Chapter 17

"I believe you're right," Jessy laughed.

"But that means we have a nice long time to say good night."

"AJ do you think we should move our wedding date up if we are going to try and adopt this young girl?"

His smile warned her heart, "How about this, I will give a judge friend of mine a call and we can get married as soon as we can obtain a licence. Then in October when all our firneds and family are here we can do it again. Maybe then we will be able to introduce everyone to our daughter."

"Oh AJ! Are you sure about all this? You already have a daughter," Jessy questioned.

"That's true and I'm sure that she will be very happy to find out she's going to have a younger sister. I am sure Jessy. That girl needs us and I think we can provide a good home for her, don't you?"

"Yes I do! Thank you AJ! How is it that you can make all my dreams come true? Not only am I marrying the man I love but now to be a mother too! I feel like I should ask you to pinch me."

"I'd much rather kiss you but if you prefer a pinch…" he trailed off as he approached her.

Laughing Jessy told him, "A kiss would be fine my love."

"Just fine?"

"Wonderful, magnificent, out of this world?"

Holding up his hand he told her, "Wonderful works," taking Jessy into his arms he kissed her tenderly. "I probably should go and start making some phone calls to get all of our new plans in motion."

"As much as I hate for you to leave I think putting our pland in action sounds like a perfect idea."

"Okay then one more kiss and I will be on my way."

She gave a dramatic sigh, "Always one more kiss with you!"

"Yep," he grinned cheekily, took the kiss and headed out the door.

Once back at his place AJ picked up the phone and began making his calls. First he phoned Judge Morris to ask him to perform the ceremony between him and Jessy. AJ was told they could be married as early as Wednesday evening if he was able to get a marriage licence the next day. AJ assured him that he would try his best to do so. His second call was to Bud Roberts to inquire if he would be willing to help him with drawing up adoption papers.

Bud told him he would be thrilled to help with that. He wanted to know if AJ and his fiancee' were going to adopt a baby and seemed even more fasinated when AJ said that they wanted to become parents to a homeless teenage girl. Bud said if that were the case they would need to discover where her parents were and find out if they were willing or not to terminate their parental rights. AJ informed Bud that both of her parents were dead.

"Wow that's really sad Admiral. Not that I think she is lying Sir but does she have proof that is true? If she does it would be much easier to adopt her."

"I doubt she has any proof, she's been living alone in her car for the last six months. She saw the report of her mother's death in the newspaper. If I get you her mother's name could you find that info to help us?"

"Yes Sir, but we will also need her father's info so we can verify his death too."

"Alright Bud I will get the names for you but how many times have I told you to call me AJ instead of Admiral or Sir?"

"It's hard to do S…AJ after so many years at JAG doing just the oppisite."

"It's okay Bud. I would just rather you think of me as a friend rather that your old CO."

"AJ, Harriett would like me to invite you and your fiancee'… and your soon to be daughter too over for dinner one night soon. Do you have any night free this week?"

"We would love to Bud. What about Thursday?"

"That's great S…AJ! I'll let Harriett know!"

"Okay and as soon as I have those names for you I will give you a call."

To be continued…..