Wedding Plans

This is the fifth installment in the series. I don't own these characters, just the boat. No offense the the creators or writers of The Nanny. Most of the locations mentioned are real, just thought it would be fun to let Fran and Max come down south to play.



WEDDING PLANS


Maxwell woke with a start, as a gust of wind shook the boat. He looked at his fiancee, sleeping peacefully. She looked like such an angel, with her dark hair cascading around her face. He pulled the blanket over her, and got up quietly. He went into the galley and put on a pot of coffee, he knew Fran would want a cup as soon as she woke up. Max smiled. He'd finally done it, he'd been able to cast his demons aside, admit his love for Fran and make a committment. They were engaged, and he couldn't be happier. Fran was completely taken by surprise, but Max had more surprises in store for the woman he loved. He glanced into the berth. She hadn't moved. Max picked up the phone and thumbed through the phone book. He found the listing he was looking for, and dialed the number to the steamboat Natchez. If he was going to do this, he was going to do it right. He'd give his bride a wedding she would never forget. He made reservations for them three days from today. Three days. In three days he would make Fran Fine Mrs. Maxwell Sheffield. Now, how to get the family here? Niles! JazzFest would be over, there should be no trouble finding rooms for the Sheffields and the Fines. He dialed the house.

"Sheffield residence."

"Niles, how are things going at home?"

"Oh, sir, things are fine here. How are you and Miss Fine enjoying New Orleans?" Did you find your accomodations satisfactory?" Niles smirked. He couldn't help himself. He'd been working to get these two together for years!

Max frowned. He was still angry at Niles for booking him and Fran into one room at that romantic bed and breakfast. "Well, actually, we aren't there any longer. Miss Fine inherited a sailboat from her uncle, and we are staying there right now."

Niles laughed. The thought of Miss Fine on a sailboat, doing anything that might mess up her hair or her nails. "A sailboat, sir?" "Don't tell me that Miss Fine actually agreed to stay on the boat rather than a nice hotel?"

"You'd be surprised, Niles. I know I was. She took to the boat right away, actually did some sailing herself. She's a natural!" Max exclaimed proudly.

Niles heard the tone of his employer's voice, and knew something was up. "So, things are going well between the two of you, then?"

"Extremely well, Niles. As a matter of fact, I need you to help me arrange a surprise for Miss Fine. I need you to contact her parents and Miss Toriello. I need them here in three days, by mid day. I've got a surprise planned for Fran and they need to meet us by 6pm. Use my credit card and purchase first class round trip tickets for the Fines, Yetta and Val. I'd also like you and C.C. to come down." "I'd like the children here, but they'll still be away at camp, so we'll have to surprise them when we come home."

"They'll want to know what's going on, sir" They, hell, HE needed to know. What could be such a surprise he wanted Miss Fine's family in attendance? He'd called her Fran! Could it be he was going to propose?

Max took another glance to the V berth at Fran, who was still sleeping. He said quietly into the phone, "There's going to be a wedding." "Three days from today, on the steamship Natchez. We have to be on the boat by 6:00pm, and the ship sails at 7:00pm. It's a dinner buffett and jazz cruise." "I'd like everyone on the ship by 6, and Fran and I will arrive by horse and carriage at 6:15."

Niles was speechless. Was this really Maxwell Sheffield? Not only had be finally admitted his feelings to Miss Fine, but he'd proposed and now was planning a wedding?. "I'll take care of everything, sir."

"Niles, Fran knows nothing about the wedding. She's going to think I'm taking her on a romantic dinner cruise. The dress will be on board the boat waiting for her." Max was extremely pleased with himself.

"You can count on me, sir!" He couldn't wait to tell Miss Babcock! After all, Mr. Sheffield DID want her invited!

"Great, see you in three days, old man!" I'm going to hang up before Fran wakes up and hears us. Thank you, Niles."

"My pleasure, sir".

Max hung up the phone and poured two cups of coffee, and carried them to the v berth. He leaned down and kissed Fran on the forehead. "Good morning, sleepy!" "Coffee?"

Fran smiled."Mmmm, yes, please!" She took the steaming cup. "What time is it?"

"Just past nine. I wanted to let you sleep. I thought we'd do a bit of local exploring today!"

Fran yawned and stretched. "That sounds great! Let's stop by the deli and get a picnic together!"

"Good idea! Go ahead and finish your coffee, I'm going to get a shower". Max pulled off his shorts and stepped into showshower stall. Fran gave him a minute to get the water nice and warm, then decided to join him.

"I thought you could use some help washing your back." She reached for the soap and took the washcloth from him, and began gently massaging his back.

He turned around in the small stall and aimed the water at her hair. He grabbed her shampoo and applied some to her head, and began massaging her scalp. She sat down so he could reach her entire head.

"Mmmm, that feels so good, sweetie! No one's ever washed my hair for me...well, not since I was a little girl!"

Max leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Which conditioner?" She had three different kinds.

"The blue tube". She opened the tube and squeezed the proper amount into his hand, and he massaged it into her hair. "Ok, your turn" she stood up. "Sit down". They exchanged places, and Fran returned the favor, shampooing and massaging his scalp. She loved the way his hair felt in her hands. She rinsed and applied his conditioner.

While their conditioners were setting, Max picked up Fran's coconut lime verbena soap, and covered her body with it. He loved that smell. He held her close, covered with her soap, feeling her slippery body against his.

"You're gonna smell SO good, honey!" Fran laughed. He was getting her soap all over him.

Max grabbed the shower attachment and began to rinse her off. When she was free of conditioner and soap, she picked up his soap and washed her flowery scent off of him. "There, all betta, now you don't smell like my mother!" She laughed and rinsed him off.

They wrapped themselves in the large bathsheets and moved into the main cabin. Fran poured them some fresh coffee and began to comb out her hair.

"So, what's your plan for today? Anything specific, or are we just gonna drive around?" Fran took a sip of her coffee, then went back to combing the tangles out of her hair.

"Well, there's an old fort close by, and the Chalmette Battlefield is fairly close. Maybe today we can soak up some local history?"

"Sounds like fun. We can take lots of pictures for the kids." She picked up the blow dryer and starting drying her hair. She looked at him. "Curls or straight today?"

Max looked up from his coffee. "Since when do I get a choice?" He smiled.

Fran looked down at her engagement ring, and back at Max. "Since now", and she blew him a kiss.

"How about straight and inony ony tail?" She'd worn it that way their first day here, and he loved it that way.

Fran smiled. Sounds good, it'll be out of her face that way. "Sure, sweetie, just give me a couple of tes tes to dry it". She bent over and fluffed her hair and turned on the blow dryer, brushing it straight. When it was almost dry she flipped her head and caught Max staring. Was that man adorable or what? She grabbed a rubber band and pulled her hair up.

"How's that?" She moved over and sat in his lap.

"You look lovely." Are you going to wear that towel, or are you planning to put on some clothes?"

Fran narrowed her eyes at him. "Well, I was planning on the towel, it IS such a lovely color and all...but if you want me to wear something else." She started to get out of his lap when she felt Max's hand lightly smack her behind. "Then, again, if I don't wear this beautiful towel, I can't do this". With that, she grabbed the sides of her towel and flung it open, smiled at him, then tossed the towel over his head. He could hear her giggle as she grabbed a sundress out of the closet. He couldn't remember when he'd seen her this relaxed. She stepped back into the cabin dressed. "So, sweetie, are you gonna wear that towel, or are you planning to put on some clothes?" Touche. "Don't rush, I have to put on my makeup".

Max got up and pulled on his shorts and a polo shirt. He could hear Fran humming in the bathroom. She was definitely relaxed. Max, on the other hand, was a wreck. How was he going to keep the wedding from her for three days? What was he thinking? He was thinking he couldn't wait to marry the woman in the next room. He'd spent so long running from his feelings, pushing her away. Now, the wedding couldn't happen soon enough. He'd just have to make sure she didn't suspect anything. As long as he kept her occupied, she might not think about calling her mother or Val to tell them about the engagement. Her mother might slip and tell her she was coming to New Orleans, Val would definitely slip.

"Max? Earth to Max! Where'd ya go, sweetie?"

He'd been lost in thought and never heard her come up behind him. "Oh, I was, uh, thinking about the children, wondering how they were getting on at camp." He had to be more careful.

"I miss them, too. I can't wait to get home to see them!"

"We'll see them in a week." He needed to change the subject before she got too homesick and wanted to call the kids or her mother. "Ready to go,?" "We still need to stop by the deli to pick up lunch". Max wanted to get this day going. He was afraid that he'd let something slip if they sat around the boat talking.

"Yep, let's go!" She had applied light makeup, and with her hair pulled up, she looked like a teenager. She bounced up the ladder onto the deck. He followed her, then helped her onto the dock. They walked hand in hand up to the car, and heading to the deli around the corner. They stocked up with sliced meats, some french bread and mustard, fresh fruits and veggies, and several bottles of sparkling water. Max also picked up two slices of NY cheesecake, and quickly put it into the ice chest toprisprise Fran. He carried the ice chest out to the car and put it in the back seat.

They headed down Old Spanish Trail towards Highway 90. Max was amazed watching Fran. She kept looking out one side of the car, then the other. She'd see a body of water, then start watching a hawk circling above, then watch the fishing boats. She couldn't soak in enough scenery. "Oh, Max! This is all so beautiful! Promise me we'll come back here one day!"

He reached out and took her hand. "Of course we will, my darling. We'll come back anytime you want". He knew that by the time this week ended, this place would hold precious memories for both of them. They reached the 'Y' at Highway 90, and followed the sign to the right. They drove through a swing bridge, and then saw the Fort Pike on the left. Max parked the car and walked around to help Fran out. He took her hand as she got out. "Mind where you step, the ground is pretty rocky."

They crossed the bridge over the water surrounding the fort. They checked in at the desk and Max signed the register. Fran went to sign and saw that he'd signed for both of them. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Sheffield. She looked at him and smiled, then planted a kiss on his cheek. She didn't want to make a big deal about it. She had secretly written that name a hundred times, always throwing away the evidence so no one saw her fantasy. She sighed. He truly loved her, it no longer bothered him that people mistook them for a married couple. He was now also thinking about their future together. Max took her by the hand and led her deep into the fort. Fran leaned out the windows and looked at the water below and admired the view. Max was admiring Fran. Did she wear that short dress with that thong just to torture him? Was she leaning over that far on purpose? He walked up behind her and put his hands on her waist and pulled her up from the window ledge. He turned her around to face him, and gave her a long passionate kiss. He listened. The fort was deserted except for them. He'd be able to hear the echo of voices if anyone came by. He couldn't believe he was having these thoughts. He wanted Fran, right here and now. He let his hands move from her hips to the hem of her dress, and slid his hands underneath. She let out a soft moan as his hands touched the bare skin of her backside, and she moved her hands to his hips and pulled him closer to her. She felt his arousal grow as she pushed herself into him. "Max" she breathed. She looked into his eyes as he moved her thong down her thighs. Her eyes sparkled as she unbuttoned his shorts. "You are just full of surprises, aren't you?" He bit her neck. "I'll bet you never call me predictable again!" He reached down to make sure she was ready for him. She was as ready as he was. The idea of where they were and the chance of being discovered was exciting to both of them. Max moved Fran back against the wall and lifted her slowly. As he carefully entered her, she wrapped her legs around his waist. He rhythmically moved inside of her, biting her throat, working into moreof a frenzy as he heard her soft moans. He wasn't sure how long he could hold on. He was pleased when he saw Fran's head snap back and felt her contract around him. "Oh, Max, Max, Max!!! She moved her hips faster, driving him over the edge. "Oh, Fran!" He exploded into her as he felt her climax a second time. Fran let her legs slide down his body and they held each other tight, catching their breath. About that time they heard the sound of other tourists entering the fort. They quickly got themselves dressed. Just in time, another couple entered the room just as they turned around. Max and Fran smiled and said hello, then made a hasty retreat. Fran looked at him and giggled. "That was a close one!" "What got into you back there?"

Max looked at her and frowned. "As if you didn't know. That dress, that thong, don't tell me that you didn't lean over the window ledge on purpose!" "Are you TRYING to drive me crazy?"

Fran pouted. "You said you LIKED the dress!" "And I wore the thong because it's comfortable! I never even thought about it when I looked out the window!" She ran her hands down his chest. "We're not gonna start the day fighting, now, are we?"

Max looked into her eyes and melted. "No, we're not going to fight. I shouldn't have blamed you. I was the one that lost control".

"Maxwell, you can lose control with me any time!" she smiled at him seductively, then added, "I drive you crazy?"

He took her by the hand and led her back to the car. "You know you do, you've driven me crazy since the day you first appeared on our door." He kissed her as he helped her into the car. "You WILL behave yourself at the Battlefield, right?" He winked at her.

"I will if YOU will!" She smacked his arm playfully.

"I can't promise anything. Lately I seem to lose control every time I look at you." Max got into the car and headed towards Chalmette. He couldn't believe that he made love to Fran in the fort. If the other tourists had shown up two minutes earlier, it would have been extremely embarrassing. The drive to Chalmette was shorter than they'd expected. Fran had gotten excited when the passed Michoud, where they make the booster rockets for the space shuttles. He'd have to see about taking her to Stennis Space Center before they went home, so she could see where they actually test the engines for the shuttles. She was as excited as a child, absorbing all these new sights like a sponge. Max was falling deeper in love with her by the minute. He turned the car off the interstate and headed toward the battlefield. As they pulled in, the heard the sound of the large cannons. There were men dressed in period costume everywhere, and the British flag was flying on the opposite side of the battlefield.

Fran looked at the British flag, then back to Max."What, getting their butts kicked once wasn't good enough for them?" Max made a sour face. Fran grabbed his hand and swung it from side to side. "I'm just kidding! This should be fun, WAIT, I forgot the camera!" She ran back to the car to retrieve her camera, and snapped a picture of Max with the soldiers behind him. They walked hand in hand through the actual battlefield. They stood on the site where the British general fell. "I can't believe so many men died right here...what did the brochure say, 2000 British died in the battle? In thirty minutes?" "And the American soldiers weren't even really soldiers, they were just volunteers and pirates!"

"They really didn't teach us this battle in school, Miss Fine." Uh, oh, Miss Fine, again. That's not a good sign!

"Ya wanna go watch the movie about it?" She smiled at him. "I'll buy ya popcorn!"

"I don't think they sell popcorn at a National Park, Fran. But, yes, I'd love to go see the movie with you!" It was getting warm, and a nice, cool, dark theater sounded perfect.

Ok, back to Fran. Mental note to self, do NOT discuss American-British battles with him again! She grabbed his hand and led him to the theater. They found two seats near the back away from the other tourists. As the movie started, Max looked over at Fran. Her eyes were sparkling as they moved from the screen to him. She leaned over and whispered to him, "Oh, honey, I'm having such a good time!" She meant to kiss his cheek, but he turned to face her at that moment. A jolt of electricity went through them as their lips met. Max took Fran's face in his hands and looked into her eyes.

"I love you so much, darling!"

"I love you, too!" She held tightly to his arm and laid her head on his shoulder. He reached down and took her hand, entertwining their fingers. He looked at their hands, how they fit together, how perfect the ring looked on her hand.

When the movie ended they walked arm in arm through the adjoining museum. "Max, I'm famished! Aren't there some picnic tables outside?"

"I think you're right. Let's go get the ice chest and have some lunch". Max walked to the car and got the ice chest while Fran found them a table in the shade a large tree with a view of the river. "Ready to eat?" Max put the cooler on the table, and Fran opened it and started pulling out food.

"Cheesecake? When did you get cheesecake?" Fran was delighted. Max loved surprising her.

"I picked it out while you were choosing the meats. I thought you'd like a little sweet".

"You know me way to well!" She gave him a quick kiss, and finished putting their sandwiches together. They sat sideways on the bench, so Fran could sit in between Max's legs and lean back on his chest while they watched the boats on the river. "Max, wouldn't it be fun to take a ride on of those boats?"

Yes, he knew her well, allright, and he'd have to think fast to keep her from finding out she was getting married on one of those boats! "Yes, darling, I think it might. Maybe next trip?"

Fran's lower lip came out and she looked up at him. Oh, no, not the pouting.

"It will give us an excuse to come back". He took a forkful of cheesecake and fed it to her, which turned her pout into a huge smile.

"Mmmmm...tastes like home! Oh, Max, I miss the kids so much! I can't wait to get home to see them!"

"They won't be home for another couple of weeks...do you want to call them at camp?" Max held his breath. He was hoping she'd say no, since the next call she'd want to make would be to her mother.

"No, I'd better not. The last time I called B got embarrassed and I interrupted Maggie on a da.....y hike" No, he didn't need to know his daughter was dating while at camp, she'd save that one for later. "And if I talk to Gracie, she'll want to come home".

That was close. He took a sip of water. "So what's next for today?"

Fran leaned back on Max's chest and took a deep breath. "Oh, I don't know, I could sit here like this all day!" She turned around and faced him, sitting on his lap. "How about we go home, pick up something to bbq, and just relax and watch a movie?" The excitement of the last couple of days was catching up with her.

"Tired, darling?"

She laid her head on his chest. "A little. No, actually a lot. I could use a nice quiet night at home".

"Then a bbq and movie it is." He pulled her closer to him. "I could use a night just sitting and holding you tight as well."

"Good, then let's get this cleaned up and get outa here!" Fran hopped up and began cleaning up the trash and leftover food. Once everything was in the ice chest, Max carried it back to the car. Fran took a few more pictures of the battlefield and the soldiers before they left, and grabbed some brochures. They took the Interstate all the way home, so it saved them quite a bit of time. They pulled into the little grocery store parking lot.

"Do you have an idea of what you want for dinner, sweetheart?" Max helped Fran out of the car and they headed into the store.

"No, sweetie, I have no idea. Maybe some shrimp? Or some steak? We just had chicken, but I could eat it again." She was no help, but, then, she'd eat anything he picked out.

"How about a steak and some shrimp? I can put the shrimp on the grill just before the steaks are done."

"Sounds wonderful, honey! How about some vegetables to grill with that? Look they have flavored olive oil we can brush on them!" She reached for a bottle of oil and put in the cart. Max looked shocked.

"How did you know how to do that?"

"I told you...I've been paying attention to Niles. I was planning on impressing you by cooking you a nice meal one night soon. I thought it might turn you on." She batted her brown eyes at him.

"You impress me every day...and you ALWAYS turn me on!" How did she get him to admit such things? He was getting so completely comfortable around her, he felt he could tell her anything. He watched her as she maneuvered the shopping cart through the aisles of the market, she was truly amazing. He'd never even noticed the extra time she was spending in the kitchen, trying to learn to cook, just for him. He hadn't noticed a lot of things about her. Well, that was about to change.

"Ick, this can't be good!" Max looked up at Fran. She was holding a small jar of caviar. "Lumpfish?" She wrinkled her nose and put the jar back on the shelf. "Boy, have I gotten spoiled or WHAT?"

Max came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her neck and whispered into her ear, "I intend to keep on spoiling you for a long, long time, my darling!"

Fran sighed and leaned back against his chest. This trip was the best thing that could have happened to them. They were getting closer and closer by the day. " I love you. I'm so glad you came down here with me!"

Max held her tight. "So am I. More than you'll ever know". There he went again, saying too much. He was so worried about her calling Val and having the surprise wedding spoiled, and now he kept dropping hints. "I'm also famished! Let's get this shopping done and get back to the boat so we can get some rest before we fix dinner!"

"I'm right with ya, mista!" Fran pulled out of his arms, grabbed her cart and headed for the produce section. She picked out some squash and some portabello mushrooms and a couple of sweet potatoes to grill. The local strawberries looked good, so she grabbed a pint of those and a can of whipped cream. No, make that two cans...you never know. She grinned at Max as she put the second can in the cart. "Ready to pick out the meat?" She headed for the meat counter.

Max selected two filets and a pound of jumbo shrimp. He looked at Fran, who was frowning at the small package of shrimp. He ordered another pound, just to make sure. They headed for the checkout, then loaded there purchases up in the car and headed back to the marina.

Max carried most of the bags to the boat, and Fran got everything stowed away. "Oy, I'm so tired! Let me get this shrimp ready, and I'm gonna lie down for a while." She put the shrimp in a marinade she'd picked up, and put the container in the refrigerator. Max was already in the v berth when she crawled in next to him, and into his waiting arms. He held her closely, rubbing her back, and she quickly fell asleep. Max waited a few minutes for her to fall into a deep sleep, then got up and dialed his house.

"Niles, how are the plans coming?" "Did you let everyone know what was going on?"

"Yes, sir. Miss Toriello is beside herself, and can't wait to see Miss Fine. Sylvia, Morty and Yetta are log fog forward to the trip. Miss Babcock has been very quiet since I broke the news to her, I can't even get an insult out of her".

"Just make sure everyone is here early, so they are ON the boat when we show up. We'll arrive by horse and carriage a little after 6, and Fran will be escorted to the bridal room where she'll change into her dress. Now I just have to figure out how to get the dress without her knowing. There's a Ben and Jerry's around the corner from the dress shop, maybe I can get her distracted with ice cream and slip out, although I tried that when I bought her ring. I'm not sure if I can use that ruse a second time".

"Can't you just tell you have an errand to run?"

"I could if the shop was here in Slidell, but it's in New Orleans, in the French Quarter. At least I hope it is...I saw the store and the dress in a dream. Fran was trying on the dress, and she looked beautiful. I simply MUST have thatss fss for her."

"A dream, sir? What if the store doesn't exist? You're running out of time".

"Then I'll simply have to go find her something in Slidell and have it delivered to the ship before the wedding!"

"Where is Miss Fine now, sir?"

"She's sleeping. We had a busy day and she's exhausted. She needed a nap before cooking dinner. I can't believe you didn't tell me she was learning to cook!"

"I didn't know she was learning to cook. She bee been spending quite a bit of time in the kitchen while I'm preparing meals, I just thought she was lonely, since you'd been neglecting her lately."

"She's been sitting there with you filing everything into that brain of hers. You should have tasted the dressing she made for the fruit salad we had for dinner. She's an amazing woman, Niles."

"I'm glad you finally noticed, sir. I've been trying to tell you this for years!"

Max glanced into the v berth and saw Fran start to stir. "I think she's waking up, I'd better go. I'll see you in a couple of days, Niles."

"I'll take care of everything from here, don't worry. Goodbye, sir".

Max crawled back into the v berth and took Fran into his arms. She was still sleeping. He pulled her closer and kissed her lips gently, and she responded passionately. " A little dessert before dinner, Max?" She pulled his shirt over his head, as he pulled off her dress. They slowly explored each other's bodies before making love. Theye bee becoming so comfortable with each other, learning what pleased the other.

"Sweetheart, I hate to cut this short, but it's getting late, we should get dinner ready." Neither one moved.

"You're right, we should get up". Still they didn't move.

"So, are you going to cook me dinner, or what?" His eyes looked deep into hers.

Her eyes sparkled. She leaned over and kissed him. "How about, or what?" She couldn't get enough of this man. "Ok, ok, I'm goin'!" She got up and put on her robe. "So, what about you, grill man?"

Max got up and grabbed her around the waist, opening her robe. "Sweetie, we are nevah gonna get dinner cooked this way". She put her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Not that I'm complaining!"

"That was just a preview of dessert" He kissed her nose.

"Hmmm, I thought we just had dessert". She grinned at him.

"Since when do you stop at one dessert?" He knew he would pay for that crack, but he just couldn't resist.

"Well, just remember, mista, YOU usually don't have ANY dessert!" Yes, she intended on making him pay for that one.

"Fran!"

"If you want dessert, you have to be a good boy and get that bbq going! The shrimp is in the marinade, ready to go. I'll get the veggies ready" Like she wasn't gonna let him have his dessert!

Max pulled on his fleece shorts and headed for the cockpit. He lit the bbq and pulled the steaks out of the refrigerator. He handed the bag of vegetables to Fran. "Here you go, galley slave!" She looked up at him and squinted into the sun. Galley slave?

"Hmmm. Meanwhile, I'm only doin' the choppin', YOU'RE doin' all the cookin'!"

"So, tell me again just how YOU are cooking me dinner, then?"

"Hey, I marinated the shrimp, and I'm slicing the veggies the exact thickness for you to grill them corre, an, and I'm making dessert!" "All you're doing is putting them on the grill and watching them brown!"

"I thought we were making dessert together."

Fran smiled at him. "Ok, I'm busted!" She bounded up the stairs onto the deck and into Max's waiting arms. She caught a whiff of cooking steak. "Mmmmm, that smells good! I'm gonna go finish the veggies so we can eat!" She kissed him gently and returned to the galley and her slicing. She brushed the vegetables with olive oil and handed the platter up to Max. "Are ya ready for the shrimp, too, sweetie?"

Max flipped the steaks. "I think so, darling" He put the vegetables on the grill and reached for the shrimp. "Are you sure we'll be able to eat all this?" He already knew the answer to that question.

"How long you know me, anyway?" "The shrimp we don't eat, we can use in an omelet or a salad."

She continued to amaze him. She had become so comfortable in the kitchen. He couldn't wait to get her home so theuld uld prepare meals together for their children. He'd never wanted to cook for them before...not since Sarah was alive. Fran had made them a family again. He loved doing things with Fran and the children, even before he could admit to himself how much he loved her, he treated her as his wife. Now, the next time she saw her children, they truly would be HER children.

"Max? Honey, did you hear a word I said? Are you feeling allright?" Fran was standing on the stairs frowning at him.

He stepped forward and kissed her forehead. "I guess I'm a little more tired than I thought, sweetheart, I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"It really wasn't that important. I was just going through the movies in the locker and found something you might like." She pulled out a stack of DVDs. "This is a series that was on the BBC when we, um, you were a little boy. The Prisoner. Did you evah see it?" She held up a box.

"The Prisoner? Yes, I loved that show when I was a boy. Niles and I used to watch it together!" "Is that what you want to watch tonight?"

"Sure, I've nevah seen it. It might be fun to see somet fro from your childhood, besides Niles!" "Oh, I miss Niles, can we call home to say hello?"

Uh, oh...think fast Maxwell! "Oh, I, uh, spoke to him yesterday, and he's taking the time to visit some family out of town".

"Oh, I just haven't been able to tell him about our engagement. I promised him that when, uh, if you ever proposed I'd let him be the one to tell Miss Babcock." I think he's been pushing for us to get together harder than Ma." Max looked over at her and frowned. "Ok, maybe not as much as Ma!" She giggled. "No one pushes as much as Ma!" "MA!!" "We have to call Ma and Daddy!"

Oh, no, here it is. Now what? Dinner! "Sweetheart, dinner's ready. Why don't you wait until after we eat?" Good, now he could steer her away from the subject of home. He handed her the platter of steak and shrimp, then brought the veggies down with him. "Champagne, darling?" She nodded, her mouth was already full of shrimp. Max shook his head. "Hungry?"

"Sorry, sweetie, it just smelled so good, I couldn't help myself!"

Max popped the champagne and poured two glasses, and handed one to Fran. "To our future". Fran beamed at him. God, he loved that smile!

"Ready for the DVD?" "I'll start with the first episodes." Fran popped the DVD into the player and settled down in her seat. They sat and ate dinner while watching the old TV episodes. Fran cleared the table when they were finished eating, and snuggled against Max. "I love this show! I can't believe I never watched it when I was a kid!"

Max kissed the top of her head. "That's because you weren't old enough, darling." He grinned, knowing full well she was old enough, but playing along with her pretend age.

"Oh, yeah, that's right! C'mon, Fran, you almost blew it! Movin' on! She rubbed his thigh. "Ready for dessert?" She got up and pulled strastrawberries and whipped cream out of the refrigerator. "Have I got a treat for you!" She put the berries into two bowls and drizzled chocolate syrup over them. She sat the bowls down on the table with two spoons, and started to cover the berries with whipped cream. She turned and looked at Max with a gleam in her eye. She took the whipped cream and squirted in onto his mouth, then proceeded to clean it off with her own. Max reached for a spoon and scooped up some berries with the toppings and fed it to Fran, making sure he made a mess of her own mouth. He then returned the favor by cleaning the gooey mess off her face.

"I thought you were tired" Max picup tup the whipped cream and covered the berries in his bowl.

"I'm not THAT tired!" She smiled at him and took a bite of her berrries, licking the spoon. He took her into his arms.

"You DO drive me crazy, you know that?" He rubbed his nose against hers. "I have a surprise for you."

"Oooh, Max!" She wrapped her arms tight around him, pressing into his chest.

"I heard of a place that has the BEST Key Lime Pie in the area today." She looked up at him.

"Pie?" He definitely had her attention.

"The restaurant is called Flounders, it's over on Pensacola Beach, about three hours away. I thought we'd drive over tomorrow and stay the night. It would get us off the boat for a bit, and give us a chance to do some more exploring. We can drive back the long way along the coast and take the ferry outside of Mobile."

"Pensacola? Isn't that in Florida?" She didn't care where they went, as long as they were together. "It sounds great! It's only three hours away?"

"We can get up in the morning, have a nice breakfast, and be there in time for a late lunch." And it will keep her mind off calling her mother! "There's all kinds of shopping there, you can burn through another one of my credit cards!"

"Ok, let's go! It sounds like fun! Let me get these dishes done!" Fran jumped up from the sofa and headed for the sink.

"I'll help you, so we can get to bed faster." Max slid his arms around her waist and kissed her neck.

"Mmmm, looks like some little boy wants another dessert." She turned around and kissed him passionately. "Come to think of it, so does this little girl!" She kissed him again and turned around to clean up the dishes. Max dried the dishes and put them away as she handed them to him. Once they were done he reached for the sash of Fran's robe and pulled it open.

"Come on, sleepy, time for bed." He pulled off her robe and tossed it onto the sofa, followed by his shorts.

"Who said I was sleepy?" He took her by the hand and led her to their bed. One day down, two to go. He could keep this surprise from Fran. He'll keep her so busy in Florida she won't think about anything but shopping and long walks on the beach. When she gets back to the boat, it will the day before her wedding, and her family will be on their way to see her.

Their lovemaking that night was slow and gentle, they spent hours trying to find new ways to please each other, to show each other just how much in love they were. They finally fell asleep, exhausted in each other's arms, dreaming of their future together.