Disclaimer: Let's make this simple: the characters that you recognize are not mine and the ones you don't, that is Alexander, is all mine.
The song is Van Morrison's "Have I told you lately that I love you?" and you can find in The Chieftains "The long black veil" CD. I know there are other versions of this song but I'm sure this is the best version ever done.
A very big special thanks to Caryn for being a friend, helping me with the betareading of the story and giving a name to little Alexander.

Have I told you lately that I love you?

by

Leire
(dimplessteele@sarenet.es)

Fran Sheffield laid on the sofa in the livingroom. She had her eyes closed and though she was not asleep, she enjoyed the quietness that surrounded her. There were no children fighting or baby crying or adult arguing. She was definitely home alone and she was enjoying every minute of it.

She thought about all her children. Who would have guessed fifteen years ago that she would be the mother of six children? It was true that only the three younger were biologically her's but as far as she was concerned, all of them were her children and she loved them all the same.

Maggie, now twenty-five, was working at a clothing designing company and lived with her husband Michael in New York. They had been married for four years now but having children was not in their plans yet, for which Fran was glad. As much as she loved babies, she was not prepared to be called "Grandma" yet.

Brighton, now twenty-one, was in his last year at Film College. He was doing real fine, considering that he was working and studying at the same time. He attends at University in the mornings while working at his father's production company in the evenings. He had changed a lot from that naughty kid who faked suicide that Fran once knew. The year he spent traveling around Europe made him more mature. He still lived at home and enjoyed playing with his younger brothers. He had always felt outnumbered by his sisters but now they were equal, he liked teasing the girls.

Grace was now a bright beautiful woman of seventeen. She finished High school this year and was eager to begin at the University next year. Fran might admit she had a special bond with Grace. When Fran first arrived at the Sheffield residence, Grace was not more than a shy little girl with too many imaginary friends and too many hours of therapy. Now not only did she have many friends, real friends that is, but she also worked in a special program to help young children with problems. Both Fran and Max were very proud of Grace for spending her free time helping these children, not to mention that she really liked it.

Fran opened her eyes and took one picture from the nearby table. In it, she could see her twins dressed in their school uniforms. Jonah stood very stiff with his arms crossed behind his back and looking older by his pose. Eve, on the other hand, smiled mischievously at the camera while she played with her skirt. They truly resembled their parents and not only physically but also in their character.

Jonah was a shy quiet little man and he looked like a younger version of his Daddy. He rarely gave his parents any trouble and spent most of his time reading or listening to music in his bedroom. He loved Disney movies and knew all their songs by heart. Max said proudly that both Jonah and Brighton would continue with the family business and though Jonah couldn't fully understand it yet, he was quite happy of being with his Father in his office. Of course he occasionally had his tantrums like any five-year-old but Max's words always seemed to calm him down.

Eve was definitely another story. If Jonah looked like Max, Eve was the vivid image of her Mom. She lived in a constant tantrum every day and together with Caryn, Niles and C.C.'s daughter, could turn the house upside down. There was not day the two girls wouldn't get themselves into trouble and the only time the house was at peace was when they slept. Niles had once suggested putting something in their food so they could sleep longer.

Then, there was little Alexander Maximilian, their unexpected baby. After the twins were born, Max and Fran didn't plan having on more children (five were enough) but when the twins were three, Fran found out she was pregnant. It was considered a high-risk pregnancy but luckily everything went fine and Alex was welcomed by his big family. Alex was now two and though he also looked like his Daddy a lot (the man's genes were insistent), he also owned his Mommy's "particular" character.

The telephone rang bringing Fran back to reality.

"Sheffield residence"

"Hello, ummm, I'm looking for a beautiful young woman from Flushing, do you know her?"

"Actually I do, though I must tell you she's married to a wonderful English man"

"I hope he's not of the jealous kind"

"You wouldn't want to now"

"How was your day, sweetheart?"

"Pretty quiet. Mom came to take Alex and promised to pick the twins from school, so we have the entire evening to ourselves. I know we have some shopping to do but why don't you come home? I'm sure we'll find something fun to do"

"As exciting as it sounds, I'll have to decline the offer. Actually that's the reason why I phoned you. C.C has just told me that there is a meeting with some executives that we must attend"

"Max, you promised!"

"What am I supposed to do Fran? /No, sorry, I cannot attend the meeting because I have to buy some new furniture for my youngest son's room/. Fran, I'm really sorry. We can go tomorrow if you want to"

"Yes, but we'll have to convince my Mother to take care of the children again".

"Sorry darling but there's nothing I can do".

"Okay, I'll find something to do. Come home early if you can. Maybe we can enjoy some of our time alone".

"I'll try. I love you Darling. I love you"

"Love you too".

She was about to put the receiver back in its cradle when the phone rang again.

"Hello?"

"Hello Fran, how are you?"

"Val, what a surprise! Where have you been?"

"Moving to L.A. was far more difficult than I thought. After finding the apartment, Fred and I have spent more than three days unpacking. I need some fresh air after this, would you like to go out somewhere?"

"Oh, that's great! I have to look for some furniture for Alex's bedroom. Why don't we go to the mall so we can buy something for ourselves also?"

"Okay, meet you at six by the entrance".

By 7:30, Fran and Val had already visited every shop at the mall and Val was still looking for some new clothes more adequate for the Californian weather.

"I don't know Fran. I believe the kids don't need me anymore"

"How can you say that? Your children are only five and three years old. Of course they need her Mommy".

"Yes, I guess they do but before the family seemed closer. I mean Max's time is divided between his work at the studio and the time he spends with Brighton, Jonah and Alexander. I think there is a kind of male conspiracy going around in my house. They play soccer together, watch sports on TV together and basically have fun together. Where do I fit in all that?"

"Fran, it is quite normal that they share some of those father-son things together. You said once that Max regretted having lost Brighton's childhood, maybe he's trying to catch up with Jonah and Alex. Anyway, you should tell Max if you feel this way. I'm sure he doesn't do it on purpose"

"Yes, I guess. Maybe I'm just a bit selfish, I mean, I have a loving husband who loves me a lot and six wonderful healthy children; we live in an enormous house in Bell Air and have no worries. Then Val, why do I feel so sad?"

"I'm sure this is only a phase you are going through. Why don't we go to that English Pub? I'll buy!".

When they started towards the pub, it seemed there were no lights on inside. "Val, I think it's closed"

"Let's try. You know the English like that kind of dark atmosphere while they drink"

"Yes, that's why they get so drunk and still wouldn't see a thing even if the light is switched on"

Both women reached the door laughing loudly. Fran came in first and she found the whole place in darkness.

"Val, this is far too much even if you're drunk. Let's get out of here".

Fran was about to turn away when the light came on and many known faces spoke to her.

"SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!"

For once and only time in her life, Francine Joy Sheffield was speechless. She could only look at all the happy faces that smiled at her. In the front row was her husband Maxwell with little Alexander in his arms. The toddler extended his chubby arms towards his Mommy and asked her to pick him up. Besides them was Brighton holding each twin with one hand. Jonah and Eve were elegantly dressed and they ran towards their mother. They put their arms around her waist. Fran was so overwhelmed that she began to cry.

"Mommy don't cry. We thought you would like it"

"Oh, Jonah, don't worry baby. These are not sad tears but happy ones. I like this and I love all of you for it"

Fran kissed both kids and walked towards Max and the rest of their children. She hugged Max and Alex very tight and after placing the little boy in her arms, kissed her husband passionately. The whole place broke into a huge applause while encouraging voices were heard. Soon Fran was talking with the guests. Max had convinced many of her New York friends to come, as well as her Parents and Grandparents. She was so happy at that moment that she felt a little guilty for what she had said to Val.

After the dinner was served, everybody chatted amicably and the mood was really good. Fran was talking with Maggie and Michael who had come from New York to the party. She was so engrossed with the conversation that she didn't see Max going near the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please? First of all, I would like to thank you all for being here tonight. This is a very special occasion for my family and I because tonight we want to show the love and happiness that Fran Sheffield brought to our lives nearly eleven years ago. She came into our lives as a hurricane and turned our existence upside down. She taught me to be a good father and to realize that my children were more important than my business. She has given me three beautiful children and for everything she has done, I can only say this: I love you very much, Francine Joy Sheffield, you're my love, my inspiration and my guiding light. Please never leave us because all the family would be lost without you".

Max looked at his wife with loving eyes while hers were filled with tears. "I know you used to call me /British cold fish/ and you were probably right. It seems that I can never find the proper words to express my feelings. This time though I have found the exact words in a Van Morrison's song. Darling, would you like to dance with me?"

Fran ran literally to her husband and together they walked to the center of the ballroom. When the song began, they danced slowly along with the melody.

Fran looked over Max's shoulder and saw her whole family dancing along as well: Maggie and Michael with Alexander in his arms. Gracie danced with Brighton, who put funny faces to make his sister laugh and there was Jonah and Eve who seemed like a smaller version of their parents. She could never express how happy she felt at that moment.

Max began pouring little kisses on his wife's forehead so she looked up at him. "Fran, have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Oh sweetheart, you do. And I love you so much for all this".

They found each other in a passionate kiss while they kept dancing. There were no worries at that moment only two people madly in love and ready to fight for whatever came their way. Fran realized that her family still needed her and knew in her heart she would never do that again.

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