Friends and Lovers

Chapter Eighteen

The next morning, Fran's morning sickness came back with a vengeance. She tried to pass it off as too much popcorn the night before, and the excitement of having family visiting. Once again, Maxwell bought her reasoning. The party was scheduled for lunchtime. She could hold out until then. She recruited Niles and Nigel to keep Maxwell busy while the preparations were being made. This would keep him from seeing her running to the bathroom every thirty minutes. Finally, the gifts were wrapped, her parents had arrived, and the food was ready. Fran didn't think she could wait a minute longer. She assembled everyone in the living room, and Max was ushered in by his butler and his brother.

"Happy Father's Day!" All the children rushed to hug their dad.

"My goodness, this is a little more than I expected."

Fran and C.C. exchanged glances when he used the word 'expected'. "Well, it's our first Father's Day as a family, so I wanted it to be special, Honey."

"Give him the presents, Mom!"

"All right, All RIGHT, Mike. No, not that one, Honey, that's last. He gets Maggie's present first. We're going in birth order, remember?" OY! Why did I say that? She handed her husband each present in order, until she got to the last one. She took a deep breath, and then handed the box to Maxwell, as she glanced first at C.C., then at Elizabeth. Both women already had tears in their eyes.

Niles appeared behind C.C. and slipped his arm around her waist, and then nuzzled her ear. "Something's going on here. Did someone keep me out of the loop?"

"Shhh, wait and see." C.C. turned her head and kissed him gently. He pulled back and looked at the tears in her eyes, and then watched the shocked look on his employer's face.

Maxwell read the card. Happy Father's Day from your baby boy. "Didn't I already open the presents from the boys?"

Fran nodded and sucked in her lower lip. Sylvia looked at her daughter, and then whispered to Elizabeth. "She's up to something, she only does that when she's nervous."

"Open it, Honey." He carefully unwrapped the box.

"Cigars? Oh, this is from YOU, Darling." He opened the box, and then he saw it. Fran had placed the ultrasound picture in with the cigars. He picked up a cigar and looked at the wrapping. IT'S A BOY. He looked at Fran who, by now, was crying and smiling at him. "Oh, my GOD. You're telling me that you're, that we're…when? How long have you known?" He got up and took his wife in his arms, picked her up and spun her around.

"Late November, and it seems like I've known foreva!" She kissed him softly.

"I'll say!" C.C. grinned and hugged her friends.

"You KNEW about this?"

"From the beginning." She answered proudly.

"So why did she get to know and I didn't?"

"Because you'd blab, MA!" Fran laughed. "C.C. and I planned this as soon as I found out. Then the morning sickness about killed me during the pageant, and…excuse me." Fran ran for the bathroom, yet another time.

C.C. watched her friend hurry down the hall. "It's back. She was a mess during the pageant, but she was able to pass it off as stress."

Niles slipped his arm around her waist. "Does this give you any ideas?"

"Yeah." She laughed. "Never have a baby!"

Niles frowned, but kissed her on the cheek before walking toward the kitchen. "I think I'll go see to lunch."

C.C. watched Niles leave, and realized her declaration hadn't set too well. "Uh, oh. I'd better go talk to him. I'll check on Fran first, Maxwell."

"Thank you, C.C.."

Fran came back at that moment, a little paler, but with a smile on her face. "I'm fine. Go talk to Niles. I passed him in the hall, and he was in full 'sulk' mode."

"It's not that he's not happy about the new baby, he's just…well, it's partly because I didn't tell him. You know how he hates to be left out of things, anyway. I just made it worse by saying I'd never have a baby." She hugged her friend again. "I'll go make nice, otherwise you'll never get your lunch."

Max slipped his arm around his wife and caressed her abdomen. "My God, how did I miss this?" He rubbed his hand across the slight swelling.

"I was very careful. I didn't want this surprise spoiled."

"You're sure it's a boy?"

"Positive. Check out the ultrasound. You can see for yourself."

"This is so cool. We get a little brother!" The boys were giving each other high-fives.

"What are you two congratulating each other for? Mom and Dad did all the work." Maggie giggled.

"Eeew, let's not go there, Mags!" Brighton made a face.

Irene toddled over and put her hands on her mother's stomach. "Mommy's baby?"

"Yes, Sweetie, that's Mommy's baby." Fran picked up her youngest and kissed her.

"THAT'S what she meant? All this time I thought she was talking about herself!"

"She was with me at the first appointment, when I found out. I was hoping you wouldn't catch on. C.C. and I kept telling her that SHE was Mommy's baby…good thing she can't talk well yet."

He reached over and took the toddler from her mother. "You were trying to tell Daddy this whole time, weren't you, Precious?"

"Mommy baby tummy!"

"Oh, NOW you tell me!" Max laughed and held his daughter close. "Darling, this is the best Father's Day present you could have given me."

"Well, I know we really hadn't discussed it."

"We discussed it…just not recently."

"Congratulations, Brother. I couldn't be happier for you. I know you've wanted this for a long time." He played with his nieces curls. "I still can't get over how much this one looks like you." Irene made a face at him. "See, that face, you used to do that all the time when you were annoyed with me."

"He STILL makes that face when he's annoyed. That's where she got it."

"Are you annoyed with Uncle Nigel, Darling?" The child responded by reaching out for him to hold her.

"Love you!"

He turned around and looked at Denise. "I thought kids didn't like me."

She smiled. "Well, Ree's a good judge of character."

He carried her over to the nanny. "You think so?" He winked at her, and then kissed her cheek.

"Mommy, Unc Nige kiss Dee Dee!"

"I saw that, Sweetie. Anything you two want to share with us?" Fran had her hands on her hips with a mock frown.

Nigel looked at Denise, who smiled and nodded. "Mother, I know you've always accused me of being impulsive and not thinking things through."

Fran moved next to her mother in law and squeezed her arm. "Here it comes!" She whispered.

"This time, I think I've thought it through. I've had almost three months to think and talk about it, and I've come to a decision."

"Are you going to share it with the rest of us, Son, or just beat around the bush all afternoon?" She smiled and nudged Fran.

"Sorry, Mother, I'm beginning to sound like Maxwell." He grinned at his older brother. "I'm actually glad the family is together. I've asked Denise to be my wife, and she's accepted."

"Fran, I won't just leave you without a nanny. Nigel said he could stay in New York until you can find a replacement. I know it's going to be hard on you, with the new baby coming."

"Don't you even worry about us, Sweetie. This is so exciting! So when are you two planning on the wedding?"

"Well, we weren't sure. Mother, you're not saying anything."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and smiled at her youngest son. "Nigel, you were the one your father and I worried most about. We always thought you'd show up some day married to some showgirl. Denise is a delightful young lady…and although your father may disapprove…I give you both my blessing."

"Now, is that because you mean it, or because you know you're going against what father would want?" Nigel pulled Denise a bit closer to him.

"I really mean it, Son. Although going against your father is a nice bonus."

Fran slipped her arm from Elizabeth's and moved next to Maxwell. She whispered in his ear for a minute, watched him shake his head, and then smiled and whispered again. "Are you sure, Darling?" Fran nodded and kissed her husband. "Nigel, you're welcome to stay here with us. If you two would like, we could hold the wedding here, while the family is together."

"Are you sure about that, Max? It won't be too hard on Fran?"

"It was her idea, Nigel. Stay as long as you like."

"What do you think, Darling? Would you like to get married while Mother is still here?"

"What about your father?" She looked around as everyone chuckled.

"You can meet him when we get to London. I want your wedding to be a happy one."

Fran's stomach rumbled. "What's keeping Niles with lunch?"

"C.C., I would imagine." Max smiled and looked toward the kitchen.

Meanwhile, things in the kitchen were not going as well as in the living room.

"Niles, I said I was sorry, why won't you talk to me?"

"I've got to get lunch ready, C.C.." He pulled the salad bowls from the cupboard and headed for the dining room.

C.C. cut him off. "I'll take them in a minute." She took the bowls from his hand. "We've never even discussed the possibility of having children, how was I to know you were serious?"

"Where did you think all this was heading? Do you think I'd actually start a relationship with you without intending to see it through to what I thought was a natural conclusion?"

"Where do YOU see us heading?"

"You still don't see it, do you? Or is it that you WON'T see it?"

"All right, now you lost me. Niles, I love being with you, but you really don't want to end up with someone like me, do you?"

"Someone like you? C.C., every man DREAMS of a woman like you. You're smart, sexy, educated, beautiful, caring...do I need to go on?"

"You're the only one who sees that in me. I guess the old saying is right, love really IS blind."

"I am NOT the only one that sees it. Mr. Sheffield sees it, not the way you used to WANT him to see it, but he does. Why else would he keep you in his employ, when lately you've spent most of your working time with me? Mrs. Sheffield sees it too. You're one of her best friends…and you've seen how selective she is when it comes to choosing friends."

She chuckled. "Yeah, like Val, real selective."

"That's not being selective. That's loyalty. She and Val became friends when they were five years old. Val wouldn't have finished high school if not for her best friend's help. Val may not be the sharpest tool in the box, but she's a loyal friend. Look how she accepted you, no questions asked, because of her friendship with Mrs. Sheffield. Now, quit trying to change the subject." He finished chopping the tomatoes and added them to the salad.

"I was NOT trying to change the subject. YOU brought up Val."

"No, I brought up friendship. Remember when you used to chase after Mr. Sheffield? He was marrying your best friend, and still you tried to take him from her. Then she died, and you continued to chase him, until you met Fran Fine. Once you saw the two of them together, what did you do?"

"I tried to hate Fran."

"Exactly…you TRIED to hate her. Your friendship with Mr. Sheffield overshadowed your need to be hateful. You put your feelings aside for your friend to be happy. If you hadn't done that, you would have missed out on two very wonderful things."

"Fran and you. Niles, I'm so sorry. I'm just not used to being nice and sweet, it's just not in my nature."

"Bull. Save the Ice Queen act for the working class of Broadway that doesn't give a damn about you. Everyone who knows you…REALLY knows you…knows what a wonderful person you are. Now can we please get these salads on the table before I get fired and I have to move in to your place?" He smiled at her and planted a quick kiss on her lips.

She followed him into the dining room and placed the salad plates on the table. "Look at me, I'm becoming a servant!" She giggled and stuck her tongue out at him.

"You're very good at it. Next thing you know you'll be waiting on the Sheffields and I'll be producing plays on Broadway."

"Oh, now THAT I'd like to see!" She chuckled.

"What, you as a maid, or me as a producer?" He took her in his arms. "Hmm, I wouldn't mind seeing you in a maid's uniform."

"Ni-iles, you DOG!"

"Why don't you go play maid and tell the Sheffield's that lunch is ready, before you get me more excited?"

"Hang on to that feeling, Lover, you may need it later." She smiled over her shoulder at him as she headed back to the living room.

"So do you want the wedding inside, or out by the lake?"

"What wedding, what did I miss?"

"Oh, C.C., it's so wonderful! Nigel and Denise are getting married!" Fran hugged her brother in law and her nanny one more time.

"OUR Denise?"

"Well, C.C., technically, she's almost MY Denise." Nigel grinned and winked at the nanny.

"I left the room for five minutes…"

"It was more like ten. Did you happen to notice if lunch was anywhere in our future?" Maxwell frowned at his business partner.

"Ooh, right, sorry, Maxwell. Lunch is ready." She smiled sweetly at Max, who just rolled his eyes at her.

Fran laughed as she watched her mother hurry to the dining room. "Come on, Denise, we can make plans over lunch. Have you two talked about what kind of wedding you'd like?" She linked arms with her nanny and headed for the dining room. Max and Nigel followed closely behind.

"I have a feeling this one is going to cost me a lot of money." Max grinned at his brother.

"I'll pay for everything, Max."

"Don't even think about it. Fran will insist that we give our nanny the wedding of her dreams. She's been a wonderful asset to our household, Nigel; we'll just consider this a bonus for her."

"Thanks, Brother."

The family sat down to lunch and the women tossed around ideas for the wedding. The rest of the afternoon, they sat in the living room and made plans for the wedding of the year.

By the following weekend, the wedding plans were complete. Max had a tent erected on the grounds by the lake, and spared no expense for his brother and his bride. Maxwell served as best man, with Niles, Brighton and Mike as attendants. Fran was the matron of honor with C.C., Val and Maggie as the bridesmaids. Irene and Grace were adorable as the flower girls, although Irene decided the flowers looked better on her brothers, and showered them with rose petals as she approached the altar.

Max surprised Denise by having her parents flown in by helicopter just before the ceremony. "I can't thank you enough for what you and your wife have done for our little girl, Mr. Sheffield."

"It was our pleasure, believe me, Mr. Spencer. We hate to see her go."

"We understood this was only a temporary job when she first signed on."

"Well, that was the plan, but the children became so attached to her, and she and my wife became such good friends, that we just had to keep her. Now she's the children's aunt, and they are just thrilled about having her in the family. We all are."

"Your brother seems like a good man. It IS going to be hard seeing her move to London, though."

"I'm sure it will be. Nigel comes to New York quite often, though, so I'm sure he'll bring her with him so she can visit her family."

"He'd betta!" Fran appeared and slipped her arm around her husband's waist.

"I was just thanking your husband for all you've done for our daughter."

"Oh, it was our pleasure, believe me." She glanced at her friend, who was sitting with Irene and Grace on her lap. "The girls are so attached to her. Grace is teaching Ree how to say "Aunt Dee Dee". We just haven't told them that Uncle Nigel is taking Aunt Dee Dee to London."

"There's time for that, Darling. They're staying another week or so, aren't they?"

"Yeah, they are. Denise wants to help me scout day camps for the kids. I think she's as protective of the kids as we are."

"Well, I know where she gets THAT from." Her father smiled and glanced over at his daughter. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go spend a bit more time with her before we have to leave." He walked over to where his daughter was sitting as Fran and Max watched.

"I think I'm going to miss her more than the kids will, Honey."

"I know you will. She'll be visiting with Nigel, and once the baby is born, you can fly to London to visit her."

"I can't fly over there with three babies!" She looked at him with the pout he'd come to fear.

"So WE will fly over with ALL the children. Maggie and the boys are old enough to help out with the girls, and I think the two of us can handle one little baby."

"You promise?"

"I promise, Sweetheart."

During the next two weeks, Fran and Denise checked out the local day care centers. They couldn't decide on any of them. Some were too crowded, some seemed too impersonal, some of them the children were just too out of control, definitely NOT a place for Irene. They were discussing it over lunch when a local mother interrupted them.

"I'm sorry to butt in, but I just couldn't help over hearing you talk about day care for your girls." She placed several French fries in front of her young daughter. "Every summer the local high school kids get together and have all kinds of activities for young children, to raise money. They teach swimming, sailing, have art camps…they get school credit, plus make some extra money for themselves. This will be my Scarlett's second summer with them."

"Hi, Scarlett. I'm Fran Sheffield, and this is my nan…well, she used to be my nanny, now she's my sister in law…Denise Sheffield. This is Irene, and this is Grace. Girls, can you say "hi" to Scarlett?"

Irene responded by jumping out of her chair and hugging her new found friend. Grace simply smiled and waved, too busy with her cheeseburger to be bothered.

"Hi, Fran…Denise…I'm Jeanne Jennings. Here, let me give you a couple of phone numbers. These girls can put you in touch with the rest of the group."

"How old do they take them?"

"Their program is for three and four year olds."

"I wonder if they'd still take Ree? She'll be three next month."

"You could ask them, she seems pretty advanced. Wait, Sheffield…are you the people that bought the estate on Sapphire Road?"

"Yes, we moved in a couple of months ago."

"Your husband is the Broadway producer. You made the local paper, you know. We don't get many celebrities up here. It must be quite a commute for him."

"It won't be so bad now that school is out. We kept the children in their school in Manhattan until the end of the term, so we had to schlep them into the city every day. Maxwell's business partner lives on the estate, too, so she helped get the children to and from school."

"How many children do you have?"

"Five, and one on the way. Maggie just turned twelve, the boys will be eight this fall, Grace will be four in September, and Ree will be three next month."

"When's the new baby due?"

"Late November. Mike's a bit upset, since he wanted November to himself, but he'll have to share with his little brother. Reenie, leave Scarlett alone and get up here and finish your burger before Gracie eats it."

"NO, Racy, leave my burger 'lone!" She climbed back into her chair and grabbed her burger, glaring at her older sister.

Jeanne laughed. "Well, I'd better get this one home for her nap. Here's my phone number, give me a call sometime, we can take the girls to the park for a play date."

"Thanks. It was nice to meet you, Jeanne. Thanks for the tips."

"Good to meet you too." She wiped her daughter's face and headed out to her minivan."

Fran looked at Denise. "High school kids? What do ya think?"

"Well, I'm barely out of high school, myself. Give it a try, the local moms wouldn't be passing out the phone numbers if they weren't any good, AND the school is giving them credit. Talk to Mr….." She giggled. "Talk to Max. It's so hard to call him that, now."

"I KNOW…I still slip up and almost introduce you as my nanny. Oy, look at this. Ketchup face and mustard face. Can't you two stay clean for five minutes?" Both girls shook their heads.

"I'll talk to Maxwell, maybe this toddler art camp is just what these two need."

The two women cleaned up the girls and headed back to the house. Maxwell loved the idea, and they called the number that Jeanne had given them. Fran was amazed at all the activities the students had lined up for the children. They arranged for a young couple to come to the house and teach the younger girls how to swim, they were also enrolled in two sessions of art camp. They had a sailing club for the boys, and a reading club for Maggie. The older children signed up for the Drama Club, and were looking forward to participating in plays. By the end of the week, it was time for Nigel and Denise to fly home to London. The children tearfully told their aunt and uncle 'goodbye', and made them promise to come and visit often.

As Irene's birthday approached, Fran was in the kitchen going over the menu with Niles. Max had taken the Irene and Grace down to the lake for a sailing lesson while the older children were at Drama Camp. Fran picked up the binocular to watch the sailing lesson. "Niles, you should see this. It looks like Max is trying to explain the sails to the girls, and they're more interested in the water." She laughed. "She peered through the binoculars again, just in time to see her youngest daughter grab the tiller and pull it sharply. The wind filled the sail, and the boat heeled strongly to one side, dumping everyone in the water.

"NILES! Niles, quick, they're in the water! The boat capsized!"

Niles rushed to her side and took the binoculars from her. "Let me see exactly where they are." He chuckled. "They're fine, Mrs. Sheffield, here, look again."

She wiped the tears from her face and took the binoculars from her butler. Her husband and daughters were still in the water. The girls were bobbing in the water with the aid of their life jackets, and Max was attempting to right the boat. The girls were splashing each other and laughing, then began splashing their father, who abandoned the boat for the time being and began returning the splashing. She continued to watch as Max moved the girls together, then swam back and righted the boat. He held his arms out to them, and they slowly paddled themselves to his side. He hugged each of them before placing them back inside the boat, and then climbed in himself.

"Those swimming lessons have just paid for themselves, Niles. Remind me to give those kids a huge bonus." She smiled as she continued to watch the boat. Max had turned it around and was heading for shore. She grabbed three towels and headed down to the dock to meet them.

"How was your swim?" She caught the line her husband tossed her.

"Swim? Did we go swimming, girls?" He laughed.

"Uh, huh! Reenie tacked!" Grace giggled.

"Oh, she did, did she? I'm so glad you know what you're doing out there, Honey. I was so scared when I saw the boat tip over."

"So was I, at first. Then I saw these two little stinkers bobbing on the water, laughing and splashing, and I realized everything was just fine. Maybe I should wait until they're a little older to explain how to use the tiller." He took one of the towels and wrapped it around Grace.

"Uh, ya THINK?" Fran laughed nervously. "We should also stick to swimming in the POOL, not the lake. It's a little cold for them, don't you think?" She wrapped the towel tightly around Irene.

"Not cold, Mommy. Wanna swim!" She tossed off her towel and began running toward the pool.

"Max! Get her, I can't run after her! Gracie, you stay right there!" Max hurried after his youngest daughter, picked her up, and then rolled on the grass with her, tickling her stomach.

"Daddeeee, stop!" The child squealed with delight. Grace looked up at her mother.

"Go get him, Gracie!" The child doffed her towel and ran to jump on her father. The three of them rolled around on the grass while Fran watched and laughed. Moving to the country had been the best thing for the family. Maxwell was more relaxed, and the children loved it. Fran missed her parents and Val, but the house was large enough for occasional overnight visits.

The following week was Irene's third birthday. Maxwell didn't spare any expense for his baby girl. He hired a mini circus to come out to the house, complete with clowns, rides, popcorn and cotton candy. They invited the children from the art camp, as well as some of the older children from the drama camp. He hired some of the local high school students to come out and serve as lifeguards, to make sure the children who chose to swim were properly supervised.

"Max, Honey, these are the girls' art camp teachers. This is Abigail, and this is Hannah."

"Hi, Mr. Sheffield, it's nice to meet you. I just love this house! We've seen it from the lake, but never up close."

"You'll have to get my wife to give you a tour of the inside."

"Really? Cool, thanks, Mr. Sheffield." The girls giggled and went in search of their friends.

"I think Abbie and Hannie have a crush on you, Mr. Sheffield." She imitated the giggle.

"No, I don't think so, they're just having a good time. Look, I think young Abbie fancies Niles." He pointed to the girl, who was now openly flirting with the butler.

"Oy, that can't be good. Where's C.C.?" She looked around for her friend. "Oy, here she comes, there's gonna be fireworks coming from that house tonight!" She watched her friend head directly for Niles, who was still eating up the attention from the teenagers.

"Niles, can I get your help with something?"

"Of course, Miss Babcock, I'll be right there. Excuse me, girls, it was nice meeting you."

"Bye, Niles." The girls giggled and went to re join their friends.

"What did you need, My Angel?"

"I was wondering how good you were at getting a high heel out of butler's butt?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Beg all you want, that's the only way you'll be getting anything from me!"

"What has gotten in to you lately?"

"I can tell you what HASN'T!"

"C.C., I'm busy with the party, I can't just slip away and…" He saw the look on her face, and knew he'd better. How long had it been? "I'll meet you at your place in, say, fifteen minutes."

She softened a bit when he laid his hand on her arm. "I miss you, Niles. I've been so busy working on this damned show, and you've been busy helping Fran…I know, it's your job to help her. I'm sorry. Fifteen minutes, you said?"

"Twenty, tops. Tell you what, you go tell Mrs. Sheffield that you are slipping away, and why…then she'll handle Mr. Sheffield."

"Niles, you manipulator, you!" She blew him a kiss before moving towards Fran.

"Everything O.K., C.C.?"

"It will be in about twenty five minutes." She grinned at her friend. "I need to steal Niles for a few minutes."

"Is it something Maxwell can help you with? Niles is pretty tied up with serving."

C.C. coughed and laughed. "Oh, NO, Sweetie, you do NOT want Maxwell helping me with THIS."

"OH! Oy, C.C., in the middle of Ree's party? Can't ya wait?"

"NO, I can't, Frannie. Between doing my share of the work AND Maxwell's, and Niles being busy helping with the house, we've hardly seen each other. I know Maxwell wants to spend more time with you and the kids, but I need to see Niles, too. Maxwell keeps him working until he goes to bed, and by that time, I'm sleeping!"

"Easy, Ceece. Yeah, I can spare Niles. I can get a couple of the teenagers to help out."

"Thanks, Frannie, you're a doll."

"You just be careful, or you're gonna look like me!" She rubbed her swollen abdomen.

C.C. smiled thoughtfully. "Would that be so bad?"

"Ceece!"

"You don't think I'd make a good mother?"

"Are you kidding? You went from "Miss I hate kids" to Aunt C.C without missing a beat. My kids adore you, and it's obvious from all the presents you give them that you adore them, too."

"Well, maybe a little."

"Maybe a LOT. Go…Niles is already heading to your place. He knows me too well."

"Yeah, he said to talk to you, and you'd take care of Maxwell." She hugged her friend. "I love you, ya know!"

"Yeah, I know. I love you more!" She smiled and watched her friend follow Niles to her house.

"Where does he think he's going?"

"Relax, Honey. They haven't had much time together lately. I'll get a couple of the kids to help out. We really need to give him evenings off. C.C. is picking up your slack, WHICH she says she doesn't mind, but we keep Niles working until after she's already sleeping at night."

"You're right, all right, what do you suggest?"

"How about letting him off right after dinner? The kids are old enough to load the dishwasher."

"You think they'd go for it?"

"Honey, remember, I had them doing chores at the townhouse. They need to know how to do things for themselves. None of the other families out here have butlers; I don't want our kids to stick out."

"All right, you win. We give the children some chores, and we give Niles some more time off."

"With the same pay, Honey."

"Fran! Oh, all right." He smiled at her and kissed her forehead. He could refuse her nothing.

With his evenings free, Niles was able to spend more and more time at C.C.'s house. Their relationship began to flourish. By the time the children were ready to go back to school, Niles had all but moved into the guest house. Fran had won the discussion to send the younger girls to Pre School, but Max prevailed when it came to private schooling for the older children. He insisted that you get what you pay for, and he wanted his children to receive the best education possible. Sending Irene and Grace to Pre School turned out to be a good thing. It gave Fran a chance to get the nursery in order for the new baby, and the children got more of a chance to interact with their peers. Irene had come a long way with her vocabulary since joining the camps over the summer; she could now speak in small sentences, and make her demands known more easily. Right after school started, it was time for Grace's fourth birthday. She had insisted on going to the movie theater about a hundred times to see Beauty and the Beast, so Maxwell used his theater connections to hire actors and costumers to create the movie for her birthday theme. The actors dressed as Belle and The Beast sang and danced around the yard for the entranced children. Max decided to file this away for a future musical.

The boys decided to have a joint birthday. Most of their peers at school believed them to be twins because of their ages, and the boys decided it was easier to go along with them than to explain the truth. They had a sports themed birthday party, complete with visits by some of the Rangers and the Mets.

By Thanksgiving, Fran was miserable. The baby had dropped, and she couldn't sit, stand or walk without discomfort. Elizabeth flew out for the holidays as planned, and was a great help to her daughter in law. Max and C.C. were busy with their Christmas productions, so they were in the city most of the time. Fran was looking forward to the first night of Chanukah, which was the first of December. That morning she woke up with more back pain than usual. Max had planned to go into the city to check on his production, but seeing Fran in so much pain, he decided to stay home and comfort her. By noon, they realized this was more than normal back pain. Fran was in labor. Maxwell summoned C.C. from the theater, and had her pick up Fran's parents from Queens. He called the doctor, and then rushed her to the local hospital. C.C. arrived with the Fines just as Fran was being wheeled into the delivery room.

"Where are the children?"

"They're home with Niles. He'll bring them as soon as she delivers." He patted Morty's shoulder and gave Sylvia a quick kiss before donning his mask and following the gurney into the delivery room.

Several minutes later, they heard a baby cry. "He's here!" Maxwell burst from the delivery room. "Seven pounds, eleven ounces, 21 inches long. He's perfect….absolutely perfect. I need to get back to Fran."

"What's his name, Son?" Max was gone. Sylvia looked at her husband and shrugged. "Did they ever decide on a name for this boy?"

"If they did, they didn't tell me."

"I guess I should call Niles. He'll want to bring the children down to see their brother. Congratulations on your new grandson."

"Thank you, C.C.. If Max comes back out, I'll let him know you already called Niles."

C.C. walked away with tears in her eyes. Fran was right. She'd gone from someone who couldn't be bothered with children to a woman who wanted one desperately. She phone Niles and gave him the good news, and asked him to bring the children. Between the four adults, they should be able to keep them in one place.

When she got back to the waiting room, Sylvia and Morty were standing in the hallway. "C.C., she's asking for you."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Frannie just wants to talk to you." She let out a relieved sigh and hurried down the hall to Fran's room.

"Hi! How do you feel?"

Fran was sitting in bed holding her son. "Like I just lost about eight pounds." She grinned and looked at her sleeping child. "C.C., I'd like you to meet Jonah Nigel Sheffield, and he'd be honored if you would be his godmother."

She stared at Fran, and then looked up at Max. "My God, are you sure you want ME as his godmother?"

"Absolutely sure. He would be missing one big sister if not for you, and you were the first person to know about him. You helped his mommy surprise his daddy. He definitely wants you. Would you like to hold him?"

"He's so little, Frannie, I just don't know."

"Sure ya do. Just watch his little head…there ya go." She smiled at her husband. "See, I told you he made the right choice."

"Frannie, you'd better take him. I'm feeling a little dizzy."

Fran took her son and handed him to Maxwell. "Sweetie, you were dizzy and nauseous back around Thanksgiving. Remember? You blamed it on Niles' cooking. Go, quick, before Niles gets here and get tested."

"Tested for what?"

"Oy, for a smart woman…get a pregnancy test."

"Oh, you don't think...?"

"You made me go to the doctor for the same thing, Missy."

"All right, but if Niles gets here, stall him. I want to surprise him if I am."

"Just don't try to wait four months…it's Hell!" She laughed and blew a kiss to her husband as her friend hurried to the quick care desk.

C.C. returned thirty minutes later with a large stuffed bear. Niles had arrived with the children, so she couldn't share her news with her friend. "Hi, Niles. Hi, kids, what do you think of your new brother?"

"My baby!" Irene was sitting on the bed next to her mother. Fran was holding Jonah where he was almost in Irene's lap.

C.C. smiled at the toddler. "Can you say "Brother", Ree?"

"Brotha."

The room erupted in laughter. "Oy, she's definitely my daughta."

"I brought Jonah a present. I didn't mean to rush off, but I was POSITIVE he'd never forgive me for not buying him a present on his birthday." When she said the 'positive' she nodded at Fran, who had to suppress a smile. Niles and C.C. were going to have a baby. Once again, the secret of the coming child was shared only between the two friends, along with the joy of planning on how to surprise the father.

Fran looked out the window. "Oh, we're missing first night."

"It's all right, Darling, we're all together, that's what matters." Sylvia smiled and hugged her daughter.

Maggie slipped out of the room quietly, and then returned with something behind her back. "Bubby, do you know the first night blessings?"

"Of course I do, Sweetie, but we need our…" She smiled as Maggie pulled the menorah from behind her back. Brighton pulled the candle from his pocket.

"We thought we might be here until after sundown, and we know how important this holiday is to Mom."

"Oy, do I have great kids or WHAT?"

The family gathered around as Sylvia lit the candle and recited the blessing. She turned to her daughter. "We have our own little Chanukah miracle. Our perfect little Jonah." She picked up her grandson and held him close, and then kissed him and handed him to Elizabeth.

"Bubby, MY baby!" Irene was trying to stand up to get to Jonah. Fran pulled her down and held her close.

"I love you, Baby Girl."

"Love you more, Mommy."

Three weeks later, the family was preparing for Christmas. Max was keeping the children busy in the family room, and Fran was frantically getting packages wrapped.

"Could you use a hand?"

"Oy, C.C., you're a lifesaver! Between Jonah wanting to be fed, and Irene's jealous tantrums, I don't think I'll EVA get these presents wrapped."

"How do you think Niles will like these?" She produced a pair of baby booties.

"Well, they're a little small." She laughed. "I think he'll love them, C.C., what a perfect idea. Let's get them wrapped quickly, before he comes in here."

The two women wrapped the booties, then finished wrapping the rest of the toys for the children, got everything labeled and under the tree.

"With only three days to spare! These kids cleaned up this month. Elizabeth didn't realize you don't give Chanukah gifts, so she bought them all presents, then she bought more for Christmas. You bought for them, my parents bought for them. Nigel and Denise sent them a ton of gifts, not to mention Nadine and Barry."

"Aren't Nigel and Denise coming?"

"No, they couldn't make it. It's strange, inside the card was a smaller card marked 'don't open until Christmas Day'. It's making me crazy. Maxwell hid it because I said I was going to steam it open."

"I know what you mean about 'crazy'. Niles won't even give me a hint what he's gotten me."

"You haven't slipped have you?"

"No, and it's driving him insane. I love it!" The women laughed and went to check on the baby.

The following Wednesday was Christmas Day. The family awoke to the first snowfall of the year. The grounds and the trees were covered in white, almost the makings of a picture post card. C.C. stayed in the main house on Christmas Eve, so she wouldn't miss one minute of Christmas morning with the children.

Oy, what a difference a year makes! Last year I had no one, hated kids, and now look at me. I have a new godson, a baby on the way, and a man that I adore.

"C.C., did you hear me, wake up! The children are heading downstairs!" She threw the covers back and quickly stepped into her slippers and donned her robe, and then flew down the stairs. Niles had hurried down the back stairs and was waiting in the living room with a pot of hot cocoa for the children and a pot of coffee for the bleary-eyed adults. The children immediately focused on their presents from Santa, then Maggie settled the children down and began passing out presents. Once everyone had all their presents in front of them, Max opened the envelope from Nigel and Denise.

"Quiet everyone, children, please? I'm supposed to open this and read it Christmas morning." He quickly tore open the envelope and began to read. "Max, Fran and our adorable nieces and nephews,

We're so sorry we aren't able to be with you in person on our first Christmas as one big happy family. The reason for this, is our family is about to get bigger. Denise is expecting twins, and the doctor will not let her fly."

"Aunt Dee Dee is having a baby?" Maggie was peering over her father's shoulder.

"Patience, Maggie. Tell Reenie that she may have to share her birthday with her two cousins, as the girls are due mid-July. The doctor also told us that twins notoriously come early. One hellava anniversary present, eh, Max? Our love to all of you. Thanks for the picture of my namesake. He looks a lot like me, don't you think? Fran, Denise says she'll call you soon. Hi, Mum, surprise! Love, Nigel, Denise, Francine and Beverly. Oh, those are the twins' names, by the way. Merry Christmas!"

"My little boy about to be a father? To twins no less! Denise certainly has made a positive change in his life."

"She sure has, Mother." He looked at his anxious children. "I suppose we'd better let these angels open their presents."

"Yeah, Daddy, please?" Irene looked at her father with pleading eyes.

"Have you got the camera ready, Fran? All right kids, ready? One, two three…GO!" Ribbons and paper began flying everywhere. It was a race to see which child could open all their gifts first. When they were done, it looked like FAO Schwartz had exploded in their living room. Max collected the trash into a large box while Fran continued to snap pictures.

"All right, who's next?"

"Me, Maxwell!" C.C. pulled a gift from under the tree and walked toward Niles. "Merry Christmas."

"Wait, I have one for you, too. Let's open them together." He handed her a small package. "Ready?" He glanced at Fran, who had the camera ready. She knew what each box contained.

Niles unwrapped his first. He had a puzzled look on his face, and glanced at Fran, who was snapping pictures with tears running down her cheeks.

"C.C.?"

"They're for your baby. No, not THEIR baby…OUR baby." She laughed and shook her head. Men could be so dense sometimes. She finished unwrapping the package, revealing a velvet box. She opened it slowly. "Oh, Niles!"

"Merry Christmas, C.C., will you marry me?" He held his breath, Fran continued snapping pictures. The room grew silent.

"Yes, Niles…I would love to marry you!" She threw her arms around his neck.

"Does this mean that C.C. is our aunt, too?" Michael smiled at his parents.

"She always was, Honey."

Niles looked at C.C. "So, when?" He kissed her softly

"When, what?"

"Don't get smart with me, Woman. When is our child due?"

"Reenie, Sweetie, don't be mad at Aunt C., but we've got another July baby here!"

Jonah began to fuss, and Fran picked him up and cuddled him. "I was so worried you wouldn't have anyone your age to play with."

Maxwell smiled at his family. "It's been some year."

Maggie popped a Christmas music CD in the stereo, and the family all settled on the sofa to listen.

"I'll see to breakfast, Sir."

"Oh, no, Niles, that can wait. Have a seat, I'll be right back." Max squeezed Fran's hand and disappeared into the kitchen. He re emerged several minutes later with a bottle of sparkling cider and several glasses.

"I thought a toast might be in order and since Fran and C.C. can't drink…" He held up the bottle for all to see.

Max handed everyone a glass and poured a bit of cider for everyone. "All right, everyone, raise your glasses. To our families." Everyone took a sip of cider.

"To my fiancé and baby." Niles smiled at C.C. and kissed the top of her head gently.

"To my new mom!" Maggie grinned, glad to be included in a grown up ritual

"To my new brother, Mike!" Brighton snickered.

"To OUR new brother, Jonah!" Mike grinned at his brother.

"My mommy and daddy." Grace had no idea what she was doing, but she didn't want to be left out.

"My bubby." Irene took a long drink of her cider and ran to Elizabeth.

"To my sons and their wives." Elizabeth raised her glass to her son.

Fran stood up. "To my wonderful husband, who gave me the best gift ever, my six wonderful children." She smiled at Max. "It's been some year, Honey."

"It certainly has." Max put his arms around his wife. "You know, I wouldn't trade this last year for anything."

"Neither would I." Fran laid her head against her husband's chest. Her life was now perfect.

The end