Happenstance

Every night the next week Fran continued to call but she noticed that Max had less time to talk to her and when he did he always kept the conversation short.

She was worried that somehow she had overstepped her bounds during the night of the meteor shower. She recapped the night and didn’t think that they talked about anything inappropriate.

Her concerns only faded when Maggie informed her that the opening day of his new show was quickly approaching.

Fran made sure to make herself more available for the children until the show opened. She was always there after school to greet the children until she had to leave for meetings.

The nanny began to worry about her position at the Sheffield’s and discussed her concerns with Mr. Sheffield. “She’s here everyday Sir. I just don’t know if I’m being replaced or…”

He interrupted her, “She’s here everyday?” “Yes Sir,” Nanny Jacobs replied. His brow wrinkled, “I didn’t know that.” “Well you’ve been at the theatre nearly everyday Sir,” Nanny Jacobs pointed out to him.

His lips formed a small smile. “And that’s why she’s been around more Nanny Jacobs. I can reassure you that at this time your services are still very much needed.”

The nanny sighed in relief and thanked him for his time before she left his office. It’s not that she minded have Miss Fine around. It surely made things all the more easy for her. The children behaved and it allowed her to get some things done that otherwise would have been neglected.

The next day when Fran arrived Niles informed her that Maxwell wanted to see her in the office. She knocked on the door and poked her head in. “You wanted to see me Max?”

“Oh no, not her. We are trying to work in here Miss Fine,” CC whined. Max quickly responded, “CC! I asked her to come in when she got here.” CC lowered her head in resignation.

He smiled towards Fran, “Come in Fran.” Fran closed the door behind her and walked to the side of his desk where she perched herself.

She looked at him curiously. “I was wondering what you were doing Tuesday night next week.” She mentally pictured her daily planner and realized that she had a meeting with a potential caterer for a wedding she was heading. “Oh, I have a meeting.”

His face fell, “Oh.” Upon seeing his response to her unavailability she quickly spoke up, “But, I’m sure I can move it around if the right offer comes up.”

He snorted out a small laugh and looked up at her. “Well, I was hoping you would escort me to the opening night of my play.”

There was the clatter of books from across the room, “Maxwell?!? I thought we were going together?!?”

With a furrowed brow he looked over at CC, “Well CC, we can arrive together. You can bring a date too.”

Fran hopped off the desk and made her way towards CC to pick up what she dropped. She then looked back at Max with an expression of that of a child who was just told she was getting her dream pony. “Ohhh, a date Max? Opening night? This is so exciting! I would love to go. Just tell me when and where I need to be.”

He was gratified by her enthusiasm, “Just be at your place ready at 6pm. We have to be there early and then I was thinking dinner afterwards. I’m always too nervous beforehand.”

She clasped her hands in front of her, “That sounds absolutely wonderful Max. I can’t wait. What sort of attire?” “Formal, I’d like to treat you to something…” he began reaching for his wallet.

“Oh no! I couldn’t! Besides, I think I may have just the thing for the event.” She pranced back to him and gave him a light kiss on the cheek before leaving the room.

When she left the room CC was fuming. “Maxwell. I thought that we would be escorting each other.”

Max lowered his head and rolled his eyes, “Well we usually do CC, but I wanted to share the night with Fran. Besides I think that we are both cutting ourselves off from the dating world by showing up at everything together. Don’t you?”

CC began to wring her hands nervously, “Well, I kind of liked the way it was working.” He looked back up at her with an irresistible smile on his face, “Oh CC, I think that this will be a good thing.”

“Its so last minute though, I can’t invite anyone now!” she whined. “Well then, you can invite Niles.” “Feather Duster?!?” she exclaimed.

Max smiled at the thought. ‘Yeah right, CC and Niles together as a couple,’ he laughed at the thought.


Opening night came before Max knew it and he was pacing at the bottom of the stairs more nervous than he had been in a while. This play was a gamble now that the big star was no longer in the production and he wanted all his hard work to pay off.

He yelled up the stairs, “Children, we have to go or we’ll be late picking up Fran!” All three children came running down the stairs followed by their nanny. “They’re already to go Sir.”

Maxwell looked them over approving of how they looked. “Very nice, thank you Nanny Jacobs,” he looked down at the children, “alright you three let’s get going.” They all piled into the car and made their way to Fran’s apartment.

Val opened the door to them and they all walked in. “You all look amazing.” Max smiled at her appreciatively, “Thank you Val. Is Fran ready?” She nodded, “Just about Max. I think she’s just putting on the finishing touches.”

She walked back to Fran’s room and Max allowed himself to look the place over. Over the past many months of knowing Fran he had never been in her apartment. It always just seemed more convenient to meet at the mansion because that was where the children were.

It was quite large for a Manhattan apartment, but it wasn’t the size that caught his eye, it was the character. Just by looking at it he could tell that Fran had done most of the decorating.

It was bright, but not too bright and it definitely had pizzazz, but again it wasn’t overpowering. He admired the setup that the two women had arranged in the place. He was so immersed in admiring the apartment that he didn’t see her emerge from her room.

He only noticed her when he heard the kids speaking, “You look so pretty Fran.” He turned towards her and had to catch himself against the couch. She took his breath away and he found it difficult to think straight.

Max briefly closed his eyes to gather himself and then opened them to find her looking at him. “Do I look alright Max?” He swallowed, “Oh Fran, you are breathtaking. Absolutely beautiful.”

He walked towards her and cupped her right cheek in his left hand and leaned in to give her a gentle kiss on the other. All three children and Val smiled at the exchange.

With all the nervous emotions that had been flowing through his body before he saw her he was surprised to find that they were no longer present, she had a way to make him feel at ease even when this night would make or break him in the theatre business.

Fran stepped back from him and turned so he could see the whole dress, “I was worried that this wouldn’t be the right kind of dress for tonight.”

“Its perfect Fran…just like you,” he winked at her. She gave him a bashful smile, “You look wonderful too Max. Very classy.” She swatted at his collar to get rid of an imaginary piece of lint and gave him a small wink before turning towards the children.

“You guys look fabulous!” She gushed about how they looked and Max could see their eyes shining with pride. They said their goodbyes to Val and walked down to the limo.

The limo ride was filled with talk and laughter and it went so quickly that Max didn’t even realize they were at the theatre till the driver opened the door for them.

The reporters were already there. “It’s alright Max, I’ll take care of the kids, you just strut your stuff.”

He reached for her hand and gave it a quick squeeze before he exited and helped them all out of the limo. He linked her arm through his and led her towards the looming paparazzi. Once they reached the line she took Grace and Maggie by the hand and led them away from the crowd, Brighton followed.

They stood in the shadows of the reporters for a few minutes and Fran noticed that Grace was beginning to get a bit nervous with all the cameras and the flashes so she reached down and picked her up to give her some comfort.

Grace laid her head on Fran’s shoulder and closed her eyes. Fran stood there slightly twisting her body from side to side to soothe the child. One of the nosey reporters spotted the action and asked his question, “Sheffield, who’s the lady? Could she be your new leading lady?”

Max was confused at the question until he looked in the direction the reporter was nudging his head in. “She is a very good friend of mine that means a lot to me and my children.”

Another reporter got her turn, “What about your partner CC Babcock? What is your relationship with her?” Max was a bit taken aback by the question, “CC? Oh, well, we have a very good business partnership and she is a dear friend of mine.”

The reporter dug deeper, “That’s it Sheffield? Nothing more?”

Max shook his head, “No, just a good friend. Thank you all, I hope that those of you who get a chance to see the show enjoy it as much as I have had putting it together. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some things to tend to in the theatre.” He walked towards the family and took Grace from Fran’s arms then escorted them all into the theatre.

Fran watched him work his magic in the theatre, everyone listened to his suggestions and his demands. Even better, they all seemed to respect him.

CC and Niles arrived not too long after themselves. CC went backstage with Maxwell and Niles joined her and the kids at their seats.

Fran giggled at Niles, “So she did convince you to come tonight then?” “Well, it is so hard to turn down someone who is begging you. I mean, even her, she was so pathetic.”

Fran laughed out loud as Niles tried to come up with some lame excuse as to why he accepted Miss Babcock’s invitation. She knew that the two of them shared feelings, beyond their basic bickering.

They all looked around and saw that the house was filling up and even recognized some of the famous faces in the audience. “This is so amazing Niles, I can’t believe that I’m here tonight!” she exclaimed while she stared at Julie Andrews sitting one row in front of them.

Niles smiled, “Well Miss Fine, you have become an important person, almost a member of the family. It is only fair that you be here tonight.” She patted his arm in thanks, never taking her eyes off Ms. Andrews.

He chuckled, “Miss Fine, don’t you work with some of the most notorious people in New York?” She nodded, still staring. “Then why are you so amazed by these people?”

She finally looked at him. “That is work Niles. This is pure pleasure. Besides, I am still just a girl from Queens. I still get awed by some things,” she winked at him.

Max and CC walked back to their party and sat with them. Not long after he sat next to her Fran noticed Max’s leg hopping up and down at a rapid pace.

He was looking around as if he were looking for someone. She placed a hand on his thigh, halting the jumping leg and he looked at her.

With her other hand she fished around in her purse and pulled out an antacid. “Here, take this, it will make you feel better.”

He studied the tablet and smile at her, “Thanks Fran.”

He chewed on the medication and took a deep breath just as the lights were going down. Fran began to remove her hand from his thigh, but he needed her touch, it soothed him so he grabbed her hand and held onto it till intermission.

When the lights can back up at intermission Fran took the children to the restroom and Max ordered them some drinks. He busied himself with talking to some of the investors who were all giving him raving reviews.

The kids and Fran walked up to him as he was finishing a conversation with someone. He took a deep breath and turned to her. “Max, so far I think that it is a wonderful story and a beautiful production. You don’t have anything to worry about.”

He sighed a sigh of relief, “So far, I think most have been pleased. I only hope that the second half goes as well.” The lights in the hall began to flicker and they all walked back to their seats.

Grace began to tire and didn’t want to sit in her seat so she sat on Fran’s lap. She had her arms wrapped around the child that was quickly falling asleep in her arms against her bosom.

Max’s nerves began to grow again and he longed for her comfort so he placed his hand on her leg. She looked over at him just as the lights were dimming to reassure him of any doubts he was having, either about the show or his advances on her.

When the show was finished it received a standing round of applause. Max walked up to the stage with CC at his side and together they thanked everyone for their support and hoped that they all enjoyed the production.

After the house had mostly cleared Max walked towards the children. He lifted Grace from Fran’s lap and led them out to the limo. From the car he called the mansion and asked Nanny Jacobs to come to the reception hall to pick up the children within the hour.

At the hall he made sure that Fran was constantly by his side only leaving her to order some drinks for himself and her.

Many of his investors and friends came up to him to offer him their congratulations. They all admired the children and he noticed that many of the men admired Fran’s beauty.

Fran sat at the table with the children while he decided he ought to work the room.

Max was deep in conversation when he felt a tug at his arm sleeve. He looked down to see Brighton, “Dad, Nanny Jacobs is here.”

Max placed his hand on Brighton’s shoulder, “Oh, alright Son. You and your sisters need to go to bed right when you get home. I will check on you when I get home.”

Max excused himself for a moment from his guest and walked towards the other children. He gave each of them a kiss goodnight and watched the four of them walk out to the awaiting limo.

He then found Fran and spent the rest of the evening with her and his guests. When he was deep in conversation she would seek out Niles to spend her time with.

At one point during a conversation with his biggest investor, Edward, he looked over to find Fran chatting with a young man. He looked closer and recognized the man as a son of an older investor of his play, Tom.

Max’s conversation partner looked in the direction Max was observing, “She’s a beautiful woman Max. Where did you meet her?”

Without taking his eyes off of Fran he answered, “At a wedding. Just by chance.” His eyes started to burn as he watched Junior extended his hand out to Fran and led her to the dance floor.

He even watched as the man pulled her into his arms and danced with her. His heart was beating a mile a minute and his blood was boiling.

Edward leaned over and whispered something in her ear. “Max?” He turned his head towards Edward. “Go out there and cut in. You’re her date and besides tonight is your big night. Don’t waste it.”

Max shook his head to clear it for a moment before answering Edward, “I’ll get the next dance with her.”

Edward gave his praises of the show and said his goodbyes shortly after, but before he departed he gave Max some wise advice, “Don’t let life pass you by, when you get a chance to jump on something go for it Max. Life doesn’t always wait for you when you’re trying to make up your mind,” and he left with a wink.

A new song came on and Max made his way over to Fran and Junior who were making their way off the dance floor. She looked up at him as he approached them, “Fran, may I have this dance?” She was beaming and took the hand that he offered her.

Once on the dance floor he pulled her into his arms and allowed his body to touch hers. He was on fire again, but not with anger, this time it was from lust. “I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting you Fran.”

She pulled away from him for a moment and looked into his eyes, “I haven’t felt neglected Max. This is your night.”

He pulled her back to him wanting to feel her body close to his own, “But now it’s nearly over and we still have dinner to go to. If you’re still up for it, I mean it is kind of late.”

She looked at him with astonished eyes, “A Fine never turns down a meal Max, that’s something you should know by now.”

“Oh I think I know already,” he laughed with his eyes twinkling.

She leaned back into him to bury her face in his neck and took in his smell. He brought her right hand to his chest and left it there as his left hand found its way down to her waist where his other hand lay.

She let her right hand travel up, gliding it over his shoulder and to the nape of his neck where she played with some of his wavy tendrils. “Thanks for tonight Max. I feel honored that you wanted me to be a part of it.”

He leaned his head gently against the top of hers, “I wouldn’t have had it any other way Fran.”

The song ended and CC took the microphone from the DJ. “I just want to thank everyone and I hope that you all had a wonderful evening. This couldn’t have been done without many of your efforts, have a great evening everyone.”

The party started to dissemble. As Max guided Fran off the dance floor Junior came up to her. “Can I take you home Fran?”

She looked at him confused but played it cool, “Oh, thanks Tom, but Max and I are going out to dinner. I appreciate the offer though.”

The younger man looked from her to Max and when he did he got the understanding that Fran was off limits. “It was a pleasure to meet you Fran. Max, the show is great,” with that Jr. made his exit.


After the party ended Max and Fran went out to dinner with Niles and CC. They toasted to the success of the evening and enjoyed each other’s company much to the surprise of CC.

She had only brought Niles as her escort because no one else was available on such short notice. She also hated the idea of spending time with Fran, but much to her shagring both were pleasant dinner partners.

CC found that both had interesting and intelligent things to say and in return she was at a loss of words. Lately, things amazed her that she never would’ve given a second thought to before.

She looked over at Niles who was telling a story about a period of time he spent in France. She thought to herself, ‘He is so educated. I never knew how much knowledge he held.’

She became even more puzzled, ‘What is it about him that gets me so riled up? Why can’t I stand him?’ When she pondered over her last thought she watched Niles and how his hands animated his words.

‘Oh those hands. I’m sure they can do some wonderful things.’ Surprised CC scolded herself for even thinking such a wretched thought.

When Niles dropped her off that night she went to bed confused and disoriented. Everything she thought to be true now had to be reevaluated. Not everything was as it seemed.

When Max dropped Fran off that night he drew her into his arms and held her for a long moment before pulling away. “Thank you Fran for all the support you’ve given me. Not only for tonight but for everything. I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for you.”

She reached up and combed her fingers through his thick hair before tracing the side of his face with her index finger. He let out a low growl and closed his eyes at her gentle touch.

“Oh Fran, you make me feel alive again.” After nearly baring his soul to her he slowly opened his eyes to look into her own. It was at that moment he knew that he was hers and that she was his, something in her eyes told him so.

Slowly he lowered his mouth to hers. At first his lips just hovered about hers, slightly brushing. They could feel the other’s breath against the sensitive thin skin of their lips, slowly ever so slowly his lips fell onto hers.

The kiss was gentle and passionate. The feelings racing through their bodies were intense. It had been such a long time since either one had felt such a connection with another person.

When he pulled away he brought his hand to the side of her face and gently stroked it as he looked into her eyes. He wanted to say the words, wanted to tell her how he felt but he couldn’t. His emotions were too strong right now and he had to sort a few things out before he committed himself to her.

He knew he would, he was almost there…he just needed some time to make it right. He also knew that he didn’t need to rush, they were already committed to one another, even if the words hadn’t been said aloud.

Max left her at her door with a gentle kiss on the side of her mouth/cheek and a promise to see her tomorrow. She felt as if she were floating on cloud nine when she locked her door behind her.


That night while Fran was getting ready for bed she was thinking of Max. She thought of his gorgeous green eyes and his hair. She loved running her fingers through it, the way it laced around her fingers, it’s softness and even its smell.

She thought of the roughness of his face as the day was ending and how it felt against her own cheek when they said goodnight. She knew that she had feelings for Max much deeper than friendship, but she was scared to unleash those feelings, this was new territory for her.

Never before had she been in such a give and take relationship, one where she felt just as important as the man she was with. Well, not that she was with Max, but she knew that their hearts belonged to one another, it was a long time coming and while it hadn’t been admitted with words they knew it with their hearts.

She walked through the apartment with a smile on her face locking up the apartment. Just as she was about to turn out the light there was a knock at the door.

She padded her way across the living room and looked in the peephole, her heart beating a mile a minute. It was Freddie. Fran took in a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief. She unlocked the door for him. “Where’s your key?”

He gave her a bashful smile, “I left it at home. I’m sorry Frannie.” She closed the door behind him, “It’s okay Freddie. What’re you doing here? Val isn’t here.” He winked at her,

“I know. It’s part of the plan. We had a late dinner tonight and then we went our own ways, but I beat her here on purpose. Tonight’s the night Frannie,” he patted his pocket which had an outline of a square shaped box.

Fran brought her hand to her mouth, “Oh Freddie. She’ll be so happy. Do you want me to leave?”

He looked at her confused. “I didn’t think of that. Maybe I should wait, for a private moment.” He began to get a panicked look on his face.

She started for her room, “Don’t worry. I’ll go to Ma’s.” “Oh Frannie, I couldn’t…” She interrupted. “It’s okay Freddie. I promise. For you two I’ll do most anything.”

He pulled her into a bear hug. “Thank you Frannie!” She put together a quick overnight bag and he walked her downstairs to get a cab. She looked down the quiet street and inquired as to where Val was. “She had to stop at the office. I should have a couple of minutes before she gets here.”

She gave him a hug, “Good luck Freddie, but I know you won’t need it.” He watched the cab drive off in the direction of Queens and made his way back upstairs to prepare for the start of new part of his life.


Fran had agreed to pick Brighton and Grace up from school early in the school year one day when the nanny had to take Margaret to a doctor’s appointment for a routine physical.

“Alright you two, now I want you to behave while I meet with this couple, do you understand?” Brighton nodded his head and after Grace observed his response she also nodded.

Fran smiled gently at them, “B, I want you to get started on your homework, and Gracie, can you make me a drawing?” The child ran for the crayons and paper she knew were hidden in Fran’s desk drawer. The children had come to know her office quite well. They spent countless hours there while she met with clients or had to pick something up.

They heard the door open and Fran greeted her guests. While they went in the office Fran kept her eye on the children in the other room where she had a direct line of vision of them.

As they were ending their meeting Brighton began to put his schoolwork away and Grace ran up to her. Fran scooped the child up and Grace showed her the picture she drew.

Fran’s clients listened to Grace explain the picture and as Fran put the child back down they commented, “You have a beautiful daughter Fran.”

She looked at them with a quizzical expression, “What? Oh! Grace isn’t my child, but I love as if she were my own. And that young man over there is Brighton, he’s turning into a little bookworm aren’t you B?”

He let out a sigh, “Only because you tell me to Fran,” she let out a laugh. “Can we drop you two off anywhere?”

Linda responded, “Oh, we don’t want to bother you.” She shrugged, “What bother? It would be a pleasure. It would give me a chance to get to know you better. I like to get to know my couples so that I can get a better understanding of who they are and what they want their special day to be like.” The couple exchanged glances and then happily agreed to the lift home.

They all gathered their belongings and Fran locked up the office behind them. She had called for the limo Max had given to her for the day because she had picked up the kids, and she knew that it would arrive shortly it was probably just around the corner.

She fumbled to put her keys away and when she brought her eyes back up she saw him, ‘Damn.’ She quickly looked down at the children and began to worry for them. “Chris, Linda, I need you to take care of the kids for a minute. Pretend that they are yours.” “What?!?”

She looked into Linda’s eyes, pleading with her, “Please Linda.” Looking into Fran’s eyes Linda saw the fear there and nodded. Fran then quickly bent to Brighton. “B, stay here with these nice people. Terrence will be right here. Take care of your sister, and don’t try to help me.” Brighton looked at her confused, “Hold her hand Brighton.”

She stood back up to feel his body directly behind hers and she took in a deep breath. The couple saw her face grow pale but she looked back towards the children indicating where their attention should be directed.

Danny grabbed her arm and pulled her down the steps leading to the sidewalk. “Where’s your boyfriend Frannie? What you don’t have anyone to take care of you now?” He pushed her against the wall.

“Hey!” Chris yelled. Danny didn’t hear him, “You slut! I’ve been watching you! I know you have someone on the side!. You think you can have him and me? I don’t work that way Frannie. You know that. My women have me and only me.”

Fran pleaded with him, “I’m not your woman Danny, you know that! Leave me alone!” A crowd from the street was beginning to form. “You are my woman Fran. More than you know,” he raised his hand to her. “Stop it Danny!” she screamed.

He swung his closed hand at her face and made contact. Her vision went hazy for a second and she heard Brighton screaming her name, “Fran!” she could see Linda holding him back and holding Grace as well while Chris came running towards her.

All she could hear and see was Brighton screaming and crying for her, trying to break away from Linda’s grasp. When she focused she saw Danny raise his hand to her again, but before she knew it his body was being pulled from hers.

She then saw Terrence, the bodyguard/limo driver Max had hired to look after her, tackling Danny to the ground. Chris gathered her up off the pavement and helped her to her feet.

He opened the car door to the limo for her and then ran to the kids and Sarahh. All climbed into the limo and shut the door, locking it. “Are you alright Fran?”

She was dazed but she answered Chris while shaking her head trying to regain some composure, “I think so.”

She felt her face for lacerations and when she drew back her hand she saw some blood on her fingertips. Chris pulled out his handkerchief and found a bottle of water that was in the bar. He dampened the cloth and handed it to her.

Fran took the damp handkerchief and held it to her lip, “Thank you. I’m sorry this happened. I hope this won’t effect your decision to stick with us for the wedding.”

Linda placed a comforting hand on her leg, “Of course it doesn’t Fran. If anything it shows us how strong you are and I’m sure that I speak for both of us when I say that I would have no trepidations putting you in charge of our wedding. That man and this event have nothing to do with the job you will do and we know that. Don’t you worry about us, let’s just get you cleaned up.”

Fran gave a small smile but grimaced from the pain she had where the thin skin of her lip split. She then directed her attention to the children. “B? Gracie? Are you okay?”

Grace walked over to her and climbed onto Fran’s lap, looking at her face. “You have an owie,” her small fingers touched Fran’s lip. “Yes sweetie, I do.” Grace leaned into her cheek and kissed it softly. “Thank you Baby.”

Fran set Grace down next to her and looked at Brighton who was sitting across from her, next to Chris, “B?” He wouldn’t look at her, it was as if he were afraid to. “Look at me B. I’m alright.” He looked at her face and the tears began to fall.

She opened her arms to him, “Come here,” he flew into them, burying his face in her chest crying. She held his head to her and rocked him back and forth, “Its okay sweetie. I’m okay and so are you. That’s all that matters.” Brighton just held onto her around the middle section and she held him close to her.

Terrence had to wait at the scene for the police to arrive. “I don’t think he’ll be out for a very long time Miss Fine.” He had rolled down the private glass separating the front of the limo from the back.

She turned towards him, “Thank you so much Terrance.” “Sorry I wasn’t there sooner Miss.” She shook her head, “You had perfect timing, you came, didn’t you?”

Terrance handed her a small package through the window. “Crush it, it will get cold. I keep some with me in case my knuckles get bruised.” Chris took the package and crushed up the chemicals inside. She placed it against the side of her face to keep some of the swelling down.

After dropping Chris and Linda off they made their way to the mansion. Once there, Brighton ran ahead of the rest and into the house in search of his father. “Dad!”

Max came out of the kitchen where he was getting a cup of coffee confused and irritated that Brighton was running through the house yelling. “What is it Brighton? And stop making such a commotion.”

Brighton ran to him and pulled at his arm, “This guy started hitting Fran.” “What?!?” He looked towards the front door to see Terrance carrying Grace and guiding Fran through the door.

Maggie had heard the commotion from upstairs and made her way down. “What in the world?” Max asked as he ran towards them. “What happened?” “He’s behind bars Sir. I don’t think he’ll be getting out anytime soon.”

Max ran to Fran’s side and gently took her arm in one hand while wrapping the other around her waist in support. “Brighton, go and get Niles please.”

Brighton ran out of the room in search of Niles. He found him in the office bickering with CC. “Niles, we need you in the living room.” “Yes, Master Brighton.” “Hurry!”

Niles looked at the boy concerned. In all the years he had never heard Brighton yell at him, sure he was spoiled and impatient at times, but never this urgent. He quickly followed the boy to the living room with CC.

Everyone was trying to make Fran comfortable on the couch when they entered the room. When they cleared away from her he saw her cheek which had already begun to bruise, “Miss Fine!”

She held her hands up to everyone. “I’m okay! Stop making such a fuss! I’m here, I’m fine.” Everyone stepped back to let her gather herself. When she calmed down she, Brighton and Terrence told their story of what happened.

Max questioned Terrence as to his whereabouts, he was furious that Danny had gotten close enough to hit her. “Why did I hire you?” Fran put her hand on Max’s tense arm and softly told him that Terrence did exactly what he was supposed to do. “He was there Max. He is great at what he does.” Max calmed and apologized to Terrence for his outburst.

Everyone, including CC, was astonished that she was in such a situation. After the emotional display of events Max asked her what he could do for her. “Can I stay here tonight? I don’t want to be alone and I really don’t want to bother Val with this again.”

He sat next to her, “Of course. You never need to ask that.” She then looked at Niles and asked him for a cloth with ice in it.

Once she reassured everyone that she was okay she began making her way up to the guest bedroom. “Do you want me to bring up some dinner for you Miss Fine?” “No thank you Niles. All I want right now is sleep. Max?” He looked towards her. “Do you have anything I can sleep in?” He nodded, “Of course.”

He followed her upstairs just one step behind her. After depositing her safely in the guestroom he went and found her some pajamas. When he walked back to her room he asked, “Do you need any help?” She looked up into his eyes. “Max, I promise that I’m okay. I know that I’m safe now…here.”

He began to look away. “Look at me Max.” His eyes bore into hers, looking for the answer he so desperately needed. “I’m okay.” He only broke the stare when he bent down to kiss her gently on the cheek that wasn’t battered.

Her eyes commanded his to look at her, “Now go and tell them that I’m alright. Take care of the kids and if anyone wants to talk to me please let them. This needs to be talked about. And finally I can talk about it because they know.” She took the pajamas from his hand and he left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

Max walked downstairs to the group anxiously awaiting his assessment of the situation. As he descended the stairs he looked at them and wondered how she knew what they were thinking, that they needed his support right now. Inwardly, he smiled, a few months ago if he were in this similar situation he would have hidden from his family. Now he was seeing to their needs.

As he descended the last step he said, “She’s going to be fine. Right now she just wants to lie down. But she told me that if any of you wanted to talk to her at any time to go in. She wants to be available to you. It’s just that she’s emotionally spent right now. So let’s have dinner and if you need to talk to her and it can’t wait till tomorrow then you can go up to her.” Everyone nodded and followed him into the dining room. That is everyone but CC.

Once the family exited the living room she climbed the stairs and quietly made her way to the guest room whereupon she knocked on it. “Come in.” Slowly she opened the door.

She saw Fran already sitting neatly in the bed in Maxwell’s pajama top. She knew that the bottoms had been discarded because they were lying across the bedspread. “Miss Babcock?”

CC closed the door behind her and walked to the bed. She sat facing Fran and stared at her. There was something about this woman that was special. CC knew that, but she was still trying to figure out what it was. Was it her demeanor? Her unending love for the world, the children, everyone? Or was it the simple act of kindness that she gave to everyone including those that never deserved it in the first place, everyone including herself?

Upon looking into Fran’s eyes she saw that her core being was good. That she did everything possible to make others’ lives better, happier and more satisfying. She saw that Fran wasn’t fake, what you saw was what you got.

CC’s heart softened and she knew that she would have a friend in Fran. That she could learn so much from the woman in front of her. After all these months of knowing her CC finally accepted Fran and her place in the family.

Fran didn’t know what was going on as the moments passed with CC staring at her, but she saw the look in CC’s eyes change and she felt comforted by her presence. The question was asked in a concerned yet gentle mode, “Does it hurt?”

The tears began to build up in Fran’s eyes. She slowly nodded her head, “Like you wouldn’t believe.” As she blinked the tears began to fall. CC reached on the bedside table for some tissue and handed it to her. “You put on a great act downstairs.”

She wiped her eyes with the tissue, “And for Maxwell up here,” Fran sighed. CC knew that there had to be some truth in that. She reached into the drawer in the bedside table for some painkillers.

Fran looked at her questionably. “When I stay here after a long day of work sometimes I need to kill a headache. I promise I won’t poison you,” she smiled at her. Fran popped the offered pills into her mouth and sipped some of the water Max had fetched for her before heading back downstairs.

Fran closed her eyes and leaned her head against the headboard as she allowed the emotions to build, “I was so scared. For me, for the children. Then the pain that shot across my face. The instant he made contact I saw bright flashes of light.” There was a short pause, “He is my one fear.” Fran let out a shaky breath.

CC leaned into her and pulled Fran into an embrace. Fran clung to her, she needed the release and the comfort all at the same time. When she finally calmed they talked about what happened and how Fran was going to deal with the situation. “I just will. It’s over and I can’t live my life in fear. Although…I will try and keep a better track on Danny.”

CC took Fran’s hand into her own, “Fran, I’m so sorry I’ve given you such a hard time since we’ve met. I wish I could explain to you in easy terms, why I did what I did…but it’s confusing to me so I know it will sound…I don’t know…ridiculous.”

Fran opened her mouth to say something. “Please, if I stop I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to say it.” Fran nodded her head.

“Max and I have been through a lot together. I’ve known him for so long and I’ve been there for all of the good and the bad times. Opening days, his wedding day, the birth of his children, the death of his wife and ever since that horrible day.” She broke her gaze with Fran and closed her eyes.

“I’ve tried to take care of him, to be there for him. Everyone always said that I wanted him for myself, and I guess I’ve thought about it, I won’t deny it. I mean it would’ve been a proper match, money marrying money, but I knew that it never would’ve worked,” she sighed.

“The problem was I never put anyone in their place when it came to those rumors. Maybe I didn’t want people or women in particular to be all over him. He was still getting over his wife and I know some women know how to take advantage of a situation like that. I tried to be his strength, that’s why I have such a tough outer shell,” she winked at Fran.

“I couldn’t look the children in the face after their mother’s death so I couldn’t take care of them. How could I when all I did was cry when I thought about how much she was going to miss?”

She sighed, “So I distanced myself from them, but I know everything about them and I care for them far more than anyone knows,” she wiped a tear away and looked absently into open space away from Fran.

“So instead of helping them, which I was unable to do, I tried to help Max the best way I knew how. Work,” she shrugged her shoulders.

“My plan worked for a while and then one day I heard your name spilling out of the kids’ mouths.” She looked back in the direction of Fran and looked her in the eyes.

CC’s eyes squinted with fury, “I knew you were out for his status and money, every woman is after that when they hear Maxwell Sheffield is around.” Her eyes softened, ”I never let myself get to know who you really were, but I think I know now. And the best part of it all is that I know I can trust you with Max and the children.”

Fran was crying by now and she pulled CC into a tight embrace. CC smoothed her hair in a comforting gesture as she spoke to Fran, “I have to tell you that I’m relieved he’s finally found a decent human being to fall in love with. Now I can start living my life again.”

Fran pulled away and wiped her eyes, “He’s not in love with me. We’re only friends.”

CC let out a snorted laugh, “That’s what you think. Take it from someone who knows him. It’s only a matter of time. The two of you deserve each other.”

When CC left the room there was a new friendship between them, a strong friendship. CC came to understand what made Fran so great and Fran began to understand that CC was sorely misunderstood and truly a wonderful and caring individual.


Max was walking towards his room after sitting in his office, thinking, once the house was quiet. He had been thinking about what had happened earlier that day and how Fran was doing. His heart ached for her and yet he didn’t know how to help her.

When he finally got upstairs he checked on each child then walked to the guest room. Upon opening the door he saw her body fighting the air and a whimper escaping her lips. He closed the door and turned on the light, “Fran. Wake up Fran. It’s only a nightmare.”

She continued fighting the phantom menace from her dream. He took hold of her flailing arms and her eyes shot open. Upon registering his face she brought in a shaky breath and the tears began to fall. “I’m sorry.” She muttered through sobs.

Max became so confused, “Why are you sorry?” She continued crying and all he could do was pull her towards him. He cradled her in his arms, rocking her like a child. He softly caressed her face and could feel her tears upon his fingertips.

After she cried for what seemed like hours to both of them he lifted her face so that he could look in her eyes. He saw a bit of bruising around the rim of her left eye. He gently touched it then placed his lips on it, trying to kiss the pain away.

“Thanks Max,” she whispered. He gave her a small smile. “I was dreaming about all the times he attacked me. I was so frightened today.” Max allowed her to continue. “I’ve tried so hard to hold myself together.”

He interrupted her, “You don’t need to, not in front of me. I want to be here for you Fran.” She looked him dead in the eye, “Your support is one of the only things getting me through this right now.”

“You’ll get through this and I promise you he’ll never have the opportunity to hurt you again,” he gathered her in his arms again. In the safety of his arms her feelings of vulnerability fled and the words came rushing out, “I just felt so frightened. I know he’s in custody right now, but every time I close my eyes he’s there.” She shook in his arms.

“He’s nowhere near us, I promise. Nor will he be for a long time,” he promised her.

“I know.” She swallowed hard. “I feel safe here, in this house, with you.” “I want you to feel safe here. When you’re with me you never should be frightened.” She raised her head to look at him, “I’m not.”

Once again she placed her head against his chest, “I know that here he would never find me, but when you close that door behind you and the quiet of the night seeps in I’ll hear his voice and I’ll see his face.”

He unraveled his arms from her body and stood from the bed, “Then I won’t leave.” He saw her look of surprise and gave her a wink, “Not tonight at least.”

She watched him as he took off his shoes, unbuttoned his dress shirt and took it from his body. He then spotted the pajama bottoms that she decided not to wear because they were too large for her and walked to the chair they were lying on. He sat on the chair and took off his socks. Then he stood up, unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, letting them fall to the floor, leaving him clad in his boxers.

Fran wanted to advert her eyes, but couldn’t. He then stepped into the pajama bottoms and then walked back to the bed. He pulled down the covers and climbed in whereupon he turned off the side lamp.

When he was settled under the covers he put his arm around her shoulders and she positioned herself between his arm and his side. “Is this alright Fran?” She placed her head on his bare chest and took in a deep breath. “Thank you Max, thank you so much.”

“With me, you’ll always be safe.” He kissed the top of her head and they talked softly until sleep overtook her and only then did Max allow himself to fall asleep.

She slept through the night and awoke early the next morning. She was lying on her side and she felt a weight on her chest. There was also a warm body spooning hers, providing her with warmth. She looked down to see a bare arm around her and a hand cupping her breast.

She instantly knew who’s it was. ‘Max.’ She turned her body to look at him. She studied his face and smiled when she looked at his bare chest. Her bare legs intertwined with his clothed ones and she buried her face in his shoulder. She took a deep breath and knew that when she was with Max there was no need for fear. This was right, this was good. Finally she gave into her emotions for him and they came hurling at her.


Throughout the following week Fran and Max tried to talk with the children and explain some of the events that happened. What led up to them and how to avoid them in the future.

Fran wanted to make sure that they understood how this was wrong, and how to protect themselves from allowing it to happen to themselves. Maggie had a hard time understanding how Fran of all people could allow something like this to happen to her.

“Maggie, sweetie…there is no right answer for your question. I guess I just didn’t respect myself and I looked up to Danny. I thought that he was the only man that could love me, I didn’t know that there was a whole other world outside Flushing and the bridal shop.”

She brushed back a stray piece of hair from Maggie’s face, “When I finally stepped out into the world it was too late. He had a power over me. I can’t really explain it, but it’s scary knowing that someone can do that, can dictate you, can rip your self-worth from you.”

Margaret’s brow furrowed, “But you’re so strong. We’ve seen you yell at someone to defend yourself. You seem so confident.”

Fran sighed, “That was a long time in the making sweetie. It didn’t just come overnight. Plus I had a lot of love and support on my side. Val and Freddie, my whole family...”

“I thought they didn’t know.” “They didn’t, but they still loved me for what I was and what they knew I could be. Through them I learned that the only limits I have are the ones I set on myself. That I can be whatever or whoever I want to be.”

“But you were still scared.” She looked the girl in the eyes and nodded, “He was a strong man in my mind and although I was strong away from him it always felt like he sucked that strength from me each time I saw him.”

Margaret raised her eyebrows, “You felt defenseless?” “Exactly. I don’t ever want you to give anyone so much power over yourself. Promise me Maggie.” She looked Fran in the eye, “I promise Fran,” she fell into her open arms and wept.

Brighton had some other issues that he was unwilling to talk about with anyone. He kept it bottled up inside and all of the progress he made with his pranks and schooling began to take a fall.

He was constantly moody and the only times he would speak to anyone it would be through yelling. Fran came to the mansion one Friday evening to a scream-fest.

“You’re grounded for a week! No Nintendo! No TV! Nothing!” She hung her coat in the closet and walked upstairs to find Max screaming at Brighton’s closed door. She placed her hand on his arm and instantly calmed him down. “What’s going on?”

Max had fury in his eyes, “He refused to eat dinner and when I told him he couldn’t leave the dinner table until he had eaten he threw his food! He’s getting out of control.”

She cupped her hand to his cheek to calm him, “Let me try.” “The door’s locked.” She brought her hands up to her hair and pulled out a bobby pin. Kneeling on the floor she stuck one end of it into the keyhole and jiggled it till she heard a click.

She stood back up and opened the door. Max tried to follow her in but she wouldn’t allow him access. “Just me.” She closed the door on a very taken aback Maxwell.

Brighton was on his bed with his face in the pillow. She could see that he was crying by the way his shoulders were shaking. She sat on the foot of the bed facing him and rested her hand on his stocked foot. Brighton knew who it was and didn’t even turn around.

“B, you need to talk to someone.” No answer. “Please Brighton, I…” She was interrupted by his outburst, “I couldn’t help you!” he wept through his pillow.

“B, you did help me. Is that what this is all about?” He lifted his head but didn’t look at her, “I should’ve helped you, but I was a coward. I’m worthless!” his face fell back in the pillow.

“Brighton Sheffield don’t you ever say that again! Look at me.” He wouldn’t move. “LOOK AT ME!” He slowly turned his body upright and sat at the head of his bed with his knees to his chest.

“Look me in the eye.” He raised his red eyes to hers. “Brighton. Do you want me to tell you how you helped me?” He gave no response. “You listened to me and you stayed where I told you to stay. By doing that you took care of Gracie. I was better able to protect myself because I knew that you would take care of her.”

Brighton looked away, “That’s not helping you.” “But it is Brighton. You know how else you helped me?” He shook his head.

“By screaming you alerted Terrance. He told me that he didn’t see me struggling because I was behind a pillar. But as he turned the corner in the limo he saw you reacting and he knew what was happening by instinct. Because of you I wasn’t hurt more than I could’ve been,” tears began to form in her eyes.

Through a wavering voice she continued, “B, you did help me. You may not have known it at the time, but you did. It’s not always how you did it but that you did it. Do you understand?”

He nodded is head and thought about what she said for a brief moment. Then he scrambled across the bed and into her arms. She held him tight to her and rocked him as he cried into her chest. “I was so scared!”

“I know you were, and I’m so sorry that you had to see that. I would do anything to take that day back, but I can’t. We have to learn from these experiences B. We have to take things as they come and learn how to deal with them.”

As his sobbing subsided he looked up at her, “I love you Fran.” “I love you too B. I was the luckiest person that day at the wedding when I met you, your sisters and your father.”

He wiped his nose with his sleeve and gave her a pitiful smile, “We were lucky too Fran.”

She lowered her head and gave him a kiss on the top of his forehead. “That was a good day, and now we can have even better days. Are you ready for that?” He nodded. “I can’t hear you.”

He gave her a small smile, “I’m ready Fran. I’m sorry I’ve been such a pain in the butt.”

Her hand supped his warm cheek, “Apology accepted, but you have to apologize to everyone else too.” “Alright.” He stood up and walked to his door but she stopped him and wiped his face with a tissue.

When he opened his door his father was sitting on the bench in the hallway. Brighton looked at the floor then back up to his father. Without saying a word he ran to his father and hugged him around the neck.

Max slowly wrapped his arms around his son and held him for the first time in years. “I’m sorry Dad. I’m really, really sorry.” Max held him tighter. “It’s alright son. Is everything okay now?”

Brighton pulled away from him and Max almost hated him for doing that. “Yeah, Fran and I talked and she made it all better.” Max looked up at Fran and smiled, “She has a way of doing that, doesn’t she?” Brighton gave him a huge grin, “Yup.”

He ran off in search of his sisters and Niles to make his apologies. Max stood up. “You are a miracle worker. It didn’t even take you ten minutes and he’s done a complete turn around. How do you do it?”

She shrugged her shoulders and gave him a smile, “Life’s experiences.”

Max shook his head in disbelief. “I haven’t held him like that in years. It felt nice, like we were a real father and son.” She nudged him in the ribs, “News flash. You are. It’s just taken some time for the two of you to allow yourselves to act on those feelings.”

They began to walk together downstairs and Max muttered under his breath, “Definitely an angel.” She turned her head to look at him, “What was that?” “I said that you’re an angel. After everything that has happened to you, you’ve been the strong one. How do you do it?”

She stopped walking and grabbed his arm. He turned towards her. “I realized a while ago that I could do one of two things. I could either hide and be frightened of living the rest of my life, or I could learn from the experience, move on and live my life the best way I could.”

She paused for a moment. “I chose to live my life. I wasn’t always this strong. It came with time. I realized that if I didn’t keep living then he had won, and I am not a good sport when I lose.”

He raised his hand gently to her still battered and sore face whereupon he stroked it. “There is so much we all can learn from you.” She placed her hand over his, “Hey, it goes both ways.”

He looked deeply into her eyes and his feelings overpowered his willpower. He bent his head towards hers and softly placed his lips upon hers. He left such a soft kiss there that she wasn’t sure if his lips had actually touched hers, but she could feel the electricity running from her lips through the rest of her body and knew that they had indeed been kissed.

Max observed her face, worried when she showed no reaction to his advance. Then slowly a smile crept to her lips and her eyes lit up. He took in a deep breath and was about to lean in for another gentle kiss when they were interrupted by footsteps making their way up the stairs.

Max turned his head towards the intruder and Fran’s eyes were as big as a deer’s in headlights. “Dinner is ready Sir.” “Of course Niles, thanks. We’ll be right down.” Niles turned to descend the stairs with a lopsided grin on his face. ‘Finally.’