THE TRUTH BE TOLD
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Mac and Harm were celebrating their one month anniversary. They were grateful to Tiner for telling AJ that the buzz around JAG was about his relationship with Coates. They realized that they were going to have to tell AJ, they were still debating on when. As far as they could tell, their marriage had not affected their professional duties. If anything it had made it stronger. They were also unaware that their friends knew. It was hard for them to keep the relationship a secret. It was harder on everyone else not to express their joy. It was hardest on Gunny, he won the pool and could not relish in the bragging rights.
They were on their way to a barbeque at AJ's. The past week had been particularly hard on everyone and in an effort to boost morale, AJ had invited everyone over.
AJ'S HOME
"AJ, did you remember to pick up the rolls?" Meredith asked.
"Zoya is bringing them with her," AJ replied.
"I think you should go fire up the grill," Meredith said. "You know how long coals take to get going."
"Will do," AJ said and went outside.
"Uncle AJ, I got 18 hamburger and 18 hot dog rolls, I hope that's enough." Zoya said walking up with Webb.
"That's fine," AJ smiled and turned to Webb, "Webb, nice to see you being social."
"She didn't give me much of a choice," Webb replied.
"I'll go take this inside, you guys play nice." Zoya smiled and went inside.
"How's she doing?" AJ asked. "She hasn't said anything to me."
"AJ, she would probably tell you more than she tells me. I'm just her partner." Webb wasn't technically lying. Zoya refused to talk about the entire situation. She also refused the mandatory counseling. He hoped she might open up to AJ, eventually.
"She hasn't." AJ sighed.
"We're leaving the country tonight. It's going to be a long flight. Maybe she'll talk about it then." Webb said.
"Do I want to know where you're going?" AJ asked.
"No," Webb replied.
"How are you?" Nelson asked walking over with Dottie.
"AJ, thank you for having us," Dottie said with a big smile.
"Webb, what brings you here?" Nelson asked. "You're not here to recruit again?"
"No, AJ's niece is my partner. She asked me to come." Webb said.
"How is Zoya?" Nelson asked.
"She's fine," AJ replied.
"So when does everyone get here?" Dottie asked.
"Soon, Meredith is inside, if you'd like to join them." AJ stated and she went in.
Within the next thirty minutes, everyone had arrived. They were wandering in and out of the house chatting and just enjoying the afternoon. This was the first time they had all been together since Mac and Harm had gotten married. They were a little uncomfortable and made it a point to avoid being together for extended periods.
"How are you?" Harriet asked Zoya.
"I'm good," Zoya smiled. "Your son has a lot of energy."
"Tell me about it," Harriet laughed.
Harriet and Zoya spent most of the day chatting. They formed an unlikely bond and were becoming good friends. When asked, Zoya even admitted to Harriet that there was a man in her life, although she didn't name names. Harriet then confided to Zoya that Mac and Harm were married.
"Does Uncle AJ know?" Zoya asked.
"I didn't tell him," Harriet smiled.
"So he knows," Zoya replied.
"Who knows what?" Webb asked joining them.
"Mac and Harm got married," Zoya whispered.
"You're kidding," Webb said and looked over at them. "Does AJ know?"
"I can't believe you didn't," Harriet teased. "I thought you were good at finding out secrets."
"If it doesn't concern national security, I don't get involved." Webb smiled.
"How are things going with Mrs. Nelson?" Sturgis asked.
"She's been pretty quiet," Harm said. "I'm sure that means something is brewing."
"What could she possibly be doing?" Sturgis asked. "It's not like you guys are hiding anything. Are you?"
"No we aren't," Harm said quickly. "I'm going for another beer."
While Harm was getting a beer, he noticed Meredith and Dottie chatting. This can't be good. Harm thought. He then watched as Meredith smiled and the ladies walked over to their significant others. Meredith said something to AJ and his face turned a slight shade of red.
"They what?" AJ yelled.
"Now AJ, calm down," Meredith said.
"I don't believe this," Nelson said.
"Dear, I told you to control yourself," Dottie said.
"Rabb, get over here." AJ yelled.
"Yes Sir," Harm said and walked over. Mac stood across the yard and watched with trepidation.
"Is there something you would like to tell us?" AJ asked.
"Excuse me?" Harm asked innocently.
"Everyone over here now," AJ bellowed.
The group, minus Meredith and Dottie, walked over to AJ and Nelson. The group was standing behind Harm and Mac was standing away from him. Both were growing paler.
"I repeat," AJ said. "Is there something you want to tell us?"
"Well, Sir, there is some news that I've been meaning to mention," Harm said.
"Commander, don't you think that the Colonel should be standing with you when you speak?" AJ smiled, "Colonel, front and center."
"Yes Sir," Mac said quietly and stood next to Harm.
"Now before either of you say anything," AJ begin. "Mrs. Nelson has something to say."
Mac and Harm turned to see Meredith and Dottie walking towards the group carrying a three tiered cake. Because of their position, Mac and Harm did not see the group of smiles behind them. Finally they turned and looked at the group. "What's going on?" Mac asked.
"It's your reception," Dottie said. "It's about time we had a party."
"Tiner," Mac and Harm said in unison.
"I only told Jen," Tiner said.
"I just told Harriet," Coates smiled.
"I only told Bud," Harriet replied.
"I may have mentioned it to Sturgis," Bud shrugged.
"I think it might have slipped to Gunny," Sturgis smiled.
"I didn't tell anyone," Gunny laughed.
"Oh I did mention it to Zoya earlier," Harriet giggled.
"I had to tell my partner," Zoya laughed.
"I'm just in shock," Webb stated.
"I told Meredith," Dottie said.
"I told AJ, two weeks ago." Meredith smiled.
"I advised the SecNav," AJ said.
"Sir, I'm sorry we should have told you." Harm said.
"Yes you should have," AJ said.
"Mr. Secretary, we apologize." Mac said.
"What's going to happen now?" Harm asked.
"Arrangements have been made, you will no longer be able to work together, but you will both remain at JAG." Nelson said.
"Wait a moment, Admiral you knew?" Harm asked.
"Yes," AJ smiled.
"But what about that yelling just now?" Harm asked.
"I've said it before my sister loved to act, I guess it rubbed off." AJ laughed.
"Now that's that is settled, let's celebrate." Dottie said.
The rest of the afternoon was spent celebrating Mac and Harm's marriage. The fears and concerns that they had were for nothing. AJ was more hurt than anything else that Mac and Harm didn't confide in him. His hurt was short lived, when he saw the happiness in them.
The first to leave were Webb and Zoya, they were leaving in a few hours and needed to get ready. It was the first real assignment that Wellington was sending them on since they were partnered. Zoya had finally made a connection in the journal. It was Abraham Abdullah, Mustafa and Oshan's brother and he was last seen in Zanzibar.
