A/N: I don't own anything but the concept. I hope that everyone likes this chapter. This chapter is for my girls on here. You know who you are and I really hope that this chapter brings a smile to your face.
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Kimberly saw the look in Tommy's eyes and knew that he was disappointed in her. She did have better fashion sense to know that you did not wear a color other than black or white to a Black and White Ball but she did have a plan. Squaring her shoulders, she walked right up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck much to his surprise she noted. She would take that look off his face one way or another.
"Hello lover." She whispered as she pulled his head towards her and kissed him in front of everyone. She felt his hands wrap around her body and settled at her waist as he kissed her back. It was probably not the type of kiss that you shared in front of a room full of people but she didn't care at that moment. He was kissing her back not merely letting her kiss him. It was a good sign as far as she was concerned.
"You are in big trouble, missy." He whispered against her lips before pulling back from her. He wasn't looking disappointed at her any longer she was very pleased to see. In fact he was almost grinning over her stunt.
"You can punish me later." She whispered smiling up at him. She noticed then that he had some of her pink lipstick on his lips so she gently reached up and wiped it away from with her fingers. "Now it doesn't look like you've been kissing your wife." She said as he shook his head at her.
"Pink? Really?" He asked looking down at her dress. "You could have at least gone with a pale pink." He suggested as she shrugged. She did notice that didn't suggest that she wear a black or white gown only a less bright dress.
"Well talk to your friend, Katherine about it. She is the one who made the dress and picked the color." She informed him with a smile as he groaned. He should have known that Katherine would behind this. She liked to buck tradition every now and again. She also knew that Kimberly loved pink more than anyone else so it would have been next to impossible for Kim to turn the dress down.
"Did she know that this was a Black and White Ball?" He asked glancing around the room. It seemed like everyone had gotten over their initial shock of her dress and was back to their own conversations which was a good thing. No one seemed to even care that Kimberly was bucking tradition and fashion code in her hot pink dress. The fashion faux pas didn't seem to bother anyone that he could tell.
"Actually she did know and I do have a plan for this dress." She said moving around to his side as she dropped her arms from around his neck.
"I get it; you are donating it to be auctioned off." He said as she nodded. "Clever and a great way to show off of the item." He whispered close to her ear. He was very impressed with her; she had thought this through even if she hadn't discussed it with him first.
"I thought so." She mused as one of the board members made his way over to Tommy and Kimberly. He wasn't looking angry at all which gave Kim hope that this would turn out alright for Tommy. Hopefully this dress bought in lots of money so that even the most conservative on the board wouldn't fuss on Tommy for her stunt. Money talked and in this case, she hoped that a lot of money would smooth ruffled feathers.
"Kimberly, I must you say look wonderful in that dress." Carter said as Kim smiled. She did always like Carter since he was one of the youngest on the board and had always backed Tommy in his decisions no matter how crazy they might sound at the time. It had helped that Carter had worked side by side with Tommy over the years until he took over his father's place on the board. Carter knew how hard Tommy had worked through the years so he knew that Tommy deserved to be the CEO. Tommy knew how to run the company from top to bottom.
"Thank you, I was worry that no one would notice me in this lovely dress which would have been sad considering all Katherine's hard work." She said smiling as Tommy turned his head and coughed into his hand. He slipped his other hand around Kim's waist to keep her close to his side. She was very feisty tonight so he would have to watch her closely to make sure that no one said the wrong thing to her. She might spark and do something else that was equally unheard of like wearing a bright pink dress to a Black and White Ball.
"I don't think that's possible to blend in, in that dress." Carter stated with a smile of his own. "I'm pretty sure that you would have to be blind to miss that dress." He laughed as she laughed with him.
"Oh then my work is done for tonight." She said still smiling. "Where is your lovely wife? I would like to speak with her about the new wing of the hospital." She stated glancing around the room trying to find Dana.
"I do believe that she is hanging around the auction table trying to see what she can spend my money on now." He stated as Kim laughed again. Carter and Dana had been high school sweethearts and had gotten married after college. Dana was in line to take over the surgical unit of the hospital. She was actually the leading surgical doctor in California right now. For Carter to say that Dana was spending his money was just funny, she made as much as he did if not more.
"I'll be sure to tell Dana that when I see her." Kim stated before stepping away from Tommy to make her way over to Dana who was at the auction table. She was wearing a black dress, Kim noted. Dana had never been one to step out of line unless it was to save a life on her operating table.
"Well how mad is the board at me?" Tommy asked glancing from his wife to Carter.
"I would say that they are not mad at you since your wife is quite stunning in that gown. They also know that it's Kimberly who happens to be a favorite of theirs as well as one of the most fashionable women in town." He replied. "Don't worry; I assume your wife is auctioning that dress off later tonight." He remarked grabbing a flute from a passing waiter.
"My wife is their favorite?" Tommy asked as Carter nodded. "Well of course she is and yes she is auctioning that dress off later tonight." He grumbled as Carter smiled. He had known that Kimberly had a plan to wear that dress tonight. It just showed how much she was dedicated to making this night memorable. Everyone would want to bid on that dress because it would be featured in every newspaper by morning.
"Then they will love her even more for committing a fashion faux pas to help raise money for a charity." Carter stated as Tommy nodded his head in agreement. "Don't worry she knows what she's doing." He said before leaving Tommy's side to join his wife and Kim.
Tommy knew that Kimberly had a plan but it was still a little unnerving for her to step outside the box and the board to love her for it unlike him when he did something crazy. The good thing was that the board loved her so she was allowed to step outside the box and shake things up without bringing anything negative to the company's image.
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"Oh look at Kira, she is gorgeous." Trini muttered as Jason glanced around to see where Trini was looking at. He didn't see Kira at first until some people move to give him a clear view. She did look beautiful on Connor's arm as they walked into the room. He wondered if Kimberly had given them a ticket to tonight since she really seemed to like the young couple.
"Now why didn't Kim wear a dress like that?" He asked as Trini sighed. Kimberly would have looked beautiful in a white dress in the sea of black.
"Well it's Kimberly." Trini said as Jason nodded. "Anyway no one seems to be that upset over the fact that she is in a pink dress." She pointed out as Kira and Connor made their way over to them finally making it through the crowd.
"Uh is Kimberly wearing a pink dress?" Connor asked leaning in as Jason sighed. Connor had only been here a few minutes and had already spotted Kimberly.
"Yes she is." Trini replied with a smile. She really loved that Kimberly had taken this risk even if it was giving Jason heart palpitations at the moment. "Don't worry though it's all part of her plan." She stated.
"Well I think she looks great and very bold." Kira stated glancing over at Kimberly who was still by the auction table. "The press will all be writing about this event tonight to make the morning papers and I know that she will be the one featured." She commented.
"As long as it's all good press then that's fine." Jason muttered as Trini elbowed him swiftly in the ribs.
"Oomph." He groaned rubbing his side trying to take the sting out from Trini's hit.
"I don't think that the press would dare write anything bad about Kimberly especially since she looks that great." Kira said as Trini nodded looking squaring at Jason.
"I agree." Connor said. "Now where is the auction table so that I can check out what they have?" He asked changing the subject.
"Follow us; we haven't checked it out either." Trini said reaching for Jason's hand as Kira and Connor did the same. The two couples made their way over to the opposite end of the auction table from Kimberly who was still in discussion with Dana.
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"I must say that you look amazing in that dress." Dana whispered as she waved to several people in the room. Since she was known, she waved at everyone so that she didn't slight anyone. It was also good to do when the hospital asked for funds. She didn't want any of these people thinking that she thought she was better them that she couldn't wave when she saw them. "You're very brave to wear that to this event." She stated as Kim smiled, at least someone liked her dress but then again Dana loved pink almost as much as she did.
"I'm not sure that Tommy sees it that way." She stated thinking about his expression when he had first seen her. She was really having second doubts now about wearing this dress after seeing how some of the other people here had looked at her in distain.
"Probably not but have you seen the amount of press that's outside now?" She asked looking over her shoulder to the windows behind them. The windows were tinted so the press couldn't actually see into the room but the people on the inside could see perfectly.
"I think that's more press than has ever been here." Kim muttered looking at the windows. The amount of press here didn't really worry her because at least they would have to mention what the event was and which charity was being featured so it had been a good thing to wear the dress if only to draw notice to the charity.
"Well I would have to agree with that, the board can't get too mad at Tommy since it was his wife that has bought in more press than has ever been here before." She stated. "Free press is a great thing." She remarked patting Kimberly's shoulder.
"My wife is correct in that." Carter said walking up behind them. "What are you going to do after the auction?' He asked wrapping an arm around Dana's waist. "Please tell me that you are not going home naked tonight, I don't think that Tommy will handle that at all." He teased as she instantly thought of the horror on Tommy's face should she decide to go home naked. It would be almost worth it to see that expression.
"Well I'm going to change into my backup dress before the auction starts so that it can be on display during bidding." She answered with a smile. She knew that Tommy would die of a heart attack if she was to walk out of here without a stitch of clothing on.
"What color is this backup dress?" Carter asked smiling at her. She knew that he was wondering if there was going to be another shock wave to hit the room when she revealed the backup dress.
Kim smiled. "It's black." She replied slyly.
"You couldn't have worn that and just bought this dress for the auction?" He asked as Dana sighed. Carter loved to tease Kimberly anytime they were in the same room. She couldn't understand how her straight-laced husband could tease the petite brunette when he never really teased anyone else.
"No because wearing it is better." She answered as he nodded. "Think about it, everyone is going to want the one dress that stood out in a crowd of the rich and famous." She stated in a sassy tone.
"I agree." Dana said. "Oh I see T.J. and Cassie coming in; I'm going to go say a quick hello." She said pulling away from his arm slightly.
"Hold up, I'm coming with you." Carter said as she nodded. "We'll see you later, Kimberly." He said as she smiled.
Kim watched them walk away before she turned back to the table containing the items up for auction. There were some really great things this year like a trip to London, a five day cruise, and a weekend in the Hamptons. People liked to donate when they knew that the money would be going for the charity. This year's charity was the American Heart Association. It had been chosen before Zordon's death so it really meant a lot to the company and people of the city to have it as the star charity this year.
She had noticed that Kira, Connor, Jason, and Trini had been looking at the items before walking back over to Tommy while she had been talking to Dana and Carter. She wondered what they would bid on when the time came.
"Who would have ever thought that my cousin would marry you just to get his father's company?" A voice full of malice said behind her. Spinning around she saw Skull standing there in his black tux and his hair spiked up. The top three buttons on his white shirt were undone like he had gotten hot or something. On Tommy that would have looked hot but on Skull, it looked messy. She knew that he had have been drinking already since she could smell it from where she was standing. Normally he never said a cross word to her or even frowned at her but he was doing both at the moment. The alcohol had already started changing his attitude towards her.
"Excuse me?" Kim asked hoping that she had not heard that correctly. He couldn't have found out the real reason that she and Tommy had gotten married. There was no way that he could have and not gone to the press already. He had to have just guessed that in his drunken state.
"I was just wondering why you agreed to marry Tommy just for him to take control of the company." He said as she groaned inwardly. She made sure that her expression didn't change though. She couldn't let him see that he had rattled her with knowing the truth.
"I'm not sure where you got your information but I married Tommy because I love him." She stated which wasn't a lie since she did love him just not in the way that you should love your husband, although those lines were beginning to blur for her over the past several weeks. She wasn't quite sure what she really felt for Tommy at this moment but it was more than friendship love.
"But why did he marry you?" He asked taking a step closer to her but she didn't give him the satisfaction of taking a step back even though the alcohol smell was overwhelming her at the moment. "Because we all know that you're not pregnant in that dress." He snarled looking her up and down which sent tremors throughout her body. She wanted to cover up her body now. His glaze had made her feel gross and like a slut. No gentleman would ever look at a woman like that in public.
"Because he loves me." She stated calmly even though she just wanted to scream at him.
"Wrong or at least he loves you like the best friend you are, not like you are his wife." He stated. "I can't believe that Zordon would demand his son to get married to secure the company. I also can't believe that you would marry him just for him to get the company. I'm pretty ashamed of you for that stunt." He commented. "Shame on you, Kimberly." He whispered.
"Why would Zordon demand Tommy to get married when Tommy is his heir?" She asked calmly. "The company is Tommy's and has always been Tommy's." She stated.
"Well it is now, thanks to you." He muttered. "So tell me, how long do you have to stay married to my cousin?" He asked snidely. "I mean I would think that you wouldn't want to put your life on hold for too long. I'm sure that we can be looking for divorce papers at your one year anniversary citing irreconcilable differences." He said running his eyes up and down her body once again. It dawned on her that his look wasn't too different from Tommy's when he wanted something but unlike Tommy's, she didn't feel the heat only disgust.
"I believe in marrying for life." Kim stated instead of answering his question. "And I'm pretty sure that my husband shares that same view." She stated. "You may want to check your facts before accusing people." She said before walking away from him and towards Tommy.
She would have to tell him later what Skull said because he would need to find out who had told Skull and if they had told anyone else. They would also have to be on damage control watch in case Skull decided to tell all to anyone for a huge chunk of change. This could not have come a worse time. Everything had seemed to be settling down but with Skull knowing, it was only a matter of time that the whole world would know as well.
Tommy could not lose his company to Skull and she would do everything she could to make sure of that.
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Tommy scanned the room and saw Kimberly talking to Skull. He wondered what they were talking about since he had never known Kimberly to actually talk to Skull on her own. She wasn't ever mean to him but she tried not to be alone with him since Skull had a major crush on her. He had had it since middle school and hadn't really gotten over it much to Kim's dismay. He wondered if he should go over to them to ease Kim's discomfort.
"You know Kim's stunt with the dress could have really backfired on you." Jason said breaking through Tommy's thoughts on rescuing Kimberly from Skull.
Turning around he saw that Trini was at Jason's side like she had been since they had walked in together. Kim had to be very proud of herself for getting them together. She liked to play matchmaker. "I know." He said. "Did you know what color her dress was before tonight?" He asked looking at Trini. They were best friends so if anyone knew then it would be Trini. Kim confided in Trini on almost everything.
"No, not at all, she just picked the dress up this afternoon." She supplied as he nodded. "I don't even think she knew the color of the dress before she tried it on this afternoon." She added.
"Why is Kim talking to Skull?" Jason asked when he noticed who Kimberly was talking too. "She has never been comfortable around him." He commented watching them closely.
"Don't know just that he had walked over to her after Carter and Dana had left her side. It's weird too because he seems very anxious talking to her." Tommy stated while reading Skull and Kim's body language. Something was not right, he knew but what could Skull be talking to Kimberly about. They didn't share anything in common except for him.
"Well he does still have that crush on her so maybe that's it." Jason remarked.
"No, I don't think so." Trini said. "Look at Kim's body language; she is not happy with whatever he is saying to her." She pointed out as Tommy nodded.
"Yea I saw that but it can't be anything too terrible, I mean she is still sort of smiling." Jason said. "If she was that upset then I would think that fist would be flying." He mentioned as Trini rolled her eyes at his commented. He was right though, if Kimberly felt in danger or offended then she could protect herself.
"Well you never know with Skull." Tommy muttered when he noticed Kim finally moving away from Skull before walking towards him. Smiling, he reached for her hand as soon as she was within touching distance. "What were you and Skull talking about?" He asked leaning down next to her ear. He could feel her shaking which scared him a little. What had Skull said to her to cause this reaction? He had to know so that he could decide if it warranted attacking his cousin now or later.
"I'll have to tell you later." She stated in low tones so that no one could hear her. "Now is not the time since dinner is being served." She said as he looked up to see the waiter staff coming out with carts of food. She was right this was not the time to discuss this but he would ask her later because he had to know.
"Let's go find out seats then." He said as she nodded. It didn't take them too long to get to their table since they had been standing near it.
As soon as dinner was over, Kim left the room to quickly change while the President of the AHA and Tommy thanked everyone for coming. She gave the dress to one of the waiters for them to take over to the auction table before making her way back to her seat. No one really seemed to notice that she had changed dresses. She just blended into the crowd now in her black dress. She had made the right decision in wearing the pink one first and she didn't care what anyone had to say about it.
"Okay time to start the auction." The MC for tonight stated as the crowd shifted. This was always the exciting part of the ball that had everyone competing with each other to get those good items and to help raise more money for each item. Normally the items went for much higher than what they were worth but that was the best part. She couldn't wait to see how this night would end.
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A few hours later, Tommy scooped Kim out of the front step of her car and carried her up to the house. She had passed out on the way home but he couldn't blame her. She had had a stressful day with closing arguments then the ball lasted longer than he thought it would.
Struggling, he finally got the front door opened before walking through it and kicking it shut. He then made his way upstairs with Kimberly still sleeping in his arms. It was quite remarkable that she could sleep while he carried her but she had always done it. When they had been younger he had had to carry her in her house several times after parties or late night ball games. Her parents would just smile and wave him up to her room to lay her down. This time though she would be in his bed.
He finally made it upstairs and into his room. Quickly he walked her over to the bed and laid her down. He then slowly took off her shoes before leaning her back up to unzip her dress. The next part was a little difficult but he finally got her dress off without waking her.
He studied the dress for a moment and had to shake his head. This black dress was nothing like that pink one. He was actually glad that he had finally gotten the winning bid. It had taken way too long since apparently Kim's dress was the most popular item up for auction. He wasn't about to let anyone else win that dress though. It was Kimberly's and it would stay hers even if he had had to bid a million dollars for it. Kim had just looked at him when he had bid that. Everyone else in the room finally understood that the dress was leaving with him tonight so they had backed off which made him remember that the dress was still in her car. He would have to get it in the morning because he wasn't about to go back downstairs just to get a dress.
Shrugging off his jacket, he toed off his shoes while untying his tie. Kim was still sleeping as he smiled down at her. Raising his hands, he began unbuttoning his shirt before moving to his belt and pants. He quickly finished undressing and just stood there in his boxers looking down at his wife. She had fallen asleep before he could question her on her conversation with Skull so that too would have to wait until morning.
He yawned then and knew that it was time to get to bed himself. Walking around the bed, he slid between the sheets and pulled Kim into his chest. He kissed her head like he always did before settling against her back and fell asleep.
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"Wow, I can't believe that Tommy actually bought the dress and for that amount." Jason said as he unlocked the door to let Trini in before he followed close behind her.
"I can." She said with a smile. "I do believe that those two are falling in love." She stated.
"You think so?" He asked as she nodded and turned to face him.
"Think about it, that dress probably snapped his mind and made him really see his wife." She explained. "I don't think that those two will be filing papers in six months."
"You could be right but I wouldn't bet on them yet. They still have to realize that they love each other more than friends." He said reaching for her hand before pulling her through house and up the stairs to his room.
"I know you're right but I still want to bet it all." She whispered as he pulled her into his body.
"I don't want to talk about them anymore." He whispered kissing her soundly.
Every thought vanished from her mind except for him and his kisses. She was really starting to fall for him like her best friend was falling for Tommy. This was going too fast but then again she didn't want to stop it, so fall she would.
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Kim opened her eyes the next morning and stretched. She knew instantly that she was only in her underwear. Tommy must have taken her dress off which was a good thing since she didn't need to sleep in her dress but she wondered why he hadn't at least put a shirt on her. Guys never really thought about putting clothes on a girl. Thankfully there wasn't a chance of her getting cold due to his body pressed along her back. He just put off heat that had her cuddling closer to him for that warmth.
Rolling over, she faced him and saw that he was still asleep. She smiled at the peaceful expression on his face. He slept like a baby without a care in the world which was great for him since he had a stressful job. Reaching up, she traces his lips before running her hands down his chest. She would never get used to waking up next to him which was probably a good thing since they wouldn't be married that long. They were almost at the six month mark already. This year was flying by and she wondered if she could actually go through with the divorce when it came time without causing her too much pain.
"Good morning, beautiful." Tommy muttered as she looked back up at him and saw that his eyes were open.
"How long have you been awake?" She asked sitting up on her elbow to look down at him.
"Since you rolled in my arms." He replied. "Apparently you like touching my mouth." He remarked as she rolled her eyes at his statement. "Did you sleep well?" He asked losing his smile.
"Yea, I mean why wouldn't I?" She asked as he shrugged and sat up as well.
"What time do you have to go in?" He asked running his fingers through her hair to brush it back off her face.
"Well I don't have to go in unless I get a call or text that the jury is back." She answered. "What about you?" She asked.
"The office is actually closed today due to the ball last night but I may go in later to do some work on the Paris deal." He explained.
"So we have the whole morning to ourselves?" She asked with a wink.
"Yea, what did you have in mind?" He asked toying with a few strands of her hair.
"I was thinking of staying in bed all day." She replied trying not to smile even though she failed with that.
"Great idea but first I want to know what Skull said to you." He said as her mood changed at his statement. She had forgotten about Skull's comments but of course he hadn't. Tommy apparently was worried about what Skull could have possibly said but she couldn't fault him that. Skull had evidence that wouldn't look good for either of them if he decided to share it with anyone.
Kim took a deep breath before sitting up completely. Tommy followed her up as he got out of bed. He walked over to the closet and grabbed a pair of jeans before walking back to Kim who was still sitting on the bed. "Skull found out the real reason that we got married." She stated quietly as she tucked the sheet around her body.
"What do you mean?" He asked sitting back down beside her.
"He knows that we married just so that you could keep the company and become the CEO instead of him" She replied. "I don't know how he knows or what he has seen but it's not good news for us."
"Did he tell you who told him? He asked as he jumped up and began to pace around the room running his fingers through his short spikey hair.
"He didn't disclose who it was." She replied. "But I didn't give him a hint that it was correct." She explained.
"No of course not but someone did." He muttered.
"Well I guess that he could have read the will himself." She mentioned hoping that that had been the case.
"I'm sure he did but that clause wasn't in the will." He said looking over at her.
"What? But I thought…" She paused as Tommy sighed.
"My father had it in a separate letter addressed to me." He explained. "The will only says to follow what his letter contained. If he did read the will then it would only be a little byline that would confuse him." He stated. "Someone must have told him."
"Who? I mean the only people who know besides you and me is Jason and Trini." She said thinking about if anyone could have over heard her or Trini talking about it anything but then pushed that thought away because she and Trini never really talked about it when anyone was near.
"I don't know but I will find out." He promised. "We will just have to brace ourselves in case he goes to the press. I will have my media department ready in the event that he does." He said standing back up.
"Okay I guess that's all we can do." She said as her phone chirps. Flipping back she reached for her phone which wasn't where she normally put it but then she remembered that she hadn't got into bed herself.
"Here." Tommy said handing it to her. "I had it next to mine last night so it could charge." He explained as she nodded and checked her phone.
"The jury is back." She stated. "I'm needed in court at 1 today." She commented before standing up.
"I guess our day in bed is going to have to wait." He teased as she sighed.
"Yea and I really wish that the jury coming back this early was a good thing." She said walking over to him. "Normally if they come back early it's not good for the defense." She stated slowly.
"Well no matter what happens you have done a wonderful job on this case." He said cupping her face. "No one can fault your dedication to this case." He whispered leaning down to brush his lips against hers.
"Thank you." She whispered before kissing him back. Since she didn't have to be at the court house until 1, she didn't have to leave quite yet. With that thought, she wrapped her arms around his neck and fitted her body better against him.
Tommy ran his hands down her body before picking her up by her hips. He felt Kim wrap her legs around his waist before walking her back to the bed. "I assume that you want to put the rest of our morning to good use." He said against her neck as she nodded. "As you wish." He whispered before kissing her as he lowered both of them down to the bed.
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Kim smoothed her shirt as she stood up next to Rita, Trini, and Connor. The judge had just asked them to rise for the announcement of the verdict. Kim took a small breath and tried to ease her nerves. No matter how much she wanted to scream just get it over with, she just stood there calmly.
"Juror number 5 would you mind reading the verdict for the court." The judge said as the said juror stood up and took a piece of paper from the bailiff.
"On the count of murder of the first degree, we the jury find the defendant," The juror paused as Kim gripped her hands together. "Not guilty." He said as cheers and boos echoed throughout the courtroom.
"Order!" The judge yelled as he banged his gravel. "I will have order in this courtroom." He stated as the room grew quiet. "I will like to once again thank the jury for their service." He said looking over at the jury.
"All rise." The bailiff said as everyone stood up for the jury and judge to exit.
Once people started leaving Kim takes a deep breath. They had won the case which pleased her since they had spent countless hours on it.
"Thank you." Rita said quietly as Trini and Connor smiled.
"You are welcome." Kim stated. "You are free to go." She said as Rita nodded.
"I'm glad. I would have hated to spend the rest of my life in jail." Rita remarked.
"You will have to lay low for a while. This was a tough case for the people and some are not happy that you were found not guilty." Connor instructed. In high profile cases there were always some people who did not agree with the verdict.
"Okay." She muttered. "Would it be okay if I leave the state?" She asked as Kim wondered why this bugged her. It just seemed like Rita was running away and not that happy that she was free.
"I wouldn't advise picking up and moving at this moment." Trini said. "It would look bad on your part and make people think that you really are guilty." She stated.
"It doesn't matter if I'm guilty or not. The jury said I'm not so what could people do to me?" She asked looking angrily at Trini.
"Yes the jury has said you are not guilty but some people may think that they need to correct their mistake." Kim explained slowly. "You will need to stay out of the limelight for a while until this case blows over."
"Okay." Rita said simply but walking away from them.
Kim, Trini, and Connor watched her walk away. The police would escort her back to her home so that she wouldn't have to call a cab and fight through the crowd. It had all been arranged before the verdict had been read just in case it would turn out this way.
"I still think she's guilty." Trini muttered as Connor agreed.
"Doesn't matter now." Kim muttered. "Even if she is guilty we cannot retry her because of the double jeopardy law."
"I know but I wish we could." Trini stated before picking up her briefcase.
"I have to agree with Trini." Connor said as Kim shook her head. She still believed that Rita was innocent but she wasn't fighting about it. The case was over as far as she was concerned.
"Okay well I'll see both of you tomorrow at the office." Kim said while she picked up her briefcase and made her way outside. Once she stepped into the sunlight, she put her sunglasses on and walked to her car only to pause when she saw it. Leaning against her car was Tommy looking very relaxed and totally happy.
Shaking her head, she walked over to him and had to laugh. "Congrats on winning the case." He whispered as pulled her into his arms to kiss her.
"Oh wow that was a better congratulations than I thought I would get." She mumbled. "What are you doing here?" She asked looking around the parking lot for his car.
"I thought that I could take you out to eat for winning the case." He stated with a grin.
"Did Jason drop you off?" She asked unlocking her car.
"Yes." He confirmed. "Do you have to go back to the office or can we go to eat now?" He asked.
"Isn't it a little early for dinner?" She asked laughing. "I feel like we are a little old couple going to eat dinner at 2." She stated as he laughed.
"Okay how about we go riding first then go out to eat." He suggested.
"Actually that would be great." She said as he smiled and got in the driver's seat while she slid into the passenger side.
"Do you need to go home and change?" He asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.
"No, I have some clothes at the stables." She said looking over at him in his jeans and t-shirt.
"Okay then that's where we'll go then." He said as she nodded and leaned back against the seat. Everything was finally easy. Thankfully she had some time before her next case since she would be flying out to Paris in two weeks. It would have been hard to start a case then leave for a week. She also hadn't been sure if this case would have been finished either since juries could take as long as they need to, to come to a verdict.
Tommy turned the radio on as Kim closed her eyes and let the strains of music flow through her mind. She was glad that Tommy was driving even though it was her car. He was one of the few people that she ever let drive her car and it was only because he took care of it if anything happened to it. A few minutes later, she felt the change in the road and knew that they were close to the stables. Opening her eyes, she saw the stables come into view.
"This ride will be great." She mused as Tommy laughed and parked the car. They both got out and walked into the office so that she could change before they could ride.
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Over the next week, Tommy and Kimberly settled into married life without Kim's case hanging over their heads. It was like they could actually spend time together. Kim spent little time in the office since she had taken some time off to rest up and get ready for her mother's vow renewal. She would be flying out in the morning and had to pack tonight.
"Looks like a tornado has gone through our bedroom." Tommy mused behind her.
"I don't know what to pack for a week in Paris." Kim groaned as she stood up but she wasn't as steady as she should have been.
"Kimberly, what's wrong?" Tommy asked rushing toward her.
"Oh, I'm fine. I think I just stood up too fast." She said holding her head. "Whoa, that wasn't good."
"Are you feeling weak?" He asked helping her over to the bed.
"Just a little." She muttered. "But I feel better now." She said.
"I bet your iron is low again, come on let's get you something to eat." He stated as she nodded and let him help her down the stairs. She was feeling better now but she knew that she had to eat something or Tommy would rush her back to the hospital. Once they were in the kitchen, he quickly made her a turkey sandwich.
"Thanks." She said as he handed her the sandwich before making one for himself.
"How long will it take you to pack?" He asked between bites.
"Hopefully not too long." She replied. "When is your flight?" She asked.
"In three days, I'm on the red eye." He answered.
"Okay just text me when your plane gets in and I will come pick you up." She stated. "It shouldn't be a problem."
"Okay but if it is let me know and I can catch a cab to the hotel." He said as she nodded. They both finished their food before he walked her back upstairs so that she could finish packing.
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Tommy rubbed his eyes as he stood up and looked out the window. Kim had been gone for two days and he hadn't gotten decent sleep since she had been gone. How had she ruined his sleep so completely? He never used to sleep next to a woman but two nights without her had him going crazy. What would happen when they separated? How would he sleep then?
"We've got to talk." Jason said busting into his office. Tommy could tell that something was up because normally Jason didn't bust into his office like that.
"What's wrong?" He asked spinning around to face his best friend.
"Look at the paper." He said thrusting it into Tommy's face.
Tommy sighed and grabbed the paper before sitting down to read whatever had Jason in a panic. It only took him a few seconds before he exploded. "WHAT?" He yelled quickly reading the headline once again. Oliver's marriage of convenience falls apart as wife flees to France with her mother and step-father. The headline read.
"You might want to contact the media department and your lawyers to get a retraction and sue for defamation or whatever else you sue for." Jason said running his hands through his hair.
"How did they even know that she is in Paris?" Tommy asked as he tried to think of what to do.
"I don't know but the phones have been going crazy from the board and every news station." Jason informed him. "Everyone wants to know if it's true that you and Kimberly have a marriage of convenience and if your marriage is over." He explained.
"Okay, I'll call whoever I need too." He said while wondering where his cousin was at this moment. There was only one person who could have told the paper about his marriage.
"Let me know if you need anything." He said before leaving the room as Tommy picked up his phone to send a quick text to Kim to let her know what's going on before contacting his father's lawyer first.
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Kim felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. Pulling it out, she saw that it was a text from Tommy. He had sent her several texts every day that she had been here. It was sort of cute and she couldn't hide her smile. He was apparently missing her already. Unlocking her phone, she quickly read the text and felt her blood run cold. Skull had leaked the news of their marriage.
She had to take a deep breath as she read his next text that said not to worry about anything. He was taking care of it. Thankfully her parents, his mother, and his sister were already here in Paris far away from the papers. They could check online for local news but Kim knew that they wouldn't since they had been busy all day every day with getting everything ready for the renewal. She would just have to act normal around everyone until she got to talk to him. He would reassure her, she knew but until then she would think about something else.
Setting her phone to the side, she finished her food. She had been feeling really light headed since she had gotten to Paris. It had to be the change in time zones or something else so she just try to eat as much red meat as she could but it didn't seem to be working. She didn't really want to go to the doctor just for low iron again but if she wasn't better by the time she got back in Angel Grove then she would. If she didn't go then Tommy would make her. He always made sure that she went to the doctor if anything was off in her body even if it was just a cold.
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Tommy rubbed his forehead. He had finally gotten everything taken care of. It had taken hours but it was over. He had also talked to every member of the board to assure them that everything was fine in his marriage. He explained to them that Kimberly was only in Pairs for her parent's vow renewal and that he would be joining her in 24 hours. Thankfully that had quieted them on the issue of his marriage.
Spinning in his chair, he grabbed some files to look over some stuff. He had to make sure that everything was ready in Paris. He flipped through some files until he came to one that wasn't his. It was one of his father's files and he wondered how he had missed it when he had cleaned out the filing cabinets.
Opening it, he saw that it was nothing to do with the business. It looked like a letter from his father and it was addressed to him which he found very odd. Settling against his chair, he read what his father had left for him.
Dear Tommy,
If you are reading this then it means that I have passed away and you have actually gotten married in the month time period. I knew that you would because you wanted this business. I know that you thought that I hated you to require this of you but I don't. In fact I love you even if I didn't tell you often enough.
I'm sure that it has been in the back of your mind on why I demanded that you get married in such a short period of time after my death. Well I will say that I planned it that way.
I know you better than you think son. In fact I know that you married Kimberly. I'm sure that is freaking you out now but I told you that I know you. Kimberly has been your best friend since the day she was born but I saw those deeper feelings between you. So I saw this as my opportunity to do some matchmaking.
Don't worry; I have talked to your mother about this. She advised me not to do this but I wouldn't be moved. I saw this as my chance to enhance your life with the only woman that I saw as my daughter-in-law.
I'm sure that you are angry at my words but think about it son. After being married to Kimberly could you ever let her go? I know that you have gotten her into your bed by this point but if not don't skip out on the best part of being married, of sharing yourself with another person, completely.
Please think about what I have said and you will see what I have seen for years. Kimberly is your other half of you. She is the perfect woman to help you take the company into the future. She will also make a wonderful mother to my grandchildren.
Love,
Your dad
Tommy sat there in shock. His father had known that he would marry Kimberly to keep the business. He didn't think that he acted different with Kimberly than with any of his old friends and knew that that was a lie. Kim had always been different and he had treated her different than any other girl. He had always thought that it was because she was his best friend. He had been wrong though.
Kimberly had been his world for so long that he didn't even realize that he had fallen in love with her. He wasn't sure when or how but he knew without a doubt that he loved her. He couldn't picture his life without her. Picking up his phone, he opened up his text app to quickly type it out but he thought about it. This was not something that you sent in a text message unless you had already told the other person face to face. No this required them to be face to face when he finally shared his heart with her.
He would tell her in Paris. It was the City of Love after all and perfect for his declaration of love. He just hoped that she felt the same way about him. If she didn't then he would plan an all-out war to secure her heart in his hands. He couldn't let her go now that he had her.
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Kim had to place her hand on the wall to stay upright. What was wrong with her? She had just finished dinner so she shouldn't be this weak. Something was really wrong with her, she feared.
"Kim, what's wrong?" Trini whispered as she grabbed Kim's arms and looped it around her neck to help stabilize Kimberly.
"I don't know. I thought that my iron was low but I think that this is more than a low iron count." She muttered as Trini pulled her into the bathroom.
"Are you going to be sick?" She asked as she leaned Kim against the wall and grabbed some paper towels to wet them in the sink.
"No, I'm not going to be sick but I really want to know what's wrong with me." Kim moaned as Trini placed the wet towel on her neck. She hoped that this helped Kimberly feel a little better.
"I can take you to the hospital." Trini offered as Kim sighed. It would be better if she went since she was so weak after eating. She had to find out what's wrong with her before Tommy saw her like this.
"Okay." She whispered as Trini got worried. She was glad that she had flown in earlier because no one else seemed to realize that something was really wrong with Kimberly. In their defense though Kim was trying to act like nothing was wrong and she had only seen it when Kim had propped against the wall.
"Let's go then." She stated as she pulled Kim against her and hustled her into one of the waiting cars that Pierre had made available to them while they were here. The closest hospital was only 5 minutes away and thankfully Trini knew how to get there without any problems or asking Kim for directions.
An hour later Kim sat there in shock as Trini held her hand. "I can't believe it." Kim whispered as Trini patted her hand. "I just can't believe it."
"Well I can." Trini said with a smile.
"Trini, this is not what I need right now." Kim groaned thinking about what the doctor had just told her.
"I know but apparently someone thought you did." She said as Kim closed her eyes. The doctor's words echoed in her mind as he explained what was really wrong with her.
"I have to tell him." Kim whispered as Trini nodded.
"This is going to throw a kink in those convenience plans." Trini mused.
"Oh yea a real big kink." Kim muttered. "I can't believe that I'm pregnant." She said placing her free hand on her still flat stomach. She knew that birth control wasn't always affected but she had never even had a clue that she had been pregnant.
The doctor told her that she was still early in her pregnancy only about 6 weeks. She also had low iron on top of it which he explained was the reason that she was feeling weaker no matter what she ate. He had prescribed her some iron pills until she got to her regular doctor so that he could review the details and decide the best course for the pregnancy.
"Don't worry; you will be a wonderful mother." Trini said before hugging her close as Kim smiled and hugged her best friend. She would tell Tommy and if he didn't want her or the baby then she knew she had her friends that would help her. This wasn't a death sentence on her marriage but joy for her life.
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Okay so what did everyone think? Please let me know. Also there is only one chapter left! Don't worry though everything will be tied up.