AN: Here is my contribution for the Christmas fic exchange. Sorry it took so long to get it posted! I hope you enjoy it and it was worth the wait. Please, as always reviews and comments are always appreciated! Enjoy! Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Happy Kwanza/ Happy Holidays!

"Ma'am, do you have an idea of what kind of dress you would like to wear to the Christmas party this year?" Blake asked his boss, knowing she usually waited until the last minute to make a decision.

Looking up at him from the stack of paperwork, peering over the top of her glasses, she smirked at him. "Blake you act as if the party is coming up soon." Knowing full well it was only two weeks away. Yes she waited until the last minuted every year, but Roxanne usually came through for her, this year however, she wanted Allison to help her. "I have an idea, but I would like my live in stylist to help me this year." she winked back at him.

"Yes ma'am. Does Alison know about this yet? Have you said anything to her, the clock is ticking." He replied back with a bit of amusement in his tone.

"Blake! It's a dress for a party, not baby making." referring to his clock comment. "I think that's about all I need at the moment. Thank you." She dismissed him from her office, knowing full well he had hit the nail on the head. No, she hadn't asked Ali yet, but she planned on talking to her tonight after work.

~MS~

"Hey mom, what's up? I saw your text that you wanted to talk to me." Ali said as she walked into her parents bedroom, as her mother changed from her work clothes into something more comfortable.

"Hi baby! I would actually like your help this year with picking a dress for the Christmas party." She started, but had to pause as Ali let out a squeal of delight. "The party is two weeks away and as usual I have no idea what I want to wear."

"Oh yes mom! I would LOVE to help you! I have actually been sketching dresses that I think would look great on you, how about we start with looking at a few of those?" She said excitedly, hugging her mother with so much force it almost knocked her off balance. She ran off to gather her sketch book, knowing exactly which dress she would love to see on her mother.

They had decided together on a form fitting lace sheath dress with a one shoulder strap, in an emerald green color. Elizabeth had suggested that Ali work alongside Roxanne to see if they couldn't find one in a local store, but Ali had another idea in mind. She had taken the liberty of contacting Roxanne asking her for her help in finding a designer who would help bring this dress to life. They picked a designer and she helped them bring this dress to life.

"Ali, I would like this dress to be a surprise for your dad, so please don't tell him." Pleased with her daughters pick and knowing Henry would go wild over this dress.

"No worries mom! Your secret is safe with me. Thank you for letting me help dress you!" She said hugging her mom and placing a kiss on her cheek.

"Absolutely baby, thank you for all your help." She said as she returned the kiss to the top of her head.

~MS~

Henry had gotten dressed and was waiting in the kitchen for Elizabeth to finish. Thinking she was almost ready she yells down the stairs for Allison.

"Uh-oh noodle, it sounds like mom needs some help." He said to his youngest daughter, with a chuckle.

"I had predicted this, dad." Ali replied with a cheeky smile to her dad as she headed up the stairs. Walking into her parents bedroom she found her mother standing in the bathroom trying to get her hair perfectly in place-and it wasn't cooperating.

"Noodle! I just can't get my hair to cooperate. Could you PLEASE help me?!" she looked to her daughter with those piercing aqua eyes that were pleading with her.

Ali took over her mothers hair and once she had it pinned how she had envisioned it, she left her mother to put the finishing touches on her makeup. Walking back down the stairs she informed her dad that it would only be a few more minutes, but it is totally worth the wait.

Henry looked up from his seat at the table as he heard his wife click down the stairs in her heels, unable to mutter a sentence he just smiled like a school boy at his first crush. Standing he walked over to her as she threw her lipstick into her evening clutch, covering her mouth with a kiss so fierce to relay his approval of how she looked for the evening.

"Wow babe, you look absolutely stunning! This dress is just perfect on you."

"Thanks baby, our in house stylist made it come to life. I wanted it to be a surprise, and judging by your reaction, I can see that it was a pleasant one." She replied with a kiss back.

"Wait, Ali designed this?! Wow! You two did a great job keeping it a secret, and I think she really has found her niche with this whole design thing."

"Mom! Dad! The car is waiting for you! I think its time you two get going. Don't forget we will all be gone when you get home so have a great time!" Ali said as she kissed her parents on the cheeks and headed to her bedroom.

"Night Noodle! Thank you again for all of your help with tonight!" Elizabeth yelled after her daughter.

~MS~

Henry and Elizabeth entered the ballroom where the party was taking place, people were mingling around talking and partaking in finger foods and cocktails before the main course began.

Sitting with her staff, small talk was had while they ate their main course, actually enjoying each others company outside of the office. It was always nice to interact with each other in less stressful situations, the entire group really were good friends, an extended family.

Post dinner dancing was picking up and Henry and Elizabeth whirled around the dance floor as if no one else was there. They tended to get lost in their own world, he was more than focused on her all night long. The green dress she was wearing was doing things to him and he really just wanted to leave and get her home. He also noticed how others had been staring at her all night- those who weren't accustomed to seeing her so eloquently dressed, he had to remind them that she was his, which he did on the dance floor. His arms wrapped around her waist, hands resting gently on her hips, both of them locked into each others eyes sharing sweet kisses every so often.

They had danced for a little while longer, then agreed they had done their duty and spent enough time socializing. Saying good bye to her staff, Conrad and Lydia, and Russell and Carol they made their way to her waiting motorcade.

Sliding into the back of the car, Henry couldn't keep his hands off of her, pulling her slim form into his side he peppered her cheek with kisses.

"Babe I don't tell you enough how absolutely breathtaking you are and how much I love you. You look absolutely stunning tonight and I cannot wait to get you home and out of that dress." he said as he continued with the kisses, trailing them behind her ear and down her neck.

"You, Mr. McCord, look rather dashing in your tux tonight as well. I happened to notice all the doe-eyed looks the ladies were giving you tonight." she replied back to him, with a teasing smirk. One of the best things about them was the fact that no matter the looks they received from others, they only had eyes for each other, in turn making the others completely jealous.

"Don't think I was the only one getting those looks tonight, babe. I saw plenty of wandering eyes look your way, and I don't say I blame them. You are so incredibly hot." pressing more kisses behind her ear- knowing exactly what he was doing to her.

She tilted her head to the side, giving him more access to her neck. He always was so good at turning her on, knowing exactly what she liked.