A/N A note about this chapter. The only thing off canon is the birthdate of Lee. When I wrote this and the story Ready Or Not I was not aware that Lee's birthday was shown in Rumors of My Death. Then there was also a discussion on the True Blue Fans Of Scarecrow and Mrs. King Facebook group. Most of this story had been written and I wasn't about to go back and change the timeline so as far as I am concerned it really is a minor detail.

"So Sis, what did you want to talk about?" JJ questioned. She was meeting her sister for lunch at the Pentagon. They had just sat down at a table on the 5th-floor food court. Mattie and JJ had decided to split a plate of nachos and JJ plopped some in her mouth.

"I need some dating advice," Mattie stated

JJ swallowed her food quickly, looking surprised. Dating advice!? You? That's a switch. When did you ever need that? You were the one with all the boyfriends and you couldn't keep them away! It drove Papa crazy!"

"Me? You are the one who drove him nuts breaking all his rules!" Mattie laughed.

"That's because rules are made to be broken. I would quote that back to him what he always said about his job, and I remember it would get him all flustered and he would run his hands through his hair and yell for Mama to talk some sense into me!" JJ took a sip of her coke. "And to top it off most guys were intimidated by me because of my height."

Mattie finished chewing her portion and was having a hard time stifling a laugh. Finally, she was able to say "I have been dating this guy since February. I met him at an embassy party and he really confuses me. He works at the Lebanese embassy. He is really attentive but also distant at the same time. He won't hold my hand. He has kissed me twice on the cheek but never anything more than that. I have never encountered a guy like this."

"Yeah, that could be frustrating. I can see how you would be confused." JJ sympathized.

"And I just don't know what to think. He did say his family is not very demonstrative and doesn't like to show affection. And of course, our family is very different!"

JJ nodded. "You can say that again! Mom and Papa are always kissing each other, us, and hugging! Maybe you need to give it some more time. I dunno, maybe give it a few more months and see if he warms up anymore. And if he doesn't then you have to decide if you can live with him that way or move on." They both sat in silence a moment to contemplate what JJ said. Then she added. "Try to provide some romantic incentives: maybe a walk in the moonlight or have him over for dinner and a movie. Hey, I have a good idea! Why don't you invite him to Papa's and my annual birthday bash that's at the end of April?"

"That's a good way to scare him off!" Mattie said horrified. Then they both laughed at the thought of their father meeting Jason.

"But it is a good test," JJ mused. She took a fork and picked out the jalapeños to throw away. "You know Papa with the shoulder holster, but maybe you can talk to Mom and see if she can talk him out of wearing it."

"I can try. He has scared so many guys away with that look. You know that one!" Mattie giggled.

JJ joined in laughing. "Yeah, the clenched jaw and icy stare daring the poor guy to just say the wrong thing!" JJ imitated and over-exaggerated her father's mannerisms.

"It's a wonder if we'll ever get married!" Mattie groaned.

"Speak for yourself! Scott and I have been talking about marriage!" JJ announced.

"Really?! That's wonderful!" Mattie came around the table and hugged her sister. "Scott doesn't have a thing to worry about. He's family! Papa loves him!"

"That he does! and I got your old boyfriend!" JJ teased.

"You know we were never serious, and that was junior high! Scotty was pining for you and you were too self-absorbed to notice."

"True, I was trying to join the girls' basketball team." JJ nodded as she wiped her hands with a napkin.

"But back to me," Mattie smiled. "I just wish I felt settled."

"What do you mean, Mattie? You have a good job, nice place to live, possibly a boyfriend and you're Papa's favorite." JJ surmised.

"No, you're his favorite because of the Agency. You followed in his footsteps. I wasn't interested in the government that way. But I don't think I even want to work at the Pentagon anymore. And I feel guilty for thinking that way," Mattie confessed.

"You know Papa adores you. You are more like Mom. But why do you feel guilty?"

"Because Papa and Uncle Robert are responsible for getting me the job. I've only had it for two years. Most people would kill for a cushy and elite job like this. I'm thinking I want to go back to school to be an LVN."

"Then you should do it! And you know Papa and Mom will support whatever you want to do," JJ said encouragingly.

"That's it! I've decided. I think I'll give Jason a few more months and the job too. I always feel better when I talk to you, Sis!" Mattie declared.

Early April

Mattie and Jason were leaving the Kennedy Center after attending the ballet, Giselle. As they got in the car, Jason suggested they take a short drive over to the Lincoln Memorial. As they walked quietly up the Memorial steps to take in the view, Jason offered his arm to Mattie for support. She was hoping the romantic setting with the city lights in view would put Jason in the same mood. She hugged his arm a little tighter hoping to instigate a more affectionate moment with him.

It worked-as they stood at the top of the steps, Jason took hold of her hand and caressed her face with the other. Mattie pressed closer and leaned in to encourage an intimate kiss. Their lips touched lightly at first and were hesitant, but soon grew into a strong passionate kiss that left them both breathless. It was all Mattie needed to know that she should give their relationship more time to mature. Many of her doubts faded away as Jason lovingly embraced her.

When Mattie returned home she immediately texted JJ: "Breakthrough! finally kissed at the Lincoln Memorial tonight!" with little heart emojis added. JJ responded quickly with a clapping hands emoji.