19. It's All In The Cards (Anyone for Solitaire...?)

Monday, April 28

Kim quietly awoke to a bird singing outside the bedroom window. She raised slightly, peeking at the alarm.

7:13 AM.

She breathed a small sigh of relief that it would be over an hour before the alarm would splinter the placid setting of the apartment. Kim had come to savor the mornings when she woke before William. She would spend the time either cooking him a flavorful breakfast, bouncing around in email or the Web - or just lying there next to him, watching him as he slept and quietly thinking about how lucky she was as she basked in the closeness of his warmth.

Kim softly rose from the bed and padded to the window to look at the cardinal perched on a branch just outside the window. The morning sun was just starting to cast light on the window directly, preparing to greet the room with another sunny spring day. Kim moved to the side of the window, and brushed back the curtain with her fingers, closing her eyes for a moment and taking in the sun's warmth. She turned and looked back at the still-sleeping William, then back to the sun. Not even close, she thought, letting the curtain slip from her fingers.

It had been nearly five months since the night Kim walked through William's mirror - more than three months longer than any other Cross had ever lasted - a record that caused her to be the talk of the entire Celler community. Even the Cross Agents remarked on the longevity. Not everyone had expressed their approval or shared in the mood, however. Ron had told Kim in an email how Bonnie was continually skeptical, often saying with jealous confidence that Kim was "living on borrowed Flesher time" - and that she was "waiting for the day Kim would crash and burn." Kim merely dismissed the displays from the mean-spirited cheerleader for the open jealousy they were, and she continued to celebrate each day that she awoke next to the man she had dared to open her heart to.

Kim walked softly back to the bed, looking at William...the peaceful expression on his face as he slept - and she went back to that night when they professed their feelings for each other. The night which set another precedent among Crosses - the first time a Celler had developed romantic feelings for a Flesher. It was the first time a Celler had ever kissed a Flesher or vice versa, let alone any other form of passionate physical contact between the two worlds.

Kim remembered walking on eggshells for the first week or so, worrying that she might do something to give William second thoughts about cultivating the relationship. She would be almost continually asking if he needed anything, and jumping at the first hint that he was about to do some task or chore, nearly waiting on him hand and foot. She then remembered the night William just said to her out of the blue that she didn't have to spend her time going out of her way to "kiss up to" or please him. He had sensed her trepidation and told her that, to him, for her to be there at all was miracle enough in itself...and that what he wanted most was for her to be a part of, rather than a slave to, his life...that this wasn't a "probationary period," where she might be sent back if she didn't see to his every whim.

William then told her that she was just as much there as he was - that he was taking every step she was in this new adventure - and that they should take each step as it comes - together. When he said that, she felt as if he had lowered her into a warm spring and washed away any of the initial fears she had about William regretting this decision.

Kim thought about when they discussed the night, which they came to refer to as "The Awakening" - and how William was without response for just that moment when she revealed her feelings before he did. He was sure that if anyone was to make such an admission it was him, and he had been working up to it when she blindsided him with her own confession.

Kim's reminiscence stuttered as the phone rang. She quickly picked it up, turning away so as not to disturb William. "Hello?" she said in a subdued voice.

"Hello?" the voice at the other end said. "Is this Kim? Good morning, it's David Morris. How are you?"

"Good morning David," Kim returned. "I'm fine," she said rather warmly, looking back to the bed.

"Did I wake you?"

"No, I got up a little while ago."

"Oh...good. Listen, I know it's a little early, but is William up yet? I need to discuss something with him."

Kim looked down, smiling. "Nooo, but I can change that if you'll hang on juuust a minute."

"Sure," said David.

Kim set the phone down on the bed and leaned over William, pressing her lips to hers. William stirred, then instinctively brought his arm up around her waist.

"Mmmm," he said in a seductive morning voice. "It's my favorite alarm."

Kim giggled. "Good morning to you too...you have a phone call."

Kim sat on the edge of the bed as William rose, his arm still around her. He picked up the phone. "Hello...hey David...no, not that early..." He looked at Kim. "I wish," he said softly. Her eyes widened a bit, and she slapped his knee lightly. "What's going on?" William continued. "Oh? 9:30...you got it...see you then." He clicked the "talk" button and tossed the phone to the bed, placing his other arm around Kim for another morning greeting.

"They want you in early?" she asked.

"Yeah," replied William. "Some sort of meeting."

"Nothing serious, I hope."

"I'm not quite sure," said William. "The last thing David said was to wear a suit - a good one." Kim looked a bit to the side for a moment. William added, "I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think they ask a person to wear a suit to a firing. If they were going to can me, they wouldn't care if I went in wearing what I am now."

Kim had to giggle at this, as William only had on a pair of hospital "scrub" pants as pajamas. "I hope you wouldn't be going much of anywhere dressed like that," she said, noting his bare chest. She then raised an eyebrow. "What was the 'I wish' thing?"

William snickered. "Oh, that," he said slyly. "David asked me if you wake me up every morning like that."

Kim blushed. "I'm not sure I want to think about what David thinks of me."

"David's single and lonely," laughed William. "Maybe you should write down Bonnie's number for me to give to him." They both laughed. "Besides," he added, "it couldn't compare to what I think of you." Kim slid into his embrace, kissing him softly. William punctuated the kiss with a soft moan against her lips. "And now," said William as they slid apart a bit, "I have to hit the shower." He cupped her chin in his hand, brushing his thumb over her silken lips, adding, "Alarm Girl," with a chuckle. He slid from the bed and started for the bathroom. "You can go back to sleep if you want," he said.

Kim slowly reclined onto the bed, extending her arms over her head in a stretch, then sliding them along the covers, turning her head to the side. She thought again about how lucky she was, and began again to recount her blessings as she drifted back to sleep.

8:46 AM.
The next time Kim opened her eyes, she turned and looked at William straightening his tie in a corner of the mirror. He was dressed in a smart slate-grey suit with a white shirt. A beige topcoat was laid out at the end of the bed.

William was adjusting his cufflinks when he heard a soft wolf whistle behind him. He turned to Kim, who was lying on her side with her arm propping her head up. "Now I almost wish you weren't going," she grinned, looking him over. "How long do you think you'll be?"

"I have no way of knowing," William replied. "Depends on what they want me for. The only thing I can think of is having to do with the live voice line thing they're finally getting around to setting up. They might have a rep there from the phone company."

Kim's face widened into a playful smile. "Doesn't sound near as fun as what I'd want you for."

William walked to the bed and took her hands, pulling her to stand in front of him. "And just what might that be, Miss Possible?" he asked, slowly bending until their foreheads touched.

Kim drifted her fingers over the lapels of his jacket. "Warmth..." she said, moving her fingers to his tie, "Comfort..." she held the flat of his tie with one hand, giving the knot the slightest tug of mock adjustment, "Understanding...strength..." she tucked his tie into his jacket, "the love only you can give...and the occasional backgammon target." she giggled at the last, patting her hand flat against the breast of his jacket.

She then undid the button of his jacket and slid her hands around his waist. "Is there anything you might want me for....Mr. Hodge?" she asked.

"Will you still be here when I get back?"

"Yes..."

"Will you still love me, as much as you just said?"

"Unquestionably," she said. "Maybe even a little more."

"Then I have everything I could want," said William, brushing his fingers along her cheek.

Kim searched his eyes as her face spread into a warm smile.

"Oh - one more thing--" added William. "--a kiss goodbye."

She moved her arms over his shoulders, hands hanging at his neck, and moaned softly against his lips. "Yes, Mr. Hodge," she purred. "Please try to hurry back."

William slowly slid from Kim's embrace and reached for his topcoat. "If it's like I said, it shouldn't last long. If I'm not home by lunch, I'll give you a call. Hey, how about one of your fantastic salads for lunch?"

"Mmm, sounds good," she said. "Don't get too bored." she quipped as William opened the front door.

He took one step across the door sill and stopped for a second. "I'm already bored," he smiled back, and stepped out.

Kim laughed softly; then sighed, still smiling, and went to start a shower.

9:26 AM.
William pushed open the large glass door leading to the Claims and Reconciliation Department and walked inside.

Dawn, the receptionist, immediately perked to his presence. "Good Morning, William. Isn't that weather great?"

"Morning Dawn," he replied, trying not to chuckle from the inside joke of greeting the slender Indonesian girl. "It's beautiful out." He continued down the hall, exchanging greetings along the way to David Morris's office.

People had watched William morph at the office over the months since early December. It was like he had awakened from an intersocial coma - he smiled a lot, he talked with people, knowing most of them by name. There were now fewer people in the office, yet productivity was up. Many people signed onto the telecommuting program when it opened after William's putting the system to an unintended test months ago.

"Hey William," called David Morris, coming from the break room with coffee. David was in his late 20's, about four inches shorter than William, with sandy blond hair that looked as if he put it on like a helmet in the mornings - never a hair out of place. David was an opportunist; always looking for that "angle" to give himself a pat on the back. "I'm glad I ran into you here," he said. "We're waiting in the conference room."

David always succeeded in keeping William just the slightest bit off-balance when it came to knowing where he stood with him; he kept much of his attitude from when he was in Sales - that "player's face." They had kept the schedule set with William coming to the office on a weekly basis to keep up with changes, but David had gotten quite good at coming up with some menial task or other pittance that he could have handled himself, but talked William into staying at least an hour longer than he had to. William was sure that these little things would put them on a sure collision course if he had to interact with David on a daily basis.

"So what's up this morning?" William asked, trying to probe as they walked down the hallway to the conference room.

"Sorry William," David replied. "You're a mushroom until we hit that door."

Yep, David, I'm a mushroom, William thought...and it's a shame that we mushrooms don't grow well under the brand of BS you shovel.

They arrived at the tall doors to the conference room. David motioned William to go in first. What greeted him stopped him in his tracks for a moment. He was preparing himself for a few suits from Admin, and maybe some people from the phone company.

Seated at the large burlwood table - were the six members of the Board of Regents.

William then felt a firm slap on his shoulder. "Look who I found," exclaimed David. William had no choice but to advance into the room as he felt David kneading the base of his neck.

Marcy Alvarez stood and pulled out the chair next to her for William to sit. "William, how are you," she said in a warm voice, extending her hand. "I haven't seen you for the longest time." The Monday that William came to David's office to sign the paperwork allowing him to work from home, Marcy stopped by while he was there. After confronting him about missing him at her party, she found out that he received no invitation. A quick check revealed a mix-up at the printers. She profusely apologized, telling him that, without his work in the department, she might not have advanced into her current position with the company.

As Marcy swept her arm to each member, they stood and shook William's hand. "William Hodge, I want you to meet Andrea Simmons...Don Fitzgerald...Cheryl Carter...Drake Howard...and the Chairman of the Board of Regents, Michael Hawkins." They all took a seat.

Marcy turned to him. "William," she said, "this meeting was called to discuss your future here at Meridian."

William started thinking about how quickly he would have to formulate a resume to send to his next potential employer.

Michael Hawkins opened a rather thick folder in front of him. "You've been with us about two years, is that right?"

"Two years next month, Sir."

Michael raised his hand a little at William. "It's Michael...please," he said, then continued. "As I'm sure you're aware, Meridian is one of the fastest-growing insurance companies in the country. We've always strived to be the cutting edge of insurance processing - the industry standard that other companies can be measured by. And to continue to grow at that rate, the company has remained in a dynamic state, always ready to change to meet those demands." He then motioned his hand to Cheryl.

"In keeping with that dynamic state, we are preparing to take the next step in those changes," she said, opening a folder of her own. "We're ready for a major restructuring of several departments." She looked into the folder for a moment. "Your work here has been notable--"

Skip the ceremony, thought William. Just say 'Your services are no longer required', and give me a second to put together a parting speech that will let me retain at least part of my dignity.

"--as Marcy here has brought to our attention," Cheryl continued. "Having worked with you in Claims and Rec, she knows first hand of your skills." She closed the folder and opened her attache case, pulling out a folder and sliding it across the table to William. He opened it to several papers with two columns, 'Present' and 'Projected'. He looked through them as Michael spoke again.

"What we're looking at, basically, is a consolidation of Claims and Rec, Fulfillment, Customer Service and Customer Finance - a streamlining, if you will, into a large coordinated department which will be known simply as Processing. Marcy has pointed out to us your organizational ability within Claims and Rec, especially with the way you present daily production reports to Los Angeles...and with her recommendation, we are confident that you would fulfill our needs in overseeing the formation and integration of this venture - and then heading the department once it is established."

Cheryl continued as Marcy started scribbling on a notepad. "There are still a lot of bumps to smooth over and a lot of details to work out," she said. "We want you to be on the inside with the development of the restructuring schedule. Marcy has had a lot of good things to say about you, and even other people within your department have remarked on how easy you are to work with and relate to - and that's a major point - being able to 'talk to the people' in a language they can understand, instead of being intimidated by a bunch of mucky-muck double-speak." She swept her hand to the rest of the Board who laughed softly, knowing the classic rift between Management, and the rank and file.

"We've worked up an offer package," said Marcy, folding the piece of paper she was writing on and handing it to William between two fingers, "This is, of course, a tentative base, and could expand, depending on how seamlessly the new department takes off."

William opened the paper, and felt his mouth go dry. The "base" was nearly four times his present salary. There were other benefits listed, including use of a company car and an option for stock. William looked up from the paper. There were six pairs of eyes on him...waiting.

"We want to announce the restructuring in July, and start the process on August 1st," said Cheryl. "Our goal is to break the bottle of champagne over the bow of the new department around the first of the year."

William could swear he felt a tumbleweed roll across his tongue as he reached for the water pitcher.

Marcy added, "David will be moving to Meridian West about the middle of May, to head the Sales department out of Denver. He'll help to get you settled in as the head of Claims and Rec in the interim. We'll announce that change on May 1st."

That was the clincher for William. No more mushroom potter shoveling at him. He looked over the faces trained on him - and turned to shake Marcy's hand firmly. The other Board members rose to do the same. "Welcome aboard," said Michael, shaking William's hand warmly with both of his. "From everything I've heard about you, I think this train will be right on time."

William was developing an affinity for trains - every one he boarded recently offered him exciting and rewarding destinations.

Michael shook William's hand again as everyone left the conference room. "There are some papers for you to sign after lunch," he said, and turned to disappear down the hall.

Marcy turned and gave William a light hug. "I know this is a lot to hit you with all at once," she said, "but when they asked me for suggestions on who to head the project...out of all the people in the department, your name was the only one that stood out." She smiled at him. "Of course, I can offer any help and support you might need...but I think you're the right one for this, and I'm all behind you."

"Thanks, Marcy," replied William, still a bit overwhelmed. "That means a lot to me."

They started walking down the hall. "We've got a little time to kill before they come back down with the paperwork," said Marcy. "Do you have any plans for lunch?"

"Ummm," stammered William, "I...need to make a call..."

"You can use my cell," said Marcy, reaching into her pocket.

William had to snicker, remembering the "celler phone" pun he made to Kim the other day. He dialed his house as he and Marcy walked in the parking garage toward her car.

10:48 AM.
Kim picked up the phone. "Good morning, William Hodge residence."

"Wow," William chuckled, "that guy has the same name as me!"

Kim giggled. "Hiiiiii," she purred. "Still in the meeting?"

"Kind of. They're taking me to lunch...there will be more to do after that."

"Lunch? Oooo...guess I should hold your salad," Kim said. "Did you get an award or something?"

"You could say that," William said, smiling broadly. He then stopped. "Hang on a sec," he said. He cupped the phone and turned to Marcy. "Help and support?" he asked.

"Whatever you need, William," replied Marcy.

"Thank you...that request may come a lot sooner than you expect," he said, turning back to the phone. "Kim, I'm...going to be a little late tonight...not too bad."

"Sounds like quite a meeting," remarked Kim.

"Yeah. I'll tell you about it when I get home. Oh, and, I'm bringing dinner home, so we can give the kitchen the night off," he chuckled. "How does lobster sound?"

Even Marcy heard it through the phone as she was unlocking the car. "LOBSTER!??" shrieked Kim. "You know I'm all about seafood!"

"It's a date," said William.

"William?" Kim laughed softly. "I don't care if you're in a room full of people - I'm putting you on the spot." She then cuddled into the phone, "I love you, William," then giggled again.

William broke into a wide smile. "So not spot," he replied. "I love you, Kim." He then folded the phone and handed it to Marcy as he got into the car. He remembered what Cheryl had said at the meeting - 'Marcy has had a lot of good things to say about you, and even other people within your department have remarked on how easy you are to work with and relate to' - and realized that he had indeed undergone a change in how he presented himself and how he talked with people. It was such a contrast to the close-to-the-vest demeanor he kept until after that night when the warm light burst from his mirror - and into his life. He had made quite a few changes - all for the better - and he had Kim - and Angelica - to thank for all of them.

"Williammmm," said Marcy, nudging his arm and grinning. "David had told me a couple of times that you had someone in your life." She patted his arm. "You deserve it. I always said you just needed someone in your life...and from how you act now, compared with just a few months ago, I'd say I was right. Her name's Kim, did you say?"

"Yeah..." said William, drawing that out a bit. He had no idea of the dreamy look coming over his face.

"I'm glad for you...looks like she makes you happy," she said, turning the key.

"You...have no earthly idea," William smiled, pulling the door closed.

6:04 PM.
Marcy's gold Honda Accord pulled up in front of William's apartment, and he got out, holding a folder and a large foil-covered plate.

"If I don't see you before the First, congratulations again, William," Marcy said.

"Well, thank you for recommending me so highly," replied William. "I'll try not to let you down."

"The thought never even entered my mind," she smiled. He edged the door closed with his elbow, and she pulled into the evening traffic.

William fumbled with the key, finally bumping the door open with his knee. Most of the lights in the apartment were off, and soft music was coming from the stereo. "Kim?" he called. He then noticed a soft glow moving in the bedroom. "Kim? Is that you?"

Kim appeared in the doorway of the bedroom. Her face was highlighted by the candle, which she had set on a small saucer, and her eyes flickered with the dance of the flame. She started down the hallway slowly, smiling and cupping her hand in front of the light. The vision took William back immediately to the night they gave their hearts to each other. "Good news deserves a candlelit dinner," said Kim in a soft voice. She set the candle on the small table in the kitchen, then greeted William just inside the living room.

"We're going to need more candles one day," he said, setting the plate and the folder on the breakfast nook, then slipping his arms around Kim's waist, "because my good news always seems to start the moment I walk in the door."

"Awwwww-mmm," Kim cooed, the last as they embraced and kissed. "Why Mr. Hodge...one would think you were trying to butter me up with that flattery."

"Nope," he replied. "The butter is for the lobster. The nice words are for you." he smiled warmly. "Now...let's eat this while it's hot, or we'll both be crabs the rest of the night after eating cold lobster."

Kim gave him another kiss, then sat at the table, centering the candle while William took two plates from the cupboard, placing a succulent lobster tail on each, and a steaming foil-wrapped baked potato. He split the butter sauce between the two meals, and set them on the table, then getting sour cream from the fridge.

William sat down to a rather sustained moan from Kim. "I just couldn't wait for you," she smiled, digging the small fork into her shellfish for another bite.

"It's that good?" he asked, taking a bite. "Mmmm, yes it is," he said. "This comes from D'Angelo's, down on 14th. I've never eaten there, but I heard a lot of good things. I'm glad they were true." He then took another bite. "You said good news deserves a candlelit dinner...well, a candlelit dinner deserves good company...but I had that before I even picked up the food."

"Awwww," Kim said. She then put down her fork and crossed her hands under her chin. "News - yes...your news," she said, listening with interest.

"Well," began William, "I found out they're going to be merging all the departments into one big one, starting in August. It should be good for the company and the employees."

"Wow," said Kim. "So why were you called to the meeting?"

"Remember I told you about Marcy? My former boss?" he said. She nodded. "Well...seems that Marcy suggested I be the one to oversee the project to bring the departments together."

Kim's eyes got very wide. "William, that's wonderful!" she said. "Maybe you should learn who's going to be the head of the new department. Think David will get it?"

William laughed. "Nooooo, I don't think so. David is being transferred to Denver."

"Oh!" Kim giggled. "Well, maybe you can get Marcy to tell you who they're thinking about. Might be an inside track on your career somewhere? I mean, with the way you helped Marcy and all..."

William tried to stop himself from laughing. "I'm already way ahead of you. I already know who it is."

"Know him at all?"

"Very well," said William, taking a bite of his potato.

"Maybe you can arrange a dinner with him some night, and get in good with him."

William looked at Kim slyly. "Heh. You already are."

Kim's jaw dropped - then she erupted from the chair, throwing her arms around him. "No-WAY," she exclaimed. "William, that's fantastic! Marcy recommended you for this? She remembered your ability! Oh baby, I'm so proud of you!" She peppered his cheek with kisses, ending with a long kiss on the mouth.

"You should be proud," William said as they parted lips. "I have you to thank for it."

Kim looked at him quizzically. "What...I didn't have anything to do with it," she said. "Marcy was the one who--"

"--who recommended me for the position," he finished. "But without you, it wouldn't have happened."

Kim motioned William to turn his seat so she could sit on his lap. "I'm...I'm not sure I understand," she said.

William fixed his gaze into Kim's eyes. "Kim," he started, "Both Marcy and several other people at work have noticed a...change in me in the last few months. They've said I'm...more friendly, more open...more...alive...than they've seen me in the whole time I've worked there. I've even noticed it myself, compared to the way I used to be. Some people have said it's like I've awakened from a deep sleep or something. Remember, Kim? The 'Awakening'?" Kim nodded.

William continued. "You've awakened me, Kim...just by being here. Ever since the night you came through my mirror, out of that blinding light...and into my life. Remember when you told me I was your light, Kim?" She nodded again. "You've been my light, too. You show me that light every time you walk into a room...every time you look at me...every time you tell me you love me. You have breathed that light into every part of me...and I've been aglow with it ever since."

"William..." said Kim, "you are just too sweet--" She was cut short, choking back a sob. "--and I do love you."

"Do you remember at first, when you wanted to do everything to please me?" She nodded again, slowly. "Do you remember when I said that you didn't have to? That we were taking these steps together?" Another nod.

"Kim...when you first came through my mirror...I called you a miracle. I've come to learn that's not entirely true...you are more than that. You are a gift, Kim. You've been a gift of life to me...by bringing me the gift of your life. You've been a gift of love to me...by showing me the gift of your love. And by doing all these things, you've changed me - and other people have seen that change..."

Kim softly caressed William's cheek as he spoke. William brought his own hand to do the same along Kim's jawline. "When you look at me...your smile is my sunrise...when you kiss me...the touch of your lips is my sunset...when you hold me...your embrace is the warm glow of a summer's evening."

"William--"

"Kim...the world has seen your light...your life...your love...through me. And now I want to show the world why I have that light...that life...that love...this gift...and just like all the steps we've taken...take this step with me, Kim." He looked down at his left hand, which he turned palm up, uncurling his fingers, and exposing a small black velvet box. "Kim, I want to show the world the light," he said, opening the box, "that is Kim Possible...but should be Kim Hodge."

Inside the box, nestled in the velvet - a 1/2-carat diamond solitaire, set on a ring of platinum.

Kim slowly put her now-trembling hands to her mouth, a long, slow wavering gasp coming from her, her eyes becoming liquid.

William took the ring from the box, and reached for Kim's left hand, lowering it. He positioned the ring at the tip of her third finger. "Kim...will you give me the immeasurable honor...?"

The first time, she just mouthed the word - "Yes" - William eased it onto her hand. As it slid into place, she managed a whisper - "Yes" - and her fingers then curled around his. "Yes"

She repeated her answer through increasing tears of joy, folding her arms around him in a tight embrace.

Thursday, May 1

William's promotion to head of the Claims and Reconciliation Department was made shortly after 9 AM with a public presentation, which was met with applause of approval from the department. The rest of the day William spent in his new office, calling people in on an individual basis to ask their opinions on how things could run smoother.

At the end of the day, it was announced that there was an envelope in everyone's mailbox. What they retrieved was a white embroidered envelope, with a card inside:

Meridian Insurance Company
Is Pleased To Announce
The Wedding
Of
Kimberly Ann Possible
And
William Allen Hodge
to be held at
Eastgate Non-Denominational Church
5211 Eastgate Drive
Saturday, June 7th
at 5:00 PM.

to be continued...