Webb's New Year

Thanksgiving Day 2001
0915 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac pulled still another dress out of her closet and held it up in front of her as she looked in the full-length mirror.  "This isn't right, either!  Damn!"  She threw the dress on the ever-growing pile of discarded items on her bed.  "Why the hell did I ever agree to go to Clay's mother's for Thanksgiving?  I have nothing whatsoever in common with her... except her son, of course.  Everyone there is going to be rich, from the best families... and then there's me."

Mac looked in the mirror, again.  "You're a fool, you know that?" she said to her image.  "A total idiot.  Those people will see right through you and know that you're nothing."  With that, she turned from the mirror and threw herself across the bed, dissolving in tears.  After five minutes of crying her heart out into her pillow, Mac made a decision.  "If I'm going to this thing, I'm going to hold my head up high and be proud of who I am."  

Mac got up off the bed and padded to the bathroom.  She rinsed her face with cool water and ran a comb through her hair.  She pulled a new pair of stockings out of her dresser drawer and sat on the edge of the bed to put them on.  Then she reached for her skirt and blouse, and finally her jacket.

The doorbell rang at exactly 0930.  "Clay's definitely the most punctual man I've ever dated," Mac smiled as she donned her pumps and headed to the door.

"Good morning, Beautiful," Webb said as Mac opened the door.  He walked in and took her in his arms.  "I missed you."

"You've only been gone for three hours, Clay," Mac laughed as he claimed her lips.

"Three very long hours," he mumbled in her mouth.  "I like having you in my arms."

"I like being here," she returned.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked, pulling away from her.

Mac nodded uncertainly.  "Uh huh."

"Where's your bag?"

"My bag?" 

"Never mind.  If you're ready, let's go," Webb replied, reaching for Mac's coat.

"Clay, what bag?" Mac queried.

"I thought you had agreed to stay overnight at Mother's.  I must have misunderstood you.  Not a problem; I'll bring you home this evening."  Webb held her coat and Mac slid her arms into the sleeves.

Mac looked puzzled.  "Is that what you meant?  Clay, I didn't realize...  I thought you just meant you wanted to stay here with me tonight."

Webb smiled.  "That would be more to my liking, but not to Mother's.  I always stay at the estate for Thanksgiving weekend... unless I'm working, of course."  Mac looked down at her feet.  "It's not a problem, Mac.  I'll bring you home and go back to Mother's.  It's not like she lives in another state."

"She does live in another state," Mac said as she buttoned her coat and walked to the table to get her things.

"True.  Okay, it's not like she lives 100 miles away."

Mac looked up at him.  "Clay, I don't really think your mother would appreciate my staying over.  She probably won't even like that I'm there for dinner."

Webb looked truly surprised at Mac's words.  "Why would you say that?"

"Webb, I'm not the same class as you and your mother.  I don't..."

"Class?" Webb said incredulously.  "Class!  Mac, are you telling me that you think my mother and I are snobs?  Is that it?"

"Of course not!"

"Then what?  What are you saying?"  Mac was silent.  Webb walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders.  Mac looked down at her feet.  "Mac, look at me."  She didn't move.  So Webb put his hand under her chin and lifted her head.  "Sarah, what is it?  What's wrong?"  He spoke gently; he could tell she was on the verge of tears, even though none had formed in her eyes yet.  She was willing them away, and he knew it.

"Nothing's wrong," she whispered.

"There is something, Sarah.  Tell me.  Do you not want to go to Mother's today?" he asked.  "You don't have to.  I certainly won't force you to go with me."

"You'd rather I didn't go?" she asked quietly.

"If I'd rather you didn't go, why would I have asked you in the first place?"

Mac looked straight into his eyes.  "That was before we made love," she informed him.

"Yes, it was.  And now I want you to go with me even more than I did before," he said.  Mac looked surprised.  "Sarah," he pulled her close to him, "you don't think you're good enough for my mother and her friends, do you?"

Mac looked down at her feet and shook her head slightly.  "No."

Webb lifted her head, again.  "That's why you chose to wear your uniform today, isn't it?"  Mac's eyes lit up like fire.  "There's nothing wrong with your wearing your uniform, Mac.  But you didn't wear it because you wanted to.  You put it on so you'd feel more sure of yourself.  Didn't you."  It wasn't really a question.  He knew the answer.

Mac backed away from him.  "Yes," she said defiantly.  "I'm proud of who I am when I'm in uniform."

"And you have every reason to be," he agreed with her.  "But Mac, you also have every reason to be proud of who you are when you're in civilian clothes.  You're a beautiful woman.  But more than that, you're kind and sensitive.  You're caring... and you have a lot of love to give."

"You'd rather I wore something else, wouldn't you," Mac said.

"No, Mac.  I want you to wear what you're comfortable wearing.  And if that's your uniform, that's what I want you to wear."

"Who's going to be there?" she asked.

"Just friends of Mother's," Clay hedged.  Mac glared at him.  "Mac, they're just people."

"So help me, Webb, if I get there and find..."

"Okay, okay.  A couple of Congressmen, a Senator, Secretary of Defense, umm... who else?"  Webb thought for a moment.  "Probably a General or two... and some long-time friends of Mother's who aren't in the government."

"I thought you said this was a small gathering?"

"It is.  Only about 20 people."

"Twenty!?  And that's small?" Mac was flabbergasted.  She turned and walked back to her bedroom, unbuttoning her coat as she went.  "Twenty people.  Small gathering," she muttered to herself.  "Just a couple of Congressmen and Senators. The Secretary of Defense... a General or two... Good God, what have I gotten myself into?"

Webb followed Mac to her room.  "My God, Mac!  What happened in here?" he asked, looking at the pile of discarded dresses on her bed.

"Couldn't find the right thing to wear," she replied sheepishly.

Webb went to her closet to see what was left.  He pulled out a black and white dress.  "This is absolutely exquisite on you, Mac.  Every time I see you in this, it takes my breath away."

Mac smiled.  "I like doing that.  Taking your breath away," she said while changing out of her uniform.  She pulled the dress over her head.  It hugged her curves perfectly.  She changed shoes and went to the bathroom to comb her hair.  When she came out, Webb was almost finished hanging up all the dresses that were on her bed.

He looked up and whistled.  "You are magnificent."  Mac smiled.  He held her coat for her, again, and they headed out the door.

Thanksgiving Day 2001
1115 EST
Porter Webb's Estate
Great Falls, Virginia

Webb helped Mac out of the car and they turned toward the house.  Mac had never seen such opulence before, let alone be party to it.  This was definitely going to be a new and different experience.  'Can I pull this off without making a total fool of myself?' she wondered. 

"Clayton, dear.  I'm so glad you got here ahead of the other guests," Porter Webb said walking down the front steps to her son.  She hugged him and then stepped over to Mac and took her hand in her own.  "Sarah, I am delighted that you're joining us this weekend.  I've asked Clayton to bring you home with him many times.  I'm glad you're finally here."

"Thank you for allowing me to come, Mrs. Webb," Mac said politely.

"Allowing?  Oh my dear, you are always welcome in my home.  And please, call me Porter."   She walked ahead of Webb and Mac into the house.  They met Frederick just inside the house.  "Frederick, please get Sarah's bags out of the car and take them up to her room."

Mac flushed as Webb spoke quickly.  "That won't be necessary, Frederick.  Just have the car moved."

"Won't be necessary, Clayton?  Whatever do you mean?" asked his mother.  She turned to Mac, "You are staying for the weekend, I hope?"

Mac shook her head.  "I didn't plan to, Ma'am."

Porter looked truly saddened by her words but quickly changed back to a happy face.  "No matter.  Perhaps you will change your mind as the day progresses.  And if not, we will have had a lovely day with you here and look forward to your return."  Webb smiled at his mother.  She was the epitome of graciousness.  "Frederick," she addressed the man coming through the front door.  "Please bring some refreshment to the parlor."  

Mac and Webb followed Porter into the parlor.  They all sat down and began to chat as Frederick returned.  He walked first to Mac and offered the tray to her.  Mac shook her head, and Frederick spoke quietly to her.  "The glass in front of you is tonic water with a twist of lime, Ma'am."

Mac looked up at him, surprised.  She smiled, "Thank you."  Frederick nodded to her and then served Porter, ending with Webb.  Mac was impressed.  "Who is Frederick?" she asked after he left the room.

"Frederick worked for my late husband.  After Neville died, Frederick resigned from the Company and came here to me.  He said he wanted to be my butler.  But I knew better.  He had promised Neville that if anything happened to him, Frederick would look after my interests and protect me.  And that's what he's done all these years.  He's much more of a friend and confidant than a servant.  But when we have guests, he insists on playing the role of butler to the hilt."

"At least he doesn't don the typical butler's tuxedo anymore!" Webb quipped.

"I think he just wants to be sure that no one thinks there's anything improper between us," Porter confessed.  "Not that if there was something there, it would be improper.  But there isn't anything, and Frederick wants to be sure people know that."

Mac smiled.  "He's a very considerate man."

"He's a most unusual man," Porter added.  

Their conversation shifted and before anyone realized it, an hour had passed.  The doorbell rang and the three heard Frederick open the massive front door.  "We should move to the living room now," Porter said as she set her glass on the table.  "The other guests are arriving." 

For the next 30 minutes, there was a constant stream of new faces entering the living room.  Mac was visiting with another woman when the Secretary of Defense walked up to them.  "I understand you are a Marine?" Secretary Rumsfeld said to Mac.

Mac fought with herself not to come to attention stance; she wasn't in uniform and this was an informal setting.  "Yes, Sir, that's correct.  Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, Mr. Secretary," Mac said flawlessly.

He smiled and extended his right hand in greeting.  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Colonel.  I've heard a lot about you.  Congratulations, by the way, on your recent medal.  Very well deserved."

Mac smiled.  "Thank you, Mr. Secretary."

"His name is Don, Sarah," the woman said.

The Secretary put his arm around her.  "And she knows better than call me that without my telling her to, my dear."  He turned to Mac.  "You've obviously met my wife.  Please, Colonel, call me Don."

"Thank you, Sir.  Don." Mac smiled.  "I'm Mac.  Or Sarah, whichever you prefer."  Mac stumbled on her last words as she heard a voice that she recognized.  She turned to see Admiral AJ Chegwidden entering the living room.  "Excuse me," she said to the Rumsfelds.

Mac made her way over to Webb.  "You didn't tell me the Admiral would be here," she hissed.

Webb looked surprised.  "I didn't know it.  Really, Mac, I didn't know it.  He must be with someone."  He looked over toward the door.  Sure enough, the Admiral was escorting one of his mother's oldest friends.  When he turned back to Mac, he found that she was already half way to the Admiral.  He walked quickly to catch up to her.

"Good afternoon, Admiral," Mac said.  "Happy Thanksgiving."

The Admiral turned surprised eyes on Mac.  "Mac!  This is a surprise."

"AJ?  Are you going to introduce me?" his escort asked.

"Of course.  Dara Mitchell, Sarah MacKenzie," AJ said.

"Pleased to meet you, Ma'am," said Mac.

"Likewise, Sarah."

"Dara!  Wonderful to see you, again!" Webb interrupted them as he approached and hugged the woman.  "I see you've met my Sarah?" he asked, slipping his arm around Mac's waist and pulling her to him.  Mac tensed at the display of affection in front of her CO, but Webb didn't release her.

"Your Sarah?" AJ questioned.

"Clayton!  I'm delighted!" Dara said at the same time.  

"I didn't know you knew Admiral Chegwidden, Dara," Webb said.

"Oh yes, AJ and I go back a long way.  I finally talked him into joining me today.  I think he felt guilty after refusing so many times!" she chided him and poked AJ in the side.

He laughed, "You always asked when I already had other plans, Dara.  This time you asked far enough in advance that I could accept."

"That you had to accept, you mean!" she returned.

"Pardon me, Sir, but I thought you were on call this weekend?" Mac addressed the Admiral.

He nodded.  "That's right, Mac."

"Sir, you obviously have plans for the weekend.  Why don't you let me take the beeper for you, Sir?" Mac offered.

"Mac, you want to..." AJ started.

"No, she doesn't, AJ," Webb interrupted.  He turned to Mac.  "Sarah, what are you doing?  We have plans..."

Mac looked from one man to the other and back, again.  Before she had a chance to say anything more, the Admiral answered for her.  

"Thanks for the offer, Mac.  It's very generous of you.  But I couldn't possibly accept.  You've been on call almost every weekend since your return from the Guadalcanal.  You need a break."  He nodded at Webb.  "And I'm glad to see you're getting one this weekend.  Even if it is with Webb," he smirked.

"Gee, thanks," Webb returned.

"I don't understand," Dara said.  "What are you all talking about?"

"I'll let you explain, AJ.  Sarah and I are going to mingle," Webb said as he steered Mac away from AJ and Dara.  "See you later Dara."

Secretary Rumsfeld and his wife walked up to AJ and Dara.  "Well, you two are together, again, I see."

AJ grinned.  "I don't know that I'd phrase it quite like that, Don."  AJ extended his hand in greeting.  "Been a while.  How've you been?  Aside from the obvious, I mean."

Some time later, Frederick stood in the doorway and caught Porter's eye.  "Dinner is served, Ma'am."

Thanksgiving Day 2001
2115 EST
Porter Webb's Estate
Great Falls, Virginia

All of the other guests were gone.  Mac was the only one left.  Porter Webb tried to convince her to stay for the weekend.  "I would love for you to stay, Sarah.  And I know Clayton would prefer it.  But it is your choice.  You do what you are comfortable with."

"But I didn't pack a bag.  I don't have any..." Mac started.

"You needn't worry about that," Porter interrupted.  "There are plenty of clothes in this house that I am certain would do fine."

"Very well.  If you're sure it won't be an inconvenience..."

"None at all," Porter assured her, smiling.

Mac nodded.  "All right.  I'll stay, at least for the night."

"Wonderful!  Then let's go back into the parlor and visit some more, shall we?" Porter suggested, nodding to Frederick.  She knew he would go directly upstairs and prepare the bedroom for Mac.

After a couple of hours, Porter feigned a yawn.  "Oh, my!  How rude of me.  I do apologize, Sarah.  I guess it's time I turned in.  Clayton, you will show Sarah to her room, won't you, Dear."

"Of course, Mother."

"Then I'll say good night.  Sarah, I am so glad you decided to stay with us.  I'll see you in the morning."  Porter left them alone in the parlor.

"You tired?" Webb asked Mac.

She shook her head.  "Not really," Mac answered hesitantly.

"You sure you want to stay?"

Mac stepped into Webb's arms.  "I'm sure, Clay."  He folded his arms around her and lowered his mouth to hers.  "Very sure," she mumbled in his mouth.  

Webb moved them to the sofa and gently laid Mac down on the cushions.  He ran his hands up and down her body, making her shiver with anticipation.  "Sarah, this is my mother's house," he groaned as he stopped kissing her.  "I can't do any more than this here."

She opened her eyes and looked at him, her surprise evident.  "You mean we're not going to be sharing a room?"

Webb shook his head.  "No, we're not."  He cupped her face with his hand.  "Do you want me to take you home now?"  She shook her head.  "You're sure?"  She nodded.  Webb lowered his mouth to hers, again.  "You're a special woman, you know that?"

Mac shook her head.  "No, Clay.  You're the special one.  I don't think I know any men who would be so considerate of their mother."

"Mother is always considerate of me.  She never questions me or my actions.  The least I can do in return is not insult her."

"Your mother is an incredible woman, Clay.  I've never met anyone quite like her.  She was the perfect hostess today.  She made sure everyone had a good time, and yet she seemed to thoroughly enjoy herself, as well.  It was amazing."

Webb smiled.  "Yes, that's Mother.  Truly amazing."  Webb lowered his mouth to Mac's, again.  They were interrupted by a knock on the parlor door.  Webb sat up quickly and helped Mac to a sitting position as he called, "Yes?"

Frederick opened the door and brought in a tray with two steaming mugs.  "I thought you might like some hot cocoa, Sir."

"Oh, that's perfect!" exclaimed Mac.  "I love hot chocolate, especially just before bed."

"Your room is ready for you any time, Ma'am.  The clothespress contains articles that should suit your needs for the weekend.  If you need anything else, just ring the bell and I'll answer," Frederick told her.

"I'm sure everything will be just fine, Frederick.  Thank you very much," Mac said.

"Good night, Ma'am.  Sir."  Frederick backed out of the room and closed the door.

When Webb and Mac finished their hot chocolate, they went upstairs and Webb showed Mac her room.  It was the same room Harriett had used the week before when he took her out for dinner.  Mac recognized it from Harriett's description.  Webb showed her the bell pull that Frederick had mentioned.  "Use it if you need anything, Sarah."  Webb took her in his arms and pressed her close to him.  He took possession of her mouth and lightly nipped at her lower lip.  Mac groaned her pleasure.  "I need to go now," he said.  "While I still can."

Mac released him reluctantly.  "Clay?" she stopped him as he reached the doorway.  He turned around to face her.  "Thank you for a lovely day.  I can't remember ever spending a nicer Thanksgiving in my life."

"I'm glad you came, Sarah."  He turned and left quickly.

Mac was curious about the clothes in the closet that Frederick had mentioned.  She opened the doors and was surprised to find dresses, pants, blouses, jeans, t-shirts, even shoes.  She opened one of the drawers and found undergarments.  And everything was her size... and brand new!  "How in the world...?"  She glanced over at the bed; there was a new nightgown waiting for her, just as Harriett said one had been there for her.  Mac went into the bathroom and found new toiletry items, as well.  "This woman is incredible.  And Frederick... wow!"

Mac changed into her nightgown and brushed her teeth.  She removed her makeup and ran a comb through her hair.  As she left the bathroom, there was a knock on her door.  She opened it to find Webb standing there.  She smiled at his hungry look.

Webb looked at Mac, gazing at her from head to toe and back up, again.  "You're ravishing, Sarah."  Mac's smile grew wider.  "Just checking to be sure you have everything you need," he said.

Mac shook her head.  "But now that you're here, I think that will take care of itself," she said seductively, pulling him into her arms and kissing him thoroughly.  Webb pulled her closer to him, and she could feel him hard against her.  She wiggled her hips, and he groaned in her mouth.  "Good night, Clay.  Sweet dreams."

"Oh they will be, Sarah.  Sweet... and wet, most likely.  Good night."  He pulled away from her, backed out of her room, and pulled her door closed.  She could hear him groan as he walked down the hall to his room.

Friday, 23 November 2001
0730 EST
Porter Webb's Estate
Great Falls, Virginia

Mac made her way down the stairs and followed her nose to the kitchen.  She pushed the door open and found Frederick seated at the small kitchen table and Porter standing in front of the stove.  "What is this, role reversal?" Mac quipped.

Porter laughed.  "Yes!  I love to cook breakfast.  It's the only meal Frederick will allow me to fix anymore.  Except when I shoo him out of the house on an errand or something."

Frederick piped in as he rose to pour Mac a cup of coffee.  "Too true.  Whenever I'm gone longer than an hour, I know I'll return to find her in my kitchen... cooking, baking..."

Mac laughed as she accepted the cup.  "I could smell the coffee and bacon in my room."

"Was Clayton awake when you came down?" Porter asked.

"I don't know; I didn't stop by his room.  His door was still closed, though," Mac said.

"I'm up," Webb said as he walked into the kitchen.  "Frederick, are you letting Mother cook, again?"

"I'm afraid so, Sir."

"Frederick, we've had this discussion many times.  When there are no guests here, I expect you to call me..."

"Miss MacKenzie, Sir," Frederick interrupted him quietly.

Webb was duly chastised.  "Okay, yes.  Sarah is a guest here.  But she's also my girlfriend, so she counts as family."  Mac looked up at Webb, rather startled.  "Is that okay with you, Mac?"  She nodded dumbly.  "Mother?"

"Perfectly," Porter replied.

"Frederick?"

"Very well, Sir...  Clay."

"Clayton, why don't you set the table for breakfast.  The pancakes will be ready in about five minutes," Porter suggested.

As they ate breakfast, the foursome discussed the prior day's dinner and their guests.  They all agreed that everyone enjoyed themselves and had plenty to eat.  "I really liked Secretary Rumsfeld and his wife.  They were so personable.  I always thought of him as someone so... untouchable," Mac said.  "He was just as pleasant as could be.  And his wife is just a doll."

Porter smiled.  "Donald and my husband were best friends growing up.  When Neville joined the Company, Donald was flying for the Navy.  Donald was not pleased; he wanted the two of them to go into business together.  They were each other's best men for our weddings, but they drifted apart soon afterward.  It wasn't until Neville's death that Donald expressed remorse for having alienated himself from my husband.  He's done a lot for me over these last years.  They're very dear friends."

"I was surprised that AJ Chegwidden was with Dara, Mother.  Did you know about that?" Webb asked pointedly.

Porter laughed.  "Dara has been after AJ for... forever!  I was truly amazed that he actually came with her yesterday."

"I didn't know Dara even knew him," Webb offered.

"She's known him since the Academy, Clayton.  She's the one over whom he was almost expelled," Porter confided.

"The Admiral was almost expelled from the Academy?"  Mac was shocked.  

Porter laughed.  "Almost.  But he smoothed it over and became the first and only Midshipman in history to have spent the night AWOL... with a girl, I might add... and not be expelled."

"Oh my God!" exclaimed Mac.  "Do tell."

"Well, as I remember it, AJ and Dara were on a date.  He ran his car off the road about 5 miles from her home.  Dara says she was giving AJ a blow job while he was driving.  He says she bit him and he jerked, losing control of the car.  Neither of them were hurt, but the car wasn't drivable.  He suggested that they walk, and Dara would have none of it.  She wanted him in the backseat, is what she wanted.  Well, AJ tried to flag down a passing car for hours, and no one stopped.  Finally he went back to the car.  He sat in the front seat until Dara's complaining about being cold finally made him move to the back with her.  One thing led to another, and when the cops found them at 3 in the morning, they were in each other's arms under a blanket, sound asleep in the backseat."

"And?" Webb had never heard this story before.

"Dara swore that nothing happened.  She told the authorities that AJ had done everything he could to keep her safe and warm, even to the extent that he would be expelled for being AWOL when he could easily have walked away and left her to find her own way home.  But being the gentleman that he was, he couldn't do that.  He stayed with her and risked his own future to protect her," Porter laughed.

"You're laughing, Porter.  Why don't I believe this story?" Mac asked.

"Oh, everyone believed Dara.  She was a good girl.  But AJ?  He already had quite the reputation at the Academy.  But because it was Dara he was with, and Dara who stood up for him, he wasn't even charged with AWOL.  They even gave him a special commendation!" she laughed, again.

"Mother, why do you keep laughing?"

"After AJ was commissioned, the police found the bag of things from AJ's car.  It had been lost for all that time after the accident.  AJ was very upset about that.  There was a pocket knife he was missing; I believe it was from his father.  Anyway, the police mailed the bag to him on his ship.  When he opened it, he dumped it out on the table and found his knife.  He was so caught up with that, he didn't notice anything else... until his roommate picked up Dara's panties and held them in front of AJ's face."

"Oh God!  Her panties?!?" Mac exclaimed.

Porter could only nod, she was laughing so hard.

"Mother, how did find out about this?"

"His roommate was Donald Rumsfeld!"

"No!"  "You're joking!"  "That's too funny!"

Sunday, 25 November 2001
2145 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Webb turned his car onto Mac's street.  "Clay, I had a fabulous weekend.  Thank you so much," Mac gushed.  

"I'm glad you decided to stay."

"I can't remember ever having so much fun.  Horseback riding, climbing trees, even swimming in November!  Who'd have thought!"

"Well, it's not so bad when you have a heated inside pool, Mac," Webb drawled.

"Okay, okay.  But still.  I loved the hot tub.  And the bowling was fun, too.  I had no idea anyone had a bowling alley in their basement!"

Webb laughed as he pulled into a parking space.  "Mother was going to have it gutted a few years back, but I think Frederick talked her out of it.  He uses it more than anyone else.  Always has."

Mac took his hand in hers and kissed it.  "Thank you, Clay.  Thank you for making me feel special."

"You are special, Sarah.  Very special," he whispered.

They walked up to her apartment door, and Mac retrieved her keys from her purse.  Webb took them from her and opened the door.  Mac entered with Webb close on her heels.  He shut the door behind them, draped her uniform over the nearest chair, and grabbed Mac in his arms.  

He backed her up against the wall and devoured her mouth.  "Clay... oh Clay..." she mumbled in his mouth.  "The bedroom... take me to the bedroom..."

Monday, 26 November 2001
0945 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Tiner knocked on the conference room door before he opened it.  "Excuse me, Admiral.  But Clayton Webb is calling for the Colonel.  He says it's urgent, Sir."

The Admiral looked at Mac questioningly.  She shrugged indicating that she had no idea what he was calling about.  "Put it through, Tiner," the Admiral instructed.

"Line 3, Colonel," Tiner replied quickly and left.

Mac picked up the phone and punched Line 3.  "Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie."

"I'm sorry to bother you in your staff meeting, Mac.  But I wanted to tell you that I'm going out of town for a while.  Don't know when I'll be back."

"Anything I can do?" she asked.

"No.  Well, you might call my mother.  She really likes you.  And you have Frederick's approval, too, which says a lot.  He doesn't like anybody!"

Mac smiled.  "Be safe, Clay," she whispered.

"I'll do my best, as always.  I have to go; my ride's here.  Look, there was a reason I didn't want to leave a message.  I didn't want to say this to a machine.  I love you, Sarah."

"You what?" Mac asked, but all she heard was a dial tone.  "Clay?  Clay!!"  Mac dropped the receiver on the table and ran from the room, much to the amazement of all present.  

"Harriett, if I don't miss my guess, she's in the ladies room.  Would you go check on her, please?" the Admiral requested.

"Aye, aye, Sir."  Harriett was on her feet in a flash and out the door.

"What was that all about?" asked Harm.

"You heard as much as the rest of us, Commander," AJ replied, even though he had a pretty good idea Webb had said one of two things to Mac:  he either told her he didn't want to see her again socially, or he told her he loved her.  And AJ would put his money on the latter.  He'd seen the way Webb looked at and handled Mac on Thursday.  There was no question in his mind.

Harriett walked into the ladies room and found Mac standing in front of the sink with the water running.  "You going to use any of that water, Colonel?" Harriett asked quietly.  Mac didn't move, so Harriett reached in front of her and turned off the faucet.  "Can I do anything?  Get you anything?" Harriett laid her hand on Mac's shoulder.  "Ma'am?"

Mac shook her head.  "I'm fine."  She started for the door.

"Mac, is Clayton all right?"

Mac stopped but didn't turn around.  She nodded.  "He's fine, Harriett.  He's leaving on another mission."  With that, Mac left the room.  

She headed for her office, but the staff meeting was breaking up and the Admiral saw her coming in.  He called to her to join him in his office.  "Have a seat, Mac," he said as he shut the door behind them.  Then he sat in the chair next to her, rather than behind his desk.  "I was surprised to see you at the Webb's on Thanksgiving, Mac.  How long have you and Webb been seeing each other socially?"

Mac looked up at her CO.  "About a week, Sir."

"A week?"  He was surprised.  The looks he'd seen them share on Thursday didn't look like such a short-term relationship.  "Just a week?"

Mac nodded.  "We went out the first time last Monday, Sir."

"Mac, why did Webb call you this morning?"

"To tell me he was leaving on a mission, Admiral."

"He could have left that as a message.  Why did he interrupt the staff meeting?"  Mac shook her head.  "Mac, you do know why.  And I want to know why.  He said it was urgent.  What was urgent?"  She shook her head, again.  "Okay, I'll tell you what I think.  You tell me if I'm right or wrong.  How's that?" he offered, but he didn't wait for a reply.  "The way I see it, Webb called for one of two things.  Either he called to tell you he didn't want to see you socially anymore, or..." he stopped to look at Mac's reaction.  It hadn't changed.  "Or he called to tell you he's in love with you."  

Mac looked up at her CO just as a tear slipped out of the corner of her eye.  Mac quickly wiped it away.  "How did you know?" she whispered.

"Mac, the way you two looked at each other on Thursday?  It was obvious even to me how you two felt."

"I don't know how I feel, Sir."

"Yes, you do, Mac.  You're just afraid of it.  I imagine Webb is a bit afraid of it, too," AJ said.  "But if you let the love grow, the fear will subside."

"I thought you didn't like Webb, Sir."

"I like him fine, Mac.  He's a good man.  I don't especially like what he does and how he uses my people.  But he gets his job done.  Done well.  He's probably the best operative we've got in the country."

"He really is a wonderful... I mean, he's great..." Mac stumbled.

AJ smiled at Mac's discomfiture.  "I know what you mean, Mac.  Now, did he say how long he'll be gone this time?"  She shook her head.  "Probably doesn't know.  Did he say where?"  She shook her head, again.  "Probably couldn't tell you."

"Or didn't want me to worry."

"No.  He's smarter than that.  He knows you'll worry anyway.  If he could have told you, he would."  

Mac smiled.  "You really do understand him, don't you, Sir?"

"I was in my share of black ops as a SeAL, Mac.  Yes, I understand him only too well."  The buzzer interrupted them.  AJ leaned forward and pressed the intercom.  "What is it, Tiner?"

"Excuse me, Admiral.  Dara Mitchell is here for your lunch engagement, Sir."

"Damn!  I forgot to have you cancel that.  Okay, I'll be out in a minute.  And Tiner, do not under any circumstance refer to anything as an 'engagement' where that woman is concerned.  You got that?" AJ barked.

"Aye, aye, Sir."

AJ and Mac stood up and walked to the door.  As AJ opened it, Mac winked at him and said, "One day, Sir, you'll have to tell me what color they were."  AJ froze and stared at Mac with his mouth gaping open.  She grinned and walked out ahead of him.  "Dara!  Lovely to see you, again."

"Hello, Sarah," said Dara coolly.

"You're here for lunch with the Admiral?  I won't keep you.  Have a good time," Mac quipped and walked away.

"Colonel!" barked the Admiral before Mac got too far.

She turned around.  "Sir?" she smirked.

"Yellow."

Mac grinned.  "Thank you, Sir.  I'll take that into consideration."

He nodded.  "I'm sure you will, Mac."

Tuesday, 11 December 2001
0935 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Has anyone seen Colonel MacKenzie?" Tiner yelled.

"Tiner!" Bud scolded.  "What's gotten into you?  You know better than to yell..."

"The Colonel... has anyone seen her?" Tiner yelled, again, this time bringing the Admiral out of his office.

"What the hell is all the yelling about, Tiner?" he barked.

"Sir, Mr. Webb is on the phone.  The Colonel..."

"Find her, Tiner," the Admiral ordered.  "Go bang on the ladies room door.  She could be in there."  The Admiral picked up the phone and spoke.  "Webb?  Chegwidden.  We're looking for Mac.  Can you hold on?"

"Hello, AJ.  I only have another minute.  I really needed to talk to Mac," Webb said.

"She needs to hear your voice, too, Webb," AJ said quietly.

"You know?"

"I know."

Mac came running through the bullpen and grabbed the phone from the Admiral.  "Clay?" she almost yelled into the receiver.  AJ moved to stand behind her, blocking the view from the bullpen.

"Hello, Sarah," Webb said.

"Oh, Clay...  It's so good to hear your voice."

"I love you, Sarah."

"And I love you, Clay," she whispered.

"I have to go now.  I'm sorry..."

"Don't be.  It's your job.  You'll be home when you can.  Meanwhile, just know that I love you," Mac said softly.

"Bye."

"Bye."  Mac held the receiver to her chest as a tear slipped down her cheek.  "Be safe, Clay," she whispered.

AJ turned her around to face him.  He took the receiver from her grasp and set it down on the cradle.  Then he turned her and walked her into his office and closed the door.  "You going to be okay, Mac?"

She nodded.  "I told him I love him," she said in amazement.  "I didn't mean to.  It just came out."

"Do you love him?"

"Very much so," Mac gushed.

AJ smiled.  "Good.  Why don't you take a minute and collect yourself.  Then call Porter and let her know you spoke with her son.  That will mean more to her than anything you could ever do for her," he suggested.

Mac nodded.  "Yes, Sir.  We talk almost every evening.  But this shouldn't wait for tonight," she agreed.

When Mac finished her call to Webb's mother, she left the Admiral's office.  Harm stopped her in the bullpen.  "Mac, what's going on?  Why is Webb calling you and the Admiral..."

"Mac!" called the Admiral.  She turned back to face him.  "Porter will be here at 1230 for lunch.  You'll join us?"

Mac smiled.  "Thank you, Sir.  I'll be delighted."

The Admiral went back in his office and Mac almost escaped Harm.  "Mac!  What is going on?"

"Harm, it's nothing for you to concern yourself with.  It's my business."

"And the Admiral's, apparently.  When did you two get so chummy?"

"Thanksgiving," she replied with a smirk and walked away.

"What?!"

Tuesday, 11 December 2001
1225 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Porter Webb arrived a few minutes early for their lunch date.  As she walked into the bullpen, she saw Harriett seated at her desk.  "Harriett?" she approached her.

Harriett looked up, surprised.  "Mrs. Webb!  Oh!  Hello!  My goodness," Harriett stood and came out from behind her desk to greet her former hostess.  "How wonderful to see you, Ma'am.  What brings you to JAG?"

"Lunch date," Porter said.  "And how are you, my dear?"

"Fine.  Just fine, thank you."

"And that precious little AJ?" she smiled.

"He's just perfect, as always," Harriett gushed.  

Mac looked up as Porter walked in the bullpen.  "Porter!" Mac called as she came out of her office.

Porter's face lit up in a smile and she walked over to embrace Mac.  "Sarah, it is so good to see you, again.  I was delighted when AJ asked me to come have lunch with you."  Seeing Harm walk up to them, she added, "Commander Rabb, isn't it?"

He nodded, "Yes, Ma'am.  It's nice to see you, again, Mrs. Webb.  Welcome to JAG."

"Thank you."  She turned back to Mac.  "Sarah, dear, do you know where AJ is taking us for lunch?"

Mac shook her head, "I'm afraid not, Porter.  He didn't confide in me this time," she joked.

"Ahh, but he did confide in you about something more important," Porter said.  Then she whispered conspiratorially, "Yellow!"  The two women dissolved in laughter.

AJ walked out of his office, hearing Porter's voice.  "Good afternoon, Porter," he said in greeting.

"Hello, AJ," Porter said, regaining her calm, and reaching up to kiss him on the cheek.  "Thank you for inviting me to join you for lunch today."

"Glad you could make it."  He turned to Mac.  "You ready to go, Mac?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Tiner, we're off!  We'll be at the OC.  Try not to disturb our lunch."

"Aye, aye, Sir!" Tiner replied.

Harm and the rest of the bullpen watched as the Admiral left with Mac and Porter Webb.  "What the hell is going on?" asked a befuddled Harmon Rabb.  "Yellow?  Yellow what?"

Tuesday, 18 December 2001
1005 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac flew to her office and grabbed the phone.  "Clay?" she said breathlessly.

"Hello, Beautiful," his voice came over the wire.

"Oh, Clay, I'm so glad you called."

"How are you?" he asked.

"Missing you.  But I'm fine.  How are you?"

"Missing you.  And I'm fine, too.  Doesn't look like I'll be getting home anytime soon.  Probably be there in February."

"I'll look forward to it, Clay."

"Sarah, I didn't mean for this to happen.  I didn't intend to.."

"I know that, Clay.  Neither did I.  But it did happen.  Let's just be happy and roll with the punches."

"Are you sure you want to be involved with someone in my line of work?  Never knowing..."

"I knew that when we started this, Clay.  Yes, I'm sure.  I love you."

"That sounds so strange.  To hear a woman say those words to me.  But that the woman is you.  God, that has to be a miracle!"

"I feel the same way, you know.  That you should love me is incredible."

"I do love you.  And I have to go now," he said sadly.

"Bye."

"Bye."

Thursday, 20 December 2001
0805 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

The Admiral could hear the women's voices in the break room as he approached.  They were obviously discussing their gowns for the upcoming JAG New Year's Eve dinner dance.  He heard Harriett's voice.  Then he recognized Lauren Singer's.  Then the new Ensign... 'What is her name?' AJ thought.  When he entered the room, he was surprised to also see Mac in the room.  'Why didn't she talk about her dress?' he wondered.

"Good morning, ladies," AJ said.  At his voice the junior officers came to attention stance.  "As you were," he told them.  "So, Mac, Harriett will be in green, Lauren in blue," he still couldn't remember the Ensign's name, so he nodded to her, "another green.  But I didn't hear about your dress." 

"I won't be attending this year, Sir," Mac said quietly.

"What?" cried Harriett.  "Oh, excuse me, Sir," she said quickly to the Admiral.

"Why not, Mac?" AJ asked.

"Not in a very festive mood this year, Admiral."

"Mac, I'd like you to be there.  I know it won't be... what you were hoping for.  But we're your family.  And it'll do you good to be with us in a social setting.  You know it will."

Mac nodded.  "I'll think about it, Sir."

"Would it help you to know that I'm bringing Porter with me this year?" he asked.

"Porter Webb?  You are?  Seriously?" Harriett asked delightedly.  She loved the Admiral dearly, and from her brief encounters with Porter Webb, she thought she was a lovely, wonderful woman.  Perfect for her Admiral!

AJ looked at Harriett and grinned.  "I take it you approve, Lieutenant?"

Harriett gasped.  "Oh!  I am so sorry, Sir," she flushed.

"Not a problem, Harriett.  I'm glad you like Porter.  She's a wonderful woman.  Has a few too many things to hold over my head for my comfort, though," he said looking at Mac.  "And now, I understand, she has yet another one.  Yellow, indeed."

Mac laughed outright.  "I couldn't resist, Sir."

"You will come on New Year's Eve, Mac?" he asked.  "I'd be happy to have my limo pick you up after we collect Porter.  You can ride with us.  I know Porter would be thrilled."

Mac nodded.  "Very well, Sir.  I'll come.  And I would appreciate the ride, too."  AJ smiled and walked out of the break room.  Before he got very far, he heard Mac's voice, again.  "Purple velvet." 

Monday, 31 December 2001
2315 EST
Ritz Carlton Ballroom
Arlington, Virginia

Harm whirled Mac around the dance floor, but he couldn't make her laugh.  She smiled every so often, but her laugh just wasn't there.  "Mac, what is it?  What's got you so down?" he asked.

"I'm not down, Harm.  Not really," she replied.

"You're not yourself lately."

"I am, actually.  I'm just missing someone," she said cryptically.

"Webb?"

Mac looked up into Harm's eyes.  "Would that be so bad, Harm?  If I wanted Webb?"

"No, I guess not.  As long as he doesn't hurt you."

"What, like you haven't hurt me over the last six years?" she quipped.

"Okay, I deserved that.  Yes, I know I've hurt you.  And I'm sorry for it.  If I could take it all back, I would."

"I know you would, Harm.  Thank you."

"Mac, you're my best friend, and I love you.  You know that, right?" Harm asked.

Mac nodded.  "Of course."

"Good."  Harm was satisfied.  For now, anyway.  Webb would slip up, Harm was sure of it.  Then Mac would be back to normal... and back to him.  'And this just might do it!' Harm thought as he saw Clayton Webb walk into the ballroom.  'Mac hates surprises.  When Brumby surprised her at the Surface Warfare Ball last year, I thought she would string him up.  So long, Webb!' Harm gloated.

Harm kept Mac from seeing Webb before he approached them.  "May I cut in?" Webb requested.

Mac recognized his voice instantly.  She let go of Harm and turned around, jumping into Webb's waiting arms.  "Clay!!" Mac squealed with delight.  Then they were kissing, passionately kissing.  

AJ and Porter walked over to them.  He slapped Harm on the back and said, "I think you just lost your dancing partner, Commander."

"It appears that way, Sir," Harm said as he watched in amazement.  "She's not angry."

"Angry?" AJ laughed.  "Angry that Webb is here?  Why would you think that, Harm?"

"She was not happy when Brumby showed up like this, Admiral," Harm reminded him.

"Ah, but Mac wasn't really in love with Brumby, now was she?" AJ said.  Harm looked at the Admiral with disbelief.  AJ nodded.  "Most definitely, Son," he said softly.

Harm looked back at Mac and Webb.  They had parted lips and were whispering to each other.

"Oh, Clay, I'm so glad you're home."

"I've missed you, Sarah."

"And you're not hurt or anything?  You're okay?"

"Not a scratch."

"Let's get out of here."

"My thoughts exactly," he said as he dangled a room key in front of her.

Mac grinned.  "Let me get my purse."  Mac turned to go to her table, but Porter stopped her.  

"I believe this is what you wanted, my dear?" she said with a gleam in her eyes.  She handed Mac her purse.

AJ handed Webb Mac's coat check claim ticket.  "You'll want to pick up her coat on your way to the room, too, Webb.  They'll be closed in the morning," he smirked.

Webb and Mac started for the door.  Suddenly Webb stopped and turned around.  "Mother?  What the hell are you doing here?"

Porter laughed as AJ said, "Clayton Webb, that is no way to speak to your mother!  Watch your language!"

"Oh my God!  You're with... with... him!" Webb pointed at AJ.  

Porter nodded.  "That's right, Son.  I'm with... him," she nodded toward AJ.

Mac leaned over to Webb and whispered, "They were yellow panties, Clay.  He told me.  And I told your mother."

Webb grinned.  He turned back to the Admiral.  "Yellow, AJ?"

AJ grinned right back at him.  "Dara's.  I don't know about your mother's.  Yet."  Porter raised an eyebrow at AJ.

Webb closed the distance between them in a flash.  "You'd better not hurt my mother, AJ."

"You'd better not hurt my Colonel, Webb."

The two men eyed each other.  Finally Mac said, "Clay, if you're going to stand there and argue with my CO all night, I'm sure Harm will..."

"I'm coming," he snapped quickly.  Mac laughed.  "You know, I rather liked the sound of that," he said.

"What?  My laugh?" she asked as they walked out.

"That, too.  But I meant what AJ said."

"What was that?  'You'd better not hurt my Colonel'?"

"No... Colonel Webb."

Mac slipped her hand in the crook of Webb's arm.  "Don't you think you're getting a little ahead of yourself?" she laughed.

"Just a little."

Tuesday, 1 January 2002
0002 EST
Ritz Carlton Suite 1400
Arlington, Virginia

Mac and Webb hardly made it to the room before they were stripping each other's clothes off.  Webb soon collapsed on top of Mac.  "What a lovely way to see in the new year," Mac said.

"Sure beats the hell out of getting drunk!" Webb said, and Mac laughed.  "I love you, Sarah."

"And I love you, Clay."

"Marry me."

Mac flipped Clay over onto his back and straddled him.  "Clay, don't you think it's a little early for us to discuss marriage?"

"Nope.  I've known you for years.  I've been in love with you since last year.  And I want you to be my wife this year."

"Clay, there's so much to my past that you don't know..."

"And there's so much to my life that I can't tell you.  So what?  The question is, do you want to marry me?  Do you want to be my wife and have my children?"

"Yes," she replied simply.

Webb blinked.  "Did you say, 'Yes'?"

Mac nodded.  "I did.  Yes."

"Are you sure?"

Mac laughed and bent down to nuzzle his neck.  "No!  I'm not sure.  Convince me!!"

"Gladly," he growled and flipped Mac over onto her back, again.

"How about a June wedding?"

The end.