held in his arms? Somehow he knew that it had nothing to do with him, but it frightened him nonetheless.

“What is it Fran? What’s bothering you?” She looked down at the floor and shook her head. “Nothing big Max. Just something that happened earlier. Everything is fine.” She looked back up at him, “I promise.”

His hands searched for hers and he brought one of them up to his lips. His lips grazed the back of it. She unconsciously took in a quick intake of breath. Her hand traveled up to his face and cupped his cheek.

“Someday, when I’m ready, I’ll tell you. I promise. Right now, I want to concentrate on getting that boy of yours better.” Max nodded. “Now go to sleep Max or tomorrow will be a really long day, I can promise you that.” He bent down and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek before leaving the room.

The next morning Brighton was better but he was on bed rest for the remainder of the week, Fran’s orders. Fran stopped by everyday to check on him and the other children. Each time Max saw her his feelings became more defined. He was scared of them and he tried to hide them from himself, to no avail.

It amazed him how easily he did fall for her. Was it her beauty? Max knew that she was gorgeous, but it was something unexplainable. Something far deeper than he thought possible. There was a connection they all shared with her and she with them.

He never thought he could feel this way again and he felt a bit nervous giving his heart to another woman. After the loss of his wife he vowed he would never go through the heartache again. But here he was, loving again, feeling again.

Max knew she was sent to them. Who was he to mess with fate? After a few days of his newfound feelings he began to bask in the glory of them. Everyday seemed beautiful and fresh. Max felt like a million bucks!


Max met her and the other couple at the restaurant. He was running a bit late because of an unhappy actor at the theater. “Sorry I’m late.” Fran linked her arm through his, “It’s alright Max. I would like you to meet Val and Freddie. Guys this is Max.”

He shook hands with both of them. “It’s great to meet you Max,” Fred said while shaking hands with him “You too Freddie. I’ve heard much about the two of you.” The couple looked at each other with comical expressions. “Only good things of course,” Max stammered out.

After their dinner arrived they were all enjoying a peaceful evening of conversation and food when they were interrupted. “Max?” He looked up to see Ernie standing next to him. He stood from his chair. “Ernie! It’s a pleasure to see you. Is Roberta here?” “No, I’m on a business dinner this evening.”

He looked at the people at the table. “Miss Fine? Miss Toriello?” “Ernie! It’s so good to see you,” Fran beamed. “It’s good to see you too Fran.” Val spoke up, “Hi Ernie, this is my boyfriend Fred.” “Nice to meet you Fred.” He shook hands with the man.

“So what are you all doing here?” Max looked a bit embarrassed and worried that Ernie would be upset he was out with another woman other than his daughter.

Ernie saw Max’s nervous expression, “Through my conversations with the children I heard that you were spending time with the family Fran. I think that is a very good thing.” “You’ve been talking to the children?” Max asked.

Ernie shifted his weight to his other foot and cleared his throat, “Yes, well I realized at the wedding that too much time had passed since I last saw them, so I’m making an effort here.”

Max blinked, “That’s wonderful. I just didn’t know you were in touch with them.” “Well I had a wonderful woman knock some sense into me about that,” he winked at Fran.

“She does have a way of doing that, doesn’t she?” Max chuckled while Val and Freddie had to cover their mouths to keep from bursting into laughter. Fran sulked into her seat.

“It’s a good thing Fran. I admire a strong personality in a person. Well I need to get back to my dinner party.” Ernie said goodbye to everyone at the table but asked Max to follow him.

“I know what you’re thinking Max, but you’re wrong. I think it’s a wonderful thing you’re putting yourself out there. And to be quite honest, I think that Fran is a wonderful person. You look like a different man. Like when Sarahh was alive.”

He sighed and placed a comforting hand on Max’s shoulder, “I think she is the breath of fresh air you needed. It was almost like you died along with Sarahh, but seeing you tonight, I see that there’s a bit of life left in you yet.”

Ernie looked back at the table and smiled. “She’s a great person Max and you deserve to be happy. I know Sarahh would want you to be. Not that you need it, but I give my blessing to you to be happy.”

Max had become too choked up to say anything, so he stuck his hand out to Ernie. Ernie grabbed his hand and pulled Max into an embrace. “Maybe Bert and I can take the kids one weekend, we have a lot of catching up to do.”

Max bit his bottom lip and gave a smile all while slightly nodding his head. “I think they would like that.” Ernie clapped his hand on Max’s shoulder and walked to his own table with business associates.


Fran had become a regular fixture at the mansion and the kids loved it. Since she had entered their lives it seemed that everyone tried to make more of an effort to be a family. Max became more involved and the children began to excel under the scrutiny of both their father and Fran.

Max kept the nanny, but she was rarely needed except for errands or after school events, but even then either he or Fran tried to make it to all of those. As the months passed and Fran’s relationship continued to solidify with the family the only person that saw a problem with the situation was CC.

CC continued to go after Maxwell, unashamedly. Max was getting to his wits end with her and Fran was the individual he would talk to when it just got to be too much to bear.

“You should just tell her that you don’t feel the same way Max. Let her down easy but firm. I promise that it will make it much easier for you.” Max rubbed his eyes, “Yes, but I don’t want to hurt her.” “I know you don’t, but look at what you’re doing to yourself,” she brushed his hair away from his forehead as she would Brighton’s.

They were sitting on the couch talking when they heard the phone ring. Niles approached them with a cordless phone, “Miss Fine you have a phone call.” “Thank you Niles.” She took the phone from him and curled up in the corner of the couch with it.

“Hello?” It was Val and she called to tell Fran that Danny had come by the apartment again, drunk. Fran closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. “Are you guys okay?” Max was watching her and became concerned for Val, even though he knew Val was clueless sometimes Fran held her close to her heart therefore making her important to Max.

He had to admit that if it weren’t for John’s wedding he never would have known people like Fran and her friends. He would’ve been stuck in the same boring crowd that he was always in. Fran, Val and Freddie knew how to enjoy life.

Upon these tender feelings for Fran he grabbed her free hand and looked into her eyes, silently asking her if everything was alright. She nodded. Val continued to tell her that Freddie had taken care of the situation and that Danny was gone, but that it had been the third time that week and it was starting to get out of control.

“At least when you’re here Fran he listens to you.” “Not as much as you think Val.” “Why won’t you talk to me about it?” Fran’s face pained, “Because I choose not to. Trust me, its better that way.”

Fran paused her speech before asking the next question and took a deep breath, “Do I need to come home?” “No Frannie, its probably better if you stay there for a while. He was upset you weren’t here.”

They said their goodbyes and Fran turned back towards Max. “Fran? What’s going on?” “Its nothing Max, please don’t worry about it.”

His arm wrapped around the back of the couch so he could turn his body towards hers, “But I already am worried. Listen…you’ve taken care of all of us, now let me help you. I know you need to talk to someone. Why can’t it be me?” She looked down at her hands, shielding her eyes behind her hair but he saw her shoulders shake as the tears began to fall.

Closing the distance between them he took her in his arms and rocked her. When she finally calmed down he handed her his handkerchief, which she graciously accepted. “I haven’t been completely honest with you about my relationship with my ex-boyfriend.”

She caught her breath before continuing, “A couple of years ago I realized that I didn’t have a choice on whether to stay at the bridal shop or leave. I found out that Danny had been cheating on me.”

With passion in her voice she said, “I saw it as a sign of disrespect towards the relationship and to me as an individual. Of course I confronted him and instead of talking it over calmly it was like he had a short fuse or something.”

Fran wiped her watery eyes, “He started yelling so loudly I was sure all of Queens could hear him. He blamed it on me, telling me that I was the reason he had to ‘resort’,” She used her fingers to quote the word resort, “to Heather Biblow. He made the story so believable that I actually started to believe his cockabull story.”

She looked up at Max with a nervous expression on her face, “You know the saying, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’?” Max nodded, “They lie, words can hurt, they can hurt a lot,” she choked out the words from her throat which had a lump in it as she tried to stop the tears from coming.

Anger began to form in her eyes, “He then ‘informed’ me that I didn’t have the guts to leave him, and that he loved me regardless of his tawdry affairs and that night he decided to show me just how much he ‘loved me’,” she let out a sob remembering that night.

Wiping her eyes she bravely continued, “He had a way about him. His words stung and he convinced me that I was the one in the wrong. He told me that because I was so busy with the store, his store, I had neglected him. I felt like such a horrible person.” Fran was shaking and her eyes were closed as she told the story to Max, going through all the emotions she had in the past.

She shrank away from Max and into the corner of the couch, pulling her legs up to her chest. She looked blankly into space as she continued, “That night and for many nights after that he forced me to give him my body. He didn’t rape me in the physical way but he forced me through words. His words went too deep for me and the only way I knew how to ease their sting was to appease him.”

She let out a shaky breath and closed her eyes, “It took me a while to come to my senses and see what he was doing to me. I got out of the situation as quickly as I could. I’ve been running ever since.”

She opened her eyes and fresh tears rolled out of them and down her cheek, “It took me a while to even go on a date and even then I’ve never let anything go beyond a simple kiss and rarely a second date. I guess I’m just protecting myself.”

Fran had been nervous about telling her situation to Max. She worried he would think she was a horrible, petty or even a weak individual. There were still days she felt that way. She just knew he would he had to feel that way too.

Instead he gathered her in his arms again and smoothed down her hair away from her face. She placed the temple of her head on his shoulder and wept into his neck. He could feel her warm breath touch his skin and although he tried to stop it his senses went into overdrive. He looked down at the woman in his arms. ‘Not now man, she needs you right now.’

“What happened after you left Fran?” She looked into his eyes and only saw pain there, his pain for her. She took a deep breath and continued, “Well…the day after I left Val and I started our business. We had already done our first wedding while working at the shop, without Danny knowing and we knew that it could be a profitable business.”

“Danny was afraid to come around my parents’ apartment, he knew that Daddy would either want to have a ‘chat’ with him or kill him. My father may not be the most attentive father out there but don’t mess with his kids. He has always protected us and Danny knew that.”

“Before long Val and I had made enough money to get a place of our own. It was heaven for a while but a few months ago he started to show up at the apartment. Val knows that I don’t want him there and so does Freddie.”

She smiled when she thought of her friends, “Both of them have seen Danny during one of his episodes. They jump into action pretty quickly, they’re kinda like my protectors.”

Her smiled began to fade, “But sometimes they aren’t there or they aren’t fast enough to prevent him from entering and he breaks through the door. He can be a strong man if he wants to be, especially after a few beers. He’ll close the door to my room and I know all they can hear is shouting and then calm.”

Fran swallowed. “But it isn’t calm…” she paused as she squeezed her eyes shut. “The words he uses against me are so powerful. He has the ability to make me feel so horrible about myself and so sorry for him.”

She opened her eyes but only looked at her hands, “There have been times in the not too distant past that he made me feel so bad he convinced me to give myself to him again.” Max pulled away from her a bit, appalled at what he was hearing.

A sob caught in her throat as she felt him pull away, “I never want to, it’s just…he makes me feel so weak, so horrible. I never seem to be able to make it right for him.” It was all she could say before she broke down into sobs.

The anger began to boil from his toes on up, “I’ll kill the bastard,” he snarled. Fran snapped open her eyes to look at him, “Max, I don’t want you or the children to get involved in this. This is the only place I can escape from it, I don’t want to dirty this water, its the best thing I have.”

His hard eyes began to soften as he listened to her plea, “Fran, I don’t want him near you anymore. I want you to allow me to hire someone to watch over you. If I can’t always be there to protect you I want to know that someone else is.”

He moved his hand under her chin and raised her face up to her own. “No more Fran. If you let me do this for you it’ll be over, I promise.” He pulled her body back into his arms. It was then, in the safety of his arms, she nodded before she buried her head in his chest and cried herself to sleep.

Max held her in his arms and silently promised her that he would take care of her. His desire to care for her was so strong he hardly knew where it all came from. All he knew was this was now his problem just as much as it was Fran’s, whether she wanted it to be or not. She meant far too much to him and his children to just “let it be.”

He couldn’t believe she had given herself up to the bastard. He always thought she was such a strong individual, never would he have guessed that she was so troubled under her calm surface. His body shuddered when he thought of her in the other man’s arms, crying as he took her.

Again the anger began to boil underneath his skin. He was going mad, all he could think about was hunting Danny down. When Fran gently rubbed her cheek again his shirt in her sleep he began to calm. ‘She is all that matters now. She is here with me, she is safe and that is the way I intend for it to stay.’

Not long after he calmed her soft sounds of sleeping lulled him into a light rest. He stayed with her on the couch that night. It didn’t matter to him who saw them when they came downstairs. Nor did it matter that he would have a crick in his neck all the next day. He just wanted to be with her.

Every night after her confession they would talk on the phone or she would stay over at the mansion. No day was ever complete for Max without a ‘goodnight’ from Fran.

He made careful observations during their goodnight chats on the phone. He would ask about her safety and until she was able to reassure him that everything was kosher he wouldn’t let her hang up. Fran loved the attention and it made her feel safe, knowing that someone was looking out for her.


It was a beautiful early summer day when she met Max and the children at the park for Brighton’s soccer game. “Fran!” Brighton came running up to her and dragged her by her arm to the area everyone else was waiting. “Hi everyone!” “Hey Fran!”

When the match began Brighton could hear his supporters over everyone else’s. He played the best he could for his family and he did a great job.

When he would get an assist or make a great pass to another teammate he would look over at his family and smile proudly at them just like any other seven year old would do. “Go on B! Kick the ball!” “Alright Brighton! That a way son! Good tackle!”

In the end Brighton’s team lost but he wasn’t upset, he knew that he had played a good game and that his family was proud of him. Even Margaret was excited for him.

As he was walking towards them Grace came running to him. It was still a new thing, Grace acting like a real little sister. She would follow him around and he always acted like he was annoyed, but deep down he loved it and he loved her.

Brighton turned around and knelt on the ground so that Grace could climb on his back. Together they made their way back to the family.

Fran was the first one to speak, “Oh B! You were fabulous!” “Thanks Fran,” he smiled at her with a boyish grin. They all went back to the mansion for dinner and chatted away the evening away with lively conversation.

As Fran was leaving the mansion for home that evening after tucking in each of the kids Max asked her out for lunch the next day. “Just you and me?” “Well Grace will be in preschool, so if I’m not too appalling, then I thought yes, just me.” She gave him a wink and a nudge in the ribs, “I’m just not used to it being just the two of us. I think that would be wonderful.”

“I would like to treat you this time, no arguments, please Fran.” She sighed, “Max, its not that I wouldn’t love to have a rich and handsome man treat me to lunch its just that I don’t wanna take advantage of you.”

He sighed and rolled his eyes, “You aren’t taking advantage. I want to do this Fran, besides, I’m the one who asked you out, so it really is my duty to pay. Please.” She gave him a lopsided grin, “Okay Max. I would love to go out to lunch with you tomorrow.”

He helped her into her jacket and guided her out the door and walked her to her waiting taxicab. Niles watched the whole thing from upstairs. Since Fran had come into their lives it seemed like they were a family again. The children were children again and they were flourishing into respectable human beings under Fran’s eye.

Maxwell was also changing. To most Maxwell Sheffield could be a difficult person to understand but Niles could read him like a book. Since Fran’s arrival into their lives Max had an extra bounce in his step.

He also noticed the looks of desire each of the adults gave the other when they were sure no one was looking. There was a connection there that most anyone could see, something deep, as if destiny put them on each other’s paths.

What was the word Fran had used before? “Bashert,” Niles whispered to himself. “Meant to be.” He turned towards his room with a smile on his face and retired for the evening.

Lunch the following day was full of stories and laughter. After a while Max stopped and looked at her, “You know Fran, this is the first time we have ever really been alone and I must say that I am learning more about you today than I have learned over the past many months.” She wiped her mouth with her cloth napkin, “Well, I’m learning more about you than I could’ve thought possible. It must be that we don’t have any prying ears from any little Sheffields around.”

He chuckled then grew serious, “This is nice though.” Her eyes met his, “Yes it is. It’s very nice.” He grabbed her hand that was lying on the table next to her plate. “Fran…I want to…”

“Fran?!? Oh my goodness, will you look at you.” Fran’s eyes shot up to the voice that was greeting her.” “Oh my goodness, Judy…what a surprise.” “That’s just what I was thinking. So whatta doin’ with yourself?” “Well Judy, Val and I have our own business and that takes up most of our time really.”

Judy directed her attention to Max, “And who are you?” she asked sizing him over. “A fiancée, boyfriend, friend?” “That gentleman there is Maxwell Sheffield,” Fran introduced him. Judy’s eyes shot wide open, “The big Muck-a-Muck Broadway Producer?!? Oh my gosh, Frannie, you didn’t tell me that you knew someone famous!”

“Judy I haven’t talked to ya for over ten years, why would I tell you I knew someone you may have possibly heard of?” “No need to get snippy with me Frannie,” she glared at Fran before turning her attention to Max, “Hello Mr. Sheffield my name is Judy Silverman. I’m an old friend of Frannie’s.” Max looked at Fran over Judy’s shoulder, who was giving a look of disgust.

“Well Judy, while it is very nice to meet you my darling Fran and I are sort of having a nice private lunch together,” he gave her an apologetic look. “I am sure that since you are such good friends with Fran that we will learn all about each other.”

Judy giggled like a schoolgirl and held her hand up stupidly to Maxwell for him to kiss it. To satisfy her he kissed the back of her hand and she ran off giggling forgetting to give her “best friend” Fran her new phone number.

“I take it you weren’t old friends?” he smiled at her and raised an eyebrow. “No, old enemies more like it. I’m sure she was going to rub something in my face until she saw you sitting across from me.” Fran pulled a comedic face that Maxwell had to laugh at.

Their conversation eventually turned serious again and Max remembered that he wanted to say something to her. He took her hand in his again and looked into her brown eyes. “Fran, I can never thank you enough for all you’ve done for my family. You are such a part of us now. To the children you are a role model and someone to turn to for comfort.”

He cleared his throat before he continued, “For me you are my friend and you have been there for me when I’ve needed you the most. You’ve taught me to live my life as if today were my best day ever, and that I should always remember Sarahh but I shouldn’t spend my days mourning her, instead I should celebrate her life. You have taught me more than a lifetime would’ve supplied me with had I not met you.”

He paused for a moment, closing his eyes to gather the rest of his words. “Your wisdom is deep and your love is bottomless. I just hope that someday I can learn to be a bit more like you and embrace the world as it is, instead of always trying to change it.”

Fran took in a shaky breath. “Max,” she lowered her head and closed her eyes, “if you only knew what your family has given to me in return you would think I was the one being selfish. Your children have taught me so much about life and forgiveness. And you have taught me to believe in the kind of love that you and Sarahh shared.”

He tightened his hold on her hand, which caused her to open her eyes. They were glossy with tears and his only thought for that brief second was, “she looks beautiful.” He looked deep into her eyes and the feelings that he had been trying to suppress for the past few months finally surfaced and it hit him like a colossal wave.

A warm feeling traveled throughout his body and it felt as if a tightness in his chest had been released, air traveled freely to his lungs and finally he felt whole again.

Max was shocked that he didn’t feel any guilt towards Sarahh but then he realized that the love he had for Fran didn’t mean he was pushing Sarahh out of his heart. She would always have a place in his heart and he felt that Sarahh knew that, and that she blessed his love for Fran.

The weight he felt on his shoulders lifted in that moment. He knew that there were obstacles they would have to overcome, but he also knew that in the end all the sacrifices would be worth it.

As the intense feeling made its way through his body he looked deeper into her eyes, into her soul. There was love there for him, he knew it was there, she just had yet to open up the floodgates.

He would be the one to conquer and open those gates. “Fran, you will experience a love so deep that sometimes you won’t know what to do with it all. You deserve the best in life, and I know that you will find what you’ve been looking for. Maybe it has been right in front of you and you didn’t know it, but I promise you that I will help you find it. I promise.” She squeezed his hand, “Thanks Max. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in crime.”


When she got back to the office for a meeting with a potential couple Val caught up with her. “Come on Fran, dish!” “Dish what Val?” “Oh, come on Fran!” she whined. “I hardly ever see you. You’re with the kids or you’re with their father. Something is going on,” Val fished.

“Nothing is going on Val. I adore the children. I think we’ve grown a bond with each other.” “Yeah, like you were their mother or something.”

Fran stopped her actions and turned towards Val, “I could never be their mother.” Val rolled her eyes, “Yeah, maybe you didn’t give birth to them but you are doing a lot of things and even more than a lot of mothers would do for their own kids.”

Fran just flicked her hand at her friend. Val continued, “What about their father?” Fran’s head shot up, “Max? What about him?”

“Oy Frannie, you’re starting to drive me insane.” Fran gave her a look, and Val replied, “Yeah I know, I don’t need any help, I’m almost there already with the insanity.” Fran let out a laugh. “Frannie!” Val whined.

Fran drew in a sigh, “We’re friends Val. That’s all.” “So why is it that you spend all your time with him. If you’re only friends then you need to get out there and start dating again.” Val knew that this would light the fire under Fran.

“Val, I have been dating with no luck! At least no good luck! Besides, I like spending my time with Max. He makes me feel good about myself and I respect him. He’s a great man, and a great father. If he didn’t have such a history I might think about going after him,” Fran admitted while looking for her paperwork for the couple.

“But he has too much baggage? The children? I thought you loved them,” Val inquired. “I do, more than I ever thought it could be possible to love another human being let alone four,” Fran smiled as each of their faces popped into her head.

Val asked, “Four?” Fran blushed. “Yeah, well, I love the three of them and I care very much about their father. Wait…five! I love Niles too. He’s become a great friend. Oh, and if I could cook like him,” she paused and thought about it, “actually, it’s probably good I can’t cook like him, I’d weigh a ton.”

Val was beginning to get frustrated “So you think that Max is such a great guy but you wouldn’t think about dating him?” Fran sighed, “It’s complicated Val. G’nug already!”

Without listening to her friends plea she continued, “Well, not that you’re asking for my opinion here, but I think that you should rethink this friends thing. Sometimes things could be right in front of you but you wouldn’t see it till it smacks you right between the eyes.”

Fran rolled her eyes at Val and was about to respond when the front door opened to their clients. ‘How does she have such good timing that I can never respond?’ Fran thought.

That night as Fran was brushing her teeth she did think about what Val said and it confused her. She adored Max, but did her feelings go deeper than admiration?

She began to analyze their relationship by thinking how good or bad they would be together and why they should remain only friends. Of course she was attracted to him, ‘who wouldn’t be?’ and of course she respected him.

She worried for him and was proud of him for all his accomplishments. Remaining friends would be the safe way to go, but would it be enough? ‘I can picture so much more with him…’


Fran had made arrangements with Max and the nanny to take all three children for a trip to the Central Park zoo midweek in the beginning of the summer. It was after summer school hours and all of the children were excited about the outing.

When Fran arrived they all leapt at her. She said her usual hellos and checked up on all of them. No matter how often she talked to the kids she always asked them how and what they were doing. And they all loved to tell her.

Fran was the first adult to connect with them since their mother passed away and they felt that she genuinely cared for them, regardless of how crazy they made her. They loved her unconditionally and they knew that their love was reciprocated.

A larger woman followed Fran in and stood in the doorway admiring the scene. “Ma, come on in. They won’t bite.” Sylvia made her way into the mansion and she took in her surroundings with both her eyes and her mouth wide open, turning in a circle to take it all in.

“Kids, this is my motha’, Ma, this is Maggie, Brighton and Gracie,” she pointed to each one as she introduced them. She looked back at the kids who were eyeing the woman, “She’s coming with us to the zoo.” Grace held onto Fran’s hand as if it were a vice.

Fran knelt down, “She’s not gonna eat ya sweetie,” but the child latched onto her neck. Sylvia walked over to the children with a wide grin on her face, “Are we ready to go to the zoo?” Brighton and Maggie looked at each other, now they knew where Fran got her voice.

“Let me just go and tell Max that we’re off.” Fran walked towards the office holding Grace while Sylvia stayed with the other children in the living room. She tapped on the door, “Come in,” Max responded.

She opened the door and walked in. “I just wanted to tell you that we’re going.” He looked up at her with a smile. “Are you sure you’ll be able to handle them all by yourself?” Fran smiled, “I won’t have to, Ma is here to help.”

Max looked up at her from his chair with curiosity, “Your mother is here?” “Yeah, she’s out there with the other two. Ya wanna meet her?” Max took off his glasses and stood from his chair.

“Maxwell,” CC whined from the loveseat. “CC, I’ll be back in a couple of minutes. I’m sure you can handle it, can’t you?” CC looked down at the papers on her lap and sighed, “Yes, of course I can.”

Together Fran and Grace walked out with Maxwell. “She’s still after you? When are you going to let her down?” “When I work up the courage.” He smiled towards her and they walked through the doorway adjoining the hallway and the living room.

“Ma, I want you to meet Max. Max this is my mother Sylvia.” Sylvia stood from the couch where she was talking to the kids.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Fine.” Sylvia gave him her hand palm down and he quickly looked at Fran who rolled her eyes before he bent his head to kiss it. “The pleasure is all mine I’m sure.” Again Fran rolled her eyes.

Sylvia complimented, “You have beautiful children Max.” Max looked at all of them, “Thank you,” he smiled proudly, “and you have a beautiful and wonderful daughter Mrs. Fine.”

Sylvia smiled at Fran, “I know.” They told him when they planned to be back and off they went.

They had a great time at the zoo. Sylvia bought them all some ice cream cones and individually broke through their walls. By the time they got back to the mansion all the girls were laughing at Brighton.

Niles opened the door for them, “What’s so funny.” “Oh Niles,” Fran replied, “Brighton just did the funniest thing!” He looked at Brighton who was muddy from head to toe and opened his mouth to say something, “Don’t worry Niles, I won’t get the house all dirty.”

Fran began telling him the story, “We were walking in the park when I spotted a mud patch. I swear I tried to clear them all away from it but Brighton was running backwards ahead of us. He was making fun of us because of how slow we were when he slipped and fell right into it.” She bent over in laughter.

“Oh you should’ve seen the look on his face. Priceless! Simply priceless!” Niles face turned serious, “Miss Fine, you may want to tone it down a bit.” Her laughter calmed but continued, “Why?”

He nodded his head in the direction of the office, “It hasn’t been a good day for him and he is in a mood. Even Miss Babcock went home not too long ago.” Fran immediately calmed down, but not fast enough.

“What is all that racket?!? Someone is trying to work in here!” came the bellow from the other room. All three kids stopped their laughter and looked up at Fran with a bit of panic in their eyes.

Fran turned towards Brighton, “Go on upstairs and get cleaned up sweetie. You too girls.” “But we aren’t dirty Fran.” She looked at Maggie, “I know you don’t think you are sweetie, but go wash your hands and face please. Oh and since Nanny Jacobs has the rest of the day off help your sista wash up too.” Maggie nodded and guided Grace up the steps.

“Maybe we should go Frannie,” Sylvia suggested. Fran took a deep breath and shook her head. “If you want to go Ma then go ahead, I’m going to try and calm him down.”

“Miss Fine, I’m not sure that is a good idea.” She looked at Niles, “I have to calm him down before he sees the children. It’s been such a good day, I don’t want it to end on a bad note.”

Niles raised his eyebrows and gave a sigh, “Good luck. I’ll go check on Master Brighton.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and turned on her heel towards the office.

She didn’t knock, instead she just made her entrance. He had his head down, looking at some papers on the desk. “I said no interruptions Niles.”

“I was hoping you could make an exception.” He looked up from his work towards her before turning back to it. “Fran, now is really not a good time. Maybe…”

“No, we’ll talk now!” she interrupted with force. His head shot back up to make eye contact with her. She saw fire in his eyes.

No one had spoken to him like that since he was a child and she could tell that he wasn’t ready to let Fran start. “Fran, now is not the time!” She closed the door behind her.

“What the hell could be so bad that it could turn you from a wonderful doting father to an absolute maniac in a matter of hours?” she pushed. “It really isn’t any of your business,” Max spat at her.

Although the words stung Fran only sighed, “I’m sure that it isn’t…yet…but if you walk out of this room and make the rest of the day miserable for those three kids then it will become my business.” Max threw down his pen, “They’re my children.”

She nodded, “Yes Max, they may be your children, but I have dedicated my time and my love to them and I will protect them from you.”

He looked at her with a look of astonishment upon his face, “Protect them? You think I’ll hurt them?”

“No, not physically at least. Let me tell you though that sometimes words can hurt a lot more and a lot longer than a slap in the face. I speak from experience.” Instantly ashamed, Max’s face softened when he heard her words and looked deeper into her eyes.

Her eyes were hard and he knew that she wouldn’t bend. She continued, “If I must I will take them to my place tonight until you’ve had some time to cool off, or you can calm down right now. I’m sure nothing is as bad as you’re making it out to be.”

He ran a hand through his thick hair, “I’m probably not making it out as much as I should be.” “What happened?” she inquired.

He leaned back in his chair and sighed, “My lead quit today. Opening night is in a couple of weeks and he quit.”

Fran shrugged, “So what? You have an understudy don’t you?” “Of course! But it was his name that was going to sell all of the tickets!” he bellowed in her direction.

She stated simply, “Well, now you need to rely on the fact that it’s a good play, a good story. It is, isn’t it?” He looked down and sighed. “You just don’t understand Fran.”

Fran sat on the edge of the desk and crossed her legs, an act which did not go unnoticed by Max. “I may not understand all of the intricate details, but I do know that if something happens the show must still go on. You deal with the drama as it comes and figure out a way to make it work. Throwing a hissy fit, isn’t going to pacify the issue.”

He lowered his head again and gently shook it, “You’re right. Overreacting won’t solve the problem. The lead is gone, so now I need to find another strong point to sell the tickets.” Fran smiled, “Tell me what the story is about and we’ll figure something out.”

After spending some time on it Max was sure that they had a catchy hook to attract people to see the play. When they stood he embraced her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “What was that for?”

“For being you,” he smiled down at her, “for helping me, for being here for the children and for me.” “There isn’t anywhere else I would rather be right now.” She took a step back from him and turned towards the door. His hand trailed down her arm and she caught it in her hand.

She led him out of the room and into the living room where Brighton and Maggie were playing the game of Life with Sylvia and Grace was coloring. All three children looked up at them as they made their entrance. “Kids, your father wants to say something to you,” she turned towards him as did all four sets of eyes on the floor and couch.

“Children and Mrs. Fine. I’m sorry for my outburst, it was unnecessary and directed at the wrong people. I hope that you can forgive me.” Grace ran to him and he picked her up, “Are you mad at me?”

Max looked from Grace to Fran who shrugged her shoulders. “No sweetheart, I’m not mad at you. I love you.” Grace wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him.

“It’s alright Dad,” Brighton said. “Yeah Dad, we know that you weren’t really yelling at us,” replied Maggie.

Max smiled fondly upon his children, “Thanks kids. Now how about you tell me about your day at the zoo over dinner.”

He looked at Fran and Sylvia, “You will stay for dinner, won’t you ladies?” Fran looked at her mother who appeared to be ready to jump at the wax fruit sitting on the coffee table. “We’d love to Max.”

They all walked towards the dining room that was ready for their arrival. When they entered the dining room Niles was in awe of the transformation Mr. Sheffield had gone through in such a short period of time.

He stood there with his mouth open as he saw him enter holding his child with a smile on his face, he looked over at Fran who gave him a small wink. Niles gave her a small smile and happily set two extra place settings for the guests.

The conversation at dinner was lively as each child told Max about their favorite exhibit at the zoo. He listened to them with interest and laughed along when he heard about Brighton’s fall.

Sylvia and Fran left right after dinner because Fran had a meeting later in the evening and she had to get home to wash up before meeting the couple. Max walked them out, “It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Fine.”

Sylvia replied, “I hope we will be seeing a lot more of each other.” Max looked in the direction of Fran who was trying to hail a taxi, “I hope so too Mrs. Fine.” He walked to the curb and gave a whistle at a passing cab.

He opened the door for Sylvia and as Fran walked past him he stopped her with another hug. “Call me after your meeting Fran.” She winked up at him, “I promise.” She got into the cab and he watched it ride off to the west side, where Fran lived.

Although he knew it was only for a short time till he saw her again his heart pained as he watched the cab drive off down the street, away from his home, away from him.


The following Friday Margaret called Fran to see if she could come over for movie night that night. “Well sweetie. I can watch an early movie with you kids, but then I have a date later in the evening.” It sounded fine to Maggie so they agreed on a time and a movie for her to bring from Blockbuster.

When Fran arrived she had the movie and a smile on her face. Niles prepared the popcorn and beverages then retired for the night. Max walked in from the theatre just as the movie began. He took off his jacket and hung it in the closet before heading to the couch.

“Hello everyone.” He sat next to Fran and draped his arm around her shoulder. “The movie is a bit early tonight. Isn’t it?” Margaret answered for Fran, “Fran has to leave early tonight Daddy.”

Max looked from Margaret to Fran, “Big date tonight?” he said jokingly. Fran bit her bottom lip, “Well, it’s only the first date, but it may turn into something big. You never know.”

Max tried to laugh at her but his heart was breaking. He took his arm from around her shoulders and placed it on his thigh. Grace walked up to them and instead of allowing Fran to pick her up Max placed the child between the two of them, giving him some distance.

He knew that if he were to touch her or look into her eyes she would sense that something was wrong, that something was bothering him. They all watched the movie, except for Max. He kept thinking about how wrong he had been.

He had thought that there was an understanding between Fran and himself. He hadn’t gone out on any dates since they had met and he just assumed that she would do the same.

It wasn’t as if they were married or anything, they weren’t even dating it was just he hadn’t ever heard her talk about dating. Most every spare minute she had seemed to have was spent with him or the children.

As he watched her leave for the evening to get ready for her date Max felt a loneliness for the first time since he had met Fran. It was as if the loneliness walked in the door when she walked out.

He excused himself from the children and instead of going to his office he climbed the stairs to his bedroom. ’

Max closed the door behind him and turned to his stereo. He knew what CD he was looking for and when he found it he gently placed it in the stereo and hit the play button. Jazz wafted through the room.

He listened for a moment before he moved onto the next song. That was it. It was as if this song was written just for him for this exact moment. He closed his eyes and listened to the words, the pain…

“You give your hand to me, and then you said hello. I can hardly speak, my heart is beating so and anyone can tell you think you know me well, well you don’t know me.”

Max sat heavily on the bed, “No you don’t know the one, who dreams of you at night. And longs to kiss your lips, longs to hold you tight. To you I’m just a friend, that’s all I’ve ever been. Well you don’t know me.”

Max rubbed his tired eyes, “I never knew the art of making love, though my heart aches with love for you. Afraid and shy I let my chance go by. A chance that you might love me too. You give your hand to me and then you say goodbye. I watch you walk away beside the lucky guy and you will never know the one who loved you so. Well you don’t know me.”

His eyes tightened as he listened to the piano solo. The pain that the musician felt mirrored his own. A tear escaped his eye and he let it fall slowly down his face. He pounded his hands on the bed in beat to the solo, allowing the music to fully penetrate his body.

“I never knew the art of making love, though my heart aches with love for you. Afraid and shy I let my chance go by. A chance that you might love me too. You give your hand to me and then you say goodbye. I watch you walk away, beside the lucky guy and you will never ever know the one who loves you so. Well you don’t know me.”

As the final notes faded away Max opened his eyes and collapsed backwards on the bed. Covering his face with his hands he asks, “Why now?”

His inner voice answered him. ‘Because now it is the time for you to put yourself on the line, to take a chance on love again instead of losing it, yet again.’ He removed his hands from his face and looked up at the ceiling.

His mind continued to work it out, ‘It’s time to take a step, a chance. She’s what you’ve been looking for since Sarahh. She’ll never take Sarahh’s place in my heart, but she doesn’t need to.’

His hands formed into fists, ‘She doesn’t belong going out with other men…she belongs here with me, and the kids. I need to make a move.’ He stayed awake for a number of hours that night trying to come up with a solution to his dilemma.


Fran was watching the morning news the next morning, “The best night to catch the meteor shower is tonight between the hours of 10pm and 1am…”

As the newscaster changed topics to a store robbery in the city her mind started to work. ‘I bet those kids have never seen a meteor shower growing up in the city.’ She looked over at the clock in the living room, 10am, and she picked up the phone.

Niles answered, “Sheffield residence.” Fran smiled when she heard his voice. There was something about Niles, he just made her laugh, “Good morning Niles.”

Recognition to her voice, “Oh Miss Fine, good morning to you. How are you this morning.” “Pretty good. Hey I didn’t get a chance to ask you last night, how is that diet I told you about going?”

Niles smiled, “Oh the one with all carbs and no protein? Loving it.” His voice shook with passion and all Fran could do was let out a laugh.

“I’m tellin’ ya Niles, I have lost tons of weight eating exactly what I want instead of what I should be eating. If I can get rid of the craving then I don’t find myself eating everything else in sight trying to satisfy my appetite. Amazing how that works, huh?”

Niles replied, “It’s a miracle. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.” “Because you’re a measly little Butler!” Fran could hear Miss Babcock putting down Niles in the background.

“Why are you two always going at it? I mean is it just pure hatred or is it too much sexual tension to put your true feelings into words?” Fran inquired. She knew that would get him thinking, which is what she wanted to do.

There was silence on the other end for a brief second, “What?!? I have no idea what you’re talking about Miss Fine.” Her pitch went up a notch and he could picture her shrugging her shoulders, “Alright Niles, we’ll drop it, but I’ll believe what I want to believe. Is Maxwell there?”

“Yes, the witch is in with him. I’ll tell him you’re on the line.” She waited and seconds later she heard Maxwell’s voice. “Fran, it’s good to hear from you.”

A smile came to her face, “Thanks Max. I was wondering if the kids had any plans for the night. I’m heading out right now for a wedding but I should be free by late afternoon and I heard on the news that there was a meteor shower tonight.”

She paused, “If it was alright with you I was hoping that I could kidnap the kids for the night and drive out to Jersey. I know a place that would be great out there to view the meteors.”

“Well Fran, I am sure the kids would love it. I don’t think that they have any plans set for the evening. Besides I think they would put other activities aside to spend time with you.”

Fran put down the mug of coffee she was sipping, “You wouldn’t want to join us, would you?” Max thought for a moment, “What time do you guys have to leave?” “Maybe seven.”

She continued, “Just enough time after the wedding for me to pack an overnight bag and some sleeping bags. I’m going to borrow my friend’s car to drive out there then use a couple of air mattresses to lie on. I’ll bring a picnic dinner and everything. I think it will be a lot of fun.”

Max shuffled through all the papers on his desk and sighed when he saw how many were waiting for his attention. “Oh Fran, I would love to go, but I just don’t know if I can wait on these papers any longer,” there was a bit of disappointment in his voice.

“Well, why don’t you keep working. You have a few good hours left, I will pack enough food for you too and if you can’t make it then it won’t go to waste.” He smiled into the receiver, “Alright Fran. I’ll see what I can get done.”

CC interjected, “Maxwell!” she whined. Fran looked at the clock and realized she had to leave, “Alright, I’ll see you in a few hours Max.” “Sounds good Fran, bye now.”

They hung up the phone and Maxwell began to work furiously, he needed to finish the work and make it tonight.

When she arrived at the mansion all three kids were anxiously waiting for her. They had never done anything close to this, being outdoors at night, looking at the stars. Living in the city never allowed them to view all of the beautiful stars at night. All of the city lights overpowered them.

They couldn’t even remember the last time they saw the moon. When she walked in the front door all three of them ran to her all talking at once. “Whoa! Kids, are you ready for tonight?” “Yeah!” they all chorused.

She kissed each of the children before asking, “Where’s your father? I have a feeling that he is still too busy to join us on our outing.” “I’m coming Fran.” She looked up to see him descending the stairs in a pair of jeans and T-shirt carrying a couple of sweatshirts.

“You’re coming then?” she smiled up at him. “Yes, I was able to finish up a good portion of the work and I figured the rest of it would still be waiting for me tomorrow. No real rush really.” They shared a smile.

Fran turned her attention back to the kids. “Alrighty, are we all ready to go?” The nanny was making sure that each child had their belongings and bid them farewell.

Brighton was the first on the run to the car to claim his seat. Fran secured Grace’s car seat and buckled in the child. Maggie then climbed in. Max sat on the passenger’s side and Fran got herself comfortable behind the wheel. They all waved goodbye to Niles and CC who were waiting on the curb.

The drive was uneventful for the adults but the children loved to watch the change in scenery.

“Wow, look Maggie!” Maggie looked in the direction that Brighton was pointing in. There were horses out grazing the fields and houses that were far too big to be for only one family. They also sang songs and played a few car games along the way.

“Here we are kids!” They all watched as she brought the car to a stop at the edge of a large field. “Everybody out, and I need everyone to help carry.”

Fran carried a bag and the basket full of food, Max carried the air mattresses and a bag while the kids all carried their own sleeping bags and pillows to the site that Fran had picked out.

Max dropped his heavy load and looked at it all, “Um, Fran, how in the world are we going to pump up these air mattresses?” “There’s a built in vacuum, it will be fine, I promise.” Mumbling under his breath, “No wonder why they weighed so bloody much.”

She pulled out the mattresses and started the motor. Once both were filled she set down a blanket and placed the picnic basket on top. The kids unrolled their sleeping bags on one of the mattresses and then ran to help Fran unload the food.

Other families and young couples had started to arrive and set up ‘camp’ much like Fran had. Max sat on the empty air mattress and watched her interact with his children.

Somehow she had the wherewithal to finish her task at hand and give the proper attention necessary to each child. All of them wanted a piece of her and she was able to give it without any difficulty.

Maggie was helping her set up the food, Brighton was playing with some of it which Fran had to lecture him about and Grace wanted to be held by her. “I promise when I’m done here sweetie I will be all yours,” she swept her hand gently across the child’s soft face, which seemed to ease the child’s anxiety.

Once the food was ready they all sat down to eat, Fran held Grace in her lap while she ate. “So Max, what do you think of my cooking?” “Well Fran, I must say that I am a bit surprised. Its wonderful,” he said while bring a sandwich up to his mouth to take another bite.

“And you’re surprised by that?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. His sandwich stopped halfway to his mouth as he thought of a save for this one, “Well…you are a career woman, I didn’t expect you to have much time to practice in the kitchen.”

Fran decided to give him a break and winked at him, “Well, eating out all the time gets really old so a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do,” she winked at him.

She watched the children eating, “So kids, how’s the food.” They all complimented her cooking skills and kept eating. After eating the feast that Fran had prepared the kids stretched out on their sleeping bags.

It was a warm summer evening and the sun was going down later everyday. As the sun was going down Fran and Max caught up with everything that was going on at school for Margaret and Brighton.

Grace walked over to Fran and crawled into her lap, “Hey sweetie,” she kissed the top of her head and gently rocked her. “Brighton?” Max asked. “Yes Dad?” “How is everything going at school? Anymore problems?”

Brighton fidgeted with his shoelace, “Well, what do you mean by anymore?” he looked at his father with a guilty expression on his face. Fran tsked at him, “B! I thought we were working on this!”

He looked at her with a hurt expression, “I am Fran, I promise. I’m getting better at keeping from playing the practical jokes, honest. It’s just that sometimes I just have to.”

Max bellowed, “You just have to?” “Well Dad,” Margaret interrupted, “the last one he did was last week and it really wasn’t that big of a deal.”

Both Max and Fran looked at the children across from them with astonishment. “Margaret, you do know that you just stood up for your brother,” Max prodded.

Maggie hung her head in embarrassment. “Yeah, but this time it was sorta necessary.” Max lowered his voice even more, “How so?”

“Well, there was this guy picking on me and Brighton decided to play a practical joke on him. He wasn’t hurt and no one knew that it was Brighton that did it. We are so far apart in ages that there aren’t too many people that know we are brother and sister,” Maggie explained.

“B! You took care of your sister?!? I’m so proud of you!” “Fran!” She looked over at Max who’s jaw was dropped. Defending her reaction, “Well his intentions were good and no one got hurt.” He looked into her eyes and he had to chuckle.

Interested in what his son did Max asked, “What was the joke son?” Realizing he wasn’t in trouble his spirit began to lift and he told his story excitedly, “Well, I kinda glued his pants to his lunch seat. Maggie told me where he always sat and so I just took care of the rest of it. He was so embarrassed when his pants ripped, it was great!”

The family shared a laugh. “I did it because you told me to be grateful for Maggie, and after thinking about it a lot I figured that I should start repaying her,” Brighton looked at Fran. She winked at him, “Good thinking B.” He looked proudly into Fran’s eyes and only saw pride reflected in her own.

Fran looked up to see the moon fading beyond the horizon, “Look at all the different colors kids.” They all looked up at the sky and were in awe at the colors the sky held. Pinks, purples, reds, it amazed them.

A neighboring family had a boom box and was playing some jazz music. Brighton stood, “Wanna dance Fran?” “Oh, I’d love to B,” she handed Grace over to Max and walked with Brighton to an open area near the family.

Fran taught Brighton a few dance moves but he still ended up on her feet more often than the soft earth. As the song ended Max walked up to Fran and asked her for the next dance. “Maybe I can save your feet from amputation.” She looked up at him and gave him a sweet smile.

She then looked over at the kids that were watching them with interest. Maggie was holding Grace and Brighton was making himself comfortable sitting next to them.

Max placed his right hand on the small of her back and held her right in his left. He pulled her into his arms and inhaled her scent deeply. At first they kept a safe distance between them, but there was an undeniable draw.

He pulled her body closer to his own and she rested her head on his shoulder placing her forehead on the side of his neck. She smelled his skin and her body became covered in goose bumps as she shuddered involuntarily. He felt her tremble and pulled her even closer.

She could feel his fingers on the small of her back and the softness of his other hand holding hers. She could hear him breathing and with the bit of light still available she could see the beating of his heart from the vein in his neck. It was fast, much like her own and she could feel her body temperature rise.

Max was feeling much of the same: her fingers in his hair, the scent of her, her deep breathing. It was intoxicating him.

As the song came to an end they reluctantly let go of the other. “Wow! Dad, look!” Brighton yelled. Max looked over in the direction his son was pointing in. He spotted some fireflies beginning to emerge on the field. “What are they?” “Those are fireflies Son.”

Brighton’s eyes were wide open, “How do they do that?” Max explained, “Well Brighton it has to do with chemicals and the way that the fireflies release some of the energy from the chemicals.” Brighton’s eyes danced, “They are so cool!” His sisters nodded in agreement.

Fran fished around in the picnic basket and pulled out a glass jar she brought some of the food in. “Here B. Try and catch some in the jar.” The boy took the jar and ran into the field, eager to catch some of the flies, followed closely by his sisters.

Both Max and Fran watched them with delight, laughing as they stumbled over their own feet. When they caught enough they came back to their site and placed the jar in the middle of the mattress that the kids were sitting on.

As the moon began to rise the temperature began to fall a bit. Fran and Max helped the kids get into some warmer clothes and into their sleeping bags while they put on some sweatshirts and sat on their own mattress talking.

“If we fall asleep do you promise to wake us up Fran?” Maggie asked. Fran gave her a gentle smile, “Yes Maggie, the meteors are what we came out here for. I promise I’ll wake you up.”

Grace fell asleep in between her brother and sister and Brighton followed soon after. Maggie stayed awake under the sleeping bag, pretending she was asleep, but really she was listening to the adults.

Max and Fran were enjoying the coolness of the evening and the soft light and music provided by their neighbors. They chatted a little about their days and caught up with the goings ons.

Maggie changed her position so that she could peak out at them. They looked so comfortable with each other. Her father looked more relaxed and happier than she could remember since her mom passed away.

She missed the times she spent with her parents and she felt mad at her father that he hadn’t been there for them. She had to be the grown up for her brother’s and sister’s sake. She hated growing up so fast. ‘It wasn’t fair.’

But since Fran came into their lives she was able to relax a bit herself, not be the adult but instead she was able to be a child again. With Fran she could open up and tell her about all of the changes happening to her and things going on at school.

Also, since Fran had entered their lives her father seemed to be more active in her life. Fran was what was missing in their life and she knew that she needed to find a way to make sure that she would be a permanent fixture in their life. A plan began to form in her head, she would have to get some help but she thought she could convince them where they belonged.

Max confided in Fran, “I can’t believe how much they’ve grown. And it hurts to know that though I’ve always been there, I haven’t really been there. I feel like I’ve been a horrible father.”

She took his hand in hers and looked into his eyes. “You were never a horrible father Max. And what matters the most is you are here now. You realize what you need to do, and I think that you will do it.”

He chuckled, “As long as I have you around I feel like it’s a lot easier spending time with the children. When I’m on my own with them my heart hurts for what Sarahh is missing.”

Fran’s eyes began to water, “But Max, the difference is, she can’t be here, but you can be. Now is the time for you to make a decision. Do you go back to your old ways and ignore them or do you become the part in their lives which is what all of you want? I can’t be the middleman anymore Max.”

She looked over at the children, “As much as I love your three kids, I am not their mother, and I do not have any say over what happens to them. It is important for you to make a connection with them. They need you to be their father.”

Max lowered his head, “You’re right Fran. They are what matters most to me. More than work, more than anything.”

She rubbed his hand she was still holding, “They know that Max. Trust me, they know too.” He tilted his head towards her, “How did you get to know so much about children?”

Fran sighed and let go of his hand before she lay back on the mattress by his feet so she could look at him, “I’ve had plenty of practice with my nieces.”

He gave her a lopsided grin, “Perhaps, or maybe it’s just innate. You are going to make a wonderful mother someday.”

Fran focused her eyes on the sky. “Yeah, maybe. The only problem with that is you need someone to be the father of those children. There is where I hit a bump in the road.”

Just then they heard the ‘Ooohs and Ahhhs’ as if fireworks were going off from the rest of the crowd. They looked up in time to see the first falling star. Max leaned over to the other mattress and woke the children up.

“Wow Daddy, look at that one!” Maggie exclaimed. Brighton and Margaret stayed on their own mattress and lay there looking up at the sky pointing with their hands.

Grace began to pout so Max picked her up and put her between himself and Fran. Fran grabbed Grace’s sleeping bag and they put the child in it. She laid down next to Grace on the mattress and cuddled up to her.

She wrapped her arms around the child and looked up at the sky. Max watched the two girls and got lost for a moment until Brighton yelled about a large meteor. He lay down next to Grace and enjoyed the spectacular show of nature.

When the kids had had enough they packed up the car and got ready to leave. Fran walked towards the driver’s side stretching her limbs and yawning. “Will you be alright to drive?” Max asked. “Yeah, as long as I have some company,” she winked at Max.

Once the kids were all buckled up and nearly asleep Fran started up the car, “I think we are going to have to make a coffee stop, and maybe a pit stop for all of us.” Max nodded, “Probably a good idea.”

During the ride the kids slept and the adult whispered. “So Fran, how was your date the other night?” She moaned, “Don’t ask. I don’t know why I keep going out on those things.”

Max looked at her puzzled, “What things? Dates?” “Yes dates. I mean you get all gussied up and most guys turn out to be jerks. I’m tired of it. Maybe all I’m meant to do is plan other people’s weddings and not my own.”

“Fran I promise you that the right guy will come your way. All you have to do is be open to every possibility.” She stole glance at him before returning her eyes to the road in front of her.

She decided to poke some fun at him, “Look who’s talking.” His head turned towards her, “What are you referring to?”

She giggled, “Max, there are a ton of women that turn to mush under your gaze. Don’t you ever wonder what it would be like going out with any of them?”

He shrugged his shoulders, “Actually I have gone out with some of them. Before I met you I was notorious for my first dates.”

He looked at him with an amused glance, “Notorious? How so?” Shrugging his shoulders again he replied, “Well they were all horrible and very, very few went well enough to lead to a second one.”

Fran gave a quiet laugh. “Maybe us two losers should get together sometime.” “We may be our last hopes,” he replied in a joking tone but was more serious than he had been in a long time with another about the topic. She stole another glance at him, smiled and turned her attention back to the road.