Chapter 20
On the ride over to the base, Lucy was tucked securely against Wyatt in the back seat of the Cadillac sedan that Julie's dad had loaned them for the evening. She relished the firm grip of his large warm hand on hers, and leaning in even closer to him (Good lord, this man smells as good as he looks), she murmured, "I had no idea how sexy an Army uniform could be, Master Sergeant Logan," and was pleased to see him redden slightly as a dimpled grin spread slowly across his face.
"Oh, see something you like, sweetheart?" Wyatt murmured, and his blue eyes darkened even further as she very deliberately looked him over before he lowered his mouth to hers. Before their lips could meet, however, they were interrupted by Bam Bam's loud admonition from the driver's seat, "Hey! Ken and Barbie. You better not be making out in the back seat of my father-in-law's Caddy."
Then Julie looked over her shoulder, and with an amused gleam in her green eyes, directed a mock frown at the two of them, before she warned, "And don't you be smudging my girl's lipstick before we even get there, Wyatt Logan." Lucy smothered a grin at her date's disgruntled expression, "Jeez, Mom and Dad, ease off, okay? Damn, I feel sorry for Annie and Sadie when they are old enough to date."
"That will never be a problem," his friend immediately responded matter of factly, "Because they will never be old enough to date," and while a long-suffering Julie rolled her eyes at her husband's audacious declaration, Wyatt just growled, "And quit calling us Ken and Barbie," prompting giggles from the two women.
Bam Bam deftly maneuvered them into the long line of vehicles slowly being admitted at Pendleton's main gate. Julie had explained to Lucy earlier that not only did the guys have to show their military identification, but as part of the base's standard operating procedure, the two of them would be asked to submit their driver's licenses for inspection also.
Pulling up in front of the brightly-lit Joint Reception Center, the two couples exited the sedan, with Bam Bam casually tossing the keys to a waiting private, one of many who would be serving as valets for the evening. "Bam and I actually worked as valets for a couple of the galas before we moved high enough up the ranks to attend," Wyatt informed an interested Lucy, "As I recall, there was always a big group of guys, so it was a lot of fun, plus we got fed a decent supper. Good times, right, Bam?"
"Hell, yes, it was a damn good time," the other man replied, "Probably more fun than getting all dressed up and going inside..." Bam Bam's voice dwindled away and he shrugged sheepishly at the fierce glare his wife shot him. Chuckling, Wyatt took Lucy's hand as they walked up the front steps to join the noisy, chattering throng of gala attendees patiently waiting to secure their table assignments.
As the line moved slowly forward, Lucy openly gazed around her, curious about the place where Wyatt had served for so many years. He and Bam Bam exchanged good-natured greetings and fist bumps with numerous fellow soldiers as they stood waiting, and Lucy gradually became aware that she and Wyatt were the recipients of quite a few inquisitive glances, most of them discreet, well, maybe one or two were a little blatant. She supposed it was only natural that Wyatt's reappearance at the gala with a date after avoiding it since his wife's death nearly five years ago would spark some interest (and probably gossip, too, she thought wryly).
Finally, it was their turn, and as Bam Bam stepped forward to sign in for he and Julie, and about the time Wyatt started to lean in and whisper something in her ear, Lucy happened to notice a very attractive blonde who appeared to be around their age standing just a few feet away beside the open double doors to the ballroom. By now, Lucy was getting accustomed to the random looks they were drawing, but there was nothing random about the faint yearning she thought she glimpsed in the other woman's wide blue eyes as she gazed intently at Wyatt.
That wasn't just idle curiosity she read on the blonde's face, Lucy suddenly realized. Whoever this woman was, she apparently had more than just a casual interest in Wyatt, and as he unexpectedly touched his lips to the curve of Lucy's cheek, she felt almost guilty at the pained expression the unknown woman quickly hid as she watched them. Lucy smiled reassuringly at Wyatt, although she had no idea what he had said. As he turned to sign them in, she chanced a hasty glance at the doorway, but saw only Julie and Bam Bam standing there, waiting on them before proceeding to their table. She made a mental note to ask Julie about the blonde woman later on.
Wyatt signed his and Lucy's names just below Bam's scrawled "David and Julie Baumgardner" on the check in list when it ever-so-briefly crossed his mind that maybe next year he and Lucy would be sharing the same last name (whoa, that is a giant leap there, Logan). Mentally shaking his head, he smiled and thanked the woman handing him the slip of paper with their table assignment, and taking Lucy's hand, turned to follow Bam and Julie into the beautifully-decorated ballroom.
Giant swags of fresh greenery entwined with white mini lights and red velvet ribbons festooned the walls and doorways, while each small table for four was adorned with an old-fashioned oil lamp nestled in a ring of fragrant white roses and red carnations. The enormous room was already starting to fill up, and the noise level rose and fell as couples and small groups of people milled around, socializing before locating their tables.
Wyatt's grip on her hand flexed slightly as the two couples came to a stop beside their table, and he inhaled sharply, his nerves thrumming with anticipation, but for what, he wasn't sure. And bless her heart, Lucy stayed close to him, not speaking, just quietly clasping Wyatt's hand tightly in her small one. After a long moment, his relief was so great at the absence of any pain or longing for Jess, that it almost made him dizzy.
Wyatt involuntarily turned his face into her soft neck and just breathed in her delicate perfume for a moment while his anxious heart settled. Placing a comforting hand on his cheek, she whispered, "Wyatt, are you okay?", and he realized with gratitude that he really was, and impulsively pressed a swift kiss on her lips before murmuring "I love you" to her. Luckily, his friends were busy chatting with a couple of his and Bam's fellow T.I.'s, and no one had even noticed anything amiss.
Once the women had removed their wraps and were seated, Wyatt dusted a brief kiss to Lucy's bare shoulder before he and Bam Bam excused themselves to line up for the opening ceremony, each tugging on a pristine pair of white gloves as they walked away. Lucy was looking forward to seeing the ritual that Julie had assured her was very moving and one of her favorite parts of the evening's festivities.
As they waited, Julie pointed out some of the other wives and girlfriends she was personally acquainted with, and it occurred to Lucy she should ask her friend about the mystery blonde she noticed staring at Wyatt earlier. As she was about to do so, the large, glittering chandeliers overhead dimmed three times, signaling that it was now 6:00 and time for the gala to officially start. The crowd grew hushed and finally silent as everyone got to their feet and waited respectfully.
What followed was one of the most inspiring sights that Lucy had ever witnessed. Row after precise row of solemn men and women attired in smart dress uniforms entered, marching in and crisply snapping to attention at the entrance of the base C.O. and his staff accompanied by two flag bearers. Lucy's heart swelled with pride when she managed to locate Wyatt among his fellow soldiers. At the far end of the ballroom was a modest stage where the live band would later set up, and the C.O. slowly proceeded to the podium that had been placed there, a flag bearer on either side of him.
His first words were, "At ease," and as one, the men and women stood at parade rest while he welcomed everyone to the annual event. After a few brief comments, the C.O. finished his remarks and concluded the ceremony with the command, "Dismissed," and the impressive rows of service men and women dissolved. Lucy found she was a little choked up at the display of dedication to their country, and looking at Julie, smiled as her friend delicately wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "I always get a little emotional during the opening," she confessed, as Lucy squeezed her hand.
Then from the sea of dress uniforms, their dates appeared, and Lucy caught her breath at the dimpled grin on Wyatt's face that was meant for her alone. The guys sat down, carefully removing their white gloves, and Wyatt immediately took Lucy's hand. She leaned in closely and kissing his cheek, said, "That was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen, really impressive. Thank you for bringing me here tonight, Wyatt." Obviously pleased at her compliment, his dark blue eyes shone as he replied, "My pleasure, Ma'am." And then the two couples turned their attention to the dinner being served.
Wyatt wiped his mouth and practically groaned as he set his napkin beside the dinner plate. Just as he had remembered, the four-course meal was delicious, and he had probably eaten too much, although Bam was still working on his second plate. He shook his head fondly at his friend, who always ate like a horse, and never gained weight (lucky bastard).
He noticed that Lucy had eaten sparingly (his little lightweight), which was probably one of the reasons she was so slender. (Not that he was complaining.) Sweet Lucy had just enough curves in all the right places to suit him, and Wyatt was definitely looking forward to sharing some slow dances with her later on and holding her delectable little body close to his.
Perhaps sensing his thoughts, Lucy suddenly looked at him, a slightly nervous smile on her pretty lips, "What? Do I have something on my face?" and he admitted, "No, Ma'am, I just like looking at my beautiful date," and loved seeing the blush she couldn't control at his words. While they ate, the band had started setting up, and soon began playing a selection of Christmas music. As he sat there with his new love and his best friends, a relaxed Wyatt felt content, and was glad that he had changed his mind about the gala.
By the time they all finished eating and their plates had been cleared away, Lucy noticed that quite a few couples were gradually venturing out on the dance floor. She wasn't much of a dancer, but she was coordinated enough to at least sway back and forth to the music while in Wyatt's arms. As she sighed happily to herself at that delightful thought, Julie nudged her and suggested a quick trip to the ladies room before they started dancing.
Lucy agreed, and after Wyatt politely stood and pulled her chair out, she picked up her small bag and followed the other woman as they leisurely made their way across the congested ballroom. It seemed like Julie knew nearly everyone, and by the time they exited the room, she had been introduced to at least a dozen other women, and Lucy had rapidly gotten used to the somewhat speculative looks bestowed on her when her friend oh-so-casually mentioned that she was dating Wyatt Logan.
Once they were out in the wide hallway, Lucy remembered the blonde from earlier, and pulling Julie to one side, asked, "Hey, while we were getting signed in earlier tonight, I saw a woman with blonde hair who was really giving Wyatt the eye. Any idea who she might be?" and she was faintly dismayed when her friend sighed, and questioned, "Was she pretty? Taller than us? With big blue eyes?"
And when Lucy answered in the affirmative to all three, Julie took a moment to consider her response and replied, "That was probably Kelly. She's the C.O.'s administrative assistant, and the poor thing has been pining for Wy since she got transferred here, which was maybe a year after Jess passed away. Dave says it's common knowledge around the base that she's really stuck on Wy, and he heard that she has been asked out by a lot of different guys, but always turns them down. It's really kind of heartbreaking to think about a person wanting to be with someone so badly, but just refusing to give up even when it's hopeless. You know, like how long would somebody wait in a situation like that? And what's even more depressing is she's actually a very nice person, and as you already noticed, quite pretty."
At the expression on Lucy's face, Julie gently chided, "Lucy, now, for goodness sakes, don't you dare feel guilty. You know if Wy had any interest in Kelly at all, he would have asked her out a long time ago, I mean, think about it, he probably sees her nearly every day. And to my knowledge, he has never even said more than a handful of words to her. But more importantly, and sad as it is to say, her feelings for Wy are on her, so don't feel bad that he's crazy about you, all right?"
Lucy thought for a moment and then nodded ruefully as Julie patted her arm and said, "Atta girl, now let's hurry up so we can get those good-looking men of ours out on the dance floor, okay?" and she grinned approvingly when Lucy brightened and quipped, "You're right, they are good looking," and at the same time, both women looked at each other and finished, "and ours!" before bursting into laughter.
Julie stopped just outside the ladies room to talk with a mom she knew from the girls' play group and told Lucy to go ahead and she'd be in shortly. Pushing open the heavy door, Lucy gave a woman standing in front of the mirrors a shy smile before she found an empty stall at the end of the row. Preoccupied with trying to deal with her very full, heavy skirt in such a narrow space, Lucy was paying scant attention when several women entered the ladies room in mid conversation.
And then she froze when she heard one of the women say, "Did you see that positively gorgeous Wyatt Logan is here tonight? I don't think he's been to a gala since his poor wife died. Oh, my God, he is so hot, and still single, I heard." Then one of her companions chimed in, "Yeah, he's got the dreamiest blue eyes, and dimples, too." (Good lord, Julie wasn't kidding–alley cats indeed.)
The third woman, apparently the voice of reason, pointed out, "Were you two so focused on Wyatt Logan's handsome face that you failed to notice he brought a date tonight? The thin brunette in the red satin dress?" Alley cat number one was not happy with that news, "Aw, really? He's got a girlfriend?" while alley cat number two interrupted, "Do you know if it's serious?" The 'voice of reason' chuckled at her friends' obvious disappointment, "Well, his date's not wearing any ring that I could see, but you have to admit, whoever she is, she's a very lucky woman, if you know what I mean," in a suggestive tone.
A pissed-off Lucy had heard enough. Normally, she tended to avoid confrontations, but this was just ridiculous. How dare these strangers talk about her Wyatt like he was nothing more than a pretty face. He was so much more than that, especially to her. It was bad enough to guess that she and Wyatt were being gossiped about, but even worse to overhear it in person.
Lucy finished as quickly as she could, and straightening her skirt and readjusting the bodice, she flushed the toilet, and opening the door, walked to the nearest sink and began washing her trembling hands. She stole a fleeting glance in the mirror, long enough to discern the stunned expressions on the faces of the three women as they seemed to realize who she was.
Slowly drying her hands and then fluffing her hair, she opened her bag and carefully reapplied lipstick before pasting a big smile on her face, and as Lucy moved towards the door, informed the women in a clear voice, "By the way, since you all seem to be so interested, my name is Lucy Preston, and yes, I am proud to be Wyatt Logan's date and girlfriend, and yes, it's very serious, and yes, I am an extremely lucky woman, if you know what I mean. Oh, and have a nice evening." And holding her head high, she walked out of the ladies room, so intent on escaping that she sailed right past a startled Julie.
"Hey, Lucy, c'mon, wait a second, what's wrong?" a concerned Julie took off after her and pulled her to an abrupt halt. "It's nothing, I'm fine," she protested, but her friend wasn't buying it. "Lucy Preston, what's going on? You are white as a sheet and shaking like a leaf, so start talking." Swallowing hard, she looked directly into the other woman's green eyes, and whispered, "Alley cats," and was relieved when Julie instantly knew what she meant.
"Oh, Lucy, I'm so sorry I wasn't in there with you for moral support. Are you okay? Those bitches," she muttered, throwing a glare at the door to the ladies room, and at Lucy's tentative nod, escorted her back to their table where the guys were waiting somewhat impatiently. Wyatt took one look at Lucy's pale face and knew something was wrong. Jumping to his feet, he put a hand on her cheek, and asked, "Lucy, sweetheart, what is it? Are you ill? Was it something you ate?"
Taking a deep breath, Lucy gave them all a tremulous smile, and assured Wyatt that she was okay. Both men looked at Julie in confusion when she snorted and mumbled what sounded like, "alley cats." Wyatt wasn't convinced, though, and when he worriedly asked Lucy if she wanted to go home, she squared her slight shoulders and repeated firmly that she was fine, and no, she absolutely did not want to go home.
Putting a slim hand on his arm, Lucy implored, "Wyatt, I really am fine, now are you going to ask me to dance, or what?" Against his better judgment, he acquiesced, and led Lucy out on the dance floor where he tenderly drew her closely into his arms. He noticed her face had a little more color to it, although her heart was still beating rapidly against his broad chest. After swaying back and forth for a few minutes, she seemed to relax, so he began whispering all kinds of naughty suggestions against her soft hair, gratified when Lucy blushed hotly and her breathing sped up.
"Wyatt Logan, you stop that right now, or I will find someone else to dance with," she threatened with a gleam in her dark eyes. "Oh, no, you're all mine tonight, sweetheart," he teased, and laughed out loud when she pretended to frown and grumbled, "Promises, promises." They swayed and flirted through several songs before the band took a brief intermission.
Making their way back to the table, Wyatt was relieved that whatever had been bothering Lucy earlier, she was acting normally now. Like nearly everyone around them, he and Bam had shrugged off their jackets and loosened their bow ties once the C.O. had retired for the evening, and the atmosphere in the ballroom suddenly got a lot more laid back. "Now, it's a party," Bam declared happily, and Wyatt grinned affectionately at his friend as he started to tell a funny story about a buddy of theirs.
When intermission was over and the band resumed playing, Bam gallantly asked his wife to dance, and Wyatt smirked as Julie wasted no time taking his hand and tugging him out to the middle of the dance floor. Deciding to take advantage of some time alone with Lucy, Wyatt dragged his chair up beside hers, and putting his arm around his date, pulled her back against him and began placing tiny, soft kisses on her bare shoulder. "You look so beautiful this evening, Miss Preston, and I'm the envy of just about every man here."
Shivering with pleasure, she turned her head and breathed against his lips, "I highly doubt that, but thank you, Wyatt, for the most wonderful evening. Everything was just perfect." When he raised a dark eyebrow at her, she amended her statement slightly. "It really wasn't anything important earlier, I swear. I will tell you all about it when we get home." Deciding to take her at face value, Wyatt changed the subject, "Speaking of home, did you remember that my son is spending the night at Bam and Julie's?" Her dark eyes grew huge as she sat up and turning to face him, she ran her hands lightly up the front of his shirt and in a husky voice, eagerly asked, "How much longer do we have to stay?"
A couple of dances later when Bam and Julie came back to the table, Wyatt asked if they minded if he and Lucy called it a night, offering to take a cab home so they could stay a while longer. Julie looked at her husband, who shrugged, and said, "Your call, babe, " and when the blonde admitted she were ready to leave also, he bragged, "Yep, guess I wore you out," much to Lucy and Wyatt's amusement.
The guys put their jackets back on as the women gathered their things, and Wyatt helped Lucy on with her wrap. Holding hands, the two couples slowly made their way to the exit, exchanging 'good nights' with several people. When they got outside, Wyatt handed a generous tip to the private who brought the sedan around as the others got in.
Once he climbed in the back seat, a drowsy Lucy snuggled up against Wyatt, and sighed when he gently kissed the crown of her head. Wyatt was secretly grateful that Bam was too tired and happy to make any more smart ass "Ken and Barbie" remarks during the quiet ride back to the Baumgardners. Ruth had left a lamp lit in the front room for them, and after Wyatt and Lucy went inside to briefly check on Jamie and promised to come back and pick him up around lunch time tomorrow, they headed home.
As soon as they were inside the front door, Lucy slipped off her heels with a blissful groan and headed up the stairs as Wyatt locked the door and turned off the hall light. When he walked into his bedroom, he was pleasantly surprised to find that Lucy had lit some candles around the room, and was patiently standing beside his bed, still dressed, sans her shoes, with a mysterious smile on her face.
"I have a surprise for you," she teased, as Wyatt pulled off his jacket and tie and started unbuttoning his shirt. At his intrigued expression, she confessed, "Under this beautiful red dress, there might be a few tiny matching somethings you may be interested in," and turned her back to him so that he could unzip the dress. She trembled as his large hand swiftly pulled the zipper down to reveal just how little she had been wearing underneath all evening. As soon as Lucy carefully stepped out of the dress, Wyatt pounced on her, sweeping her up in his arms, and laying her on the bed against the pillows, proceeded to show her, more than once, just how great his interest was...
A/N: This was so much fun to write, especially the scene in the bathroom with the "alley cats" (you go, fierce Lucy!). I should note that aside from the military uniforms and ranks (thanks, Google!), everything else that happens at Pendleton is just a product of my (probably) over-active imagination. Hope everyone enjoys the gala. My sincere thanks as always for all the favorites, follows, and encouraging reviews for this little (?) story, with a tiny shoutout to guest reviewers Shelly and Emily S. I am truly humbled by all the support. This is a great little fandom :)))