Finally, I'm able to post this chapter. It's longer than the usual chapters. Origially, I had planned to post it as two separate chapter. But I didn't find the perfect cut. Therefore, and because real life kept me truely busy, it took so long to update. I ended with "the end for now" as this fic will continue with a Valentine's Day fic. It is already finished (I wrote it almost 10 years ago), but not yet edited and therefore won't be ready for Valentine's day next week. Maybe I'll be able to post the first chapter.

Please review - I love to hear what you think and I'm grateful for any feedback.

Disclaimer: Glen A. Larson and Universal own the Knight Rider characters in this story.

A Knight's Christmas

Chapter 25

By the time the banquet had officially begun, Bonnie found herself glancing on her watch more than once. She was already counting the minutes until the function would finally end and her presence would no longer be required. Her behavior made her feel guilty, as she knew it wasn't Irving's fault that she wasn't having fun. His company wasn't the reason for her annoyance. Sure, Irving wasn't the most entertaining fellow, but Bonnie had to admit that she'd been seated next to less likeable guests. Irving's dedication to his research was admirable and like Bonnie, he was focused on his work and eager to learn more. They had more in common that she had thought though their research interests were entirely different.

No, Irving wasn't the reason why Bonnie found it hard to enjoy the evening. The real reason was someone else. A gorgeous woman in a stunning red dress who had walked into the ballroom with the man whom Bonnie loved. Bonnie was aware that this behavior was rather silly. There was no reason to react jealously. Michael and April were only friends and Bonnie trusted Michael. Besides, April was only his date for the banquet because Devon had decided that this was a good idea. However, April's mere presence was usually enough to make Bonnie feel insecure. And now April was spending the evening with Michael and was clearly enjoying every moment of it.

Bonnie envied her for being able to flirt with Michael without worrying about what Devon might think. If they had had the courage to tell Devon about their relationship, she would be the woman who was able to spend the evening with Michael, to dance with him, to hold his hand. It was her fault that they had kept it a secret and moments like this made Bonnie regret their decision. With a dull look on her face, she guided Irving to their table. Irving, on the other hand, didn't seem to notice that Bonnie's mind was preoccupied. He was beaming with joy as he politely pulled out the chair for Bonnie.

XXX

The banquet dragged on like molasses on a cold winter day, and Michael and April were still trying to come up with a good plan that would divert Irving's attention away from Bonnie. None of their attempts to convince him to leave Bonnie's side hadn't been successful so far. He had politely declined an offer to tour the mansion. Michael mentioning Devon's library as well as a visit to the paintings in the mansion was met with great interest. However, Irving informed him that it would have to wait until one of the next occasions he would be at the mansion as he was truly enjoying the banquet and his company and didn't want to leave the ballroom. Not even April's charm could lure him to the dancefloor which caused her to feel taken aback as most men wouldn't have turned her down.

"I can't believe that he said no. Michael, he turned me down!" She mulled slightly offended over having been rebuffed. "He didn't even look at me. Most men in this room would have been overjoyed to dance with me. Especially men like Irving. But he said no! How come that you and Irving only have eyes for Bonnie?"

Michael chuckled. April wasn't used to being rejected. "Don't take it personally, April. Irving doesn't seem to take notice of anyone here. He and Bonnie are on a par, that's why he isn't leaving her side. That, and the fact that she is absolutely beautiful."

"Not fair. I'm also intelligent and certainly quite good-looking." Her pride was offended and being rejected would prey her mind for a while.

"Of course, you are." Michael added quickly, not wanting to upset her. "What I was trying to say was that he's so interested in Bonnie because of their mutual passion for research. Even though he has no clue about her work. It's the fact that she's as focused on her work as he is. And she was nice to him when they met at the Helios mansion. He felt flattered that a woman as beautiful as Bonnie took notice of him."

He paused and looked at April. "It would be the other way round if he'd met you first. Then you'd look at us, desperately begging us to be rescued."

While his words cheered April up, his eyes were looking for Bonnie again. "Honestly, right now, I don't think that anyone or anything could make him shift his attention away from Bonnie."

"April! There you are!" RC3's face lit up when he finally spotted April and Michael. "I've been looking everywhere for you guys. Didn't you promise me a dance, April?"

"See?" Michael whispered. "It's just Irving who doesn't take notice of you. Everyone else does, and especially this guy here."

"So, what are you waiting for?" RC eagerly extended his arm to her. "Don't worry, Michael won't mind. Besides, I'm a much better dancer than him anyway."

"In your dreams." Michael burst out in laughter. "RC, you know that you can't impress her with any cool dance moves, right? This is a formal banquet."

"I'd say it's time to shake up this party." RC laughed and lead April to the dancefloor.

Michael watched them dance for a while before he decided to mingle with the crowd heading towards the terrace of the mansion. He hoped that being outside for a moment and enjoying the silence and the cooler air would help him come up with a new idea to rescue Bonnie from Irving. By now, he doubted that any plan would be successful. All his attempts had been unsuccessful. There was still the option to claim that KITT needed Bonnie's attention. But wouldn't Irving follow her this time?

If Irving wasn't a potential donor, Michael would walk up to them, ask Bonnie for a dance, and disappear with her. He chuckled, reminding himself that he almost sounded like a jealous boyfriend who didn't want to spend a moment without his girl. This wasn't true. Though going to the banquet with Bonnie would make the evening more enjoyable, it was nice to spend time with April and he was fine with Bonnie having to entertain other guests. He just wished it was a less clingy guest. One that was more enjoyable to talk to. One she wouldn't have to be rescued from.

XXX

Devon was in the middle of a conversation with Maggie Smith and Jennifer Knight when he spotted April and RC on the dancefloor and Michael disappearing on the terrace. A concerned look clouded his face. Michael wandering around alone on his own was exactly what he had intended to avoid. He politely excused himself and followed Michael outside. He breathed a sigh of relief as he found him sitting in one of the chairs and staring into the sky.

"Are you enjoying the banquet?" Devon approached Michael hoping he wouldn't startle him.

"Devon. Are you spying on me? In case I might take my chance and bail?" Michael looked up and noticed the worried look on Devon's face. "I'm fine, Devon. I just need a moment alone. And don't yell at April. She didn't abandon me."

"You haven't answered my question, son." Devon's voice sounded guilty. It was impossible to fool Michael whose assumption had been dead on.

"Could be worse. I've been to functions where the food wasn't as good. " He laughed. "April and I are having a good time though eavesdropping on Irving's monologues about the Renaissance is kinda boring." Michael faked a yawn, while his eyes were searching for Bonnie and Irving in the ballroom though the windows.

Instead, he spotted April and RC on the dancefloor. Clearly, RC had forgotten his advice and was trying to impress April with his moves. With a big grin on his face, he pointed over to them. "RC is having the time of his life."

Devon smiled politely and began walking back to the ballroom. Michael noticed that he wasn't amused with RC's dance moves and followed Devon inside. "I better remind Reginald that he has to head to the airport soon. His plane won't wait for him.

"One last dance, boss. My wheels are fast. I'll be at the airport in no time." The music had stopped and therefore, RC overheard Devon's comment as he and Michael walked by the dancefloor.

"His plane? Airport? RC's flying home tonight? During the banquet?" Michael's eyes widened in surprise as Devon nodded. "How come RC gets to leave earlier? Did he bride you, Devon?" The astonishment was hard to be missed in Michael's voice.

"Well, to be honest, Michael, Reginald and I did come to an agreement." Devon hesitantly admitted. "He promised to wear a suit and not one of his ridiculous Christmas sweaters, or even worse, a tie with lights to the banquet. In return, I allowed him to leave the banquet in order to catch an earlier flight."

"I see. So, the way to get out of here is threatening not to wear a suit?" Michael asked his boss.

"Reginald's reasoning sounded plausible. You see, his family has a tradition of helping the less fortunate people in his neighborhood on Christmas Eve. I didn't inform you because I was certain you'd try the same " Devon explained to Michael. It wasn't the whole truth why he didn't want Michael to leave earlier. "And I reckoned it would be better for you to be here."

"I know." Michael nodded in understanding. It was no secret that Devon was worried about him. "Devon, I'm in a different place than I was last year."

"I've noticed." His voice sounded apologetically. "I must admit that I might have erred. I should have believed Bonnie and April, and of course you, that there is no reason to be concerned. I was being overly protective of you."

Devon's words surprised Michael. "Devon Miles admits that he's been wrong?" A grin appeared on his face. "Does this mean I'm allowed to leave as well?"

"Don't push your luck." Devon smiled at Michael. "Besides, aren't you and April still trying to come up with a plan to distract Irving Farber?"

Michael's jaw fell. Had Devon spied on them? "Well, yes we are. But..."

"Reginald mentioned it. And your sudden interest in the library was rather suspicious." Devon quickly explained. "But judging from the current situation, the two of you haven't been successful."

"Irving wasn't interested in the library and he seems to be immune to April's charm. All he is interested in is discussing his research with Bonnie. She hasn't even had a chance to go to the buffet." Michael finally spotted her as she was politely listening to Irving. "I'm surprised Bonnie is still awake."

Devon chuckled. As always food was the one of Michael's top priorities. "Well, my son, I would suggest we come to Bonnie's rescue. And I might know someone who could be helpful."

"You do? Who?" Devon seemed to be full of surprises tonight. "But I thought entertaining Irving was one of the top priorities? Isn't his family a potential donor?"

"You'll see. And I reckon Irving won't be disappointed." Devon whispered as they approached Bonnie and Irving. The relief appearing on Bonnie's face as she saw her boss and Michael was hard to missed. "Bonnie, dear, I have to borrow Irving for a moment. You don't mind, do you?

Bonnie looked at him in disbelief for a moment before she quickly nodded. "Of course not, Devon."

Devon had caught Irving in surprise and didn't give him a chance to object. "Wonderful. Come with me, Irving. There is someone I want you to meet. Someone you'll enjoy talking to immensely." They saw Irving's eyes light up, though he remembered that he had been in the middle of a conversation with Bonnie. "But Bonnie and I were just…."

"It's fine, Irving. We'll catch up later." Bonnie instantly reassured him. Michael secretly winked at her.

"Well, if you don't mind." Curiously, Irving followed Devon until they approached Jennifer Knight.

"Irving, I want to introduce you to Jennifer Knight. You might have met her when you arrived. But did you know that she's very interested in modern history and especially the period of the Renaissance? Jennifer will be fascinated about your research."

"I will?" Jennifer had overheard them mention her name and eyed them a with a curious, yet confused look.

"Jennifer, you remember Irving Farber?" Devon introduced Irving to Jennifer. "Irving has done quite impressive research on European pieces of artwork and paintings. His notes on the Renaissance are particularly stirring."

"Oh really?" Jennifer's eyes widened as Irving blushed. "The Renaissance is a very fascinating period of time. If time travel was ever possible, I'd love to spend a day in the 16th or 17th century. To be around the famous painters or scientists, to meet Leonardo Da Vinci, Martin Luther, or Galileo Galilei."

A huge smile brightened Irving's face as Jennifer went on. "Wouldn't this be a dream come true? To see the original printing press when Gutenberg invented it? And to witness the changes in the society and in the people's minds?"

"Oh certainly", Irving beamed happily. "Who knows, one day it might be possible."

"The Foundation has a fascinating collection of paintings from this time. Have you had a chance to visit the gallery?" Jennifer glanced admiringly at Irving who shook his head. It was obvious that Jennifer seemed to be deeply impressed with Irving's research, and that Irving became infatuated with Jennifer. "Why don't I show you around and we have a look at them?"

"What a wonderful idea." Irving's smile grew wider as he offered Jennifer his arm. "We could discuss my notes on the Renaissance while looking at the paintings."

"If you excuse us, Devon." Jennifer winked at him before she guided Irving towards the mansion's gallery.

"Of course." Devon nodded at her as Bonnie and Michael stared in disbelief at Irving and Jennifer leaving. They had wrecked their brains unsuccessfully for hours while it had taken Devon only a moment to come up with an idea to distract Irving from Bonnie.

"He wasn't interested when I offered to show him the gallery." Bonnie quietly uttered. "Who knew Jennifer would make such an impression on him?"

Michael still couldn't believe that Irving had left with Jennifer. "How come I didn't know Jennifer was a Renaissance nerd?

"You never asked." Devon dryly answered as he turned to Bonnie and Michael. " I reckon this means your presence at the function is no longer required. I'd suggest you leave. All of you. Now. Before I change my mind. Or before Irving changes his mind and wants to engage Bonnie in yet another conversation." He smiled as he realized that his team hadn't expected a reaction like this from him. "You better remind Reginald to leave the dancefloor. Judging from the expressions on the faces of some of the board members, they don't appreciate his dance moves. Make sure he gets to the airport safely. And not on his pile of junk."

"This is a joke, right? Who are you and what have you done to Devon Miles?" Michael quickly asked his boss.

Maybe it was indeed the spirit of Christmas which had made Devon lenient. Or maybe it was an early Christmas present. Whatever it was, Michael wouldn't give him a chance to change his mind.

"I'll see you at the board meeting. Don't even think about cutting your vacation short and returning earlier in order to work, Bonnie" Devon looked at Bonnie who blushed and nodded. "Merry Christmas everyone! See you in a few days."

XXX

Christmas Eve

Her eyes glanced at the countryside through the window of their cabin. They had followed Devon's orders and left the banquet together with April and RC. RC had arrived at the airport in time and was already in Chicago by now, making sure the less fortunate residents of his old neighborhood would be able to enjoy good food on Christmas Eve.

Once they had seen off April, Michael and Bonnie had left Los Angeles as well. Though Bonnie had begged him more than once to reveal where they were heading, Michael as well as KITT had kept their destination a secret. Her eyes lit up and she was buzzing in excitement when they pulled into the driveway which lead to The Riesling Inn. Michael's surprise had been successful, and he was rewarded with a long kiss for having remembered how desperately Bonnie had wished to spend a few days at the beautiful inn in Napa.

Though Michael had booked a suite at the inn itself, they gladly accepted the possibility to switch to one of the newly added cabins on the grounds of the inn. They had access to all the amenities of the inn, but at the same time were able to enjoy the privacy of their cabin. This would be the perfect place to enjoy a few quiet days alone and a wonderful first Christmas together as a couple.

She was deep in thoughts and didn't notice Michael approach her until he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "Are you happy?", he whispered in her ear.

She turned around and smiled at him. "I truly am. This is perfect. Thank you, Michael."

This was the answer he had been hoping to hear. Happily, he ran his fingers through her long hair and pulled her into a kiss. "This is going to be the best Christmas ever. I love you, Bonnie."

She smiled at him happily. "I love you too, Michael Knight. Merry Christmas."

THE END (again for now)