The Deal

Thursday, 6 December 2001
2045 EST
Fashion Center Mall
Arlington, Virginia

AJ Chegwidden walked purposefully into the crowded store. He was a man on a mission; he had only one Christmas present left to buy: something for his daughter, Francesca. He bought her a toaster oven last year; that went over like a lead balloon. He'd been so sure she wanted a toaster oven; he'd heard her mention not having one several times.

But Francesca was used to receiving much more personal gifts, and AJ was not used to buying personal gifts. He was resolved, however, that this year his daughter would be happy with his present.

"May I help you, Sir?" a perky young sales associate asked.

"I'm looking for something for my daughter," AJ said in reply.

The young woman smiled. "Your daughter? And what did you have in mind?"

"Something personal."

"Well, you're definitely in the right store for that," she smirked.

"Yes, I can see that," AJ said uncomfortably as he looked around.

"Are you wanting a nightgown? A robe? Bra and panties?" she asked.

"Yes. Umm, I mean, maybe..." AJ stopped speaking as he heard a voice behind him.

"I love it! What do you think? Is it too sheer on top? Back up a few feet and tell me if you can see through it."

AJ turned around, as if in slow motion, and stared at the woman whose voice he recognized.

Another sales woman spoke to her. "No, I can't see through it.  I think it's..."

"The hell you can't! I can see through it from here!" he barked as all heads in the store turned to gawk at the loud, deep male voice.

"Admiral!" she gasped.

"Colonel MacKenzie," he acknowledged. Then speaking to the young woman who was helping him, he said, "I'll take one of those."

"Excuse me?" She wasn't sure what he was requesting.

"What she has on," he nodded at the Colonel. "I'll take one of those. Size 6. Wrap it." The sales woman nodded and went to retrieve one of the nightgowns from the rack. AJ approached the dressing room where the Colonel was still standing, staring at him. "Looks very nice, Mac," he said with a smirk.

Mac flushed. "Thank you, Sir. Did I hear you say you're buying one of these?" she asked.

AJ nodded. "Francesca's Christmas. Think she'll like it?"

Mac smiled. "She'll love it, Sir."

AJ reached out to pick up the tag hanging from under Mac's arm. His hand brushed the side of her breast lightly; he didn't seem to notice, but Mac certainly did. "How much is this thing, anyway?" He flipped the tag over and exclaimed, "My God! $200 for a nightgown? Is that right?"

"I'm afraid so, Admiral," Mac replied. "But it is a beautiful gown, isn't it?" She stepped back and turned around slowly so he could admire the gown.

What he found himself admiring, however, wasn't the gown. At this close distance, he could see Mac's body clearly through the almost-sheer bodice, and the gown hugged her form tightly until it reached her waist. He could feel himself reacting to the sight. "Beautiful. Yes, beautiful," he said, his voice taking on a husky tone. He realized that he was staring at Mac's breasts; he jerked his head back up to look at her face, only to find her smiling broadly at him. 'Damn!'

"Is Francesca coming here for Christmas this year, Sir?" Mac asked, trying to make him feel more comfortable.

"No, I'm going there," he replied. "See you at the office tomorrow, Colonel." AJ turned abruptly and walked up to the counter to pay for his gift. When he turned to leave, Mac was exiting the dressing room, fully clothed and loaded down with shopping bags and packages. "Did you leave anything for anyone else, Mac?" he joked. He was completely in control of himself, again.

She laughed lightly. "Yes, Sir. I promise, I did!" She shifted one bag to her other hand, trying to balance the weight.

"Are you ready to leave, Mac?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yes, Sir. This was my last stop. The mall closes in 10 minutes, anyway."

AJ reached out and took the heavy bags from her. "Lead on, Colonel," he said.

"Admiral, you don't have to..."

"I know I don't have to, Colonel. I want to. Now lead the way to your vehicle. These bags are heavy!"

Mac wandered through the mall until she got to the exit closest to her parked car. She held the door open for the Admiral as he followed her outside. She unlocked the car and popped the trunk lid; AJ laid the shopping bags inside. "Admiral, I can't thank you enough for..."

"My pleasure, Mac." He peered inside the car, and looked up at Mac. "How the hell are you going to get that inside your apartment tonight?"

"Get what? Oh, the computer monitor. It is rather an awkward shape, isn't it, Sir. But I'll manage. I got a great deal on it."

"Did you put it in the car?"

Mac shook her head. "No, Sir. Actually the salesman put it in the car for me."

"And I'm going to take it out. I'll follow you home, Mac."

"Admiral, really, you don't..."

"Not up for discussion, Colonel. Let's go." AJ walked over to his vehicle, which just happened to be parked only two aisles over.

2200 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

As AJ took the computer monitor out of the box and set it on Mac's desk, she thanked him and said, "Sir, would you like some ice cream?" she asked.

"Ice cream? Mac, it's only 29 degrees outside! Isn't hot chocolate a little more appropriate for tonight?" he laughed.

"I guess you're right, Admiral, but I don't have any hot chocolate mix," she retorted.

"You have milk?" he asked. Mac nodded. "Cocoa and sugar?" She nodded, again. "Marshmallows?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Don't need a mix, then, do we?" he grinned.

"I guess not!" Mac laughed. "Well, then, Sir... Would you like a nice mug of hot chocolate before you head for home?"

"Sounds like an invitation I can hardly refuse, Colonel. I'm a sucker for hot chocolate on a cold, blustery night."

"Wonderful. The kitchen is right over there," she pointed. "Go for it!" They both laughed.

"Come on, Colonel. I'll show you how to make hot chocolate the old-fashioned way." Mac pulled the cocoa and sugar out of the pantry while AJ took the milk out of the fridge. "You have a pot?" he asked. Mac handed him a tiny saucepan. "What, you only want a tablespoon of hot chocolate, Mac?" he laughed. She looked at him with a question in her eyes. "Bigger pot, Mac. One that will hold 4 cups of milk."

"Oh," she replied as she flushed and laughed lightly. "Here you go, Sir," she handed him the pot. They continued to laugh and banter back and forth as AJ carefully stirred the chocolate milk.

Twenty minutes later, they leaned against the kitchen counter, each sipping a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows bobbing on top. AJ drained his mug first and refilled it. Mac held hers out for him to fill it, again, and he chuckled as he looked at her.

"What?" she asked.

"You have marshmallow on your chin," he smiled.

"I do? Where?" she said, setting her mug down and grabbing a napkin to wipe her chin. "Did I get it?"

"No. Here, let me," he said, taking the napkin from her hand.

He set his mug on the counter next to Mac's mug, raised his left hand to her cheek and was just about to wipe her chin with the napkin in his right hand, when she said glibly, "Harm would probably have licked it off!"

Without even a second thought, AJ laughed and said, "What, like this?" and he leaned forward and slowly licked her chin clean. As his tongue reached her lips, Mac moaned and opened her mouth. AJ slipped his tongue inside and before either of them knew what was happening, they were devouring each other's mouths, AJ pressing up against Mac until she moaned in anticipation.

Their arms wrapped around each other, caressing, pawing, petting, pulling their shirts off.  Mac leaned forward into AJ and they mutually understood each other. They lowered themselves easily to the floor. Neither spoke a word; if they did, the spell would be broken and they'd realize what they were doing.

Afterward, they lay on the floor for several minutes. Suddenly both of them were aware of their situation. "Oh God. What have I done?" AJ whispered.

Mac opened her eyes and looked into his. "No more than I've done... Sir," Mac choked out.

"Mac, I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened. I just... I... Oh, God...Mac..." AJ stood up and helped Mac to her feet. As AJ grabbed her shirt from the floor and wrapped it around her, she smoothed her skirt back down over her legs. "I should go." He quickly picked up his pants and drew them on. He grabbed his shirt and headed for the door.

"Admiral."

He stopped but didn't turn around. "Colonel, I'll be filing..."

"Please don't, Sir."

He turned around and looked at Mac. "This wasn't your fault, Mac. It was mine."

"No, Sir. It was ours. We evidently both needed a good lay tonight. I haven't had any since Mic left," Mac bit her upper lip nervously. She looked up at him. "Please, Admiral. Don't file a report. Don't say anything to anyone. I certainly won't."

"Mac..."

"Thank you for helping me with the monitor and with my bags this evening, Sir. And for teaching me how to make real hot chocolate. Good night, Admiral. I'll see you at the office tomorrow. Business as usual. This never happened."

AJ looked deeply into Mac's pleading eyes and saw honesty there. "Good night, Colonel. Tomorrow then. BAU," he nodded.

When they saw each other in the break room the next morning, they felt awkward until Lieutenant Sims bustled in talking all about her plans for the annual JAG Christmas party. The next thing they knew, they were laughing with Harriett, and were back to their old camaraderie. Neither of them said another word about their little indiscretion.

Tuesday, 1 January 2002
0215 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

Mac stood at the kitchen counter drying the last of the champagne flutes. She heard AJ say goodbye to the last of his guests... well, except for her. She laid the towel on the counter, put the glass on the shelf, and closed the cabinet. When she turned around, AJ walked through the door with a smile on his face. "Everyone had a good time, I think, Sir," Mac offered.

AJ nodded. "Yes, I think they did, Mac. Thank you for cleaning up. You didn't have to."

"I know that, Sir. I wanted to," she replied. "I guess I'll be heading home now, Admiral."

"Mac, I hope it was okay... I mean, at midnight, when I kissed you... It was..."

"It was fine, Admiral. It was the new year; I was the closest female. I would have been insulted if you hadn't kissed me, Sir," she laughed.

"You're sure? I didn't intend to... I mean after what happened last month..."

"What happened last month, Sir? I don't recall anything 'happening' last month, Admiral," Mac tried to remind him of their agreement.

AJ looked deep into Mac's eyes. "Don't you, now?" he remarked. "Hmm, must have been some other Lieutenant Colonel I took on her kitchen floor."

Mac flushed slightly, realizing that the Admiral was slightly drunk. "Oh. That 'happening'," she quipped. AJ nodded. "I don't remember too much about that, Sir. I believe we agreed..."

"You don't remember it?" he asked incredulously. He knew he shouldn't pursue the subject, but because of his slightly inebriated state, he kept talking. "Well, then, let me refresh your memory, Colonel." AJ circled his arms around Mac's waist and lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her lightly. "Do you remember now?"

"Sorry, no. No memory whatsoever," Mac replied softly as she pulled away from him and walked out of the kitchen. AJ followed her. She knew he was drunk. Maybe if she just let him kiss her, he'd give up and she could go home. 'But do I want to go home? God he felt so good last time. Maybe just once more.'

AJ grabbed her hand and pulled her back into his embrace. He kissed her, again, this time parting her lips with his tongue and delving deep inside the recesses of her mouth. He leaned into her and pulled her close. Mac moaned. "Do you remember now, Mac?" he whispered in her ear.

"Mmmm," she moaned, again. "We can't...we..." But she wasn't fighting him. In fact, she was pulling him to her.

"We can, Mac. And we're going to, aren't we..."

"Mmm hmm," she agreed, unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off of him. AJ reached for the hem of Mac's dress and lifted it off over her head. He laid her down on the sofa. "God, Mac, you're magnificent."

"Thank you, Sir," she said.

"Drop the 'Sir', Mac. I'd rather not be reminded that I'm screwing a subordinate right now," he replied.

"Speaking of that, Admiral..."

"Not now, Mac..." he said as he raised up over her and settled himself on top of her. AJ collapsed beside her and fell asleep almost immediately after he finished. She rolled off the sofa, pulled her dress back on, and tiptoed out the front door.

She talked to herself as she drove home. "I can't believe I let him do that. He was drunk! I should have stopped him. Stopped him? Damn, I encouraged it! What's happening to us?" She was quiet for a couple of minutes as thoughts swam through her head. She remembered back several years ago when they had almost kissed. He had stopped them just in time. Things were strained between them for months after that; he was never comfortable in her presence. But after a while, they were finally back to normal. Neither seemed to even remember there was ever any difficulty between them.

'I haven't even thought of that almost kiss in two years. I'm sure he hasn't either. So what happened?' "Dr. Walden, that's what. He was used to getting some pretty regularly there for a while. I'll bet he hasn't had anyone since she dumped him... well, except for me now. That's bound to be it. It isn't me, it's just that I'm in the right place at the right time... or rather, the wrong place at the right time... or is it the right place at the wrong time... I mean, I know he doesn't care for me. Any more than I care for him."

'But don't you? Don't you care for him?' the little voice in her head asked.

"As my CO, yes, of course I do."

'No, no... Maybe you didn't care before... but you do now.  Think about how he makes you feel. Like a woman, again. A desirable woman.'

"But he's my boss."

'A beautiful woman.'

"There can't be anything between us. He doesn't feel anything for me, I know it. I'm just a piece of meat that he's craving right now."

'A sexy woman.'

"He was drunk. He won't even remember that we did it, again."

'Oh, he'll remember. You're a pretty unforgettable lover, Sarah MacKenzie! You've always been told that.'

Mac was silent for a time, then she burst out, "Oh God, please don't let him remember!"

But he did remember. When he opened his eyes two hours later with a terrific headache, he saw her panties under the coffee table. "Oh God. It wasn't a dream. Damn, I did it, again!" AJ rolled off the sofa and grabbed the panties from under the table.  He moaned. "God, Mac... What's happening to us? Why are we suddenly unable to control ourselves? It's not like we've been lusting after each other all this time."

He thought back to the almost kiss in his bedroom. 'I haven't even thought of that in over two years. I'm sure she hasn't either. So what happened?' "Mic Brumby, that's what. She was used to having him almost every night. And she even said she hadn't been with anyone since he left... well, except for me now. That has to be it. I know she doesn't care for me. Any more than I care for her."

'But don't you? Don't you care for her?' the little voice in his head asked.

"She's my Chief of Staff."

'She's a woman, you dolt. A desirable woman.'

"A Lieutenant Colonel under my command."

'A beautiful woman.'

"There can't be anything between us. She doesn't feel anything for me, I know it. She's using my body just like I'm using hers. That's all there is to it."

'A sexy woman.'

"God, to see her again in that nightgown... To have her in my bed regularly... not just on the spur of the moment..."

'You can, AJ, my man. You can! Talk to her tomorrow. She'll agree. Make her an offer she can't refuse.'

But he didn't talk to her. Neither said a word about their second indiscretion, but it weighed heavily on AJ's mind.  He was a man of honor.  He always had been.  But now this.  How could he continue in his role as the Judge Advocate General knowing he'd violated the UCMJ?  Knowing he deserved to be court martialed?  The worst of it was knowing that he'd take Mac, again, in a second... anywhere, anytime she was willing.

Thursday, 14 February 2002
1015 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Excuse me, Colonel? There's a delivery for you, Ma'am," said Harriett.

Mac looked up from the papers on her desk to see a young man holding an enormous bouquet of blood red roses in a large crystal vase. "Sarah MacKenzie?" he asked.

Mac stood and said, "Yes, I'm Sarah MacKenzie."

"These are for you, Ma'am," the man said, setting the vase on her desk. He unclipped the envelope containing the card and handed it to her.

"Thank you," Mac intoned as she accepted the envelope and withdrew the card. "Who could these be from?" she wondered aloud. Mac hadn't dated anyone since Mic left almost a year before. She'd only had sex twice since then, in fact. Both times with the Admiral. And he hadn't mentioned New Years to her at all since then. She knew he remembered it though; he had to have found her panties in his living room. 'Harm. These must be from Harm. He's apologizing for...' Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt as she read the card. "I'm not sorry. Are you?" The card was unsigned.

"That's a strange message, Colonel," Harriett said, still standing in Mac's office admiring the flowers.

Mac looked up at Harriett. She smiled. "Strange? Not at all," Mac replied as she fingered one of the blooms.

AJ passed through the bullpen just as Mac looked up. She smiled and shook her head slightly for him to see. 'No, I'm not sorry either. Not at all,' she was saying. A minute later her phone rang. "Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie."

"Tonight?" AJ's husky voice came over the wire.

"Yes, Sir."

"My place at 2000. I'll have dinner ready."

"Can do, Sir," Mac replied cryptically.

"Harriett still in your office?"

"Aye, Sir."

"Until tonight, then," and the line went dead.

2000 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

As Mac pulled her car into AJ's driveway, the garage door went up. She drove in and before she had even turned off the motor, the door was going down. She climbed out of the car and looked around. There stood AJ at the top of the stairs leading into the house. She walked toward him and he stepped back inside the kitchen. Mac followed him, closing the door behind her.

"I hope you like chicken parmigiana," he said, opening the oven door.

"Mmm, I do, very much, Sir."

"It's 'AJ', Mac. Please." Mac nodded. He led her to the dining room and seated her at a beautifully appointed table. There were more roses in the center, though not as many as in her bouquet at the office. But there were candles lit, and the lights in the room were very dim.

"Romantic," she mused aloud as he scooted her chair in.

He leaned over her from behind and nuzzled her neck. "That was my intent." Mac bent her head back and he kissed her mouth.

They ate dinner with very little conversation. Mac complimented his cooking; AJ complimented her on her lovely dress. As they finished their meal, AJ pushed his chair back and stood up. He extended his hand to Mac. She took it and followed him to his bedroom. 

Some time later, Mac moved in AJ's arms, waking them both. "Mmm, you didn't leave this time," AJ commented.

"Did you want me to?" she asked hesitantly.

"No. I was rather hoping you'd stay the night, actually."

"That's why my car's in the garage, isn't it?"

AJ kissed her. "Smart woman." Mac turned into his kiss and deepened it. He ran his hands down her body and she shivered in pleasure.

"AJ, we need to talk about this. We can't just..."

"Shh, I know. But not now. We'll talk, I promise. But for tonight, I just want to make love to you. This time, slow and easy." And he did.

"My turn," she said as she played with the hair on AJ's chest.  Then she began slipping down the bed, trailing kisses along his chest and abdomen as the telephone rang. "Damned phones," AJ said, ignoring it.

"Shouldn't you get that?" Mac asked.  "Calls this late are usually important."

"Probably," he said. He reached over and pulled the phone cord, effectively dislodging the receiver from the cradle. Then he grabbed the receiver cord and pulled until the receiver was in his hand. "Chegwidden," he was breathing pretty heavily by now; Mac was being very attentive to him.

"Admiral? Sir, this is Commander Rabb. I'm sorry to bother you so late, but I was wondering if... Admiral? Are you all right, Sir?" Harm could hear the Admiral panting now.

"What the hell do you want, Rabb?" he barked. "Oh, yes, Darlin'... just like that..." he said softly. But not softly enough that Harm didn't hear it over the phone line.

"Just wondering if you might know the Colonel's whereabouts, Sir," Harm said, now realizing what he interrupted.

"And why would I know that, Commander?"

"Um, well, Sir, I just thought maybe you'd sent her..."

"Rabb, it's Valentine's Day. She received a very large bouquet of flowers this morning. Did it ever occur to you that she might be on a... date?" He choked out the last word as Mac tickled him with her nose.  "Oh... oh... Darlin'... Wait... wait..." AJ yanked the cord out of the receiver. He couldn't reach the cradle to hang up the phone, so he just disconnected it.

Two minutes later, Mac raised herself to lie next to AJ. She laid her head on his chest and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her, and they fell asleep, again.

Friday, 15 February 2002
0600 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

They awoke during the night and made love, again.  When Mac awoke the next time, AJ wasn't next to her. She listened and didn't hear him in the bathroom either. She rose and wrapped herself in the bathrobe he had set at the foot of the bed, obviously for her to use. She padded out to the kitchen and found him at the table with a mug of hot coffee in his hand. "Good morning," she said.

AJ shook his head. "No, Mac. It isn't a good morning." Mac inhaled sharply. Now was the time. He wanted to talk. And all she wanted was for him to take her back to bed. "We need to talk. Have a seat." Mac did as he requested. "Coffee?" he asked. She nodded. AJ got up and poured her a mug full. He handed it to her and settled back in his chair.

"You'll have my resignation on your desk by 1000, Sir," Mac said.

"Resignation!? Damn, Mac, that's not what I meant!"

"Admiral, this was my fault. I never should have allowed you to see me in that nightgown. I should have gone back in the dressing room right away..."

"Mac, I'll admit, that my seeing you in that nightgown is very probably the reason this all started between us, but..."

"I'm glad you agree, Sir. So, it's my fault, and I'm the one who'll take the responsibility for it and leave."

"No, Mac. It's not your fault. I'm more to blame than you are. Far more..."

"Admiral..."

"I have a suggestion, Mac. Hear me out," he ordered. Mac nodded. AJ stood and walked to the counter to refill his mug. He turned and leaned back against the sink. "We're good together, Mac. Very good." Mac smiled; she thought so, too. "Neither of us seem very good at long-term relationships, where there's a real relationship involved, I mean. We both do fine at long-term friendships and working relationships. But personal ones. Well, let's face it. We both suck."

Mac laughed. "I'd have to agree with you there, Sir."

"AJ."

"Sorry. AJ," she corrected herself.

"Obviously after three indiscretions in fewer than that many months, we have a problem. One of us has to leave JAG."

"I'll be the one who leaves, AJ."

"No, Mac; I will. I've already submitted my request for retirement. It's effective the end of this month."

"But..."

"I've had an offer from a national firm wanting me to head up their Washington office. I accepted it yesterday after the SecNav approved my retirement request."

"Then it's already settled? You're leaving..."

"I'm leaving JAG, Mac. I'm not leaving the area. And I'm hoping that you'll consider what I say next and not just reject it immediately." Mac looked up at him expectantly. "I don't want to lose you, Mac. As I said, we're good together. Very good." Mac smiled, again. "Would you consider... I thought, maybe, you'd..." AJ struggled.  "Damn, this is harder than I thought it would be."

"Just say it, AJ. What is it you want from me?"

"Mac, I know you don't care for me. But I also know that you were satisfied in bed last night."

"And the two times before that," she quipped. "And I wouldn't say that I don't..."

"Be my lover, Mac," he interrupted.

"Excuse me?" she sputtered. "Your lover? Isn't that what we've been..."

"We'll meet once a week; you choose the best day for you. My place or yours. Or we can get a hotel room. Whatever you're comfortable with."

"You mean you want..." Mac stopped. She couldn't believe what he was asking.

"I know it sounds crass, Mac. But I think we both know that a real relationship wouldn't work; we both stink at them. This would satisfy both of us, our sexual needs, and yet there wouldn't be any emotional ties... no jealousy... no..."

"Yes."

AJ jerked his head up and looked at Mac. "Yes?"

"Yes," she repeated.

"You're agreeing?" he asked incredulously.

"Don't you want me to agree?"

"Of course I do. I just didn't think you would. Not right away, anyway." He pushed himself away from the counter and walked over to her. He squatted in front of her. "Mac, are you sure about this? I don't want you agreeing if you're not 100 percent sure."

Mac reached out and caressed AJ's cheek with her hand. "I'm very sure, AJ. If you'd asked me before last night, I probably would have said no. But after last night? There's nothing I'd refuse you." She leaned forward and kissed him.

AJ stood, pulling her with him, never breaking their kiss. He picked her up in his arms and carried her back to his bedroom.

Thursday, 28 February 2002
1730 EST
McMurphy's Tavern
Falls Church, Virginia

The JAG Ops staff raised their glasses in a toast to their now officially retired friend. "To Admiral AJ Chegwidden! The best CO, the finest JAG, the most honorable man it's ever been my privilege to know!" said Harm.

"Here! Here!" they all agreed, clinking their glasses and drinking the toast.

'If they only knew. If Rabb knew I was bedding Mac, he'd not only take back what he said, he'd kill me,' AJ thought to himself.

"Speech! Speech!" Harriett called.

AJ shook his head, "I think not, Lieutenant. I'll have to do that at the official dinner next week. And I've only got one written! So, I'll just say thank you. It's been a pleasure working with all of you. You've been like a family to me, and I'm going to miss seeing you all every day. I do not, however, expect to lose contact with you. I hope you'll still drop by to see me on occasion, and include me in your gatherings." He looked at Bud and Harriett. "I especially don't want to miss out on my namesake."

"You won't, Sir. We'll always include you in everything. You're part of the family; how could we not?"

"It's AJ now, Bud."

Bud lowered his eyes and then raised them, again, meeting the Admiral's. "If you don't mind... AJ... I'd rather like to continue calling you 'Sir'. It just seems more fitting. And as I think of you almost as a replacement for my own father, I... Well... Sir, I..." Bud's voice cracked; Harriett reached out and took his hand to encourage him.

"That's perfectly fine, Bud. Whatever you're most comfortable with. And I'm proud that you consider me such. Thank you... Son," AJ smiled and extended his hand to Bud. Bud accepted it and they shook. Then in a burst of emotion, Bud pulled AJ into an embrace.

"Thank you, Sir," he said as he released him.

Harriett stepped forward then and embraced AJ, too. "I'm going to miss you so much!"

"Sorry to break this up," Mac chuckled, "but I have to leave now. Admiral, it's been a real experience working for you, Sir. One I won't forget. Thank you." She extended her hand. AJ looked at it and then at her face. He grinned as he shook her hand.

"Just a handshake, Mac? After all these years, that's all I get as a goodbye? A handshake?"

"What would you like, AJ?" she dared.

"Mac!!" cried Harm, shocked at her reply. "Admiral, I wouldn't touch that one with a 10-foot pole!! Remember, she's a Marine!" he laughed.

"Think I can't handle her, Commander, is that it?" AJ quipped.

"Not at all, Sir. It's just..."

Mac walked up to AJ and put her arms around his neck. "How about a goodbye kiss, Admiral?" she asked as she leaned into him and pressed her lips against his. His arms came around her waist and he pulled her tight against him as he deepened the kiss.

Bud gasped at the sight. Harriett smiled. Harm just stared. When they pulled themselves apart, Mac blushed furiously.

"Thank you, Mac," AJ said softly, teasing her.

"Anytime," she whispered back.

2015 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ finally arrived home and saw Mac's car parked in his driveway. She usually pulled on into the garage. He walked into the house and yelled, "Why didn't you pull your car into the garage, Mac?"

"Don't need to hide anymore, AJ! I don't work for you now, remember?" she called from the kitchen.

"You sure you want everyone to know about this?" he asked as he removed his jacket.  "It would be different if we were a couple, but just meeting for sex once a week..." AJ walked into the dining room and found the table set much the way he had done it for Valentine's Day. Flowers. Candles. China. Crystal. "Mac, what's going on?"

She walked out of the kitchen wearing nothing but an apron. "Dinner's ready. Would you like it now? Or would you like a little dessert first?" she grinned.  AJ was on her in a flash. "Dessert, I see," she laughed.

Wednesday, 10 July 2002
1030 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

It still felt strange at JAG with Admiral Chegwidden no longer there. He'd never take his seat behind that big desk, again. Mac was glad that the SecNav had waited to appoint the new JAG for two months. That made it a little bit easier to adjust to someone else's occupying AJ's office when it finally happened.

Mac couldn't wait until tomorrow; that was her night with AJ. Every Thursday at 1900, just like clockwork, she arrived at his place. They made love before they ate. Then they had dinner. Made love, again. Took a nap. Made love. Took a shower together. Made love. And slept, only to wake around 0500 and make love, again. Then they showered, dressed, and went to their respective offices, happy and sated... and looking forward to the next Thursday night.

"Excuse me, Colonel. The Admiral is on Line 1 for you, Ma'am," said Petty Officer Tiner.

"Which Admiral, Tiner?" Mac queried.

"Oh, um... Admiral Chegwidden, Ma'am. I'm sorry. It's just so hard to call him anything other than... Admiral," Tiner explained.

"I understand, Tiner. Thanks. Oh, Tiner? Close the door, will you please?" Mac picked up the phone as Tiner pulled her door shut. "Hello, stranger," she purred. AJ seldom called Mac at the office. Actually, they seldom talked on the phone at all. They had their Thursday nights together. And they saw each other at Harriett's arranged gatherings, at which they behaved much as they always had before.  No one knew about their relationship.

"Hi," he replied shortly.

Mac instantly knew something was wrong. "What's up?"

"The partners are all flying in tomorrow afternoon. They want to have a meeting tomorrow night. I have to be there," he said in a disgusted voice.

"That's okay, AJ. I understand. You want to just skip this week or..."

"No! I was rather hoping we could reschedule... like Friday night?"

"Friday's good."

"Or even tonight?"

"Tonight's good, too."

"Or maybe both?" he asked hopefully.

"Mmm, both works for me."

"Mac, are you sure? I don't want to overstep our..."

"AJ, I enjoy our nights every bit as much as you do, believe me. When I leave you on Friday morning, all I want is for the week to pass quickly so it'll be Thursday, again... and I can be with you."

"You, too, hmm?" he chuckled. "I'm glad I'm not the only one."

"So, what time should I be there tonight? The usual?"

"Would you maybe want to go out for dinner tonight, Mac?"

"Haven't gone to the grocery store yet, eh?" she laughed.

"How did you figure that out?"

"You were too obvious, AJ! Yes, of course, we can go out to eat. Or we can just call for a pizza. Whatever works for you."

Wednesday, 28 August 2002
1015 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Excuse me, Colonel. The Admiral is on Line 3 for you, Ma'am," said Petty Officer Tiner. 'This is getting to be a habit. He calls her a lot. And every time, she wants the door closed. Hmm...'

"Thanks, Tiner. Close the..." Tiner smiled as he pulled her door closed behind him. Mac picked up the receiver. "Hello, there."

"How would you like to go away for a long weekend?" AJ asked immediately.

"Name the date; I'll pack my bags!" Mac replied just as quickly.

"Leaving tomorrow evening. Come back Monday night."

"You mean this weekend? Labor Day weekend? Oh, wow... I'll, um... I'll have to check with Harm and be sure he's going to be in town. Assuming he is, where are we going?"

"My place on Hilton Head."

"Mmm, now that sounds dreamy!" Mac said. "Let me go talk to Harm and Admiral Blick, and I'll call you back. Or should I just tell you tonight?" 

Ever since their Wednesday and Friday week in July, they were now together twice every week. Usually on Monday and Thursday, but occasionally a third day slipped in there, too. And when they weren't together in the evening, they were on the phone with each other. Not to mention the calls during the work day. They still never discussed their feelings for each other; their relationship was still based solely on sex, as far as either of them realized.

"Call me back."

"Will do." They hung up, and Mac headed for Harm's office. "Harm? You going to be in town this weekend?"

Harm looked up expectantly from his paperwork. He smiled at Mac, thinking she was going to ask him to join her for an outing. "Yea, Mac, I am. What's up?"

"Just wondering if you could be on call for me? I want to take Friday off and go away for a long weekend."

Harm's smile slipped a bit. "Oh. Yea, sure, I guess. Go ahead."

Mac smiled. "Thanks, Harm. I'll owe you!"

"I'll collect!" he teased as she headed for the Admiral's office to secure his approval.

Thursday, 29 August 2002
1545 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"All set, Colonel?" asked Harriett as Mac was cleaning off her desk in preparation for being gone.

"Just about," she said absently. "Oh! Tiner!" she yelled as she saw him passing her office.

"Yes, Ma'am?" he replied walking in.

Mac handed him a slip of paper. "This is the number where I can be reached over the weekend. Don't use it unless it's an emergency. I don't want to be disturbed."

"Aye, aye, Ma'am," Tiner answered taking the piece of paper and checking to be sure he could read the number. "Ma'am?"

"What, Tiner?" she replied absently.

"This number... It's Admiral Chegwidden's beach house on Hilton Head, Ma'am. I'm sure of it."

Mac's head snapped up and she stared at Tiner. She could feel the blood rushing up into her face and knew she was blushing furiously. She looked over at Harriett and then noticed that Harm was standing in her doorway. 'Oh God. Now what do I do?' She decided to play it cool. "That would be correct, Petty Officer."

"You're going to AJ's place on Hilton Head? How'd you get him to let you use it, Mac?" asked Harm.

Bud stuck his head in the office. "Colonel? Admiral Chegwidden is on Line 2 for you, Ma'am." Bud looked closer at Mac's face. "Ma'am, are you okay? Your face is very red. Is your BP all right?"

"Thanks, Bud. Yes, my blood pressure is fine, I'm sure." Mac looked around her office. No one was moving. She sighed and picked up the phone. Well, Harm had given her an out, so she decided to use it. "Hello, AJ," she said as she turned and faced the windows, rather than her friends.

"You about ready to leave?"

"Almost. Thanks, again, for letting me use the place. I do appreciate it."

"'Use the place'? Mac, what are you talking about?"

Mac turned around and faced her friends. "I'm sure I won't have any trouble finding it, AJ. You gave me very clear directions."

"You're right. You won't have trouble finding it. Because I'll be driving. Mac, what the hell is going on? Is someone in your office? Do they know you're going away with me?" AJ demanded.

"Thanks, again, AJ. I'm just about ready to leave so I can get on the road. Harm, Bud, Harriett, and Tiner are all here... helping."

"Tiner recognized the phone number, didn't he?"

"That's right," she chuckled.

"Damn. I didn't think about that. I should've had that number changed."

"It's not a problem, AJ. Really, it's not."

"So they don't know I'm going with you? They think you're going alone... or with someone else?"

"Yep."

"Good. I'll see you soon."

"Not soon enough."

"Somehow I doubt that we leave right away after you get here. I think it'll be at least 45 minutes..."

Mac laughed. "Oh, at the very least!"

Thursday, 21 November 2002
2145 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

Mac finished drying the dishes and AJ put them away.  They were both quiet this evening, both absorbed in their own thoughts.  Both of them had holiday parties coming up; both of them wanted the other to attend with them, but neither had the guts to broach the subject.  They had an agreement:  no personal involvement, no ties.  This was strictly a sexual relationship; no one knew about their being together, and each believed the other wanted to keep it that way.  

Mac finally spoke.  "Is Francesca coming for the holidays this year?"

"Yes, actually I just had a call from her this afternoon.  She has several events to cover in the next month, all of them in the States.  She's flying in on 3 December."

Mac smiled.  She knew AJ would enjoy having his daughter with him for the holidays.  But she did wonder how they'd work out their nights with Francesca here.  "I guess we'll have to put our nights on hold for a while?"

AJ frowned.  "Is that what you want?"  He hoped it wasn't, but he couldn't help but think that Mac might be getting tired of him.  They'd been lovers now for almost a year.

Mac turned and looked him in the eye.  "Of course not, AJ.  I just thought that with her here, you..."

"We'll work around her, Mac.  She won't be here the entire month.  She'll have to travel to a few other cities, too.  We can still see each other.  If you want to, that is."

"AJ, you should know by now that I want to.  If I didn't, I wouldn't be here."  Mac put her arms around AJ's neck and pulled his head down to her.  She kissed him hard and pressed her body into his.  "I want you, AJ.  Take me now.  Right here.  Like the first time.  On the kitchen floor."

"It was your kitchen, Mac," he said as he began unbuttoning his shirt.

"A kitchen is a kitchen," she replied as she pulled him down with her.

Thanksgiving Day 2002
1835 EST
Bud & Harriett Roberts' Apartment
Rosslyn, Virginia

Bud and Harriett sat on the sofa holding hands; Harm and Mac were on the loveseat, Harm's arm around Mac's shoulders; and AJ sat in the leather recliner with little AJ in his lap.  He was trying to pay attention to the youngster, but all he could think about was Mac's sitting on that loveseat with Rabb.  'Why doesn't she tell him to move his arm?' he seethed.  'Doesn't she realize how that looks? Damn, she's practically in his lap!'  Then he began to wonder, 'Is Rabb finally getting his head out of his six?  Is he coming on to Mac?  Is she responding?  Oh God, I'm losing her...'

Mac surprised them all when she said, "Harriett, Bud, thanks so much for including me in your Thanksgiving celebration.  I had a great day, but I do have to leave now."  She started to stand up, but Harm pulled her back down.

"Nonsense!  You don't have to leave now.  Where could you possibly need to go on Thanksgiving night?" he queried.

"Harm, you know very well that I have a prior commitment on Thursday evenings."

"Mac, it's Thanksgiving!  Surely you could have gotten out of it tonight!" Harm griped.

"If I'd wanted to, yes, I could have, Harm.  But I didn't want to.  Stop making a big deal out of it."  Mac pulled her arm away from Harm's grasp and stood.  She glanced over at AJ and saw him grin.

"We're glad you were able to join us, Ma'am," said Bud as he rose from the sofa.  AJ also stood up, setting little AJ on the floor.  

The little boy ran over to Mac and begged to be held.  Mac picked him up and hugged him.  "You're getting so big!" she complained.

"Auntie Mac!  Stay wif me, Auntie Mac."

"I can't, Sweetie.  Not tonight.  I have to go somewhere.  Another time, okay?"

"Auntie Mac have a date?" the little tyke asked innocently.

Mac replied sadly, "No, Sweetie.  Auntie Mac doesn't have a date.  Auntie Mac hasn't had a date in a long time.  A long, long time."  She hugged the little boy and added, "I have to go now.  Can you give me a hug and say bye-bye?"

"Bye-bye, Auntie Mac," he said as he hugged her tightly.  "Bye-bye."

"Mac, are you sure you have to leave now?" Harm asked.

"Yes, Harm, I'm sure," replied Mac.

"I'll walk you to your car," Harm offered, helping Mac with her coat and opening the front door.  "I'll be right back," he called to Harriett as they walked outside.

AJ knew that Mac was heading to his house, and he didn't want to keep her waiting.  He needed to leave now, too.  "Well, Harriett, this was indeed a lovely day.  Thank you for including me."

"You're not leaving, too, Sir?" questioned Bud.

"Afraid so, Bud.  I need to get on home.  I'm actually expecting someone to drop by a little later, so I need to be there."

As he walked outside, he saw Harm leaning Mac against her car, his mouth covering hers, her arms around his neck, her fingers running through his hair.  From behind AJ, Bud said, "Well, it looks like the Commander finally decided what he wants."

"And it looks like the Colonel wants the same thing," said Harriett happily.

AJ walked past them and got in his own vehicle.  He started the engine and drove off.  "Damn!  Well, I guess Mac won't be showing up tonight after all."  AJ decided not to go home.  Instead he got on the highway and started driving.  He didn't have a destination in mind; he just drove.  Finally after 3 hours, he turned around and headed home.  

Friday, 29 November 2002
0145 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

He entered the house and slammed the front door behind him.  "AJ, is that you?" Mac called from the bedroom.  She rolled off the bed and ran into the living room and straight into his arms.  "Where have you been?  I was so worried!"

"What are you doing here?" he asked coldly.

"What do you mean, 'what am I doing here'?  I've been here for hours!  You knew I was leaving Bud & Harriett's to come here..."

But all AJ could see right then was Mac entwined in Rabb's arms.  "We could have skipped tonight.  All you had to do was tell me."

"I didn't want to skip tonight, AJ.  What's wrong with you?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Wrong?  What could possibly be wrong?" he barked.  "You want to be screwed?  Fine, I'll be glad to oblige."  

"AJ?  What are you doing?  Why are behaving like... Oh!  AJ, you're hurting me!" she cried as he forced her to the floor and tore her pants open.  "AJ!  Stop!  Please..." she was crying now.  "Why are you doing this?"

AJ hadn't looked in her eyes at all since he arrived home.  Now he did.  He saw her tears; he saw her fear.  And he heard her ask him to stop; something he would never ignore.  "Oh my God... what am I doing?"  The words were torn from him as he stopped his movements.  

"No, don't stop, AJ, just not quite so hard."

"Mac, I'm so sorry.  God, I can't believe I...  Are you all right?  Did I injure you?"

Mac shook her head.  "Keep going, AJ.  Please.  Please... now.  I want you now."

"Not like this," he said as he got up.  He picked her up in his arms, Mac protesting loudly, and laid her on the sofa.  He pulled the afghan up to cover her, and went to his bedroom.  He slammed the door, and Mac could hear him swearing at himself.  

Mac went to the bedroom and opened the door.  She found AJ sitting on the bed, his entire body shaking.  Mac sat next to him and laid her hand on his back and rubbed it.  She spoke softly.  "AJ.  It's all right.  I'm fine.  Really.  You stopped before you hurt me.  I really wanted you to continue... just not quite so hard."

He turned on his side to face her.  "Mac, I was practically raping...  How could I have..."

"No!  No, you weren't.  AJ, you would never do that to me... to anyone.  You were just being a little... forceful... tonight," she said insistently.

"Mac, I was... I was angry.  And I was hurting you."

"And you stopped when I asked you to."  Mac punched his arm, "But you pulled away when I asked you not to.  I wanted you, you big lug."

"Past tense?" he said softly.

"Yes, past tense. And present; I want you.  And future; I'll always want you, AJ."

"Mac, I'm so sorry..."

"Let's just forget about what happened, okay?  And start over... as though you just walked through the door.  You just got home, and we had a wonderful day with Bud & Harriett & Harm & little AJ.  And now we're together.  Alone.  Like we've wanted... all day.  Take me, AJ."

"I don't think..."

"AJ, please don't make me beg," she coerced.

AJ grinned.  "Your wish is my command, fair lady."  AJ gently removed her clothes, trailing kisses everywhere he touched her skin.  He was ever so gentle in his lovemaking this time.  Mac didn't go home at all that weekend.  She stayed at AJ's house until Monday morning.

Monday, 2 December 2002
1045 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harriett knocked on Mac's doorframe, "Colonel, do you have a minute?"

"Certainly, Harriett.  Come on in."  Mac motioned for Harriett to have a seat.  "What's on your mind?"

"Admiral Chegwidden."

Mac willed herself not to react.  'Harriett doesn't know.  She couldn't possibly know.  No one knows.  Just hear her out.'  Mac said calmly, "What about him?"

"Do you think it would be out of line to ask Admiral Blick if we can invite him to the JAG Christmas party?"

Mac smiled.  "You really miss him a lot, don't you, Harriett?"

Harriett flushed.  "Yes, Ma'am, I do.  It was so good to spend last Thursday with him; I was so glad he was able to come."

Mac smiled at her friend.   "He seemed very glad to be there, Harriett.  And I know I certainly was."

"You and the Commander looked pretty cozy as you said goodbye, Ma'am," Harriett ventured.

"Harm thinks he wants to try dating.  I'm not so sure," Mac said, not wanting to explain that she was already involved with someone.  They'd kept it a secret for almost a year; why blow it now?

"What's not to be sure of, Colonel?  You two look so good together; you always have.  And everyone here has known you'd eventually end up together.  You're perfect for each other.  And you both want the same things out of life."

"Back to your question, Harriett.  I don't think it's at all out of line to ask Admiral Blick about AJ.  But I do think you should suggest that the Admiral call and invite AJ himself.  I think AJ would be more apt to accept the invitation coming from the new JAG.  Otherwise, he might feel that he'd be stepping on Admiral Blick's toes by accepting your invitation."

"That's a wonderful idea, Ma'am!  I'll go talk to the Admiral now.  Thank you, Colonel."

Mac nodded.  "You're welcome, Harriett.  Dismissed."  Harriett left the office and Mac thought about what she said.  Harriett was right; Harm and Mac did want the same things:  a career, a home, a loving spouse, a family.  AJ didn't want those things.  All he wanted her for was sex.  Good sex.  Great sex!  But that's all.  She would never have anything else with him; he made that very clear up front.  Theirs was a no-strings relationship.

"Penny for your thoughts," Harm said as he entered her office.  

"Hmm?  What?" she said in a daze.

"You look like you're thinking about something pretty hard.  Need an ear?" he offered.

"No."  She made a decision, "A date for the JAG Christmas party."

Harm smiled.  "You're accepting?"

Mac smiled back and nodded.  "Yes, I am, that is... if the invitation is still open."

"Absolutely!" Harm said.  "How about we go out tomorrow night as a dry run?  Oh wait, tomorrow is Tuesday.  You're always busy on Tuesdays..."

"Actually, I am free tomorrow night, Harm."  AJ would be at the airport to pick up Francesca tomorrow evening, so Mac wouldn't be seeing him until Thursday.  

"Wonderful!  How about dinner at BeniHana?  You can get steak and I'll get the veggie plate."

"Mmm, delicious."

"Excuse me, Colonel.  Admiral Chegwidden is on Line 1 for you, Ma'am," said Petty Officer Tiner.

"Thanks, Tiner."  She turned to Harm, "Would you excuse me, Harm?  Oh, and close the door on your way out.  Thanks."

Harm looked at her questioningly, but she just smiled in return, so he left and closed the door as she asked.

"Hello there," she said as she picked up the receiver.

"Hello, gorgeous.  Don't make any plans for tomorrow night.  Francesca just called; she's been delayed a day.  She won't be coming in now until Wednesday, so we'll still have tomorrow, but not Thursday...we'll do Friday instead."

Mac frowned.  'Uh oh.  Now what do I do?'  "Actually, AJ, I already have other plans for tomorrow night.  I'm sorry."

"Can't you change them?" he asked.

"Yes, I can, but I don't think that would be right.  I mean I made these plans knowing we weren't able to be together.  I just don't think..."

"Rabb?" he asked, willing himself to stay unemotional.

"Yes," she answered.  "He wants to try dating, AJ, and I've agreed.  We're going out to dinner tomorrow night.  And he's taking me to the JAG Christmas party on the 15th."

"Are you saying you want to call it quits, Mac?" AJ asked hesitantly.

"No, AJ, I'm not.  Not yet, anyway.  If these two dates go well, then, yes, I probably will want to call it quits, but.. not yet."  He didn't answer her.  "Is that okay with you?" she asked.

"It'll have to be, won't it?" he answered quietly.

"No.  You could call it off yourself."

"I wouldn't do that, Mac.  I'm the one who wanted it to start with.  Why would I call it off?"

"Why indeed?  You get to screw me whenever you feel like it... no emotions... no strings... no ties... no jealousy...  Just like you said in February.  It's been great," she said, trying to keep her voice light.

"But you want more?"

"Yes, AJ, I want more."

"With Rabb."

"Harm's the one asking."

"And if Turner asked?"

"He wouldn't ask me, AJ."

"Don't be so sure.  What about Mic?  If Mic came back and asked, you'd go with him?"

Mac gasped.  "How could you say that?"

"He left you, Mac.  Not the other way around, remember?  So if he wanted you back, you'd go to him, wouldn't you?"

"I want a family, AJ.  I want to be loved.  Cherished.  Not just lusted after.  Not just screwed."  Mac couldn't talk anymore; she was completely choked up.  And AJ didn't answer her, so she hung up.  "Oh God, what have I done?" she cried.  "Now he'll never want to see me, again."  Mac's tears flowed unchecked down her cheeks.  "I love him.  Oh God, I love him so much!"

AJ heard the dial tone in his ear before he'd decided how to respond to Mac.  'How could she think I don't love her, cherish her?  Could she possibly not know how I really feel about her?  Does she honestly believe I merely lust after her?  That when I'm with her, I'm just having sex?  Surely she must realize that I worship her.  No, I've never told her.  How would she know?  After the deal you made in February, how could she know?'

Mac's date with Harm went very well on Tuesday evening, though she did send him home rather early... before she became dessert.  They made plans to go Christmas shopping together on Friday night.  She knew AJ wouldn't want to see her, again, so she didn't hesitate to make plans with Harm. 

Friday, 6 December 2002
2030 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

"She's not coming," AJ finally said the words aloud.  "She's never coming back.  I've lost her. The best thing I've ever had in my life, and I've lost her.  God, what have I done?"

Sunday, 15 December 2002
1900 EST
Ritz Carlton
McLean, Virginia

Harm and Mac entered the ballroom arm in arm, for all the world looking like the happiest couple on the face of the earth.  Before they even took their seats, Harm pulled Mac into his arms and whisked her across the dance floor. 

They finally took their seats, just as the appetizers were served.  Seated directly across from Mac was AJ; he was accompanied by his daughter, Francesca.  Mac finished her appetizer and excused herself to the powder room.  While she was gone, the waiter brought the salads.  When he asked Harm what salad dressing Mac would like, Harm replied "Blue Cheese." 

AJ jerked his head up and said, "Make that Italian."

Harriett leaned over to Harm as the waiter poured Italian dressing on Mac's salad.  "Sir, she doesn't like Italian dressing.  She always orders Blue Cheese."

Harm nodded and shrugged.  He wasn't going to argue the point with AJ Chegwidden.  When Mac returned, she could argue with him.  But when Mac got back and took her seat, she picked up her fork and started eating her salad.  "Mmm, this salad is delicious."

"Mac, I thought you didn't like Italian dressing?" Harm whispered to her.

She turned and looked at him.  "Didn't used to.  Love it now."

Between courses, Harm asked Francesca to dance.  Harriett nudged Bud, and they got up to dance, too.  Which left only Mac and AJ at the table.

"You look lovely tonight, Mac," AJ finally said, breaking the silence.

Mac looked up and bit her lips.  "Thank you," she whispered.

"I've missed you," he said softly.

Mac smiled slightly, trying to keep the tears at bay.  She did not want him to see her cry.  "Harm and I have been seeing each other a lot."

"Has he been seeing a lot of you, too?" AJ asked.

She looked down at her hands and shook her head.  But before she could answer, the four dancers returned and took their seats just as the main entree arrived.  After they finished their entree, AJ excused himself to the men's room.  Before he returned, the waiter brought their dessert...a wonderful, creamy cheesecake. 

"And would the gentleman like blueberry, cherry, or peach topping, Madam?" the waiter asked Francesca. 

"Peach, please."

Mac looked up.  "Actually, he prefers cherry, Francesca."

The waiter looked from Mac to Francesca and back, again. 

"Are you sure, Mac?"  Mac nodded.  "Cherry, then.  Thank you."

When AJ returned to the table, he took a bite of his dessert.  "Mmm, fantastic cheesecake."

"Papa, when did you start preferring cherries to peaches?" asked Francesca.

"Always have," he answered, taking another bite.

"But, Sir, you've always ordered peach topping, for as long as I've known you," said Bud.

"White uniforms, Bud.  Whenever I had cherry topping with a white uniform, I always ended up wearing the cherries.  So I started ordering something light in color.  Didn't stain as badly, and it wasn't as obvious when I was stuck wearing it the rest of the night," he chuckled as he took another bite of cheesecake.

'I wonder how Mac knew that?  And how AJ knew that Mac likes Italian dressing now?  Tiner mentioned that he calls her a lot at the office.  Damn!  Are they dating?' Harm's thoughts were flying.  'She went to his beach house in September.  Is that when it started? They sure were friendly at Thanksgiving.  But then why would she be dating me now?  To make him jealous?  That's not like Mac.  Maybe they stopped seeing each other.'  Harm looked up and caught AJ looking at Mac.  'Now that's the look of a man in love if I ever saw one,' Harm thought.  He had to talk to her.  "Mac?  Another dance?"

She smiled brightly.  "Yes, I'd love to."

Harm glanced at AJ as Mac spoke.  A definite look of pain crossed his face.  'Yep, definitely a man in love.'

Harm danced Mac around the room for some time before he finally spoke.  "Mac?  Are you seeing anyone else?  I mean, other than me?"

Mac looked up at him and smiled slightly.  "No, Harm.  I'm not."

"But you were.  Until recently, weren't you?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Because all of a sudden you're free whenever I ask you out.  You were always busy before... Mondays and Thursdays always, and usually another day, too.  You were seeing him, weren't you?"

"Harm, I'd really rather not discuss this, if you don't mind.  I'm dating you now.  And you're the only one I'm seeing."

"Is he why you won't sleep with me, Mac?"  Mac jerked her head up to stare at Harm.  "Because you're still in love with him?  And you don't want anyone else to touch you?  To make love to you?"

"Harm, please.  I really don't want to discuss this," Mac said, choking up.  "Please," she begged, laying her head against his shoulder.

Harm dropped the subject.  He had his answer anyway.  And he felt pretty certain that he knew who it was.  AJ Chegwidden; it had to be.  He looked over Mac's shoulder and saw AJ dancing with Francesca.  He steered Mac over in that direction without her realizing it.  When they were close enough, he nodded to AJ and said, "Shall we switch partners for a while, AJ?"

Mac jerked her head up to look at Harm, but he was already handing her off to AJ and taking Francesca in his arms.  Mac turned and found herself in AJ's strong arms.  "We don't have to dance if you'd rather not, Mac," he offered. 

"That would be a little obvious, wouldn't it... if we just sat down now?  No, we'll dance," Mac said softly. 

Neither said another word; AJ whirled Mac around the room easily.  When the music changed, rather than taking their seats as Harm and Francesca did, AJ shifted Mac in his arms slightly, and they began a slow dance.  Mac rested her head against his shoulder and AJ pulled her closer to him.  She slipped her arms around his neck, and his went around her waist. 

By the end of the song, they were hardly moving their feet, just swaying back and forth, pressing into each other.  Mac couldn't help but feel him against her.  She lifted her head slightly and kissed AJ's neck.  He lowered his head to her and took possession of her mouth.  Their swaying stopped; he pulled her tighter to himself.  

He gently turned Mac to the side and they walked toward the balcony exit.  Everyone in the room was watching them; had been for some time.  They were all mesmerized as they saw two people they admired very much become completely oblivious to everyone else in the room.  They watched as the couple walked out to the balcony.  When they were no longer in view, the room erupted in noise.

"My God!  Did you see them?"

"Damn!  I had no idea they were involved with each other!"

"Harm, did you know about this?"

"How long do you think it's been going on?"

"Hell, of course he knew.  He's the one who handed her off to him."

"Probably since the summer.  They acted a little funny at the July 4 picnic, remember?"

"So, Francesca, is she staying at the house with you?"

"She went to his beach house over Labor Day, you know."

"But I thought she was dating you now, Commander?"

Harm and Francesca looked at each other and smiled.  No, neither of them had known before, but they both knew now.  And they both approved.  AJ and Mac.  If Harm couldn't have her for himself, there's no one else he'd rather she be with than AJ Chegwidden.

Suddenly they heard Mac's voice from the balcony.  "Yes!!" she literally screamed.  "Oh, AJ!  Yes!!!!"

There was instant silence in the ballroom... after the collective gasp, that is.  Five minutes later, Mac and AJ walked back inside, his arm around her shoulders and a very satisfied smile on his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have an announcement to make," AJ said loudly.

Harriett immediately began clapping... Francesca joined her... then Harm and all the rest. "Congratulations!!" they all yelled.  

AJ looked at Mac questioningly.  "How do they know?  How could they possibly know?"

She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders.  Then AJ drew her in his arms and kissed her, again, much to the delight of all present.

The End.