Chapter 10

"He does, he's moving to San Diego with me," Mac answered simply.

Harm was quiet for a time, thinking over what she had just told him and he had to admit to himself that if the coin toss had gone the other way he would have tried to get out of it. He had given up the Navy at one point for her and it had turned out badly even though he'd saved her life and got Mattie out of the deal, but all in all, he was very glad Chegwidden had taken him back when he did. He didn't know if he could give it all up again. But here was Chegwidden ready to give up his home to follow her to San Diego. Oh sure, he didn't have a career to give up these days, but Harm wondered that if all Mac said was true, then would he have given that up for her too?

Come to think of it, Chegwidden had never given any of the staff a reason for his sudden retirement six months ago. Could Mac have been the reason? If so, why had he gone off with his daughter? But then, as soon as he'd found out Mac was engaged, he'd hot-footed it over here. Maybe the six months with his daughter was just for the sake of appearances, so it wouldn't look like they had been involved before he retired. Sure Mac thought it was just because she was giving up the Marines that he'd been upset, and that might have been the reason Chegwidden had given her, but Harm knew men thought differently. Surely AJ had an ulterior motive.

Harm had been quiet so long Mac was beginning to worry what was going on in his head. "Harm?"

"I guess if he's really what you want Mac, then nothing I can say or do will stop you, but have you considered all the drawbacks?"

Doubting there was anything he could come up with, she still asked, "What drawbacks?"

"His age for one, Francesca has to be close to your age!"

"She's two years younger than I am, what does that matter?"

"I wasn't talking about her age, but about his. Are you sure he's not too old to give you what you want?"

"And what is it you think I want?" Mac demanded.

"Children, and a healthy sex life."

"Harm, I told you about the endometriosis. If AJ and I are childless, it will more likely be my fault not his, and as for a healthy sex life, thanks for your concern, but I don't foresee that being a problem."

"Oh, so the two of you have already been together?" he wanted to know.

"That's none of your business Harm, but if you like I'll be happy to pass along your concerns to AJ."

Wondering if she really would and what the outcome of that particular conversation might be, he was quick to assure her, "I don't really think that's necessary Mac."

"Alright Harm. Now if there isn't anything else that you'd like to say I do have someone waiting for me."

"I knew it!"

"Yes, Harm, that's what makes you a top-notch investigative lawyer. I do hope that you and Mattie will do well in London and I know one day you'll find your soul mate too," she told him as she went to the apartment door and opened it, clearly waiting for him to leave.

"Sure Mac, whatever, I just hope you don't come to regret this change."

"I won't," she said as she closed the door behind him. Grabbing her bag, uniform, and purse, she was ready to head out the door just three minutes later.

When she thought about it later Mac realized how odd it was, but during the entire forty-five minute drive to AJ's house she was filled with excitement and anticipation, never once did she think about how she would act when she arrived. Not until she stood at his front door about to knock did it occur just how unusual the situation was. Here they were, co-workers and dare she think friends, for all these years, but now there was a new element added in. What should she say when he opened the door? And she'd better think quick because even though she hadn't knocked or rang the bell she could hear Dammit announcing her arrival, followed by footsteps approaching the door.

To be continued….