AJ rolled over as he heard Maria getting out of bed.  “Good morning,” he drawled. 

“Yes, it certainly is.  So when do we head out to sea?” Maria asked. 

“You want to go fishing today?”  AJ asked incredulously.  “Maria, we didn’t sleep for two hours last night.” 

Maria laughed.  “Just kidding, AJ.  No, actually, I’d much rather stay here and make love to you all day.  Think you can hold up?” 

“As long as you can, Baby.  As long as you can.”  

Monday, 13 August 2001
0900 EDT
Carl’s Automotive Garage
St. Stephen, South Carolina 

“So how much are we talking here…and how long to fix it?” she asked the man in grease-covered overalls. 

His words were slow and Mac thought he would never finish his sentence.  “Oh…I’d say we’re talkin’ at least a thousand dollars here.” 

“And how long to fix it?” she repeated. 

“Oh…I’d say we’re talkin’ prob’ly a couple days anyway.” 

“A couple of days!?” Mac almost yelled. 

“Yes’m.  Well, see…we got to get the parts from up in Florence, and that’ll take a day.  See, ‘cause Jimmy, he ain’t working today.  And he’s the only one who picks up the parts.  But, soon’s we get the part in the morning, we’ll have you all fixed up and ready to roll on down the road.” 

“Are there any other automotive repair shops in this town?”  Mac asked. 

“Yes, Ma’am, there are two other shops.”  Mac turned to face the man who had driven the tow truck the night before.  He was also dressed in overalls (‘at least his are clean’), and he had a name stitched across the breast pocket.  So this is Carl.   

“Ma’am, I’m sorry about the inconvenience, but I’m afraid there’s really nothing we can do.  Jimmy picks up the parts for all three of the shops in town, and he’s not feeling well today.  But even if he were, I called the dealer in Florence, and they don’t have the part your car needs.  They’re having it sent over from Columbia today, so we can’t pick it up until first thing in the morning, even if we did have a driver today.” 

“Great.  So what are we supposed to do all day?  Sit around at the Econo Lodge?”  ‘Maybe I should just call AJ.  We couldn’t be more than a couple of hours away from his place.’  Mac didn’t expect an answer and was surprised when Carl responded. 

“Actually, Ma’am, if you’re interested, there’s a little fair going on in Kingstree.  It started on Saturday and ends tonight.  There are buses that go up from St. Stephen every couple of hours.  You all might enjoy it.” 

“Thanks, Carl.  I’ll talk to my little sister and see if she’s interested.  Where would we catch the bus?” 

Monday, 13 August 2001
1100 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina 

AJ could hear a phone ringing, but it didn’t sound like the house phone, and his cell phone was dead.  Could Maria have brought a cell phone with her?  AJ got up and lifted the lid of her suitcase.  Sure enough, the sound was louder.  He fished around until he found the phone, pressed the Talk button, and said, “Hello?” 

“Admiral?  Sir?” 

‘Damn.  It’s Gunny!’  “Yes, Gunny, what is it?” 

“I’m sorry, Sir.  I thought I called my sister’s cell phone.  I must have dialed the wrong number.  My apologies for…” 

“Gunny, you know damn well you called your sister’s number.  Now what do you want?  She’s still asleep; she got in late last night.” 

“Sir.  Yes, Sir.  Actually, Admiral, I was trying to reach you, Sir.” 

“Oh?” Gunny had known his sister was coming here?  Great.  That probably means the whole office knows.   

“Yes, Sir.  Your daughter called this morning, Sir.  She wanted to let you know that they changed their flight to Charleston.  They’ll be arriving at 1800 this evening, Sir.” 

“Why the hell didn’t she just call me herself?”  AJ grumbled. 

“Evidently she tried, Sir.  The phone rang and no one answered.  She was leaving for a meeting, and wasn’t going to have the opportunity to call again until after their original arrival time.  Which is why she called here, hoping I could reach you.” 

“She didn’t call here.  The phone hasn’t rung since yesterday afternoon.  …Damn!  I forgot to put it on the charger.  It’s probably dead.  My cell phone is; I forgot to bring the cord.” 

“AJ?”  Maria mumbled in her sleepy state.  “AJ, come back to bed.” 

AJ heard Gunny’s sharp intake of breath over the phone.  “Is there anything else, Gunny?” 

“Sir.  No, Sir.”  

“Okay.  Thanks for letting me know about Francesca and Marcella’s flight.  I’ll…” 

“Sir?  Your wife is coming, too?  There?  With Maria there?  Admiral, do you really think that’s a good idea, Sir?  I mean…um…”  Gunny was suddenly tongue tied.  ‘Did I really blurt that out to the Admiral?  Oh God, I’m a dead man.’ 

AJ took Gunny’s outburst in stride.  “Ex-wife, Gunny.  And yes; my daughter decided to bring her mother along for a visit.  I found it out on Saturday night…after I’d invited Maria to come go deep sea fishing.  I haven’t told Maria yet that Marcella is coming.  To tell you the truth, I keep putting it out of my mind.  I think I’m hoping she’ll change her mind and go back to Italy.” 

“Yes, Sir.” 

“Don’t worry about Maria, Gunny.  She’ll be fine.” 

“Aye, Sir.”  And the line went dead. 

“AJ, is that my phone?  Who was that?”  Maria was finally awake and sitting on the edge of the bed with her long, dark legs hanging off the side. 

“That, my dear, was your brother.” 

“Victor?” 

“How many brothers do you have?” 

“Just one.  But you were talking to him.  Did you call him?  How did you find my phone?” 

“He called you.  I heard your suitcase ringing, so I fished around until I found it.” 

“Oh my.  Was he angry?” 

“Angry?”  AJ laughed.  “Maria, I’m his CO.  He doesn’t get angry at me.” 

“Oh, but I’ll bet he’s angry at me!”   

“I doubt it.  I told him I invited you here to go deep sea fishing.” 

“And he believed you?” 

Monday, 13 August 2001
1200 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia 

“I’m not sure, Bud.  He was fine this morning.  Then he called the Admiral about an hour ago, and he’s been a grump ever since.” 

“I heard him talking to the Admiral’s daughter early this morning.  Something about changing her flight time.  I guess she’s going to visit the Admiral in South Carolina.  That’ll be nice.” 

“Yes, he certainly does enjoy her company.  I just wish I knew what’s bothering the Gunny.” 

As they approached their table, Commander Rabb stopped them.  “Harriett, I stopped by Colonel MacKenzie’s apartment this morning to check on a court case she has coming up next week, and she wasn’t there.  Did she say anything to you about going out of town this week?” 

“No, Sir, Commander.  Chloe is here with her this week.  I know the Colonel was hoping to take her riding and sailing.  Those are two of Chloe’s favorite things to do.  But she didn’t say anything to me about going out of town.” 

“Well, if you hear from her, let me know.  I want to talk to her.” 

“Aye, aye, Sir.” 

Harriett and Bud sat down to eat their lunch.  Bud babbled on about Little AJ’s antics the previous night, but Harriett was lost in her own thoughts.   

‘The Colonel mentioned that Mr. Webb offered to take them horseback riding this week.  I wonder if that’s where they are.  Surely he wasn’t planning to take them out of town for that.  Didn’t the Colonel say once that his mother has a stable at their estate?  I’m sure she did…but I wonder how many estates they have?  But sailing.  If the Commander isn’t the one taking them sailing, I wonder who is?  And it’s strange that she didn’t mention flying.  Maybe she doesn’t trust the Commander’s little plane with Chloe in it.  Can’t blame her for that…the only time she flew in it, they had to make an emergency landing and then she got shot!  But Bud flies with the Commander, and they’ve never had a problem.  Maybe Chloe just doesn’t want to go flying with him.’ 

‘But sailing…who would be taking them sailing?  It would have to be someone who isn’t working this week, or at least someone who could take a day off without much notice.  Unless it’s been planned for a while.  But no, the Colonel was supposed to go to Chloe’s this week, not the other way around.  That only just changed on Friday morning.  The Commander can’t exactly take off at the drop of a hat this week, not with the Colonel and the Admiral on vacation…’  “The Admiral?!”  ‘I wonder if he is taking them sailing?  No, can’t be.  He’s in South Carolina, remember?  But the Colonel isn’t home.  You don’t think they went to his beach house together?  Oh my…’ 

“Harriett?  Harriett?” 

“Oh, I’m sorry, Bud.  I was off in another world,” Harriett apologized. 

“With the Admiral?!” 

“What?  Bud!“ 

“I was talking about little AJ, and you blurted out ‘The Admiral!’  I wasn’t saying anything about him.  And you had this strange look on your face when you said it.  What were you thinking about?”  Bud asked. 

“Oh.  I was, um, just remembering something he asked me to do before he gets back,” Harriett lied.  ‘I wonder if that’s what is wrong with the Gunny.  Maybe he knows that the Colonel went with the Admiral and he’s worried about their careers…’ 

Monday, 13 August 2001
1330 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina 

“AJ, I’m hungry.  Do you have any food in this house?” Maria begged. 

“Food?  What do you need with food?  I’m not enough to satisfy your hunger?”  AJ growled as he grabbed Maria from behind and hugged her to his chest. 

“You’re definitely enough to satisfy one hunger.  But my stomach is starting to make noises, AJ.  I really need to eat something…substantial.” 

“Substantial?”  AJ chuckled.  “Okay.  I think I can find something in the kitchen that will satisfy you.  Actually, I need to talk to you about something anyway.  Maybe you’d rather go out for a nice lunch somewhere?” 

“I was thinking more along the lines of a picnic on the beach. I’ll make some sandwiches, and I think I saw a bag of chips on the counter last night, didn’t I?  Grab a couple of water bottles, a blanket, and we’re all set. What do you say?” 

“Sounds great to me.”  ‘It also sounds a lot like yesterday’s events…’ AJ mused. 

They donned their bathing suits, and  Maria walked into the kitchen and proceeded to make their lunch.  She packed everything in a picnic basket she found in one of the cabinets.   

Once on the beach, Maria spread the blanket and AJ placed the basket on it.  As he sat down, Maria lifted her arms and took off the t-shirt she had covering her suit.  AJ watched her as she moved; she was so sexy.  Her bikini was black with orange poppies sprinkled liberally over the fabric.  This wasn’t a skimpy bikini either.  He’d almost term it more of a two-piece suit.  The top covered her completely and the bottoms were almost like a pair of ladies’ briefs, just cut lower on the abdomen.  Maria was breathtaking.  How was he going to tell her that his ex-wife and daughter were coming to visit this afternoon? 

She began taking the lunch out of the basket.   

“Maria,” AJ began. 

“Hmm?” 

“I’m going to have to…”  AJ was interrupted by the ringing of Maria’s cell phone.   

“Damn phones,” AJ grumbled. 

Maria laughed as she took her cell phone out of the basket.  “I can be indispensable, too, you know,” reminding him of his response to her back in New Mexico. 

“Maria Galindez.” 

“Miss Galindez, this is Petty Officer Jason Tiner from Admiral Chegwidden’s office.” 

“Petty Officer Tiner.  Yes, hello.  Did you need to speak with the Ad…?”  

AJ looked up at her, shaking his head.  ‘Damn, the whole office does know about this.’ 

“I’m calling about the Gunny.  Umm, I mean Victor,” he interrupted her.  ‘Was she going to say the Admiral?  Nah…’ 

“What about Victor?” 

Tiner rushed on.  “He was just taken to Bethesda Naval Hospital.  He’s having an attack of appendicitis and they’re getting him ready for surgery.  I asked him if he wanted me to call anyone, and he said the only person he’d want here was you, but that you were busy this week and couldn’t come.  I thought I should call you anyway, just so you know.  I know I’d want someone with me…” 

“Mr. Tiner.  Woah…slow down!  Say that again.  Victor is in the hospital and going to have surgery?  My God!  Of course I’ll come.  I’ll get a flight out as soon as possible and be there soon.” 

“Gunny’s having surgery?  Why?  What happened?” AJ barked.  

Tiner could hear something in the background.  ‘That sure sounded like the Admiral...couldn’t be…’  

“Just a minute,” Maria whispered to him.  Then back to Tiner, “You tell him that I’m coming, and he’d better behave himself in the meantime.  I can’t believe he thought I wouldn’t come!  That brother of mine…” 

“I’m glad you’re coming, Miss Galindez.  Gunny really didn’t want me to disturb you.” 

“Well, I’m glad you did, Mr. Tiner.  Thank you.”  Maria pressed the Off button and looked up at AJ.  “Victor has appendicitis and he’s getting prepped for surgery.  I’m sorry, AJ; I have to go to him.”  Maria started putting things back in the basket. 

“Of course you do, Maria.  Never mind this stuff; you go on up to the house and get your things together.  I’ll take care of this and be right behind you.” 

Maria nodded and ran up to the house. 

AJ took her cell phone and dialed Information.   

The recorded voice asked, “What city, please?” 

“Charleston.” 

“What listing?” 

“Triple AAA.” 

“That number is area code 843, 766-2394.  To be directly connected…” 

AJ pressed the button and waited. 

“AAA Carolinas.  This is Stacy.  How can I help you?” 

“I need a seat on the next flight from Charleston to Reagan – First Class.” 

“Okay, let me see when that will be.  Looks like the next flight is USAir at 5:30…” 

“Book it.  Passenger name is Galindez.  Maria Galindez.  Put it on my American Express…”  AJ rattled off his number & expiration date from memory.  “Oh, the name on the card is Chegwidden.  C-h-e-g-w-i-d-d-e-n,” he spelled it for her. 

“All set, Mr. Chegwidden.  Ms. Galindez can just go directly to Gate A-12 and check in.  Will there be anything else today, sir?” Stacy asked. 

“That’s it.  Thank you.”  AJ had already gathered up the things from the beach and was setting everything down in the kitchen as Maria came out of the bedroom with her suitcase. 

“You’re booked on a 1730 flight.  It’s 1430 now; we don’t have to leave for the airport for another hour.”  AJ walked over and put his arms on Maria’s shoulders.  He could see tears in her eyes.  “You okay?” 

“I’m okay, AJ.  I’m just worried about Victor.  He’s usually such a baby when he’s sick.  I can’t believe he didn't want to call me about this!” 

“Maria.  He knew you were here with me.  I’m his CO.  Put two & two together here, Darlin’.  He didn’t want to interrupt our time…probably thought I’d harass him when I get home!”  AJ said with a grin. 

“But, still…” 

“Maria.  Just be thankful that Tiner had the guts to call you anyway.  Speaking of whom, I have another call to make.”  AJ left Maria standing in the living room and went to retrieve her cell phone.  “I’d better find my cordless and put it back on the charger.  I won’t have a phone when you leave,” he joked. 

“I saw it on the bedside table, I think.  I’ll go get it.” 

AJ dialed his office number. 

“Admiral Chegwidden’s office; Petty Officer Tiner speaking.” 

“Tiner, it’s me.  Arrange for someone to pick up Maria Galindez at Reagan this evening and take her directly to Bethesda.  Her flight is USAir 5886 and arrives at 1900.  Oh, and make a reservation for her at the guest quarters nearby.”

“Yes, Sir, Admiral.  USAir 5886 at 1900.  Will do, Sir.” 

“Good.  Oh, and Tiner.  Tell Gunny not to come on to but one nurse per shift this time,” AJ chuckled as he remembered how Gunny had behaved in New Mexico when he was shot back in April. 

“Aye, aye, Sir.” 

“That’s all, Tiner.”  AJ hung up and handed the phone to Maria.  “Better put your phone in your purse so you have it in case they try to call you.” 

“Thanks.  Oh, I put your cordless on the charger.  It’ll probably start ringing off the hook in a few hours,” Maria said with a smile. 

“God, I hope not.”  AJ walked up behind Maria and put his arms around her waist, resting his chin on the top of her head.  “So, what would you like to do for the next hour?” 

“Well, if we really have an hour, I think I should take a shower and get all this salt and sand off of me and out of my hair.” 

“Not a bad idea.”  AJ carried her suitcase back into the bedroom and laid it on the bed so she had easy access to it.   

Maria started shedding her clothes, and turning to AJ, she said, “Care to join me?”

“Thought you’d never ask, Darlin’.”

Monday, 13 August 2001
1700 EDT
Gate A-12
Charleston International Airport 

AJ and Maria sat in the waiting area, holding hands and talking softly, when they heard the USAir announcement.  “Ladies and gentlemen.  USAir flight 5886, non-stop service to Washington, is now ready for boarding.  All those requiring special assistance are asked to approach the gate at this time.  Also our First Class passengers may board at any time.” 

“Well, that’s you,” AJ said as he stood up and pulled Maria up to him. 

“No, that’s just the First Class section, AJ.  I’ll probably be the last one called…usually am.  Where’s my boarding pass…oh here.  Seat…2A?!  AJ!  That’s a First Class seat!” 

“It better be.  That’s what I asked for.” 

“But AJ…” 

“No buts, Maria.”  AJ pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her.  “You go and take care of your brother.  Tell him I said to get better.  He’ll take it as an order and be out of there in no time.” 

“Oh, AJ…”  He interrupted her by taking her face in his hands and kissing her. 

“Call me and let me know how he’s doing,” AJ instructed as she headed for the gate. 

“I will.  Thanks for everything, AJ…” 

“I’m the one who should be thanking you, Darlin’.”  AJ pulled her in for another hug, and she boarded the plane. 

Monday, 13 August 2001
1800 EDT
Gate C-5
Charleston International Airport 

AJ stood as the passengers began filing out of the gangway.  He wasn’t exactly sure how he should greet Marcella.  The last time he’d seen her was in Italy two years ago.  She had all but told him she wished he’d come after her when she left him all those years ago.  He remembered cupping her face with his hand and staring into her eyes, saying, “I never stopped loving you.”   

And then only a few hours later, he watched her husband die.  He didn’t go back to see Marcella after they rescued Francesca.  He intended to, but Francesca insisted he go directly to the hospital.  When Mac found out he’d been shot, she was very upset.  Rabb said she wouldn’t sit still until the doctor came out of surgery and said everything was fine.  Then she had taken over.  Mac made sure no one disturbed him while he rested, she brought him food from the ship (‘far better than hospital food, even if it was from a galley’), and she pushed the doctors into letting him start walking again right away. 

‘Sarah.  How did I let this happen?  How did I let my desire for one woman become so obsessive?  But is it just desire…lust?  Or do I feel more?  Hell, I guess I’ll never know…’ 

“Papa!”  AJ was startled out of his reverie by Francesca’s loud voice. 

AJ stepped forward and took his daughter in his arms.  “Francesca.  It is so good to see you.”  He looked over her shoulder to see Marcella patiently waiting.  “Marcella.  It’s good to see you, again.” 

“Hello, AJ.  I hope it is all right for me to be here.  I would not want to cause you any inconvenience or embarrassment.” 

AJ reached out and took hold of Marcella’s hands.  Bringing them to his lips, he kissed her palms slowly, one at the time, and said, “Marcella, you could never be an inconvenience or an embarrassment to me.”   

Francesca beamed.  She knew this would work.  She’d been trying to get her parents back together for two years, ever since Vittorio died, but her mother fought against her.  She had finally resorted to trickery to get her mother on the plane to the United States.  Then more trickery to get her to go to Charleston.   

Marcella had flatly refused to go to Washington for fear that she would run into AJ.  But in South Carolina?  That seemed safe.  It wasn’t until they were in the air that Francesca told her mother they would be staying with AJ at his beach house on Isle of Palms. 

‘Look at them!  They are staring into each other’s eyes.  Oh, the longing…the deep feelings.  I am so glad.  This will work; I know it will.'  Francesca was very happy with herself. 

“So, Papa.  Did you bring a very large car?” Francesca asked as they headed toward baggage claim. 

“Just how much baggage did you bring, Daughter?”  AJ and Francesca laughed as they walked along.  He turned to the right toward the escalators and noticed that Marcella was still walking straight ahead.  He reached out and took her elbow guiding her back to them.  He felt her stiffen, but she didn’t jerk away.  He kept his hand on her arm, and she finally relaxed. 

Once AJ grabbed their suitcases off the belt, he took them out to the curb.  “Wait here, and I’ll go bring the car around,” AJ instructed them. 

“Papa, why don’t you take Mama with you?  She was just complaining before we landed that she didn’t get to take her walk today.  I will stay here with the baggage until you come,” Francesca offered. 

“Marcella? It’s up to you.  The car isn’t very…” AJ began but stopped as Marcella took his arm, indicating that she would be accompanying him. 

Monday, 13 August 2001
2000 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina 

AJ hefted the last of their baggage from the car into the house.  “My God, Francesca!  Did you pack your entire apartment?” he teased. 

“AJ, you really should not give up your room.  I will sleep with Francesca.  You are too long for the couch,” Marcella insisted.   

“It won’t be the first time I slept on a couch that’s shorter than I am, Marcella.  Remember?”  He said this last word so softly, she almost didn’t hear it. 

Marcella flushed.  She did remember.  It had been their first argument; she couldn’t recall what the argument was about, but she had locked the bedroom door, and AJ had been forced to sleep on the couch.  The next morning, AJ had broken down the bedroom door to get to her.  He could hear her noises in the bathroom, and she hadn’t been able to answer his calls loudly enough for him to hear.  He found her kneeling in front of the commode, holding her hair in one hand and holding the seat with the other.  It was her first bout of morning sickness. 

AJ stood directly behind Marcella and put his hands on her elbows.  “You didn’t get much of a walk earlier.  Can I interest you in a walk on the beach, Marcella?” he asked, sending shivers down her spine. 

She turned and looked up at him.  His hands moved to her shoulders and pulled her close.  Just as their lips met, Francesca walked in saying, “It is a beautiful night.  Shall we go for a… Oh!”  Her parents stepped apart abruptly and both spoke at once. 

Chuckling, AJ was the first to recover.  “I had just asked your mother to go for a walk on the beach.  Join us, Francesca.” 

“Oh, no, Papa.  I should really make some phone calls.”  Francesca was all smiles.  ‘This is working perfectly!’ she thought. 

“Francesca.  You do not see your Papa very often.  Come, you must walk with us,” Marcella demanded. 

Francesca knew that tone of voice.  It was one she didn’t often contradict.  When she had as a child, her bottom was sore for a week.  Even as an adult, Francesca knew to obey this voice.  “Si, Mama.  Let me change shoes, and I will be right there.” 

Monday, 13 August 2001
2100 EDT
Econo Lodge
St. Stephen, South Carolina 

Mac unlocked the door to the motel room, and she and Chloe dropped on the beds.   

“I’m exhausted!” cried Chloe. 

“So am I, Chlo.  But I sure had fun today.  Did you?” asked Mac. 

“The best!  Mac, that fair was so cool.  And we didn’t have to wait in lines or anything.  And all the crafts they had were so neat.  Thanks for buying me the horse.  I really love it.  He looks just like my horse.”  Chloe prattled on and on.  “Mac, that sailboat you bought.  Is it like the Admiral’s boat?” 

“Hmm?  What?”  Mac was practically asleep already. 

“The Admiral’s boat.  Does the sailboat you bought look like his boat?  Is that why you bought it?” 

“Mmm, yes.  Like AJ’s boat,” Mac murmured. 

‘Wow, Mac is really out of it.  She even called the Admiral “AJ”.  I wonder…’  “Hey, Mac.  Isn’t the Admiral a dreamboat?” 

“Mmm, oh yes.  He’s wonderful.”  Mac whispered. 

“So when we go see him tomorrow, you gonna give him a hug?” 

“Ooo, hug AJ…mmm…yes…” 

“You gonna kiss him?” 

Mac was really groaning now.  “Ohhh, AJ.  Yes, like that… oh... oh…!”  Mac awoke with a start.  “Oh!”  She turned and looked at Chloe.  “Sorry, Sweetie.  I must have dozed off.  Did you say something?” 

Chloe just grinned.  “No, Mac.  Nothing important.”  ‘I’m right!  I’m right!  She was dreaming about him!  Oh this is gonna be a great week!  I can’t wait to get there tomorrow!’ 

Monday, 13 August 2001
2330 EDT
On the Beach
Isle of Palms, South Carolina 

They were walking slowly, hand-in-hand; every few minutes the surf would come up a little farther and wash over their feet and ankles.  Marcella looked around; not seeing Francesca, she turned to AJ. 

“AJ!  Where is Francesca?  She was just here walking with us.” 

“She went inside an hour ago, Marcella.” 

“Inside?” 

“Said she was tired.” 

“Francesca is never tired.” 

“I think she just wanted to give us a little privacy.” 

“But why would she do that?  For what would we need privacy?  She does not see you that often…” 

“For this, Marcella.”  AJ took her in his arms and kissed her.  He ran his tongue along her lips, and when she parted them, he thrust his tongue inside.   When Marcella broke the kiss to breathe, AJ gazed down at her and said in a hoarse voice, “Should I apologize, Marcella?” 

“Only for not coming after me all those years ago, AJ.”  Marcella put her arms around his neck and pulled him back into another searing kiss. 

“Marcella,” AJ groaned as he backed away from her.  “We should go inside.  It’s getting late.” 

They walked back up to the house and found only the stove light on in the kitchen and the bedside lamp on in the master bedroom.  The bed was even turned down…on both sides. 

“I think our daughter is trying to tell us something, no?”  Marcella said. 

“It’s not our daughter I’m listening to, Marcella.” 

“Come to bed, AJ.  Make love to me as you did so many years ago.  Be mine, again.  Make me yours.  Take me,” Marcella begged. 

“It’ll be my pleasure, Darlin’.” 

Next door, Francesca laid in bed and smiled.  ‘And Harm thought I was out of my mind to try this.  Ha!  Wait until I tell him.  Won’t he be surprised!’

Tuesday, 14 August 2001
1430 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina 

As Mac pulled the Corvette into the driveway, AJ came out the front door to greet them.   

“Mac!  Chloe!  Wonderful to see you!  I’m glad you were able to change your plans and come down.” 

“Hi, Admiral!  Thanks for inviting us!  Wow, look at this place!”  Chloe had already given AJ a quick hug and was running to the back of the house.  “Mac!  It’s right on the ocean!  Look!  Way cool!  This is gonna be great!!” 

Mac and AJ laughed.  “Looks like your beach house is a hit, Sir.”  Mac popped the trunk and went to retrieve their duffels, but AJ beat her to them.  “I can get those, Sir.” 

“Mac, this is my house.  I’ll get your bags.” 

“Aye, Sir.” 

“And let’s drop the ‘Sir’ while you’re here, shall we?  This is a vacation, not an extension of JAG.” 

“Thank you, Sir.  I mean, Admiral.  Umm…” 

“It’s AJ, Mac.  Please.” 

“AJ,”  Mac faltered. 

“Doesn’t hurt that much, does it?  You could always call me Albert, but then I’d have to torture you,” he joked.   

Mac laughed.  ‘Mmm, I’d like to know what you’d torture me with, AJ.’  

“Torture?  Who’s gonna torture someone?  Like in a game?  Can I play?” Chloe begged as she came back around to the front of the house. 

“We’ll play later, Chloe.  Let’s get these bags inside and get you two settled,” AJ said as he led the way to the front steps. 

Chloe ran ahead and zipped through the house, looking in all the rooms.  “Can I have this room?” Chloe asked as she stood in the doorway of the guest room. 

‘Damn!  The sheets and towels!’  AJ remembered, too late, that both bedrooms and bathrooms were littered with soiled linens.  Now he’d have to explain that he’d already had company this week.  That, he did not want to do. 

Turning to Mac, AJ asked, “Will you want to share with Chloe or would you prefer separate rooms?”  

“Separate!”  “We’ll share,” they said at the same time. 

“Well, which is it, ladies?” 

“We can share a room, Sir.” 

“Mac…” AJ reprimanded her address. 

“…AJ,” she corrected, and he smiled.  ‘God, he has such a gorgeous smile.  It’s slightly crooked and just a little off-center.  Oh, if you only knew who I really want to share a bed with…’ 

AJ walked down the hall and into the guest room, setting their duffel bags on the floor.  ‘The bed is made up?  How can that be?’  He took a quick peek in the bathroom, and it was clean, too.  No towels on the floor, just clean ones on the bars.  ‘How on earth…?’ 

“I’ll let you two get settled.  If you’d like, we can go down to the beach this afternoon and then go out and grab a bite for dinner.  Unless you’re hungry now?” 

“No, we ate in Charleston before we crossed the bridge.  The beach sounds great,” Mac replied. 

“Okay.  Then I’ll leave you to get your suits on, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen when you’re ready to go down.” 

AJ went to his bedroom, and to his utter amazement, that bed, too, was made with clean sheets.  He checked the bathroom; it had clean towels, too.  ‘I know Francesca didn’t have time to do all this before she left.  It must have been Marcella.  She never could stand to see an unmade bed.’ 

AJ put his swim trunks on and walked out into the kitchen to wait for Mac and Chloe.   

AJ was leaning back against the counter when Mac walked in.  She went to the sink and filled a water bottle from the tap.  When she turned, she realized that AJ was staring at her.  Feeling especially good about herself just now, she leaned back against the sink and stared back at him.   

‘Look at that body!  And I thought he looked great in his softball uniform…’ 

Mac wore a bright green string bikini that barely covered her at all.  ‘Why bother?’ AJ thought to himself.  ‘He groaned. 

“You all right, AJ?” she asked with a smile. 

“Perfect,” he answered.  “You’re just perfect.”  He realized too late what he said.  He pushed himself off from the counter and added, “So is Chloe ready?” 

Chloe appeared at just that moment, and the three of them made their way down to the beach loaded down with sand chairs and the beach blanket. 

After playing in the water for close to an hour, Chloe decided she wanted to soak up some rays.  She headed for the blanket.  As Mac and AJ started to follow her in, a wave hit Mac and she lost her footing on the ocean floor.  As she started to go under for the second time, AJ realized she was having trouble getting her footing back.  He reached forward and grabbed her, picking her up in his arms.  When he stood back up, he realized he had hold of her in some rather precarious places.  They looked at each other, eyes smoldering.   

When AJ began to lower Mac to her feet, they broke eye contact and he lowered his eyes to watch her stand.   Mac's legs wobbled, so AJ reached out and lifted her in his arms and carried her out of the water. 

“Mac!  Mac, what’s wrong!?”  Chloe screamed as she ran to meet AJ walking toward the blanket.   

“She’s fine, Chloe.  A wave knocked her down and she went under a couple of times, but she’s fine now.  She’s perfectly fine.” 

Continue to part 3