Friday, 26 October 2001
0805 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac saw Bud and Harriett arrive, so she quickly stepped out of her office and called to Harriett.  "Harriett?  Are you busy tomorrow?"

Bud spoke up first.  "Yes, Ma'am!  We're getting our family picture made for Christmas cards tomorrow.  Our appointment is at 1100."

Harriett chimed in, "Did you need something, Ma'am?"

"It's nothing, Harriett.  Maybe another time."

"What is it, Colonel?  We could try to move the appointment to the afternoon if you need something in the morning," Harriett suggested.

At Bud's frown, Mac replied, "No, that's okay.  But thanks for offering.  I was just hoping you might want to go with me and the Admiral's daughter, Joy.  Shopping."

"I thought you did that last night, Ma'am?" asked the Gunny, hearing the conversation.

"We did, but we only got a few things; we only had 2-1/2 hours, and she had almost nothing.  We spent an hour in Aéropostale and then about 45 minutes in Victoria's Secret and the rest in Nordstrom's shoe department."

"I'll bet the Admiral was glad he went home and didn't have to suffer through 2-1/2 hours of shopping," commented Harriett.

"He didn't go home.  He came with us," Mac chuckled.

"You have to be kidding!  The Admiral spent 45 minutes in Victoria's Secret!?" exclaimed Bud.

Mac grinned.  "That he did, Lieutenant."

"God, I'll bet he loved that," quipped Harm.  "Can you just imagine the Admiral in Victoria's Secret?" he laughed.

"Actually, yes, I can," replied Harriett.  "I would imagine the Admiral has exquisite taste in lingerie."

"Harriett!" cried Bud.  "You shouldn't talk that way about the Admiral."

"Why not, Bud?" asked Mac.  "And actually, Harriett, you're quite right.  After Joy and I convinced him that she didn't need flannel nightgowns right now," she said, bringing a round of laughter from all, "he chose several beautiful nightgowns for her.  And a lovely robe, too.  He has excellent taste."

"How'd he do with the underwear, Mac?" teased Harm.

"I chose the underwear, thank you very much!" she rebuffed.

"So you all were going shopping, again, tomorrow?" asked Harriett.

"No, just me and Joy.  And we had hoped that you could join us.  We're going to make a whole day of it.  She's never shopped for clothes before, and she doesn't really know a lot about styles.  So I suggested that she try on lots of different things, and then she can better decide what she likes.  We just got some basics last night.  Jeans, a couple of t-shirts, a skirt, you know... the basics.  But we took care of the shoes!"

"Was Dave there?" asked Harriett.

"Uh huh, he took her right over.  There were a couple of pairs that he had to order in, but those will be there tomorrow, so we'll pick them up.  AJ was amazed at how many pairs of shoes we left with!" Mac laughed.  She looked around at the startled looks on their faces.  "What?"  'Oh God, what did I say?'

"Mac, you called the Admiral 'AJ'," Harm said quietly.

"No, I called Joy 'AJ'," Mac lied, but convincingly.  "That's one of her nicknames.  Her mother used to call her that a lot.  Her name is Altia Joy, remember?"  'Oh, God!  I need to be more careful!'

"Oh."  "I see."  "That's nice."  "Good."  They all spoke in relieved tones.

Mac continued, "Anyway, the Admiral put up with our shopping frenzy last night, but I rather doubt he'd want to do it, again.  He was delighted when I suggested that Harriett go with us."  Harriett sighed.  "Harriett, it's okay, really.  Your Christmas family picture is important, and you've probably had it on the schedule for a while.  Don't even think about it.  Joy and I will do just fine, and we'll drag you along with us the next time."

"You think there'll be a next time, Mac?" asked Harm.

"Well, I hope so.  Joy is a delight, and I'm really looking forward to tomorrow."

"You're probably going to need a larger vehicle tomorrow, you know," said Harm.  "You want to switch for the weekend?"

"Nice try, Flyboy!" Mac laughed.  "No, the Admiral already suggested I just take his Escalade."

"You're going to let him drive your 'Vette and not me?" whined Harm.

"Harm, he isn't going anywhere tomorrow.  He's going to be working in the yard all day.  Raking leaves and trimming hedges, he said."

"Oh.  Well, if you change your mind, just let me know," Harm said as he sulked away.

"Harriett, do you have any suggestions for stores we should look in tomorrow?  You're at the mall a lot more often than I am," said Mac as the men all returned to their desks.

"I'm in the children's stores, mostly, Colonel.  But let me think for a second...  You said you went to Aéropostale.  I'd also go to Abercrombie & Fitch and L.L.Bean.  dELiA*s is really good for teenagers.  Of course, there's always the Gap and The Limited.  Benetton has some great sweaters and coats, of course.  And I love Nordstrom's clothes.  Now that's all in Tysons Corner Center.  Then there's Tysons Galleria across the way... but for Joy?  I think you'd do better at the Corner Center.  The Galleria has Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue, but that's really about all for her age, at least that I'd consider."

Mac was hurriedly scribbling notes on a pad of paper while Harriett rattled off the store names she should visit.  Mac decided she was sorely going to miss not having Harriett along tomorrow.  

Friday, 26 October 2001
1015 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac sat in her office as she called the Admiral at home.  "Good morning, Admiral," she said.

"Good morning, Colonel.  So did you arrange everything with Harriett for tomorrow?" he asked.

"She can't come tomorrow, I'm afraid, Sir.  They're getting their family picture taken for Christmas cards at 1100.  So it'll just be me and Joy and your charge card!"

"Would you be opposed to my tagging along, again, Mac?" AJ asked.

"Admiral, you're kidding, right?  You'd want to spend an entire day shopping?  It would be like last night, only a lot longer, Sir," Mac explained.  She hoped he realized that she meant not only a long longer time shopping, but also a lot longer time with them together, out of the office, interacting personally.

"I'm not kidding.  I want to spend time with Joy, and if that means going shopping with the two of you, so be it.  If anyone asks, I'm there to carry packages and sign the charge slips.  And as luck would have it, I'll also get to take you out to lunch, again."

"And dinner," Mac reminded him.

"How about we stay in for dinner?  I think we'll all be exhausted.  We could just order a pizza or stop and get Chinese take-out," AJ suggested.

"Oh, so you're putting a time limit on our shopping excursion, are you, Sir?" Mac teased.

"What do you mean?"

"The stores don't close until 2130, Admiral."

"Oh, God.  You don't really intend to stay from 1000 until 2130, do you?" he asked incredulously.

Mac laughed.  "No, I doubt that Joy will last that long, and I know I won't!  I'm sure she'll enjoy pizza for supper, Sir."

"You'll stay, of course," he said.

"We'll see, Sir."

"Mac, Joy wants to talk to you.  Here she is," he stated.

"Mac?"

"Good morning, Joy.  How are you this morning?" Mac asked.

"Wonderful!  Daddy tells me I can't keep you from your work but a minute.  I was just wondering, what are your plans for tonight?"

Mac told her that she and Harm were going out for dinner at Island Jim's in McLean.  "They have the best crab legs around," she told Joy.  "And we're going to catch a new movie, too.  He's actually agreed to a chick flick:  'Serendipity'.  I hope it's good.  So, what are you and your dad up to today?" she asked, changing the subject.

"We're going to register me for school today.  Daddy wants me to start back in classes on Monday."

Friday, 26 October 2001
1830 EDT
Island Jim's Crab Shack
McLean, Virginia

AJ and Joy were already seated at their table enjoying a basket of hush puppies when Joy spotted Mac and Harm.  She waved furiously to get Mac's attention.  When Mac didn't seem to see her, Joy called out, "Mac!  Over here!"

Mac looked toward the voice and smiled.  'I don't believe it!  That young lady isn't quite as naïve as we think!' 

AJ noticed Harm's face blanche when he saw who was calling to Mac.  Mac noticed AJ's face scowl when he saw Harm's arm around her waist.  "I guess we can't just ignore them, hmm?" Harm suggested.

Mac looked at Harm like he had two heads.  "Yea, right.  Ignore our CO and his daughter.  You have a death wish, Commander?" she teased as she made her way to their table with Harm following.

"Good evening, Mac.  Harm," said AJ.  "So, you like Jim's place, too, eh?"

"Yes, Sir.  He does have the best crabs," agreed Harm.

"Mac, this is perfect!  You and Harm can join us for dinner and we can plan our shopping trip for tomorrow!" said Joy excitedly, as though meeting them here was a total surprise.

Harm looked at Mac, expecting her to refuse.  He was shocked when she didn't say anything.  'Damn!  She's going to make me be the bad guy!'  Harm looked at Joy, then at the Admiral, then back to Mac.  'I can't do it.'

"You're welcome to join us, if you'd like," stated the Admiral matter-of-factly.  

"Fine with me, Sir.  Mac?" Harm threw the ball back into her court.

Mac smiled at AJ and then turned to Joy.  "I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend time with," and she winked at Joy.

Harm excused himself to let the hostess know they'd be joining the Admiral's table.  While he was gone, AJ sat Mac to his right.  With Joy on his left, that left the seat opposite him for Harm.

During dinner, Joy planned her next move.  Things weren't moving along well at all.  AJ and Mac had hardly spoken during dinner.  Mac had occupied Joy in conversation through most of it, and Harm and AJ talked about football during the lulls in their conversation.  Joy announced, "Daddy is taking me to a movie after dinner.  There's a new one I heard about today called 'Serendipity'.  It sounds like something I'll like.  It's a love story, and I really like love stories."

"How about that?" exclaimed Mac, turning to face Joy.  "That's the same thing that Harm and I are going to go see tonight."  'And you know it, too,' her expression said.

"Oh!  Come with us!  Please, Mac?  It would be such fun.  Oh, please?" Joy begged.

"Joy, I think Harm and Mac would like to have a little time alone this evening," AJ intoned.  Harm smiled his thanks to the Admiral.

"But if we're all going to see the same movie and the theatre is dark anyway, what difference does it make?  And then we could talk before the movie starts!" reasoned Joy.

Mac grinned; she had a feeling she knew what Joy was up to.  "What do you say, Harm?  We were going to the theatre here in McLean, anyway."

Harm resigned himself to sharing the rest of his date with the Admiral and his daughter.  "No problem," he said.

After they got their popcorn and drinks, they seated themselves in the theatre, Joy wanted to sit right in the middle of the row.  AJ followed her in from the left, sitting next to her.  Then Harm, and Mac followed.  As they sat down, Joy realized that Mac was way on the other side and she couldn't talk to her.  "I want to sit by Mac," said Joy.  So AJ and Joy traded places, and Mac and Harm traded places.  Now it was Harm, Mac, Joy, AJ.  After 10 minutes of small talk, the lights dimmed and the movie was ready to roll, when another couple came in and the man sat directly in front of Joy, blocking much of her view.  "Mac, I can't see now.  Can we switch seats?  You're taller."  Joy was so glad that couple sat there!  Now Mac and her father could sit by each other.

"Joy, I'll switch with you," AJ offered.

But Mac was already up and moving to Joy's seat and Joy to Mac's.  "That's okay, Sir," Mac said quietly.

Harm watched in amusement.  'Well, so much for a date with Mac tonight!'

The man in the next row shifted, and now Mac couldn't see a thing either.  She shook her head.  "I don't believe this," she whispered.  

"What?" asked AJ.

"Now I can't see either," she said softly.

"You take this seat, I'll take that one," AJ said just as softly.  The movie was beginning and they needed to get settled and quiet.  One thing he couldn't stand in a movie theatre was people moving around and talking during the feature.  He and Mac switched.  So now it was Harm, Joy, AJ, and Mac.  'Hmm, I rather like the way this worked out,' thought AJ as he put his right arm over the back of Mac's seat.  About 10 minutes into the movie, he slipped it down and around Mac's shoulders.  A few minutes later, she leaned over toward him.  She reached her left hand over to get more popcorn, and AJ whispered, "It's all gone, sorry."  Mac shook her head that it didn't matter, and let her hand fall to his thigh.  Another half hour into the movie, AJ felt Mac's head lean against his shoulder.  He looked down at her; her eyes were closed and she was sound asleep.

As the movie ended, AJ tried to wake Mac before the lights went up.  But she was so totally relaxed, the lights were coming up and Harm and Joy already standing when she awoke.  Harm was staring at her position.  "Mac?  You okay?" he asked as she lifted her head from AJ's shoulder.

"Hmm?  What?  Oh!  Harm!  Admiral, Sir!" Mac jerked away and stood, blushing furiously.  "I am so sorry, Sir."

"Please, Mac, don't apologize.  First time I've actually enjoyed a movie in years!  Only way to watch a movie in a theatre... with a woman in my arms," he teased.  

"Admiral, I must have just been so tired..."

"Too tired to go shopping tomorrow?" he questioned.  "Don't want to wear you out, Mac."

"Oh no, I'm never too tired to go shopping, Sir," Mac chuckled.  "Except maybe tonight.  I think tonight I want to just go straight home and crawl in bed."

Harm grinned.  "Is that an invitation, Mac?"

AJ frowned, and Joy noticed it.

"In your dreams, Flyboy!" Mac bantered back.  

Saturday, 27 October 2001
0800 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

Mac pulled her 'Vette into AJ's driveway next to his Escalade.  Just as she was going to turn off the engine, she saw the garage door going up.  AJ waved to her to pull her car into the garage.  He opened her car door and offered his hand to help her out.  "Glad you decided to come for breakfast, Mac.  Joy is making pancakes and bacon."

"Mmm, my favorites!"

AJ caught her hand before she rounded the car.  "Mac.  I'm sorry about ruining your date last night.  I shouldn't..."

"You didn't ruin it, AJ," Mac slipped back into the familiar.  "You made it wonderful," she smiled.  "I really wasn't looking forward to an evening alone with Harm last night.  Not after Thursday night.  Harm's never been interested in me before, AJ.  Not really; not enough to do anything about it.  I think the only reason he asked me out last night was because he's felt guilty all these months about not being there for me when Mic left."

"You honestly don't think he's interested?" AJ asked incredulously.  Mac shook her head.  "Man's more of a fool about women than I thought he was," AJ mumbled as he pulled Mac to him.  He encircled her in his arms and lowered his head to hers.  "I meant what I said last night, you know.  It was the first time I've enjoyed a movie in a very, very long time," he whispered, their mouths a breath apart.

"You'll have to tell me what it was about, since I slept through most of it," she whispered.

"Damned if I know!  I was too engrossed in the woman I held in my arms to watch the movie."  AJ was just about to kiss her, when they heard Joy calling them from the kitchen.  "We should go in.  I'm not supposed to be doing this yet, anyway," he said as he quickly kissed her lightly on the mouth.

Saturday, 27 October 2001
1215 EDT
Tysons Corner Center
McLean, Virginia

AJ was thoroughly enjoying himself.  Watching Mac and Joy together was an absolute delight.  Joy had convinced Mac early on to join her in the dressing room, trying on all the latest styles.  They started the day at dELiA*s, where there really wasn't anything for Mac.  But moving on to the Gap, Eddie Bauer, and Abercrombie & Fitch, they found lots of clothes for both of them.  And the fashion show began.  In each store, they found the largest dressing room and shared it.  As they'd don a new outfit, they would parade out to where AJ was sitting and model for him.  So far, each store had several comfortable easy chairs just outside the dressing rooms.

"Which ones shall we ask them to hold?" asked Mac.  Rather than buying things so early, Mac suggested they wait until later in the day, after Joy had the opportunity to try on lots of different styles and brands.  Once she knew what she liked best, they'd go back to those stores and buy them.  Mac had spoken to the department manager at each store, and they were more than happy to hold the clothes until 8:00 that evening.

Joy chose her selections, and AJ carried them to the counter for her.  A&F's manager wrapped them in plastic and put a large HOLD sign on the bag.  "Thank you," said AJ.

"It's our pleasure, Sir.  You and your family have a wonderful day.  We'll see you back this afternoon, I'm sure!" the manager smiled.

AJ smiled.  ' "My family" ... I like the sound of that.'

As they walked out of the store, Mac said, "Let's check out Lord & Taylor next.  Then we can go downstairs and grab some lunch."  They walked down the corridor and hung a right.  

As they passed several beauty shops, Joy said, "I'd like to get my hair cut short, too.  Like yours, Mac.  Do we have time for that today?"

AJ frowned.  He rather liked his daughter's long, red hair.  Before he said anything, though, Mac did.

"Oh, no!  You couldn't!" exclaimed Mac.  "Why would you want to cut off those beautiful curls?  Oh, what I wouldn't give to have hair like yours!" Mac said.

"Really?" asked Joy.  "You really like my hair?"

"Joy, I love your hair.  It's beautiful!  If I wasn't in the military, I'd let my hair grow long, too.  But having to be on call and ready so quickly, I just can't see my way clear to let it grow much.  I've always wanted long hair.  Long, red hair," she amended.  "I always wanted red hair," she mused.

AJ finally spoke up.  "Well, if anyone cares, I happen to like your hair just the color it is, Mac.  It's perfect for you.  And Joy?  Let me give you a hint.  Boys like long hair."  Mac and Joy both smiled brightly as they entered Lord & Taylor.  "So, what are we looking for in here?" asked AJ.

"Dresses," Mac said as she led them through the store.

"Mac, how do you know where everything is in here?" asked Joy.  "Do you come here a lot?"

Mac laughed and shook her head.  "I cheated!  I had Harriett tell me all the stores we should go in and then draw me a map of where everything was," she laughed.  "I know Nordstrom's like the back of my hand, but not much else in this mall.  I know Tysons Galleria a lot better.  But this mall has more for your age," Mac explained.  

Joy tried on a number of dresses in Lord & Taylor, but she wasn't really comfortable with any of them.  "They're just not me," she said dejectedly.  

"And that's not a problem," offered Mac.  "That's exactly why we're trying them on.  So you can see what they look like on you, and you can decide if you like them.  There's nothing wrong with not liking a style.  There are lots of styles I don't like."

AJ smiled as he listened.  'Mac is wonderful with Joy.  And Joy has really taken to Mac.  I'm surprised, with her mother being gone only a month.  I guess it's from living in a convent with so many other "mother figures" around her all the time.  Makes her more open to accepting a new woman in her life.  I wonder how Mac would feel about a ready-made family, though?  And a teenage daughter, at that?  Damn, Chegwidden!  You have to stop thinking like this.  She still works for you!'

"Let's eat!" Mac and Joy said at exactly the same time.

AJ laughed.  "My two women.  Both starving, and both ate huge breakfasts!" he said shaking his head.  "Come on; let's go find some food before you collapse from starvation," he teased.

Mac noticed that he'd said "My two women".  He was calling her "his woman", and it sent shivers up her spine.  'Oh, to be his woman!' she thought.

"What's your pleasure, ladies?" AJ asked as they rode the escalator down to the lower level of the mall and headed for the food court.  

"I love Steak Escape," offered Mac.

"What's that?" Joy asked.

"Philly cheese steak sandwiches.  They start with paper-thin steaks, add chopped onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, and grill it all together.  Then they top it with provolone cheese and serve it on a roll.  Mmm, good!" exclaimed Mac.

"Yum!  Let's get that, Daddy."

"Steak Escape, it is, then," said AJ.  "Cheap date," he laughed.

"Oh, just wait until this afternoon when we start buying things, AJ!" reminded Mac.  He groaned.

After lunch, their next stop was The Limited.  Joy and Mac tried on almost everything in the store, at least according to AJ, they did.  Joy liked lots of the clothes, but she chose carefully.  She put back things that she felt were duplicated by choices at other stores.  "I think I like the one at the Gap better.  And the one at dELiA*s fit me better, I think, don't you?"

They left The Limited, Joy's choices on hold behind the counter, and headed for Nordstrom's.  Before they'd gotten very far, though, Mac spied Claire's Boutique.  "Let's run in here and see if you find anything you like for your hair, Joy.  It looks like they have lots of fun things."

AJ noticed the Parfums de France store just ahead, so he excused himself, saying he was going to sit on one of the benches in the mall.  "I don't think Claire's Boutique is my kind of store," he chuckled.

"Okay, AJ.  We won't be long."

"Take your time, Mac," he told her as he walked away.  As he entered the perfume store, a bright young woman approached him.

"May I help you, Sir?" she asked.

"Yes, I'd like to get a bottle of perfume, please.  Something new.  Different.  Light and airy.  What do you have?"

"Dior makes two new fragrances, Sir.  They're called their Coloressence fragrances."  She picked up two bottles, one with a red cap and one with a green cap.  "The red one is called Relaxante, meaning relaxing; the green one is Energisante, meaning energizing."  She removed the cap on the green bottle first and sprayed the air.  AJ sniffed and shook his head.  Then she sprayed the other bottle.  

AJ sniffed.  And sniffed, again.  "Mmm, I like that.  That's the one I want.  Wrap it up."

AJ walked out of the store with his small bag, wondering how he was going to hide it from Mac until dinner.  He didn't have to wonder for long.  He had just sat down on the bench in the mall when Mac and Joy exited Claire's with a much larger bag than his.  He immediately took it from Joy to carry and casually snuck his bag inside of hers.

They walked down the corridor, again, making their way to Nordstrom's, when they passed the Coach store.  "Joy, you need a new purse, Darlin'.  That one looks like it's about to fall apart."

"It is, Daddy.  It was one that Mama kept trying to throw away.  But I didn't have a new one, so I'd drag it back out of the trash every time she tossed it."

"Well, if memory serves me correctly, the last several women I dated all carried Coach purses."  He glanced over at Joy to see her reaction.  It was just as he expected; she was frowning.  "I believe Harriett carries a Coach purse, too, doesn't she, Mac?"  Mac nodded.  Joy still wasn't smiling.  "Of course, Mac also carries a Coach purse, Darlin'."  Joy's face lit up in a smile and she walked through the doorway.

"Mac?  What kind of purse do girls my age carry around here?" she asked.

"I don't have a clue, Joy.  Why don't we ask for some help," she suggested, smiling at one of the sales clerks.  

Twenty minutes later, they left.  Joy had transferred all of her things from her old purse into the new one, and she asked the clerk to throw the old one away.  Joy was thrilled.  Her purse looked just like Mac's, except that it was a bit smaller.  

As they entered Nordstrom's, Mac suggested they pick up the shoes that Dave ordered and that AJ take them on to the car so he didn't have to carry them back through the mall.  "Sounds like a plan," AJ agreed.  By the time he returned, Mac and Joy were in the dressing room.  

An hour later, as they donned their last outfits, Mac said, "Okay, Joy.  It's time to decide what you like the best.  We should start buying now."

The sales clerk heard Mac's comment and was immediately there to take their purchases to the counter.  "Have you decided?" she asked.

Joy looked through the stacks of clothes she just tried on and pulled out the ones she wanted.  "How about these?" she asked timidly.  

"Those are fine, Darlin', he said handing the items to the clerk.  "What about this one?" AJ asked, holding up one that he had especially liked on her.

"That one costs too much, Daddy."

"But do you like it, Joy?" he asked quietly.  She nodded.  AJ handed it to the clerk as well.  "We'll take this one, too."  He turned back to Joy, putting his hands on her shoulders.  When she didn't look up at him, he moved his right hand and lifted her chin.  "Sweetheart, I told you before.  I'll decide if something costs too much.  Don't you worry about the prices this time, okay?  I appreciate your concern, but right now, the most important thing is that we find you clothes that you like and that you're comfortable with.  Once we get settled in, then I'll let you concern yourself with money matters.  Deal?"

She smiled and nodded.  "Thank you, Daddy," she said as a tear slipped out of the corner of her eye.  He brushed it away and hugged her close.

Saturday, 27 October 2001
1730 EDT
Tysons Corner Center
McLean, Virginia

They left Nordstrom's on the upper level and headed back down the mall corridor, stopping at Benetton to get Joy a new winter coat and several sweaters.  They ran in to Victoria's Secret and Joy tried on the flannel nightgowns AJ picked out the other night.  Mac was in the dressing room with Joy, when one of the sales girls knocked on the door.  

"Excuse me, Ma'am.  Your husband handed me this and asked that you try it on while your daughter tries the flannel."

Mac's jaw dropped.  'My husband?'  Joy grinned when she heard the sales girl's words.  Mac opened the dressing room door and took the nightgown from the girl.  It was the green one from the other night.  The one AJ said was perfect for her.  "He's got to be kidding," Mac said.

Joy begged, "Oh, please, Mac!  Try it on.  It's beautiful.  And you certainly would surprise him if you walked out there and modeled it for him!"

"Yeah, right.  In a blue moon!  It would surprise him, alright!  Shock him, is more like it!" Mac chuckled.  She stripped out of her clothes and put the nightgown over her head.

"Mac!  You have to take your bra off.  It looks ridiculous with a bra on underneath!" argued Joy.

Mac reluctantly agreed and removed her bra.  Then she looked in the mirror.  It was a gorgeous emerald-green nightgown.  The neckline dipped well between her breasts, revealing her cleavage without actually showing any of her breasts.  It was sleeveless with the skinniest spaghetti straps Mac had ever seen.  The back was very, very low...dipping just past her waist, but not far enough to show her derriere.  The gown flowed to the floor and had a slit up the front almost to her crotch, but again, not quite high enough to show anything.  Mac had to admit:  this was the most tasteful and sexy nightgown she had ever seen.  It was absolutely gorgeous!

"How does it fit, Ma'am?  Shall I bring a different size?" the sales girl asked as she knocked on the door, again.

"No, it's fine, thank you," Mac said.  

It was obvious to Joy that Mac wasn't going to go out and model the nightgown for her father.  So she decided to take matters into her own hands.  She had the last of the flannel nightgowns on, she opened the door, bringing AJ's attention immediately to the dressing room as she said, "Daddy?  What do you think?  Oh!"  Then she stepped back in the dressing room and pushed Mac forward.  "Mac, I need to get to my purse," she used as an excuse for pushing her out of the dressing room.

The sales girl smiled.  "Oh, that is just beautiful on you, Ma'am!  There aren't many women who can do that gown justice, which is why it's still here.  But it is perfect on you," she gushed...and she really meant it.  She had seen a lot of women try that very gown on, only to put it back.  They couldn't carry it off.  But this woman?  Wow!

"Mac," AJ breathed as he devoured Mac with his eyes.  "You're magnificent."  He twirled his finger, motioning for her to turn around, and she did.  "Absolutely breathtaking."

"You like it, do you?" Mac whispered.  "So do I.  You have exquisite taste, AJ."

"Consider it an early Christmas present.  One I could certainly never give you at the office," he said for her ears only.  

Mac beamed.  "It's the right color for Christmas," she said just as softly.

When they left Victoria's Secret, AJ had an enormous smile on his face and was listening to Joy's chatter.

"My God!  Now here's a sight I never expected to see!  AJ Chegwidden in a shopping mall... and smiling!" bellowed a deep voice.

AJ looked up and his smile slipped just a bit.  "Hello, Dick.  What brings you here on a gorgeous Saturday?"

West lifted his arms to show his shopping bags.  "I'm carrying the bags today, AJ.  You?"

"The same," AJ chuckled, raising the bags he carried, too.  The men were laughing as West's wife approached them.  "Hello, Helen.  Nice to see you, again."

"AJ!  Hello.  It has been a while, hasn't it?" she said.

"At least a couple of years, I think."

"Dick has been away a lot, and I've actually had the chance to tag along on some of his cruises.  What a treat!"

"I'm sure.  Excuse me, Helen.  Dick.  May I present Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, USMC, and my daughter, Joy.  Ladies, Rear Admiral Richard West and his wife, Helen."

Before Mac had time to say a word, Helen questioned, "Your daughter?  I didn't realize you had another daughter, AJ."  She turned to Joy and said, "Hello, Joy.  Do you live here in the area?"

"Yes, Ma'am.  I'm living with my father now."

"Are you?  How wonderful for you.  Your father is a very special man.  Where's your mother, Dear?"

"Mama died last month," Joy said sadly.

"Oh, I am sorry.  You poor, dear child."  Helen turned to AJ, "AJ, please do call me if I can help in any way.  I'll be glad to do whatever I can, you know that, I hope."

"Thank you, Helen.  But I think we have it covered," AJ said graciously.

"Helen, you go on ahead.  I'll catch up to you.  I want to talk to AJ for a minute," Dick West said to his wife.

"Admiral, I think Joy and I will go on ahead, too, if that's alright with you, Sir?" Mac said formally, much to Joy's surprise and AJ's relief.  He nodded.  "A pleasure to meet you, Admiral West."

"Colonel.  Miss Chegwidden," West nodded.  After they were no longer within hearing distance, West hissed, "AJ, what the hell are you doing?  MacKenzie works for you!"

"Yes, she does, Dick.  And she very generously agreed to help me take my daughter shopping.  A daughter who just arrived in my life two days ago with practically nothing to her name.  Her name, by the way, is Rayl, not Chegwidden."

"And that's all?  Just shopping?"

"She went to dinner with us Thursday night; it helped Joy feel more at ease, I think, having a woman present.  She grew up in a convent; isn't very used to being around men," AJ suggested, knowing that Joy really hadn't had a lot of difficulty adjusting.  But West didn't know that, and it sounded good...and it was possible, after all.

"Just be careful, AJ," West warned as they parted company.

Saturday, 27 October 2001
2000 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ pulled the Escalade into his driveway.  "Damn, Mac, you really weren't exaggerating, were you?  It's 2000 hours!"

Mac laughed lightly.  "No, I rather thought it would be a pretty full day.  I did think we'd give out before now, though.  Of course, we did stop to pick up a pizza," she reasoned.

"Let's get all this stuff inside and I can try it all on, again!"  Joy scurried out of the front seat after Mac and started grabbing packages.  

"Careful with those, Darlin'.  You don't want to break anything!"

"We didn't buy anything breakable, Daddy."

"Maybe you didn't, Joy, but I did," he whispered in her ear.  "It's a present for you to give Mac, and it's hidden in one of your shopping bags, so just be careful." 

Joy beamed a smile at her father.  She had so wanted to buy Mac a present to thank her for all the time she spent helping her Thursday night and today.  But she had no money.  And she just couldn't ask her father; he was already buying so much.  She was quickly learning that her father was a very considerate man.

As AJ made a second trip outside to retrieve the last of their purchases, Mac set the table for dinner.  When AJ returned inside, he saw that Mac had only set out two plates and poured two glasses of soda.  "Mac?" he asked, coming up behind her.  "You are staying to eat, aren't you?"

"I think it would be better if I headed for home, AJ," she replied softly.

"It's West, isn't it," he said.

"He might call, AJ...just to check and see if I'm here.  You wouldn't lie to him.  Neither would I.  As you said, we can't do this...not while I still work for you.  It isn't right."

AJ nodded, "You're right, of course."  He called Joy, "Mac's leaving, Darlin'.  Come say good night."

Joy came running out of her room, "You're not staying for pizza?  Why not, Mac?"

"I need to get on home, Joy," Mac said.  "Don't forget to turn your clocks back tonight," she said to AJ.

Joy looked at her father's saddened expression and knew better than to say anything.  "Mac, this is for you," she said as she handed her the wrapped box.  "It's just a little something to thank you for all the time you spent helping me Thursday night and today.  I really appreciate it so much."

Mac looked at Joy and then AJ.  Mac knew full well that Joy hadn't bought anything for her today.  'I suppose she could have gotten this yesterday, though,' Mac thought.  "Shall I open it now?" she asked.

"Yes, please do," Joy said quietly.

Mac slipped the ribbon off the box and ripped the paper.  "Perfume?  Oh, Joy, it's the new fragrance from Dior.  I looked at these only last week and couldn't decide which I liked better...the green one or the red one."

"Daddy picked it out, Mac."  Joy slipped quietly back in her room.  She hoped that they would need a little privacy now, but of course, she peeked out her bedroom door to spy on them.

Mac knew he had.  The only place that carried this new fragrance was the perfume store at the mall.  'I'll bet he bought it while we were in Claire's Boutique.'  "So you preferred the red one, AJ?"

He nodded.  "Didn't care for the other one at all.  But this one...  It just smelled like... like you, Mac."

"Thank you, Joy," Mac said turning back to where Joy had been standing.  She was gone.  She looked back to AJ.  "Thank you, too, AJ.  For the perfume and for the nightgown," she whispered.

"I hope to see you in that, again, before too long, Mac," he said huskily.

"I thought you wanted to see me out of it," she teased wickedly.

AJ moaned.  "You know I do, Mac.  You know I do."

About an hour later, AJ's phone rang.  Joy ran to answer it.  "Hello!" she chirped.

"Is Colonel MacKenzie there, please?" a female voice asked.

"No, I'm sorry.  She left right after we got back from shopping.  Didn't even stay for pizza," Joy offered.

"Joy, Darlin', who is it?" asked AJ.

"A lady calling for Mac, Daddy."

"Here?  Why would anyone call Mac here?" AJ took the phone from Joy's hand. "Chegwidden."

"Good evening, AJ. It's Bobbi Latham."

"Congresswoman. I understand you're looking for Mac. Is something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, no, AJ. I've just been trying to reach Mac all day, and she hasn't been home. I finally called Harm, thinking she might be with him, and he suggested I call your house. Something about Mac having spent the day with your daughter? But that voice calling you 'Daddy' certainly didn't sound like Francesca," Bobbi said.

"Her name is Joy, Ms. Latham, and she's only been with me now for three days. Yes, Mac did come over early this morning and spent the day with Joy; we went shopping."

"It's Bobbi, AJ, as I've told you before. And what do you mean, 'we went shopping'? You went, too? I can't imagine your spending a day at the mall, AJ!"

AJ chuckled. "I was there to lend an opinion, carry the bags, and sign the charge slips. Bobbi laughed. "My daughter came to me with very little, so Mac graciously agreed to help fill her closet and dresser drawers."

"And are they full now?" Bobbi asked with a chuckle.

"Almost," he sighed.

Joy came out of her room saying, "Daddy, may I call Mother… oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were still on the phone. Excuse me." She turned and went back in her room and closed the door.

"Where is her mother, AJ," asked Bobbi, "if it isn't being too personal?"

"Her mother died a month ago," AJ said sadly.

"Then who was she going to call? Oh, never mind. Now I am just being nosey."

"Not a problem, Bobbi. Joy was living in a convent in Illinois until she came to me on Thursday of this week. She wants to call and talk to the Mother Superior; I'm sure she misses her. The sisters were all very good to Joy and her mother," AJ said. "And I really should be going so she can call up there before it gets too late."

"Of course, AJ. I won't keep you. If you talk to Mac, do let her know that I'm…"

"She should be home by now, Bobbi. She left here over an hour ago."

"Well, it's probably been almost that since I tried her place. I'll call, again. Good night, AJ. And congratulations on your daughter!"

"Thanks, Bobbi. Good night." AJ hung up the phone and knocked on Joy's door. "Joy, you can use the phone now." Joy opened her door, and AJ could tell she'd been crying. "Darlin', what is it? What's wrong?" he asked as he pulled her into his embrace.

Joy whimpered a little, "I'm sorry, Daddy. I just miss Mama so much, and… and…" Her whimper turned into an all-out cry, and her tears flowed freely down her face.

"There, now, Baby. Shhh, it's okay, Sweetheart. Daddy's here, and I love you so much, Darlin'." Joy's sobs were coming harder now; her whole body was shaking. AJ scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to her bed. Without loosing his hold on her, he slid down onto the bed and held her in his arms and rocked her like a baby, stroking her long hair, and murmuring assurances in her ear. "Daddy's here, Baby. It's okay now, Darlin'."

Fifteen minutes later, Joy had cried herself to sleep in her father's arms. He gently laid her down on her bed. He pulled her shoes and socks off and then eased her jeans down her legs. 'No reason for her to have to sleep in stiff new jeans,' he mused. He pulled the comforter up and covered her sleeping form, then walked out of her room and closed the door behind him.

AJ went to the phone and dialed the convent in Illinois. "Convent of Sacred Hearts.  May I help you?"

"This is Admiral AJ Chegwidden calling from Virginia.  I'd like to speak with the Mother Superior, please."

"Admiral! How is our precious Joy? Is she alright?" the anxious sister asked.

"Yes, she's doing just fine, Sister. Thank you for asking," replied AJ.

"I'll get Mother for you. Just a moment, please."

A moment later, "Admiral Chegwidden. What a surprise to hear from you tonight," the Mother Superior said.

"Actually, Mother, Joy wanted to call you tonight herself. But she fell asleep crying, I'm afraid, before…"

"Crying? The poor dear girl. She's missing her Mama, I do believe."

"Yes, Mother, I believe you're right. I held her while she cried and rocked her to sleep…"

"Just as I would have done, Admiral. You're second guessing yourself, aren't you?" she asked him.

"Yes, I guess so. I do have another daughter, but her mother took her to Italy when she was still a baby. I really have little experience actually playing the role of a daddy."

"Is that what Joy is calling you? Daddy? She told me that's what she wanted to call you if she ever found you. I'm so glad she did find you, Admiral. I know she'll be very happy with you; I can feel it," the Mother Superior said.

"I'm glad you think so. That helps. Mother, we spent the day shopping with a co-worker of mine. A woman. Joy seems to have really taken a liking to her. I can't help but wonder, though, if that's what brought this crying spell on tonight," AJ mentioned.

"Is the woman still there?"

"No, Mother, she left pretty soon after we got home from shopping. Didn't even stay to eat supper with us."

"Do you think Joy is jealous of her? Can you tell if she really likes this woman? Or is she, perhaps, trying to like her… for your sake?"

"I don't think she's at all jealous of her, no. She seems to adore Mac, actually. Maybe it's just too soon for her to have someone new get so close."

"No, Admiral. Joy has always been a very loving child. And very willing to accept love from new people. Especially from women. I believe that is because we so often have new Sisters coming in to the convent. No, from what you say, I think it may be that Joy sees her own mother in this woman. Or perhaps the chance of a new mother? Are you in love with this… what did you call her? …Mac?"

"Mother, Mac works for me. A relationship between us at this point in time is against regulations," AJ explained, making sure not to lie to a nun.

"Ah, I see. And what about at a future point in time, Admiral?"

AJ chuckled. "I'm working on that, Mother."

"Good, good."

Saturday, 27 October 2001
2345 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ was just settling into bed when the phone rang. "Good God, it's 2345! This better be important," he mumbled as he grabbed the phone and barked, "Chegwidden!"

"Did I wake you?" Mac's voice floated over the wire.

"Mac? No… no, I was just ready to turn in. Did Congresswoman Latham get hold of you tonight?"

"Yes, she did, AJ. That's why I'm calling, actually," Mac said.

"Oh? Is something wrong?"

"Did she tell you why she was trying to reach me?" Mac asked.

"No, she didn't. And I didn't ask."

"Ever heard of Captain Jonathan Harris?"

"Harris? Yes, I've heard the name. Doesn't he head up Minority Affairs for the CNP?"

"That's him. Special Assistant for Minority Affairs to the Chief of Naval Personnel. Harris is retiring at the end of the month. He's an old friend of Congresswoman Latham. He asked her last night if she knew of anyone qualified to take his job. He's run out of candidates; no one satisfied both him and the CNP, and evidently Admiral Crickson insists that Harris approve of his replacement."

"And what does that have to do with you, Mac?" AJ questioned, already knowing the answer and dreading her decision to leave JAG. He knew that if she left, they could have a relationship. He also knew that he was considerably older than she, and now with a teenage daughter living at home? What chance did he really have to win Mac's love? To win her hand?

"She said she immediately thought of me when he mentioned the position."

"What did you say?" he asked cautiously.

"I told her that I wouldn't do anything without first discussing it with my CO," she replied.

"That was nice of you. But I'll bet you've already either been online looking them up, or you've already called and talked to Harris. Which is it, Mac?" he teased.

"Don't laugh at me… you!" she scolded. "Okay, you're right. I did both, actually. And it sounds pretty good. What do you think, AJ?"

"I'd be extremely surprised if Jared Crickson chose a Marine to head up anything in Naval Personnel. But if he can't find anyone suitable in whites, I guess he'd look at greens."

"But what do you think about the job, AJ? The area? The whole idea?" Mac asked quietly, realizing suddenly that he didn't sound at all happy about the prospect.

"Be a shame to lose your skills at JAG, Mac," he said just as quietly.

"Lose my…" her voice broke. 'Oh my God! What have I done? I just assumed he was serious and not playing with me. How could I have been so wrong? He doesn't want me…how could he? He would never risk his career; I should have known that from the start. I did know it! I just wanted it to be different. He was never planning to look for something else for me. Oh God…' Mac's voice was weak to start, but she gathered strength as she spoke. "I'm sorry, Sir. I'm very happy at JAG, Admiral, and I didn't mean to give you cause to doubt that, again. I'll just let Captain Harris know that I'm not interested. I'm very sorry to have bothered you this late, Sir. Please pardon my impertinence," Mac said quickly, her words tumbling forth in rapid succession.

"Mac…"

"I'll see you on Monday, Admiral. Good night," and she hung up the phone.

"Wonderful. Now look what you've done," mumbled AJ to himself. He hung up the phone and looked up to see Joy standing in his doorway, her t-shirt barely covering her panties.

"Daddy?" she said softly. "Did you and Mac have an argument?"

"You should have something more on if you're going to walk around the house at this hour, Sweetheart," AJ said as he reached for his robe and wrapped it around her. "The heat goes down at 2230; don't want you to catch a cold."

"Daddy, what about Mac?"

"You let me worry about Mac, Joy."

"I like her a lot."

"I know you do."

"You like her a lot, too, don't you," she was making a statement, not really asking.

"Yes, I do."

"But you had an argument, didn't you."

"Not exactly an argument. More like a misunderstanding."

"Can you fix it?"

"I hope so, Joy. I truly hope so."

"I have a confession to make, Daddy."

"What's that, Sweetheart?"

"Friday morning when I talked to Mac on the phone... You remember, before we went to the school and registered me for classes?" AJ nodded. "I asked her what she was doing that night, and she told me that she and Harm were going out to dinner and a movie. I wormed it out of her where they were going and what they were going to see. I set you all up. I even planned it so you'd end up sitting next to each other in the theatre."

"I rather thought that's what happened. I saw your notes on the pad by the phone after you hung up," he confessed.

"You mean you knew what I was doing?" He nodded. "And you let me do it?" she asked incredulously.  He nodded, again.  "Did you know that I pushed her out of the dressing room today when she had on the green nightgown?"

AJ chuckled. "Did you now?"

She nodded. "I did. I wanted you to see her; she was so beautiful in that nightgown."

"She's beautiful in anything she wears, Joy."

"Can we invite her over for dinner tomorrow, Daddy?"

"I don't think so, Joy. I think maybe we should give her a little space."

"You don't want to see her?"

"Of course I want to see her," AJ said as he cupped his hand to his daughter's face. "I don't think she'll be too keen on seeing me tomorrow, though."

Sunday, 28 October 2001
1345 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac wasn't really in the mood to see anyone, but when Harm called earlier, she had agreed to go for a drive with him.  She opened her door and found him smiling down at her.  "You look wonderful, Ninja Girl."

Mac flushed slightly.  She never quite knew what to make of Harm's compliments.  Sometimes he seemed to genuinely mean them, and other times, well...  "You ready to roll?" she asked.

"Absolutely."

"Let's take the 'Vette.  We can put the top down and let the wind blow.  It isn't too cold today, do you think?"

"What ever you want, Mac," Harm said gently, pulling her into his embrace.  He looked down at her sad face.  "What is it, Mac?  What's wrong?"

She wouldn't look at him, but she pulled away from his embrace to pick up her jacket and purse.  "What makes you think anything's wrong?  Nothing's wrong.  Everything is just perfect," she tried to smile.  "We have a date!"

"And maybe this one won't get bungled by a teenager, hmm?" Harm quipped as the phone rang.  "You going to get that?" he asked.

"Nope.  I'll let the machine take it," Mac replied.

"Mac, it could be important," Harm intoned.

"Fine," she said testily.  She grabbed the receiver.  "Hello?"

"Mac?" a timid voice said quietly.

"Joy?  Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me.  Are you okay?"

"Yes, Honey, I'm fine.  What's up?" Mac asked.

"I just thought maybe we could..."

"Joy, I have a date right now.  Actually, Harm and I were just leaving when you called," Mac interrupted.

"Oh.  I'm sorry to bother you.  I'll hang up now.  Bye."

"Joy, wait!  I didn't mean you were bothering me.  You're not.  Not at all.  I thought you were going to ask if we could do something this afternoon.  And I was just explaining to you that I couldn't."

"Oh, no, I wasn't asking that.  Daddy told me not to.  He said you wouldn't want to see him today.  Probably just as well.  He didn't sleep much last night; he looks kinda tired.  But he's out there working in the yard.  He was going to do that yesterday, you know, until he decided to go with us to the mall."

"Yes, I know," Mac said.

"I'm glad he went with us.  Aren't you?"

"Yes, your father made a good pack mule, didn't he?" Mac chuckled.  Harm raised an eyebrow as he realized Mac was talking about the Admiral.

"Are you angry at Daddy, Mac?" asked Joy.

"No, Sweetie, I'm not."

"But you're going on a date with Harm?"

"Yes, I am."

"I thought you liked my father."

"Joy, I really have to go now, Honey.  I'm sorry.  Maybe we can talk later, okay?"

"Okay.  Where are you and Harm going today?  And I promise we won't crash your date."

Mac chuckled.  "We're just going for a drive in the convertible, Joy.  It's a beautiful day for it."

"Maybe we'll do a little necking while we're out?" Harm said as he came up behind Mac and wrapped his arms around her middle.  He hadn't intended Joy to hear his comment, but she did.  Mac slapped Harm's arm and pulled away from him.

"I'll talk to you later, Joy.  You know, raking leaves can be a lot of fun.  Especially with someone you love.  You might want to go outside and help your father."

"I am helping.  I just took a bathroom break and decided to call you while I was inside."

"Oh.  Okay."

"Bye, Mac."

"Bye, Joy.  Hey, thanks, again for the perfume.  I love it."

"Daddy picked it out.  It was really from him.  He said it smelled as beautiful as you are.  I didn't even know what it was until you opened it.  Bye, Mac," and she hung up.

"Let's get out of here, Harm!" Mac said rushing through the front door, willing the tears not to form in her eyes.  She knew if they formed, she'd have no control over them and they would spill down her face in buckets.  'And I will not cry over him, again!'

As they reached her car, Mac climbed in the passenger side.  Harm stood, mouth agape, and stared at her.  "You want me to drive?" he asked incredulously.

"You have a problem with that, Flyboy?" Mac asked.  "Generally when I go on a date, I prefer the man to drive."

"No problem with it at all, Mac," he said as he climbed in the driver's seat.  "I'm just surprised.  You're never let me drive your 'Vette before."

"You used to have one.  You ought to know how to handle it," she quipped as she leaned over and planted a big wet kiss on his mouth.  "Now I just hope you know how to handle me, too."

Harm reached over and pulled her back into his arms.  "Oh, I definitely know how to handle a woman, Mac."  He lowered his lips to hers and devoured her mouth.  She responded with such fire, he pulled away.  "You sure you want to go for a drive?  We could just go back upstairs...?" he suggested.

"Later, Harm," Mac said seductively.  "Drive now."