Laura was just coming off the plane at National Airport when she spotted a gentleman holding a sign with her name on it. She walked up to him and informed him that she was indeed Laura Steele. The older gentleman shook her hand and told her that he was employed by Mr. Jacoby and that he was to bring her directly to the museum. Laura nodded and followed the chauffeur out of the terminal. "Just great." Laura muttered. "I don't even have time to change clothes. This better be important." She looked down at her slightly wrinkled suit and frowned. She'd remembered a time when her husband had stated that he never showed up anywhere wrinkled. "Well its a good thing he isn't here to see me now." The chauffeur turned and asked her what she'd said. "Never mind, I was just thinking out loud." Laura said and left it at that.
The limo ride was a pleasant surprise, Mr. Jacoby had thought of everything. There was a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket, a single champagne glass that had been chilled, a plate that contained crab canapes and other succulent appetizers and another plate that contained strawberries dipped in chocolate with cream on the side. Laura passed on the champagne but helped herself to the food. She sighed audibly as she leaned her head against the back seat and closed her eyes. This was just what she needed to regroup and compose herself. She was still more than a bit annoyed by her husband's behavior of late. She thought this trip was just what she needed to send him the message that she didn't like subterfuge and that honesty was the best policy.
Laura eyed her surroundings as the limo made its way to the Smithsonian. She hadn't been in Washington, D.C. in years, since her college days. She loved the museums and other historical buildings that showed off classic architecture at its very best. The driver informed her that they would be to the museum in a few minutes. Laura took the time to repair some of the damage of the long flight. She was thankful that her makeup case was in her purse. She pulled it out and freshened up her face and hair. She smoothed the wrinkles out of her suit as best she could, glad now that she had opted for a dark suit instead of the cream color she had chosen originally.
The limo pulled up to the front of one of the few buildings that were owned by the Smithsonian. The driver helped her out and informed her that he would remain here until her meeting was over. He was then to escort her to the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Virginia. Laura thanked the driver and made her way into the front door. There was a guard at the entrance that opened the door and told her to follow him. Laura noted that the museum had been closed for hours, apparently this was pretty important to Mr. Jacoby. Laura followed the guard to the second floor and down a long corridor. There were glass displays that contained some of the rarest gems in the world. The guard instructed Laura to wait and told her that Mr. Jacoby would be with her in a moment. Laura took the time to study the precious gems. She was looking at the Hope Diamond when Mr. Jacoby arrived.
"Stunning isn't it Mrs. Steele." Laura startled and turned around. Mr. Jacoby was a tall distinguished looking man with an impeccable suit and handsome features. "Why yes, it is a breathtaking diamond. Mr. Jacoby I presume?" The man nodded and extended his hand. "I thank you for coming under such short notice Mrs. Steele I am sure that you are wondering why I've asked you here. The Smithsonian has a new exhibit that will be on display next week. The gems are priceless and will be here a few months, since this will be the first time they've been on the east coast, we invision that there will be a great deal of interest in them. Laura was followed along side Mr. Jacoby as he talked. "Let me show you what I mean Mrs. Steele." Mr. Jacoby led her through a door into a darkened room. In the middle of the room was a single display. Track lighting illuminated the case from all sides. Laura walked up to the case and stood there as if in a trance. The inside of the case was draped in dark velvet that didn't deter from the gems but enhanced their beauty. The stones had been placed in a circle and as she looked at them she felt her breath catch and her heart constrict. Laura felt as if she to had come full circle, for the gems glittering at her in the case were Royal Lavulite.
Laura's mind was flooded with memories as she was transported back to the very beginning. Back ten years ago to when she'd first seen these rare gems. Back to where she'd first met the man she'd lost her heart to, first met the man who would become Remington Steele. How different her life had been because of the Royal Lavulite. She felt as drawn to them now as she was then, as if they were calling to her. She smiled as she wondered if it was a welcome or a warning she'd heard. Both she decided as she opened her eyes again to look at the stones. A welcome for the man she would meet, a warning for the heart she'd lose in the process. She'd lost it alright. It had left her body the moment she'd look up into those dark blue eyes and the feeling had only intensified with the passing of time. Laura placed her head on the glass and closed her eyes again.
"I must admit, the symbolism moved me as well." a deep voice said from behind Laura. Laura turned slowly around and looked into the face of her husband. Confusion was evident in her gaze as she tried to recover herself. "Remington, what in the world are YOU doing here?" Laura asked. Remington walked closer to her but stopped short a few feet from his wife. "The same as you are Laura," he said as he moved past her to looked at the display. "Feeling the impact these gems have had on our lives. How fortunate it was that we were brought together and how different life would have been if we hadn't have met." Remington turned to face Laura, she still looked as if she didn't quite believe her eyes. "Did Mildred tell you I would be here?" Laura asked. "No Laura she didn't. I knew you would be here because, I'm the one that brought you here." Laura looked astonished. "You!?" You mean YOU were the one that arranged for me to be here? But why? How?"
Remington cleared his throught and decided to come clean. He knew that tone in Laura's voice and felt it would be in his best interest to let her in on his plan. "Laura, I found out the Royal Lavulite was due to come to the states again to be displayed at the Smithsonian. I wanted to surprise you so I called in a marker with James Waterbury, who just so happens to be Daniels good chum. He is also a friend of Mr. Jacoby's, who by the way was more than happy to set everything up on this end. It seems he's a true romantic at heart. I wanted to do something special for you Laura. Having the Royal Lavulite here on display seemed to be the perfect time to reflect on our lives together as it were. I wanted you to know that I too am in awe of how a chance meeting changed our lives forever. I love you Laura, with everything I am. I couldn't let this opportunity go by without showing you just how much I love you and how thankful I am to have you in my life." Remington finished in a tumble of words. Laura noted that his speech always went into overdrive when he was in the hot seat for something.
"You mean to tell me you went through this whole elaborate ruse just to show me how much you love me and how glad you are that we're together?" Laura asked astonished. "Well actually yes Laura." Remington couldn't tell how he was faring so he put in one of his charming smiles for good measure. Laura closed the distance between them and wound her arms around his neck. He eagerly folded her in an embrace. "Mr. Steele, I knew you were up to something but I just didn't know what. You've been so preoccupied lately, rushing out of the office and not telling me where you were going. You know me, ever the detective, I was getting suspicious and annoyed. I took this "case" to show you that I don't like secrecy and now I find out you been acting that way because you were planning all this? I should be really angry with you Mr. Steele." Laura gave him a stern look but didn't leave his arms. "And are you Mrs. Steele?" Remington whispered in her ear. Laura looked at the man that had become so important to her and smiled. "No, I am not angry with you. In fact, I am glad you did it. We needed some time away from work, away from guns firing, bad guys, hostile take overs, death threats and explosions. I for one can't think of a surprise that I've liked better."
Remington smiled and kissed Laura with a passion that Laura quickly returned. "If you think this was something Mrs. Steele, just wait until I show you what else I have in store for you." Remington said with promise. Remington and Laura looked one final time at the display case before walking hand and hand out of the room. Remington took them to see Mr. Jacoby who upon seeing Laura had the good graces to look guilty. Laura looked at him and smiled. "I suppose I should thank you for pulling my leg Mr. Jacoby." He looked sheepish as he told her that he hoped she enjoyed the rest of her evening. She looked at her husband and assured Mr. Jacoby that Remington would definitely be working overtime to make up for his duping her. They said there goodbyes and went out to the waiting limo. Once settled into the limo Laura asked Remington exactly what other surprises did he have in store for her.
"Patience Mrs. Steele, all things in good time." Laura elbowed him in the side. "Laura really, no need for violence. I will tell you that we have reservations for dinner at an exquisite restaurant, recommended by Mr. Jacoby of course, and we will be staying the night at the Ritz Carlton which also came highly recommended." Laura looked at her husband and smiled. He had obviously gone to great lengths to make this special for her. She would make him pay later for tricking her but for right now, she would enjoy everything that Remington had planned for them. The limo pulled up outside the hotel. Remington helped Laura out and they went into the lobby. The hotel was beyond stunning. It wreaked of expense and indulgence. Remington signed them in and the manager himself escorted them to their suite. He told them that he was confident that they would enjoy their stay and to call if they needed anything. Remington assured the man that all was in order as he and Laura stepped into their suite.
Laura looked around, she was sure this suite was even more elegant than the Presidential Suite they'd stayed in when they'd gone to Las Vegas. She turned to see her husband opening a bottle of champagne. He HAD thought of everything Laura noted. He came to her and offered her the glass of champagne. She accepted it and couldn't help but ask "Do you always to things on such a grand scale Mr. Steele?" Remington didn't hesitate in his response "Only when I'm aroused Mrs. Steele." They clinked glasses and drank their champagne. Remington informed Laura that they had reservations for dinner at an Italian Bistro near the White House and that tomorrow they'd be attending a performance at the Kennedy Center followed by dinner in Georgetown. Before Laura could comment on the lack of formal wear in her suitcase, Remington guided her to the dressing room where there were three gowns waiting. Laura was speechless. Each gown was more beautiful than the last. There was a rose colored gown of tulle and lace, a black gown that was strapless with a matching wrap and a gown of deep violet with sequins and a halter top style neck with a VERY low cut back.
"I hope they appeal to you Laura. I wanted everything to be just perfect so I took the liberty of having a few things made up for you. All have matching accessories to compliment the gowns. There are also a few outfits that can be worn for other occasions during our holiday." Laura looked at her husband and thought that in a hundred years, she'd never get used to his lavish style. He had been more than thorough in his desire to please her and Laura's head was still reeling from his "surprises". Laura went over and kissed her husband. It was some time before it ended and when it did,they were both breathless and flushed. "Remington you amaze me, truly amaze me. I don't think I'll ever get used to this sort of thing." Remington gazed at his wife with love and a growing desire. "You aren't supposed to love. We have about two hours before we're due to go to dinner. Would you care to take a whirlpool bath now to loosen up after such a long flight?"
Laura ran her hands up her husband's chest and moved slowly against him. "Actually Mr. Steele, I love the itinerary you've planned out for the evening. Except for one thing." Remington looked concerned as he asked what he'd forgotten to take care of. Laura smiled and began loosening his tie and shirt. "I think we'll need to change the reservations for dinner." Remington smiled as he helped Laura remove his shirt. "Oh? And why is that Mrs. Steele." "Because I'm not hungry for dinner just yet, I think I'll need to work up an appetite." Remington picked Laura up and headed for the bedroom. "Well, I am here to please Mrs. Steele. Allow me to be of assistance, I've got just the thing for increasing one's appetite." Laura kissed her husband and smiled seductively. "I'm sure you do Mr. Steele, I can't wait to see what you have in mind." Remington sighed as he went into the bedroom and kicked the door shut with his foot.