Forever and a Day

Saturday, 26 January 2002
0600 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

Admiral AJ Chegwidden was not a happy man.  He'd planned this vacation for several months.  He enjoyed camping in the winter; there weren't the crowds of people one had to contend with in more mild weather.  AJ had left the office early on Friday.  He pulled his vehicle into the garage and had it completely loaded by 1920.  He went back inside the house to take one last look around to be sure he had everything.

When the Secretary of the Navy called him at 1922, AJ almost didn't pick up the receiver.  But he did.  And he was all the more sorry he had when the SecNav told him his leave was postponed.

"Damn it all.  Why the hell couldn't he have some other poor fool handle this?" AJ mused as he ran further into the woods behind his home.  AJ ran every other morning.  The alternate days, he went to the local Y and swam laps.  Today should have been a swimming day, but with his foul mood, he decided against it.  'Don't want to scare off the others.'

AJ knew his running trail well.  He knew where every root stuck up out of the ground.  He knew where every limb dipped so that he had to duck to avoid them.  He knew every drop off and every cliff.  He even knew where all the wasp nests and fox dens were hidden.  

AJ wasn't a man who let his feelings interfere with his work... or his exercise.  But he'd had so many things go against him in the last few weeks.  First of all, he'd been disappointed when his daughter, Francesca, changed her mind at the last minute and didn't come to visit him for Christmas.  Then he was accused of being a Scrooge and a Grinch because of the reindeer situation in Iceland on Christmas Eve.  'Thank God Sturgis' father knew the chaplain up there.'  

Then there was the bratty teenager who spit in his face and AJ had lost control and slapped him across the face.  'How the hell did I let that happen?'  And of course, the news media picked it up, and the SecNav demanded his retirement, and then there was the Flag Mast, and then Mac insisting on defending him...  "God, what a mess my life has been the last month!"

AJ was still running, his thoughts going back over the one-on-one meetings he'd had with Mac about his Flag Mast.  It had been so completely different than any other meetings they'd had.  She was in charge, and she knew it.  She was his only hope of getting a light sentence, and she knew that, too.  But she never flaunted it.  She always asked his opinion, while sharing hers... and following hers.  

And somewhere along the line, AJ found himself fantasizing about Mac... about Sarah.  About kissing her.  About undressing her.  About teasing her.  About making love to her...  "AAaauuuaghh!"

Saturday, 26 January 2002
0617 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Colonel Sarah MacKenzie awoke suddenly and sat bolt right up in bed.  She looked around her, and everything seemed fine.  Her dog, Jingo, lifted his head and looked at his owner lovingly... but sadly, as if to say, "But it's Saturday, Mom.  We sleep in on Saturdays."

Mac got up and walked around her apartment.  She looked in all the closets and in the bathroom.  Nothing was out of place.  Nothing had fallen.  She wasn't even sure that she'd heard something fall.  It was more a feeling that something was wrong.  She checked out in the hallway and even went outside the building and looked around.  Nothing.

"I wonder what happened to make me wake up like that...?" she wondered aloud.  "Must just be that new medicine I'm on," she decided as she crawled back under the covers and fell back to sleep.

Saturday, 26 January 2002
0825 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ awoke slowly.  He was in pain.  Lots of it.  When he tried to lift his head, he found it was twisted to the side and he couldn't move it.  He tried to move his arms.  Nothing.  Then his legs.  Nothing.  Not even his feet.  'Oh, God.  What happened?' he thought to himself, not able to speak aloud.  He tried to look around, darting his eyes in every direction.  He found that he couldn't see as far as he should; his face was swollen and his eyes almost swollen shut.  'Damn!  Wasps.  There was a nest right where I fell.  But why did I fall?'  AJ's thoughts drifted away as he fell back to an unconscious state.

Saturday, 26 January 2002
0935 EST
SecNav's office, The Pentagon
Alexandria, Virginia

Alexander Nelson was fuming.  He yelled to his secretary, "Did you find Chegwidden yet?"

"No, Mr. Secretary.  He's not answering his phones.  I've left messages for him at his home, office, and on his cell, Sir," said Ann.  

"Did you reach Rabb?" he barked.

"Yes, Sir.  Actually, the Commander just walked in my office, Sir.  Shall I..."

Nelson opened his office door and stormed out into his secretary's smaller office space.  "Where the hell is Chegwidden?!" he yelled at Rabb.

Commander Harmon Rabb stood his ground and looked down at the shorter man.  "Admiral Chegwidden began a week's leave last evening at 1930, Mr. Secretary.  I believe he was heading for Caledon State Park."

"Where the hell is that?"

"In Dahlgren, Virginia, Sir," Harm replied.

"Well, I spoke with him at 1920 yesterday and told him that his leave was postponed and to meet me here at 0800 this morning.  So where the hell is he?!" Nelson yelled.

"Mr. Secretary, if you spoke with Admiral Chegwidden and he agreed to meet you here, I must assume that something happened to prevent it.  A flat tire.  An accident on the road.  Something.  Admiral Chegwidden is not one to miss appointments."

"Go to his house, Rabb.  Find out where he is.  If his vehicle isn't in his driveway, he'd better show up here in the next half hour, or I'll have his ass on a platter!"

Harm nodded to the little man and turned to leave.  As he was hurrying out of the complex, he dialed Mac's number.  He hung up before it rang.  'She was really looking sick yesterday; I'd better not disturb her.  Maybe she can get some rest.'  Harm dialed Commander Sturgis Turner's number instead.

"Hello?" a bright voice said.

"Bobbi?"

"Good morning, Harm.  How are you?" she asked.

"Just fine, Bobbi.  I take it you're fine, too?" he joked.

"Just perfect.  Wonderful."

"Sturgis there?"

"Yea, I'm here.  What's up, Harm?"

"You didn't happen to talk to the Admiral last night or this morning, did you?" asked Harm.

"Nope, can't say that I have.  Why?" asked Sturgis.

"It seems that the SecNav cancelled the Admiral's leave last night and told him to meet at the Pentagon this morning."

"And I take it the Admiral didn't show?"

"You got it, Buddy."

"Doesn't sound like the Admiral.  Nelson sure he got the message?"

"According to him, he actually spoke to the Admiral... didn't leave a message," explained Harm.

"That really doesn't sound like the Admiral."

"No, it doesn't."

"You check his house yet?"

"On my way there now," Harm said as he reached his new 'Vette and climbed in.  

"Let me know what you find, Harm.  Maybe I should just meet you over there," suggested Sturgis.

"No, you don't need to do that.  I'll call you if I need you," said Harm.

They hung up and Harm drove to McLean.  He pulled into the Admiral's driveway, noticing that his Escalade was not there.  'He always parks on the driveway; never pulls into the garage.  Not a good sign.'  Harm got out and went to the door.  He rang the bell several times; no answer.  He tried the door; it was locked, as expected.  He looked through the partially open blinds and could see nothing out of place in the house.  Harm walked around behind the house and tried the back door; locked.

Saturday, 26 January 2002
1135 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Lieutenants Bud and Harriett Roberts came bustling into the bullpen with their young son, little AJ, in tow.  Harm, Sturgis, and Tiner looked up at the commotion.  "I'm sorry, Sirs; I couldn't reach our babysitter.  I thought I could just hold little AJ while I make calls," explained Harriett.

"Not a problem, Harriett.  Glad you could come in," replied Harm.

"Any word, Sir?" asked Bud in a very worried tone.

"Nothing," Harm shook his head.

"Where's the Colonel?" Harriett asked.

"I didn't call her.  She was getting pretty green yesterday afternoon.  I figured she wouldn't be able to do a lot that we can't do, so I didn't bother her.  I'm hoping that she's getting some rest this weekend," said Harm.

"She's going to be angry, you know, Commander," said Harriett.

"Yea, I know."

"So, who do I call?" asked Harriett.

"I'm calling all the Police and Fire stations between McLean and Alexandria," offered Tiner.  "I would suggest you call the hospitals, Ma'am."

Harriett nodded.  "Will do!"

Saturday, 26 January 2002
1500 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

The SecNav burst through the doors into the bullpen.  "Well?  Have you found him?"

Harriett looked up.  "No, Sir.  We haven't found him yet," she sniffed.  "But we will.  You can count on it.  We'll find him."

Nelson looked at Harriett's red-rimmed eyes.  "Lieutenant, there's no reason to believe he's hurt.  He was angry with me last night.  He's probably just..."

Harriett stood up and set her young son on the floor.  "No, Sir!  Admiral Chegwidden would not just disappear because he was angry.  He's not that kind of man.  He's the finest caliber there is."

"Harriett, calm down," said her husband coming to her side.  "We'll find him, Honey."

Nelson's temper died down seeing how concerned AJ's staff was about him.  'Damn, maybe something did happen.'  He walked over to Harm.  "Did you call the park ranger?"

"What park ranger?" asked Sturgis.

"No, Sir," answered Harm.  "He's not there."

"You don't know that, Rabb," said Nelson.  "Call them."

Saturday, 26 January 2002
1545 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ tried, again, to move his head.  It still wouldn't budge.  Nor would any other part of his body.  And his face was even more swollen now that before.  He could hardly see through the slits of his eyes.  His lips were swollen, dry, and cracking.  And the pain throughout his body was intense.  'I'm not going to get out of here today.  No one's going to find me down here; hell, will they even miss me before next week?  Nelson will, but he'll just assume I ignored his order and went on leave anyway.  What's the forecast for tonight?  Damn!  It's supposed to go back down to 20 degrees... maybe even snow.  Well, that could actually be goodness.  Hell, with my luck, it'll be sleet instead of snow.'

Just as he thought things couldn't get worse, he heard the leaves rustling by his head.  'Now what?'  He felt something crawl on his chest... and move up.  Then he saw it:  a rat, his front paws standing on AJ's face looking right in his eyes!  'Oh God... not that!  No!!!'

Saturday, 26 January 2002
1547 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac jerked awake and jumped out of bed.  "No!" she cried.  She ran through her apartment looking around frantically.  There was no one there.  There was still nothing out of place.  Jingo followed her, barking.

"What's going on, Baby?" she asked the dog as she collapsed on the sofa in the living room.  "Why do I keep waking up like this?  That makes the fourth time today.  And it's always the same.  Something horrible.  But I don't know what."  Mac got up and headed for the kitchen to make some hot tea.  As she filled the kettle and turned on the burner, she froze.  "It's not a what.  It's a who!" she exclaimed.  She turned off the burner and set the kettle on the counter, running for the phone.

Mac dialed Harm at home.  No answer.  She called his office next.  "Commander Rabb's office," Harriett answered.

"Harriett!  What are you doing there today?" Mac asked.

"Colonel?"

"Yes.  Is Harm there?"

"He's right here, Ma'am."

"He's okay?  He's not hurt?"

"No, Ma'am.  He's fine."

"Thank God.  Chloe!  Oh my God, it must be Chloe!  I have to go, Harriett!"

"Colonel, wait!  What do you mean?  What are you talking about?"

"I've been waking up with a horrible feeling that something is wrong.  And I just realized that it isn't a thing... it's a person.  Someone I love is in trouble.  Or hurt.  Or lost.  Or something.  And it must be Chloe.  I have to go."

"It's the Admiral!" Harriett said in a rush.

"What?" Mac had almost hung up the phone when she heard Harriett's voice, again.  "What did you say, Harriett?"  

"The Admiral is missing, Ma'am.  All day."

"He's not missing, Harriett.  He left for Caledon State Park last night," Mac told her.

"He was supposed to, Ma'am.  But the SecNav cancelled his leave and told him to be at the Pentagon this morning.  He never showed, and we haven't been able to find him."

"Why didn't anyone call me?!" Mac exclaimed.

"Commander Rabb said you were ill, Ma'am.  He didn't want to drag you out when you needed rest to get well," Harriett tried to explain.

"I'll be right there, Harriett."  Mac slammed the phone down and ran to her bedroom.  She ripped her nightgown as she pulled it over her head and grabbed her jeans and sweatshirt.

Saturday, 26 January 2002
1620 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac ran up the stairs two at the time and burst into the bullpen.  "Harm!" she yelled.

He came out of the Admiral's office just as she was ready to enter.  He caught her in his arms.  "Mac, don't be angry.  You were sick.  There's not a lot you can do anyway.  We've called everyone."

"Everyone?  Everyone but me, you mean!" Mac accused.  "Did you call Francesca?"

"Not yet.  We don't have anything to tell her at this point."

Mac walked into the Admiral's office and looked around.  Somehow she always felt better, more at ease, happier when she was in his office.  Not today, though.  Today she felt empty.  "I guess it's because he's not here," she said aloud.

"What did you say, Mac?" asked Sturgis.

She looked up.  "Nothing."  She walked back out into the bullpen.  "What's this?" she asked, stopping in front of a map.

"Caledon State Park.  When I called the park ranger, he couldn't be sure that the Admiral didn't arrive last night.  He said that someone entered the park after midnight and that it was a very large SUV.  That's all he knew," Bud informed them.  "So I got a map of the park.  I thought maybe we might be able to pinpoint something..."

"You thought I might be able to pinpoint his location on the map?  The way I did Harm's in May?" asked Mac.

Bud lowered his eyes and nodded his head.  "I was kinda hoping maybe you could, Ma'am."

"I wouldn't count on it, Bud.  I'm not that close to the Admiral," said Mac.

"You weren't all that close to the..." started Sturgis.

"Colonel," Harriett interrupted.  "You are close to the Admiral.  You even said on the phone that it was someone you love who was in trouble."

Mac jerked her head up to look at Harriett.  "I what?"  Harriett nodded.  "I did?" Mac choked.  "I do.  I do love him.  I am close... then it's true.  It is him that I've been dreaming... Oh my God!  He's out there... he's...  The tree... the bees!  Oh God!  AJ!!" Mac cried out.  "We have to find him.  He fell over a tree that was down.  It had a... a nest... a nest of bees.  He fell over the cliff and he can't move.  And the bees... They...  And there's a rat.  Oh God!" 

Mac began to shake violently. Harm reached her just as her legs collapsed under her.  He gently set her in a chair.  "Mac?  Mac, we need you to concentrate.  Help us, Mac.  Help us find the Admiral."

"I don't know, Harm.  I don't know how this works.  I just don't...  He's not at the park.  Not the State Park, anyway. ... He didn't leave the house," Mac said haltingly.

"Mac, his vehicle isn't there."

"Maybe it's in the garage," she said.

"The Admiral never parks in his garage, Mac; you know that," replied Harm.

"You know, when my dad and I were going camping, he always pulled the car into the garage to pack it.  Even though he never parked in the garage.  He pulled in to pack it," offered Sturgis.

"You don't think..." started Bud.

"No, he's not in the garage," said Mac.  "He's definitely outside.  In the woods.  Hurt.  Badly hurt."

"You know," said Harm, "if he did pack his vehicle in the garage yesterday and the SecNav called him just before he was ready to leave..."

"It's possible that he left it in the garage overnight..." said Bud.

"And went for his regular morning run this morning..." continued Harm.

"At his house!" cried Mac.  "He's in the woods behind his house!"

Tiner grabbed the Admiral's house key from the safe, and they all grabbed their jackets and ran for the parking lot.  As they drove, Harm called the SecNav and told him they were all on their way to the Admiral's home.  "Sir, I have reason to believe we're going to need a team of paramedics to bring him out of there."

Nelson didn't argue with him for once.  "I'll call them and we'll meet you there."

Saturday, 26 January 2002
1730 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

Tiner jumped out of the Roberts' van and ran to the front door, unlocking it and going straight through to the kitchen and into the garage.  Sure enough, there was the Admiral's vehicle.  He pressed the garage door opener and the door went up.

Sturgis and Harm immediately ran to the backyard and headed down the almost dark trail.  Mac, Bud, and Tiner went down the trail from the other direction.  Harriett took little AJ inside and waited.

They'd been on the trails for 23 minutes when Mac stopped suddenly.  Tiner and Bud stopped short, behind her.  "Ma'am?  What is it?" asked Bud.  

"We're close, Bud.  We're very close.  Be careful," she said.  "Harm!  Can you hear me?!" she yelled, cupping her hands around her mouth to extend her voice.

"Yes!" Harm's voice came through the quiet woods.

"Be careful!!  We're almost to him!!" Mac yelled.  She walked carefully along the dark trail.  "You didn't happen to bring a flashlight, did you, Tiner?" she asked.

"Yes, Ma'am!  I grabbed it from the garage before we headed out here."

"Good man!  Come up here and shine it ahead of me," Mac ordered.

Tiner did as he was told.  Not even a minute later, Mac saw the uprooted tree and the mudslide down the cliff.  The squashed wasp nest was there, too.  Fortunately, most of the wasps were now gone because it was dark.  "Admiral!" Mac called.  She took the flashlight from Tiner and started down the steep, treacherous cliff.  "Admiral Chegwidden!  Can you hear me?"

'Ah, Mac.  Sweet, sweet Mac.'  AJ was delirious as he heard Mac's voice calling him.  'If only I could have you.  Sarah Chegwidden.  What a lovely name.  What a beautiful woman.'

"Mac!  Be careful!" cried Harm as he saw her edging down the cliff.  "I'm right behind you!"

"Admiral?" Mac called, again.  "Admiral, can you hear me?"  Mac slid down about 10 feet before she caught herself.

AJ was awake now after hearing Harm's voice, too, but he still couldn't move.  He still couldn't talk.  And now he couldn't see at all.  The blood wasn't running into his ear anymore; it finally clotted a couple of hours after the rat tried to make his right ear his lunch.  Thankfully a fox happened by and frightened the rat away before he did any real damage.

Mac shone the light ahead of her.  She stopped suddenly and turned to her right.  She shone the light at the ground.  "AJ!!  Oh, dear God!  AJ!!" Mac cried as she fell to the ground, kneeling next to her CO.  She laid her fingers on his neck and could feel his pulse... very faintly.  "He's here!  He's still alive!!" Mac called up the hill.  "Get the paramedics down here fast!  They'll need a gurney on ropes to pull him up!!"

Mac put her hand gently on AJ's face and spoke quietly.  "We're going to get you out of here, AJ."  Mac laid her finger on his lips and felt them move slightly.  She knew he was trying to talk to her.  "Shhh, AJ.  Don't try to talk.  Save your strength.  We'll get you out of here."  

Harm finally joined her next to the Admiral.  "Oh, God, look at him.  Mac are you sure..."

"He's alive, Harm.  I felt his pulse.  It's weak, but he's alive.  He even tried to talk; I felt his lips move."

"You felt them?" Harm asked.

"Under my finger, Harm.  He's alive, and that's what matters right now.  Go back up and hurry them, Harm.  Please..." Mac begged.

Saturday, 26 January 2002
2355 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

The JAG Ops team sat in the Surgery waiting room.  The SecNav had long since left the hospital, leaving instructions with Harm to call as soon as they knew anything.  Little AJ was sound asleep in his father's arms.  Harriett sat next to them, holding both AJ's hand and Bud's.  Harm and Sturgis sat opposite them and talked quietly.  Mac, though, paced back and forth.

Harm came up behind her and put his arms around her waist.  "Mac, come and sit down."

"I can't," she said, leaning her head back against his chest.  "It's my fault; I should have known.  I should have found him sooner.  If he dies, it'll be my fault.  Mine!"

"Mac, you need to rest," he said, trying to turn her around and hold her to him.  He'd given up trying to convince her none of this was her fault.

"Let me go, Harm," she wiggled free, and caught sight of the doctor standing in the doorway.  "Doctor!"

"You're here for Admiral Chegwidden?" the doctor asked.

"Yes!"

"Family?"

"Yes," Mac said immediately before anyone else could answer.

"You want everyone to hear this, Ma'am?  Or shall we go to..." the doctor began, thinking that Mac must be the Admiral's wife.

"Everyone," Mac said quickly.

"Very well.  Let's all sit down, shall we?" the doctor suggested.  

"How is he, Doctor?" Mac insisted.

"He's in and out of consciousness.  He's trying to say something, but we can't quite make it out.  What's your given name?

"Sarah."  

The doctor nodded, "Yes, that's what I thought he was saying, but I wasn't sure.  May I call you that?"

Mac nodded.

"Admiral Chegwidden is a very lucky man.  If he'd been out there much longer, he wouldn't be alive now, I don't believe.  If he makes it, he's going to be a long time mending."  The doctor looked right at Mac and said, "And you're going to have your hands full, Sarah."

"If he makes it?" she asked woodenly.

"Well, let me go through the list for you.  From his feet up, how's that?"  The doctor flipped the chart open.  "The right foot is broken, the left ankle is broken, the ligaments in his right leg are torn, the left thigh took 104 stitches to close it up, his right hip was dislocated, his appendix burst, the spleen was ready to... fortunately we got it out before it did.  He has 7 broken ribs, one of them punctured a lung.  Both shoulders were dislocated, left arm is broken in three places, and the vertebrae in his neck look pretty bad.  I have every hope that they'll realign themselves and he'll recover from that, but right now, he can't move.  And his right ear has teeth marks on it that I'd say belong to a rat.  Not to mention the bee stings and the poison throughout his body from those.  There must be 100 stings on his body.  As I said, he is lucky to be alive.  And I'm afraid I can't say at this point if he'll survive this.  We're doing all we can.  I think he'll make it, but I can't be sure."

The tears were coursing down Mac's face as she leaned into Harm's chest.  "Oh, AJ!" she cried when the doctor finished.  "AJ...  If only I'd found you sooner..."

"Mac!  He'd still be out there if it weren't for you.  We were looking everywhere except his own backyard.  Mac, you saved his life," Harm tried to reason with her.

The doctor laid his hand on Mac's knee.  "Would you like to see him now, Sarah?"

Mac looked up and nodded.  "May I?"

"I think it would do you both a world of good to be together," said the doctor.  "He's called for you a couple of times, Sarah.  I'm sure your presence will help calm him down when he gets agitated.  He can't move, of course, but his vitals change drastically when he's agitated.  He still can't see; the swelling has gone down considerably on his mouth and the rest of his face, but his eyes are still pretty well swollen shut," he explained.  Mac rose and followed the doctor.  

The doctor pushed the door open and Mac walked in.  The nurse backed away from the bed as Mac approached.  She picked up his hand and brought it to her face.  "Oh, AJ," she whispered.

"Stay as long as you'd like, Ma'am," said the doctor.

"I'm not going anywhere, Doctor.  Not until he orders me to leave."  Mac pulled the side chair up next to the bed and sat.  She took his hand in hers, again, and kissed it.

Sunday, 27 January 2002
0115 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

Harm pushed the door open and walked inside the Admiral's hospital room.  He found Mac sitting next to the bed holding the Admiral's hand between hers.  She was staring at his face, with silent tears streaming down her own.

"Mac?" Harm said quietly.  "How is he?"  When she didn't move or acknowledge him, he walked up next to her and put his hand on her face, wiping away her tears.  He squatted in front of her.  "Mac?  Honey, are you okay?"

Mac slowly turned her head and looked at Harm.  She nodded.

"How's he doing?"

She shook her head.  "He hasn't woken up since I've been here.  Oh, Harm.  He can't die.  He just can't!" she cried.

Harm pulled her into his arms and cradled her while she cried.  He looked up when he heard the door open.  Nodding to the doctor, he continued comforting Mac.  "He's not going to die, Mac.  He's going to pull through this.  You have to believe that.  The doctor does, so why shouldn't you?"

"This is my fault..."

"How can you say that?  Mac, you very probably saved his life.  You're the one who found him.  It was because of you that he's still alive.  That he's here in the hospital.  That he's..."

'Sarah.'  Mac heard him call her, though no one else did.  AJ's voice wasn't audible.  Mac felt it.

Mac jerked away from Harm and looked at AJ.  "He's awake!"  She leaned over his body and put her ear to his mouth as the doctor and Harm watched.

"Sarah."  His voice was barely a whisper.  More like air passing through his lips with no sound.

Mac smiled through her tears.  She lifted her head slightly and spoke softly.  "I'm here, AJ.  I'm right here with you.  You're going to be all right."  She saw his lips moving, again, so she put her ear back to his mouth.

"Sarah.  Stay."

"Yes, AJ.  I'm here.  I'm not going anywhere... not for a long, long time," she whispered to him.

"Let me check him now, Mrs. Chegwidden," requested the doctor.  Mac nodded and stepped back, not correcting him.

"Mac, how are you feeling?" asked Harm.  "Truthfully now.  You were doing pretty poorly yesterday.  Maybe the doctor can give you something..."

"I went to the doctor yesterday, Harm.  And I'm doing a lot better now.  But you could do me a favor.  My pills are on the bathroom counter at home.  Could you bring them to me in the morning?  I won't need another one until around 0900.  And find someone to take care of Jingo.  I won't be going home for a while," she ended, turning back to look at AJ.

"Okay, Mac.  I'll bring you some clothes, too.  I imagine you'll want to shower and change.  You're pretty grungy from that climb down the cliff.  Anything special you want?"

Mac shook her head.  "I don't care, Harm."

"You sure you don't want me to take you home now?  You need sleep, Mac."

"I'll sleep here," she said firmly.

The doctor looked up.  "That won't be a problem.  I can always have a cot moved in here for you when you're ready to lie down," he offered.

Mac smiled her thanks.  Harm started to object, but Mac glared at him, and he quieted.  "I think we're all going to head out now, Mac.  Unless you want one of us to stay here with you?  You know any of us would be glad..."

"Not necessary, Harm.  You all go on home.  I'll see you tomorrow.  Don't forget my pills... and Jingo," Mac said.

Sunday, 27 January 2002
0305 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

'Sarah.'

Mac awoke instantly when she 'heard' AJ's voice.  "I'm here, AJ.  I'm right here."  She moved over him so her face was inches from his.  "Are you awake?"

"Sarah.  Still here?"

"Yes, AJ.  I'm still here.  I'm not going anywhere.  I'm right here with you."

"Time?"

"It's 0306, AJ.  It's Sunday morning."

"Can't see."

"The swelling is going down, though.  You'll be able to see soon.  Rest now, AJ."

"Sarah.  Stay."

"I'm staying.  I'm not going anywhere for a long, long time.  Not until you send me away."

"Never."

"Then I'll be here forever, AJ."

"Forever?"

"Forever and a day."

Sunday, 27 January 2002
0845 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

AJ woke up several more times during the night, always calling for Sarah and not wanting her to leave.  Mac awoke instantly each time, as soon as he whispered her name.  But when Harm and the others returned, she didn't wake up to their voices.  Not until AJ stirred, again, and whispered, "Sarah."

Harriett was just about to move to his side when Mac jerked awake and moved over him.  "I'm here, AJ."

"Time?"

"0845 Sunday."

"Morning."

"Yes, AJ, it's morning."  AJ's mouth pinched together and Mac said, "Are you in pain?  Should I call the doctor?"

"Pain.  Yes."

Mac reached over and pressed the Call button.  A voice came over the little speaker.  "May I help you?"

"The Admiral is in pain.  He wants the doctor, please," Mac said.

"We'll be right there, Ma'am."

Mac leaned back over AJ.  "They're coming, AJ.  They'll give you something for the pain."

As the doctor and a nurse walked into the room, the nurse said, "You'll all need to step outside, please."

Mac turned around saying, "I'm not leaving him... Oh!"  She was surprised to see the JAG staff.  "I didn't know you all were here."

"We'll wait outside.  Mac, you coming?" asked Harm.

"Sarah."

Mac turned back to the Admiral.  "I'm here, AJ."

"Stay."

"I'm not going anywhere, AJ."  She looked back to Harm and shook her head.  "I'm staying here."

The doctor pulled the sheet and blanket back and began examining the Admiral.  "Ma'am, are you sure you wouldn't prefer to step outside for just a minute?  Maybe get a cup of coffee, talk to your friends?" suggested the doctor.

"I'm staying right here, Doctor," Mac replied firmly.

"Very well."  The doctor reached behind AJ's neck and untied the hospital gown that covered him, pulling it off.

Mac gasped when she saw his body.  "Oh, AJ!" she cried.

"Pain."

"I know it hurts, Admiral," said the doctor.  "But I need to see how things are progressing.  I'm afraid I'm going to inflict a little more pain.  I need you to tell me how bad it is in comparison to what you are feeling now.  Can you do that?"

"Sarah?" AJ whispered.

"I'm here."

"Yes," AJ said to the doctor.

The doctor looked at Mac.  "It might help him if you hold his hand while I do this."

Ten minutes later, the doctor and nurse left the room after giving AJ more pain killers through his IV.  Harm and the others were waiting outside the room.  "Doctor?" said Harm.

"You can go in now, but don't stay long.  One at a time, please," the doctor said.  "The pain killers are making him a little more comfortable right now; he'll go to sleep very soon."

"But how is he, Sir?" asked Harriett.

"Not good," replied the doctor, shaking his head.

Harm opened the door quietly and walked inside, making no noise.  He saw Mac sitting on the edge of the Admiral's bed, one arm across his chest with her hand on the bed.  She was leaning over him and they were talking.

"You're going to be fine, AJ."

"No," he replied.

"You're alive.  That's what's important right now."

"Can't move."

"You will, AJ.  You will move.  Give it time."

"Alone."

"You're not alone."

"Not now. ... But, you'll... leave. ... They all... leave," he choked out haltingly.

"Not me.  I'm here for the long haul.  I'm not leaving until you order me away."

"Never," he whispered as his lips turned upward into a bit of a smile.  

"AJ, you're smiling," Mac told him.  "See?  You're already moving.  Before long, you'll be able to see.  And move your hands and your legs."

"You'll leave."

"Do you want me to leave, AJ?" Mac asked quietly.

"Stay Sarah."

Mac laid her head on his chest.  "I'm staying.  Right here.  As long as you want me."

"Forever."

"Forever and a day."

Harm backed out of the room and closed the door.  "I think we should come back later," he told the others.

"What about Mac?  One of us should relieve her for a while," said Harriett.

Harm shook his head.  "She won't leave him, Harriett.  Not even for a minute."

"She blames herself, doesn't she," said Bud.

"I'm afraid so, Bud.  There's no reason for it; she's the one who found him.  He'd be dead if it wasn't for her.  But she just sees that it took her too long," said Harm.

"We should really call his daughter, you know," said Harriett.

"Yeah.  We should.  This isn't going to be easy," replied Harm.

"I already called her.  She'll be here in another 3 hours," Alexander Nelson surprised them as he walked up.  "How is he this morning?"

"Not good, Sir.  The doctor was just with him."

"Who's in there now?" Nelson asked.

"The Colonel is still with him."

Nelson walked past them and pushed open the door.  He was shocked to see Mac sitting on the bed with the Admiral and that her arm was draped over him.  Just as he was going to speak, he heard their quiet voices.

"AJ, don't think about work right now.  You need your rest," Mac said.

"Nelson.  Missed meeting."

"Yes, I know.  The Secretary knows, AJ.  He knows what's happened; he knows where you are.  Don't worry about that."

"Important." 

"I know it's important.  But your getting better is more important.  The SecNav will get someone else to take care of whatever it was.  AJ, don't think about that now.  Please," she begged.

"See Nelson."

"Please, AJ," Mac began to cry.  "Please don't think about work.  Save your strength.  AJ, please."

"Sarah."

"Do it for me, AJ.  Please?" she whimpered.

"Don't cry, Darlin'."

"I'm sorry to barge in like this," Nelson said in a choked voice as he approached the other side of AJ's bed.  Mac jerked away from AJ and was about to move to the chair.  "No, Colonel, please stay where you are.  AJ is obviously comforted with you close by."  He grinned, "Can't say that I blame him.  He has good taste."  Mac smiled her thanks through her tears.  She picked up AJ's hand and held it.  

Nelson turned to AJ.  "AJ, I'm sorry I postponed your leave.  This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't called you Friday night.  I'm glad the Colonel found you."  He turned back to Mac.  "And I'm glad she's staying with you."  He looked back at AJ.  "Now I'm going to give you a direct order, Admiral, and I expect you to obey it without question."  Nelson saw Mac bristle.  'God, this woman is very protective of him, isn't she?' "I don't want you even thinking about JAG until the doctor clears you for duty, is that understood?  Not JAG, not the Navy, not me," Nelson ordered.  "And Colonel, I'm putting Rabb in charge of JAG while the Admiral is out of pocket.  That will free you up to stay here as long as necessary."

"Thank you, Sir," Mac said for both of them.

"It'll give me ulcers on my ulcers to have him running things over there, but I think we'll survive it."

Mac smiled.  "Harm will do a fine job, Mr. Secretary."

Nelson nodded.  "Yes, I know he will.  He's been groomed by the best."  Nelson looked down at AJ.  "The very best."

A tear slipped down Mac's cheek as she looked at AJ.  He was asleep, again, or so she thought.  "Thank you, Sir, for acknowledging that.  And you're right; he is the best."

"Colonel, should I begin looking for another position for you?" Nelson asked quietly.  Mac jerked her head back to the SecNav.  "I'm not accusing you of anything, Mac.  Desperate times bring out unknown and unrealized feelings.  Just let me know.  I can move you if I need to; it's not a problem.  But let me know before anything happens.  Please.  I don't want anyone bringing charges against two of our finest."

Mac blinked hard and licked her lips.  She shook her head.  "It won't be necessary, Sir.  The Admiral is in a lot of pain, and I'm helping him through it.  Once he's past this, he'll be back to normal, and so will our professional relationship."

"It isn't your professional relationship that I'm concerned about, Colonel.  It's your personal relationship."

"We don't have a personal relationship, Mr. Secretary."

Nelson looked back and forth between the two officers.  "I think you're wrong, Mac.  You definitely have a personal relationship.  You've both denied it until now.  I don't think either of you are going to be able to put yourselves back into those neat little cubbyholes you were in.  Not after this."  He walked to the door and put his hand on the knob.  "I'll start looking, Mac... just in case."

Sunday, 27 January 2002
1215 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

Francesca approached the nurses' station.  "I am here to see Admiral Chegwidden," she said, her thick Italian accent combined with her anxious state making it difficult to understand her.

"I'm sorry; the Admiral is resting right now.  His wife has requested no visitors for a while," the nurse replied.  

"His wife?" Francesca questioned.  'Papa is married, again?  But he did not tell me.  Is this why he so wanted me to come here for Christmas?  Why he was so disappointed?  Because he wanted to introduce me to his new wife?'  "I am his daughter.  I have just arrived from Italy, and I would like to see him.  Please."

"His daughter?" the nurse asked.

"Francesca!" called Harm, seeing her from the waiting room.  He walked over to her and put his arm around her.  "I'm glad you're here.  Your father will be, too."

"Harm, I did not know he was married, again.  He did not tell me," Francesca's tears welled up in her eyes.  

"Shh, it's okay.  He's not, actually," said Harm quietly.  "The hospital staff just think he is.  Mac hasn't corrected them yet.  Neither did the SecNav, so we're letting it ride for a while."

"Mac?  They think Mac is his wife?  But why?"

"Because she's the one he called for when he was delirious.  And she's beside herself with guilt that she didn't find him sooner, so she hasn't left his side since the doctor let her in the room," explained Harm.

"But Mr. Nelson told me that Mac is the one who saved Papa.  That she found him or he would be dead now," Francesca said.  "Why would she feel guilt?"

"She thinks she should have realized before she did that it was your father who needed help."  Harm saw Francesca's puzzled look.  "Mac has some sort of... ESP, if you will.  She knew where to look for her little sister when she was thrown from her horse a year or so ago.  Then just last May, she pinpointed my location on a map of the ocean.  She saved my life.  Only a couple of weeks ago, she..."

"I understand this, Harm.  Papa told me about her gift.  This is how she found Papa?"  Harm nodded.  "But she thinks she should have found him sooner?"  

He nodded, again.  "She had the feeling that something was wrong several times during the morning yesterday.  She didn't realize what the feelings were until the afternoon."

"Ah, poor Mac.  But she should not blame herself."

"It might help a little if she heard that from you, Francesca," Harriett suggested, walking up next to Harm.

"Come on, I'll take you in," said Harm.

"But the nurse said..." Francesca started.

"It's okay.  You should go in.  He needs to know you're here.  Just remember, Francesca, he still can't move.  He can't see.  He can barely talk.  And he's in a lot of pain."  Harm put his arm around Francesca's shoulders and they headed for the Admiral's room.

As they entered, they heard him speaking.  "What smells?"

Mac giggled.  "Me, I'm afraid."

"Not possible. ...  Foul. ... You always... smell wonderful," he managed to say.

"AJ, I changed my clothes, but I still have mud all over me... no telling what else.  I do stink."

"So do I."

"Yes, you do," she laughed lightly.  "You should let the nurse give you a sponge bath before Francesca gets here.  And while she's doing that, I'll take a shower."

Just as Francesca was going to make her presence known, AJ said, "Stay, Sarah."  Francesca hesitated.

"I'm not going anywhere, AJ," Mac leaned over him and kissed his forehead.  "I meant I'd shower in the bathroom right here in the room.  I'm not leaving."

"Good.  No nurse."

"You stink worse than I do, you know," Mac teased.

"Sponge?  Bah!"

"I give a pretty mean sponge bath, myself.  But I think it would be better if the nurse..."

"Sarah.  Bath."

"All right.  When you're a little stronger."

"Tired."

"You need to sleep, again."

"Want to.. see..."

"You will see, again, AJ.  Give it time."

"Time?"

"It's 1227 Sunday afternoon, AJ.  Francesca should be here when you wake up next time," Mac kissed his forehead, again, and caressed his cheek with her hand.  "Sleep well."  She knew he was already asleep when she removed her hand.  She stood up and stretched.  As she turned around, she saw Harm and Francesca.  "Oh!"

"I'm sorry, Mac.  We didn't mean to startle you," said Harm.

"Francesca, I'm so glad you're here!" Mac walked over to her and hugged her.  "Your father's been wanting to see you."

"Mac, I can't begin to tell you how much I... how thankful I am... that you found Papa."

"I just wish I'd found him earlier in the day," Mac said.

"Mac, I believe I just heard you mention taking a shower," said Harm.  "Why don't you go ahead and do that now since the Admiral just went back to sleep."

Mac nodded.  "That's a good idea.  I really do stink, don't I?"

Harm grinned, "Yes, you do."

Mac slapped his arm as she passed him and walked into the bathroom.

"Don't you think you should take some clothes in there with you, Mac?" teased Harm.

"You really are a pest, you know that?" Mac teased back.  "Hand me that bag," she pointed at the small case he brought her earlier in the day.  

"Good thing I packed two changes of clothes," Harm said.

Sunday, 27 January 2002
1635 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

AJ awoke hearing two female voices that were very dear to him.

"So you and Harm are not dating?" asked Francesca, sitting on the opposite side of AJ's bed.

"No.  Don't think we ever will.  I love him.  But, it's not a... a forever love, you know?  He's my best friend.  Sometimes I want to strangle him.  But he's there for me when I need him... usually.  Sometimes.  Okay, once in a while," Mac sighed.  

Francesca smiled.  "I wish you did not work for my Papa."

"So do I," replied Mac wistfully.  When she realized what she said, she looked up.  "I didn't mean that the way it..."

Francesca was grinning at her.  "Yes, you did.  And so did I.  I wish you did not work for him so you could be with him.  You wish the same thing, yes?"

Mac sighed, again.  "Francesca, your father and I... we..."  She tried, again.  "Your father is my commanding officer.  There can't be anything between us."

"But there is.  I have seen it here in this room."

"That's only because he's hurt, Francesca.  He's still not himself.  Once he's past the pain, once he begins to mend, we'll be back to normal.  Your father is a man of integrity, of honor.  He wouldn't defy the regulations.  Not for me.  Not for anyone."

"But he loves you, Mac.  I can see this in him."

Mac shook her head.  "No, Francesca.  He doesn't love me the way you mean.  He loves me the way he does everyone else in JAG.  We're like a family there.  He probably thinks of me as another daughter, the way he does Harriett."

AJ couldn't stand to hear any more; how could Mac think that he thought of her as a daughter?  Did that mean that she loved him as a father figure?  'Oh God, no, please!'  He decided to intervene.  "Francesca?"

"Papa!  You are awake!"  She leaned over and kissed his cheek.  "I am so glad.  How do you feel?"

"Hurts."

"I'll go get the nurse," said Mac, thinking AJ would want to see his daughter alone.

"No."

"AJ, the doctor said you shouldn't suffer.  There's no reason for it.  If you're in that much pain, let me get the nurse.  She'll give you something to ease it for a while," said Mac as she rose.

"Sarah.  Stay."

She turned back to him and took his hand in hers.  "I'll stay," she whispered bringing his hand to her lips.  She sat back in her chair and pressed the Call button.

"May I help you?" the voice sounded over the speaker.

"The Admiral needs some pain medication, please," said Mac.

"I'll be right there, Mrs. Chegwidden."

Mac looked up at Francesca and blushed.  "They assumed... and I haven't corrected them.  I was afraid they'd make me leave," Mac tried to explain.

Francesca smiled.  "I know.  Harm told me."

"I just hope the SecNav doesn't find out," Mac said.

"He knows.  Harm said he didn't correct them either, so the others are playing along."

"Oh my."  Mac turned to look at the Admiral.  "Well, at least they can't blame him for any of this."

"Sarah."

"It's okay, AJ.  The nurse will be right in," Mac soothed him as she stroked his face gently.

"Tell Nelson... yes."

Mac was startled.  "He knows, AJ.  He knows you'll obey his order and not think about work."  'Surely he didn't hear what Nelson said to me about a new job.'

"Say yes."

"We'll talk about it later, AJ.  When you're better."  'Oh God.  He did hear.'

The nurse walked in and added a pain killer to AJ's IV, again.  "He'll feel that in just about a minute.  He'll sleep for a good while," she said as she turned to leave.  "His vitals are a lot better now."

Sunday, 27 January 2002
1745 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

While Francesca was downstairs in the cafeteria having dinner with Harm, Mac decided it was a good time to give AJ a bath while he was sleeping soundly and not apt to wake up.  The nurse brought her a bowl and sponge to use and gave her a few instructions of things not to do.  "Don't try to do his back, Mrs. Chegwidden.  Just his front."

Mac set the bowl of water on the table and wet the sponge.  She pulled the covers back and untied his gown.  She pulled it off of him, and tossed it aside.  "Smelly thing." Mac moved the sponge gently on his chest and abdomen, being careful of the bee stings.  "I'm surprised they didn't wrap your chest because of the broken ribs," she said to the sleeping man before her.  "I guess they couldn't.  Not with the surgery and the bee stings and your not being able to move."

Mac moved the sponge over his chest and down his right arm.  Then she lifted the arm and washed his armpit.  She moved to the left arm and washed under it.  It had a full cast on it, so she couldn't wash the arm itself.  She washed his face and his ears.  She had to pull at the dried blood on and in his ear where the rat had bitten him.  Then she washed his head.  "Mmmm, I do love a man with a bald head."  She took a towel and dried him off.

Then she moved to his legs and washed his right thigh, the left one being completely bandaged.  He had casts on both feet and legs up to his knees, so there was nothing there she could wash.  "I can get to the toes on your left foot, but the right ones are casted."  Mac washed his toes and moved the sponge in between them.

After she dried his legs and toes, Mac rinsed the sponge and moved back to AJ's side.  She debated whether to wash his private parts, but they needed it.  And he was adamant that she be the one to bathe him.  "I seriously doubt you meant this, but it serves you right!" she teased.  

'Feels so good,' AJ thought as he drifted back to sleep.

Sunday, 27 January 2002
2215 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

Mac jerked awake and got up from her cot.  She padded quietly to AJ's bed and looked in his face.  "Oh my God, you're awake!"

"I am that.  Very awake.  And hungry, too.  Is there anything to eat around here?"

"How long have you..." Mac stopped.  "AJ!" she exclaimed.

"What?" he asked, bewildered.

"You're talking!  In complete sentences!  All together, not broken up."  Mac was thrilled.  "You see?  I told you you'd get better soon.  And before you know it, you'll be able to see, again, too!"

"I can, actually," he said.

"You can what?"

"See.  I can see."

"Oh my God!  You can see!"  Mac jumped up from her chair and ran to the door, flinging it open.  "He can see!!" she yelled into the hall.

A nurse came running down the hall and was joined by Francesca and Harm.  "Admiral, how are you feeling?" asked the nurse as she looked at the monitors to record his vitals.

"A lot better, actually.  I don't hurt nearly as much.  And I can see.  That's definitely a plus."

"What about movement?" the nurse asked.  "Can you move anything?"

AJ tried to move his legs, then his arms.  "Not yet," he said shaking his head.

"AJ!!  You moved your head!!" Mac squealed.  

"I did, didn't I?" AJ smiled.  "How 'bout that... I guess I can move a little."

"I'll call the doctor," said the nurse as she left the room.

"Tell him I'm hungry!" AJ called after her.

Monday, 28 January 2002
0920 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

The doctor finished examining AJ, again.  "Mrs. Chegwidden, can I see you outside for just a moment, please?"

"Stay, Sarah."

"Admiral, I really would prefer talking to your wife..."

"Doctor, I'm not his wife," Mac said suddenly.

"What?!"  "Mac!" the doctor and Francesca said at the same time.

"I'm not his wife.  I'm his Chief of Staff.  Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie."

"You work for him?" the doctor asked incredulously.

"Yes, I do."

"You said you were family," he accused.

"Sarah is family," AJ insisted.

"Admiral, who is your next of kin?" asked the doctor.

"That would be me," said Francesca.

"And you are really his daughter?" clarified the doctor.

"Si.  I am."

"Then you're the one I need to talk to."

"No.  You need to talk to all of us," AJ said.  "Francesca, Sarah, and me.  Together."

The doctor shook his head.  "All right, fine.  Have a seat.  Please," he motioned to Mac.  "Admiral, you're not responding as I'd hoped.  Oh, you're definitely better and the danger is past.  But the vertebrae in your neck haven't realigned themselves, which is why you're still not able to move anything but your head.  There is a procedure we can do to help them along, but I don't want to risk that just yet.  I'd rather wait a week to see if they'll heal by themselves.  It would be much better if they heal naturally.  There's always a risk in surgery that we could make things worse."

"How the hell could it be worse?" AJ barked.

"Admiral, you can't move, that's true.  But you aren't completely paralyzed.  You do have feelings.  If the surgery failed, you could lose that."

"What the hell difference would it make?  If I can't move, I don't need to feel," he complained.

"AJ, that's not true," Mac said quietly, turning to face him.

AJ looked at Mac.  "Would you want a man who couldn't move, Sarah?  A man you had to do everything for?  Everything, Sarah.  Everything!"

"If that man was you, yes," she said softly, picking up his hand and kissing it.  Suddenly they were the only ones in the room.  No one else existed.

"Have you called Nelson yet?" he whispered.

Mac nodded.  "I called him at home last night.  I think I woke him up.  But he didn't seem to mind.  He's going to stop by this afternoon with several options for me."

"But if I can't go back, there's no reason for you to leave," AJ said.

"You will be back, AJ Chegwidden.  Don't you dare give up," Mac scolded.

AJ closed his eyes and sighed.  "Sarah, how did this happen?"

She smiled.  "I have no idea, AJ.  I only know that it did.  Are you sorry?"

"Not at all.  I can't believe I didn't fall under your spell years ago."

"When we didn't know if you'd make it, I thought I would die."

"I'm sorry I put you through that," he answered.

"I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner."

Francesca walked toward the door and motioned for the doctor to come with her.  They left the room as AJ said, "You found me, that's what counts." 

Mac leaned over and kissed the tip of his nose, then ran her hand over his head, smiling.

"I didn't know you liked bald men," he teased.  

Mac gasped.  "You heard me?  You were awake then?"

"I woke up when you pinched my ear."

"I didn't pinch your ear."

"Yes, you did."

"I'm sorry."

"Quite all right."

"No, I mean... I'm sorry about the bath.  About touching you."

"Sarah, I'd much rather have your hands on me than some nurse I don't know."  Mac blushed.  "It was rather nice feeling you bathe me.  That's why I didn't say anything; I didn't want you to stop.  God, I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven," he teased.  He had a spasm of pain and he gasped.

"Are you okay?  Do you need anything?"

"Just you," he whispered.

"You have me."

"Forever?"

"Forever and a day."

Monday, 28 January 2002
1430 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

"Mr. Secretary, I think it's premature to move Colonel MacKenzie out of JAG.  There's a very real possibility that I will not be able to resume my role there as JAG, in which case she doesn't need to leave," AJ argued.

"AJ, it's not a 'very real possibility'; it's a slim chance.  You have to believe that," begged Mac.

"You don't believe it any more than I do, Sarah," AJ said quietly.

"Here's the way I see it," began Nelson.  "AJ, I can move Mac into another position outside of JAG and be done with it.  Or, I can put you on permanent medical leave and leave Mac where she is and, again, be done with it."  

Mac shook her head adamantly at the second suggestion and started to object.  "Mr. Secretary, that is not..."

"Let me finish, Colonel," Nelson said.  He looked at AJ.  "I hate to think that you're not going to pull through this and be back to your old self, AJ.  But there is that possibility.  I will not say it's a 'very real' possibility, because the doctor is still extremely optimistic."

"Didn't sound that way to me," muttered AJ.

"No, I'm sure it didn't," agreed Nelson.  "But he made it very clear that you will be out of pocket for a good while.  At least 3 months, probably closer to 6."

"Six months!?" exclaimed AJ.  "The hell I will!"

Nelson grinned.  "There, that's the spirit!" he chuckled.

AJ looked at Mac; she was smiling, too.  "I'm not going to be out of pocket for 6 months!" insisted AJ.

"Good!  Because I need you at JAG," replied Nelson.  "Now that that's clarified, I think it's plain to see that we need to move Mac."  Nelson looked from one to the other.  "Agreed?"

Mac nodded.  AJ sighed, "Damn.  Yes, I guess so."

Mac turned back to AJ and said formally, "I don't have to move, Admiral.  You've been very badly hurt, and I was here to see you through that.  We can go back to CO and subordinate.  It isn't necessary to break up the JAG team, Sir."

AJ reached out and took Mac's hand in his.  "No, Sarah.  We can't go back.  I can't, anyway.  But I won't ask you to leave.  I'll retire."

"AJ..." started Nelson, seeing what had just happened.

"No, Sir.  You can't retire.  You're too important, too critical to the operation at JAG.  The whole office revolves around you.  If you don't think you can work with me..."

"Mac..." Nelson tried.

"I don't want to work with you, Sarah.  I want to love you.  I want to..." AJ was saying.

"AJ..."

"You want to what?" Mac interrupted.  "Love me?  Did you say you want to..."

"Mac, AJ..."

"Yes, Sarah.  I want that personal relationship you denied our having.  I want..."

The doctor and Francesca walked in and saw AJ bring Mac's hand to his lips and kiss it as he talked.  "Well, I'll be damned!  You're moving!" the doctor exclaimed.  "Why didn't you call me?  When did this happen?"

"Papa!  This is wonderful!" cried Francesca.

AJ and Mac were startled back to their surroundings.  "What?" AJ asked.

"Oh my God!  AJ, you moved!  You moved your arm!" Mac thrilled.

"That's what I've been trying to tell you for the last couple of minutes," said Nelson.

"You mean they didn't even know it?" asked the doctor.

Nelson shook his head.  "Too engrossed in each other," he grinned.

The doctor nodded and chuckled.  "Seen a lot of that with these two.  I understand you're, umm, taking care of the awkwardness of the situation, Mr. Secretary?"

Nelson nodded.  "Moving the Colonel."

AJ and Mac ignored them.  She leaned over and kissed AJ.  He held her in place until she finally had to sit on the edge of the bed or fall over on him.  

"I knew you'd move, again," she whispered to him.

"Have to.  Can't make love to you lying prone in a hospital bed."

Mac leaned over to his ear and whispered, "Wanna bet?"

He blushed profusely.  "Well, I think we can guess what you just told him!" laughed Francesca.  "I'm going to go call your office, Papa.  They will be so happy!"

"Okay, you two.  Let's get back to the business at hand, shall we?" Nelson barked.  "My offer of trading Lindsey for Mac still stands."  AJ shook his head.  "Didn't think so.  Well, there's also a position on the Hill.  One at the Pentagon.  And several at Quantico.  I didn't give out any names when I was looking, so I'm sure that once the Marines know it's MacKenzie, I'll be flooded with offers."

AJ smiled.  "That you will, Sir.  I get at least two demands for her across my desk every month."

Mac looked at him.  "You do?"  He nodded.  "You never told me."

"You never asked."

"AJ!"

"They weren't good enough for you.  I was really dreading the day when one of them was an offer I couldn't refuse to show you."

"How far away would you agree to go, Colonel?" asked Nelson.

"Not far," said AJ, squeezing her hand.  "I want you close by."

Mac smiled down at him.  "I'd prefer to stay in the DC area, Mr. Secretary.  I'd also like to request a leave of absence for my first 3 months."

"What?!?" bellowed Nelson.

Mac continued to gaze at AJ.  "AJ's going to need care, and I'm the one who's going to be there to give it."  She ran her hand over his head and caressed his cheek.  "I don't want anyone else touching my man."

"Colonel..." 

"It's not up for discussion, Sir.  Either I'm on leave," she looked straight at Nelson, "or I'll resign."  She looked back at AJ.  "I will be the one to take care of him."

The doctor smiled.  "I think she means it, Mr. Secretary."

"I know she does," Nelson replied.  "Very well, Colonel.  I'll put your request before the various offers and see what I get.  I'll use your name this time; that will definitely help."

"Thank you, Sir," said Mac.  

Monday, 28 January 2002
1730 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

AJ was sleeping peacefully on his own; no pain or sleep medications.  Mac sat in the chair next to his bed and Francesca sat opposite her on the other side of the bed.  Both women heard some commotion in the hall outside the room, so Francesca got up to go investigate and hopefully quiet the people so AJ wouldn't wake up.

But as soon as the door shut behind her, AJ opened his eyes.  "Oh, I was hoping they wouldn't wake you up," said Mac.

AJ reached for her hand.  "It's so nice to see you when I open my eyes."  Mac smiled.  "Come here."  AJ pulled on her hand with what little strength he had.

Mac got up from her chair and sat on the edge of the bed.  She leaned over him and they kissed.  Gently, sweetly, tenderly.  "You need to sleep some more, AJ," Mac said quietly.

AJ shook his head.  "Don't want to sleep.  Want to look at you."

"I want to do more than look at you," she whispered seductively, not hearing the door open.

"That's not fair.  You can't say things like that to me right now when I can't do anything about it," AJ argued.

"Things like what, Sir?  I'll be glad to..." began Harm, but stopped when he saw the position Mac was in leaning over the Admiral.  Mac jerked up and both she and the Admiral blushed profusely.  "Then, again, maybe not."

Mac laughed.  "Well put,  Harm!"

AJ looked around the room at his visitors.  "Came to see the old man laid up, huh?" he barked, jokingly.  Harm, Sturgis, and Harriett laughed.  The others stood almost at attention stance.  "Relax, people.  This is a hospital, not the office."

"How are you feeling today, Sir?  Francesca called us earlier to let us know you were getting movement back in your arms.  That's wonderful!" gushed Harriett.

"Yes, I do have a little movement.  Not much yet, but it'll come."  AJ reached out and took hold of Mac's hand.  "My nurse here won't let me give up," he teased.

She looked down at him.  "Do you want me to let you give up?"  He shook his head.  "Didn't think so," she quipped triumphantly, bringing his hand up to her lips and kissing it.

"Um, Colonel?  Could I see you in the hall for just a minute, please?" requested Sturgis.  They were all startled when they saw Mac kiss the Admiral's hand.  

"Afraid not, Commander," replied AJ.  "She won't leave.  Haven't gotten this woman out of this room since I arrived."

"I told you..." Mac started.

"I know.  And I haven't ordered you away.  Don't plan to either," he grinned.

"Admiral, you do realize..." Sturgis began but was preempted when the SecNav came barreling through the door.

"I have the perfect position for you, Mac!" he said.  "Oh!" he looked around the room at the other JAG staff, then back at Mac and AJ holding hands.  "I assume they know?" he asked them.

"Well, not officially.  But I think they've figured it out," replied AJ.  

Mac smiled at Sturgis.  "Thank you for caring enough to..."

Sturgis chuckled.  "I should have known that you'd have it all figured out."

Bud looked from one officer to the other and back to the SecNav.  "I'm missing something.  Harriett?" he whispered urgently.

"The Admiral and the Colonel, Bud," Harriett whispered back.

"The Admiral and the Colonel... what, Harriett?" Bud was clueless.

AJ chuckled and pulled on Mac's hand.  "Come here.  We'll show him."  Mac leaned over AJ and he kissed her soundly.  Bud gasped at the sight.  As Mac stood up, AJ smirked, "Figure it out yet, Bud?"

"The Admiral and the Colonel... Oh!!" he exclaimed.

Thursday, 31 January 2002
1325 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

AJ was getting very depressed.  It had been 3 days since he'd first moved his arm.  And since then nothing else improved.  He still couldn't move his legs or his body.  Just his head and his arms, and one arm was in a cast.  He could feel everything, though.  That was what frustrated him so much.  To be able to feel and not move.  And Francesca had left to go back to Italy this morning.  He groaned audibly.

"AJ?  Is something wrong?" asked Mac, rising from her cot.

"No, go back to sleep.  You need your rest," he said.

"I slept for 87 minutes.  That's enough," she replied.  "What's wrong?"  Mac sat on the edge of his bed.  "Please, AJ, tell me."

"What if this is all there is, Sarah?" he almost whispered.  "What if I can't ever move my body or my legs, again?" 

"You will, AJ.  I know you will."

"But what if I don't, Sarah?  I can't ask you to stay with an invalid.  I won't ask you.  I won't let you."

"AJ, I love you."  She picked up his hand and kissed it gently.  "I love every part of you.  I'm not going to let you go just because you can't move."

"You don't love me, Sarah.  You feel sorry for me."

"Ha!  That's a good one.  I dare anyone to feel sorry for AJ Chegwidden!" Mac joked.  She talked as she dragged the large chair in front of the door to prevent anyone coming into the room.  "No, AJ, I don't feel sorry for you.  Or for me.  Maybe a little for us... because it took us so long to find each other.  Really find each other.  But we have now."  Mac came back to the side of the bed, leaned over, and kissed him.  "And now, my love, we're going to make you feel a whole lot better."

Mac straightened up and pulled the covers back.  She untied AJ's gown and pulled it off of him.  "Mmm, nice," she said.  "My turn."  She pulled her sweater over her head and threw it on the floor.  Then she stepped out of her jeans.  She sat on the bed and turned her back to AJ.  "Want to unhook me?" she teased.  

AJ reached his hand up and made quick work of her bra.  "Sarah, there's no way..."

"Where there's a will, there's a way, AJ.  And I definitely have a will..."  Mac smiled, climbing on the bed.  She was so glad she had asked the doctor about this earlier today.  She didn't really expect to do it this soon, but hey!  The doctor said she could as long as AJ could handle it, and he seemed to be handling it just fine.  

When they finished, Mac almost collapsed on his chest.  She put her hands out just in time to keep her weight off of him.  "Wow!"  She leaned forward and kissed him.  "Oh, AJ, you're magnificent."

"You did all the work, Sarah," he replied.

"Not all of it.  We shared it," she smiled into his mouth.  "Thank you, AJ."

"For what?  For making you fall in love with an invalid?  No, Sarah.  This isn't going to work."

"AJ, I'm not going to just let you walk out of my life."

"I won't walk out, Sarah.  If I could walk, I wouldn't be walking away from you."

"You know what I mean.  I'm not going to just let you leave me.  If you don't love me, if you don't want me, then yes, I'll leave.  But I don't believe that."

"Sarah, I can't make love to you," AJ replied.

"What do you mean?  Of course you can.  You just did!"

"No, Sarah.  You made love to me.  I couldn't reciprocate.  I can't move!"

"But I can...I did...for both of us.  And you..."

AJ shook his head.  "Don't take this wrong, Sarah.  But I'd like you to leave now."  Mac jerked away from him as though he'd struck her.  "Just for a little while.  I need some time... alone.  Please, Sarah." Mac's eyes welled with tears and they spilled down her cheeks silently.  She nodded and walked to the door.  As she opened it, AJ said, "Don't forget to come back, Sarah."  But Mac didn't hear him.  She didn't hear anything after he told her to leave; her heart was breaking.

Mac walked into the corridor of the hospital, leaving AJ's room for the first time since he was admitted.  The nurse saw her and immediately went over to her.  "Is something wrong, Ma'am?  Is the Admiral all right?"

Mac nodded.  "He told me to leave," she said softly.  "He doesn't want me with him anymore."  Then the tears really came and she collapsed in the nurse's arms and sobbed.  

The nurse took her into an empty room and sat her down on the bed.  She rocked her like a child and let her cry.  "Shhh, there now, dearie.  It's all right.  He didn't mean it.  That man's in love with you.  We've all seen it.  Shhh..."

Mac cried herself to sleep, and the nurse gently laid her down on the bed and draped a blanket over her.  When Mac awoke 22 minutes later, she called a cab and headed for her apartment.

Thursday, 31 January 2002
2025 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

The phone was ringing, again.  But Mac ignored it this time as she had all afternoon and evening.  She'd even turned off the answering machine.  She couldn't talk to anyone right now, and she didn't want to hear anyone either.  No one could possibly understand how deeply AJ's rejection hurt her.  

She had sworn to herself years ago that she would never, *never* tell a man she loved him.  Not until he first declared his love for her.  Not until he proved his love to her.  And what had she done?  Told AJ she loved him.  Forced him to be intimate with her.  He didn't really have a choice, she realized.  

"Damn!  I am such a fool!  Of course he doesn't love me.  How could he?  Why would he?"

When the phone finally stopped ringing, Mac picked it up.  She flipped through her little personal phone book on her desk and found the number.  She dialed.

"Hello?" a gentle voice answered.

"May I speak with the Secretary, please.  Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie calling."

"Of course.  Just a moment."  Mac could hear the phone being passed and a conversation in the background.

"Nelson," he barked into the phone.

"Mr. Secretary, I'm sorry to bother you at home.  This is Colonel MacKenzie."

"Something wrong with AJ, Mac?" Nelson asked immediately.

"No, Sir.  He's a little down today, but he's really making very good progress," Mac bit back a sob.

"Mac are you all right?" Nelson asked, hearing the choked reply.

"I believe the Admiral is ready for a full-time nurse, Sir."

"I thought that's what you were doing for him, Mac."

"A trained nurse, Sir."

"Mac, I know you're not a trained nurse, but I thought everyone agreed that you..."

"Please, Mr. Secretary.  The Admiral is ready for a trained nurse.  And I'm ready to move on.  You mentioned earlier that you had several offers at Quantico.  I wonder if it would be possible to change my duty station from the Pentagon assignment to one of those... or another one, as long as it's not in DC," Mac requested, trying to hold back her tears.

"Colonel, are you sure this is what you want?  What AJ wants?" Nelson asked quietly.

"Yes, Sir.  I'm sure.  On both counts."

"How can you be sure, Mac?  How can you be sure he wants..."

"He told me to leave, Sir.  This afternoon," Mac informed him.

Nelson sighed.  "Mac are you sure he wasn't just depressed..."

"Mr. Secretary, if you must know, I told him that I loved him.  First mistake.  Then I made love to him.  Second mistake.  The Admiral doesn't give third chances.  He told me to leave, and I did.  He never wants to see me, again.  Not unless it's to court martial me, which he'd have every right to do," Mac was sobbing by the time she finished.

"Oh, Mac, I'm sorry," Nelson said.  "Are you alone right now?"

"Yes, Sir."

"You shouldn't be.  I'm going to call..."

"No!  Please, Sir.  I don't want to see anyone right now."

"Mac..."

"If you would just let me know, Mr. Secretary, about the job?  I can be ready to relocate as soon as tomorrow."

"Very well, Colonel.  I'll call you back as soon as I have something for you."  Nelson hung up the phone and returned to his dinner guests. "Well, David.  Looks like you might just get her after all."

Thursday, 31 January 2002
2335 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac decided to check the Caller ID when the phone rang this time.  She was glad she did when she saw that the call was from Alexander Nelson's home.  "Colonel MacKenzie," she said, picking up the receiver.

"Nelson here.  You now report to General David McConnahey, Colonel.  You're assigned to his staff as legal counsel.  It's a very high-profile position, Colonel.  And you will have to interact with JAG counsel at times.  Is that a problem?"

"No, Sir, that won't be a problem," Mac replied.

"Good.  McConnahey is currently based out of Iwakuni, Japan, but he's moving his entire operation to Beaufort, South Carolina, the first of March.  You ever met him?"

"Yes, Sir.  I met the General four years ago, Sir," replied Mac.

"Good, you remember him.  He certainly remembers you.  He happened to be in town this week, Colonel.  In fact, he was dining with me when you called earlier.  He leaves for Japan tomorrow morning.  Meet him in my office tomorrow at 9:45.  You'll ride down to Quantico with him and fly to Japan.  His limo leaves here at 10:00."

"Thank you, Mr. Secretary," said Mac softly.

"I hope you can still say that a month from now, Colonel."

Friday, 1 February 2002
0945 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

Harriett sat in the chair next to the Admiral's bed waiting for him to awaken.  The nurse said he had a rough night, had slept very little, and the doctor had finally ordered a sleeping agent added to his IV at 0400.  

Harriett wasn't happy to be the one to bring the news of Mac's new assignment to the Admiral.  She knew he loved her; it was obvious when she saw them together in this very room earlier in the week.  But something had happened.  Something had caused Mac to run.  And Harriett had no idea what it was.  All she knew was that the Secretary of the Navy had called JAG at 0800 and informed Commander Rabb, the acting JAG, that Colonel MacKenzie had been reassigned to General McConnahey.

AJ stirred and stretched his arm out, reaching for Mac.  Harriett was just close enough that he felt her presence.  Since she hadn't taken his hand, he decided she must be sleeping, so he laid his hand on her knee and squeezed it gently.  'Stockings?  She has on a skirt today?  Why?' AJ thought as his mind cleared and he came fully awake.  He opened his eyes and saw Harriett.  He jerked his hand back.  "Lieutenant!  My apologies."

Harriett tried to smile.  "Quite all right, Admiral."

"Where's Sarah?" he looked around the room.  Then he remembered.  "Oh, God.  She's not back yet, is she," he said it as a statement of fact, not a question.

Harriett shook her head.  "No, Sir."

"You know where she is, don't you, Harriett."

Harriett nodded.  "I'm afraid so, Admiral."

He quirked an eyebrow at her.  "Well?"

Harriett looked at her watch.  "She's at the Pentagon, Sir."

"She's not supposed to start her new job for 3 months.  Why is she there?"

"She was reassigned, Admiral.  As of today, she reports to General David McConnahey."

"McConnahey!?!" AJ yelled.

"She was to meet him at the SecNav's office at 0945.  Their limo leaves the Pentagon at 1000 for Quantico."

"And...?"

"And then they fly to Japan, Sir.  That's where the General's office is currently."

AJ turned his face away from Harriett; he felt the tears forming in his eyes and didn't want her to see them.  "That'll be all, Lieutenant.  Dismissed."

"Aye, aye, Sir."  Harriett rose from her seat and left the room.  

'Forever and a day, Sarah?' AJ said to himself as his tears fell down his face.

Friday, 1 February 2002
1005 EST
The Pentagon
Alexandria, Virginia

Mac entered the back of the limousine ahead of General McConnahey.  They settled back into the soft cushions, and Mac closed her eyes for a moment.

"Didn't get much sleep last night, I image," said the General.

Mac opened her eyes instantly.  "No, Sir.  Not much."

"You can sleep on the plane.  It's a long trip."

"Yes, Sir, it is."  Mac looked out the window.  They weren't heading for the Interstate; they were on the George Washington Memorial Parkway going north.  Why on earth would the driver be going north to go to Quantico?  Mac wondered if she should mention it to the General, but surely he knew.  Surely he requested the change.  She couldn't understand it.

The General began describing his office to Mac, and she forgot about the direction they were headed.  He kept her attention focused on him and his words.  When the limo came to a full stop and the driver turned off the engine, Mac looked around in shock.  

The driver opened the door and General McConnahey stepped out, then reached his hand inside for Mac.  "I'd like you to join me inside, Colonel.  I need to see an old friend before I head back to Japan."

Mac hesitated for only a second.  Then she accepted the General's hand and climbed out of the limo.  She walked behind him up the stairs and into the Bethesda Naval Hospital.  He went straight to the elevators.  "I assume you know which floor AJ is on, Colonel?"

Mac nodded, her heart in her throat.  'I can do this.  I can do this,' she kept saying to herself.

"Lead the way, Colonel," the General said when the elevator doors opened.  Mac walked ahead of him this time and went straight to AJ's room.

"This is the Admiral's room, Sir," Mac said.  

"You'll join me, of course?"

"I'd rather not, Sir.  If you don't mind."

"Ahh, but you see, I do mind, Colonel."

Mac lowered her head for just a moment and then looked up, her face staid, her emotions in tact.  "Very well, General."  Mac opened the door and allowed the General to enter first.

AJ's eyes were closed and his head was turned away from the door, so the General couldn't see his face.

"AJ Chegwidden, you old fartin' squid!  What are you doing lying in bed when there's a war on?!" McConnahey bellowed.

AJ turned his head and saw his old Academy classmate.  "Well, if it isn't DJ McConnahey, the slowest turd jarhead in history," AJ said, trying to sound cheerful.  He looked past his old friend and saw Mac standing behind him.  "Come in.  Have a seat.  Colonel, I understand congratulations are in order on your new assignment."  He said it with little feeling, but there was a definite chill in the air afterward.

"Yeah, how about that, AJ?  I finally lucked out.  What'd you do to make her so mad she decided to leave JAG?" McConnahey laughed.  He turned back to Mac.  "I've been trying to get this guy to let me have you on my staff for the last 4 years.  He ignores me half the time!"  He turned back to AJ.  "Well, I have her now, ol' buddy.  Thanks to your boss."

"So I heard."

"Nelson said you must have done something pretty stupid to make her want to leave.  What was it, old man?  Pass her over for promotion?  Not a smart move to pass over a Marine, you know," McConnahey laughed and punched AJ in the arm, a little harder than he would normally in fun.

AJ groaned in pain, just as McConnahey expected him to.  And just as Nelson predicted, Mac ran to his side, "AJ!  Are you all right?"  She looked up at the General with daggers in her eyes.  "Don't you know better than to punch someone in a hospital bed?  Look at him!  He's got tubes and wires...casts, bandages!  And you punch him!  What kind of idiot are you?" she spat.  Looking back at AJ, she saw the dried traces of tears on his face as she cupped his cheek in her hand.  "Oh, AJ, you are in pain.  Haven't they given you anything?  Why isn't there someone in here with you?"  Mac didn't let him answer before she pressed the Call button.

"Yes?  May I help you?" the voice said over the speaker.

"The Admiral needs pain medication.  And I want to see the head nurse.  NOW!" she demanded.  Mac went to the bathroom and dampened a washcloth.  She came back and sat on the edge of the bed, wiping his face.  "Is that better?"  He nodded.  "Where does it hurt most, AJ?"  He shook his head.  "Tell me.  Where?"  He moved his hand over his chest.  "Your chest?"

The nurse walked in, surprised to see the Marine General.  But she was even more surprised to see Mac in uniform.  "You're back!  Oh, I'm so glad!!  You wanted to see me, Ma'am?"

Mac looked up.  "The Admiral is in pain.  Why hasn't he been given any medication for it?  And why is he alone in here?  There should be someone with him," she demanded.

The nurse looked at AJ.  "Admiral, are you in pain?  Do you want medication?"

He shook his head, "No.  Thank you."

"Have you changed your mind about letting a nurse sit in the room with you?"

"No, I haven't."

Mac stared at him.  "What are you talking about?  Why?  Why no pain killers?  You're in pain, AJ, and there's no reason for you to..."

"The only pain I'm feeling is the pain I inflicted on you yesterday, Sarah."  Mac gasped at his words.  "I never meant to hurt you.  I'm sorry."

Mac tried to regain her composure.  "But you said your chest hurt."

He shook his head.  "No, I didn't.  You did."

"You laid your hand on your chest..."

"I laid my hand on my heart, Sarah," he whispered.

"Your... heart?"

"I love you, Sarah."

"Well, I think I'd better be leaving now.  Have a plane to catch," said McConnahey.  The nurse slipped out in front of him.

Mac looked from one man to the other.  "I have to go, AJ."  AJ reached out and took Mac's hand.

"No, actually, you don't, Colonel," said McConnahey.  Both AJ and Mac looked up at him questioningly.  "Nelson and I discussed it last night.  If things went well in here, you get to keep Sarah and she stays at the Pentagon job.  If things didn't go well, she was mine."

AJ grinned at his old friend.  "Too bad, DJ.  Better luck next time."

"With someone else, though, right?" McConnahey quipped.

"You got that right."

"Congratulations to both of you."  

"Hey!  You punched me hard... on purpose!" AJ suddenly realized.

The General opened the door.  "Yea.  It worked, too, just like Nelson said it would.  Send me a wedding invitation," and he was gone.

Friday, 5 April 2002
1015 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

"Where the hell is that doctor?  I want to get out of here!" AJ griped.

Harm stood up, "I'll go see if I can find him, Sir."

"Just be patient, AJ.  Harm, you don't need to go out there.  He'll be here soon.  AJ, sit down and wait.  You shouldn't be stressing yourself so," reprimanded Mac.  Harm and Harriett grinned at each other.  It was amusing to see Mac order the Admiral around.

The movement had come back in AJ's legs the first weekend in February, but it was slow progress.  He wasn't able to put any weight on his legs until the last week of March because of his broken ankle and foot.

The doctor finally arrived and signed the release forms so AJ could leave the hospital.  As they got down to the curb, Bud pulled up in their minivan.  Mac jumped in the backseat and put their small duffel bag in the back.  Bud and Harm helped the Admiral get into the back seat with Mac.  She snuggled up next to him and he put his arms around her waist.  "Mmm, you smell so good," he said.

"New shampoo.  It's called 'Sexed Up'.  You like it?" Mac teased, rubbing her hair in his face.

"You know I do.  Like the name, too."

"I thought you would."

The others climbed in the van and Bud pulled out, heading for the Admiral's home in McLean.  "Feels good to be going home," said AJ.

"I'll bet it does, Sir," agreed Bud.  "I can't imagine being in a hospital bed for over 2 months."

"68 days, Bud," AJ returned.

"They weren't all that bad, though, were they?" asked Mac.

AJ turned and looked deep into her eyes.  "No, they weren't.  I can only recall one 19-hour period that was, in fact."

"When was that, Sir?" asked Bud.  "When you first arrived?"

"No, Bud.  It was when Sarah left.  When I almost lost her because of my stupidity."

"No, AJ.  You're not..."

"Shhh, Darlin'.  It was my fault that you left.  It was my fault that you thought I didn't want you... didn't love you."

"Sure was a lucky thing that General McConnahey happened to be in town that day," offered Harm.

"Damned lucky!" agreed AJ.  "DJ was always a good friend.  I really owe him now."

"Well, for being in there for 68 days, Admiral, you don't look any worse for the wear," joked Harm.

AJ squeezed Mac's waist a bit tighter as he said, "Oh, I got plenty of exercise, Harm."  Mac blushed profusely.

"Exercise, Sir?  But I thought they didn't begin your physical therapy until the middle of March," said Bud.  Then he looked in the rearview mirror and saw Mac's red face.  "Oh!" he exclaimed.

This, of course, caused Harm and Harriett to turn and look at Mac.  "Mac, why are you so..."

"Ooooohhhh!" laughed Harriett.

Friday, 5 April 2002
1200 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

Bud pulled into the Admiral's driveway.  "What the hell?  Why are there so many cars here?" asked AJ looking around.  "Wait a minute.  That's Tiner's car.  And that's Singer's.  What's going on?"

"Just a little welcome home party, Admiral," said Harriett.  

They piled out of the van and Sturgis came to help Harm get the Admiral out, while Bud got the duffel and helped the ladies down.  As they approached the front door, AJ stopped.  "I'll walk in on my own, gentlemen.  Thank you."  

Sturgis and Harm nodded, "Aye, aye, Sir."

"Sarah?" AJ called.  

"Right behind you."

"No.  Next to me.  You belong next to me, not behind me."

"AJ, not everyone knows about us yet."

"Then they're going to find out," AJ said, slipping his arm around her shoulders and opening the door.  

"Admiral!"  "Welcome home, Sir!"  "It's so good to have you back up and around, Admiral!" the well-wishers exclaimed together.

AJ nodded his thanks.  "Thank you.  This is most unexpected... and very... very much appreciated," he said haltingly.  "Thank you."

They all clapped.  But it came to an abrupt halt when he turned to Mac and kissed her fully on the mouth.  He turned back to the crowd.  "Problem?" he grinned.  

"No, Sir!"  "Certainly not, Admiral," they said.

"Well, AJ, are congratulations in order?  I mean besides that you're home from the hospital?" asked Clayton Webb, stepping up in front of the couple.

"As a matter of fact, yes."  AJ took Mac's left hand in his and kissed it.  "As soon as this lovely lady will let me out of the house to go shopping, there'll be an engagement ring on this hand."

There were several gasps, including Harriett's.  "Oh, Colonel!!  Congratulations!!  That's so fabulous!"  Harriett rushed to Mac and hugged her tightly.  "Oh, I'm so happy for you!  Why didn't you say something?  When did he propose?  How did he propose?  When's the big day... have you set a date?  What about your dress?  You are going to wear a dress, not your uniform, right?" she asked remembering back to her own husband wanting her to wear her uniform instead of a wedding gown. "And what about..."

AJ and Mac laughed, "Breathe, Harriett!"  

"You're getting to be more like Bud every day."  

"Oh God!"  And everyone joined in the laughter, even Bud.

"Harriett, you will stand up with me, won't you?" Mac asked.

"Of course I will, Colonel."

"No!  You have to call me Mac or I retract my request," Mac teased.

Harriett giggled.  "Mac.  It'll take a while, but I'll get there.  Oh, Mac, I'm so happy for you."  Harriett hugged her friend, again.  

AJ moaned quietly; no one heard him except Mac.  Her ears were tuned to his every sound; her eyes to his every movement.  She turned to him and said, "Why don't you sit down over here, AJ, where everyone can come and talk to you."  She guided him to the recliner and casually helped him sit; then she pulled the foot rest lever up.  "Okay?"  He nodded and kissed her lightly before she left him to talk with the others.

Mac kept a close eye on AJ all afternoon, making sure he always had a glass of water next to him.  After they'd been home about an hour, she leaned over the chair from behind and kissed the top of his head.  "Can you help me with something, please?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied.  She reached down and lowered the foot rest and helped him out of the chair, pulling him up like it was a game.  She didn't want anyone thinking of him as weak.  She led him by the hand into his bedroom and closed the door.  "Thank you," he said as he went straight to the bathroom.

"You need any help?" she asked.

"I could use the company, but no, I don't need any help."

When AJ finished a couple of minutes later, she helped him back to the recliner in the living room.  Two hours later, she leaned over him, again.  "Can you help me, again?"

"Mac, I'll help you," offered Harm.  "What do you need?"

"This isn't something you can help with, Harm, but thanks," said AJ.  Mac lowered the foot rest, again, and Harm helped him up. 

"Are you sure, Sir; I'd be glad to..."

"No, Harm," said Mac flatly, shaking her head and giving him 'that look'.

Mac and AJ went into the bedroom and, once again, closed the door.  "You don't suppose they're..." suggested Harm.

"Not enough time," replied Webb.  "Not even for a SeAL."

Then they heard the water rushing from the commode flush.  They turned and looked at each other.  "Oh," they said.  Less than a minute later, Mac and AJ came back out into the living room and he took his seat, again.

"Mac, I have to ask you something," said Harriett.

"Sure, what?"

"Not here.  Privately."

"We can go in the kitchen."

"How about the bedroom?" asked Harriett.

Mac laughed.  "Okay, the bedroom.  Come on."  Mac closed the door behind them.  "What is it, Harriett?  You look about to burst!"

"What Harm and Bud stumbled on in the car on the way home from the hospital..." Harriett hinted.

Mac thought back to the ride home.  All she could remember was that AJ was coming home, and she was moving in with him... and they were getting married.  She shook her head, "I don't remember, Harriett.  What?"

"The exercise in the hospital?" 

"Oooohhh!" Mac laughed.  "You want to know what kind of exercise, I take it?"

"I know what kind; that was obvious!  I want to know how!"

"Harriett!"

"Oh, come on, Mac.  How'd you do it in a hospital bed?  And for so long he couldn't move."

"I did most of the moving, Harriett."

"You did?  How?  Come on, give me details."

"Harriett!!"

"Please, Mac!  Bud and I are getting a little stale in bed.  I want something new and fresh."

Mac laughed.  "Okay, okay..."  Mac told her about the various ways she'd engineered it for them to make love, even when AJ couldn't move.  

"Mmmm," Harriett purred.  "It sounds fabulous."

"Oh, it was.  It is!  He is, by far, the best lover I've ever had."

"Did anyone walk in on you?" Harriett asked.

"I always moved that big, heavy chair in front of the door so it wouldn't open!"

Harriett and Mac were laughing so hard, Harm knocked on the door to find out what was going on in the bedroom.  The women rejoined the group, and every time Harriett looked at the Admiral, she blushed.

Finally, while Harm was in the kitchen refilling the beer pitchers, AJ said to her, "Harriett, I take it you must know about... the exercise sessions I had in the hospital."

"Yes, Sir.  Mac mentioned them.  I was asking for... some new exercise methods... for Bud.  I'm always looking for new things... that will... help him... exercise, Sir," Harriett said haltingly, trying not to laugh.

"Harriett, you know I don't like exercise.  And exercises they do in the hospital are specific to certain injuries..." Bud complained, until he saw his wife's expression.  He looked at the Admiral and Mac, who were just about to explode in laughter.  Then he looked back at Harriett.  He grinned.  "I think it's getting about time to go home now, isn't it, Honey?  You can show me those new exercises..."

And with that, all four of them lost it and laughed hysterically.  The others in the room just looked on, wondering what was so funny about exercise.

At 1630, Mac stood up and announced that AJ needed to get some rest.  "Thank you all so much for coming and welcoming him home."

"Us home," he corrected her.  Mac smiled.  "You've been there as long as I have, Sarah."

"I did get away a few times."

"Mac, when you're ready to pack your things and move, call me.  I'll be glad to help," offered Webb as he headed out the door.

"Thanks, Clay."

Once they were all gone, Mac helped AJ to the bedroom.  She helped him to the bathroom, this time needing to stand there with him for support.  He made it back to the bed and she helped him undress and climb under the covers.

"I love you, ya know," he drawled.

"I know.  I love you, too," she smiled as she laid beside him and kissed him.

"I'm a little tired right now," he mumbled.

"I know, AJ.  Just sleep, Sweetheart.  You need anything?"

"Just you," he whispered.

"You have me."

"Forever?"

"Forever and a day, AJ.  Forever and a day."

The end.