Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Unit characters
Chapter 10
Liz knocked on Kim's door. Molly was waiting in the car.
"Kim," she called "You ready?" Teddy came running towards her screaming his head off. Kim followed with a sleeping Jane in her arms. Liz picked up Teddy. "Hello, my little banshee."
"I need time out of here."
"Well lucky for you, the Colonel volunteered to baby-sit. He's supposed to be here, in less than one minute," said Liz, looking at the clock.
"The Colonel?" asked Kim as the doorbell rang
"Yea, he owes me."
"But still no word on if they'll be home for the party?"
Liz shook her head as she opened the door. "Look Teddy, who's that?"
"Uncle Thom," he said, holding out his arms.
The Colonel lifted Teddy up into the air. "All right, son, let's go watch some football while these ladies get beautified."
Kim put Jane back in her rocker. "We won't be long, probably just two hours at the most."
"We'll be back before its time to go. Lissy and the girls'll be home soon to help you. Thank you," said Liz, dragging Kim out the door.
"You've got him wrapped around your finger don't you," said Kim, shaking her head.
"To an extent, but only because I don't ask him things I know he shouldn't or can't do. Like bring them home or tell me what they're doing. I don't ask questions or favors as far as his men. The only time was Thanksgiving and even then I didn't ask."
"I just meant it's nice to see a human side of the Colonel."
Liz smiled. "It is."
The trio walked into the hairdressers and talked while they got their nails and hair done.
"I haven't gotten this kind of treatment since senior prom," said Kim.
"I've never gotten this much pampering. It feels good," said Molly.
"We should do this more often," said Liz as the stylist finished her hair.
"On a staff sergeants pay grade, this is a twice a year thing," said Kim, smiling.
"Well, then maybe we can give each other manicures, like a girl's night," said Liz. "Maybe every Wednesday night? Movie, wine, nail polish it could be nice."
Molly smiled. "After the kids go to sleep?"
Kim laughed. "I'm in. A little pampering would be nice."
"Are you going to get into your dresses here?" asked the hairdresser.
"I'm going to wait," said Liz, paying her bill.
"Yea, I think we'll wait," said Kim.
"Well they were delivered here just like you requested, Liz." Monica, the hairdresser, handed her three garment bags. "My mother hopes they'll be all right."
"I'm sure they will. Tell her thank you."
"What's this?" asked Molly as Liz handed her a garment bag.
"Well I know you two decided that you weren't going to buy a dress, but Monica's mom made me a deal I couldn't refuse when I got my dress done. So Merry Christmas."
"This is too much," said Molly looking at her dress.
"You've both been so much help with the girls I just wanted to repay you," she said.
"Oh Lord," said Kim, touching the shimmering green silk of her dress. "Liz, this must have been outrageous. We couldn't possibly accept them."
"Please, just say thank you. You've treated me like family, and I wanted to do something nice."
Molly looked at the deep v-neck long sleeve black velvet gown. "Thank you," she hugged Liz "If Jonas doesn't get home tonight, he's going to be sorry he missed me in this."
"They'll be home, I know it," said Kim. "Well, let's get home maybe they're all ready waiting."
They spent the remainder talking about the annual Unit Christmas party which was on Christmas Eve.
"So you guys don't go and see all your family members on Christmas Eve?"
"No, our parents usually come down for Christmas Day and my sister she's not too far from here," said Kim.
"Our family is here," said Molly. She smiled. "Are you going home for Christmas?"
"No, my grandfather is coming to me. Uncle Tom and he are my only real relatives left. My sister and my brother both live in Europe and we're not really close anymore. Its usually just grandpa and me."
"Is your grandfather coming tonight?" asked Molly.
"He's going to try, but he was called to a summit of some sort. He couldn't really tell me."
"Wait who is your grandfather?" asked Kim.
"Admiral David Woods," said Liz. "He's supposed to be semi-retired, but he still acts as an adviser."
"Your grandfather is Admiral David Woods?" asked Molly.
Kim looked at the two. "Who's that?"
"He's a Navy Seal. One of the top naval war heroes of this century," explained Molly. "Some even say he was CIA."
"Rumors can get out of hand," said Liz, unfastening her seatbelt as the pulled into the driveway.
"You didn't think to tell us?" asked Kim.
"I didn't think it was necessary," offered Liz. She sighed. "Whenever I mention who my grandfather is on a military base, people treat me differently. You all ready knew that I was the Colonel's god daughter. I just didn't want any special treatment. I'm sorry."
Kim hugged her. "It's all right. I'm going to go check on the girls." She hurried off into the house.
Molly sighed. "Does Mack know?"
"I haven't gotten around to telling him." She shrugged. "I didn't think it was important."
"One of the most powerful men in the military is your grandfather and you don't think it's important to tell the man you're in love with."
"I just don't know if he'll think that I'm worth the risk," said Liz, pulling her coat tighter.
"Sweetie, you know that's not true."
"One wrong move, and he could end up pushing paper for the rest of his life."
"You really think so?"
"I don't know. I just feel like there's just no way that Mack, and I would be possible. I haven't even told Kim yet."
Molly let out a deep breath. "You mean because of Matt."
She nodded. "Molly, he has connections that transcend countries. I never wanted to be with him, but he kept pursuing me and I just said yes because it was nice to finally meet a guy who wanted me. My grandfather always hated him, but he never stopped me. I should have listened to him."
"I know," she said taking Liz into her arms. "It'll be all right. Every man can be taken down. So what is Matt's weakness?"
"Pride."
"Now figure out a way to use that. But for now why don't we get you into that dress. OK," said Molly giving her one last hug. Molly held her around the waist as they walked in.
"Everything all right?" asked the Colonel, who was all ready in his tuxedo.
"Molly, squared me away," said Liz, smiling.
"Good, now go get dressed before we're late." Liz hurried off and Molly stayed back for a minute. "Is she all right?"
"She's fine. Excuse me, Colonel." Molly hurried off to get changed.
The Colonel paid the delivery man and settled the kids in with the babysitter while the women got ready. Kim was out first. She was in a green silk halter dress. Her hair was neatly styled and she had crystal chandelier earrings and a matching bracelet.
"Why Mrs. Brown," he said, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "You look beautiful."
Molly was next out in her black velvet dress wearing a ruby pendant that Jonas had gotten her for their tenth anniversary.
"Mrs. Blane, stunning as usual," he said, kissing her hand also.
"Thank you, sir."
"Uncle Tom," called Liz. The Colonel laughed walking into Serena's bedroom where Liz was getting ready. "I can't get the back up. I thought I could-."
The Colonel smiled and gently zipped up the low back of the garnet silk dress. It had a strapless sweetheart bust, beautifully ruched and set off with a fan-shaped ray of gathers. A waterfall of silk fell from the gathers in long drapes. She had on pearl diamond studs and a matching pearl bracelet.
"You look stunning," he said, kissing her cheek.
"Thank you," she said, hugging him. "So are you my date now that I've been stood up?"
"No Hector is your date for the evening. I'll be escorting Molly and Williams will be escorting Kim."
"Save me a dance, at least?" she asked as they walked out together.
"I want the first and the last," he said, holding her arm as they walked back out into the living room.
Molly and Kim smiled. "Hector, you're one lucky man," said the Colonel handing Liz over to him. "Take good care of her, but she's only on loan, understood soldier?"
"Yes, sir," said Hector, smiling at Liz. "Sorry that it couldn't be Mack."
"That's all right. I bet you dance better, anyway," she said, smiling.
"That's for sure," he said.
The limousine was waiting outside and they all piled in after saying good bye to all the children and taking pictures.
"It's just like prom only I'm not wearing a cotton ball as a dress," said Kim, laughing. "And I have a better date," she said, smiling at Charles.
"I'm honored," he said.
They broke open a bottle of champagne and turned up the music. Williams and Grey started singing with the Colonel.
"The military press might be here," said Liz to them when the limousine stopped. "So smile as you get out."
Grey went to get out. "Wait," said Liz grabbing his arm. "What is army protocol for exiting a vehicle?" Her voice was teasing but commanding.
"Gentleman," said the Colonel getting out.
"It's been awhile," said Grey, smiling waiting for Molly to get out.
Liz smiled as the Colonel helped her out. "That's what you have me for."
"Yea just hit me if I do something wrong," said Grey.
"Will do," said Liz.
"This is a Navy thing," said Hector, holding out his arm to Liz. "Rangers like a good bar better than a good ball."
"Too bad because girls like the later," she said, smiling as photographers snapped pictures.
"Ms. Woods," yelled one.
"Sorry, Sam, not tonight."
"Ms. Woods where's Mr. Killington?"
"Sam, I'm not talking," said Liz.
"Ms. Woods why aren't you wearing your engagement ring?" he asked.
"As Ms. Woods said she is not answering questions tonight. I suggest you be a gentleman and respect the lady's wishes," said Hector, shielding Liz with his body. When they got inside he stopped. "You all right?"
Liz put on a bright smile. "Oh, I'm fine."
"What are you like a Naval princess or something?" he asked.
"Let's not be dramatic. I've been in political spotlight a lot because of my grandfather and my ex-fiancé. Besides the media has always loved me since my mother and father both died, and I became this orphan celebrity. I was cute with brown curls and a pink dress and white satin shoes. I made perfect media food."
"Your fiancé is Mr. Killington. Who is he?"
"I broke it off before I came down here, but he doesn't want to let me go."
Hector smiled. "I can understand that. If I had a girl like you, I would fight like hell to get her back."
"Well, you'd never threaten the girl would you," she said smiling politely at other guests and greeting them.
"He threatened you does the Colonel know?"
"No, he can't. I don't want anyone getting hurt," she said.
"We can take care of some big nose politician," said Hector, walking her to the table. "We've handled worse."
Liz turned to face him. "Listen I told Mack this, and I'm going to tell you, leave it alone."
"Mack knows?"
"Do you know how to dance?" she asked, eyeing the ballroom floor.
"What kind of question is that?" he scoffed.
"I'll take that as a yes." She grabbed his hand and took him onto the dance floor. A waltz started and Liz put her hand on his shoulder and took his other hand.
"I think I might need a refresher," he said.
She smiled and told him where to place his feet as they danced around the room. He quickly caught up to speed and smiled as they went into a new dance.
"These waltzes are military ritual," she said, smiling.
She heard footsteps and then watched as Matt walked up. "May I cut in?"
Hector saw the animosity and fear in Liz's eyes and almost refused but the guy had all ready taken Liz from his arms.
"Hey, man."
Liz smiled. "It's all right Hector. Matt won't keep me long."
"You just step back if you need me," he said.
Liz nodded. "I want to talk somewhere private," she said to Matt.
"Fine," he said, leading her towards an empty room.
"What do you want?" she asked when he closed the door. She sat on the desk in the room.
He touched her face. "I want you to be my wife. I want you to walk with me into every public event. I want you to realize what a damn fool you were."
"What are my choices?" she asked, calmly.
A/N Please Review