Title: Christmas 5A/5B Twilight Series 4 /?
By: chipmunk and leosimpishgrin
Pairing: Leo/Margaret - Romance
Rating: R
Archived at: To review prior parts go to Christmas at:
Disclaimer: See Part 1-Posted 12-25-03
Warning: Sexual content
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Thanks so much for your patience and reading with this fic!
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Thursday - Christmas day (Day)
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Leo and Margaret wake up naturally in the morning, because even their internal alarm clocks seem to be taking a holiday today and they sleep in until 7:30, after going to sleep at 2am. Margaret didn't set the alarm clock, because she knew that they'd have two small wake up calls, to announce that Santa had arrived during the night. Hopefully, Colin will remind them to knock first, if only fleetingly before entering.
At first, Leo and Margaret are not doing too much with their usual morning friskies. They're just waiting for the kids to arrive any minute. They're still enjoying tender awake up kisses and caresses, as they wish each other a Merry Christmas, blissfully celebrating their first anticipated many more.
Now, lying on their sides and facing each other, she mildly protests, "Leo, we really have to wait till tonight for any fireworks. I think we better keep any playful loving under the covers for now." She tries to catch his hands that are making their way inside the buttons of her flannel pajama top. "Leo, you know my weaknesses are the nearly the same as yours." She intertwines her fingers with his to keep his under control.
Leo teases, "Are you having a problem with my friskies this morning, Baby?" He moves their joined hands over her breast on the outside of her top and tweaks the nipple between his fingers while his fingers are still entwined with hers. He proves that her counter maneuver is not very successful.
She confirms this with a moan of satisfaction. "You're trying to tempt me, Leo."
Leo grins, "Well, it's working." Still holding her hands captive, he rubs the back of her hands over her breasts proving he has many ways to love her body and that he's not above using any means possible to elicit a moan from her. He moves their joined hands wider apart and rubs his thumbs around and over her nipples to make her squirm in appreciation.
"Leo, this isn't fair. I don't get to use my hands." She mock pouts with her bottom lip out and tries to pull her hands out of his.
He can't resist her lip protruding at him, so he lowers his mouth to catch it between his lips for a quick suck. He pulls back and grins at her struggles, "I used your hands."
"Yeah, on me," she points out in exasperation at not being at to get free and she 'so' wants to touch him, anywhere and everywhere she can. "You know, you're driving me crazy and it being Christmas and all."
"You're the one that grabbed my hands, Baby. I'm just being resourceful." He stops to indulge in a passionate kiss. "You said that we have to keep the friskies under the covers." He moves one set of their hands down between them "You want to use my hand to rub against me or your hand to rub against you? I'm not letting go of your hands. You trapped my hands and were trying to sabotage my lovemaking. It being Christmas and all." He rubs himself through his satin pants to taunt her, with only her fingertips barely brushing against him softly. She mews in disappointment at not being able to touch him more fully.
He next rubs the back of her hand against her flannel covered mound and cheats with his long fingers and is able to extend his middle finger and rubs back and forth against the material covering her pleasure point. At her whimper of desire that she's barely able to contain at a low level, he whispers, "You know I keep the tube of lube under my pillow and I'd love to give you a Christmas present like the one you gave me yesterday morning."
They both moan and then grin, as they hear the pounding of little feet coming across the apartment toward them. Leo lets go of her hands and cups her face as he kisses her deeply one last time before the hectic holiday begins. A moment later, similar pounding can be heard on the bedroom door and the kids chanting "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas."
Leo whispers to Margaret, "Maybe we can continue this later in the shower?"
She whispers back, "Later, Sweetie." She kisses him quickly as a promise, "Better call them in. Merry Christmas, Leo."
Leo kisses her tenderly, "Merry Christmas, Baby."
They quickly straighten up in the bed, and he calls out, "Come in." The words are barely out of his mouth, as the door bangs open, and the two kids launch themselves at the bed. Sure of their welcome there.
Leo and Margaret each catch a kid for a Christmas hug and a loud smooch from Leo to start the day. The kids start tugging them by the hand.
Katie is getting impatient for the best part of the morning for a kid, "Come on, get up, please, Santa was here and he left presents."
Ben makes an important addition to his sister's plea, "Yeah, he even ate Mrs. Landingham's cookies. You know he can't eat all the cookies that kids leave out for him. He'd get stuck in the chimneys." Ben is tugging on Leo's hand with his small hand and his bear is flopping with each pull in his other hand.
Leo laughs at that and tugs back on Ben hand to tease him, "Well, Ben, you know he just couldn't resist Mrs. L's cookies. They're so good that even Santa just has to sample them." Ben grins and nods in agreement.
Margaret says as she gets off the bed, "You two kids go ahead and open your stockings, while I take a moment to freshen up and get a mug of coffee."
The kids call over their shoulders as they happily rush out for their Christmas stockings, "Dad is making the coffee already."
Colin fills the doorway as he appears at the open door, his sandy red hair messed from sleep, wearing a snug white t-shirt and green-plaid flannel pants, to smugly taunt his sister, "You two are real sleepyheads this morning. I already have my mug of coffee." He lifts it higher to show Margaret, before taking a satisfying sip.
Margaret pouts, "Colin, where's your Christmas spirit, coming in here with fresh coffee and bringing none for me?"
Colin watches his sister as she dons her floral satin robe. "I didn't bring Leo coffee either, and you don't see him whining on Christmas morning. Plus, I figured it wasn't safe to hand you hot coffee with the kids in here."
"Likely excuse, Colley." She's now close enough to steal a sip of his coffee, and she reluctantly hands it back to him. He slips his arm around her shoulders to hug her lightly to his side. She sighs happily and wraps her arms around his waist with her eyes still focusing intently on his mug.
Leo is surprised, "Man, she must really love you or that was your Christmas gift. She never returns the mug to me or to Josh. We just get ourselves another one, knowing the first one is a lost cause."
"Yeah, Merry Christmas brother dear," She gives him a warm lipped kiss to the cheek and her hand swipes his mug again for one last sip. She quickly hands it back, knowing she needs a minute to herself, before joining the kids in the living room. "Colin, are the tree lights on? If not, would you do it?"
"Sure, Sis," Colin answers as he glances at the remaining contents of his mug, just checking to see if she left him any.
Leo adds his part, "I'll go get the camera and the camcorder from the computer stand, before the kids break down from waiting and sneak a gift or two."
"They'll wait." Colin glances at the kids in middle of the living room floor with the contents from the stockings dumped out in front of them. He calls to his sister, "I'll be a nice brother, Margie. After I get the lights on, I'll head to the kitchen to get your coffee poured."
Leo ties his black satin robe on over his matching satin pants, "I'll meet you in the kitchen in a minute, Colin. I'm going to heat some muffins for all of us to munch on as we open gifts."
Colin teases, "I made the coffee, Leo, but I wasn't going to risk getting thrown out on Christmas morning, by messing in your kitchen to make breakfast, without you in attendance that is. I'm not that brave. I learned really quick that you never give up the rights to your kitchen."
Leo grins at Colin's tease. But seriously, if he threw out Colin, Margaret would have him on the outside of the door, right beside him. Putting that dire thought out of his head, Leo rolls with the tease, "Smart man, Colin, smart man. Josh also learned that first thing. We're just snacking for breakfast today, since we're going to Josie's for Christmas brunch at 10am. This is just to keep Ben from starving. We're used to feeding Josh on a schedule, so we just continued the practice with Ben, just on a smaller scale."
Margaret instructs from the bathroom where she's brushing her hair. "Leo, include the small bananas that I got for the kids to snack on and tell Colin to pour the kids some milk, while you get the muffins warmed."
"Yes, Baby, I can tell you have a plan for the day already." Leo answers with a grin at Colin as they leave the bedroom.
"Like you doubted that I wouldn't, Sweetie," Margaret confirms. "I'll be there in just a minute. I just need to grab the two gifts that we worked on last night for the kids."
Colin gives a questioning glance back over his shoulder and then looks in front of him at Leo's back as he's crossing to the guestroom. ~What are those two up to for my kids now?~
*****
After Leo positions the camcorder on a low shelf of the entertainment center to record the gift opening, the family settles comfortably around the tree, with the kids on the floor to be closer to the brightly colored packages. The kids have been eating the required banana, before making sure that everyone has a first gift to open.
They scan the faces of the adults. Their hands ready to rip the paper off the present waiting in their laps, waiting for permission to start. They finally rivet their attention on Colin's face.
He checks with Margaret and Leo one last time that they're settled on the couch, and he turns back to warn the kids, "Remember, we open one at a time, together." At the kids nod of agreement he grins and ends the torture, "Go ahead and open your gifts."
The sound of paper ripping is music to Margaret ears, and she watches Colin and Leo open theirs as well. Some kids never grow up.
The kid's started with matching packages from Leo. Inside they find a Gameboy Advance for each and packed underneath in the bottom of the box is some extra accessories of a car adapter, earphones, a travel case, an ac adapter, a rechargeable battery and finally a one-on-one connector cable. Leo wanted them to have the total package.
Leo gives a big, "Ahhh." When he unwraps a photo of his car 'Beauty' for his wall and with it is a book titled 'Cars of the fabulous '50's'. He leans to Margaret and kisses her in thanks and they both glance at the kids when they sigh at them for kissing too long.
Margaret explains to the kids, "Half of that kiss was my thank-you to Leo for the Ipaq PDA pocket PC that he gave me as a gift."
Ben's eyes get big and envious, "Wow! So cool, Aunt Margaret."
"Yeah, Ben, it is and it even has a tiny keyboard and a charge/hotsync cable. This is going to be so much fun to use for notes, my schedule and calendar. It won't even seem like work, if I use it for a fast letter." Margaret is so pleased. This will be fun to use to keep their lives organized. "Colin, what was your gift?"
Colin looks inside the box on his lap again perplexed, "Well it's from Leo, but he must have made a mistake. There are two cell phones in here. They look nice, but you guys know I already have a cell phone." He looks at Leo and Margaret for a clue, wondering why another cell phone and why two of them. He double-checks and makes sure that they are cell phones and not the new walkie-talkies.
Leo laughs at the look on Colin's face. Margaret nudges Leo, "I told you he wouldn't have a clue. Now you get to explain it to him. It's your gift."
"All right, all right." Leo chuckles and agrees that this might need a few more details to be fully appreciated. "They're satellite cell phones, Colin. You'll get great reception anywhere you go in your work, and you can talk to the kids or Margaret anytime, anywhere." Colin looks at the top cell phone package with more interest now. "Oh, by the way, Colin. I went ahead and paid for one year of service when I bought it."
"Thanks, Leo, I really appreciate that. Now, tell me, why I need a spare? Was it a 'two for one' sale and you wanted to score brownie points with our frugal Margaret?" Colin chuckles at his tease to his sister. He knows which of her buttons to push. She grins and lobs a wad of wrapping paper at him for the dig at her.
Leo glances at the grinning kids on the floor first and then solves the puzzle for Colin. "One is for at your home," the kid's eyes light up at the prospect of a cell phone for their use. Leo clarifies, "Mrs. Wilson can use it to keep in touch with you and she can help the kids to place calls you. Yours might make your job easier and the other one can help Mrs. Wilson's job be easier at keeping up with these two rug rats." They kids now toss paper wads at Leo like their aunt did and he bats them away.
"Your right, Leo. It's a very thoughtful gift. Thanks again, I'll remember you really cared to get them for me." He looks at the kids who are still happy to have some access to a cell phone. "Guess we're ready for round two you guys. Hand out another set of gifts." Katie has a bow, and ribbon looped around her neck looking very festive.
The kids sit back down among the used wrapping paper very happy to just let it fluff around them. They again open matching gifts and find that Margaret's first gift to them goes along with Leo's gift. She's really happy they started with his first. She got them games to go with the Gameboy's, knowing that they would love to play them when they need to be quiet and entertain themselves. She's so proud of how nicely they behaved in Leo's office this week, when Leo and she needed to work. Ben's games are Brother Bear and the Lion King. Katie's games are Pokemon Pinball and Super Mario 3. Margaret figures that they can trade, and both enjoy all four games.
Leo opens the gift that the kids handed him and finds a thick book. He loves it. It's 'The Handybook for Genealogists 10th Edition'. "Thank you, Margaret. I've been wanting to get this. How did you know I would want this one? You're just starting on your family research."
Margaret looks at him with her head to the side, "Well, Leo, is was easy. It's described as the bible for genealogy research. Like a million copies have been sold."
"Good clue, Margaret. There's hope for you yet as a researcher." He teases her; knowing she won't pound him in front of family.
"Like I don't do that all the time for you." She pops him in the chest with a ball of paper. "If you look inside, Leo, you'll find a subscription to 'Family History Magazine' and internet access to Ancestry.com archives of records."
"Thank you so much, Baby that will happily keep me searching all year. Hey, there's a CD here also," Leo finds it lying in the bottom of the box and picks it up to inspect it.
Colin pipes up, "Margaret added that from us. She said that you were wanting to update your program."
"Yeah, I am." Leo quickly assures him. "This is the computer program for my genealogy, 'Family Tree Maker 11'. It's the latest and best program to use. Margaret must have ordered it from genealogy.com. Thank you, Colin and you too kids. I'm really pleased."
The kids sing song from the floor, "You're welcome, Uncle Leo."
In fun at the kids for being cute, the adults now toss their wrapping down at the kids, adding to the mountain around them.
Margaret's gift is a bit unusual like Colin's was. "It's two web cams. OK, Leo now we know for sure that they really were having a 'two for one' sale, the day you went to the mall with the President."
Leo grins then explains to her with an arm around her shoulders, as he points to the box in her lap with his free hand, "Margaret, Dear, there's two web cams, so you can send one home with the kids. You'll be able to see each other and type on the IM to visit more often with them. I hope it helps when you can't be with each other as much as you'd like."
"Oh, Leo that is so sweet of you, to work out a way for me to share in their daily lives" She hugs him and he wipes a tear from her eye when she pulls away. He knows her family means the most to her.
"Your turn, Colin," Margaret moves them along. She has a schedule, even for Christmas. The adults know that the kids have again tuned them out, as they try out the Gameboy toys.
Colin's face lights up, "Well, well, well. Look at this. I can really use this when I have to stay on location, like at an oil platform."
His build up to his gift has the kids' attention, "What is it, Dad?"
"Something I've been wanting, and you will too, when you see it. It's a portable DVD player, and it looks like Margaret and Leo went together on this, as it has DVD's to go with it." He looks at his sister and Leo, "Thanks you two. You've been very thoughtful in the gifts you've given me." Colin smiles sincerely to the two cuddled on the couch. Their normal position when at home, he's finding.
Ben is now at his elbow, checking out his dad's new toy, "What are the movies, Dad? Hey, those are cool movies; 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and the full 'Indiana Jones' set. You gotta let us watch them sometime, Dad." Ben begs happily.
For the next round, the kids have done so well at opening matching gifts that they continue the practice. The kids find two DVD's wrapped up for each of them. Ben looks at his, 'Lion King' and 'Finding Nemo', before he trades to check out his sister's two DVD's, 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'The Land Before Time – The Great longneck Migration'. He likes the last one, but knows he's going to get to watch her girly one first.
After looking at Ben's DVD's Katie points out to her dad, "I guess you'll have to let us use your player, once in a while now, Dad. It's the only DVD player we have to use."
"Maybe this will help," as Leo sides a box to the kids on the floor. Inside the paper, the kids find a small DVD player.
"Thank you, Uncle Leo. Now we have one for home, and we can watch our new DVD's anytime." They pop off the floor to give him a hug in happiness. This more than makes up for not getting the cell phone for themselves. They know that they're too little for it and, a DVD player is so much better. "You get us the best gifts."
"You're welcome." Leo squeezes them back and lets them in on his discovery, "I knew that both of you'd be pleased with anything electronic."
Leo picks up a large present that is leaning against the couch, "Now it's my turn again to open a gift and this one is a big one. Help me get the paper off kids."
Between the three of them, they get the paper off in record time. Underneath Leo finds two large posters in matching frames for his study/guest room. One is of WW2 aircraft, and the other is titled 'Dawn of Aviation'. He catches his breath when he sees what is taped to the corner of one. It's something he's not seen in quite a few years. It is a 355th tactical fighter's arm patch. He touches it softly and swallows with sweet sadness. This means a lot to him. He knows that Margaret went to some pains to get it for his collection. "Baby, there are no words."
"I know, Leo. I just took the chance you would want it when the opportunity arose for me to get it. I glad it's OK with you." Margaret sees the shininess in his eyes, but the soft smile he's wearing answers her. She squeezes his hand and he returns it, still looking at the gift.
Margaret looks at the small square flat gift in her lap and admires the bow a moment, while Leo turns his attention back to the kids looking at the aviation posters. She knows that Leo will have more to say some day about his time in the Air Force, but with the kids he's happy to just reveal the glamorous part of being a jet pilot in the service. It's the type of thing that kids want to hear. He's a hero in their eyes. She notices Leo glancing at her and her fidgeting with the trim on the gift. Leo shoos the kids back down to the floor and rests the poster back against the side of the couch to give her his full attention. "You gonna open that anytime today? Or, do you just want to play with the pretty bow?" Leo teases her into working the tape off the edge of the paper. He has no idea why she does that so carefully when it is just going to end up in the floor with the rest of the wrappings. He leans back to watch her face when she opens the box.
Inside she find as framed photo of a tropical beach with palm trees. Margaret lifts the picture out of the box and looks under it in the box, as many gifts today have had more gifts hidden that way. She looks at it closely, but doesn't recognize the place and looks at Leo for a hint. He's really driving them nuts this Christmas. It's like one of his crossword puzzles. He has all the answers. "Ok, Leo. I give. Why the picture? I mean it's nice and I'm sure we can find a place to hang it; maybe in one of the bathrooms?"
Leo gives his crooked grin that she loves, "Baby, actually you need to flip it over to find your present."
She looks at his face to judge if he's serious and seeing his steady grin, she turns it over to find an envelope taped there. Laying the picture back in the box on its face, she removes the envelope and flips open the flap to extract a brochure. Still perplexed she looks at him, "Leo?"
He moves closer and kisses her cheek. Pointing to the folded paper in her hand, "Baby, we're going on vacation to that resort for the New Year's weekend. It's somewhere quiet, with lots of sunshine and a warm beach. If you notice I marked out where it is. The location is a surprise for you."
Leo recalls some of the details of when he made the arrangements. Margaret 'not' doing the planning may kill one or both of them this following week of waiting. He recalls that it's a remote tropical resort off St. Thomas Island, one with small-secluded bungalows dotted around the island, each with a private beach. He knows that all Margaret will want is a beach. It's expensive, but she doesn't need to know 'how' much. He has money and can afford many more vacations if she wants to go. This will be her first real taste of his money. He hopes she likes it and doesn't get all wacky on him about the cost. He knows he'll have to confess that he has hired a small jet and a pilot to fly them. He's not going to get packed into a commercial plane and take three times longer getting there. He wants all the time possible relaxing with Margaret.
Margaret just blinks at him a full minute in astonishment, "Leo, which New Year's?"
Leo laughs at her question, "This New Year's, as in one week from today, Baby."
"One week? One week from now? A beach?" Margaret is still trying to remember to breath. She has wanted to go to a tropical island as long as she can remember. Its one of her biggest dreams and to have Leo vacation there with her, is almost too much for her mind to grasp.
Leo watches her mind at work and confirms, "In one week we're getting on an airplane and leaving DC behind us for four full days."
Margaret is still in shock, "What about the President?"
Leo chuckles again at her, "I'm sorry, Baby, but you can't take him with us. There won't be room for him in the private bungalow that is reserved for us." Leo loves this. He totally has surprised her, and it has rendered her near speechless.
Margaret sputters, "Leo! I didn't mean take him along. I mean will he let you go?" His teasing has found her, her tongue.
"Let me? He not only agrees; the President has guaranteed that we can go even if the White House burns down. He assures me that the world will still turn around during a four-day weekend without us. We leave on the morning of the first and that way we're here the night before, for the President's New Year's Eve fireworks at midnight."
Margaret face brakes into a huge grin and the tears start in earnest now, happy tears. "A beach." She throws her arms around his neck and topples them both down flat on the couch as she kisses him repeatedly.
Colin can't restrain his laughter any longer at his sister quizzing Leo and finally chuckles loud and deep at his sister's enthusiastic response to Leo's gift.
Ben points out to his sister, "I take it she's happy."
"Oh, yes. She really is," Katie assures him, with her young female intuition. "Give a girl a warm beach and she's definitely happy."
Leo's not complaining from under her and her busy lips. He hopes this is just a preview of their vacation. "I'm so glad to make you happy, Baby. I can't wait to see you on the beach soaking up the sunshine. I can tell that this is also going to cost me a new swimsuit for the both of us."
She hesitates with her kisses to whisper to him, "Bet your ass, Leo. I'm not letting us go on vacation with our old suits that we use in the hot tub." She finally sits back up, and Leo follows her. She's wiping the happy tears from her cheeks and still grinning. ~I'm going to a beach and finally be warm in January. What luxury. I might get used to Leo spoiling me after all.~
She gets back to the gift opening, "Kids, grab yourselves another gift. It seems that Uncle Leo is trying to spoil all of us."
This time Ben is thrilled to find a battery operated remote control plane for him to fly. He gets to be the pilot, even if it's from the ground. ~Wait till Gus sees this. Maybe we can try it out tomorrow morning on the White House grounds. He'll love it as much as I do.~
Katie finds just what a girl wants, beauty products to make her smell all girly. "Thank you, Aunt Margaret. Even an agent can smell good and be tough at the same time." Her gift is a Sarah Michaels gardenia scented gift pack, which includes body power, lotion, shower gel and a puff. There's also strawberry bubble bath. All of this was packed in a pink and purple Caboodle box for storing her girly stuff.
Margaret is watching Ben examining his new plane and Colin has joined the kids on the floor to admire their new gifts, and he has gifts for his kids as well. She remembers something, and she points it out to Leo, "Sweetie, remember when we talked about not going 'all out' at buying for the kids. I should have included the rest of us."
Leo nearly smirks with satisfaction, "You mean when you 'warned me' about it. Yeah, I took it into advisement."
"Tossed that out the window didn't you, Leo." She sweeps her arm around the sitting area. "See what happens when two men go shopping in a mall." She rolls her eyes at his happy grin. "Well, they do have to fly home tomorrow on a commercial plane, with more stuff going home now than anticipated."
Leo leans back on the couch still looking at her, "Yeah, too bad I can't take them home in my plane, but it has only four seats and you won't let me fly back alone. Ben would love it, but I'll take them flying another time. Maybe sometime when Colin is working, the kids can come to visit. We'll fly down and kidnap them from Granny Wilson." The kids are grinning at Leo's future promise.
Margaret warns, "If they have to pay extra tomorrow for too much luggage going home, you're footing the bill, since it's your big and heavy gifts."
Leo banters back, "No problem getting all their gifts home. If needs be, we'll just get them booked onto a military cargo plane. Hey, if I thought of that sooner, I could have gotten them more stuff." At the kid's happy agreement and Margaret's mock threat to cheerfully choke him, he surrenders in laughter, but he's not the least bit sorry.
To save Leo, the kids hand Margaret a tubular gift from them and it's a giant size bottle on bubble bath in her favorite scent of raspberry. "Thanks, kids. You know my big weakness of loving to soak in a warm tub of bubbles."
They both grin at her thanks. "Granny Wilson took us to our local mall and we picked it out ourselves."
Leo leans close to Margaret and whispers in her ear, "I like you in bubbles. I'd love to help you with your bubble bath."
Margaret gives him a sly look, smiles and whispers back, "Hang in there, Leo. You might get lucky and join me in the bubbles." Leo grins and sighs at the happy vision that she's put in his head.
Katie reaches with a package, "Uncle Leo, here's one last gift for you."
Leo looks at the flat package with nothing else on the tag but his name. He flips it over to catch the back edge of the paper and flips it right side up, ripping the paper. He flips the lid off and moves the tissue paper aside and grins at what he finds. He glances at the kids and then sweeps to see Margaret looking boldly at him. He turns the tables on her, as this is obviously a tongue and cheek gift. With his finger he lifts out an ice blue satin teddy, trimmed in lace that is just Margaret's size. "This must have had the wrong tag on it. This …ahh nightie is not my size, but I do like the color." Leo grins smugly catching Colin's eye and receives a knowing look. The guys both know that the tag was not mistaken. The kids are still giggling at the mix-up, not realizing that Margaret really did buy Leo the Victoria Secret gift. He slides the box over onto her lap for the benefit of the kids in the room, but seeing that Colin is tactfully diverting the kid's attention he whispers to her. "When we leave on the first, I'll bring the new teddy and you can bring the bubble bath." She grins at his suggestion. She likes his way of thinking.
The kids now want to give the adults the gifts they made the day before at the party. Leo receives an apron for the kitchen with their handprints on them, blue handprints from Katie and red handprints from Ben. Also, they have for him a set each of oven mitts, potholders and dishtowels, one from each set, from each kid. He loves them and promises to display them in his kitchen for all to see.
They give a tote bag to Margaret and scarf, plus a framed handkerchief from each, for her to have displayed in the apartment. She knows that time will change them all from this moment and will treasure the handprints to remind her of this year.
Colin gets a t-shirt printed with, 'Love and hugs from Katie and Ben', over the heart area, with both their handprints wrapped around on the back, at the sides and the fingertips are nearly touching, with Katie's prints above Ben's, so their dad can take hugs from them with him everywhere and a ball hat with just their thumbprints all around a saying in the middle of 'Best Dad'. Plus, a framed handkerchief at home, their two hands from opposite corners with spread fingers tips interlaced.
They plan on taking Granny Wilson a tote bag, to use everyday as she runs around taking care of them.
Soon, they get done with the gifts that Colin sent ahead that were from Santa under the tree. Margaret pulls out from beside her the last two matching gifts for the kids that she just wrapped last night. The kids open them to find photo albums with all the pictures of them taken around the White House this week. A lot of "'Oh wow' and 'this is the best'" is echoed as the kids flip the pages. Colin looks at the two on the couch, getting bright eyed with amazement. He is so overwhelmed at how easily his kids were welcomed at the most important work place in America. He knows the kids don't grasp the significance of the albums, but he does.
The muffins are gone, and all the presents opened. Everyone settles back a moment to re-look over what they received, the kids are still explaining to their dad the events in the photos. Leo watches Margaret work with the features on her new Ipaq and notes the kids new toys and gadgets on the floor around them. "What did you two get in your stockings?" Leo asks knowing already, but he wants to hear how the kids like the gifts.
Katie pipes up, "I got a small cologne from Santa just like Aunt Margaret's and Ben's is like the cologne you wear. They smell great, and we can think of you when we wear them." She brightens, "We can wear them tonight at the big dinner." She's even more pleased and can add the bottle to her girly kit.
Ben adds what he found interesting. "We got nametags, Uncle Leo, but we don't need them now. Everyone knows our names at the White House." Ben is lost again in the logic.
"What do the tags say, Ben?" Leo plays along with Ben's puzzle.
Ben digs around in his new things and hold it up to show Leo, "They're gold medal with our names and under them is McGarry's crew."
"Ben, I told Santa you could use those. Those are flight nametags, so you can be my flight crew when we fly. I'm the pilot, and Margaret is my co pilot. You two get to be the flight crew for the back end of the plane. That'll be your area to take care of. I'll be busy flying the plane." He likes playing the game with the kids. He wants them to enjoy flying with him in the future. He looks over at Colin, "Maybe we better make sure that your dad is agreeable with you flying in my small plane. We might be jumping the gun here. He might want to wait till your older."
Colin meets the pleading looks of his kids, "No, its fine, Leo. I'm sure you're a fine pilot and the kids, I'm sure, will be good for you while in flight. They are great on commercial flights. How can I tell them no, when I fly around all the time? I try not to have two sets of rules with them, as long as the situation is safe."
Leo grins at the kids tackling their dad on the floor in thanks. "I guess that settles it. We have permission to take you flying the next chance we get to come and get you."
"Did you get anything else in your stockings?" He prompts.
Ben perks up, "Yeah, Santa left us computer games. I got Railroad tycoon3 and Katie's is Zoo tycoon. We get to build our own anyway we want, then save the program and come back to add to it anytime. I really like the Tycoon programs. Santa really knew what we'd like in our stockings. He's a smart man."
Colin agrees from under Katie, where she's still resting her head on her dad's chest.
*****
Soon, Margaret and Leo stir and get off the couch. Leo goes to the front door to order the car for ten till 10 am, and Margaret starts the cleaning up, before they go into shower. Colin stirs, then rises and volunteers to supervise the kids gathering up the used wrappings. He'll hold the giant black trash bag for them, before going for his own shower. He knows that the kids will be well occupied with their new toys, while the adult's shower. The kids can dress at the last minute when he's done.
In the Master bath, Leo sweeps Margaret into his arms, "Let me thank you again for my wonderful Christmas gifts, especially the last one." He spreads one hand wide on her back to support her, and his other hand cradles the back of her head, so he can fully kiss her in appreciation. When they come up for air, Margaret strokes his bare chest. "Leo, you're welcome and I plan on thanking you the full four days of our vacation for mine, maybe I'll start sooner."
Leo prompts, "How about real soon? We still need to shower."
"Margaret looks at him sadly, "Leo, it's after nine and we have to be at Josie's by ten. Sorry, but this morning we really need to take a fast shower."
Leo looks into her eyes with regret, "You're unfortunately, right. Josie will ring my neck if we're late. She likes schedules just as much as you do."
"Yeah, we have that in common. Now strip, Leo." Margaret orders, but her grin softens it.
"Anytime for you, Baby," Leo states in a sexy voice, as he drops his satin pants to puddle at his ankles.
"Leo, that's not helping," Margaret admonishes him, but grins at his cute backside, when he steps into the shower.
Leo has already soaped his body when Margaret joins him, after clipping up her hair to keep it dry. He rinses off his body and changes ends of the tub with her to give her a chance at the spray. He captures her in his arms against the wall and kisses her, pressing his wet body to hers.
"Leo, that's not helping either." She protests weakly.
"Sure it is. I'm just helping to get your body wet. Like here and here." He lowers his head to lick and kiss each of her nipples. He likes them wet best.
"Leo, I need to soap my body," she tries to curtail where he's taking them.
"I can help with that as well, my love." He takes the puff from her hand and squeezes body soap on it and starts to rub it around on her shoulders as the spray behind her starts to sweep the bubbles down her body. He loves to watch them race the length of her body. It's so fascinating and he continues to gently use circular caresses to lather her long arms and especially the front of her. Using long sweeping strokes when he moves down to bathe her legs.
Margaret is enjoying this as much as Leo is. She's now making short fast breaths at his attention to her body. ~How can he make me so aware of all of my skin at once? He can even make washing my ankles sensual. God, I love his hands.~ She grins when he circles the puff on her mound of curls. She moans and accommodates him when he slips his other hand in to fondle the bubbles between her legs. He has a satisfied smirk on his face when she begs, "Leo, we really have to stop. We can't do this now. We have to go." She moans with desire, sadly in contradiction to her words.
Leo teases her with his sexy rumble, "Have to go. I get the impression that you're really more focused on if one of us is coming or going." He chuckles deeply at his own pun.
She decides if he wants to play dirty, she can too. She wipes some of the bubbles from the front of her body and reaches for his manhood that is trying to rise to the occasion. She stokes him firmly and gets her own satisfied smile at his instant reaction to her touch. He doesn't have a hope in hell of winning this contest. She knows all the ways to please him and even though she's savoring his touches, she's going for the fast and furious. They're late. They're now leaning their heads on each other's shoulders to quickly pleasure each other in the shortest amount of time, like a couple of randy teenagers.
A pounding is heard at the bathroom door. Colin calls in, "Margaret? Sorry, but it's almost twenty till, the kids and I are ready and waiting to leave."
Margaret loudly gasps out, "OK, Colin. We hear you." The moment and momentum are immediately lost for the two in the shower. They have to stop now and dress.
They're certainly going to be late as it is, with a ten-minute drive to consider. Leo moans to her as he removes his hand and holds her by the hips, "We'll continue this later. This is going to kill us today, I can just tell." He kisses her as her breath returns to normal. He kisses her softly again then whispers, "Merry Christmas, Baby."
"Merry Christmas, Sweetie." She sighs and resigns herself to their fate today. She turns to rinse off and then steps out.
Leo quickly shampoos his hair and joins her to dry off. He needs to do a fast shave yet. Colin and Ben both follow Leo into the guestroom to help him finish dressing. Grabbing up the shaver, Leo answers Colin's question of what clothes he wants him to find for him. Ben is already putting toothpaste on the toothbrush for Leo. He then unscrews the lid off of the cologne, before going in to dive into the bottom of the closet to find Leo's causal shoes. This calls for teamwork.
On the other side of the apartment Katie is helping Margaret do the same. She keeps handing Margaret layers of clothing to put on, as fast as she can. Placing Margaret's shoes in front of her feet to step into, as soon as each leg is in her slacks. Margaret exits the closet to park herself quickly at her vanity and starts to apply a light amount of makeup, while Katie brushes her hair smooth. Katie grabs the necklace that her aunt hands her, before she carefully lifts her neat hair for Katie to fix the clasp. Last, Katie hands her the cologne and Margaret sprays it quickly on her wrists and then gives Katie a nice squirt on hers. Katie mimics her aunt in rubbing her wrists together and then they wipe them off on the sides of their necks, for a quick application. Margaret pops on a bangle bracelet and grabs Katie by they hand to rush to the living room.
The guys emerge from the other side simultaneously, all pleased at being ready at the designated time for the car. The two groups grin at the accomplishment, as they funnel toward the foyer. Coats are soon found, and everyone is grinning, as they help each other button and fasten. The stack of presents on the foyer desk is scooped up and distributed to all for transport to the car. They almost run over the agent, as they whisk out to the elevator. Ready to embrace the day's holiday activities.
*****
After getting back from brunch with Leo's sister Josie and her family, the family relaxes and munches on cookies. The kids are soon again lying under the tree, enjoying their Christmas toys; feet swinging in the air.
Josh and Donna drop in for a minute. Josh makes a strategic move and hides safely with the kids and their toys. He wishes the kids "Merry Christmas."
The kids wish him, "Happy Chanukah."
Donna finally admits to Leo for him, "Josh lost his cuff links and with it being Christmas day, Leo. What can I say? He needs to borrow a set, since he had only the one set."
Josh tries to sound confident, "Leo, you must have a few extra sets you're not using, you wear them everyday at work. I'm sure you'd be kind enough to help out a friend."
Leo teases Josh in front of the others and acts as if he's going for the borrowed pair, "We know Josh goes through them like peanuts, when he dresses formal that's why he has only one set at a time. From now on, Donna will have to be in charge of any I 'loan out', but I'm sure that I can find some old beat-up ones that won't matter if he loses them."
Josh is now sure that Leo's not going to growl at him for misplacing his links on Christmas and he stands to join Donna waiting.
Leo returns to the living room and then hands Josh a new black velvet box containing an expensive gold pair, with a nice sized diamond in the center of each. "Happy Chanukah, Josh. And don't lose this pair," he warns him.
"And this is for you, Donna. I've appreciated all you've done for Margaret and me this past year. It's more than most friends would have done and more than some should have to." ~I remember her sticking by and helping Margaret when the attackers tried to grab her at the mall.~ He hands her a burgundy velvet box.
She opens it slowly in disbelief. Inside is a beautiful dainty necklace. It's a white gold choker dotted with alternating spaced small diamonds and rubies, with a single dangle chain containing one diamond in middle and ends with a slightly larger ruby.
Leo grins softly, with his head tilted a little to the side, to the friend he discovered this year, "I hope to see you wear it tonight at the dinner and dance." He gives a teary-eyed Donna a kiss on the cheek, "Merry Christmas, Donna."
She hugs him in thanks, "Merry Christmas, Leo. I'm so glad to be a part of yours and Margaret's lives. It's not hard to help, when you do it for someone you care for and value." She pulls away and wipes the tears that threaten to spill from her eyes with one hand. She holds the velvet box close to her chest, letting him know she values the gift, because of the giver.
Her smile widens, as she reaches over and plucks Josh's velvet box from his hand, "I'll just take charge of that till you need them tonight, Joshua." She looks at Margaret with a satisfied smirk.
Leo looks at Josh's shocked and disappointed face at losing his gift so quickly and can't contain his wonderful deep chuckle.
Josh complains, "Wow, that was fast. I'm not sure I'll recognize them, when I see them again."
Donna gives him a peck on the cheek to console him, "You'll see them plenty tonight. If you don't lose them at the White House, then you can take them home tonight."
"What is this a trial run? Am I on probation?" Josh exclaims in mock protest, while grinning.
"Something like that Josh. We'll see how it goes." Donna teases him as usual.
Josh changes topics instead of admitting defeat, "Hey, Leo, for Chanukah, we get 8 gifts, one for each night. Does this mean that I get 7 more? Or maybe one really large one, Leo?"
"We'll see, Josh, and don't get your hopes up for my car. I'll let you borrow 'Beauty', not own her. You still have to find your own classic to restore." Leo advises, to get him off the notion of getting his '57 Buick special'.
Josh is energized. "Hey, Donna, lets go and get on the Internet and see if we can find me a classic car. What type of do you think will fit my personality?"
"Well, Josh, either a dune buggy or a dragster. Both are flashy, but not a lot of bulk underneath." Donna teases him, "All flash, Josh, all flash and speed."
The other adults laugh, as Donna drags a protesting Josh out the door with promises to meet them at the White House tonight.
****
When Josh and Donna leave, Colin ushers the kids into the guestroom to lie down for a small nap. They'll have nearly the same long day as the adults, with the Gus's sleep over.
Katie is snuggled on her side to look at her dad sitting on the edge of the bed. Ben and his bear are cuddled into her back, ready for the needed nap. Katie softly asks, "Dad, I remember you and Mom being all lovey with each other, like Aunt Margaret and Uncle Leo. I guess being with them this week, made me remember. I know that you and mom loved each other, because you showed it, like they do. Is that being in love, Dad?"
Colin gives her a soft sad smile, but so happy she remembers. He stokes her golden hair, "Yeah, Kitty, it really is and it is so wonderful. That's why they show it, just like your mom and I did. It's as natural as breathing. It's a way of living and sharing your lives together. Being in love is a precious thing between two people."
Ben questions without moving from his comfy spot, "Yeah, it's kinda nice that they're so lovey, even with us. I must have been too little when Mom was here, but you and Katie can tell me." He rubs his nose on his bear for comfort. "Dad, do you think that they'll get married? Katie thinks if they do that we'll get to come and see it."
Colin smiles sadly to himself at Ben honesty. It's reassuring to him that Ben is not upset and not remembering his mom much. He was only three when they lost her, but it's a shame that he'll not know first hand what a wonderful person his mom was. "Ben, I think that someday they'll get married, but they're so close to each other now that it's just as good as being married. I think it might be a good idea to include it in your nightly prayers, for God to bless them even more and have them enjoy the sacrament of marriage. I think I'll do the same in my prayers."
"Good idea, Dad. I'll start tonight, even if at Gus's sleepover," Ben yawns and shifts his face closer to his sister's head.
Colin drops a kiss on each soft brow, "I love you and I want you two to remember most that your mommy loved you so much and now she's in heaven watching over you. Like she's your guardian angel, looking out for her babies."
"I will, Dad," is answered in echo. Both add, "Love you," as sleep catches up with the two active kids this Christmas afternoon.
Moving out into the empty living room to the couch for a short nap of his own, Colin gets a little melancholy about Megan, as he closes his eyes to rest. He agrees with the kids, seeing Leo and Margaret sharing their love has resurfaced that longing within him, but he's resigned to it being God's will that Megan is no longer in his life and he's happy for Margaret and Leo. He sighs a prayer to God, to grant love to him again in his life.
*****
For their nap, Leo leads Margaret to the bed and she snuggles up to him. She lets a happy yawn slip out, but grins and willingly meets his lips as they naturally migrate to hers, whenever they get the opportunity. She runs her hands down his back and pulls his shirt tail up enough to slide under the band of his pants to stroke his jet. It's just a little comforting touch for them. Margaret loves knowing that it's under her fingertips, as she circles softly. She next likes to move over to the base of his spine and with a feather light touch; she caresses the dimples that are on either side. Margaret loves the slight shiver that this extracts from Leo, even when he's trying to concentrate on gently loving and caressing her breasts with his hands that are exploring inside the buttons of her shirt. Their lips have not stopped in their never-ending need to touch. She then runs her hand up to rub his back, drawing a moan from Leo. She uses her nails to gently scratch on his back and he nearly purrs at her hitting all the right spots. She might love a backrub, but she's discovered that Leo has a weakness of his own. He likes a light back scratching. She found that it definitely comes in handy for asking favors. He's so easy when being scratched. With their desire building all day for each other, they had hopes of now continuing their friskies from this morning, but the light touches and gentle caressing of each other's bodies have them so relaxed and after the short night, they silently agree and cuddle in slumber for a nap. What a wonderful way to spend Christmas afternoon.
*****
When the family has all risen from their short naps, Leo relents and goes in to let Ben and Katie load their Tycoon programs onto his computer. They also want to burn copies to leave here at the apartment for when they come and visit. Leo thinks he might like a try at Ben's railroad program. He'll leave it to Margaret to try Katie's zoo one.
In the kitchen Margaret reflects on the fact that tonight most of the people that Colin knows here in DC, as her new family, will be attending tonight as couples. She asks Colin when he enters, "Colley, are you OK at going stag to the dinner and dance tonight? I'm afraid that the rest of us that you know are in couples."
Colin asks, and states boldly with his hand spread across his chest. "What makes you think I'm going stag tonight? A big brawny man like myself doesn't need to be a third wheel."
Margaret asks in surprise, "What do you mean, Colley? You can't possibly know anyone well enough to ask as your companion for tonight. The only time you had to meet anyone was last night at the gathering and I've not heard a word about you asking anyone. The Sisterhood keeps up with these things." Margaret states with confidence.
"Well, Margie," Colin taunts, "the Sisterhood is slipping then, because I definitely have a 'date' for tonight. She's a wonderful woman, a sweet little thing. She thinks my kids are great, and I'm honored to escort her tonight."
Margaret pouts, "I can tell by your teasing tone, you're not going to tell me who she is, because of some kind of male ego thing, but answer me this. How are you going to pick up your 'date' without a car?" Margaret thinks she has him cornered into revealing who she is, so they can pick her up on the way.
"Don't have to. I'm meeting her at the White House," Colin smirks at the unhappy look on his sister's face at the non-information that she's gleamed from him.
Margaret knows that this is going to bug her the rest of the day here at the apartment. ~Damn, Colley can be so mysterious that he's found his own date and he knows it will make me crazy. It's time for a serious bubble bath. I need to think on this awhile.~
*****
The guys have been banned to the other side of the apartment for the day.
The tuxes for them are waiting in the guest room, hanging in the closet by sizes in a row.
Margaret has just started taking her bubble bath, when Katie brings her underclothes, crinoline slip, tights and shoes into Margaret's bedroom for when the girls get dressed later. Her formal dress is already hanging in Margaret's closet. Katie stops at the closed bathroom door and knocks for entrance. "Aunt Margaret, I laid my things on your bed. Can I come in and keep you company? How soon do we get ready?" She's in a hurry for a real girls afternoon. She's just been sitting with the guys and once in the bathroom, she's sitting on the close toilet, leaning back and swinging her feet. As they talk about the evening to come, Margaret has to keep craning her head around to look at Katie. When Katie comments on the wonderful smelling raspberry bubbles, Margaret invites her into the tub. It'll be fun and a lot easier for some girl talk. It's feasible for the bath, as Katie is small even though Margaret is tall, since they're sitting at opposite ends of the tub facing each other. This is a novelty that Katie has not enjoyed since her Mom died, and it's something that never happens with Granny Wilson.
*****
Going into the foyer after a knock, Leo looks through the peephole in the front door, before he opens it and grins when he unlocks and swings the door wide.
"Merry Christmas, Daddy." Mallory hands her Dad a garment bag and she still has a large tote bag in one hand and her purse in the other. She holds her arms out wide and they exchange hugs and a kiss.
"Merry Christmas, Baby." Leo puts his hand at the small of her back to escort her on into the apartment. "I see that you've come for the girl's afternoon of primping and powdering."
"I came to spend family time, Daddy." As she walks into living room she happily calls, " Merry Christmas, Colin." She looks to the guest room and sees Ben at the computer, "Ben, Merry Christmas."
She takes off her coat and Leo points out with a tease. "Mallory, Honey, you don't go out in
public like that, do you?"
Mallory grins and looks down at what she's wearing, she does look like a carefree teenager on a Saturday afternoon again, with a giant paint splattered t-shirt, from an art project, over ratty gray sweat pants and really worn sneakers. She even has her hair up in a ponytail.
"You better take this." He flips out his wallet and hands her a credit card. "Margaret and the Sisterhood better take you clothes shopping, if that's all you have to wear when you're not teaching at school." He teases her good-naturedly.
Mallory laughs in delight looking at the gold card, "Why Daddy, You make me feel like a teenager again, trying to weasel you out of the credit card for more clothes, just like the ones my friends have. I just might take you up on it."
"Yeah, you were happy to relieve me of it back then. Go ahead. Indulge yourself and have a shopping spree on your old man. Consider it a Christmas gift and max it out." Leo holds it slightly out to her and tilts his head, waiting with his breath held, but not wanting to show it.
Mallory grins and plucks the card from her Dad's hand. "I only wore these old comfy clothes for the primp and curl session. I never imagined that it was an easy way to get new clothes. I'll have to keep that in mind come spring."
Leo looks at her with a pleased crooked grin. He seldom gets her to use his money and he so wants her to enjoy it now, during his lifetime, while he can see it bring her joy. Leo knows she likes to be independent and to live simple. Teaching kids is her life. Only once in a while does she agree to attend the pomp and pageantry of the DC events of his world. It has to involve family or education for her to agree. Tonight, wonderfully is for the DC family he has gathered around him to enjoy.
Colin just grins, knowing that this is what he has coming from Katie in the future. He remembers Leo mentioned with disappointment that he has trouble with Mallory letting him spoil her, now that she's grown up. This is a unique moment with her accepting the card. Colin assumes that was why Leo was so quick to hand her a card, when he saw the opportunity.
Mallory moves to put the card in her purse, and asks, "Where are Margaret and Katie?"
Leo grins, "They're in the master bathroom. Margaret is having a bubble bath, and Katie is keeping her company for some girl talk."
Colin pipes up, "Yeah, Katie can't seem to get enough of the girly type stuff from her aunt. I need to get the kids here to visit more now."
Leo looks at Colin and replies sincerely, "I hope you do that, Colin. Margaret would be thrilled. She'd even settle for you to send them Federal Express." Leo states as a serious tease.
Mallory suggests, "Daddy, you and Margaret could fly to Baltimore and get the kids in your plane, it seats four. Speaking of flying, Dad. You know, you owe Margaret and me an afternoon of flying. That was last summer we talked about it, and now it's Christmas."
"I know, Baby, but I'll have to find out if the agent will fly along or how they'll want to deal with it. We'll go up one sunny Sunday real soon. I promise." He sees her pleased smile, and asks, "How was your morning?" He knew she spent Christmas morning with her mother and Jenny's current male friend.
"It was fine. Mom had her usual fancy Christmas breakfast with the china and sterling silver." Mallory gives a look of mild dislike for the formal meal so early in the day. She then mentions with a small and sincere smile, "Mom said to tell you and Margaret, Merry Christmas. I mentioned that Colin and the kids were visiting, and she hopes they're having a nice visit here in DC. I didn't get into details with her." At his nod of easy acceptance she asks changing the topic, "What time did you sleep in to, since you're on holiday today?"
Leo grins and admits, "The kids didn't do too badly. They made it to 8 am this morning, after finally going to sleep about 2 am, before they rousted everyone up to open presents. Then we went to Josie's at 10 am for brunch and home at about 1 pm. Everyone went down for a nap when we arrived home, with it being a long night tonight."
Mallory smiles at her dad actually sleeping during the day and tells about the balance of her morning. "At about 11 am, I went back to my apartment and put on some comfortable clothes." She grins and holds her arms out to display them again to her dad. "Sam dropped in at my apartment for a while and we snuggled up on the couch for a nap. He has some things to do now and will pick me up here later for the evening."
"Good plan," Leo agrees, knowing that it will work well for all of them. Sam and Mallory can follow his car to the White House.
Colin asks, after what Mallory just said, "Is it a McGarry thing to love camping out on a couch?"
Leo teases with his reply, "Well, I wouldn't know today. You staked a claim on it this afternoon for your nap quick enough."
"What can I say, Leo? It's a great couch, and the kids were napping in the guest bed." Colin points out to clarify. "You two still had your bed to nap in, so you weren't put out that much and I like a couch that I can actually fit on lying down."
"Guys, guys, it's just a couch," Mallory points out.
"It's a great couch," The say together.
Still grinning, Leo offers her a ham sandwich and baked beans to tide her over. " I'll get it while you talk to Colin about day schools for advanced kids. He's considering looking for one in his area."
"Thanks for ratting me out there, Leo." Colin grins at Leo.
"Daddy, did you warn Colin about my obsession with teaching?" Mallory gives her dad that look.
"I might have mentioned… that it was your campaign… or some other descriptive word… like, cause or crusade." Leo gestures out with a hand and tries to look innocent.
"Daddy." She grabs a large throw pillow off the end of the couch, and whacks her dad against his side with it. He grins, knowing it's coming. He hangs onto the pillow taking it away and swings it right back at her. She also catches it against her body. This is an old game to them.
Colin is laughing at Mallory for getting it dished right back to her.
"What are you laughing at, Mister?" She pops the throw pillow at him and he easily catches it and tucks it on the other side of him with the other pillow to remove her ammo. "See, Mallory, I win."
"You're as bad as the rest of the men around here." She declares looking at the grinning faces of the men.
Leo decides to make his exit, while he can. "I'm going to the kitchen, now that Colin is in charge of the pillows and you can torture him with details of educating his smart kids."
Her face lights up at the prospect. "Go get the sandwich, Dad. I'll keep Colin entertained."
Colin reassures Leo, "It's fine. I can defend myself, and I really want to know what I should be looking for and what to ask, when researching the options for a better school for the kids."
"I'll be right back. Colin you want another sandwich? It's been an hour since you ate. I'm just asking, because about now we'd have to feed Josh again."
Mallory nods her head in agreement to Colin about feeding Josh in a timely manner.
"Sure, thanks, Leo. That would be nice. We can eat and talk at the same time." He holds his hand out to Mallory, "Give me a pull, I think this couch is holding me captive."
She grins holding out her hand to help him, like her tiny weight will really do the job with his sturdy size, and helps haul him up. They move over to the table under the pass through to the kitchen, where Leo can hand them the sandwiches and at the same time join in the conversation. Leo joins them at the table with a slice of carrot cake. He's pleased at grabbing the opportunity to enjoy more of the homemade cake, since Margaret is occupied in the bath and won't growl at him for snacking again. The holidays are helping to put a little weight back on him, which Margaret has been pleased to see, since he moved into the apartment. She just prefers him to eat beneficial food and not so much with the sweets. Leo notices Colin eyeing his cake. He may have to fetch him a slice to grantee his silence, he'll just bring a slice for Mallory as well, and hook her into the conspiracy.
*****
The three finish their snack and the discussion on the different aspects and offerings for Colin to check into. Mallory makes one last point, "The better ones will insist on testing and interviewing the kids, to see where they excel and their interests."
"Thanks, Mal. I feel better prepared to judge the schools now. I promise to call you if I get in over my head with it." Colin assures her, after she insists on being kept in the loop. This is a new and exciting method of teaching that she's definitely interested in.
"Well, Daddy, I'm going to leave the clean up to you and go check on the girls to see what the time schedule is for the primping and powdering that we love to indulge in." She gives a satisfied sigh and then grins at the sound of two men groaning at her anticipating the girly afternoon.
She knocks on the bathroom door, after finding the bedroom empty upon entering at no response to her at the bedroom door. At Margaret's laughing request for who's there, Mallory assures her that it's her and she's alone.
"Come on in, Mallory. We're just a couple of prunes in here." Margaret calls out, while Katie giggles at her feet.
Mallory laughs when she enters to find that indeed they must be enjoying their bath. Margaret has indulged herself as usual for her bath and has wonderful candles burning on the counter, adding to the lovely scents from the bubbles in the tub. "What, no room for me, Katie?"
Katie giggles some more, "I don't think we can fit anymore in here. This tub is not 'that' big."
To add to the fun, Margaret raises her foot out of the bubbles, and wiggles her polished toes in front of Katie's face to show just how folded they are in the tub. "Actually, Mallory, we could use your help."
"What? Do I have to go ask Dad for a crowbar to get you two out of there?" Mallory teases.
Katie is soon going to be in danger of drowning in the bubbles, as she's getting weak from laughing. This is the greatest time she can remember, and the women are adding to her delight.
"Well, its time for Goldie Locks here to get shampooed. It would help greatly if you could hand me the shower wand to rinse her hair. Then if you'd get her out afterwards and dried off, it would let me have a chance to shave and I can finish by shampooing my hair in the shower." Margaret has it worked out, with a little help from her friend.
"Sure, that's what girlfriends do at a 'girls getting ready' party," Mallory informs Katie as she answers Margaret.
Margaret adds sincerely, "Thanks, Mallory. I'm glad you came early. The more the merrier for a girl's afternoon, as Katie has decreed it."
Once Katie has her hair rinsed, Mallory helps her to step out of the tub. On the way out, at Margaret request, the little girl flips the lever to drain the tub. Mallory hugs Katie with a fluffy towel and then rubs her dry before she chills. After getting her dried off, Mallory finally wraps her in the towel like a Hawaiian princess.
Margaret shaves now that she has the room, before she stands and pulls the curtain to start the shower and her shampoo.
Mallory parks Katie on the closed toilet seat to help blow dry her hair.
Katie talks over the sound of the dryer and the shower. "I'm so glad you came early to help me. It makes it a real girls afternoon."
When Margaret it finished and is dried off she wraps a towel around herself, just like Katie. "Mallory, while you finish Katie's hair, I'll go and plug in the curling rod. Then when you're done here, I can blow-dry mine, while you two go out to the vanity and start on curling her hair. Then I'll curl yours, before we pin it up."
Mallory smiles at Margaret's planning over the sound of the dryer. Margaret never changes and none of them would want her any other way. They love all her unique ways. "Sure, Margaret. I'd be happy to."
*****
Margaret rummages around in her vanity drawer where her jewelry box is, looking for her mother's hair combs that she plans on wearing tonight. She's still running around in her towel, with her hair puffed out from blow-drying it for volume, till she styles it later.
Mallory has the brainstorm to dress Katie in her underclothes and puffy slip, before she styles her hair. This way Katie will only have her dress to be careful putting on over her styled hair.
Margaret is still on the far side of the vanity deciding on jewelry to wear. Mallory is behind Katie using the curling rod on the little girl. Mallory is now barefoot to be comfortable and is swaying to the beat of the Christmas music coming from the Bose CD player on the nightstand, when someone knocks on the door.
Leo asks through the door, "Are you ladies decent? I'm having trouble with this thing and Margaret, you always know how to fix it."
Margaret sighs at Leo not making it one hour without needing help of some kind. She has him so spoiled. "Come in, Leo. You've got one minute."
The door swings open, and he replies, "This will just take a moment." He raises his hands in front of his face and snaps one and then a second Polaroid, before the female's shrieks and yells tell him that he's in trouble. He makes his getaway by running out to get the guys to save him. Leo joins the laughter in the living room from Ben, at the trick he played on the females in the middle of getting ready.
Mallory is the only one dressed to run out after him. Leo sees her coming and laughingly calls for Colin to get out here to stop Mallory from getting the photos. He can't be too loud at calling for help, or the agent would be instantly in the room. Ben is heroically protecting him, till Colin calls that he is coming to the rescue. Mallory takes one look at Colin advancing on her and retreats to the bedroom in defeat. She figures the guys have to win sometimes too.
It's just some friendly family fun, but he's not taking any chances. Leo stands in the middle of the guys, as they watch the photos develop.
*****
A little while later, a knock again sounds on the door, "It's Donna and yes we're back." When Margaret tells her to enter, Donna continues, "I forgot to pickup your rhinestone hairclip that you said I could borrow, when we were here before. We got Josh fed. I have his tux and shoes in the car. We're on our way to my place to get ready. At least this way he'll be on time, and I can tie his bowtie, before we get there instead of after he arrives." She exchanges a knowing look with the other two ladies in Josh's life.
Donna smiles at Katie in the mirror, as she sits on the end of the bed, while Margaret finds the needed hairclip among her jewelry drawer. "You're going to look so beautiful tonight, Katie. A real little Christmas princess." Katie grins with happiness at the compliment.
Mallory reveals, "You just missed the fun. We owe my dad a beating if we ever catch him alone tonight. He came in here and snapped two photos of us getting our hair ready and then ran back out for Colin and Ben to save him. I wasn't able to get the Polaroid's back with Colin guarding him."
"Oh no! He's been hanging around Josh too long or is that Josh has been with Leo too much?" Donna is giggling at Leo's bold fun.
Margaret states, "Doesn't matter! We owe him one, and paybacks are hell, even if he is going to take me on vacation on the first." Margaret lets the cat out of the bag on her Christmas gift.
"Oh, that sounds wonderful. Give me us the details." Donna wants the scoop.
Margaret has the ladies full attention now, "That's the bad part. I don't have any details. Leo arraigned it all for my Christmas gift. I only know that he rented us a bungalow on a small island with a beach. I really don't need much else in January."
Donna firmly recommends, "You got that right, Margaret." She sighs, "Sun, beach and a bungalow. Don't ask too many questions. Just pack your swimsuit and go."
Mallory has a shocked look on her face, "My father is going on vacation? Voluntarily? It's just the two of you? No staff, no President?"
Margaret confirms with a straight face, "Yes, your father, not an alien. And I asked that one already. Leo said I couldn't take the President along. Leo can be a real smartass when he tries. Sorry, Katie."
Katie shrugs it off grinning, some things are a given in a red hair family. Things slip.
Then they all start giggling at Margaret retelling Leo's dry wit comment.
Margaret decides now is a good time for some female sleuthing to solve the puzzle of Colin's date. "I need your help. Colin is escorting a female tonight." At the look of surprise from the ladies, when they take a moment to grasp the meaning of her statement, she confirms, "Yes, he has a date and won't tell. All I got out of him was that she will meet him at the White House, and she likes his kids." She waits for input from the others and smiles at Katie's grinning face at the fun of finding out her dad date for the night's events. She loves being included as one of them.
They first use their resources. "Katie, has your dad mentioned anything around you or did you notice him being especially sweet to any females last night?" Katie shakes her head and sadly shrugs her shoulders with her hands up at her sides.
"OK, no inside info. What next?" Margaret defers to the suggestions of the other and scans their faces, hopefully.
Donna jumps in a brainstorms for an idea, "It has to be one of the assistants at the gathering last night. He doesn't know anyone else in DC. Lets call a few of the Sisterhood and see if anyone has a clue."
The calls give them no useful info. This will now drive them all nuts, till this evening when they arrive at the dinner. They're all very curious to know.
*****
Leo and Colin are sitting on the couch, with Josh in his recliner, sneaking a peak at CNN on the pretext of checking the weather forecast for tonight, if the girls catch them. When the commercial is on, Colin goes in to see how Ben is doing on the computer and Josh asks, "When do Colin and the kids have to leave?"
Leo sighs, "Colin and kids are leaving tomorrow, Friday the 26th. They can leave from the White House, since we'll be working tomorrow morning. We'll take them to the airport in the limo again, to see them off. The kids loved riding in it when they arrived, and the President wants to do it again for them. After they board the plane, we'll be back at the White House."
"Why so quick? They might as well stay for the weekend." Josh is just pointing out what sounds logical to him.
"Well, this way they're home when Granny Wilson gets back on Saturday. They need to meet her flight when it comes in." Leo explains a little sadly, he knows that they are a little tight in the apartment, but he knows it will seem empty next week.
"To bad for Margaret and for you. She has been just glowing since they arrived. Maybe they can visit again. Easter break for the kids won't seem that far away. Time flies in the White House, as we both know." Josh tries to cheer Leo, but he knows that he hopes to tell Margaret the same thing. He'll try to do something nice for her tomorrow at work, to cheer her. It'll get easier for them to readjust to normal life, when the holidays are over, and they get back to running the country.
"Yeah and after working tomorrow, we should have the weekend to recuperate, before normal workday starts on Monday. We'll miss the kids. It'll be quiet around the apartment, after almost a week of them being here."
"Well, Leo, your big kids will probably cure you of being lonely." Josh teases a mock threat.
"Yeah, you probably will," Leo, agrees, with a smile at Josh.
Colin enters the room and sees Leo stretched out on the couch and Josh hanging over both sides of the recliner and decides since it's Leo's couch that he won't disturb him and steps over to Josh in the chair, "Looks like there's no where for me to park my bulk." He turns and winks at Leo to let him know that he needs not generously offer him part of the couch. "Hi, Josh. I think it's my turn for the chair. I'm older, and I get seniority." He grins at the slender man grinning back at him. The challenge has been given and accepted.
"No way, Bud. This is my chair. I staked a claim to it, before you arrived." Josh grips the arms, knowing he's going to get to defend his claim.
Colin grabs Josh under his knees and swings him around straight and pulls on him, trying to slide him down the footrest to the floor. He's making it look almost easy, but not quite. Even with Josh mightily trying to retain his seat and grip on the arms, it's a short struggle. The two are both making sounds of determination but mind full of the ladies in the next room. Josh soon has to give in and tumbles to the carpet.
Leo happily watches the merriment, but also steals a quick glance at the bedroom door.
With Josh now sitting vanquished on the floor, leaning back propped up on his arms, Leo decides now is a good time to let Josh know. "I need to get you prepped to cover for me till the late on the 5th. We're going on vacation."
Josh is shocked the same as Donna was earlier, but he's so happy that Leo's taking Margaret away for a much-needed break from DC.
"Anything you need, Leo. Anything." Josh assures him, as he gets up from the floor and sits at Leo's feet on the couch. He glances at a grinning Colin, like he could have sat there just as easy. He gets restless, "Donna! We better get moving if you're going to have time to do your girly stuff." He knows that Donna can't resist that kind of a tease, and he's not disappointed when she pops out the door with the hair clasp in her hand.
"We were talking, Josh," Donna reasons in reproach.
"About what? You're going to see each other in a short while at the White House and you girls were together last night. Don't you run out of things to say to each other?" Josh gives her a hard time just to make her nuts.
"No, Josh, we have to plan and scheme to stay ahead of you males. It takes time and teamwork, Josh." Donna exclaims as she puts her coat on.
"I think that's my cue to get us out of here and ready for tonight. When she gets pumped up on the Sisterhood, there's no safe way to live around her." He grins at her to see if his dig hit its mark. He snaps a glance back to the guys, "Leo, we've got to do better at sabotaging them."
Leo throws up his hands laughing, "You're on your own, messing with the Sisterhood. I plan on living a lot longer."
Josh chuckles and then exclaims, "Owww," when Donna pinches him in the side for his dig at the Sisterhood.
Donna shoves at him, "Here's your coat, Josh. You said it's time to leave, now be leaving. Bye, Leo, we'll see you tonight." Leo waves them away, as they continue to banter with each other on the way toward the door.
She quickly leans her head into the doorway to the guest room, as they pass by. "Bye, guys. See you tonight. Ben, you better be looking handsome tonight."
Ben grins at her remark and she hurries to join Josh at the door to leave.
****
While Margaret finishes applying her cosmetics, Katie now dressed in her burgundy velvet dress with a white satin collar and sash, is at her elbow. She turns to Katie and applies a very light dusting of blush on Katie fair skin, so she thinks she is using makeup. "You remember, young lady, that this is a treat, just because you're attending a formal holiday event at the White House."
"Thanks, Aunt Margaret, I know. I'm too young to wear makeup everyday, maybe by the fifth grade." Katie grins, she has some lip balm that's tinted pink she can use as lipstick, so she'll feel she's really using makeup.
Margaret rolls her eyes at the pixie grin on Katie's face, but she breaks into a matching grin. Katie giggles and runs to get the lip balm. ~Colin and Granny Wilson make choke me for getting her started wanting to use makeup out in public, but all little girls want to play makeup.~
Margaret gives up the chair at the vanity for Mallory to sit and apply her cosmetics. She looks so graceful in her long black slinky dress with spaghetti straps. She left her black lace stole tossed on the bed. Margaret quickly steps into her walk-in closet, to drop her towel and select lacey no-line panties and then step into her long half-slip. She learned years ago, when standing on the sidelines at formal events that it's not humorous to be backlit by mood lighting on the floor and have any doubt removed as how long are her legs. After sliding into her dress, she runs her hand down the length of the emerald green shimmering satin. Leo loves satin on her. He will also like the sweetheart neckline and that it's sleeveless, leaving her shoulders bare.
She leaves her closet to join the other two at the mirror, to put in her good diamond stud earrings. Katie pipes up while watching the two adult women put on their jewelry, "Aunt Margaret, can you take me to get my ears pierced while I'm here in DC? I want to wear earrings like you do. I 'am' eight years old now, you know. Some girls even get theirs done as babies." Katie gives her a sly look, hoping she can get her aunt to promise.
Margaret gives her a startled look at her request and seeing the impish look in her eye, she gives as soft chuckle in acknowledgement to her tactics, "Katie, Sugar, we both know that's your dad's call. I'm not getting in the middle of that one. I'd back you for most things, but he's not big on adding holes to one's body. I took the heat as a teenage from him for getting mine done." She pauses as Katie slumps her shoulder in defeat. Margaret then give her a spark of hope, "If he says you can get them pierced, then maybe we can go and have them done the next time you're here. That should give you and your dad time to talk about it."
*****
The guys have jockeyed for room in the guest bathroom. They make a comical sight, with Colin standing in back trying to wet shave between Ben on the stool that's beside Leo, who's using his electric shaver. All are trying to get a shot at using the mirror, because naturally, they waited till the last minute to get dressed in their monkey suits. Ben loves to hear them called that and his dad does a great ape mimic for him. Ben has more time, by not having to shave and he volunteers to put the paste on all three toothbrushes. Colin and Leo both thank him by applying a small amount of cologne to his baby smooth cheeks, since Ben could not decide which he liked best. Once out in the guestroom the tuxes are handed out to the appropriate males standing in their boxers, t-shirts and black dress socks. Good thing Leo hid the camera in the guestroom with them.
Colin stands a grinning Ben on the desk chair to turn him around to attach his white suspenders and satin bow tie. When all are dressed identically, Colin makes the joke, "We look like Pete and repeat, and little repeat."
"How about we settle for small, medium and large or is that huge?" Leo cranes his neck and looks straight up at Colin, since he's standing shoulder to shoulder to him. "Man, you look like a dark mountain in a black tux, Colin."
Colin straightens his tie and smoothes his hands down his lapels then winks at Ben. "Well, the women will love climb and conquer the mountain tonight." Colin grins with his playful banter like he's so handsome or something, like he does with Margaret, now that he feels like Leo is family.
Standing in front of the two men, Ben pipes up for the last laugh, "We look more like Mo, Larry and Curly." His dad has been raising him with proper TV viewing.
Leo grins at Ben and hugs him to his side and glances to Colin, "OK, Ben, I'll be Mo and your dad can be the big guy Curly."
They exit the room, all protesting the ranking order of them as the three stooges. Leo grabs the camera, knowing that Margaret will want a photo of her three men in tuxes. She'll want to remember Colin and Ben getting all spiffed up for the gala evening.
Looking handsome, like a tiny adult in his miniature tux, Ben is old enough to know what a big deal it's to attend an official function with the President. He is six going on sixteen.
Katie comes out of the master bedroom and cuts across the living room to the guestroom, now that the guys are out. She wants to add something to her overnight bag to the White House, since Ben gets to take his airplane. She sets the bag on the floor outside the guestroom for easy grabbing when it's time to leave.
Leo asks her, "Are you ladies about ready, Katie. Will I have to air out the bedroom from all the girly smells, before I can sleep in there tonight? Not that you'd care, since you get to sleep at the White House." He teases her as she puts her hands on her hips like he's in trouble for his remark. Leo saves himself with, "But you make a beautiful young lady in your velvet dress. You look almost grown up." He takes a step closer to her and leans toward her as he scrutinizes her face, "Is that make up I see on your face or are you blushing at my compliment."
Katie grins at the teasing, but places a finger to her lips, "Shhh, Uncle Leo, Dad will hear you." In her defense she adds, "Aunt Margaret said I could wear it tonight, because we're having dinner at the White House."
"Well, it makes you look wonderful and I have just the thing to make you even look more special." He glances toward Colin and Ben on the couch, "Why don't you wait in the bedroom with the other ladies and I'll be right in." Leo's acting like he's conspiring with her, but he really has planned on checking in on the ladies just as they're done.
*****
Leo arrives at the bedroom door and knocks for permission to enter, hesitant of his welcome, but he comes baring gifts. Leo loves to give jewelry. Leo knows his stones. Jewelry is his hobby.
Once he's allowed in, he enters slowly and just sticks his head in the door. "I come in peace. I left the camera in the living room, but I have something to give you."
Stepping to his daughter sitting at the vanity, he leans down and gives her a kiss and wishes her, "Merry Christmas." He slips his hand inside his jacket and hands her a light blue velvet box. Inside is a necklace of pink diamonds starting from a larger white diamond in the center of a V point, running almost fully up each side on a silver chain. It will look stunning with her black dress.
Mallory whispers to her dad, as she lifts the necklace from its satin nest, "Thank you, Daddy, they're wonderful. Would you?" She requests his assistance in hooking the clasp for her, as she lays the necklace to her neck. She gazes at her reflection in the mirror and at her dad, as he bends to comply. He rests his hand on her shoulder to signal when he's done, and she places her hand atop his, smiling at him in the mirror. He nods and gives her a small squeeze. Silently they have said it all. He drops a quick kiss to the top her head.
Next, Leo crouches down in front of Katie and wiggles his finger for her to move closer and then taps his cheek to signal for a kiss. She's delighted and happily gives him the requested kiss. Leo thinks she's old enough now for real jewelry and hands her a tiny pink velvet box. Her eyes are shining with happiness at the gift, before she even opens it. Carefully she lifts the lid to find a necklace just her size. It's a gold chain with a small cross of tiny diamonds. Katie fingers the cross and watches the diamonds sparkle in the light. "Pixie, the diamonds are so that you'll remember the lights from last night at your first midnight mass."
"Oh, it's beautiful. Thank you so much. I will remember last night and going there with all my family, Uncle Leo." She reaches to hug him with joy.
"Turn around and let me do the honors for a beautiful young lady." Leo instructs, as Margaret removes the necklace from the box for her.
Katie is glowing at being treated like she a grown up, with a gentleman helping her with her necklace.
Mallory knows that her dad will have another velvet box in his jacket and suggests to Katie, holding out her hand to her, "Lets go to the living room and show your dad and Ben. Sam will be here soon, and he can give us his opinion of our lovely necklaces, as well." She wants to give some time alone to her dad and Margaret.
Leo is glad Mallory is letting them have a moment alone, so he can give Margaret her gift. He moves to stand in from of her and just pauses a minute to admire the wonderful sight she makes, "Have I told you today just how beautiful you really are to me?" He slides his hands around her slim waist and gently closes the space between them for a tender kiss and steps slightly back "Margaret, when the jeweler crafted this he must have had you in mind and it was just waiting for me to discover it, when I was looking for the perfect piece to add to your beauty." He pulls out a larger black velvet box and offers it to her.
Margaret has tears shining in her eyes and her fingertips to her lips at his loving sentiment. Her hands are shaking, as she takes the box, and he helps her to open it. She sees nestled on the satin lining a necklace that makes her forget to breath. It is exquisite. It starts with a tear drop emerald stone at center point, flanked by a short row of diamonds and every fourth stone an emerald for two set to the side, to then connect to a smaller tear drop emerald, bowing the necklace out to shape a sweetheart design and then the pattern of diamonds and emeralds repeat up both sides till the end at the clasp. The shape of the necklace wonderfully repeats the line of her dress neckline.
He moves her in front of the vanity and seats her on the chair, "Margaret, was it fate for this to be made with emeralds? With the pattern and shape matching so well? Just sitting in the store the day the President and I arrived to shop? This was meant for you." While asking he was removing the necklace from its bed and he moves behind her to fasten it around her neck. He looks over her shoulder to catch her eye in the reflection and drops a tender kiss her neck, just against the necklace.
She stands and turns to give him a hug and a passionate kiss in thanks. His eyes drop to the necklace she's now wearing. "I love where the emerald has settled." ~A sweetheart neckline is my favorite style. It's so tempting to me.~ He runs a finger along the neckline to her cleavage. Softly smiling, he watches it dip around the center emerald and then trace up the other side.
She also watches Leo's tender loving touch. Margaret swallows and finds her voice. "Oh, Leo, it's too beautiful for words. I love it and I love you so."
He smiles his soft crooked smile at her happiness. ~She'll get used to me lavishing her with jewels. I have to give her more. Her creamy skin is the ultimate contrast to the rich sparkling jewels. I love her so and it makes me happy.~
*****
Out in the living room, Sam arrives and he sounds serious as he gently teases Ben about how the other guys are wearing the same tux as he is. "Ben, how can I make a fashion statement for GQ magazine if everyone copies off me. You look so dashingly handsome in your tux, and you are a single male and smart too. You'll make the cover, before I ever make it to the cover. I don't have a chance." Ben is happily grinning at Sam's teasing compliment.
Turning to the ladies in the room Sam continues to compliment, "Now the women here are so beautiful and brilliantly bedecked in jewels, that I may need to shield my eyes tonight to keep from going blind." Katie giggles at Sam's elaborate compliment to Mallory and her with their new jewels.
Leo and a happy Margaret enter the room to join the others. Mallory sighs at the sight of Margaret's new necklace. "Daddy, you have outdone yourself with her necklace. That is absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you, my Dear, only the best for my Margaret. It's just to enhance her wonderful beauty." He loves the charming blush his honest opinion given to the others brings to her cheeks. "I think we need a few quick family photos as mementos of you beautiful ladies and us handsome men, before we leave for the evenings festivities."
Soon, the photo session is completed, and they're donning coats and wraps to descend into the waiting cars. Colin takes the front seat in Leo's car, making a tight squeeze between the driver and the agent for the short ride, so Margaret can sit with Leo and the kids in the back.
On the way, Katie takes Leo's hand. "I feel just like a princess going to the ball."
Leo glances out the window and nods, "Cinderella, there's the prince's, palace."
Margaret sitting on the other side of the seat, grins at his helping Katie with her dream.
Katie and Ben both marvel at the sight of the White House all alight on a crisp Christmas night, as they arrive.
*****
Continues in the final part 5B
This posted on 03-14-04
Thanks for reading
