Chapter Nineteen: Surprise Party

"You're what?" Jessica and Kim squealed in delight.

The whole Baker family – excluding Bud and Nora, who were in the hospital until tomorrow – was seated around the table, eating dinner. Tom Baker had just announced that he and Jimmy had collaborated to borrow the Lodge and throw an engagement party for Calvin and Liz. Naturally, such an announcement brought a whirlwind of comments.

"A party! Yay!" Nigel cried. "Will there be presents?"

"Do we have to dress up?" Jake wondered aloud.

"Will there be good food?" Henry asked.

"Who's in charge of decorating? And what about the invitations?" Lorraine demanded.

"I don't want to dress up!" Kyle protested.

"Can I take my skateboard?" Mike piped up.

"Guys, guys!" Kate interjected, trying not to smile, "Listen to your father."

Tom made sure he had the attention of all his children before starting. "Okay, to answer some of your questions. Lorraine, this isn't going to be a huge affair. We're just inviting the other members of the club, and it's a pretty casual and relaxed event. It's actually going to be a lot like the social event we had a couple of weeks ago, without the fighting," he emphasized sternly. "The adults and kids will all be together this time, but we'll have another dance, I suppose. Jake, we do have to dress up a little. No tuxedos or anything, but at least a nice collared shirt and slacks. Girls, I want you at least in skirts and a nice shirt. No skateboards, fireworks, or any other item that can cause mayhem. This is your sister's party, so try to be well-behaved, okay?" Liz blushed a little at that. "It's set for tomorrow night, okay? I know that's not a lot of time, but we're going home in three days…" A chorus of groans greeted this announcement. "…and we wanted to have it as soon as possible," Tom finished. He looked around the table. "Any objections or questions?"

"Nope," Charlie put in, "Sounds good to me." The rest of the family nodded their agreement, accompanied by a few quiet grumblings from Jake, Mike, and Mark about the taboo on chaos-causers.

The next evening, after spending the day on the lake with the Murtaughs, the big lake house was engulfed in a flurry of activity as the whole Baker clan rushed to get ready for the party. Nora and Bud, with little Tom Jr., had come home earlier that morning and now assisted in getting the younger children ready while Tom and Kate wrapped their engagement gift.

Charlie walked down the hall to Liz's room, smiling slightly as Bud brushed past him, trying to chase down a half-dressed Nigel. He knocked lightly on the door.

From inside the room, he heard Liz's muffled, "Come in," and entered discreetly. Before him, surveying herself in the mirror, stood his twin sister, dressed in a sheer-flare-sleeved ivory halter gown that came down to just above her knees, the sheer overlay flaring in the barest ruffle around the bottom. A silver-beaded band accented the empire waist and a scalloped silver fan of material graced the neckline of the dress. Her dark brown hair was pulled up off her neck in a smooth, flowing twist, and shimmering zirconium pins fastened it in place. All in all, she looked stunning. At his entrance, she turned.

"Hey, Liz," Charlie said, coming into the room and putting his arms around her. He lightly kissed her cheek. "You look fabulous. Calvin's jaw is going to hit the floor."

"Oh stop," Liz chided gently, pushing him away. "Don't go flattering me just to help me loosen up."

Charlie grinned and sat down on the bed behind her, where she could still see him in the mirror. "Is it working?"

She smiled reluctantly. "A little."

Charlie himself was dressed in a dark silver dress shirt with the top two buttons undone –allowing a pale purple tee shirt to peek out – and the sleeves rolled up. He had on black dress pants and dressy oxford shoes. He left his hair just as it always was – un-gelled and looking barely side swept. After surveying him keenly, Liz walked over to him. "I like this," she said, pointing to the purple and silver combination at his neck. "It looks good. And…" she added, trailing off as she ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it a little. "There," she sighed, "That looks better."

Charlie chuckled. "Thanks, 'Mom.'" He turned and offered his arm. "Well, if you're ready, let's be going. This'll probably be the last time I get to escort you anywhere before I turn you over to Calvin, so, may I do the honors?"

Liz laughed and took his arm. Then, feigning sincerity, she said, "Why thank you, good sir. I'd be delighted."

Charlie laughed along with her as he led her down the hall, where they met before the door by their parents. "Liz, Charlie," Kate said as they stopped in front of her. "You both look wonderful." Quickly, she hugged each of them and then turned her attention to the house at large. "Kids!" she called. "It's time to go! Into the cars!"

Bud and Nora, in a white shirt and tie and a pale pink summer dress, respectively, came down the stairs carrying Tom Jr. wrapped in a light blue blanket. Behind them, Tom, in a nice suit, came down. From their respective rooms, the rest of the Baker clan piled into the cars – Sarah, in dress pants and a lightweight blouse; Jake, looking snazzy in khaki slacks and a green polo; Kim and Jessica, in matching yellow sundresses; Kyle, Nigel, Mark, and Mike in white dress shirts and dark pants; Henry, wearing a white shirt and a blue button-up and his customary cap; and Lorraine, dressed up in a surprisingly conservative light blue dress and light, unobtrusive makeup.

As Lorraine passed Liz, she pulled her older sister aside. "I wanted to try something different," she explained in a whisper. "I'll talk to you later about it." Liz only nodded and allowed Charlie to lead her and Lorraine to the car.

Author's Note: Reviews please! The party is next chapter and there's a little confrontation again... :) Enjoy it!