I Love How You Love Me - Part 2

Sunday, 13 January 2002
0745 EST
Gatehouse Bed & Breakfast Inn
Annapolis, Maryland

AJ laid in the bed awake for 30 minutes before Mac stirred.  "You finally waking up, Darlin'?"

Mac turned to see AJ smiling at her.  "Don't want to wake up," she mumbled and burrowed closer to AJ under the warm down comforter.

"I'm not a dream, Mac."

She smiled and said, "You've said that before… and then you were a dream. You're always a dream."

"Not this time, Darlin'."

"Yes, you are. I can't have you except in my dreams. I know AJ would never risk everything for a night with me. So I know you're a dream. But such a nice dream. Such a real dream. You were better than all my other dreams of AJ, put together. Come back to me tonight, okay, dream?" Mac murmured into AJ's chest.

AJ thought about what to do. If he tried to get up, he'd probably wake Mac. If he laid there much longer, she'd wake up on her own and find him there. How would she react? After what she'd just said about him, he didn't think she'd react well. 'I guess I should try to leave. Damn, she certainly acted awake last night. If she wasn't, though… oh God! I don't even want to think about that…'

AJ gently pulled himself away from Mac's embrace and replaced himself with a pillow for her to hug. She snuggled right down into it and moaned happily. "Don't want to wake up," she mumbled, again.

AJ picked up his clothes and returned to his room through the adjoining door. He found that the light on his phone was blinking, indicating that he had a message. He dialed downstairs and spoke to Marion. "Marion, AJ Chegwidden here. You have a message for me?" he asked.

"Yes, yes, I do," she replied. "A Commander Rabb wants you to call him as soon as possible."

"What time did he call, Marion?"

"Only about 15 minutes ago, Admiral."

"Okay, thanks. I'll call him now." AJ dialed Harm's apartment. When Harm answered, AJ said, "Chegwidden. What's the problem, Commander?"

"Good morning, Admiral. I'm glad you called back so quickly, Sir. I'm sorry to interrupt your weekend, Admiral; Tiner said you were..."

"Not a problem, Commander. What is it?"

Harm proceeded to detail the problem; while he was talking, AJ threw his bedcovers back and laid down. 'This place needs to look like I slept here,' he realized, 'or there'll be hell to pay.'

While Harm was still talking, a soft knock sounded on the adjoining door. "Excuse me a moment, Harm," AJ said. AJ quickly pulled his running shorts on as he called, "Just a second." He opened the door and found Mac wrapped in her bathrobe. "Good morning, Mac."

Mac flushed slightly. "Good morning, Sir."

"I have Harm on the phone. Come on in; make yourself comfortable. I'll be right with you," AJ instructed her. He picked up the receiver and spoke to Harm, "I'm back; go on."

"Aye, Sir." Harm talked for another couple of minutes.

"I guess you and Mac should head on out there this afternoon then," AJ said. 'Damn.'

"Actually, Sir, I told the Captain we'd have a JAG team out there tomorrow by noon."

"Tomorrow? Why not today?" AJ asked.

"Well, Admiral, I knew you were at Annapolis this weekend, Sir. And I knew that Mac is on leave until Tuesday morning. That meant that I should be here until your return, and since Monday noon was acceptable to the Captain, I didn't think there'd be a problem. I figured if Monday was a problem, the Captain would tell me so."

"Not always, Commander. Sometimes they just call the SecNav. Captain Hollister wouldn't do that, though. Good thing it's him we're dealing with here."

"Sorry, Sir. I thought..."

"Not a problem, Commander. So you have a flight scheduled for tomorrow morning?" AJ asked.

"Yes, Sir, at 0845 from Andrews. Who would you prefer I take with me, Sir? Bud or Sturgis?"

"I would think you'd want Mac."

"Sir, Mac is on leave... But wait... Admiral, didn't you just... Is Mac there with you, Sir? I thought I heard her voice earlier... And you talking to her?"

"Yes, she's here," AJ replied. Then turning to Mac, "Colonel, are you still planning to take tomorrow as leave or do you want to cancel that day?"

"I thought I'd cancel it, Sir. No reason to take it now," Mac answered him.

AJ spoke in the receiver, again. "She's canceling her day of leave for tomorrow. So she'll go with you. We'll be back in DC by this evening. I'll have her call you tonight to get the details."

"But, Sir, Mac had a date for the weekend. What is she doing in Annapolis with you, Admiral?" Harm butted in.

"Long story, Harm. Suffice it to say that my date and Mac's date ended up together. So Mac is stuck with me until we get home," AJ replied. They hung up and AJ turned to face Mac. She was sitting on the edge of his bed watching him. "You're off to the Pacific in the morning, Mac. There's been an incident on the..."

"Where did you sleep last night, Admiral?" Mac interrupted him.

AJ blanched. He walked over and stood directly in front of her. AJ pulled Mac up off the bed and gazed into her eyes. "With you, Mac," he answered quietly, "in your bed, in your room."

Mac closed her eyes and lowered her head. She moaned, "Oooh." Then she ground out, "Then it wasn't a dream?"

"No, Mac. It wasn't a dream."

"And we made love?"

"Twice." Mac turned around and put her hands to her face. Her shoulders started shaking; AJ knew she was crying. "Mac, I'm sorry. I thought you were awake enough to know what we were doing. It was my fault. I should have known better; you were..."

"No!" she interrupted him. "Please don't apologize, AJ," she said turning back to face him with tears streaming down her face. "I've wanted it for a long time. I've wanted you for a long time."

AJ pulled Mac into his embrace. "Have you really, Mac? Because I've wanted you for almost as long as I've known you."

"What are we going to do, AJ? We can't have a relationship. We can't..."

"No, we can't, Mac. We had last night. Actually, it was this morning. But we can't continue, not without one of us leaving JAG," AJ said sadly.

"I don't want to leave JAG. But I don't want you to leave either," she said simply.

"Then we can't be together," he answered just as simply.

"We have today, right? We don't have to be back home until this evening. Let's spend the time together," Mac suggested.

"Where? We can't stay here," AJ told her.

"No, but there are plenty of little motels along the way."

"No, Mac. I won't hide you in a cheezy little motel room. We'll spend the day together, yes. But proudly."

"We can't, AJ."

"You don't trust me?"

Mac slipped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. "Of course I trust you. I just don't want to ruin you."

"You won't, Mac. Go get dressed; casual and warm. We're having lunch with the Ryans. Before we go there, we'll go for a walk on the beach, if that's okay with you.

"Admiral Ryan?" she quizzed.

"Yes, do you know him?"

"I met him yesterday. Evan introduced us."

AJ nodded. "Good. Then there won't be any uncomfortable silence when we show up together."

"AJ, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Mac, if we hadn't slept together last night, you'd be going to lunch with me today with the Ryans, and there wouldn't even be a question as to whether it's a good idea. Just act normally. No one will suspect anything, not after last night's events." Mac blushed furiously. "Last night, Mac. Not this morning," he teased as he brought her lips to his, again.

"A walk on the beach, hmm? AJ, you do realize that it's not even 40 degrees outside?"

"Yes, in fact, I do realize that," he grinned. "Everyone here knows that I always take a walk on the beach before I leave. So you're coming with me, and of course, you'll be cold, so I'll have to hold you close to my side to keep you warm."

"Ahhh, a method to his madness," she quipped.

"Always," he agreed.

They both showered and dressed in warm, casual clothes; then they headed for the beach. They walked along the shore's edge, the wind whipping and snapping at them. They weren't alone on the beach, so AJ didn't pull Mac to him at first. He waited until they'd been walking a good 15 minutes before he said, "You okay, Mac?"

She nodded, "Just fine, Sir." Her teeth chattered as she spoke.

"Too cold?"

"Just a bit." AJ stopped and removed his overcoat, draping it around Mac's shoulders. "You're going to freeze, Sir!"

AJ shook his head. "SeALs don't freeze, Mac." They started walking, again. After another 15 minutes, AJ asked, again, "You okay, Mac?"

"I'm freezing! How can you not be cold?"

"Never said I wasn't cold, Mac," he grinned and put his arm around her. "Maybe this will help," he suggested.

"I feel better all ready," she whispered. They continued walking another half hour before turning around and heading back toward the car.

Sunday, 13 January 2002
1215 EST
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland

AJ and Mac arrived at Buchanan House just as the Ryans were returning home from Church. "AJ! What a delight to see you, again!" exclaimed Diane Ryan. "I hope you haven't been waiting long?"

"No, Diane. We only just pulled in ahead of you. Took a walk on the beach this morning," AJ told her.

"The beach? AJ, it's only 36 degrees out here! And on the beach with the wind? My gracious, it must have been a 25 degree wind chill! You must be freezing, my dear," she turned to Mac.

"I think I'm just about thawed out, actually, Ma'am," Mac said.

Diane turned a questioning eye to AJ. "Diane Ryan, may I present Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie. Mac is my Chief of Staff at JAG."

"A pleasure, Colonel," Diane said, extending her hand in greeting.

Mac shook it, "Please call me 'Mac'. Hello, again, Admiral Ryan," Mac said turning to him.

"Doug didn't introduce you as a Colonel, Mac. I didn't realize you were in the service. How long have you been at JAG?" Ryan asked.

"Six years, Sir."

He nodded. "Then you're the one AJ has spoken of on several visits." Mac raised her eyes in question. "Oh, believe me, Colonel, it's always been praise," he chuckled. Then he turned to AJ. "Didn't tell me how gorgeous she is, AJ."

"Didn't I? I wonder why?" AJ grinned. "Don't pay any attention to John, Mac. He's a sheep in wolf's clothing."

"Whereas you are a wolf in sheep's clothing!" laughed Diane Ryan as she led them inside the house.

"Diane! I'm wounded to the core!" AJ joked, and they all joined in the laughter.

"So, Nat finally got Doug to take her bed, eh?" asked John. "She's been after him for years. Since we were all at the Academy, in fact." Diane poked her husband in the ribs. He turned to look at her and she glanced over at Mac and then back to him. "Oh, Mac, I am sorry. I didn't even think. How inconsiderate..."

"Not a problem, Sir," Mac replied pleasantly.

"I still can't figure out why Morris and Buchanan would have been fighting last night, though," said Diane. "They've been such good friends since that dueling incident last year. I mean, really, very good friends." AJ and Mac glanced at each other and grinned, which didn't escape the notice of either of the Ryans. "Okay, what's going on?" Diane said.

"You mean what the boys told me this morning was actually true?" asked John. "You asked them to stage the fight?"

AJ nodded, "Afraid so, John." Mac started laughing as AJ gave them the details of how the evening progressed to that point. They were all laughing by the time AJ told about the Midshipmen painting their faces to look like they were injured.

"So, you two finagled it so Nat and Doug could be together?" asked Diane incredulously. "Why would you do that? That left you both without dates!"

Mac grinned. "Actually, I realized on Friday that Evan wasn't the man I thought he was, and I wasn't going to see him again when we got home anyway. So it didn't bother me at all. I was actually rather glad not to have to share his bed, again, last night."

"And Nat and I realized early in the evening that there was still no spark at all between us. She was going to end up in the second room at the B&B. And it was rather obvious she wanted Doug. Always has been to everyone except him. So, Mac and I devised a plan to get them together and rid us of their presence," AJ said.

"Incredible. Absolutely incredible!" exclaimed John. "AJ, for someone who's hated Doug for the last 25 years, you sure did a good thing for him last night."

"Yea, well... I didn't do it for him. I did it for Nat."

Lunch was a pleasant affair, and when they finished, AJ announced that he and Mac needed to get on the road. "Mac's flying out to the Pacific tomorrow on a case. I imagine she's got things she needs to do tonight at home. Thanks for a lovely meal, Diane. It was delicious, as usual."

"Yes, indeed, and I would love to have your recipe for the veal," Mac added.

"I'd be delighted to share it with you, Mac. I'll write it out and send it to you," offered Diane.

Sunday, 13 January 2002
1835 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

It took them longer than usual to drive from Annapolis back to McLean. About 20 minutes after they started for home, Mac laid down on the front seat and placed her head in AJ's lap. She looked up at him and smiled. "Is this okay?" she asked.

AJ smiled down at her. "Of course it is, Darlin'." Mac turned to face him, unzipping his fly. "Mac, what are you... oh... Mac, I don't think that's such a good idea," he groaned. "Then again, maybe it is..."

About 10 minutes later, AJ had pulled off the highway and found a deserted out-of-the-way parking lot. They'd gotten out of the car and climbed in the back to finish what Mac started. When they were both spent, they got back on the highway and continued their drive home. As they neared DC, AJ took the route toward McLean rather than Georgetown.

"AJ, I thought you were taking me home because I had things to do before leaving town tomorrow?" Mac teased him.

He grinned, "Do you want to go home now, Mac?"

"Mmm hmm. Home with you," she purred.

They reached his house, and AJ pulled into the driveway. Just as they walked into the house, his phone rang. "Damn!" he said. He grabbed the phone, "Chegwidden."

"Rabb here, Admiral. Mac isn't home yet. I was..."

"Just got to my house, Commander. I haven't taken her home yet. What's the problem?"

"No problem, Sir. I was just concerned that I couldn't reach her yet."

Mac walked up behind AJ and took the phone from his hand. "I don't suppose you tried my cell phone? It hasn't rung, Harm. What's the problem?" she asked him.

"Mac! Are you okay?"

"Of course I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Mac, I heard what happened last night."

"What? What did you hear?" Mac asked impatiently.

"That your date dumped you for the Admiral's date. I called a friend of mine at the Academy, and he told me what happened. Mac, are you sure you're okay?"

"Harm, the Admiral was very gallant and took very good care of me after Evan dumped me, okay? I'm fine. Perfectly. We had a very pleasant visit with the Ryans and..."

"Admiral Ryan?"

"Yes, Admiral John Ryan and his wife, Diane. They were very cordial to me, and I enjoyed our lunch and visit very much."

"And Chegwidden wasn't a bear to be with after his date dumped him?"

"No, Harm. Admiral Chegwidden and I had a nice time together. It's been a most pleasurable day," she insisted. "Now, if you'll let me go, he and I can finish our discussion and he can take me on home."

"Why don't I come and pick you up?" Harm offered.

"Harm, that's not necessary. But thanks for offering," Mac said.

"It's not a problem, Mac."

"And it's not a problem for the Admiral to take me home either. I tell you what. How about you pick me up tomorrow morning at 0645? We can grab breakfast on our way out to Andrews and you can give me the rest of the skinny about this case," Mac suggested.

"Okay, Mac. I'll call you later then."

"No, Harm, I'd rather you didn't. We didn't get much sleep last night, and as soon as I get home, I'm going to pack and then pile in bed. I really need some sleep. I'm even going to turn the ringers off on my phones. I'll talk to you in the morning."

"Okay, then. See you tomorrow, Mac."

"Bye, Harm." Mac set the phone on the cradle and turned to AJ. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be. You just gave us more time together." She looked quizzically at him. "I told Rabb you'd call him when you got home, remember? Now you don't have to. You can stay here as long as you want to."

Mac grinned. "Can I really?" she said saucily, walking over to AJ and wiggling her hips as she went. "Close the blinds, AJ."

"Anything you say, Darlin'."

Monday, 14 January 2002
0430 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

"Wake up, sleepyhead," drawled AJ. "You have to go home and pack."

Mac moaned and snuggled deeper into AJ's chest. "Send someone else. I wanna stay here."

AJ chuckled. "Do you now, Darlin'?"

Mac opened her eyes and peered up at AJ. She nodded. "Send Bud."

"Okay." AJ reached over and picked up the receiver. He started dialing a number.

"No! AJ, no!" Mac exclaimed when she realized he was really doing it. "That's not fair to them. I'll go. I won't like it. But I'll go." She rolled out of bed. "I'll wait and shower when I get home. I don't want to wash you off yet." AJ lifted his eyebrow in amusement. He watched every movement that Mac made as she donned her clothes. "Enjoying the show?" she quipped.

"No, actually. I like it better when you take them off," he chuckled.

"You going to drive me home or should I call a cab?"

"I'll drive you, of course."

"Don't you think you ought to put some clothes on, too, then?" she laughed.

"I suppose you're right." He rolled out of bed and pulled his sweatpants on.

Monday, 14 January 2002
0800 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

AJ sat in his office reviewing the cases that came in over the weekend. The one that caught his attention was the fraternization case between a Captain and Commander. They'd worked together for 5 years on the same ship, and now, just as the Captain was to be promoted to Admiral, someone brought frat charges against him. 'Damn. I'd feel a lot better about this one if Rabb or Mac was pitted against Turner. How am I going to make sure Captain Williams gets the best defense possible?' AJ paced in his office. Finally he decided. 'Turner will defend. Roberts will prosecute. Bud is doing very well these days, but he'd never be able to defend Williams against Turner. Prosecuting him? That's another story.'

That case planned, AJ looked at the other cases and decided who would take each one. He looked at the clock on his desk. 'I guess they're almost to Andrews by now. I wonder if she'll call me?' Just then, his phone rang. "Chegwidden," he picked it up before Tiner did.

"Good morning, Admiral," said Mac.

"Good morning to you, Mac. I take it you and Harm are at Andrews?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir. We just arrived. Harm is just getting our bags out and is going to take them over to the plane. Okay, he's gone. I miss you so much!" she whispered this last.

"Mac, we have to stop."

Mac was taken aback. What had transpired in the last 3 hours that changed his mind? "Okay. That's fine."

"No, Mac, it isn't fine. We've got a new frat case in here. Captain Williams from the USS Kitty Hawk and his Exec, Commander Richards."

"Oh God," she gasped.

"Mac, we can't continue like this."

"Understood, Admiral. Harm is waving to me, Sir; they must be ready to leave a mite early. I have to go."

"Goodbye, Mac. We'll talk later."

"I don't think there's anything more to discuss on the subject, Sir. Goodbye, Admiral."

"Mac..." AJ heard a dial tone in his ear. "Damn!" he slammed the phone down.

Wednesday, 16 January 2002
0845 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Tiner, if Colonel MacKenzie or Commander Rabb call in, I want to speak with them," said the Admiral as he headed to the break room for a refill on his coffee.

"Sir, the Colonel just called about 15 minutes ago, Sir. She said they'd be returning home on Friday, Sir. I don't expect them to call in, again. Would you like me to call her back?" offered Tiner.

"Friday? No. But if they call, I want a word with them."

"Aye, aye, Sir."

An hour later, Mac did call back to the office. Tiner buzzed the call through to the Admiral's office. "Chegwidden!" he said.

"Colonel MacKenzie here, Sir. Tiner said you wanted to speak with either the Commander or me?"

"Yes, Colonel, I did. Unfortunately this isn't a good time," he lied. Well, not really. It wasn't a good time for him. He wanted to see her in person. "What time do you expect to be home on Friday?" he asked.

"I believe it will be around 1900, Sir."

"Very good. I'll talk to you then."

"Meaning we should stop by your house or the office, Admiral?"

"Neither, Mac. I'll come to your place."

"Admiral, I think it would be better to meet..."

"Mac! The shower's all yours, Honey!" AJ heard Harm's voice in the background.

"Honey?" AJ asked.

Mac stuttered. "He doesn't mean anything by..."

"The hell I don't," Harm said. "Who are you talking to, Babe?"

"Goodbye, Colonel," AJ said sadly.

"Admiral, please..." but she heard the dial tone.

"Oops," said Harm, coming over to draping his arms around Mac. "I take it that was Chegwidden?" She nodded, unable to speak without crying. "Mac, it's okay. He knows how we are. And he walked in on us in your office the other day, too."

"Oh, Harm. Don't you see? Now he thinks we're sleeping together!"

"Well? We are, Mac," Harm returned. "Or don't you remember the last couple of nights?" Mac sighed. "You really cared about him, didn't you?"

"Who?" she asked nervously.

"The guy you spent last weekend with, Mac."

"It doesn't matter. He doesn't want me anymore, anyway."

"What was his name? Douglas?"

"Forget about him, Harm. I have."

"Evidently not, Mac." She turned and glared at him. "Okay, okay. So now that he's out of the picture, do I stand a chance?"

"A chance of what, Harm?"

"Mac, these last two nights have been special. I've enjoyed holding you in my arms as we slept. I'd like nothing more than to continue that. And advance it. Mac, I don't just want you in my arms to sleep. I want to make love to you," Harm pleaded.

"Harm, we've already discussed this."

"Maybe so." Harm leaned down and kissed Mac on the forehead. "But I think," he kissed her nose, "it's time," and her cheek, "to discuss it," and her ear, "again," and her neck. "Don't you?" Harm moved to cover Mac's mouth with his and he parted her lips with his tongue. He pulled her up out of the chair and pressed her to him. 

"Harm, oh, Harm," she breathed. Harm took that as her consent. He backed her up against the bed and laid her down.

An hour later, Mac rolled out from under Harm and grabbed her towel. When she finished her shower, she returned to the room and found Harm fully dressed, sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for her.

"Mac? Are you okay?" he asked cautiously.

She smiled. "Yes, Harm. I'm fine."

"You're sure?" Harm didn't know why, but he didn't feel right about having made love with Mac. She just didn't seem all there when he was taking her. He had the notion that she was thinking of someone else the entire time. She did call his name, though. 'Maybe it's just my imagination. I've wanted her for so long; that's probably it.' "I guess I'll have some explaining to do to the Admiral when we get home."

"The Admiral?" she asked. "Why?"

"Mac, we work together. We can't have a relationship and continue that. Not without his consent. But don't worry. I think he'll give it. He'd do anything for you, Mac."

"No, Harm," she started.

"Well, almost anything. I think he'll extend Admiral's privilege for us in this. Don't you?"

"Harm, we can't ask him to do that. It isn't right."

"Why not, Mac? Of course we can. Don't worry about it, Honey. I'll take care of it. I'll talk to him, and he'll understand. Guaranteed."

'That's what I'm afraid of,' she thought. "Harm, I'm just not sure where we're headed. Don't say anything to him yet. Wait a while and let's see how it goes."

"Mac, he shouldn't find it out accidentally. It needs to come from one of us. Or both of us," Harm told her.

"I know. But just give me time to adjust to this, okay? Just last week we were talking about being best friends and nothing else. Now suddenly we're lovers. I just need time, Harm. Please," she begged. She knew AJ didn't want her, and now, it seemed, Harm did. Could she just switch loves like that? 'Ah hell, I've done it before.'

"Okay, Mac. I won't say anything to him unless it becomes necessary. I'll give you all the time you need, Honey," he said as he pulled her to him and kissed her soundly.

Friday, 18 January 2002
1900 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Harm pulled up in front of Mac's apartment building, and she jumped out of the car. She wasn't quite quick enough, though; Harm grabbed her bag before she got to it. "Harm, I can take it up."

"Now what kind of a gentleman would I be if I let you carry your own bag up to your apartment?" he quipped. "Come on, Mac," he said, slipping his arm around her waist and climbing the stairs.

Neither of them noticed the Escalade parked three cars over. Neither of them noticed AJ watching Harm pull Mac close and go inside with her. AJ waited. Surely Harm would just drop her off and leave.

Inside the apartment, Mac tried to get Harm to leave. But she didn't really want him to leave. 'What if AJ does come like he said he would? He could be here any time. Do I want to be alone with him? Yes! Should I be alone with them? Hell, no! And what about Harm? Oh God, I've made such a mess of this.'

Harm walked up behind Mac and pulled her back against his chest. "How about I just stay the night, Mac?" Harm suggested. He nuzzled his face in her neck, and she bent her head back to meet him.

"That's probably not a good idea, Harm."

"Mac, it's Friday night. Do you have a better idea of how to spend the night?" He began kissing her and trailing his hands along her body seductively.

"Ooooh," Mac groaned. "Haaarm." Harm continued his ministrations, and Mac soon forgot that she wanted Harm to leave. She also forgot that AJ might stop by. She forgot everything except how wonderful it felt to have someone touch her, to have someone love her.

AJ waited for 45 minutes, and still Harm didn't come outside. He talked himself into going upstairs. 'They're probably just going over their notes for the case,' he convinced himself. AJ rang the doorbell.

Harm rolled off of Mac and grabbed a towel from the bathroom. "It's okay, Honey; I'll get it. You stay here." He walked to the door and looked through the peephole. 'Uh oh.' He opened the door. "Hello, Admiral," he said, trying to sound casual and not nervous. 'God, did I shut the bedroom door?'

AJ took in the fact that Harm was wrapped only in a towel. Then he noticed the clothes trail from the living room into Mac's bedroom. Both male and female clothes, obviously. "Looks like I interrupted something, Commander," he barked.

Harm looked toward the bedroom and then back at the Admiral. "Actually, no Sir. We finished. Um, Sir, I'd like to discuss..."

"Your case? Fine. Be in my office Monday at 0800. If you think you two will have satisfied each other sufficiently by then," he said caustically. "Enjoy your weekend, Commander." AJ turned and left. As he drove away, he berated himself, 'How could I have been so wrong? Well, I guess that just proves it, doesn't it? I can't make a relationship with a woman work. Ever. So why try anymore, Chegwidden? Just be happy with one-night stands, the way you used to be. Damn! Why? Why did I have to lose Marcella? Damn you, Douglas! Damn! Damn!! Damn!!!'

"All clear now, Mac," Harm said as he closed the door. "Honey, that was..." Harm stopped as he walked into the bedroom and found Mac dissolved in tears sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed. "Mac! What is it?" He tried to gather her in his arms, but she fought him off. "Honey, please..."

"Go away, Harm. Please leave. Leave me alone. Just go."

"Mac, I'm not leaving you like this. What is it, Honey? Is it because the Admiral came here?"

"Harm, please. Leave me alone. I just want to be alone."

Saturday, 12 January 2002
1115 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ sat at the kitchen table holding a mug of black coffee. His hangover was intense. Naturally. His drinking spree had been intense. He stood and walked to the counter to refill his mug. He looked in the sink and counted. "One, two, three, four. Four quarts of whiskey. That's not so bad," he decided.

He carried his mug out into the living room. "Damn. Five, six, seven." Then he headed back to his bedroom. 'Gonna be sick, again. Make it to the head. Hurry up. Move those feet.' He barely made it to the bathroom and collapsed in front of the commode. He vomited, losing all the coffee he'd just drunk. And then came the dry heaves. He already lost all the alcohol and food he'd had.

After another hour in front of the commode, he got up and turned on the shower. He stood under the running water for almost 30 minutes before he realized he was still in his uniform from the day before. "Damn." He stepped out of the shower and stripped out of his uniform. He threw it in the bathtub, dried off and walked into the bedroom to get a sweat suit. "Eight. God, no wonder I'm so sick."

As the day wore on, AJ continued to sober up. He even began to feel like a human being, again, around mid-afternoon. His thoughts turned to what he'd seen yesterday. Harm in a towel at Mac's place. And he said that they'd already finished. "How could I have so misjudged her?" he wondered aloud. "I really believed she wanted me. I believed she loved me." AJ rested his head in his hands. "Don't know why I thought that. She never said so. Only thing she ever said was that she wanted me. Well, she had me. Then she moved on to Harm. I guess she always did want him. Damn. Well, I guess it's just as well that I'm leaving JAG. Don't think I could stand being so close to her anymore and knowing she's with Harm. Or whomever is the 'male of the day' for her."

He stood up and made his way to the kitchen to fix dinner. "Yes, it's definitely better that I'm leaving. Maybe I should locate in Europe for a while rather than the Pentagon. That's not a bad idea. Italy. I could work out of Italy, maybe Naples, and visit with Francesca more. Maybe even see Marcella once in a while."

Monday, 14 January 2002
0810 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm and Mac had been standing outside the Admiral's door for 10 minutes waiting for him to admit them. Finally they heard the intercom buzz.

"Yes, Sir?" Tiner said into the receiver.

"Don't have time for Rabb and MacKenzie now, Tiner. Reschedule them to Wednesday. Or better still, tell them to talk to Admiral Morris."

"Aye, aye, Sir." Tiner relayed the message to his superior officers.

"Morris? Why would we talk to Morris about this?" asked Harm.

"Can't answer that, Sir, other than that those were Admiral Chegwidden's orders."

Harm and Mac walked to the break room. "So, do we wait and talk to Chegwidden or do we go to Morris? Harm asked Mac.

"Wait."

Tuesday, 15 January 2002
1435 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Tiner, I really need to see the Admiral," complained Harm.

"I'm sorry, Sir. But he gave strict orders that he's not to be disturbed today. And he's out at the Pentagon all day tomorrow. The best I can do at this point is give you an 0930 slot on Thursday, Commander."

"What is he working on?" Harm pressed.

"Can't answer that, Sir."

"Because he told you not to or because you don't know?"

"The latter, Sir. I really don't have a clue what's going on."

"All right, Tiner. If he breaks free, let him know I really need to see him."

"Will do, Commander."

Thursday, 16 January 2002
0930 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm stood outside the Admiral's office, again. "What do you mean he's not here?"

Tiner replied, "He's not here, Sir. He just called and said he wouldn't be in the office today or tomorrow. He left Admiral Morris in charge."

"Morris? Since when does he leave a judge in charge? He always gives it to me or Mac."

Mac walked up behind him. "I think you know why, Harm," she said sadly. "I certainly do."

Mac returned to her office and tried calling AJ at home, again. She'd called him several times during the week and left messages for him. But he had yet to return even one of her calls. 'He really hates me. I can't blame him. He thinks I used him. Lied to him. What would I have done if the situation were reversed? Probably something similar.'

AJ looked at the caller ID. It was Mac, again. Should he pick it up and talk to her? "No! She was right. We have nothing to discuss. She made that perfectly clear, both in words and actions."

Friday, 17 January 2002
1530 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

The SecNav blew in to the bullpen and called for everyone's attention. "I'm sure you all know by now, but I'm here to give it to you officially. Admiral Chegwidden is being promoted and is taking over the Naval Special Warfare Command. That's effective at midnight tonight. Until I have the chance to replace him, Admiral Morris will be the acting JAG. I'm sure you'll support him just as you have Admiral Chegwidden during these past few years. Any questions? Good." He was ready to turn and leave when Harriett piped up.

"Mr. Secretary, when is the promotion ceremony?"

"The Admiral requested there not be one, Lieutenant."

"Sir, where will he be stationed?" she pressed.

"Normally at the Pentagon. But for the foreseeable future, he'll be in Europe. He chose Italy as his base of operation for the next 6 months at least. He leaves for Naples tomorrow morning." Nelson looked around at the stunned faces of the JAG Ops team. 'Damn, I can't believe they didn't know about this. Chegwidden didn't tell them anything? Not even Rabb or MacKenzie? Judging from their expressions, I'd say not.' "If there are no other questions?" He paused this time. No one said anything. "Thank you," he said and left the bullpen.

The bullpen erupted after Nelson left. "My God! The Admiral is leaving?"

"Did you know about this Tiner?"

"Who would have guessed?"

"But why no ceremony? Surely he knows we'd all want to be there."

"It's such a shock."

"Well I guess we know now why the Admiral put Morris in charge this week, don't we?"

"I guess maybe he's just anxious to get back in the thick of things."

"He's really been out of sorts the last couple of weeks."

"I guess he's had this on his mind the whole time."

"How long do you think he's known about this?"

Mac turned and went to her office. She closed the door and walked over to the window. She looked out and just stared into space. 'I've lost him. Completely and forever. He wants nothing to do with me. Not that I blame him.' Mac knew she was going to break down and cry soon, so she decided to pack her things up and leave for the day.

As she exited her office, Harm caught her by the elbow. "You okay, Mac? You look rather flushed."

"I'm fine, Harm. Just surprised is all. I need to get home."

"I'll drop by later. Probably around 2000," he said.

"Harm, I'd really rather be alone tonight if you don't mind."

"You sure, Mac?"

"I'm sure. I'll be fine. I just need some time by myself."

"Okay, Mac. I'll call you tomorrow. But if you change your mind, just call me."

Friday, 17 January 2002
1800 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

When Mac got to her apartment, her tears were all ready streaming down her face. She made it up to her door and let herself in. She went immediately to her bedroom, flopped down on the bed, and cried her heart out for an hour.

Mac got up and made herself some tea. Her thoughts ran wild. 'I can't believe he's really leaving. Doesn't he even care about us anymore? Surely he couldn't have forgotten what I said at the dinner the other night. About how much we all love him and how we'd follow him anywhere and how much we wanted him to be promoted and yet how much we were all dreading the day he'd leave us? I know he remembers it. So why would he do this? Why would he avoid everyone? Me, okay. And Harm, too. But Harriett? He loves Harriett like a daughter. Why would he hurt her like this? I just don't understand.' "I'm going to call him." And she picked up the phone and dialed.

AJ looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Mac calling, again. He knew the SecNav had announced his leaving this afternoon. He hadn't really expected Mac to try calling him, again. He figured she'd give up, knowing that he was leaving the next day and she wouldn't have to deal with him anymore. AJ didn't answer the phone; he let the machine pick it up. "Chegwidden. Leave a message."

"Admiral, this is Colonel MacKenzie. Congratulations on your promotion, Sir. Well deserved. The entire JAG team is very proud of you, and we'll all miss you terribly. One person in particular will miss you, Sir, and I'd like to request that you go by to see her, or at least call her, before you leave tomorrow." AJ's heart was in his throat when he heard Mac's words. Thinking she meant herself, he almost picked up the receiver to talk to her until he heard her next words.

"Harriett was very hurt, Sir, that you plan to leave without a goodbye, without letting her give a farewell party for you, and without letting us be a part of your promotion. You're not the kind of person to hurt someone on purpose, so I'm sure it was just an oversight in the excitement and all of the new position and going to Italy. Speaking of which, I'm sure you'll enjoy that; getting to see more of Francesca. Good luck, Admiral, and congratulations, again. Please do consider seeing Harriett before you go. It would mean the world to her. Goodbye, Sir."

AJ sat in the chair at his desk and rested his face in his hands. "Oh, Mac. I did this for you. I agreed to this assignment for one reason only: so I could have you."

Friday, 17 January 2002
2100 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ decided that Mac was right; he should at least call Harriett before he left. He looked up the Roberts' home number, picked up the phone, and dialed.

It rang four times before he finally heard Bud's voice. "Hello?"

"Bud? AJ Chegwidden."

"Admiral! Sir, it's great to hear from you! Congratulations on your promotion and new appointment, Sir. We're going to miss you so much, Sir."

"Thank you, Bud," AJ interjected. "I wanted to call and talk to you and Harriett before I left tomorrow for Italy."

"Sir, I'm so glad you did. Harriett is really upset by your leaving. Let me get her and put her on the phone, Admiral. Hold on a minute, please." Bud took the cordless phone with him as we went into the kitchen, so AJ could hear all that was said. "Honey, you have a phone call."

"Bud, I told you, I really don't feel up to talking to anyone right now. Please. Tell whomever it is that I'll have to call them back tomorrow. Please, Bud," she pleaded.

"Honey, believe me, you'll want to talk to..."

"Bud, I don't want to talk to anyone. No one!" she raised her voice.

AJ spoke over the phone, hoping Bud would hear him. "Bud! Lieutenant!!" Bud put the phone to his ear. "Can you hear me?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Bud, Harriett obviously isn't feeling up to talking to me right now. It's not a problem. Just let her know that I called and wanted to say goodbye," offered AJ.

"But, Sir..." Bud started to walk out of the kitchen.

"Sir?" queried Harriett. "Is that the Commander?"

"No, Honey. It's Admiral Chegwidden." As Bud finished the word "Admiral", Harriett grabbed the phone from him.

"Admiral?" Harriett said excitedly.

"Harriett, hello," AJ replied.

"Oh, Admiral! Congratulations on your promotion, Sir! And your new appointment. You'll enjoy being so close to Francesca, I'm sure. We certainly will miss you here, though."

"Thank you Harriett. I'll miss all of the JAG staff, as well. Especially you, Harriett," he added softly. "You're a very special young woman, and you mean a lot to me."

Harriett smiled. "Thank you, Sir. You mean a lot to me, too. So much! I do hope you'll keep in touch, Sir. And if you'll let me know your mailing address in Italy, I'll send you pictures of your namesake."

"That would be nice, Harriett; I'd like that. Thank you."

"You know, you really should try to spend some time with your ex-wife while you're there, too. It would mean a lot to Francesca. And who knows? You two might hit it off, again!" she said happily.

AJ chuckled. "I might just do that, Harriett."

"Admiral, did you talk to Colonel MacKenzie yet?" Harriett asked.

"No, Harriett. I haven't."

"I wish you would, Sir. She's been very 'down' all week. And today when the SecNav announced your leaving, she went in her office and closed the door. Then she left not even half an hour later; I'm sure she was fighting tears. You mean a lot to her, too, you know."

'Just like my people; looking out for each other. Not your people anymore, though, are they?' "Wish I had time to call or see everyone, Harriett, but I really don't. Tell her I said goodbye, will you?" AJ said sadly.

"Yes, Sir. Of course I will."

"And you take care of that little one. And Bud. He's quite a man, Harriett. Treasure him."

"Oh, I do, Admiral. I do!"

"Yes, I know you do, Harriett. And he does, you. Take care of yourself, Harriett. And I'll see you when I get back."

"You take good care, too, Sir. Thank you so much for calling, Admiral. I love you," Harriett said quietly.

AJ smiled. "And I love you and your precious family, Harriett. Bye now."

When they hung up, Bud turned to his wife. "Harriett, you told the Admiral you loved him!"

"Yes, I did, Bud. Because I do."

"What did he say?"

"He said, 'And I love you and your precious family'."

"Wow."

Friday, 25 January 2002
1630 CET
Admiral Chegwidden's Office
Naples, Italy

AJ straightened his desk and put the few files he'd need over the weekend in his briefcase. As he passed his yeoman's desk, he said, "I'm leaving, Ensign. Have a good weekend."

"Thank you, Admiral. Seeing your daughter tonight, Sir?"

AJ turned back to his yeoman. "No, in fact, I have a date with a lovely young woman this evening."

Ensign Julliard looked surprised. "You do, Sir? Where are you taking her?"

"To dinner, Ensign," AJ grinned, "then back to my place for dessert."

"Did you make something ahead, Sir?" the young man asked innocently.

"No, Ensign. I expect that the young woman will be dessert." Julliard's jaw fell open and he was completely speechless. "Good night, Ensign," AJ chuckled as he left.

Tuesday, 29 January 2002
1630 CET
Admiral Chegwidden's Office
Naples, Italy

AJ straightened his desk locked the drawers. 'Don't need my briefcase tonight; won't have time to do any work,' he grinned. As he passed his yeoman's desk, he said, "I'm leaving, Ensign."

"You're leaving earlier than usual, Sir. Seeing your daughter tonight, Admiral?"

AJ turned back to his yeoman. "No, Ensign. I have a date."

"Again?" Julliard croaked.

AJ chuckled. "No, not again, Ensign. I've never taken this young lady out before."

"The other woman didn't work out, Sir?"

"She was fine, Ensign. Delicious dessert, in fact. But tonight's lady will be an appetizer," he grinned. Julliard gulped and nodded to the Admiral. "Good night, Ensign."

Tuesday, 29 January 2002
1035 CET
Admiral Chegwidden's Office
Naples, Italy

Ensign Julliard knocked on the Admiral's door. "Excuse me, Sir. Your daughter is on Line 2."

AJ nodded and punched the speakerphone. "Francesca! Hello, Darlin'," AJ said as he watched his yeoman move about the office straightening chairs and moving things around.

"Papa, do you have plans for this weekend yet?"

"This coming weekend? The first of February?" he clarified.

"Si, this coming weekend."

"Actually, yes, Francesca, I do have plans. Why? What did you have in mind?"

"I was hoping you would want to go see Mama this weekend with me."

"Francesca, your mother hasn't invited me out there. I'm not going to just show up on her doorstep. If she wants to see me, again, she'll invite me."

"You could invite her out for dinner," Francesca suggested.

"I could, yes. But my evenings are pretty well booked for the next couple of weeks," he replied.

"What about February 16 and 17? We could go up on the 15^th after work."

"I still have those dates open, Darlin'. If your mother wants us to come for the weekend, that'll be fine. But she has to invite me because she wants to, Francesca. Not because you ask her to. Please, Sweetheart, don't push her."

"I won't, Papa. But I will tell her that you're free then. Papa, I am glad you are enjoying yourself here in Italy. You are becoming very popular with the ladies here, you know. You are talked about all the time."

"Oh? And how do they talk about me?"

"They say how wonderful you are to them. How well you treat them, as though they are china dolls. And then you make love to them, and so far, each girl has said a different way you've done it. Almost makes me wish I was not your daughter!" she laughed.

"Francesca!" AJ scolded. "That's not funny."

"Papa, I do have a question. Why do you only take them out one time?"

"One nighters, Francesca. That's all I do anymore. Relationships don't work for me."

Julliard left the Admiral's office, knowing a little more about his CO.

Thursday, 7 February 2002
1630 CET
Admiral Chegwidden's Office
Naples, Italy

AJ passed his yeoman's desk, saying, "I'm leaving, Ensign."

"Another date, Admiral?" Julliard asked, admiringly.

AJ turned back to his yeoman. "That's right, Ensign."

"Wish I could get dates like you do, Sir." Julliard said.

"At your age, Son, you should be looking for one special woman. Not a string of one-night stands."

Wednesday, 13 February 2002
1430 CET
Admiral Chegwidden's Office
Naples, Italy

Once again, AJ mentally thanked Bud for teaching him how to use the Internet to order things. 'It's so much easier than going out to a store.' AJ entered the URL for the Italian florist he liked to use. He found a beautiful bouquet of pink roses and ordered it to be delivered to his daughter the next day. Then he ordered 2 dozen mixed roses to be delivered to his ex-wife. Marcella had invited him to come with Francesca to spend the weekend. Sending flowers ahead, especially on Valentine's Day, was the least he could do.

"Should I send anything to Elena? If I do, then I'd have to send something to Maria, as well. Nah, if I send them flowers, they'll expect more from me than I'm willing to give. They were supposed to be one-night stands just like the others. How the hell did I end up taking them out more than once, anyway? Because they're so good in bed, that's how," he grinned as he remembered how well Elena could please him. And Maria? She was built... really stacked. And AJ was definitely a breast man. He hadn't realized it until he slept with Mac. 'Damn! That's what it is about both Elena and Maria. They remind me of Mac! Okay, that's it for them. They're history now.'

Then he decided to also send individual smaller vases to each of the female officers: Harriett, Lauren, and Mac. He chose the Mixed Pastel Rose Vase for Harriett and the Garden Rose Bowl for Lauren. Those were easy to choose. But Mac? That was a tough one. He wanted to send her flowers, but he couldn't let her know how much he still wanted her. How much he missed her. How often he thought of her. He finally settled on the Charming Rose Bouquet. If he sent her any more than that, she'd know.

"Now to compose the cards to go with them..."

Valentine's Day 2002
1030 CET
Admiral Chegwidden's Office
Naples, Italy

"Excuse me, Admiral," the Ensign said over the intercom. "Your daughter is on Line 1, Sir."

"Thank you, Ensign." AJ punched Line 1, "Good morning, Francesca!"

"Papa, the flowers are magnificent! You are so wonderful to send them to me. Thank you very much," Francesca gushed.

"I'm glad you like them, Darlin'."

"Oh, I do, Papa. They are truly beautiful."

"Are you busy for dinner tonight?" he asked.

"I am, Papa. I am sorry."

"Don't be, Darlin'. I rather thought you'd have a date. That's why I didn't ask before now. I wanted to be sure you didn't feel you had to say yes to me if you had a young gentleman ask you out."

"Papa, you are so considerate of me."

"A little jealous, too," AJ chuckled.

"Silly man. Papa, I am so glad you are going home with me this weekend. Mama is looking forward to it, and so am I. It will be fun having you both together, again."

AJ found himself smiling. "I'm looking forward to it, too, Daughter. Very much so."

"That makes me very happy, Papa. What will you do tonight since I cannot go with you for dinner?" she asked.

"Probably work late. Heat up something when I get home," he said casually.

"No! Papa, it is Valentine's Day. You must go out. Is there not someone there with whom you can have dinner?"

"At work? No, of course not, Francesca. All of these people work for me. That would be inappropriate. And I'd just as soon not take a date out on Valentine's Day; don't want to give any of them the wrong idea."

"I wish Mac was here. Now that she does not work for you, you could take her out."

"Mac will be with Harm tonight, Francesca." Then he muttered under his breath, "And every other night, most likely."

"Papa, why don't you take tomorrow off and go up to the house this evening? Mama is not doing anything tonight either. You could have a night alone with her, before I come barging in on you tomorrow," Francesca suggested.

"Honey, I don't think your mother would appreciate my..." AJ heard the intercom buzz. "Excuse me, Darlin'. I'll be right back." AJ punched the Hold button and then the intercom. "What?" he barked.

"Excuse me, Sir, but Marcella Parretti is on Line 2 for you, Admiral. You told me if she ever called, to interrupt you," his yeoman said.

AJ didn't even acknowledge him. He punched Line 2 with his heart in his throat. "Marcella?" he said softly.

"You remembered that I love different colors of roses all together. Not just one color. This makes me very happy, that you would remember this," Marcella said softly.

"I remember everything about you, Marcella."

"Do you?" she said seductively. "Do you remember everything that I like?"

"And the things that you don't like," he returned, his voice very husky. "Marcella, are you busy this evening for dinner?"

"No, AJ, I'm not. I was hoping that you might come a day early..."

"I was thinking I might come a day early..." he said at the same time. They laughed when they heard each other. "Are you sure you want me to come tonight?"

Marcella purred. "Oh, most definitely, AJ, I want you tonight. And in the morning. And..."

"Marcella," he chuckled, "I do believe you're propositioning me."

"Not I," she said. "I do not proposition. I am simply telling you that I want you. I have always wanted you."

"I'll be there around 1900, um, 7:00. Is that okay?"

"Perfect. Shall I make a reservation for dinner or have something cooked here?" she asked.

"Your choice, Darlin'. I'll see you this evening." AJ punched Line 1, "Francesca, are you still there?"

"Si, Papa, I am here. So who was more important than I that you put me on hold for so long?" she asked peevishly.

"Your mother," he said simply.

"Mama?" she almost squealed. "Papa, did you send her flowers, too?"

"Of course I did, Daughter. And I am going out there tonight, so you'll be on your own to get there tomorrow."

"Oh, Papa! I am so happy. This is wonderful news."

"Francesca, just one thing."

"What is that, Papa?"

"I know you and your scheming ways. Do not cancel your trip home this weekend, Daughter. If you don't show up tomorrow, I will not stay for the weekend. Understood?" he warned her.

"Si, Papa. I will be there."

When AJ hung up the phone, he buzzed his yeoman. "Ensign, I'll be leaving a little early today and won't be in tomorrow."

Continue to Part 3.