Designated Driver
|
Author: Ava Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: JAG and all its characters belong to Belisarius Productions, Paramount, CBS, Viacom, and probably endless others. Summary: The JAG men celebrate Harm's engagement, and the designated driver makes a little mistake...or does he? Author's comments: Characters' speaking parts are in double quotes ("text"); characters' thoughts are in single quotes ('text'). |
|
Friday, 1045 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Commander Harmon Rabb walked through the bullpen toward the break room for the twelfth time since he arrived an hour ago. Lieutenant Harriett Sims smiled as he passed her desk, again. "Commander, why don't you just go home?" she said as he looked down at her.
"Home? Why would I want to do that, Harriett?" he replied.
"Because you're a nervous wreck, that's why!" answered Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, as she came out of her office. "Harm, go home. You're not doing anybody any good here today."
"Caroline doesn't want me at the apartment today. She's... redecorating," Harm said in a small voice.
"Redecorating? The day before her wedding?" queried Harriett.
Harm nodded. "She doesn't want to have to do it when we get back from the honeymoon." Harm didn't mention that one of the things she was doing was removing all the pictures of him and Mac from his apartment.
Mac laughed. "She's really something." Then softer, "I hope you know what you're doing, Harm."
He sighed, "God, so do I..."
"Attention on Deck!" called Petty Officer Tiner as Admiral AJ Chegwidden strode into the bullpen.
"As you were!" the Admiral called back. He stopped at Harriett's desk. "Commander Rabb, what are you doing here?"
"Working? Sir?" Harm answered in a befuddled tone.
The Admiral looked at Mac and she shook her head. "Actually, Sir, he's pacing. He's a nervous wreck."
He nodded and headed for the break room to get a soda, muttering, "Hell, I would be, too, if I were marrying that ditzy blonde..."
Mac smiled, hearing his words. She agreed wholeheartedly. Caroline definitely was a ditz. Harm could sure pick 'em. 'Of course, if I'm going to blame anyone, it really ought to be Bobbi and Sturgis. God! Can you imagine? They actually had her in mind for the Admiral! What idiocy!!'
Harm and Mac followed the Admiral to the break room and found Lieutenant Bud Roberts already there. "Commander, we're still on for your bachelor party tonight, right? You are coming, aren't you?" Bud asked.
Harm smiled at his friend. "As long as it's not like the one your dad threw for you, Bud. I'll be there."
"Nothing like it at all, Sir. It's a very reputable place. They even have designated drivers on call for their customers. It's really a classy place."
"It better be, Lieutenant. I don't want to have to call Mac to come bail us out of jail, again," quipped the Admiral.
Mac laughed. "Oh, but Admiral. It's tradition!"
"God, I hope not!" Harm said. "Caroline would kill me!"
"And I have no desire to sit in another DC jail cell," retorted the Admiral.
"I'm just glad I don't have to be there," said Mac.
"Oh, but Colonel. You have to be there! You're the one popping out of the cake, remember?" teased Bud, as Harm's and AJ's eyebrows shot up and each had a gleam in his eye and grin on his face.
She just laughed and shook her head. "In your dreams, gentlemen!!"
"Oh, come on, Mac. You had a great time at Harriett's bachelorette party," said Harm.
"As I remember it, you were at a male stripper club, Colonel," the Admiral smirked.
Mac blushed in remembering. "Yes, Sir, we were." Then Mac walked up to Harm and put her right hand on his cheek. As she continued speaking, she moved her hand down his neck and chest. "And as I remember it, Harmon, the stripper filled out your uniform just fine!" She grinned as her hand reached his waist. She switched to her index finger and ran it right down the front of his pants. "Oh yes, he filled it just fine," she purred. Harm groaned at the contact.
Mac stepped back, picked up a can of soda, and left the room. 'I can't believe I just did that! And in front of the Admiral!! What must he think? Probably that I want Harm. Little does he know it's him I... No! Don't go there, Marine!' she scolded herself.
Harm, Bud, and the Admiral just stood rooted to their spots, none of them quite believing what they just witnessed, and all three having different thoughts on the matter:
Harm: 'Oh, Mac... why couldn't we ever work out our differences? Why couldn't it be you I'm marrying tomorrow instead of the ditzy blonde?'
Bud: 'Maybe Harriett was right after all. Maybe the Colonel really is in love with the Commander. I should go tell her what just happened.'
AJ: 'She's really suffering through all this. I just can't believe that after all he's put her through, and now engaged to another woman, she still wants him. It boggles the mind. What I wouldn't give to have her touch me like that... want me like that... love me...'
Friday, 1500 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
The Admiral stood just outside the breakroom entrance watching his people. He found it very odd that every few minutes, one of the men stepped into Mac's office and closed the door. Then not two minutes later, left. 'What the hell is going on?' he wondered. When his own Yeoman walked in her office and came back out 90 seconds later, AJ decided to find out what was going on. He walked over to Mac's office and stood in her doorway.
Mac knew someone was at the door. Harm and the Admiral were the only two left, and she hadn't quite decided how to approach the Admiral with this idea of hers. So, assuming it was Harm at her door, she said saucily, "Sit your sexy ass down and let's get this over with."
AJ was surprised, to say the least, but he decided to play along. He walked in and sat down, wondering how long it would be before she looked up and saw who it really was. He wondered who she thought he was. 'Probably Rabb.'
"Okay, here's the deal. Bud says there are enough designated drivers at this place tonight to take all of you home. But if there's a problem, call me. I can swing by Bud's, get the van, and pick you all up." She opened a folder on her desk and picked up an envelope. "Now, assuming there are enough drivers to go around, knowing how drunk some of you get, you're apt not to be able to tell the driver where to take you. So," she looked up as she handed him the envelope, "all you have to do is... Admiral!!" Mac jumped to her feet, dropping the envelope on the desk.
The Admiral chuckled. "About time you looked up, Mac. So, I have a sexy ass, do I?"
"Oh my God," she swallowed hard. "Admiral... Sir... I am so sorry about that. I thought you were... someone else... Sir."
"So I don't have a sexy ass?" he teased, motioning her back in her seat.
Mac knew he was playing with her. Did she dare play back? She decided to go for it. "Sexiest ass in the place, actually, Sir."
AJ raised his eyebrow and grinned at Mac. He decided not to pursue the subject; it could get them both into trouble. "So, what's in the envelope?" he asked, picking it up off the desk.
"Your address, Sir. Oh! No, Sir... that one isn't yours." She held out her hand to take it back. AJ handed it to her. Mac put it back in the folder.
"Address? You mean you wrote out all the men's addresses for them so they could just hand it to the driver?" AJ asked incredulously.
Mac looked a little sheepish as she nodded. "Yes, Sir. I did. I just wanted to..." Mac sighed. "I know it was a bit presumptuous, Admiral, but I..."
"Not at all, Mac. I think it shows a true concern for your friends." AJ stood up. "I'll let you get back to it. I'll see you tomorrow at the wedding."
"Aye, Sir."
As he reached the door, AJ turned and said, "Think you could make up one of those envelopes for me, Mac? Not that I expect to need it, but..."
Mac smiled. "Already have one ready for you, Sir." Without looking down, Mac picked up an envelope and handed it to the Admiral. "Enjoy yourself tonight, Sir."
"Thank you, Mac." He tapped the envelope on his hand. "I think I will at that; won't have to worry about getting home."
As the Admiral left her office, Harm walked in. Mac picked up the last envelope from the folder and handed it to him. "Now, Harm, don't lose this. I know something of what the guys have planned for you tonight, and you're not going to be in any shape to go home tonight, so this is my address, like we discussed. You give it to your designated driver, and let him help you up the stairs at my apartment. I'll be ready for you, and Caroline will never know how plastered you get tonight. I'll have you sobered up and smelling pretty by wedding time."
Harm sat in one of Mac's guest chairs. "Mac, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. Caroline really doesn't want me to go tonight, but what can I do? These are my friends; I can't..."
"No, you can't. You do have to go." She pointed at the envelope. "You did tell Caroline that you were staying at my place tonight, didn't you?"
Harm nodded his head. "She was fine with it. Renee would have thrown a fit," he mumbled.
Mac smiled. "Renee knew you weren't in love with her. Caroline thinks you are. It makes a difference, Harm."
"Mac, are you okay with this? I mean, my marrying Caroline." He noticed that Mac said 'Caroline thinks', not 'knows'.
"Of course I am, Harm. You're my best friend. I'm glad you finally found the woman you want. I must admit, it was quite a shock when you announced it, but hey! It's your life. Who am I to object?"
"Caroline really likes you."
"I'm glad. Especially so that she's not jealous of our friendship. Seems like everyone else has been... yours and mine," she sighed.
Saturday, 0140 EDT
The Banner Club
Arlington, Virginia
The party wound down to a dull roar, and the designated drivers arrived to take everyone home. "Okay, gentlemen, my name is Richie. I'm one of your drivers tonight. We also have Joe, Katie, and Gina. Now, if you'll line up here, we'll get you all taken care of and headed for home," yelled the lead driver. "Any of you know where you're going?"
AJ pulled his envelope from his pocket. "We ull haf..." he stumbled on his words. Finally, he just shoved the envelope at Richie.
Richie opened it and saw an address. "Wonderful! You all have these?" he asked.
All the men nodded. "Yup." "Uh huh." "Ma-ac."
"Okay, good. Take 'em out, and let me see them," he requested. He opened each one and looked at the address, handing it back to its owner. "Okay," he spoke to the other drivers. "Joe, you take him, him, and him," as he pointed to Bud, AJ, and Tiner. "I'll take these two," as he motioned toward Harm and Sturgis. "Katie, you take those three," as he pointed to Keeter, Webb, and Gunny. "And Gina, you take the last three," who were Sergei, Harm's step-father, and Caroline's brother. "Let's get the guys home."
Harm and Sturgis climbed in the back of the first car. "Let me see those addresses, again, gentlemen." Harm and Sturgis handed Richie their envelopes. "Okay, looks like you're first, brother," he said to Sturgis, and they headed for Sturgis' apartment.
Bud and Tiner fell into the backseat of Joe's car, and AJ climbed in front. As Joe buckled himself in, he asked to see their addresses. "Okay, looks like we drop the two in the back first and then you," he said to AJ. "Sound good?" He didn't really expect an answer; all three were already passed out. "Must have been a mighty fine bachelor party," he mumbled to himself.
Saturday, 0300 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC
Mac was beginning to get nervous. The party should have been over long before now. And Harm should already be here. "What could be keeping them?" she grumbled as she paced the living room floor in her nightgown. Jingo started a low growl in the back of his throat, and Mac looked over at him. "You hear something?"
Out in the hall, the driver helped his last passenger up the stairs and to the apartment door. "I'm fahhine. Thunk yuuu."
Jingo woofed quietly, got up, and walked to the front door. His growl grew in intensity just as the doorbell rang. "Oh, thank God. He's finally here!" breathed Mac with a sigh of relief. She opened the door and before the driver could catch his passenger, he fell into Mac's arms. "Oh!!" she cried as they fell to the floor inside the apartment. Mac laughed, "Harm, get up. Harm..." Then she got a look at him. "What the...? Admiral!?"
AJ opened his eyes. "Maaac? Whaatch yuuu dooo doooing heeere?" he sputtered.
"This is my apartment, Sir." She wiggled, trying to get out from under him.
"Mmmm, yuuu feel goooood. Duuu ag'in..." Hearing this, Joe grinned and closed the door before heading back out to his car.
"Admiral, please, Sir. You need to let me up. There's been a mistake. I have to catch the driver."
"Thisss a massstook," AJ mumbled. "Nooo. Nooot thiss time." He lowered his head to Mac's and caught her lips in a bruising kiss. He ran his hands through her hair and down her shoulders.
"Admiral. Please, Sir. You can't. We can't. This isn't right," Mac argued in between kisses. But her arguments fell on deaf ears as AJ continued his attentions. Finally Mac had no willpower left. She slipped her arms around his neck and returned his passionate kiss. She ran her hands down his back, and AJ promptly fell asleep.
Meanwhile, in McLean, Richie pulled up in front of the Admiral's house. "Nice digs," he said to Harm.
"Huh?" muttered Harm, looking at the house.
"You're home," Richie said. "Come on, let's get you inside." He managed to get Harm out of the car and up to the front door. "You gonna be okay?"
"Uh huh," Harm said in a daze.
Richie rang the doorbell. "Anyone home? Or is it just you?"
"Maa-ac."
"You live with a guy named Mac?"
Harm shook his head. "Carrrolllll ine."
"You live with Caroline?" Harm nodded. "She home?" Harm nodded, again. "So I can leave you here? You're okay?" Harm nodded.
"Maa-ac here."
"You're sure? You got a key?" Harm pulled his keys from his pocket and showed Joe. "Okay then." And Joe went back to the car and headed for home.
Harm tried his key, which of course didn't work. So he sat on the steps, leaned against the rail, and fell asleep.
Mac rolled out from under a snoring AJ. "Oh, God. Now what do I do? And where's Harm?" She saw the envelope on the floor and picked it up. "Oh no. This was supposed to be Harm's! That means if the Admiral got this one, Harm must have his." Mac went to the phone and dialed Harm's apartment. "Maybe I'll be lucky and he'll have gone home."
Caroline answered the phone. "Hello?" she said sleepily.
"Caroline, it's Mac. Is Harm there?"
"No, he's at your place. Oh! He's not?"
Mac moaned. "Harm and the Admiral got their envelopes mixed up somehow. I don't know how. But the Admiral was delivered here to my place. Which means Harm is probably at the Admiral's house in McLean."
Caroline groaned. "I guess I'll have to go get him."
"You could just let him sleep it off on the doorstep," Mac chuckled.
"Wish I could. But he'd never forgive me."
"You're probably right about that. I'm sorry, Caroline. I really thought the envelopes would be just the ticket to get everyone home safely."
"What are you going to do with the Admiral?"
"Well, right now he's passed out on the floor, just inside the front door. I guess I'll try to move him to the sofa and let him sleep it off there. I'm just glad you set the wedding for late afternoon!"
"You and me, both. I'd better go get Harm. Thanks for calling, Mac."
Mac hung up the phone and turned around just as AJ pulled her into his arms. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "You're awake!"
AJ nuzzled his face into her neck and held Mac tightly. He didn't say a word, but he moved his hands to her hips and pulled her closer to him. She groaned her pleasure at the sensations pulsing through her body, and AJ's subconscious took over completely. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom, laying her down and pulling her clothes off as he climbed in beside her... himself, still fully clothed. AJ continued his attentions to her until they both fell asleep.
Saturday, 0630 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC
AJ began to wake up; something wasn't quite right. His legs were hanging off the bed. 'Why?' He turned his head slightly and opened one eye. It was dark in the room, but the little he could see before him startled him a bit. 'Good God! Who am I with?' he wondered, seeing a mass of dark hair not two inches from his eyes. He didn't remember going home with anyone last night. There hadn't even been any strippers at the party. He decided it must be okay, though. Surely he wouldn't have just picked up a street walker.
AJ instinctively moved his head closer to her and kissed the back of her head. He heard her moan and felt her shift in her sleep. AJ began his assault anew until she was writhing under his assault. That's when he realized that he was still fully clothed. 'What the...?' He quickly pushed his pants down to his knees and moved over her. "Time to wake up, Darlin'."
"Don't wanna wake up. You'll disappear," Mac's sleepy voice said. "Love me. Love me now."
AJ thought, 'Damn, she sounds a lot like Mac. Maybe that's why I picked her up last night.' AJ was happy to oblige. Mac purred her delight at the sensations coursing through her body, but she was still not awake enough to be thinking clearly. If she had been, she'd have remembered that it was the Admiral in bed with her... and that she was no longer on the pill. She stopped taking them while she was on the Guadalcanal last year. And because she wasn't seeing anyone, she decided to give her body a break from them.
Light began to filter through the heavy drapes in Mac's bedroom window and AJ could see more clearly now. He lifted his head and looked into the face of the woman to whom he'd just made love. "Mac? Oh my God! Mac!!"
She knew immediately that he was surprised he was with her. No, not surprised. Shocked. Appalled. 'Disgusted.' Tears sprang to Mac's eyes instantly, and AJ saw them. Believing that he was to blame for them, for forcing himself on her, he groaned and got up off the bed. He headed for the bathroom without uttering another sound.
Mac laid on the bed watching for the bathroom door to open. Then she heard him yell, "Damn it all!" Mac turned away from the bathroom and curled up into a ball. She pulled the blanket tightly around her and over her head and wept silently. 'He hates me now. He's probably wondering how he could have lowered himself to taking such as me to bed. Oh, God. Let me die right now. I can't face him, again. I can't. I can't!!'
AJ exited the bathroom and saw the ball that was Mac under the blanket. He decided not to disturb her now. He went to the living room and picked up the phone on the coffee table. After he ordered a taxi to come and get him, he noticed Jingo sitting at his feet begging. AJ didn't speak to the dog; he just picked up the leash and hooked it on. He took him outside, and let him do his business.
Mac heard the front door close, and believing that he'd left without even speaking to her, she burst into tears and wailed. Her cries were so loud, she didn't hear him return five minutes later with a happy Jingo.
AJ heard Mac as soon as he opened the front door. He started toward the bedroom when a piece of paper on the floor caught his eye. He reached down and picked it up. It was more than just a piece of paper; it was an envelope. He turned it over and realized it was the envelope she had given him the day before. The envelope that should have contained his address. He removed the slip of paper from the envelope and read it. It was her address, not his. Then he noticed the name in the top corner: Harm. Now he knew why she was crying so hard; she had expected Harm last night. Not only was she losing Harm to another woman today, but now she'd slept with her CO. 'Aww, Mac.'
AJ slowly walked into Mac's bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. He spoke softly to her, "I'm sorry, Mac. I'm sorry for what happened here last night and this morning. For what I did. Please know that I had no intention of hurting you. I was plastered; I honestly did not know it was you. I'm not excusing myself, Mac. There is no excuse. But please believe that I didn't mean to hurt you; I would never knowingly hurt you. I am truly sorry." He gently laid his hand on what he thought must be her back and rubbed it gently through the blanket. Her sobs ceased, but she didn't move nor did she make any other sounds.
AJ rose and quietly left her apartment. He waited outside until the taxi arrived, and then he rode home, berating himself all the way to McLean.
Saturday, 1645 EDT
Main Chapel, United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
AJ stepped carefully into his pants, making sure not to rub his shoes against the legs. Caroline's brother was in the room watching the Naval men dress, and finally asked, "Why don't you put your pants on first... THEN your shoes? Sure is a lot easier."
AJ looked up at the young man. As he finished buttoning the tunic of his Dress Whites, he replied, "Always don your shoes first when wearing a dress uniform. Otherwise you crease your pants when you put your shoes on."
Harm, Sturgis, Bud, and Keeter all nodded their agreement. Harm's step-father smiled. "I always wondered about that, but I never asked. Glad to finally know the answer," he chuckled. He walked over to Harm. "How are you doing, Son?"
"Pretty good, Frank." He looked up and saw AJ scowling. Something was definitely wrong with him today. He was not in a good mood at all. But he wasn't in a bad mood either. It didn't make sense. He was just sort of... sad. Harm's thought shifted just as quickly to Mac. He hadn't seen her today. He hadn't talked to her. "Frank," Harm said pulling his step-father over to the side of the room. "Do me a favor, would you? Go check on..."
"Harm, Caroline is fine. Your mother is with her..."
"Not Caroline. Mac," Harm whispered urgently.
"Harm..."
"Just make sure she's out there, okay? I need to know she's out there."
"Okay. I'll be right back." Frank left the dressing room and looked inside the Chapel. He didn't see Mac. She wasn't sitting with the others from JAG, which surprised him. Harm hadn't told him she wouldn't be seated yet.
AJ turned to Harm. "Thanks for letting me dress in here, Harm. I appreciate it. I had to come up a little earlier than I expected." AJ didn't tell him the reason, that he'd come to discuss a position at the Academy with Admiral Ryan.
"Not a problem, Sir," Harm answered.
"Well, it's time for me to go out front. Who am I taking in?"
"Mac, Sir."
AJ gulped. "Mac?"
"Yes, Sir. I'd like you and Mac to sit on the family row, Admiral."
"I'd be proud to do so, Harm. Thank you," AJ replied, feeling his stomach lurch. 'Oh God.'
Frank walked to the front of the building and looked around. There she was. Standing off to the side. Alone. As he approached her, Mac saw him and stiffened. "Mac? Something wrong?"
"Hello, Frank. No, nothing's wrong."
"You sure?"
"Frank, I don't think I can do this. I thought I could. I thought I could watch him..."
"Mac, please. Harm wants you there. He sent me to be sure you were here. He needs your presence there as much as you needed him..." he let his words trail off. Mac knew what he meant. She couldn't have gone through with her wedding if Harm wasn't there either. Of course, her wedding hadn't happened anyway, but that was because Mic finally figured out what she hadn't had the nerve to tell him: that she didn't really love him.
"Okay, Frank. I'll go in. Tell Harm I'm here," she agreed reluctantly. Frank nodded and headed back inside. Mac approached the steps and paused with her foot on the bottom step.
"Allow me to escort you to your seat, Colonel," a deep voice came from the top of the steps.
Mac looked up, startled, into the eyes of the Admiral. "Sir," she said in a small voice.
AJ extended his gloved hand to Mac, and she rose to the occasion. She placed her smaller hand in his and walked up the steps. When they were on even ground, he tucked her hand through the crook of his arm and escorted her into the Chapel and up the center aisle. As they walked, he said, "You look stunning today, Mac." They passed the row of JAG officers and sat in the second row, reserved for family. Mac stepped into the row and when she realized that AJ was following her, she slipped over a little more. They sat together, both staring straight ahead... both as nervous as they'd ever been in their entire lives.
Finally AJ whispered to her, "Mac, we need to talk about last night..."
"I'd rather not discuss it now, Sir. Please. This is Harm's wedding. Let's focus on that if you don't mind," she whispered back just as the music changed and the men filed in to the front of the Church.
The wedding went off without any glitches. Well, except that when Keeter handed the minister the wedding ring, it was actually a condom he placed in his hand. The minister grinned and handed it to Harm, who almost choked when he saw it. Keeter eventually came through with the actual wedding ring, and the service proceeded.
As the recessional music was played, AJ and Mac walked back up the aisle together. As soon as they reached the vestibule, Mac released his arm and made her way outside, alone.
Saturday, 1845 EDT
Mahan Hall, United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
Mac was none too happy to find out that she was seated next to the Admiral at the dinner reception. That also meant she was expected to dance with him. 'Oh God, I can't do this. I just can't have his arms around me, again,' she thought to herself.
AJ wasn't thrilled when he discovered the seating arrangements either. He knew that Mac felt completely ill at ease with him now. 'Probably always will,' he mused. 'I guess I did the right thing...' They finished dinner and the music began. "Colonel? May I have the pleasure?" AJ asked politely.
Mac looked up into his eyes and smiled, though her smile didn't reach her own eyes. "Thank you, Admiral." They stood and joined the others on the dance floor. AJ put his arms around Mac and began swirling her around the room. "You're very good, Sir."
AJ looked into Mac's eyes. "So I'm told." Mac knew that he didn't only mean dancing. And she had to admit: yes, he was also very good at sex.
When the music stopped, Mac thanked him for the dance and headed for the wedding table. "Harm, Caroline. Congratulations, again. I'm going to have to leave now. I need to get back..."
"Now?" interrupted Harm. "Mac, the reception is just starting. You can't leave yet!"
"Harm, I have to get back. I have other..."
"Admiral, do you know about this?" Harm asked as AJ walked up behind Mac.
"Know about what?" he asked. He had heard Mac say she was leaving, but he played innocent.
"Mac says she's leaving, Admiral," whined Caroline. "Can't you make her stay? You didn't bring anyone today. And Mac didn't come with anyone. Can't you two sort of stick together and help each other have fun? That's why I seated you together for dinner, after all."
Harm turned surprised eyes to Caroline. That wasn't true, and he knew it. The only reason they were seated together was because Harm had insisted on it. Caroline had put Mac at the furthest table away from the wedding table and with no one she knew. Harm found it out and made her change the seating plan.
AJ turned to Mac, "How about it, Mac? Care to stay a while longer and keep a tired old man company?"
Mac looked at him with concern. He did sound tired. "Very well, Admiral. I'll stay for a bit longer." She accepted AJ's arm and he took her back to the dance floor. "You couldn't be very tired, or you wouldn't be dancing like this, Sir."
"I don't feel tired or old with you in my arms, Mac," he whispered. She jerked her head to look into his eyes. "I'm sorry, Mac. I shouldn't have said that."
"Let's just not talk, okay?" she requested.
"As you wish." Several hours went by, and Mac finally repeated her request to leave. "Mac, you really should stay until Harm and Caroline leave. It wouldn't look good if you left before them."
"Look good? To whom?" Mac asked, bristling.
"Mac, almost everyone in this room has been watching you all evening. Watching to see if you'd do something... anything... to embarrass Caroline. Of course, they're also watching Caroline, fully expecting her to do something to embarrass you. I'm surprised Harm hasn't danced with you; maybe he knows..."
"I told him not to ask. That Caroline wouldn't like it," Mac answered softly.
"And you're right. She wouldn't." After another minute, AJ finally asked the question that had burned in his mind all day. Neither of them noticed the bride and her brother dancing close by... close enough to hear their conversation now. "Mac, the envelope you gave me at the office yesterday was obviously meant for Harm. It had his name written in the top corner; I didn't notice it until this morning. And he got mine... ended up at my house, I understand." Mac nodded. "Why, Mac? Why did you give Harm your address on the night before his wedding?"
"Not so I could screw him, if that's what you're thinking, Admiral," Mac said sadly.
"Then why?" he pressed.
"Admiral, Harm is the best friend I've ever had. I love him; I really do. But not the way everyone seems to think I do. I thought at first we could have something together, but then over the years, it's... Well, it's just not there. I love him as a friend, and that's all."
"Then last night...?"
"I overheard Bud and Tiner a few days ago, Sir. They were planning some rather devious moves against Harm at the party, and I knew he was going to be drunker than a skunk." AJ nodded. "Harm mentioned several times to me that Caroline doesn't care for alcohol in excess. And knowing that he was going to be plastered after that party, I just didn't want her to be upset with him the day of their wedding. A wedding day should be special. It shouldn't start off with disappointments."
"So you thought it would help for him to be with you?" he asked incredulously. "Mac, that doesn't..."
"Admiral, Caroline is the first of Harm's girlfriends who really seems sure of their relationship. She doesn't see me as a threat. At least, she doesn't act like it; she doesn't show it. I feel like maybe we can actually be friends, and I like that. I discussed my idea for last night with her before I ever mentioned it to Harm. He doesn't know that; I didn't tell him. Well, Caroline might have... And she really seemed grateful for my gesture. I had everything fixed in the kitchen. My very own 'sober-up' cure. I was going to pour it down Harm's throat and put him to bed. Then a couple of hours later, drag him into the shower."
AJ raised an eyebrow at this. "The shower, Mac?"
"Fully clothed, Admiral. Then dump more liquid down his throat, and back to the bed."
"And you would be where while he's in bed?"
"On the sofa, of course," she smiled. "Caroline was very understanding on the phone last night when I called her... actually, it was this morning. She drove over to your place and picked him up. I just wish she hadn't had to deal with that on her wedding day."
Mac felt a hand on her back that wasn't AJ's. She turned her head and saw Caroline. Mac looked questioningly at her, and AJ stepped back. "Mac, I want to apologize," Caroline said. "I never really believed that you didn't want Harm. I tried to put on a show, and evidently I did a good job. But it was all a farce. And I'm sorry for that. Can we start over?" she said softly.
Mac smiled at her. "We don't need to start over, Caroline. Just pretend that you weren't putting on a show, and everything was real before. And we can keep going... I already consider you a friend. I don't have that many; I'd rather not have to start over, again. I might mess it up," she smirked.
Harm saw the two women he loved talking in the middle of the dance floor; the two men standing back a few feet from them. 'Uh oh,' he thought. He got up and walked toward them just as Caroline reached out and hugged Mac. Mac hugged her back. Harm smiled, 'Well, I guess it's okay.'
Harm walked up behind his bride and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Dance with me?"
"You haven't danced with Mac, yet, Harm," Caroline told him.
Harm winked at Mac. "She says I step on her toes."
"Well, you do, Flyboy," Mac teased.
"Actually, I believe this is my dance, Colonel," the Admiral said stepping back into the group. "Shall we?" He took Mac's hand and twirled her into his arms and they danced across the floor.
"Thank you, Sir," Mac breathed.
"My pleasure, Mac."
"I'd like a breath of fresh air. Do you mind? I won't be long," Mac said.
"I don't mind at all, Mac. But I'll escort you outside."
"Really, Sir, that isn't necessary."
"Mac, this is Annapolis. I know what's necessary here."
Mac headed for the side doors, but AJ steered her to the main entrance. "Let's take a walk around the green, Mac." He knew if he let her go out the side door, that others from the wedding would be there. Walking around the green would give them some semblance of privacy for conversation.
They walked for about 10 minutes, AJ never releasing his hold on Mac's hand. He'd offered his arm as they left the building and she took it; AJ pressed his other hand over hers and held on as they walked. He needed this last contact with her. Finally, he spoke.
"Mac, I called the CNO this morning... explained to him what happened last night. And I offered my resignation."
Mac stopped dead in her tracks. "You did what?" she whispered hoarsely. "No. You didn't. You couldn't have," she shook her head.
"Mac, I can't continue as the Judge Advocate General after what happened last night and this morning. Admiral Clark agrees with me."
"But... but it wasn't your fault. You didn't even know... you didn't realize..."
"Mac, that doesn't matter. It's my responsibility..."
"I knew, Admiral. I wasn't drunk. It was my fault. I should have stopped you."
AJ lifted her chin so that her eyes made contact with his. "Why didn't you, Mac?" he whispered. Mac inhaled sharply at the hungry look in his eyes. She bit her upper lip and lowered her gaze. "Because you were afraid of me, that's why," he answered for her. AJ dropped his hand and folded his arms across his chest, turning away from her. "I'm sorry, Mac. I'm sorry for hurting you. For violating your trust."
"You didn't do either, Sir."
"Admiral Clark decided that unless you want to press charges, I would just step down from JAG and move into another area. I'm starting here at Annapolis on Monday... unless you would prefer that I go farther away... or stand charges."
"No!" she said quickly. "Admiral, I would never press charges against you."
AJ turned back to face her. "I'm glad to hear that, Mac. Is Annapolis far enough away?"
She nodded, "I wish you didn't have to leave JAG, Sir. Can't I leave instead?"
AJ shook his head. "No, Mac. And I'm actually already gone. I'll be at the office tomorrow to pack my things; I won't be there on Monday when everyone gets back. The transfer was effective today. I insisted on it." Tears welled up in Mac's eyes. She willed them not to fall. "I'd rather not tell anyone else this weekend, Mac. I don't want to put a damper on Harm's wedding."
"Everyone will want to know why you left JAG so suddenly, Sir," she choked out. "What should I tell them?"
"Tell them what you want to. I'll take my lead from you."
"Will you? Will you really?" she asked. He nodded. Mac walked up to him and slid her hands up his chest and around his neck. She leaned into him and pulled his head down to her. "I wasn't afraid of you, AJ. I didn't stop you because I didn't want to stop you. I wanted you. I've wanted you for a long time."
"Maa-ac," AJ pleaded as he put his hands on her arms to take them from around his neck.
"You're not my CO anymore. You just said so. And you said you'd take your lead from me. Well, I'm leading." Mac leaned forward and laid her mouth against his, kissing him tenderly.
"Mac... this isn't what I meant..." AJ groaned, tearing his mouth away.
Mac released him and backed away. "I know. I'm sorry. I know you don't want me. I saw it in your eyes this morning when you realized who you were with. It wasn't really surprise or shock. It was disgust. You couldn't believe you'd soiled yourself with the likes of me. Perfectly understandable, Admiral," Mac said bitterly. With that, she turned and ran back to Mahan Hall.
"Mac, that's not true..." he called after her.
She successfully avoided him for the next half hour and then slipped away while he was dancing with Harm's mother.
Two weeks later
Tuesday, 1015 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
AJ exited the elevator and walked into the JAG bullpen. Tiner happened to look up and see him. "Attention on deck!" he called out loudly.
"As you were," AJ called back.
"Admiral!" "Sir!" "Admiral, it's so good to see you." "We've missed you, Sir." Greetings flew at him from every corner of the bullpen as people all gathered around.
AJ made small talk with them all for a few minutes. Then he turned to Harriett. "Actually, I'm here to see the Colonel. Is she around, Lieutenant?" he asked casually glancing toward her office. "What the...?" he started. Her office was dark, and her name was no longer on the door.
"The Colonel isn't here anymore, Admiral," Harriett said quietly. "She requested an overseas billet the Monday after Harm's wedding. It came through almost immediately, Sir. She's been gone for over a week."
AJ was stunned. She had left JAG. Was it because of him? Or because of Harm? 'Probably the latter.' "Where is she, Lieutenant?" he asked calmly.
Harriett looked up at the Admiral and could see the sadness in his eyes. She wondered if he was the reason Mac left, rather than Harm. Mac tried to assure her that she wasn't leaving because of Harm's marriage, but Harriett hadn't been totally convinced. Now seeing the Admiral here and his reaction to Mac's leaving, she wondered if something happened between them. Everyone knew that the Admiral had ended up at her place after the bachelor party. But no one dared ask what transpired. 'Hmm, he left JAG immediately after that. And she left the country as fast as she could. I wonder...' "She's in Afghanistan, Admiral."
"Oh God... not there!" he moaned, his face pained. He turned and walked to her office. He stepped inside and flipped the light switch. The room was void of anything except regulation furniture. No personal belongings, no pictures, no... nothing.
Harriett followed him into Mac's former office. "Admiral, can I get you anything? Coffee? A Danish?"
AJ shook his head. "No, thanks. Harriett," he turned to face her. He wanted to see her expression when he asked his question. "Did Mac say anything to you before she left? About why she was leaving?"
"Not really, Sir. She just told me that it wasn't because of Harm's marriage."
"What did she say about my leaving JAG?"
"Just that you felt it was the right move for you at this time, Sir."
AJ snorted and turned to stare out the window. He folded his arms across his chest. "When does Harm get back?"
"Tomorrow, Admiral."
"Thank you, Harriett," AJ said in dismissal.
But Harriett stood her ground. "Admiral, is there something you'd like to talk about? Share? Get off your chest?"
AJ spun around and glared at her. "What makes you say that?" he growled.
Harriett turned and closed the door. When she turned back to face the Admiral, she spoke quietly. "Admiral, did something happen between you and the Colonel the night before Harm's wedding? I know you were mistakenly dropped at her place instead of your own. Did something... happen... that shouldn't have, Sir? Is that why you left so suddenly? And why she left so soon afterward?"
AJ collapsed into the desk chair and buried his face in his hands. "That's exactly what happened, Harriett."
Harriett walked around the desk and knelt in front of the Admiral. She took his hands from his face and held them in her small hands. "You made love, didn't you," she said. It wasn't a question; it was a statement. She already knew the answer.
"Yes," he groaned. "I was so plastered, I didn't know..."
"That explains why you left so suddenly. You called the CNO, didn't you. Not the SecNav."
"I'd be in Leavenworth right now if I'd called Nelson. Yes, I called the CNO." AJ was impressed that Harriett figured it out.
"Admiral, do you care about Mac? Love her? Or was it just because you were drunk?" Harriett asked quietly. She knew she had no right broaching this subject with a 2-star Admiral. But she loved him. And she loved Mac. And she couldn't stand seeing them so unhappy.
AJ looked up. "I've loved Mac for years, Harriett. I just never admitted it. To myself or to anyone else, least of all, her. I couldn't. It was against regs."
"It's not now, Sir," she said softly.
"Precisely. But she's gone now."
"That's why you came here today, Sir?" Harriett asked.
AJ nodded and motioned for Harriett to get up off her knees. "A lot of good it did me." AJ rose to leave. "This conversation didn't happen, Lieutenant."
"Conversation, Sir? What conversation was that?" Harriett said sweetly. AJ smiled his thanks. "If you need someone to talk to, Sir, please know that you can always call me."
"Thank you, Harriett. I'll keep that in mind."
Six months later
Friday, 1135 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Mac walked into the busy bullpen and stopped in front of Harriett's desk. "Good morning," was all she said.
Harriett was trying so hard to get her work finished early so she could take the afternoon off. There were so many errands she'd been putting off, and she wanted to get them all accomplished that afternoon. So another interruption was not welcome. Until she looked up into the smiling face of Sarah MacKenzie. "Mac!!" Harriett squealed, jumping to her feet and hugging her friend. "Oh! I mean, Colonel!" she corrected herself.
Mac laughed and hugged her friend back. "It's Mac, Harriett, please."
"But you're in Afghanistan! What happened? What are you doing here?" Harriett's words tumbled forth as others in the office walked up to Mac and welcomed her home.
"I'm on leave," Mac said. She didn't mention is was a medical leave.
"Mac?" a familiar voice sounded.
Mac turned around and almost jumped into Harm's open arms. "Harm!!" He hugged her tightly and she buried her face in his chest as she hugged him back. "I've missed you so much, Flyboy."
"I've missed you something fierce, Ninja Girl." Harm released his tight embrace, but he kept his arm around her shoulders and walked her into his office, shutting the door behind them. Once closed, he folded her back into his arms. She raised her head to speak, but Harm lowered his and captured her lips in a bruising kiss.
Mac relished the feel of a man's lips on hers; it had been so long. Six months. She didn't think she'd ever gone that long before. The only men she'd been around in the last 6 months had been junior officers and doctors. Mac pulled back and spoke, "How've you been, Harm?"
"Pretty good, I guess... considering." He sighed, "God, I've missed you. Why did you leave so suddenly, Mac? I know it wasn't because of the wedding. We talked about that beforehand..."
"I'd rather not discuss it, Harm. No, it wasn't because of the wedding. Speaking of which, how is Caroline? How are you two doing?" She touched her fingers to her lips where he'd just kissed her.
"Mac, I'm sorry about that. I got a little carried away. I..."
"Not a problem, Flyboy. It was kinda nice. Just don't let Caroline catch you kissing another woman that way!"
"Pregnant," Harm said happily. "She's pregnant."
Mac tried to smile, "That's wonderful, Harm. Congratulations."
"Thanks," he beamed. "Mac, where are you staying while you're here?" And not waiting for an answer, he added, "Come and stay with us. Caroline would love it."
"No, Harm, she wouldn't. And I can't anyway. Look, I really have to go..." she said, opening the door and walking out into the bullpen.
"Go? You just got here, Mac!" he said following her.
"I know, but I have an appointment at 1300 across town. I just stopped in to say hello to everyone," Mac explained.
"Colonel, can you join us at McMurphy's tonight? It'll be like old times," asked Bud, standing next to his wife.
"Oh, yes, please..." begged Harriett.
Mac smiled. "I was hoping you'd want to do that. Yes, I'll be there. 1700?"
"Wonderful! We'll see you then."
Mac left and everyone went back to their business. Harriett picked up the phone and dialed the Academy.
Friday, 1735 EST
McMurphy's Tavern
Falls Church, Virginia
AJ walked into the bar and saw his old group of subordinates gathered around a table toward the back of the room. "Good evening," he smiled as he approached them.
"Admiral!" "Sir!" they chorused.
"Admiral, I'm so glad you could make it," offered Harriett, answering the unasked question of how he happened to be there.
"Good of you to call me, Harriett. Nice to see you all, again. Harm, Bud, Sturgis." He turned to Mac and said softly, "Hello, Mac. Good to see you're safe and sound."
"Thank you, Admiral," replied Mac, unconsciously placing her hand over her abdomen and biting her lower lip.
Harriett noticed the gesture, though no one else seemed to.
"Let me get you something to drink, Sir," offered Mac, getting up and moving quickly to the bar.
"I'll get it, Mac. You don't need to..." AJ started.
"AJ Chegwidden! As I live and breathe! I haven't seen you in ages. You naughty man. You never called me," a shrill voice pierced the room.
AJ turned toward the woman, recognizing her immediately. 'Oh no...'
Mac tried to ignore the woman's voice, but it was difficult...that is, until the bartender set AJ's whiskey sour in front of her, and another voice barked at her. "Colonel MacKenzie, I told you no alcohol for 6 weeks! What the hell do you think you're doing ordering a whiskey sour!?!" The Lieutenant Commander approached Mac and grabbed the drink from her hand. His voice lowered to a whisper that only she heard, "Mac, don't do this. You can have other children."
"The drink is mine, Commander," barked AJ. He had gotten rid of the clinging vine and was now standing directly behind Mac. He placed his hand on her shoulder as he spoke. "Mac was bringing it to me. What's it to you, anyway?"
The Commander was taken slightly aback at seeing the Admiral. "My apologies, Admiral. I didn't know. And I wanted to be sure Mac didn't imbibe. It's not good for her right now."
"It's not good for her, ever, Commander. And if you knew Mac at all, you'd know that. She doesn't drink alcohol. Ever," AJ informed him.
The Commander looked at Mac questioningly. "Is that true, Mac?" She nodded. "You never told me."
"You never asked."
"Lieutenant Commander! Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie outranks you considerably. I'd like to hear a little more respect when you address her!" AJ barked.
"Please, Admiral, it's all right," said Mac quietly.
"No, Mac, it isn't. I haven't heard him address you properly once!"
"My apologies, Admiral. I don't as a rule address my patients by their rank. Perhaps because I generally only see them in the hospital." He turned to Mac. "I'm sorry for the trouble this evening, Colonel. I'll see you in my office on Monday morning, Ma'am."
"Doctor, please..." said Mac.
The doctor looked back and forth between Mac and AJ. He saw AJ's arm protectively around Mac's shoulders and the jealousy in his eyes. "Remember what I told you, Mac. No activity for at least 6 weeks."
Mac nodded and the Commander left. AJ immediately spoke softly in her ear. "Activity?"
"Sex," she answered just as quietly.
"Something wrong, Mac?" he asked gently, turning her to face him.
"No, Sir."
"Mac, please..."
Suddenly Mac felt ill. Her face went white and her knees began to wobble. "Doctor..." she breathed, just as she collapsed in AJ's arms.
"Doctor!!" yelled AJ as he gently laid Mac on the floor.
The Commander came running back to them, as did the others in the JAG party. The doctor knelt beside Mac and checked her pulse, her eyes, her breathing. As her eyes fluttered back open, he began pressing on her stomach and abdomen. "Hurt?" She shook her head. He pressed again. "Now?" She shook her head, again. "What about here?"
"No. It's fine. I just felt dizzy and then I collapsed. I'm fine now. Really. I just need to eat something." Mac tried to get up off the floor.
AJ wouldn't let her. "Let him be the judge of that, Mac. He's the doctor." AJ cradled her head in his lap and ran his fingers through her hair. An act that didn't go unnoticed by anyone there.
"Mac, could you be pregnant?" asked Harm bluntly, kneeling beside her.
The doctor looked up at Harm. "She's not pregnant, Commander."
"But how do you know? Have you examined her? Have you..."
"Harm, please..." said Mac.
"Mac, Caroline got dizzy like this at the beginning. It's worth checking."
Mac's eyes welled up with tears and she turned her head away.
"Commander, I want you to leave. Now," ordered the doctor. "Move!" he demanded when Harm didn't budge. Mac's hands moved unconsciously to her abdomen and she rubbed circles over herself. "Mac," the doctor soothed. "Mac, it's okay," he said gently just as her tears spilled over and ran freely down her cheeks. "Mac, you can have another baby. There was no permanent damage. You just have to wait a while, that's all. But you can have another baby."
She shook her head. "No," she sobbed. "Not like him."
"Another baby?" bellowed the Admiral. "You went to Afghanistan and got yourself pregnant??"
Mac gasped at his hurtful words. She scrambled to her feet and ran to the ladies room.
"Mac!" yelled the doctor, Harm, and AJ at the same time. But she didn't listen. She slammed the door behind her and locked it as the sobs shook her body.
AJ turned to the doctor. "I take it, she lost the baby? That's why she's back in the States?"
The doctor nodded. "Last week. It was pretty hard on her, as you can see. She really wanted that baby. It about broke her heart when I told her it was a boy."
"She was far enough along to tell?" Harm asked.
The doctor nodded. "Oh yeah. Six months."
"Six months!?" AJ repeated. The doctor nodded. 'Oh my God... Mac!' AJ walked over to the rest room and knocked. "Mac, I'm sorry. Please come out."
"Go away!" she sobbed. "Just leave me alone."
"Mac, we need to talk."
"No, I don't think so. You've already said all I care to hear. Go away."
AJ stood outside the door for a good while. 'She can't stay in there all night!'
Harm approached him and said, "Admiral, is there anything I can do, Sir?"
"No, Harm. There's nothing anyone can do. I've effectively destroyed any chance I had... Damn it all..." he muttered as he headed for the bar.
Thirty-two minutes later, Mac cracked the door and looked around. She saw AJ sitting at the bar alone. No one else from their party was in sight. 'Did they all leave him here like that? I can't believe it. He must have ordered them away.' In front of him were 6 glasses, and they all looked empty. He was holding a seventh. He threw his head back and downed the whole thing in one breath.
"Oh no, not again," she moaned. "I can't leave him here like that. And he can't drive." Mac walked over to the bar. "Admiral?" She sat next to him. "Admiral?"
"What?" he barked.
"Give me your keys."
"No."
"You can't possibly drive home tonight, Sir."
"Watch me!" He stood up and swaggered a bit before getting his footing. Then he walked a perfectly straight line and right out the door.
Mac didn't realize he was actually going to leave, so she had to run to catch up to him. "Admiral!" she called. "Sir, you really shouldn't be driving in your condition," she lowered her voice as she reached him.
Suddenly he swung around and took her in his arms and lowered his mouth to hers in a bruising kiss. When he released her, he said, "You going to be my designated driver tonight, Mac?"
"Yes, Sir. Please, Admiral. Give me your keys."
AJ handed her his keys. "Drive carefully, Mac."
"Get in."
"Yes, Ma'am!" he quipped as he opened the door and slid behind the steering wheel.
"Admiral, please. Slide over. I'm driving," Mac said. AJ slid over to the middle of the seat, but no further. Mac climbed in next to him and started the engine. She pulled out of the parking lot and onto the highway, not noticing the minivan following them. "I can't believe you were going to drive tonight. You know better than try that when you're in this condition."
"What condition is that, Mac? I'm as sober as you are."
"Yeah, right! You had 7 drinks!" she laughed.
"Yes, I did." AJ agreed. He reached over and ran his hand down Mac's thigh. She took a quick breath, but she didn't stop him. So he shifted in his seat and moved his hand higher.
"Admiral, please..." Mac breathed heavily.
"I hope so, Mac. I hope I'm pleasing you," he whispered in her ear, then taking the lobe between his teeth and biting gently. She moaned. AJ moved his hand along the inside of her legs. "Oh, Mac..." he groaned. "Pull over, Mac. Take the next exit and find a parking lot."
Mac did as he instructed. The minivan followed at a good distance. When Mac pulled the vehicle into an empty parking lot, the van slowed way down. As soon as Mac turned off the ignition on the Escalade, AJ took her by the shoulders and pulled her to him, laying her down across the seat.
As the pair disappeared below the windows of the vehicle, Harriett and Bud grinned at each other. "We can go home now, Bud. I think everything's going to be just fine." Bud drove the minivan past the parking lot, turned around, and got back on the highway.
"Good?" AJ asked when he let her up for air.
"Mmmm, wonderful," she purred. "Your turn."
"No, Mac. The doctor said..."
"My hands work very well, Admiral," Mac interrupted. "But as many drinks as you had, it might take a while."
"I doubt it. I'm pretty close as it is now."
"How could you be? You had 7 shots!"
AJ nodded. "Yes, I did. I had 7 shots... of ginger ale."
"Ginger ale?" she squeaked.
AJ lowered his mouth to hers, again. "Mmm hmm."
"You're not drunk?"
"Not this time, Mac." He folded his arms around her and she slipped her arms around his neck. AJ ran his tongue along the seam of Mac's lips and she parted them. He pulled her body closer and ran his hands down her back. She wanted him to so badly. "No, Darlin'. Not this soon. It's not safe for you. I could injure you, and I'd never forgive myself." Mac whimpered but agreed. "Spend the weekend with me," he whispered to her. She nodded.
Monday, 1000 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Mac entered the bullpen with trepidation. She knew that everyone knew by now that she'd had a miscarriage. They also probably assumed by now that it was the Admiral's. How would they all react to her news of today? 'They're your friends, Mac. They'll support you. They'll be happy for you,' she repeated AJ's words to herself. She had hoped they'd walk in together, but Admiral Morris had stopped AJ on the way inside. So he had sent her on ahead.
Harriett saw her first. "Colonel! How are you feeling?" Her friend jumped to her feet and came to her side. "Do you need to sit down? Can I get you anything?"
Mac smiled. "I'm just fine, Harriett. Thanks. Actually, I wanted to..."
"Mac!" cried Harm, coming out of his office when he heard Harriett's exclamation. "How are you, Ninja Girl? You're out of uniform. Should you be..."
Mac laughed, "I'm fine, Harm. Really, I am. I'm on leave right now; I don't have to be in uniform."
"Good to see you, again, Mac," said Sturgis. "Feeling better today?"
"Thank you, Sturgis. Yes, I am."
"Well, Mac, do they know yet?" asked AJ as he walked up behind her, surprising everyone by being out of uniform himself.
"Attention on deck!" called Bud out of habit.
"As you were," AJ said, putting his arms around Mac's waist and pulling her back against his chest, surprising them even more.
Mac leaned her head back and smiled. "Not yet," she answered. She folded her arms over AJ's across her middle, her left hand on top, a gorgeous 3-carat diamond ring sparkling on her fourth finger.
The End.