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

Surprises

Chapter 9

They slowly strolled through the crowded ballroom, stopping here and there for a glass of champagne and some snacks. Michael's eyes grew wider as he gazed at the tables filled with delicious food, heart-shaped appetizers and pastries. This time, the kitchen team at the Foundation had outdone themselves, he thought while enjoying one of the delicacies on his plate.

He led Bonnie over to a quieter corner where they could sit and eat without being in the middle of the crowd.

"Michael?" An all too familiar voice seemed to come closer. Why hadn't he looked for a better hideout? He noticed the nervous look on Bonnie's face as Devon was heading in their direction.

"It's really you - heaven forbid, for a moment I feared that your evil look-a-like Garthe had come back to torment us." Devon shuddered. The thought of Garthe still haunted him, and he was certain Michael and April shared his feelings. "But luckily, it is you. What a surprise to see you at our function. Although I must say that I'm certainly confused. Didn't you mention that you would be spending the evening with your girlfriend? Devon sat down next to Michael raising his eyebrow at the amount of Food Michael had loaded on his plate. Bonnie quickly withdrew her hand from Michael's hoping Devon was too preoccupied to notice.

"Or… oh I hope this isn't awkward for you." Devon stole a grape from the plate. "You weren't stood up, were you?"

Michael's eyes looked for Bonnie's – was this the moment they'd been dreading for so many weeks? Was it time to tell Devon the truth?

"Well, Devon, no, I wasn't stood up." He heard Devon sigh in relief. "And she wasn't stood up by me either."

"That certainly makes me happy to hear, son. Still, it doesn't explain why you are here of all places. Wouldn't a private setting be more fitting for Valentine's Day? Especially with your special someone and not alone with us." Devon put another grape in his mouth while he was waiting for Michael's answer

"Well…..," Michael paused. He didn't feel like lying anymore and he didn't want to hide his feelings for Bonnie. This was the opportunity to tell Devon. They couldn't keep their love a secret any longer. "Well this is exactly what I'm doing right now. I'm spending the evening with the woman I love. Just not at a more private setting but here."

Bonnie's jaw dropped as she listened to Michael's words. She wished she could read Devon's mind and wondered if he had already put two and two together.

However, Devon still seemed to be unaware of the reason why she was sitting there with Michael. "Oh, she is here? How nice. Why don't you introduce us?" Devon answered in surprise. Apparently, this relationship was more serious than he had assumed. "Where is she?" He looked around trying to spot the woman who had stolen Michael's heart.

Michael took a deep breath before he finally said the words, he had been afraid to utter for so long. "You already know her, Devon." Michael smiled at Bonnie who seemed to look quite pale suddenly.

"I do?" Devon eyed him anxiously.

"You do, Devon. Quite well, if I may say. And she's sitting right here with us." Michael grinned. "Devon, I want to introduce you to woman I'm in love with, Bonnie Barstow."

Now it was Devon whose jaw dropped. Michael's confession had caught him off guard. This wasn't what he had expected Michael to say. "Bonnie? Bonnie is your secret woman?" His eyes turned to Bonnie. "You and Michael?"

Her hands were nervously playing with a napkin while she slowly nodded. "Yes, it's true. Michael and I ….. we….. we have become more than co-workers."

"You two…. More than co-workers? I.. I don't know what to say..." Devon's voice faded. Never in a million years had he expected the man who he loved like a son and the woman who was like a daughter to me to share such a revelation to him.

"How about happy 'Valentine's Day, Michael'?" Michael carefully tried to lighten up the awkward situation. "Or "Really, I'm wondering about your taste in men, Bonnie'.

"I….I…. I have no words." It was obvious how confusing this was to Devon.

"How about we talk later? I haven't had a chance to ask Bonnie for a dance yet." Michael stood up and reached for her hand.

Devon was still pondering about their confession. Maybe it was wiser to leave him alone for a while. Michael was afraid Devon would ask more questions and right now, he didn't feel like answering them. "If you excuse us…..Ready to hit the dancefloor, Bon?"

"I am." Bonnie took his hand, and followed him.

"It's finally out." Michael whispered in her ear. "I know we should have talked about it before, but this was a good moment, and I didn't want to let the opportunity pass."

Bonnie nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. "His reaction ….. surprise, shock, disbelief. Michael, I don't think he's too happy about us."

"I know." He pulled her closer in his arms.

"He never expected me to be your secret woman. And he also thinks that you are still not over Stevie. He said so earlier." She looked over to their table where Devon was still sitting.

"Devon needs time to get used to us being in love. But he'll be fine." Michael tried to reassure her. "He knows that I'll never forget Stevie. She'll always have a place in my heart. But being with you makes me feel alive again. I couldn't be happier."

"Me either." Bonnie looked up and kissed Michael. "And I'm glad Devon now knows the truth." Finally, they didn't have to hide anymore. "So, didn't you and KITT talk about a Valentine's Day present? Where is it?"

"Well..." Michael blushed. An embarrassed look appeared on his face.

"I was kidding. You don't have to give me anything. Being with you is better than any present you could ever give me." Bonnie laughed.

"How about I am your present. I'm all yours until tomorrow morning." Michael mumbled with a grin on his face. "Devon managed to postpone my assignment for a day. Which he might regret in retrospect."

"That's a wonderful present." Bonnie gave him another kiss. "I love you, Michael Knight."

"And I love you too, Bonnie Barstow." Michael kissed her back as the song started fading out.

The End