Owen's Song - Part 2

Author: Ava E-mail: mmmThatAJ@yahoo.com Rating:  PG-13 Classification: Mac/Sebring Romance Disclaimer: JAG and all its characters belong to Belisarius Productions, Paramount, CBS, Viacom, and probably endless others. Summary:  Captain Sebring has a difficult evening, and Mac helps him through it; a relationship develops. Author's comments:  A big THANK YOU! to Nurse Tiffany for all her help with the medical information.  And let's assume that Mac didn't go to South America with Webb.  Characters' speaking parts are in double quotes ("text"); characters' thoughts are in single quotes ('text').

Friday, 23 May 2003
1455 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

An entire week went by, and Mac hardly saw Owen.  They were both busy, and unless he was presiding over a case of hers, she didn't usually see him.  Judges pretty well kept to themselves and each other.  So when he walked in her office Friday afternoon, she was surprised.  

"Good afternoon, Mac," he said quietly.

She looked up and her face brightened.  "Owen!  Hello.  How've you been this week?"

"Not bad."

"Your hands still hurt much?"

"The right one is a nuisance.  But I get the stitches out this afternoon.  In fact, that's where I'm headed now," he told her.

"At least the purple is gone, hmm?" she teased.  

"No more purple polka-dotted people eater, hmm?"

Mac giggled.  "I couldn't resist."

"I've heard that all week, you know," he reprimanded her teasingly.  "I'll have to pay you back for that one."

Mac laughed.  "Should I be scared?"

"Nah.  My paybacks are never much," he told her.  "Big plans for the holiday weekend?" he asked suddenly.

Mac shook her head.  "Not really.  I'd hoped to go to the beach and get some sun, but I didn't call early enough.  All the places I usually stay are full.  So if I get desperate enough, I'll just rent a room at a hotel with a pool."

"No need to do that, Mac.  I have a pool in my backyard.  You're welcome to come lay out in the sun all you want... and swim.  There's even a hot tub back there."

"You wouldn't mind?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.  "I love hot tubs!"

He chuckled.  "So did Joyce. She and my daughter insisted on the hot tub when we had the pool put in."

"Owen, are you sure you'd want me intruding on your..."

"Mac, you wouldn't be intruding."  He smiled at her.  "I'd like it if you'd come."

She returned the smile.  "Okay.  I will.  How about tomorrow?"

"How about dinner tonight?" he countered.  She looked surprised.  "Took me until this morning to realize that you never got to actually eat your dinner last Friday night.  So you've still never experienced Domani's food."

She shook her head.  "Owen, that was a special place for you and your wife.  It wouldn't be right for me to barge in on that... not even just as a friend.  We can go somewhere else, and I'll go back there another time."

"Mac, I'd like to be able to go to Domani's again.  Last Friday was the first time since Joyce got sick."  He walked past her and stared out the window as he continued speaking.  "And you saw what happened.  I can't guarantee it won't happen again, but if it does, I'd like it to be you I'm with... not someone else.  And I'd rather not try it alone again."  He turned back to look at her.  "Would that be okay?"

Mac walked up to him and put her arms around his waist lightly.  "That'll be just fine, Owen."

He bent down and kissed her lightly on the forehead.  "Thanks.  Can I pick you up at... 1800?"

"That'll be perfect."

He smiled.  "Good.  That gives me time to get these stitches out and go home to change."

After he left her office, Mac got up and asked to see the Admiral.  "Come on in, Mac.  What's up?" he asked, hearing her at Tiner's desk.

She closed the door and turned around.  "Admiral, I need some advice, Sir."

He raised an eyebrow.  "Okay.  Have a seat.  Which case are we talking about?"

"Personal advice, Sir."

He stood up and walked around to the front of his desk and sat next to Mac.  "Personal advice?"  She nodded.  "Owen Sebring?" he guessed.  She nodded again.  "He asked you out?"

"Dinner tonight, Sir.  We're going to Domani's."  The Admiral sighed heavily and shook his head.  "I know, Sir.  I tried to get him to choose another place, but he really likes Domani's, and he said he wants to be able to go there again without..." she hesitated.

AJ supplied the words for her, "Without falling apart?"  She nodded.  "Okay.  I can understand that."

"But what I want to know is... how should I..." she didn't finish her thought.  "I don't know if he's interested in me as a woman... or just as a friend who's helping him through a difficult time."

"I see your predicament.  You don't know whether this is an actual date or just a dinner between two friends?"

"Exactly," she replied.  "And I don't want him to think that I'm..."

"It's a date, Mac," he interrupted her.

She looked questioningly at him.  "Sir?"

He grinned.  "It's a date.  If you want it to be, that is."

"What do you mean?"

"Owen isn't sure of you, either.  He asked me if I thought you'd be interested."  Mac looked surprised.  He chuckled.  "I told him I wasn't in to mind reading... that the only way to find out was to ask you. Evidently you really impressed him; not that I'm surprised," he added. "But Owen is someone I didn't expect to start dating again so soon... if ever."

"What did you mean by 'if I want it to be'?" Mac asked.

"If you treat him like a friend, he'll take that as his answer.  Friendship.  If you treat him like a date... well..."

A small smile appeared on Mac's lips.  'So next time he kisses me, I shouldn't let him stop at my forehead,' she said to herself.  "Thank you, Admiral.  You've been a big help."

"Just consider this, Mac.  Owen and Joyce were married for a long time.  And they were high school sweethearts.  In other words, he doesn't have a lot of... varied... experience.  If he's a little slow on the uptake, you'll know why.  This is going to be difficult for him."

Mac smiled.  "Slow will be nice for a change, Sir."

As Mac left his office, AJ buzzed his yeoman.  "Tiner, send Lieutenant Sims in here."

Two minutes later, Harriett walked in.  "You wanted to see me, Admiral?"

"Lieutenant, I want this kept quiet; nothing said about it to anyone."  She nodded.  "Go through the docket assignments, and whenever Captain Sebring is judging a case for Colonel MacKenzie, reassign the judge.  He's not to be over any of the Colonel's cases until further notice.  Understood?"

Harriett nodded.  "Yes, Sir."

"If anyone disputes your assignments, have them see me."

"Aye, Sir."

AJ knew that Harriett had already guessed what he didn't tell her.  She knew there wasn't dissention in the ranks... she had watched both Mac and Sebring closely last Friday and individually all week.  "And Harriett, keep your fingers crossed," he winked at her.

Harriett beamed.  "Thank you, Sir!  I will!"

Friday, 23 May 2003
1810 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac paced back and forth in her apartment.  She really didn't like it when people were late, especially not a date.  Owen was now 10 minutes late, and he hadn't called.   'Just cool down, MacKenzie,' she told herself.  'He's probably stuck in traffic.  It is a Friday night, after all.'

Her doorbell rang and she almost tripped, rushing to answer it.  She peeked through the hole, and sure enough, it was Owen.  Pulling the door open, they spoke at the same time:  "I'm sorry I'm late."  "You made it!"  Then they both smiled nervously.

"Mac, are you sure you want to do this?" he asked hesitantly.

Mac's smile slipped a bit.  "Of course, Owen." 'He's changed his mind about the date.  Well, fine... we'll go as friends.  At least he'll be able to go back to the restaurant when he wants to... maybe.  Oh, damn... this dress...'  "Give me just a minute.  I was waffling between a couple of dresses; I think the other one would be better."  She headed for her bedroom to change.

"Mac?"  She stopped walking.  "I've been standing out there in the hall for 15 minutes trying to come up with the perfect opening line.  I finally gave up and rang the bell."  She turned around and smiled at him.  "You look absolutely beautiful, Mac."  He closed the distance between them and put his hands on her upper arms.  "Unless the other dress is sexier than this one, don't bother to change on my account.  I like what I see in this one just fine," he grinned as he lowered his head to kiss her forehead.

But Mac was quicker.  She lifted her face and their lips met in a tender kiss.  Mac's smile came back and covered her face.  "I just need to get my purse."

As they began the drive to Annandale, Mac asked, "So, you got the stitches out this afternoon?"

He moved his right hand from the steering wheel and showed it palm up.  "Yep."

"There's still some purple, though!" she laughed as she held it for a moment.

He felt a surge of heat travel through his body that he hadn't felt in a long time.  His wife had been ill for a good while before she died.  "That's because it was bandaged all week.  Hasn't had a chance to wear off yet.  It'll probably be gone by Monday.  I hope!"

They arrived at the restaurant and Owen walked around to open Mac's door.  "This is the way I like it," he said.  She looked at him quizzically.  "Where the man opens the doors...?" he reminded her.

"Oh.  I do, too," she agreed.

They walked into the restaurant and the hostess greeted them.  "You've been here before, haven't you?  You look familiar," she said.

Owen nodded.  "We were here last week."

"Well, we're glad you came back.  Right this way, please."

They were seated in close proximity to the dance floor, the small ensemble not very far away.  "I already know what I want," Mac chirped.  "Shrimp parmigiana.  That's what I ordered last week and didn't get to eat."

"Well, they make some of the best I've ever eaten, Mac.  I'm sure you'll enjoy it."  

After they ordered their meals, Mac looked up to see the young man who had been their server last week.  He was across the room, waiting on another table.  "There's the waiter from last week," she commented.  

Owen turned around.  "Where?" he didn't recognize him.  His mind had been otherwise occupied last week.

"There.  At the table of four," Mac pointed him out.  

"Excuse me, Mac."  Owen got up and walked toward the young man as he stepped away from the table he was serving.  "Excuse me," Owen caught his attention before he got away.

"Yes, Sir?  Oh, it's you.  Are you alright, Captain?"

"Just fine now, thank you.  I wanted to apologize for last week and thank you for your patience with me."  Owen extended his arm and the young man shook his hand gently.  "Thank you," he said again before releasing his hand and returning to Mac.  

She watched the scene and saw the young man look in his palm as Owen walked away.  His grin extended from ear to ear when he saw the $100 bill in his hand.

"You made his night," Mac whispered as Owen sat down.

"I just hope I can make your night," Owen returned with a sly grin.

"That's a distinct possibility," Mac purred in response.

"Would you like to dance before dinner?" he asked.

"I'd love to."

Owen stood up and offered his hand to Mac.  She took it and they stepped on the dance floor just as the ensemble began a waltz.  They were the only ones on the floor, so Owen took full advantage of it.  His hand caressed the small of her bare back as he whirled her around and around.  As the music died away, he brought her close and dropped a light kiss on her lips.  "Thank you, Mac."

Their dinner arrived, and Mac had to agree with his earlier statement.  This was the best shrimp parmigiana she'd ever eaten.  They talked freely throughout dinner and ordered dessert.  Just as it arrived, however, Owen seemed to withdraw inside himself.  "Owen?" Mac said quietly.  "Owen, what's wrong?"  Mac reached out and touched his hand.  No response... just like last week.  Then it occurred to her.  The ensemble was playing the same song as when he broke the glass.  She got up and pulled him up with her.  "Dance with me, Owen."

She moved his arms around her and then put hers around him.  She began moving, and he slowly moved with her.  "Dance with me, Darling," she purred, hoping that was the right endearment... the one his late wife used.

It was.  He suddenly pulled her close to his chest and they danced slowly, closely, intimately.  She laid her head against his shoulder and kissed his neck lightly.  He moaned his pleasure, so she did it again.  When the music faded, Mac loosened her hold on him and he looked down at her in wonder; he'd been dancing with Joyce... where did Mac come from?  "Mac?"  She smiled and nodded.  He took a deep breath, realizing what happened.  "Thank you."

"Shall we sit down now?" she suggested.

They took their seats and began eating their desserts.  "I'm sorry about that, Mac."

"You have nothing to be sorry about, Owen," she assured him.  "That was obviously a very special song."  

He nodded.  "Joyce and I danced to that at our wedding."

"I hope it was okay that I..."

"It was!  It was... fine... good..." he searched for the right words.  "I'm really glad you pulled me out there," he sounded relieved.  "All I needed to do was break another glass."

Mac smiled and laid her hand over his.  "I wouldn't have let you do that, Owen."

They finished their desserts, he paid the check, and they walked to his vehicle.  "Want to take a walk?" he suggested.

"Sure."

"How about the Mall?"

"I love the Mall at this hour.  It's so beautiful lit up."  Owen laughed as he opened her door.  "What?" she asked.

"You are the first woman I've ever known who didn't think immediately of a shopping mall!"

Friday, 23 May 2003
2245 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

"Would you like to come in?" Mac asked as Owen unlocked and opened the door to her apartment.

"I think it would be better if I didn't, Mac," he replied.

"It's still early," she coerced.

"I probably won't know when to leave."

"I'll kick you out when it's time."  She pulled on his arms and backed into her apartment.  

He kicked the door closed behind him and lowered his mouth to hers.  "Oooh, Mac," he sighed as he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips.  She opened her mouth and felt his invasion.  He ran his hands up her bare back and caressed her shoulder blades.  

Mac pulled his shirt out of his pants and ran her hands underneath it up his back.  "Owen," she panted.  "Maybe you should leave now," she choked out... not wanting to say the words, but knowing she should.  This was his first date since his wife died.  He was vulnerable and probably seeing her right now, not Mac.  It had already happened once tonight; it wouldn't be right for Mac to let this continue.

He pulled back.  "Are you sure?" he asked.

Mac nodded.  "I think it would be best.  As you said.  I shouldn't have dragged you in here," she put the onus on herself.

"I wanted to come in, Mac."

"I know.  And I want you," she ran her hands up the front of his shirt. "But I think it would be best to wait."

He nodded.  "Thank you for a lovely evening, Mac.  It meant a lot to me."

"And to me.  You will call me?" she asked hopefully.

He pressed a kiss on her forehead.  "Definitely.  And you are coming to the house for the pool over the weekend, right?"

"If I'm still welcome."

"Most definitely, Mac."  

"I'll be there tomorrow, then," she smiled.

He pulled her in for another searing kiss.  "Good.  I'll be looking forward to it.  How about 1100?   We'll have lunch first, maybe go to the little cafe up the street... and then sit by the pool in the afternoon?"

"Mmm, sounds wonderful."  One last kiss, and as the door closed behind him, Mac thought, 'Slow on the uptake?'

Saturday, 24 May 2003
1055 EDT
Sebring Residence
Peacock, Virginia

Mac pulled up in front of Owen's house, surprised to see a minivan in the driveway.  She knew that he used to drive a Pontiac Bonneville and was now using his late wife's Lexus SUV.  But she didn't know that he also had a minivan.  As she walked up the driveway, she began hearing voices through the open windows.  She stopped and listened.

"Pool!  I wanna go pool!" a baby-like voice screamed.

"You can't go in the pool until you've gone to the bathroom, Lyle," a woman's voice answered.

"Wanna go pool!" the child screamed again.

"Mommy!!  Where are my goggles?" another child's voice called.

"In your pool bag, right where you put them, Andrea!" the woman replied.

"Leslie, did you pack my swim trunks?" a male voice boomed through the window.

"Of course I did, Jim!  They're in the mesh bag at the foot of the bed.  My suit's in there, too.  And the suntan lotion."

"Dad, would you check on Andrea, please?" the man called.  "Don't let her go outside until we get some sunscreen on her!"

Mac finally heard a voice she recognized.  "Andrea!  Come back in here.  You heard your father!"

"But Granddad!  I want to go in the pool now!" the child objected.

"You have to have sunscreen on first, Sweet Girl," he replied.  "And one of us has to be out there with you when you go in the water."

"I know how to swim, Granddad.  I learned last year!" she argued.

"One of us still has to be out there with you, Andrea," Owen insisted.

Mac debated on whether to ring the bell or not.  Obviously his family was here.  Funny that he hadn't mentioned their coming when they were talking about the weekend.  She decided to just call the Four Points Sheraton and see if she could get a room.  She liked their roof-top sundeck and pool the best in the area.  

As she turned to head back to her car, she heard the little girl's voice through the window, "Someone's in your driveway, Granddad!  It's a lady!  Who is she?"

"Busted," Mac said quietly.  She turned around and saw Owen and the little girl looking out the window.  Owen disappeared instantly and was almost immediately coming out the front door with the little girl trailing behind him.

"Mac!" he called.  "You came!"

"Told you I would," she replied with a catch in her speech, seeing him in his swim trunks and t-shirt.  He obviously wasn't dressed to go out for lunch.

"Mac, I'm sorry... I got home last night to find my daughter and her family arriving for the holiday weekend.  She didn't bother to call; just showed up... she does that a lot.  Not that it's ever been a problem before..."

Mac smiled.  "It's not a problem, Owen.  I understand.  I'll just go on over to Four Points.  No big deal.  Maybe another time..."

"I'd like you to stay.  If you... would want to... would feel comfortable...?"

"Would you feel comfortable with my being here, Owen?  With your daughter here?"

"Dad!  Did you put sunscreen on Andrea yet?" his daughter called from the doorway.

Owen looked down at his granddaughter.  "Go back inside, Andrea.  Let your mother put some sunscreen on you."

"Okaaay," she whined.

"Andrea..." he warned.

"Yes, Sir," she corrected herself before running back to the house.

"She's adorable," smiled Mac.

He nodded.  "Yes, she is.  Thanks."

"I heard another child, too... a boy?"

"Lyle.  He's two.  Andrea's four.  They're my only grandchildren right now.  I think Leslie would like another one or two, but Jim's not sure about that," he chuckled.  "And my son, Allan, just finished his first year at college.  I'm hoping he'll hold off getting married until he finishes.  He's had a few problems, you might remember?"

Mac nodded.  "He was the one in the rehab center?"  Owen nodded.  "He's better now, I hope?"

"Yeah," Owen sighed in relief.  "He seems to be doing great.  Ever since his mother died last year, he's really trying, and that says a lot.  He was always a bit of a handful for Joyce.  Wasn't easy when I was gone so much."

"Is he here, too?" Mac asked.

"No, he's not due home until the middle of next week." 

"You mentioned having lost a baby girl. You had three children?" Mac ventured.

"Julie.  She was our middle child.  SIDS.  I woke up in the middle of the night when she was 14 months old.  I knew something was wrong.  When I got to her crib, she was dead."

"Oh, Owen, I'm so sorry..." Mac started. 

"Mac, I would have told you they'd be here if I'd known they were coming.  Please don't think I..."

"I know that, Owen.  It's okay.  I'll just go..."

"I'd like you to stay... Please?  Will you stay?  Come in and at least meet them?" he urged.

Mac looked down at what she was wearing... a short halter dress and sandals.  "Well, at least I'm dressed and not in a swimsuit," she reasoned.  'And I'm soooo glad I brought the one-piece with me as well as that bikini!'

They entered the house just as the two-year old came rolling down the staircase into the foyer.  "Pool!  I go pool!" he was screaming.

"Ooof!" Mac grunted as the child tumbled right into her legs.  He looked up at her and looked like he was about to cry, so Mac reached down and picked up the naked youngster.  "Well, hello, Lyle," she said sweetly.  "You're going in the pool?"  He nodded.  "Do you like the pool?"  He nodded again. 

"Lyle!!" his mother called coming down the stairs.  "Oh!"  She stopped seeing Mac holding her son.  "Lyle, you need your suit on," she reprimanded.  

Mac set the little boy down and he looked up at her.  "Who you?" he asked.

She smiled.  "My name is 'Mac'."

He grinned at her and then darted between her and his grandfather, headed for the pool.  Mac could see the pool through the sliding doors in the next room.

"Lyle!!" his mother yelled in exasperation.

"Lyle!" bellowed Owen.  The boy stopped in his tracks.  "Get back over here and obey your mother!"  The child turned around and walked slowly back to them.

"I wish he'd obey me the way he does you," Leslie whispered.

"I wish the lawyers would obey me the way he does," joked Owen for Mac's benefit.

She laughed lightly.  "We do... all but Harm, that is."

"Mac?" his daughter seemed to recognize the name now.  "As in MacKenzie?  Colonel MacKenzie?"  

Mac smiled as she nodded and extended her hand in greeting.  "That's right.  Sarah MacKenzie.  'Mac' for short."

"You're the one who tried to send my father to prison last year!" she accused.

"Leslie..." Owen started.

"I never tried a case I wanted to lose more than that one," Mac replied, drawing her hand back to her side.  "Your father is one of the finest officers it's ever been my privilege to serve with."

"Then why...?"

"Because I was ordered to.  We don't always get to choose what we want and don't want to do in the military," Mac explained gently.

Leslie didn't look convinced; she still looked downright hostile, in fact.  "Come on, Lyle.  Let's go put your suit on while Granddaddy takes care of business.  Then he'll play with you in the pool."  She grabbed her son's hand and headed back up the stairs.

"Business?" Mac whispered.  Owen sighed.  "Owen, maybe I should just go.  Your daughter obviously hates me, and with valid reason."

"Mac, please..."

She shook her head.  "I think it's better this way.  I'll just disappear, and you have a nice family weekend.  We can try this again another time, if you still want to..."  

Her words were interrupted by a blood-curdling scream coming from upstairs.  It was Leslie's voice.  "Andrea!!  Andrea's in the pool!!"

Mac and Owen ran through the open doors onto the patio.  Owen stopped to look and find his granddaughter in the water, but Mac didn't stop running.  She saw the child in the deep end of the pool... under the water.  She dove in and reached the child, pushing her up out of the water ahead of herself.  Owen had located Andrea, too, and was there to grab her arms and pull her out.  Mac pushed herself onto the side of the pool as she watched Owen rubbing the girl's back.

"Is she okay?  Is she breathing?" Mac asked urgently.

Owen nodded; "She'll be just fine."

Andrea coughed up a little water and started crying.  "I didn't swim!"

"Dad!  Is she alright?!" cried Leslie as she ran outside, Jim close on her heels with Lyle in his arms.  "Andrea?  Baby?"

"She's fine, Leslie.  Just swallowed a little bit of water.  She's just fine," Owen insisted as he rocked the girl in his arms, not giving her up to either of her parents.

"But, Granddad, I didn't swim!" the child cried.  "I could swim last year!  How come I didn't swim?" she whined.

"Sweet Girl, you don't just automatically swim when you jump in the water.  You have to move your arms and legs.  Did you remember to do that?" he asked her gently.  She sniffed and shook her head.  "Well, we'll just have to refresh your memory then, that's all.  You'll remember, and then you'll be swimming around just like last year... better than last year!" he assured her.

"Okay," she sniffed again.  Then she giggled.  "I got you all wet, Granddad!"

"You sure did!  But you got Mac even wetter!" he told her, looking at Mac with gratitude.

Andrea turned and saw the woman from the driveway.  "Why are you all wet?" she asked.

Mac winked at her.  "I went for a little swim, too."

"In your clothes?"

Mac smiled warmly at the girl.  "Mmm hmm.  I don't do that very often, though.  I prefer a bathing suit, don't you?" Mac asked, pushing her wet hair back out of her face.

"Uh huh."

"Andrea..." Owen warned again.

"Yes, Ma'am," Andrea corrected herself.  "Did you bring one with you?"  Mac nodded.  "You want to go swimming with me and Granddad?"

Mac smiled at the little girl and looked up at Owen.  "I think maybe that would be nice, Andrea," she said softly.

"What's your name?" the little girl asked.

"You can call me 'Mac'."

Owen's smile covered his face as he stood up and set the little girl on the ground.  "I'll show you where to change, Mac."

"I'll show her, Dad," Leslie choked out.  "I still have to change, too."

Mac looked a bit hesitant, but Owen smiled and nodded to her.  "Hurry back," he whispered.

As she turned around, Jim stopped her and extended his hand.  "I'm Jim Griffith."

Mac shook it, noting that he appeared considerably older than his wife.  "Sarah MacKenzie.  'Mac.'  Nice to meet you."

"Thank you... for going in after Andrea."  It was obvious the man was fighting tears.  "Thank you," he nodded.

"I'm glad I could help," Mac replied simply with a small smile.

"Andrea, you stay here with Daddy and rest until Mommy comes back outside, okay?" Leslie instructed her daughter.  She looked at her husband, "Keep an eye on Lyle, too, please."

The two women went toward the house, Mac dripping as she walked.  "Do you have a towel or something I can wrap around me so I don't make such a mess in the house?"

"Honey, after what you just did out there, I'll clean up any mess you make!" Leslie said as they reached the sliding doors.  She turned back to Mac and hugged her tightly.  "I can't begin to thank you enough for saving my little girl's life like that."

While Mac and Leslie changed into their suits, Jim pumped his father-in-law for information about Mac.  "Leslie says she's the lawyer who prosecuted your case last year.  Why is she here, Dad?"

"Jim, she wasn't given a choice.  It was a direct order from her CO; she couldn't very well say, 'Thanks, but no thanks.'  She did request not to have the case... her request was denied."

"And now all's forgiven and forgotten?" Jim asked, amazed.  Owen nodded.  "And if I don't miss my guess... you're dating her?" he chanced.  Owen nodded again.  "You haven't told Leslie about this, have you?"  This time, Owen shook his head.  "How long have you been seeing her?"

"Last night was our first date," he almost whispered.

"Last night?  That's where you were when we got here?"

"Yep.  We'd gone out for dinner and a walk on the Mall."

"Which one?"

"The Mall, Jim.  Not a mall," chuckled Owen, remembering that Mac knew exactly what he was suggesting last night.

"Oh.  And you had a good time, I guess?"

"Very.  Mac's a delightful woman."

"And you invited her to spend the weekend over here?"

Owen shook his head.  "No.  Just the day.  She likes to lay out in the sun, and she mentioned getting a hotel room in town to do that.  So I offered to have her just come here."

"Well, she's got quite a body.  Sure hope she comes out in a bikini!" teased Jim.

"I've seen pictures of that.  Seen men drool over them, too, so watch yourself.  The real thing has to be even better.  And somehow I don't think my daughter would appreciate your drooling over another woman!" Owen chuckled.

"Your daughter's not going to appreciate your drooling over her either!"

"Jim, did you bring the lotion outside?" asked Leslie as she and Mac stepped out on the patio in their cover-ups.

"No, I left it on the table..."

"I brought it out, Mommy!" answered Andrea, running over to a lounge chair.  "It's here by your chair!"

"Thank you, Sweetie," Leslie said, reaching the chair and hugging her little girl.  "Mommy loves you so much!"

"Did you wear your 'kini, Mommy?" Andrea asked innocently.

"Not today.  Maybe I'll wear the bikini tomorrow," she answered as she stripped off her cover-up to reveal a modest one-piece suit.

"Did you wear your 'kini, Mac?" the child asked.

"No, Andrea.  I decided to wear a one-piece today," Mac replied, pulling her cover-up over her head and tossing it on another chair.  Mac's suit wasn't nearly as modest as Leslie's, but it covered her.  Mac was glad.

Andrea ran over to the men, yelling, "Daddy!  Granddad!  You don't have to drool today!  Mommy and Mac didn't wear their 'kinis after all!  You can drool tomorrow!!"

The men's faces suffused in red as the women stared open-mouthed at them.

Saturday, 24 May 2003
1735 EDT
Sebring Residence
Peacock, Virginia

Mac rose from her lounge chair and stretched.  "I think I'd better be heading out of here now.  You all will want some family time tonight..."

"No, Mac!  Don't go!" cried Andrea.  "Stay!  Mommy, make her stay!"

"Stay!  Mac, stay!" chirped Lyle.

"You're more than welcome to stay for supper, Mac.  We were just going to order pizza tonight, though," said Leslie without any enthusiasm.  She had lost a little of her welcoming spirit when she learned that Mac was dating her father.  She wasn't antagonistic, exactly.  She just wasn't all that friendly.

"No, I really should go," Mac said, recognizing that.

"Granddad, tell Mac to stay!" Andrea begged.

Owen smiled at his granddaughter.  "I don't think so, Sweet Girl."  He turned to Mac, "Because actually, I was rather hoping you'd go out to dinner with me again tonight."  He nodded at the others, "They can have pizza.  I want... seafood."

"Daddy..." Leslie started to argue.

"Sweetheart, I'm really glad that you all are here; you know that," he told his daughter.  "But I did have a date planned with Mac for today, and we sort of blew off lunch because you all showed up last night."  He turned back to Mac, "And if she's free for dinner, I'd like to make it up to her."

Mac smiled, "You don't have to make anything up to me, Owen.  I'd be delighted to go to dinner with you, or I'd be happy to stay here for pizza if you want me to.  I just don't want to infringe on your time with your family.  That's why I suggested..."

Owen took her hand and led her up to the house before she finished.  They stepped inside the den, but the others could still see them through the glass.  "Mac, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable.  My daughter is just not used to the idea of my seeing anyone."

"That's perfectly understandable, Owen.  I can't fault her for that."

"Neither can I," he sighed.  "But I also don't want her to think that she's going to run my life.  And that's basically what she's been doing.  I've been letting her... didn't really know I was..."

"She loves you.  She was doing what she thought was best for you... what she thought you needed," Mac said quietly.

"True.  But now I need to take control of my life back."  He smiled, "Starting with you.  Have dinner with me?  Please?"

Mac smiled and laid her hand on his cheek.  "Of course I will, Owen."  He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.

"Granddad?" Andrea chirped from his elbow.  They jerked apart.  "Why are you kissing Mac?"

Mac blushed as Owen replied, "Because I like Mac, Sweet Girl.  I like Mac very, very much."

That satisfied Andrea.  "Will you share my pizza, Mac?  I only like cheese on my pizza, but there's always other stuff that I have to pick off unless somebody wants to share."

Mac looked at Owen; he nodded in resignation.  "I'd be happy to share your cheese pizza, Andrea."

"Yeaaah!!" Andrea exclaimed.  She grabbed Mac's hand and pulled her back outside.  "Mac's going to share my pizza, Mommy!!  I get a real cheese pizza tonight!!" 

Saturday, 24 May 2003
1945 EDT
Sebring Residence
Peacock, Virginia

Mac and Leslie cleaned up the plates and glasses from their supper.  Owen started to fold the empty pizza boxes in half just as Mac looked up.  "Owen!" she cried as he flinched in pain.  She ran to his side and tossed the boxes on the table.  "You shouldn't have tried that.  Let me see."  When he wouldn't turn his hands over for her, she physically took them and turned them.  "Owen, let me see," she insisted.

"What's wrong?  Dad?" Leslie asked from the sink.

Jim walked in with the children tailing him.  "What's going on?  Dad?  Mac?"

"It's nothing," replied Owen.

"Owen, you're bleeding again," Mac said quietly.  

"Bleeding?" "Again?" Leslie and Jim said at the same time.

"It's nothing.  It'll quit.  I just shouldn't have tried to squash those boxes together, that's all," Owen said casually.  "No big deal."

Leslie had dried her hands on the dishtowel by now and was at her father's side.  "Let me see, Dad."  She turned his hands over and looked at them.  "Oh, my God!  Daddy, what did you do?!" she exclaimed.

Andrea pulled on her grandfather's sleeve and lowered his right hand to her level.  "Granddad has purple polka dots!" she giggled.

"Daddy, what happened?" Leslie insisted.

"I broke a glass last week, that's all.  Had to have some stitches," Owen sloughed it off. 

"What's the purple?" Jim asked.

"The doctor called it Derma-something.  Bond.  Dermabond.  It's like a glue.  They use it instead of stitches when they can now," Owen explained.

"Daddy, why didn't you call me?" Leslie asked.  "I should have been here."

"I was fine, Leslie."

"How did you get to the hospital?  Did you drive like that?" she pressed.  He shook his head.  "Daddy, answer me!" she almost yelled.

He looked at her sharply and snapped, "I said I was fine, Leslie.  Now drop it!"  He picked up the boxes from the table and walked out to the garage to dump them in the garbage can.

Leslie watched him stalk out of the room.  Mac said quietly, "It was last Thursday, on their anniversary.  He was at Domani's, and he got a little lost in himself.  He broke the glass, and I took him to Bethesda."

Leslie turned and stared, daggers coming from her eyes. "You were with him on their anniversary?  At Domani's?!"

Mac shook her head.  "No, Leslie. Your father would never have done that. I just happened to be at the same place.  Your father was alone.  When I recognized that he was having a problem, I just sort of took over and didn't give him much of a choice.  It was either me or an ambulance.  And I knew he wouldn't want that."

Leslie shook her head.  "No, he hates those," she agreed.

"He just got the stitches out of his right hand yesterday afternoon.  One of them pulled a bit of the scab off with it.  He was supposed to be careful for a few days.  Folding those boxes together opened it up again."

Owen returned from the garage and walked up to his daughter.  "I'm sorry I yelled at you, Sweetheart."

"Oh, Daddy," Leslie fell into his arms.  "I didn't even think to call you last week.  I'm so sorry," she cried.

He looked up at Mac.  She smiled a little half smile to let him know that she had explained what happened.  "It's alright, Leslie.  I'm fine now.  And something good came of the experience," he grinned.

She looked up.  "What?"

"Mac."

Saturday, 24 May 2003
2350 EDT
Sebring Residence
Peacock, Virginia

Mac and Owen had been sitting in the swing on the front porch for the last several hours... ever since Leslie and Jim put the children to bed, in fact.  "I should go home, Owen," Mac whispered, her head on his shoulder.

He squeezed the hand he held and pulled her closer to him with the arm he had around her shoulders.  "I don't want you to leave, Mac."

She smiled.  "I really don't think it's a good idea for me to stay with your daughter in the next room."

Owen chuckled.  "She'd sure get a surprise in the morning when we came down for breakfast, wouldn't she?"

"They haven't gone to sleep yet, you know.  I'd guarantee it."

"Sure they have.  They're early birds.  And they got here pretty late last night.  They're already asleep," he assured her as he kissed her on the mouth.

Mac leaned into the kiss and enjoyed it fully.  "Mmm, Owen..."  He deepened the kiss and moved his hand toward her breast.  "Owen, no..." she stopped him.  "Not tonight.  Not with Leslie here.  It isn't right."

Owen moved his hand back to her waist.  "You're right, of course."  Mac stood up and pulled Owen with her.  They walked to her car and kissed again before she sat in the driver's seat.  "I'll pick you up tomorrow about 1230?"

"I could just drive over again, Owen," Mac replied.

"No.  I want to come and get you.  We can have some time alone then," he smirked.

"Mmm," Mac grinned.  "I'll look forward to it."  They kissed again, Owen leaning into the car.  "When you pass their room going to yours in a minute... say 'Good night, Leslie'.  See if she doesn't answer you," Mac almost giggled.

"She's asleep, Mac."  Mac shook her head.  "Okay.  I will.  I'll tell you tomorrow."

She drove off, and Owen watched until she was out of sight.  He went back in the house, and locked up.  As he walked up the stairs, he wondered if Mac was right.  He paused at Leslie's door and said, "Good night, Leslie."

"Good night, Daddy."

Sunday, 25 May 2003
1235 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac spent an hour debating on what to be wearing when Owen arrived.  As she opened the door, she was extremely glad she'd decided on the shorts and tank top.  "Mac!" squealed Andrea.

Owen looked at Mac with eyes pleading for her understanding.  Mac bent down and hugged the child.  "Hello, Sweetie!  I didn't expect you to come with Granddad today," she said as she tickled the little girl.

Andrea giggled.  "I know!  It was a surprise!"

Mac looked up at Owen.  "It sure is."

Owen spoke then.  "You were right last night, by the way.  Leslie was still awake."

Mac winked, "Told ya."

"Uh huh.  I imagine you can probably also guess whose idea it was for me to bring this little creature along with me?"

Mac nodded.  "Oh yeah."

"I'm sorry," he mouthed.

Mac took a step forward and wrapped her arms around his neck.  She whispered, "It's not a problem, Owen.  Really."  Then he pulled her in closer to him and kissed her.  

"Granddad's kissing Mac!  Granddad's kissing Mac!" Andrea giggled as she danced around the living room.

Mac pulled away.  "Is that okay with you, Andrea?  If Granddad kisses me?"

Andrea nodded.  Then she got a secretive look on her face and whispered in her loud childish voice, "But Mommy doesn't like it."

Owen sighed.  "No, I'm afraid she doesn't.  But that doesn't really matter.  It's whether Mac likes it that counts."

Mac turned back to him.  "Oh, 'Mac' likes it immensely!"

"Good," he said as he pulled her back in his arms and kissed her deeply.

"Mac, are you going to wear your 'kini today?" Andrea asked.

Their lips separated and Mac shook her head.  "I thought I'd just wear the same suit as yesterday," she answered the child.

"Mommy's wearing her 'kini today.  And she said I could wear mine, too!"

"You wore one yesterday, Sweetie," Mac reminded her as Owen nuzzled her neck.

"That was a different one.  I'm going to wear my purple one today.  It's the same color as Granddad's polka dots!" she giggled.

Mac laughed.  "Do you want me to wear my bikini, too?"

Owen grinned evilly, "I don't know about her, but I would love to see you in a bikini."

"Done!" Mac replied, leaning in for another kiss.  Then she slipped into her bedroom and grabbed her favorite bikini.  She stuffed it in her beach bag and stepped into her sandals.  "All ready!" she said, coming back into the living room.  "Let's hit the pool!"

Sunday, 25 May 2003
1545 EDT
Sebring Residence
Peacock, Virginia

Mac splashed around in the pool playing with Andrea while Leslie watched over Lyle in his turtle safety ring.  The men were at the grill, cooking the hamburgers and hotdogs.  "So, Dad?  Was Mac annoyed when you showed up with Andrea?" Jim chuckled.

Owen sighed.  "Surprised.  But not annoyed.  Mac loves kids."

"Would you start another family with her?" Jim chanced.

Owen looked up, startled.  "We've only been out together one time, Jim; don't rush me!"

"I didn't mean to, Dad.  You just seem... well, 'taken' with her, that's all."

"I'm not going to rush into anything, Jim.  So you can set my daughter's mind at ease about that."

"Nothing will do that, I'm afraid.  Not until you're no longer seeing her."

Owen was staring at Mac now; she was out of the pool and straightening her towel on the lounge chair.  "I'd like to see her... all of her..." Owen breathed.

"You're drooling, Dad," Jim chuckled.  He looked at Mac and knew why.

Mac looked up then and saw the men watching her.  She waved to them and smiled.  She decided to try something.  She didn't know if Owen would pick up on it, but it was worth a try.  Instead of sitting on the lounge chair, she walked up to the patio.  She made sure she brushed up against Owen's arm as she passed.  "Need to make a quick phone call," she said as she walked inside the house.  

She could feel his presence behind her as she reached the stairs.  "And just who do you need to call so suddenly?" he teased.

She ran up the rest of the stairs, giggling, "You, of course!"

Owen scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the guest room where she'd changed clothes earlier.  He laid her on the bed and his mouth descended on hers instantly.  "Ooh, Mac," he moaned, his hands roaming over her exposed flesh.  "I've wanted to hold you like this for days."

"Do we dare?" she asked cautiously.

"It's my house," he replied.

"But the little ones..."

"They're in the pool.  We'd have plenty of warning..."

"If we hear them..."

"We will.  The window's up."

Mac grinned.  "Then just make sure they don't hear us!"

Owen froze.  "Oh, God, I didn't think about that!"

Mac pulled him back to her.  "I can be very quiet," she purred.

"Ohh, Mac.  You're absolutely... magnificent."  He moved his hands to caress Mac's bare skin, and his breathing was suddenly shallow.  "Maaac..."

"Lunch is ready!!" boomed Jim's voice through the window.  "Dad!  Mac!  Come and get it!"

Then Leslie's voice, "Andrea, run in the house and let Granddad know that lunch is ready, Sweetie."

"Oh, my God!"  Mac and Owen leapt off the bed as they heard Andrea running up the stairs.

"Granddaddy!!  Mac!!  Lunch is ready!!" she yelled.

"Coming, Andrea!" called Mac as they walked out of the bedroom together and followed her down the stairs.

As they walked out onto the patio together, Owen said, "Shame you didn't reach him, though.  You can try again after we eat."

Jim looked at the two of them; both were flushed.  He grinned.  "Yeah, try again after we eat," he winked at Mac.

Continue to Part 3.