Jenny takes one more look in the mirror, smooths out the dress and takes a deep breath before going to answer the door. Nick is about to push the doorbell once more when he hears the lock mechanisms moving. The door opens and Nick catches his breath. He's stunned and finds himself unable to move. Jenny looks beautiful, his eyes start at her hair that twinkles and shines, they move to her beautiful smokey eyes and her red luscious lips. Her neck is long and graceful, the dress, a delicate apricot, touches at all the right spots, tiny pearls form a band that accentuates her small waist and the skirt falls gracefully to the floor. His eyes then travel back up as he imagines the flow of the dress as she walks and dances in his arms. A delicate scent invades his senses, that promises love, light and a hint of passion. Jenny has an amused expression on her face and he knows it's because he's fighting for words, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. Inspiration hits and he pulls her into his arms and lets his mouth do the talking in a different way.
Jenny pulls away first a laugh escaping.
"I take it you approve Mr. Fallin."
"Very much so."
Nick tries to pull her close again, but she puts her hands on his chest.
"That's enough for now, my hair won't survive another kiss like that."
"I have other things on my mind other than your hair."
"You can forget other things, I haven't spent all this time and stress getting ready and not going anywhere, but later...I take it these are for me."
Jenny is nodding to the bunch of flowers in Nick's hand.
"Ah yes."
Nick reaches into the inside pocket of his Jacket.
"I got you this also"
There is a jewellery box in his hand.
"You shouldn't have Nick, you already bought the dress."
"An early Christmas present."
Jenny takes the box and inside is revealed a delicate pearl shaped diamond drop, on a gold chain. Jenny looks up at Nick her eyes shining.
"It's beautiful."
She lifts the delicate necklace out of the box.
"Will you put it on for me?"
Nick removes the necklace she's wearing and fastens the new one and plants a soft kiss just above the clasp. Jenny turns and takes his face in her hands and gives him a kiss.
"Thank you Nick."
She goes to the mirror to take a look.
"It's perfect."
Nick beams.
"Shall we go."
They take a cab from her place and Jenny is glowing as Nick can't take his eyes off her. She takes the opportunity to have a good look at him, and wonders how she ever had the strength to resist his advances as he looks devastating. She knows that she will be the envy of every woman in the room tonight. As her eyes move back to meet his, she almost gasps at the intensity she sees within. A shiver runs down her spine. Nick sees the reaction and his heart beats a little harder. He's been thinking back to when they first met and her reticence, now as he looks in her eyes he sees honesty, openness and trust. He vows to himself never to do anything to break the trust that she is giving him.
Nick notices the eyes that follow them as they move through the guests. Jenny has his hand in a death grip as he makes introductions. They finally find his Father talking with the Senator, who greets Nick as they reach the pair.
"Nick, how wonderful to see you. How are you doing?"
The Senator takes Nick's offered hand in a vigorous shake and pats him on the arm with his free hand.
"I'm good Senator, thank you for the invite, and congratulations on another term in office."
Nick turns manages to free his hand from Jenny's and puts it gently on her back and introduces her to the Senator.
"This is Jenny, Jenny this is Senator Baldwin, as he likes to be called."
"Yes, please call me Senator Baldwin, as, any friend of the Fallins is a friend of mine and especially one as beautiful as you."
Jenny feels a deep blush start to crawl up her neck. Nick rescues her as he hears the orchestra begin to play.
"Will you dance with me?"
Jenny immediately starts to worries.
"I haven't danced since high school."
"Don't worry, just stay close and follow my lead."
"How can I pass that up."
Nick takes her hand and leads her to the dance floor. He turns her into his arms and pulls her in close. Jenny marvels at how easy it is to follow Nick. He's a great leader, she feels safe and steady in his arms.
"How did you learn to dance like that, I thought you went to an all boys school?"
"A nearby girls school were invited for dance class. I wasn't one to miss the opportunity to be with a girl."
"You must have taken note of the instruction as well."
"The best dances got the choice of girl, and I found it quite easy."
"I thank all those girls in your dance class."
After two dances, Nick feels a pat on his shoulder and he hears his Dad's voice.
"Can I but in Son and have a dance with Jenny?"
"Of course."
Nick sees panic in Jenny's eyes and whispers to her.
"Don't worry he doesn't bite and he's always in high demand on the dance floor, you will be fine."
Nick watches from the edge of the dance floor as his dad whisks Jenny away. He feels a presence at his shoulder.
"Hi Nick, she's very beautiful."
"Laurie, what are you doing here."
"Your father brought me."
"Would you like to dance?"
"Thank you Nick, but I'm sitting this one out. You're dad has more energy than me. We have a table over there, would you like to join me?"
Nick and Laurie head towards the table she pointed out that has a good view of the dance floor.
"I'll go get drinks for everyone."
Nick makes his way to the bar when a hand grabs his arm. He turns to find the Senators wife standing in front of him.