Sarah's Rainbow - Part 3

Friday, 14 February 2003
1645 EST
Oakland Presbyterian Church
Laurel, Maryland

Everyone moved downstairs to the fellowship hall for the short, informal reception.  Mac had felt guilty about not having a dinner, but as people came up to her and wished her well, most everyone commented on how lovely the cake and punch reception was.  And how nice it was that they would still be able to have their private, intimate Valentine's dinner later in the evening.

"So, where are you two going on your honeymoon?" asked Harm, his arm lightly draped around Chloe's shoulders.  He was playing the role as her escort to the hilt, and Chloe was thrilled.

"None of your business, Rabb," quipped Tom.  "I know you too well to let you know where we'll be!"

"Why, Tom?  What would he do?" asked Chloe.

"You don't need to know; you're too young," Tom replied.

"I'll tell you later," winked Harm causing Chloe to giggle.

"Behave yourself, Mister," reprimanded Tom.

"Aye, Sir," Harm retorted, seeing a pretty young woman approaching them.

"Congratulations, Admiral. It was a lovely wedding, and your bride is... absolutely beautiful," Patty Krauss said to Tom.

"Thank you, Patty. I'll have to agree with you there. Sarah is beautiful," Tom smiled. "Patty, this is Sarah's little sister, Chloe," he introduced. "And Commander Harmon Rabb." He turned to Harm and Chloe. "Petty Officer Patty Krauss, my yeoman," he concluded.

Patty smiled in greeting, "Nice to meet you, Chloe. Commander."

"Likewise," replied Harm. Patty was pretty.  'A shame she's enlisted.'

"We were just going to get some cake. You want some?" Chloe asked Patty.

"I wish I could, Chloe, but I need to be going. I just need to speak to Mrs. Boone, and then scoot on home. My dad isn't feeling very well today, so I told him I'd come baby him some this weekend."

"Why doesn't your mom..." Chloe started. Then she realized it was none of her business.

But Patty replied, "My mother died a couple of years ago, Chloe. So Dad is by himself now. I like to spend as much time as I can with him, especially when he's not feeling well." 

"Come on, Chlo.  Let's get some more cake," Harm said, excusing themselves.

Patty turned and looked at Tom. "I wish I could find my Dad someone like your wife, Sir," she smiled.

Tom was staring at her. "I didn't know your mother died, Patty. I'm sorry."

She didn't want to put a damper on his day. If he wanted details, she'd tell him later. Not today. "Dr. Jamaleddeen is the best, Sir," she assured him quietly. "Mom's case was just too far along when she finally went to him. Your wife will be fine, Admiral. I just know it."

"She has to be," he whispered. "She just has to be."

"Permission to hug the Admiral?" she asked as her tears threatened to overflow. This caught him by surprise, especially when Patty didn't wait for his okay. She hugged him quickly and then went to speak to Mac.

As Patty was leaving the fellowship hall, she ran into Tiner.  "Petty Officer Krauss, isn't it?" Tiner stopped her.

She smiled.  "That's right. It's Patty. And you're... Petty Officer Tiner, right?"

He nodded.  "Yeah. I'm Jason."  She smiled at him.  'God, she's so pretty.'  "It was a beautiful service," Tiner commented.

"Yes, it was.  And Mrs. Boone is absolutely breathtaking," Patty replied.

"I'll say," Tiner almost drooled as he looked back at Mac again.

Patty grinned knowingly.  "Well, I have to be off.  Nice seeing you again... Jason."

"You have to leave already?" he asked.

She nodded.  "I'm afraid so."

"Oh," he was obviously disappointed.  "Well, let me walk you out to your car," he offered.

"That would be nice.  Thank you," Patty replied.

But just as he took her arm, AJ called to him.  "Tiner!  Come here a minute."

Tiner looked at Patty in frustration.  "I'm sorry. I have to..."

She smiled.  "I know.  He's your boss.  Go on."  And she walked to her car alone.

Tom looked around, trying to locate his bride.  He saw her on the other side of the room, sitting in a large, comfortable chair.  He smiled, noticing that Joel was standing right next to her, holding her hand.  Tom made his way over to them.  Before either saw him, he heard their conversation.  Joel was saying, "Aunt Sarah, are you sure you don't want some more punch?  I'll get it for you.  You shouldn't get up.  You should stay here and let me bring it to you.  You look tired, and Uncle CAG says we mustn't let you get too tired."

"You know what I'd rather have, Joel?" Mac replied.

"What?"

"A big hug.  You think I could have one of those now?"  Joel looked perplexed.  "It's okay if I get wrinkled now, Sweetie," Mac told him.  "See?  I'm already wrinkled," she smiled as she pointed to her skirt."

"You think it's okay now?" he whispered.  Mac nodded, and Joel hugged her gently.

"Hey, what kind of hug is that?" complained Mac.

"An 'easy' hug," he explained.  "Uncle CAG says I have to be easy when I hug you."  He looked at Mac.  "Aunt Sarah?"

"Yes, Joel?"

"Will you break?  Is that why I have to hug you easy?" the child asked.  Before Mac could reply, Joel continued.  "My Mommy broke.  So did Daddy."  Tears formed in the boy's eyes.

Mac reached out and pulled him to her, hugging him tightly.  "Oh, Sweetie!  No, Aunt Sarah won't break," she cried.  "You can hug me just as hard as you want to, Baby."  Mac's tears streamed down her face.  Joel pulled back a little and saw them.  He reached his hand up and wiped them away. 

"Mommy used to call me that," he said softly.

"I'm sorry, Joel.  I didn't mean to call you by your Mommy's special name," Mac apologized.

"I liked it when you called me that," he confessed.  "I liked it a lot."

Mac smiled then and looked up to see Tom standing in front of them.  He had a handkerchief in his hands to give her.  "Joel, I think I would like that glass of punch now.  Is that okay?" Mac asked.

Joel jumped up from her lap, "Okay!  Be right back!"  And he ran off to the punch table.

"You okay, Sarah?" Tom asked, squatting down in front of her and dabbing her eyes with his handkerchief.

She nodded.  "He is such a precious child, Tom."

"That he is."

By 1800, Mac and Tom had changed into casual clothes, Mac threw her bouquet and kissed her uncle goodbye.  "I'm so glad you were here, Uncle Matt," she whispered.

"I am, too, Sarah.  And doubly so that you have such a fine man in Tom.  Treasure him, Baby," Matt answered her.

"I already do, Uncle Matt," she smiled.  

Tom and Mac waved goodbye to their friends as they drove off in Tom's car, tin cans rattling behind them and shaving cream flying off in the wind.

"I wonder where they're going?" Harm mused.

"I never heard them say," offered Bud.

Harriett smiled.  She had a pretty good idea.

Friday, 14 February 2003
1850 EST
The Shell Shack
Shady Side, Maryland

As Tom pulled into the parking lot, he turned to Mac.  "Honey, are you really sure this is where you want to have dinner on our wedding night?"  She nodded.  "Well, at least I talked you into a B&B instead of the old dump of a motel," he chuckled.

He walked around the car and opened Mac's door, helping her from the seat.  He leaned forward and kissed her lightly.  "I love you, Mrs. Boone."

Mac smiled brightly.  "And I love you, Husband of mine."

They put their arms around each other and walked to the entrance.  Maggie saw them just before they reached the door.  "They're here!" she called, and immediately music began to fill the air of the tiny restaurant.  Maggie swung the door open for them.  "Congratulations, Tom!  Sarah!" she bubbled.  "I have your table all ready for you."  She led them through the dark room out to the deck.

"Isn't it a little chilly to eat outside, Maggie?" asked Tom.

Maggie smiled as she pulled the sliding doors open.  "Not tonight it isn't," she motioned to the large chimineas that were burning and warming the whole deck.  

"Maggie!" Tom exclaimed.  "You've never had those things out here before."

She smiled.  "I've never had someone have their wedding dinner here before either, Tom."

"That was Sarah's choice," he passed the blame.

Mac's eyes were full... again.  She looked around the deck at all the changes Maggie had made.  Their table was still there, and the same rickety chairs.  But Maggie had put a tablecloth on the table and new cushions on the seats.  There was even a candle on the table with flowers.  And white helium balloons tied with ribbons all along the railing.  "Oh, Maggie, this is just wonderful," Mac said as her tears overflowed.

"You like it?" Maggie asked, concerned that Mac was crying.

Tom chuckled and handed Mac his handkerchief.  "She loves it," he nodded to Maggie.

"I'll have your beverages in just a minute," she said, scurrying off.

"Tom, I can't believe all this," Mac said.  "She did this just for us?"    

"That she did, Honey.  And fast, too.  I only called her yesterday afternoon to tell her we were coming tonight."

Friday, 14 February 2003
2115 EST
Snug Harbor Bed & Breakfast Inn
Shady Side, Maryland

"We'll take a walk on the beach tomorrow, Sweetheart.  I don't want you to overdo it," Tom said gently as he pulled the car into the driveway of the B&B.  

"You just want to get me in bed!" giggled Mac.

Tom didn't reply.  He pulled the car into a parking space and got out.  Mac realized he hadn't responded to her teasing comment, so when he opened her door, she didn't move.  "You're not going to make love to me tonight, are you?" she said, almost too quietly for him to hear.

"Sarah, I think it would be best for you if we didn't.  Tomorrow is soon enough, Sweetheart."

"No, it's not.  Not for me," she cried.  "You promised, Tom.  That's why we chose today for the wedding."

"I know that, Honey, but I don't want to hurt you.  Or risk your health.  We'll have the rest of our lives, Sarah.  One more night won't matter a year from now."

Mac climbed out of the car, but refused to put her arm around Tom... even though his was around her.  They walked into the B&B and registered.  The host was very cordial and showed them to their room without delay.  Tom insisted that Mac lie down on the bed to rest while he went back down to get the bags.  "I'll be right back, Sarah."

While Tom was gone, Mac buried her face in the pillow and sobbed.  When she heard Tom coming down the hall, she grabbed her purse and ran to the bathroom, pulling the door closed behind her and locking it.  Tom heard the lock snap into place as he entered the bedroom.  He groaned.  'Now what do I do?' he wondered.  He set the bags down and picked up the pillow from the bed. 'It's wet.  She's been crying again.  Oh Sarah, I'm just trying to do what's best for you!'

Mac sat on the commode in the bathroom and pulled her cell phone out from her purse.  She dialed AJ's residence.  She didn't know when her uncle was returning to Leavenworth, but she hoped it wasn't until tomorrow.  "Chegwidden," she heard over the line.

"Admiral, it's Mac.  Is my uncle there, by chance?" she spoke softly; she didn't want Tom to hear her.

"Mac?  What the...  No, he and Gunny are flying back to Kansas tonight."  AJ heard Mac sniff.  "Mac, are you okay?  Is something wrong?" 

"I'm fine, Admiral."  He might have believed her, had she not hiccupped as she spoke.

"Mac.  What's wrong?  What's happened?" he asked, worry lacing his voice.

"He doesn't want me, Admiral," she breathed.  "He doesn't... want... me," her tears flowed freely down her face now.  

"Mac, of course he does.  That man is head over heels in love with you," AJ said, but all he heard was a dial tone.  AJ pondered what he should do.  "I should call Tom, that's what I should do.  Find out what the hell is the matter with him."  Then he remembered that he didn't know where they were.  He checked the caller ID, and saw that Mac had used her cell phone.  Maybe Tom had his with him.  He dialed the number.

Tom's cell phone was on vibrate, and he felt it ring.  He pulled it out to turn it off, but when he saw AJ's number on the screen, he answered, "This better be important, AJ."

"You want to tell me why I just had a call from Mac saying you don't want her?" AJ asked gruffly.

"What?  She called you?" Tom asked incredulously.

"No.  She was calling for her uncle.  He's not here, so I was all she had to talk to."

"Did she say that, AJ?  That I don't want her?"

"That's what she said, Tom."

"AJ, she's exhausted.  This day was way too much for her.  I should never have agreed to the reception.  And I certainly should have insisted on coming to the B&B earlier and skipping dinner.  But Sarah wanted those things.  So I agreed.  I wanted her to be happy."

"But now you're not going to take her to bed?" AJ surmised.

"She's not strong enough, AJ.  I'm afraid I'd hurt her."

"Tom, you chose today for a reason.  You made her a promise."

"She's not strong enough, AJ," he repeated.

"Mac is a strong woman.  She's been through a lot in the last year.  And yes, she is much weaker physically and emotionally than she used to be.  But you back out on this tonight, and you'll regret it."

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Tom.

"I know Mac, Tom.  She may be weak and frail right now.  But she has her wits about her.  She's still the same strong-willed woman she always was... inside her head.  You mess it up tonight, buddy... she'll leave you."

"She knows I'm only doing it because I love her," Tom argued.

"Doesn't matter, Tom.  Too many men have played with her over the years.  You break a promise to her on her wedding day?  You can just call it quits.  Find a way to make her happy tonight, Tom."

"And what if I hurt her, AJ?  What then?" he spat.  "I won't hurt Sarah!" he resolved.

"Tom, use your brain.  Figure it out."  AJ hung up and said to no one, "If I know Mac, she'll convince him."  He chuckled.  "Lucky man, that Tom."

While AJ and Tom were talking, Mac dialed the Roberts' residence.  She knew they weren't going out for dinner tonight; Harriett had mentioned earlier that she was planning to cook a special meal for their Valentine's dinner.  Mac just hoped she didn't interrupt them in the bedroom.  "Hello?" Harriett answered.

"Harriett?  It's Mac," she whispered.  "Can you talk?  Am I interrupting anything?"

"Mac?  What on earth?  Is something wrong?  What's happened?  You sound like you're crying," Harriett said urgently.

"Harriett, you told me last year that when Bud came home, you were both afraid to make love.  That you were afraid you'd hurt him.  Right?" she asked.

Harriett sighed to herself, 'Oh no.'  She answered, "That's right, Mac." 

"How did you get past it, Harriett?"

"The doctor convinced me that I wouldn't hurt him, Mac.  But that didn't help Bud.  He didn't want to do it because he didn't think I could possibly want him."

"Oh."

"So I seduced him," Harriett whispered.

"You what?!  How?" asked Mac.  Maybe she could do the same thing.

"Well, I started off by just telling him that I wanted to sleep in the same bed with him."  Harriett giggled as she told her friend what she did to get her husband interested again after his accident.  

Mac hung up.  She stood up and looked in the mirror.  "What a disaster," she sighed, looking at her reflection.  She washed her face clean of makeup remembering that Tom said he liked her appearance better without makeup.  She opened the bathroom door and saw Tom sitting on the edge of the bed, his back to her.  "Tom?" she whispered.

He stood up and faced her.  "Sarah, I love you.  I just don't want to hurt you."

"And I love you, Tom.  I don't want you to hurt me either."  Tom smiled at her words.  "But I do want to feel you next to me in bed tonight."

"I'm looking forward to that, Sweetheart," Tom grinned.  "Very much so."

"Can we go to bed now then?" she asked.

"Absolutely."  Tom was relieved.  'Maybe AJ was wrong.'  Mac walked around the bed to him and began unbuttoning his shirt.  She pulled it out of his pants and then unbuckled his belt. "Sweetheart, let me do that," he panted, feeling himself stir at her touch.

"Of course, Darling," she purred, turning around and kicking off her shoes.  "Can you unzip me?" she asked.  Tom obliged and Mac stepped back and began her own little strip-tease show.  She wiggled her arms from the sleeves of her dress, making her breasts jiggle.  She slowly lowered the dress over her hips and stepped out of it.  She bent over to pick it up, and kept missing it... on purpose, of course... giving Tom a very nice view of her breasts peeking out of her very skimpy bra.  She heard him grunt and smiled to herself.  'It's working!'  

Tom began to worry.  'Oh God... she's going to strip all the way down.  I know it.  Am I strong enough not to take her if she's lying next to me naked?'  He wondered if he should excuse himself to the bathroom.

Mac picked up the dress and turned to drape it over a nearby chair.  She heard him groan this time.  'Gotta love that G string.'  Then she sat in the chair and lowered her stockings.  She tossed them over the back of the chair, too. 

Tom stood mesmerized, watching his bride strip for him. 'Oh, God!  Oh, God!'  Tom was breathing hard now... really hard. 

'Let's go to bed, shall we?" she teased. He nodded.  Mac took his hand and they sat on the bed.  'This is going to be easier than I expected.' 

Saturday, 15 February 2003
0730 EST
Snug Harbor Bed & Breakfast Inn
Shady Side, Maryland

Mac awoke slowly. She was sore, but she felt wonderful. Her left arm was tucked between her side and Tom's, and her right arm was thrown over his chest. Their legs were a mass of confusion, tangled among each other and the bed linens. She opened her eyes and looked up into his face. "Good morning, Sarah," he smiled at her.

"Mmm, yes it is. A very good morning, Darling."

"How do you feel?" he asked, trying to keep the worry out of his voice.

"I feel... perfect. Absolutely perfect," she sighed.

"You're not sore? You don't hurt?"

"I hurt a little, Tom. But it's not bad. And it was definitely worth it," Mac told him. "Thank you for trusting me... for loving me."

Tom smiled at his bride. "You ready to get up? Or should you stay in bed today?"

"I want to walk on the beach," Mac said.

"This early? Before breakfast?" he asked. Mac nodded. "Okay. Let's do it."

They rolled out of bed and dressed. They climbed in the car and Tom headed for the public beach access. "Umm, could we stop and get some coffee first?" he asked as a Burger King came into view.

Mac laughed. "I was just going to suggest that."

They got their coffee and headed to the beach. "Sarah, it's awfully cold to walk on the beach this morning. Are you sure you're up to it?" Tom asked, concern lacing his voice.

"I'm sure, Tom. You'll keep me warm," she giggled.

They walked hand-in-hand on the hard-packed, wet sand. "I love it here," Mac said, her words being whisked away by the wind.

Tom nodded his understanding. "I have a new reason for loving it here," he told her. "You." Tom pulled on Mac's hand and brought her around to face him. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her soundly.

When they returned to the B&B an hour later, both of them were chilled to the bone. Their hostess saw them coming in and said, "Oh my! You two are frozen through! Come in here and warm yourselves by the fire while I get you some nice hot cocoa. Or would you prefer coffee or tea?"

"Cocoa would be lovely; thank you," said Mac. Tom nodded his agreement. They walked into the sitting room, and Tom pulled a couple of chairs closer to the fireplace. "Oooh, this is nice and warm," Mac purred, sitting down. "Feels wonderful," she said, removing her gloves and rubbing her hands together.

"You know, I think you have the right idea, wearing a scarf and a hat outside, Sarah. I'm going to have to find a nice warm hat," Tom added, as he took his seat.

Mac laughed. "I never needed one before."

"I don't usually either. Usually have my cover on. But if you want to walk on the beach in the middle of winter, I'm gonna need a warm hat!" he laughed.

Mac stood and walked behind Tom. She reached over him and hugged him, her hands reaching down his chest. Tom groaned.

She giggled. "Let's take the cocoa up to our room," she suggested, hearing their hostess returning.

"I think I like that idea," agreed Tom.

"I know you'll like it," giggled Mac.

Monday, 17 February 2003
1445 EST
Boone Residence
Laurel, Maryland

Tom got the last of their bags from the trunk of the car and brought them inside while Mac was getting the mail from the box at the end of the driveway. "Anything good?" he yelled to her.

"Some more cards, it looks like," she smiled. "I can't believe how many cards we've received."

"You're well loved, Sarah."

"I don't know half of these people, Tom!" she laughed. "They're mostly from people at the church who know you!"

"You'll get to know them... that is, if you want to continue going there. We can always go somewhere else, if you'd rather," Tom offered.

"Absolutely not. Of course we'll keep going to Oakland. Everyone's been so kind and generous... and Joel is there," she reminded him.

Tom grinned. "I'm glad you want to stay. I kinda like it there."

Mac laid the mail on the dining room table, and Tom set their bags on the floor in the bedroom. "Now how do you expect me to unpack those with their being on the floor?" Mac teased her new husband.

"I thought you might want to lie down before we unpacked," he replied.

"Not really. I feel perfectly fine, Tom."

"Good!" he grinned, turning to her with a wolfish expression. "I didn't say rest or sleep, Sarah. I said lie down," he teased as he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down with him on the bed.

Mac burst into giggles as he tickled her mercilessly. She finally twisted around enough in his arms that she could reach his privates. She grabbed him and he yelped. "Hey! Be easy with those!"

Mac laughed all the more as they tore at each other's clothes, trying to strip the other first... just as the phone rang. "Ignore it," Tom said.

"It might be important," argued Mac, trying to get up.

"No one knows we're home, Sweetheart."

Mac giggled, "Oh, yeah!" She collapsed back on the bed with him. They'd told everyone they would be gone for at least a week on their honeymoon, knowing all along they were only going to stay in Shady Side for the weekend. Tom didn't want to overtax Mac, and with Dr. Jamaleddeen's full support behind her husband, Mac had finally acquiesced to a short honeymoon now... and a nice long wedding trip later in the year when she was stronger.

The answering machine picked up and they heard Mac's lilting voice... and kissing and moaning sounds in the background. "Hi! You've reached the home of Tom and Sarah Boone. We're honeymooning right now, so we can't take your call. Leave us a message, and we'll call you back when we come up for air!" Then there was a giggle and a load low groan before the beep.

Tom looked at Mac. "When did you do that?" he asked incredulously.

Mac giggled. "Just before I left for the church on Friday. You don't mind, do you?"

"You're fabulous! I love it! I wonder how many people have heard it? And how'd you get the kissing sounds in there? I recognize your giggle and groan at the end... but who was doing the kissing and moaning while you were talking?"

Mac blushed. "Umm, that was Harriett and Chloe."

"What?!" He couldn't quite imagine Harriett and Chloe kissing each other.

"Harriett was doing the moaning... she's good, huh? And Chloe was kissing her arm to make all those sounds."

The phone rang again just as they were ready to make love. "Damn, I should have turned the volume off," Tom realized.

"What the hell kind of message is that?" the voice boomed over the speaker.

Mac giggled, "Oops!"

"What the hell does he want?" Tom groaned, hearing the SecNav's voice and then a click. Tom laughed. "He didn't leave a message!"

"I guess mine kinda floored him." Mac laughed and pulled Tom's mouth to hers. "I want you," she purred.

"You have me, Baby."

Easter Sunday, 20 April 2003
1045 EDT
Oakland Presbyterian Church
Laurel, Maryland

As Tom and Mac approached the steps to the church, Joel came bounding down them. "Uncle CAG! Aunt Sarah!" the boy exclaimed. "Guess what!?" Mac bent over and hugged Joel, planting a big wet kiss on his cheek. "Eeeewww!" he squealed. "Wet!"

Tom reach down and picked him up in his arms. "You'll like that when you get a little older, my man," he teased Joel. Joel shook his head. Tom and Mac had kept Joel overnight several times since their wedding, and they always enjoyed their time together.

"So, what's your exciting news, Sweetie?" asked Mac as they made their way up the steps.

"We're moving! We're moving!" Joel said excitedly.

Mac felt like someone punched her in the stomach. "Moving?" she croaked, trying to keep a smile on her face.

"Moving where?" asked Tom.

"Far, far away," Joel said. "To the desert."

"To Arizona?" Mac pressed.

"Uh uh," Joel answered, shaking his head. "To Egypt!"

"Egypt!?" bellowed Tom, causing everyone in the area to turn and look at them. "Why the he... heck are you moving to Egypt?" He knew that Joel wouldn't know the answer to that; it just came out. A natural question. He'd have to have a talk with Alicia about this.

Mac tried to be happy for Joel. He obviously was thrilled at the prospect of moving. She wondered, though, if he really understood what it meant... 'I doubt it.' "I've been to Egypt, Joel. They have camels there you can ride."

"That's what Uncle Mahshid said," Joel replied. "That's where his mom and dad are from, you know. Same as Moses. Moses was born in Egypt. He was a Jew, but he was born in Egypt," he said, proudly remembering his Sunday school lesson.

"Sweetie, it's time for church to start. We have to go in and sit down now," said Mac.

"Can I sit with you today, Uncle CAG? I don't want to go to children's church; I want to sit with you and Aunt Sarah. Please?" begged the little boy.

Tom nodded. "Of course you can, Joel." Tom set Joel back on the ground and the 3 walked into the sanctuary and took their seats. Mac sat in between her '2 men', as she called them. Joel tried to listen attentively to the sermon, but soon he was fast asleep, his head against Mac's breast. Tom found it difficult to concentrate on the sermon, too. He'd really grown close to the little boy, and it was going to hurt to lose him.  Mac, too, wasn't able to listen; she put her arm around Joel and pulled him closer. Then she felt Tom's arm around her. She looked up into his face and knew he was hurting.

When the service was over, Mac woke Joel with a kiss on the top of his head. "Wake up, Sweetie," she cooed softly. "Time to go home now."

Joel woke up and fisted his eyes, as children do. "I want to go home with you, Aunt Sarah. Can I go home with you and Uncle CAG today? Please?" he begged again.

"We'll have to ask Aunt Alicia, Sweetie," Mac said.

The 3 made their way outside and Joel immediately spotted his aunt and uncle. "There they are! Aunt Alicia!! Can I go home with Uncle CAG and Aunt Sarah? Pleeeeease?" he yelled as he ran to her side.

Tom looked at Mac and said, "Well, I guess we should go talk to them."

"Why would they go to Egypt, Tom?" Mac queried.

"Don't know, Sarah. Let's go find out." Tom took Mac's hand in his and they made their way across the grass to Joel's family. "Alicia. Mahshid," Tom said in greeting, shaking their hands.

"Hello, Tom. Sarah," Mahshid said. Mac and Alicia smiled at each other. "I guess you've heard our news?"

"Why Egypt?" Tom asked bluntly.

"My company needs someone who knows the language and the culture. I grew up with both in my home, even though my parents raised us to be modern Americans.  And the job is only temporary."

"Five years isn't what I call temporary, Mahshid," Alicia said. She didn't sound at all happy.

"Honey, they said 5 years at the outside. It'll probably be more like a year or 2. Believe me; I know these people. I've never seen even 1 overseas assignment last longer than 2 years," Mahshid placated his wife.

Alicia sighed. "I hope you're right."

"So do I," muttered Tom under his breath.

Mac squeezed his hand.  "When do you leave?" she asked them.

"Next month."

Tuesday, 17 June 2003
1045 EDT
The Pentagon
Washington, DC

Tom closed his briefcase and reached for his cover.  He walked out the door and spoke to his yeoman. "Patty, I'm on my way home.  Try not to call, okay?  I need a quiet day with Sarah."

"Admiral, is everything okay?" she asked.  Admiral Boone seldom called her by her given name.  Only when he was asking something of a personal nature, rather than business.  She wondered about the call he just took.  

"No, Patty.  Things are not okay.  I'll call you later and let you know if I'll be in tomorrow."

"Is there anything I can do, Sir?"

Tom shook his head.  "Nothing," he said as he left his office and headed for home.  He pulled into the driveway and turned off the ignition. 

Mac was at the kitchen sink and saw Tom drive up.  She dried her hands and met him at the door.  "Honey, what's wrong?  Are you ill?" she asked.  He shook his head and tears were forming in his eyes.  "Tom, you're scaring me.  What is it?  What's happened?"  Tom shook his head and the tears immediately dried up.  He took Mac in his arms and kissed her.  "Oh, Tom!  What is it?  What's wrong?"

"I had a phone call this morning," he said softly.  Mac looked at him questioningly.  "From Egypt."

Mac gasped.  "Oh, my God.  What?  What's happened?  It's Joel!  Something's happened to Joel!?"

"Joel is fine, Sweetheart.  He's at the American Embassy in Cairo."

"What?!  Why?"

"Mahshid took him there.  He was concerned that if Joel stayed at the house with him, someone would take him."

"Tom, you're not making sense.  Where's Alicia?" Mac prodded.  Her tears were threatening now.  "What's going on?"

"Come and sit down, Honey," Tom took her by the hand and pulled her to the sofa.  They sat and he pulled her into his embrace.  "The call I had was from Mahshid."  Mac was shaking her head, not wanting to hear what she knew was coming.  "Alicia's dead."

"No..."

"Sarah," Tom held her close.  "There was an accident.  Alicia was on her way to pick up Joel from school yesterday, and a child ran out in front of her car.  Alicia swerved to avoid the child, but she lost control of the car and hit a tanker.  The driver of the truck got out before it exploded, but Alicia didn't."

"Oh, my God.  Tell me it wasn't right in front of the school.  Tell me Joel didn't actually see it," she begged.

"No, Honey, he didn't.  It was a few blocks away.  They heard the explosion at the school; they saw the fireball.  But they didn't see it happen."

"My poor little Joel," Mac sobbed.  The she sat up as straight as a board.  "What do you mean someone might take him from Mahshid?" she demanded.

"Mahshid said the locals have mentioned several times that Joel isn't being raised properly.  That he's living in Egypt, and he should be raised as such."

"Where are they living?" Mac asked incredulously.  "I thought they were in the city... in a..."

"Evidently, Mahshid's assignment was changed when he got there.  They're in a village about 100 miles from Cairo.  When Mahshid was told about Alicia yesterday, someone immediately suggested they take Joel as their own and raise him.  Mahshid left for Cairo right away after that.  He wanted to get Joel into the Embassy for protection."

"Tom, what's going to happen?  Is he coming home?  What?" Mac prodded.

"No, he doesn't feel that he can.  His job is an important one, and he thinks he needs to stay at least until he completes his assignment."

"But Joel..."

"Joel can't stay.  Mahshid called me because Alicia always told him if something happened to her, KitKat wanted Joel to come to me," Tom said softly.

"I don't understand," Mac whispered.  "You mean Joel would come here while Mahshid is still in Egypt... and then he'd take him back when he comes home?"

"No, Sweetheart.  If I agree to bring Joel into my home, it will be permanent.  He'll become our son," Tom said this last gently, holding Mac's hands to his lips.  "And only if you want it.  I will not hurt you.  I will not cause you pain," he shook his head.

"You mean... Joel... we could... adopt him?" Mac trembled.

Tom nodded.  "If that's what you want, yes."

"But what about Joel?  What does he want?"

"Someone to love him," Tom said softly.

"We love him," Mac whispered.

Tom nodded.  "Yes, we do, Baby."

Continue to Part 4