"Keely! The damn VCR's broken!" Martie called, standing in front of the television, poking every button on the remote.
Keely emerged from the kitchen, shaking her head. Handing Martie a strawberry daiquiri, she took the remote and pressed "04". She shook her head as she found the video was already partway started. She pressed stop and rewind, eyes widening as the local affiliate interrupted "Providence" for a Special News Bulletin.
"I'm Jack Truman for NBC, down at Puget Sound Naval Base, where earlier today, the USS Charlie Hudson was taken over by Armenian terrorists. The Navy has classified much of the information, but we do know that two JAG investigators...those are the sailors involved in legal aspects of the Navy...were killed outside the Kings County coroners office. We also know that the rest of the ship's registry, who are in Seattle for docking for several weeks, are still onboard, with an unknown number of terrorists. I'll be reporting live at eleven...stay tuned to Channel 4."
Keely fumbled blindly for the couch, sitting and staring at the television as "Providence" came back on. She blinked several times, not believing what she was seeing. Finally, she turned to Martie, mouth working in confusion and panic. "It couldn't...I mean, it wouldn't..."
Martie sat on the couch, hugging Keely tightly to her. "It's not him," she soothed. "It's not, Keely."
Keely's eyes filled with tears, and she straightened, looking at her friend. "I'd know," she said vehemently. "I'd feel it if he was dead. Wouldn't I?"
Martie looked at her friend sympathetically, running a hand up and down her arm. "Well, can you call Harm or Mac or someone? They'd be able to tell you whether or not it..."
Keely said nothing, focusing instead on the coffee table. Finally, she managed to get up, albeit on rubbery legs, and pick up the portable, dialing Harm and Mac's number.
After five rings, Mac's voice clicked on. "Hi, you've reached Harm and Sarah. We can't come to the phone right now, so leave a message, and we'll get right back to you. Bye!" Keely took a deep breath. "Hey guys, it's Keely...I don't know if you know, but there's a situation out here..." her voice broke. "Can you just call me, please, the minute you get this message? Thanks." She hung up, resisting the urge to throw the phone across the kitchen. She couldn't think about the possibility. She needed to stay calm.
She tapped the phone against her chin, and then dialed another number. She hated to call so late, but it was *AJ* on the line. She waited as the other line rang, praying Bud or Harriet would pick up.
Harriet tossed the covers back, reaching for the phone. "'Lo?" she mumbled sleepily.
"Harriet?" Keely said quietly.
"Keely?" Harriet scooted up, leaning back against the headboard and blinking at the alarm clock. "What's wrong?" she asked immediately.
Keely took a deep breath. "It's AJ..." a sob escaped her, and she fought to regain to control of her emotions. "He, uh, he was asked to do this investigation on one of the ships in Puget Sound...I was just watching the news, and apparently the ship's been taken over. But there are two dead JAG officers, and I just can't help but think..." she took another deep breath, fighting the constricting of her chest. "They haven't released the names yet, and they've classified most of the investigation. I figured if anyone would be able to find out for me, you guys would."
Harriet placed a hand over her mouth as frightened tears came to her eyes. "Oh, my god. Keely, I'm so sorry. Yes, let me ask Bud..." She leaned over, shaking Bud's shoulder gently. "Honey, wake up. It's the Admiral."
Bud shot awake. "Wha?" he asked, rubbing his eyes. "Why's the Admiral calling us?"
"Keely's calling. The Admiral is in trouble. There are two dead JAG officers out in Seattle and she needs you to find out if he's one of them." Harriet barely got the words out.
"Oh, my God." Bud visibly blanched, then hopped out of bed, searching for clothes to put on. "Has anyone from the Navy called her?" he called from the closet.
"Has anyone called you yet, Keely?" Harriet asked softly.
Keely shook her head. "No," she managed. "I just heard it on the television."
"No," Harriet told Bud.
"Is she his contact in case of emergency?"
"Here," Harriet said. She thrust the phone in his direction as she swiped at her tears. "You talk to her."
"Keely?" Bud said quietly.
"Hi, Bud," Keely managed.
"Hi. Listen, I don't think AJ is one of the dead officers. They would have notified you by now, before the media got wind of it. Are you his contact in case of emergency?"
"Yeah, I think so."
Bud nodded as he searched for his running shoes. "All right. I don't think it's him, but I'll go to JAG now and see what I can pick up, okay? I'll call you as soon as I know anything."
Keely
sniffled. "Thank you, Bud," she said sincerely and Bud clicked
off.
Harriet glanced at Bud with a watery smile. "It's not him,
right?"
Bud moved around to her side of the bed, kissing her lightly. "No, I don't think it is. But I'll find out." He put on his jacket and headed out the door, dialing Harm and Mac on his cell.
Harriet lay back down restlessly. *Please don't let it be AJ.*
Bud left a quick message on Harm and Mac's machine, letting them know where he'd be, and that he'd really appreciate their help, then set off from Rosslyn towards Falls Church.
He got out of the elevator quickly, rushing to his desk, starting to call every contact he had ever made, for any piece of information they could provide.
Mac slipped the key into the apartment lock, laughing at Harm. She moved over to the message machine, the smile slipping quickly from her face. "Harm," she said seriously, grabbing the phone and dialing Bud's cell.
"Roberts," Bud answered, typing his access password.
"Bud, it's Mac. What's going on?"
Bud sighed. "Keely called Harriet and me at home, ma'am. Apparently, the Admiral was asked to assist with an investigation on a ship docked in Puget Sound. Earlier today, the ship was taken over by terrorists, and two JAG officers were killed. She called us in a panic...I'm trying to find out if it's..."
"Oh, my God." Mac sat on the couch heavily. "I can't believe it."
"Me, either, ma'am," Bud said. "Oh, no."
"What?" Mac asked worriedly. "Did you find something?"
"No, not yet, ma'am...it's just that Keely thought she was the Admiral's contact, and she's not. His daughter still is. The Navy must not have updated his records."
"So if he was...she wouldn't know. Damn it," Mac replied softly. "We're on our way. Keep looking, Bud."
"Aye, aye, ma'am." Bud hung up, moving back to searching the records.
Mac shook her head in disbelief, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
Harm stood there, ghost-white. Finally, he sat down on the couch, staring straight ahead silently. After a long moment, he said, "I'm sure it's not AJ. It can't be him."
Mac shook her head. "No, it couldn't be." She closed her eyes, sighing. "I'm calling Clay on the cell. You call Keely, all right? Make sure she's...make sure she's hanging in there."
"Okay," Harm said softly. He found the cordless and dialed slowly, still in shock.
Keely jumped a mile as the phone rang. She couldn't move; her limbs were heavy. Martie picked up the phone. "Hello?" she said softly, lacing her fingers with Keely's, praying it wasn't *the* call.
"Keely?" Harm said, not recognizing the voice.
"Uh, no, this is Martie. Can I tell her who's calling?"
"It's Harm."
"Sure, hang on." Martie handed Keely the phone. "It's Harm," she said softly.
Keely took the phone. "Harm?"
"Hi, Keely." Harm paused. "Mac talked to Bud. He's still checking on the situation. I just wanted to--to make sure you were okay," he stumbled over the words.
"I'll feel better when someone knows something," she admitted. "You don't think it's him, do you?"
"No," Harm replied vehemently. "But I agree. Mac and I are going to meet Bud over at JAG and see what we can find out, okay? Just hold on."
"Okay," Keely said softly. "Thank you."
"No thanks needed. He's family. I'll call you as soon as we know anything." Harm hung up with a sigh.
Keely hung up as well, laying her head against the back of the couch, sighing.
Mac ran a hand up and down Harm's back, grabbing their keys. "Let's go."
They arrived at JAG twenty minutes later, thanks to the lack of traffic. "Have you found anything, Bud?"
Bud looked up from his computer. "Nothing yet. I'm still trying to get in touch with the on-duty night shift at the base."
"Keep trying," Mac replied, nodding. Turning towards Harm, she said softly, "Someone should notify Francesca."
"Someone already did," a voice replied from behind them. Tiner held up the phone. "I heard it on the news," he explained. "The Admiral's daughter is on line one."
Mac shook her head. "All right, I'll take it." She picked up the nearest phone, pressing line one. "Francesca? This is Colonel Mackenzie."
"Colonel," Francesca said tearfully. "My Papa....he is in trouble?"
"I don't know, Francesca," Mac replied softly. "It looks like that's a possibility. We're doing everything we can to check into it, okay?"
"Thank you," Francesca said softly. "I will be in Washington early tomorrow. If you hear anything about Papa, please call me." She gave Mac her cell phone number before hanging up in tears.
Mac shook her head and sighed, hanging up the phone. "Bud," she said after a minute.
"Ma'am?"
"I don't care what you have to say, or who you have to threaten, or who you have to piss off, *find out*."
Bud nodded, dialing his phone. "Yes, ma'am."
Mac walked into her office, leaning against the wall, hanging her head in exhaustion.
Following Mac, Harm mimicked her actions, reaching for her hand. "It'll be okay," he said, more to reassure himself than her.
Mac squeezed his hand back, then slipped her arm around his waist, resting her head against his chest. They stood like that for a few minutes, until Bud's voice carried through the still hallways.
"Sir! Ma'am!"
Mac hurried out to the bullpen, Harm on her tail. Bud set down the phone and heaved a sigh of relief. "Well, I've got good news and bad news."
Mac put her hands on her hips. "Lieutenant..."
"Neither one of the JAG officers was an Admiral," Bud finished quickly. "But according to the AP and the Navy spokesman I talked to says that the Admiral, the ship's Captain and the ship's XO have traded their freedom for the ship's crew."
* * *
Back
in Seattle, Martie called for Keely to come into the living room from the
kitchen. Keely hurried in, watching as the news brief came on
again. "This is Jack Truman, reporting live from Puget Sound.
We have an update on the hostage situation on the USS Charlie Hudson. We
have just received word that the majority of hostages have been released.
According to an
injured Ensign from the 'Charlie Hudson', the ship's captain, Captain Wilhelm,
its XO Mark Jacoby, and a JAG investigator, AJ Chegwidden, have remained on
board as a trade for the hostages' freedom. We are told there are between
ten and fifteen Armenian terrorists on-board. We'll be back here in an
hour with the latest. Now, back to Dateline."
Keely dropped the glass of water she'd been holding. "He's alive." She sank to the couch with a breathless, elated whisper. "He's alive."
Martie stared at the television. "And he's traded himself for the hostages," she said, then slapped her hand over her mouth.
Keely reached for the phone, surprised when it rang in her hand. "Hello?"
"Keely, it's Mac. We have the latest on AJ..."
Keely sighed, this time with a smile. "They just ran a bulletin here. Is he really alive?"
"Yes, but he's still on the ship," Mac said warily.
"He can handle himself on the ship," Keely replied. "I'm still scared, Mac, but not as much as before, you know?"
Mac nodded, shooting a glance at Harm. "I know. Listen, his daughter's coming to DC tomorrow. Harm and I are going to accompany her to Seattle, all right?"
Keely nodded. "Of course. Maybe you guys can get me on the base or something."
"We can try. You just hang in there, okay, Keely? I'll call you if we learn anything new."
"Thank you, Mac," Keely said, tears filling her eyes.
"Bye," Mac replied softly. "Bud?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Get us on the noon flight to Seattle."
* * *
Mac parked the rental car behind Keely's Celica the next afternoon. She, Harm and Francesca piled wearily out of the car and knocked lightly on the door.
Inside, Keely got up, just as wearily, and headed to the front door. She had slept fitfully, comforted only by one of AJ's sweatshirts. She pushed the sleeves up and opened the door, smiling at Harm and Mac.
"Well, I didn't think I'd see you guys so soon after Christmas," she joked tiredly, moving out of their way, letting them in the foyer.
Harm nodded, barely able to think. "Any word yet?"
Keely shook her head. "I've been bombarding the Naval offices there all morning, they won't tell me anything. I thought they *had* to, since I was his emergency contact."
"Keely, you're not his emergency contact," Harm said quietly. "Francesca is."
Keely took a step back, mind reeling. She put her hands behind her back, twisting her engagement ring around her ring finger. "Oh," she finally said. She extended a hand to Francesca. "I'm Keely O'Reilly."
"Keely," Francesca said softly. "I am Francesca Paretti. So you are my Papa's mistress?" she said evenly.
"Fiancée, actually," Keely replied. "Please, come inside." She motioned to the living room. "You want some coffee or something?"
"No, thank you." Francesca stood next to the couch, arms crossed over her chest.
Keely sighed internally, then turned to Harm and Mac. "Would you guys like some?"
Mac nodded. "Yes, please."
Harm shook his head. "Tea, please? I'll help you," he offered, following Keely into the kitchen. Once they were out of earshot, he explained, "Please don't take her comments personally. Francesca's just upset. It's understandable, you know? Her father's in danger."
Keely sighed, boiling some water. "My fiancé's in danger," she replied softly. "But I'll try."
"Good. I know AJ would appreciate that." Harm stepped forward, placing a hand on Keely's shoulder silently.
In the living room, Mac looked at the still decorated Christmas tree, and then back at Francesca. "I'm not going to tell you how to feel, Francesca," she began softly. "But Keely loves your father very much. And he loves her."
Francesca shook her head, tears blurring her vision. "That is not her father out there, Colonel. She does not know what it is like not to have him for when you are little, and then to maybe lose him again." Turning away, the young woman glanced around the house - her father's house. It had been over a year since he moved in, and this was the first time Francesca was seeing it.
Keely smiled at Harm, pouring the now boiling water into a mug. She handed it to him, and took Mac's coffee out to her in the living room. Keely stepped back, watching Francesca look around her home. "You're welcome to explore the house," she said softly. "Your father wanted you to come out sooner..." she trailed off, sipping her coffee.
"But you kept him busy. I understand." Francesca's voice was cold as she stared out the sliding glass doors that overlooked the Sound.
Keely took a sip of her coffee before replying. "Francesca, you need to understand something. I know you're worried about your father. I am, too. Hell, I'm petrified." She sighed. "But I love him. He's everything I ever imagined in my wildest dreams, all rolled into one man. We've built a life together, and I'm sorry if you can't accept that. I really am, because he adores you. But I will not spend however long this thing lasts feeling sorry for the way I've lived my life, all right? We need to focus our energies on surviving this *together*, if not for our own sanity, but for his, once he gets out of it."
Francesca whirled on Keely. "Do not tell me what "we" need to do," she hissed. "My Papa is on that ship," she gestured out toward the water symbolically, "because of *you*. If you hadn't forced him to move here, with your wiles and your tricks..." Francesca trailed off, looking Keely up and down with disgust. "Well, he would not be in danger now, would he?"
Keely set her mug on the counter, then ran a hand through her hair. She set her mouth, staring Francesca down. "Your Papa wouldn't pee if I told him to. He's an adult, Francesca. He made a decision to come out here." The vehemence in her voice was palpable. "I fought him on it. I didn't want him to give up his entire life for me. But he did. He made his own decision," she repeated. "Just as he did two days ago when he got on that ship."
"But he would never have been out here in the woods if not for you," Francesca sneered. "If he had stayed in Washington and at JAG, he would be safe now." She turned and stormed out of the house, slamming the door.
"Damn it," Keely sighed, resting her elbow on the table, covering her forehead. "Not exactly what I had in mind for our first meeting," she said sarcastically, shaking her head.
"She'll get over it," Harm said, sighing softly. "I'm going to go call the base and see what I can find out."
Keely nodded her thanks, sitting at her kitchen counter, looking out the window at the stormy Sound.
Mac asked quietly, "Do you mind if I turn on ZNN?"
Keely shook her head. "It's programmed on the satellite."
Mac nodded, turning to the correct channel. They showed a shot of Puget Sound, and the reporter was asking his cameraman to get a close-up. Mac gasped audibly; they showed a three-pronged FBI/SWAT/SeAL team, preparing to enter the ship. "As you can see, negotiations with the terrorists have failed, and so drastic measures will have to be taken. We'll be reporting live as events develop. Back to you in the studio."
Keely had her coat and shoes on in half an instant, and was flying out to her car, Mac following her, calling out to Harm. "Harm! We have to get down there!"
"Thank you, Admiral!" Harm slammed the phone down and was on Mac's heels, slipping into the backseat of Keely's car. "Keely, you know how to get there?" he asked.
Keely nodded, backing onto the grass around the rental car. She peeled out of the driveway and down the street, squealing to a halt beside Francesca. She rolled down the passenger window. "Get in."
"What?" Francesca stared at her.
"*Get* *in*. Something's happening at the base."
Slipping in beside Harm, Francesca sat in silent fear.
Keely pulled hurriedly out of the development, making a normally twenty-five minute drive last about fifteen. She half-pulled into a space, throwing the car into park and jumping out in one swift movement. She ran up to the guard, chest heaving. "What's going on with the hostages?" she demanded.
The guard looked at her curiously. "If you're not military, ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to step back."
"My fiancé's on that ship, God damn it!" Keely protested, stopped by a hand on her shoulder.
Mac held up her military ID to the guard. "These two women are relatives of Admiral Chegwidden, one of the hostages."
The guard sighed, then acquiesced, moving the barricade. Keely took off in a full-out sprint, running until she reached the dock, the USS Charlie Hudson looming above her. The SWAT teams still perched precariously on the loading dock, waiting for the "go" signal.
"Niari," a man said over the megaphone. "You've severed communications with us. We've tried to accommodate everything you've asked for. The teams are ready. Is this what you want to happen?"
There was an eerie silence, save for the crashing of the waves against the hull of the ship. Keely rested herself against the police barricades, crossing herself and praying.
Mac followed her closely, looking over her shoulder at Harm and Francesca.
Francesca followed more timidly. "Papa," she whispered, staring at the huge carrier. She stood a few feet back from the barricades, praying silently.
* * *
AJ could hear nothing except the shouts of the terrorists. Blindfolded, with his wrists tied, he was helpless. "Captain," he called out softly. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Admiral." Captain Wilhelm's voice was calm and collected. "We're all going to be fine," she said, a little louder, to reassure her XO. "We're going to walk out of here in fifteen minutes, I guarantee it."
AJ grinned to himself. She sounded just like Keely. *I love you,* he thought, as if he could reach her just by thinking hard enough.
* * *
Keely took several deep breaths, her eyes closing as the negotiator let the terrorists know that this was their absolute last chance to give themselves up. She thought about the very first time she'd met AJ, in O'Reilly's all those years ago, as he fought for Harm and Mac's relationship. She thought of all the times he came into O'Reilly's, a man of very few words, but with an uncanny ability to make her smile. She thought of their first night together, as if it happened yesterday. She thought to mere days ago, when he'd been as scared as she was right now, getting down on one knee and proposing. She chuckled, wiping tears she hadn't realized were falling. *If he can propose to you, Keely, he can survive terrorist attacks.* The tears flowed harder as the teams finally entered the ships, to the loudest explosion Keely had ever heard. "Oh, God, no!" she screamed, watching the smoke billow out of the open doorway. *Oh, God, please, please don't take him from me now. Not now, God. Please.* She covered her mouth with her hands, waiting tensely for any sign of AJ.
"Papa!" Francesca screamed, grabbing onto Harm's hand for support. "God, no....Papa...." she whispered, sobbing. Harm watched the ship, shaken but still clinging to the hope that his friend and mentor would walk out onto the dock without a scratch.
The SeAL team pushed through the smoke, calling for survivors. "Captain! Admiral!" they yelled, to no avail. They split up, half taking the bridge and half heading for the ward room, the two most likely places to keep hostages.
"Admiral!" the young Lieutenant hollered. "Admiral Chegwidden!"
"Over here," AJ whispered hoarsely, coughing as the smoke from the explosives filled his lungs.
Moments later, the Captain and her first mate were escorted out of the ship by the SeALs. Francesca's knuckles were white as her eyes strained vainly, searching for her father. "Papa, please," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "Papa." Her voice changed as she spotted another khaki uniform. "PAPA!" she screamed, the tears of fear turning to relief in an instant.
Keely took a deep, shuddering breath as she saw the SeAL team leading AJ down the gangplank. She broke down finally, her face crumbling in absolute relief as AJ stepped on solid ground. She said a silent prayer of thanksgiving, turning to hug Mac tightly.
Harm's heart finally started to beat again as he saw AJ. "Thank God," he whispered. He held on to Francesca, fearing she might collapse.
"Papa," she whispered over and over as AJ made his way toward the barricades, toward his family.
His face broke into a smile as he saw first Keely, then Francesca, and finally his friends. The SeALs led him through the barricade closest to Keely, and he stepped forward, opening his arms.
Keely ran the short distance to him, throwing her arms around his neck. She held him tightly for a minute, then stepped back frantically. "Are you all right? Did they hurt you?" She ran her hands over him, trying to discern any injury, no matter how minor.
"I'm fine, Keel. I'm fine," AJ repeated, running his hand over her cheek. "I love you," he added immediately. He had been afraid that he wouldn't get the chance to say it again.
Keely's face crumbled and she threw her arms around his neck again. "I love you. So very much," she cried softly into his collarbone, then stepped back, wiping her eyes. She hit him on the arm, then, shaking her head. "I have never been so scared in my entire life. Don't even *think* about doing that to me again, all right? I can't take it." She smiled slightly, taking deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She kissed him gently, then stepped back. "Francesca's here. I'm sure she wants to see you."
With a small nod, AJ turned, searching for his daughter. "Francesca?" he called softly.
She stepped out of the crowd, throwing herself at AJ. "Papa," she whispered, crying nearly as hard as Keely. "Come sta? Bene?" Her voice was soft and worried.
"Bene, piccola." AJ kissed Francesca's cheek gently, wiping away her tears. "Did you come all this way just to see me?" he whispered teasingly.
Francesca nodded, wiping what was left of her tears away with her sleeve. "I love you, Papa."
"I love you, too, girl. So I see you met Keely?"
Keely took a deep breath, hanging her head in utter relief. She watched the terrorists being taken off the ship. Niari, the leader, raised her head and looked at the cameras smugly. Keely just shook her head, turning back to Harm and Mac, watching Francesca and AJ out of the corner of her eye. "Thank you for all your help. I don't know what I would have done."
Mac smiled, taking Keely's hand. "No need to thank us, all right? I'm just so glad everything's all right."
Keely smiled, giving both Harm and Mac hugs.
Francesca hung her head momentarily. "I was not very nice to her, Papa. I was so scared..." she trailed off, glancing up at him with wide eyes.
Narrowing his own eyes in response, AJ nodded in understanding. "Go be a grown-up," he said simply.
Opening her mouth with a stubborn response (she was half-Chegwidden, after all), Francesca was silenced by her own conscience, as she realized how close she'd come to losing her father. "Keely?" she called softly. "I--I am sorry. About earlier."
Keely turned, nodding and smiling softly. "Don't worry about it. We were all upset." She sighed, looking around at the scene. "Well, I for one, am ready to get the hell out of here. Anyone with me?"
"Me," AJ and Francesca said in unison.
Nodding, Harm glanced at AJ. "Always have to show me up, don't you?" he chuckled. "I shoot a hole in a courtroom ceiling, you have to get taken hostage by terrorists. It's always about getting the last word with you, isn't it, AJ?"
"Yup."
* * *
Keely sat staring at the fireplace, while AJ was indulging in a long shower. Harm, Mac and Francesca had gone back to the hotel for some much needed rest. Keely raised the glass of red wine to her lips automatically, her mind blank. After the adrenaline rush of the past three days, Keely couldn't form a coherent thought or emotion, but was able to savor the silence that was finally abundant in the house.
Descending from the bathroom, clad in Navy sweats, AJ leaned against the back of the couch, brushing the top of Keely's head gently with his hand. "Hey," he said softly, glancing up at the muted television. "Whatcha watching?"
Keely started, swearing as a drop of red wine hit the sofa. She put the glass on the coffee table, going into the kitchen and getting a wet paper towel. She patted the red spot, then smiled weakly at AJ. She looked at the TV, shrugging. "I have no idea," she replied. "Looks like COPS or Wildest Police Chases or something."
"Sorry if I scared you," he said belatedly, reaching for the remote. Clicking the TV off, he turned to face Keely, searching her eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked, a frown furrowing his brow.
Keely dropped her gaze from his, staring at where Sadie lay sprawled out on their floor. Finally, she raised her eyes, laden with tears threatening to spill over. She couldn't say anything, just shake her head, biting her lower lip to keep from becoming hysterical.
Crouching down in front of Keely, AJ reached for her hand. "Keely, what's wrong?" he asked, a little confused. "Talk to me."
Keely's breath hitched as he took her hand, and she exhaled softly. Finally, she just looked at AJ, then closed her eyes tightly, a few tears escaping. She drew her mouth in and covered her face with her hands. She shook her head, finally opening her terrified green eyes and looked back at him. "I was...I was so petrified," she said, her voice bordering on hysteria. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again." She sniffled, trying to draw in more oxygen. "For three days, I sat here thinking how I hadn't said how much I loved you." She covered her mouth again, the tears dropping onto her knuckles.
"Honey," AJ said softly, wrapping his arms around Keely. "Keely," he murmured, "all I could think about for three days was you. How much I wanted to see you again. How much I missed your smile. Even the Captain reminded me of you," he said with a little smile. "Please don't cry," AJ whispered. "I hate seeing you cry."
Keely clutched him to her, taking handfuls of the back of his sweatshirt. She rested her cheek on his shoulder, taking shaky breaths, trying to stop the tears. But they just kept coming; she hadn't allowed herself to cry since the initial news of the ship's being taken over. "I thought I'd lose the only man I ever loved," she said desperately. "I don't know what I would have done if..."
"Don't even think about it," AJ warned her. "You're stuck with me, now and for a good long while," he said, holding her tightly. "And Keely," he added softly, stroking her hair and rubbing her back, "I never once doubted how much you love me, even if you didn't say it."
Keely's face crumbled again, and all she could do was cry and hold him to her. After a few minutes, she sat back, not moving to wipe the obvious mascara tear tracks from her face. She moved her hands from AJ's back to his cheeks. "I love you," she said softly, vehemently. "But don't ever do that to me again. You wanna be a hero, then paper train Sadie, okay?"
AJ shook his head. "Keely, you know me...You have to understand that this isn't just what I do, it's who I am. That's not going to change, no matter how much I love you."
Keely's eyes fluttered shut, and after a minute, she opened them again, sighing loudly. "I know," she said finally. "I just...it was the first time that I ever felt that I could lose you." She shook her head, an ironic smile crossing her face. "After everything we've been though over the past...God, almost four, five years...I never thought you wouldn't be here. I don't like that feeling, AJ, and I don't like that you can, to some extent, control it." She ran a hand through her hair, staring at the Christmas tree. "But I know that it is inevitably a part of you, a part of the man that I fell in love with. Just remember that you're not just thinking for yourself anymore, okay?" She shrugged, an apologetic tone coming to her voice. "You've got me."
"If it makes any difference, I thought about you and considered your feelings before I offered to stay," AJ said slowly. "I knew you'd kill me." He smiled wryly. "But I'll make a concerted effort from now on. Okay?"
Keely nodded. "Thank you," she said sincerely. She took another deep breath, finally wiping her face. "Your daughter hates me, you know," she said after a moment, more lighthearted than the previous words, but still laced with concern.
"No, she doesn't," AJ said, glancing around the room once. "She's just jealous."
"No, she hates me." Keely shrugged, nodding slightly. "She blames me for you being out here, away from your life."
Rising from his crouch, AJ slid onto the couch next to Keely. "She's never been out of my life," AJ explained slowly. "And it was her choice not to visit us."
Keely shook her head. "She's your daughter, AJ. Take it from someone who knows - when your parents choose themselves over you, it hurts. A lot. And while I don't doubt how much you love Francesca," she added quickly, "I think she might."
Something registered in AJ's eyes as she spoke, and he nodded. "I didn't choose myself over her," he said softly, leaning forward and folding his hands. "She had her own life, and I had to build mine." He sighed softly. "But you're right. She probably doesn't know."
Keely ran a hand up and down his back, folding her legs under her on the couch. "You two should go out to dinner or something before she goes back to Milan...once you're feeling up to it."
"The three of us will go," AJ corrected her. "You pick the place."
Keely shook her head. "I don't think---"
AJ shook his head, forestalling an argument. "No," he said softly. "She needs to deal with this, with us."
Keely watched his profile and then sighed. He was so stubborn sometimes. "I just don't want to be the reason your daughter resents you."
"If that's the way it ends up, tough shit." AJ turned his head to look at Keely, resting his hand on his knee to steady himself. "My daughter is important to me, but so are you. And if she can't accept that right now, then we'll cross that bridge."
Keely sighed and shrugged again. "All right." She laid fully back against the couch, picking up her wine.
AJ sighed softly, leaning back against the cushions and extending an arm to pull Keely close. "C'mere?" he said, his voice questioning.
Keely scooted over, resting against his side. She took another sip of wine, watching the lights on the tree as they bounced all over the wood floor of the living room. "Well," she said finally, trying to calm her insides as she had her outsides, "at least I have a date for New Year's."
"Oh, definitely," AJ said softly, kissing her temple. "What are our plans anyway?"
"Well, there's going to be a pretty big party downtown and one at the Space Needle...or we could hang around here in our pajamas, watching Dick Clark."
Nodding, AJ added, "There's a ball at the Base, too. So we have a few options."
Keely looked up at him, getting an odd view of his long neck and chin. "What, you actually want me to go to a ball with you? Well, stop the presses."
"Oh, shut up, you," AJ teased. "Yeah, I want you to go."
Keely nodded. "I think that could be fun," she said with a smile. She turned her head as she felt Sadie move under her feet. Keely watched the puppy get down on her stomach, creeping towards the colors dancing on the floor. Sadie barked once, then pounced on the twinkling lights, chasing them as they moved across the floor.
Laughing softly, AJ shook his head. "She's insane."
"Yeah, she is," Keely chuckled as Sadie kept barking. "She slept in the bed with me," she confessed. "She spent two days just sitting at the front door, waiting for you to walk in."
"Oh." AJ's voice was low as he watched the puppy playing on the floor. "Can I have my spot back now?" he murmured with a hint of laughter to his voice.
Keely leaned forward, setting her wineglass on the table. She leaned back, turning her body so she faced him. She ran one hand up and down his arm. "She was just keeping it warm. You can't be replaced."
"Good. I was worried for a little while that you'd find someone to take my spot."
Keely rolled her eyes. "Yeah, there are *so* many guys banging down my door."
"You could have anyone you wanted," AJ said seriously, rubbing Keely's arm slowly.
"Well, I don't want *anyone*," Keely replied, covering his hand with her own. "I want *you*."
"Where and when?" AJ teased, running his hand over Keely's thigh.
Keely chuckled. "Are you coming on to me, old man?" She shook her head. "Shame on you, trying to take advantage of an emotionally distraught woman."
"Hey, I'm weak and vulnerable," AJ chuckled. "You should be the one taking advantage of me." He leaned back. "G'head."
Keely laughed, straddling his lower thighs lightly. She leaned down, kissing him just as lightly. "You're terrible," she admonished.
AJ laughed softly. "I try."
Keely smiled again, running her hands along his sweatshirt. She leaned down again, kissing him harder this time. Keely scooted further up his thighs, seeking physical comfort in addition to the emotional healing AJ had been able to provide her with somewhat.
Circling Keely's waist with his arms, AJ nuzzled her neck gently. "Are you okay?" he asked, concerned. "I don't want to rush you."
Keely shook her head, resting her forehead against his. "You know I don't do comfort sex just to satisfy some urge," she began, "but I..." Keely faltered, closing her eyes. "I just need you, AJ."
"It's okay," AJ murmured back, cuddling Keely close as she straddled his lap. "I'm here."
They came together that night, softly, reconnecting after the trauma they had been through. It wasn't sex, or even making love; it was something deeper, more spiritual, if they were inclined to believe such things.
* * *
"Oh, come *on*, God damn it," Keely swore, thumping the palm of her hand on her steering wheel. She impatiently checked the dashboard clock, her stomach churning. She'd been called in to her supervisor's office that afternoon to discuss the next semester, among other things. The meeting had run over, and Keely had raced home, getting a ticket in the process, to try to change before meeting AJ and Francesca for dinner.
Keely saw an opening on the highway and took it, sighing in relief. She was twenty minutes out from the restaurant - and thirty minutes late.
AJ glanced at his watch again. "Where is she?" he muttered to himself.
"She is not coming, Papa," Francesca said coolly. "She does not like me."
"Keely promised she'd be here and she will," AJ said firmly. "We'll wait."
Keely quickly parked her car, grabbing her bag and doing a quick face check in her rearview mirror. She stepped out of the car, readjusting her suede skirt and matching jacket, folding the collars of her black blouse over the edges of her jacket. She opened the door to the restaurant, smiling at the maitre'd. "I see my party, thank you," She hurried over to the table at which AJ and Francesca were sitting, smiling apologetically. "I'm so sorry I'm late. My meeting at the University went on much longer than expected."
"It's okay, sweetie." AJ leaned over, kissing Keely on the cheek as she slid into the booth.
Francesca giggled to herself. "You were called into the Principal's office?" she asked curtly.
Keely smiled, looking over the menu. "Well, not exactly. We were discussing my upcoming curriculum. The Dean wants to use that as the base curriculum for next year's fall term."
AJ raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Wow," he said, taking a sip of his drink. "That's going to be a lot of responsibility for you, isn't it? I mean, you'll have to make sure the other professors are using it correctly, no?"
Keely shook her head, folding her menu. "Basically, what I did was update the old curriculum; added a few things, deleted a few things. Ultimately, the Dean watches over the professors, but yeah, I can be involved in making sure it's followed, relatively speaking."
"Well, that's great, Keely. I'm proud of you," AJ smiled.
Keely smiled shyly. "Thanks." She took a look at the table, her eyebrows narrowing. "Haven't you ordered your dinners yet?"
AJ shook his head. "We were waiting for you."
"AJ," Keely reprimanded, shaking her head. She waved towards a waiter, who came over quickly. "I believe we're ready to order," Keely said, looking at Francesca. "Are you?"
"Mmhmm." Francesca's lips were tight as she glanced at her father.
Keely nodded, then looked up at the waiter. "I'll have the grilled chicken Caesar, and a glass of..." she looked at AJ. "What was that wine we had here the last time we came?"
"Chablis," AJ smiled. "You had the Chablis, but you drank half my Burgundy."
Keely smiled back. Looking at the waiter, she said, "I'll have a Burgundy of my own, thank you."
The waiter glanced at AJ. "And for you, sir?"
"The baked ziti with a grilled chicken breast, please. And I'll have the white zinfandel."
"Ma'am?"
"Manicotti," Francesca said primly. *The nerve of this woman,* she thought angrily. *As if some restaurant in Seattle could possibly compete with the restaurants of Italia.* She'd bet their wine was sour, too.
Keely smiled as the waiter left, and leaned back in the booth. She crossed her legs, the suede of her knee-high black boots tickling her bare leg. "So, how were your respective days?"
Francesca shrugged, her lips still clenched tight. *Tramp,* she thought idly. *Papa-stealing whore.*
"Fine," AJ said, toying with his water glass. "I'm supervising the decorating at the country club. Hopefully it'll be done by tomorrow afternoon, or we're going to have to walk under the scaffolding to get to the ballroom," he laughed.
Keely chuckled. "I'm sure it's fine, honey." She turned to Francesca, trying desperately to start a conversation. "Your father tells me you're a designer, Francesca."
"Yes," she replied simply.
AJ eyed her, his temper flaring. "Francesca," he said warningly under his breath.
"I am not a child, Papa," she murmured angrily. "I do not have to speak to anyone I do not wish to."
Shaking his head, AJ corrected her. "This is *my* fiancée," he said, rubbing Keely's back. "And either you'll show her some respect, or you'll deal with me. And I don't care how old you are, you're not too old to be turned over my knee. Understood?"
"Be nice or you will spank me?" Francesca glared at Keely. "You never would have spoken to me like this before, Papa. She is changing you."
"Francesca, that's *enough*," AJ barked, his voice low. "I'm not going to let you speak to Keely that way, I don't care how upset you are."
Francesca eyed Keely. "She is an adult, Papa barely. Let her speak for herself."
Keely put a hand on AJ's arm, shaking her head. "All right, Francesca. Let it all out. Tell me why you don't think I should be with your father." She motioned Francesca to start speaking. "I can handle it. Go on."
"To start with," Francesca began immediately, "you are younger than I am! My Papa needs someone stable, steady. You are hardly that."
Keely nodded, conceding her first point. "Yes, I am younger than you are. And I'm the first to admit that my younger days were less than emotionally stable. But now, I've matured. I have a great job, great friends, and I've figured out what I want from life. I also have the resources to make sure I get it." She paused, seeing if her rebuttal had sunk in at all. "What else?"
Francesca went on, "In the two years you have been with my father, I have seen him *once* and he had to fly to Milan to see me. I can tell you do not like me, and I can tell you do not want me in Papa's life."
"That's not true," Keely said immediately, then paused and tried to remain calm. "The past two years have been insane around here, as I'm sure your father's told you." She sighed, looking momentarily at her hands. "Francesca, I know how much your father adores you. Hell, he had unpacked your picture and put it on his desk before he even unpacked his underwear when he moved to Seattle. I don't want to change that. I don't...I don't have a relationship with my father, or either of my parents, for that matter, and I certainly don't want that to happen to you."
AJ's arm tightened around Keely's shoulders as he added, "But if you can't accept Keely, then you and I won't have much to talk about." He sighed softly. "I love you, Francesca, I always will. You're my *daughter*," he said emphatically, "but I'm going to spend the rest of my life with Keely. You have to deal with that."
"I do not need another mother," Francesca said petulantly. "And I do not need anyone taking my Papa away." She turned to AJ, pleadingly saying, "Papa, I did not know you until I was more than twenty, and now I have to share you with *her*?"
"I wish I could change that, bella, but what's done is done. All I'm trying to do now is be a good father, and soon, a good husband. Can you understand that?" AJ asked quietly.
"I am trying, Papa." Francesca glanced down at her placemat, fiddling with the corner. "But how can I be your bambina if you have her now?"
AJ smiled gently. "The same way I am always your Papa, even though you have Giovanni. He and Keely are just extensions of our family. Neither of them can change how I feel about you, Francesca." He spoke softly, as if she were the only person in the room--the same way he spoke to Keely when he really wanted her to listen.
"Promettete?" she whispered.
"I promise," AJ said, reaching out to cover Francesca's hand with his.
"Okay."
Keely smiled gently, watching AJ's face. "Prometto, anche," she said, moving her face to Francesca's, nodding once.
Francesca nodded slowly, glancing up at Keely. "You will make him come to Milan sometimes?"
"Absolutely. And you can feel free to come visit him - us - anytime you want. You're always welcome."
"Thank you." Francesca leaned back, taking a deep breath.
AJ glanced from his daughter to his fiancée amusedly. "You're planning my life without me?"
Keely chuckled, resting a hand on his thigh. "Like you'd complain," she said with a smile.
"If you tried to drag me to Milan? Uhm, no."
Keely laughed, nodding. "That's what I thought." Their dinners arrived then, and they started to eat, famished. Keely nudged AJ with her foot, running her boot under his dress pants, winking slightly at him.
AJ glanced at Keely, grinning. "You're bad."
Francesca looked up from her dinner, looking from her father to Keely and back again. He looked so happy. She almost hated to disappoint him, but she was leaving the next morning and if she didn't do it now, she'd never do it. "Papa," she began, poking at the manicotti with her fork. "I have something to tell you."
Keely heard the reluctance in Francesca's voice and looked at her plate, saying softly, "I think I need to go to the ladies' room now."
"No, it is fine," Francesca said, trying to smile at Keely. "Stay. You will know soon enough, anyway."
AJ put his silverware down and rested his arm across the back of the booth behind Keely. He gave Francesca his full attention. "What's up?"
"I am....how do you say? Having a baby."
Keely's mouth dropped open, and she shut it immediately, a smile coming to her face. "Well, Francesca! Congratulations," she said, sneaking a look at AJ's face.
"Is he going to marry you?" AJ asked, trying to stay calm.
Shaking her head, Francesca replied, "Not yet, Papa. We have talked about it, but I am the one who does not want to rush it. I know you must be angry..." she trailed off.
Keely squeezed AJ's thigh, trying to soothe him. "How far along are you, Francesca...if you don't mind my asking?"
"Four and a half months."
"Why did you wait so long to tell me?" AJ asked, trying to keep his temper in check. *If I ever get my hands on that Lothario,* he thought.
Keely's hand tightened on his thigh as she felt him stiffen next to her. "AJ," she said quietly.
"I want to know," AJ whispered fiercely.
Barely able to meet his eyes, Francesca murmured, "I was afraid of disappointing you, Papa. I knew you would be angry."
Keely had no idea what to say, so she simply readjusted herself, sitting closer to AJ, trying to offer some physical comfort.
AJ inhaled deeply, keeping calm for the moment. "I'm not angry," he murmured. "I'm scared for you. I don't want you to have to go through what your mother did."
"Mama said the same thing," Francesca giggled slightly. "Are you sharing her mind?"
"Wouldn't surprise me. Is he at least going to help support the baby?"
Nodding, Francesca replied, "We moved in together three months ago. Giovanni is wonderful, Papa. He really loves me, and the baby. I am happy," she beamed. "And I went to the doctor last week, Papa. You're going to have a grandson."
Keely smiled. "That's wonderful, Francesca. Congratulations," she said softly, before returning to her mute position.
"Thank you," Francesca said, not taking her eyes off of AJ. "Did you hear me, Papa?"
"Yes," AJ answered, glancing at Keely with wide eyes. "How the hell did everything change in a span of five minutes?" he murmured.
Keely shrugged, smiling sympathetically. "It happens," she replied, searching his face, imploring him with her eyes to congratulate his daughter.
Turning his gaze back to Francesca, AJ managed a shocked smile. "Congratulations," he said softly.
"Thank you, Papa. You will come see us when the baby is born, yes?" she turned to Keely.
Keely nodded, as surprised as AJ was. "Of course," she replied. "I don't think your father would miss it for the world."
"I...." Francesca stumbled over the words. "I would like if you came, too."
This time, it was Keely's face that registered shock. "Uh...I'd be honored, Francesca. I haven't been to Milan in ages." She smiled finally, thankful at the thought of the three of them getting through this relatively unscathed.
"It is a beautiful city," Francesca commented, finally digging into her dinner with gusto.
Keely nodded, looking back at AJ. "Have I ever told you about the night of swimming in fountains all over the city?"
"Nope. Does it involve skinny-dipping?" He perked up.
Francesca giggled to herself.
"Let's just say the police really enjoyed arresting Martie and me that night." Keely finished her salad, poking at AJ's dinner instead.
Laughing, AJ cut off a piece of ziti and held the fork out to Keely.
Keely wrapped her mouth around his fork, smiling up at him. "Yummy." She leaned back, looking worriedly at Francesca, trying to gauge whether or not AJ's daughter was still uncomfortable. "How's yours?"
"Fantastic. Would you like to try?" Francesca offered, pushing her plate towards Keely with a smile.
Keely smiled back, nodding. She cut herself a small piece and tried it, tilting her head back after tasting it. "Oh, that *is* great. I'll have to remember to get that the next time we come here." She looked down at her own empty plate with a sheepish smile. "Sorry I don't have anything to offer," she said with a chuckle. "I didn't eat lunch."
"It is all right," Francesca said. "We can always order dessert. Do you like chocolate?"
Keely laughed outright at that, looking at AJ, nodding. "Ask him how many cartons of chocolate ice cream we have in our freezer."
"Oh, perfect." Francesca clapped her hands twice. "Then we need to buy chocolate cake, chocolate syrup and whipped cream." She giggled softly, covering her stomach with one hand. "He likes chocolate."
Keely laughed again, smiling softly. "Have you thought of any names yet?" She moved her hand from AJ's thigh behind his back, rubbing his side idly.
"No more AJs," AJ ordered his daughter. "We had enough trouble at Christmas this year." He finished his ziti and leaned back, tracing his fingers over Keely's thigh.
Francesca smiled. "We have not agreed. I like Paolo, but Giovanni likes Roberto."
Keely smiled. "I had a great old friend named Cristoforo," she commented. "and his roommate's name was Donatello. Although, if you named your son that, I'd hope he wasn't anything like them." She chuckled, thinking back to her wilder days abroad.
"Cristoforo," Francesca said, her eyes brightening. "That would be perfect. "Cristoforo Alberto?" she suggested, glancing at AJ.
"I'd be honored." AJ smiled at Keely. "Are we almost done?"
Keely nodded. "I am." She smiled at Francesca. "That's a beautiful name," she added.
"Yes, it is. Thank you," she said to Keely. "I would not think of that alone. I am no good with names."
Keely smiled, shrugging slightly as she gathered her purse. "I used to love thinking up baby names," she confessed. "But I'm glad I could be of service."
"Why do you not have babies?" Francesca asked as they headed out to the cars.
Keely couldn't help but chuckle at that, thinking back to AJ's conversation with Emily. She shrugged, unlocking her car and putting her purse in, and then turned to look at Francesca. "I don't know," she replied. "It's not a priority right now, I guess."
"Will it be?" she asked, glancing at AJ's back as he unlocked the car. The last thing Francesca wanted was to see her father get hurt.
"I don't know," Keely replied again, wishing she had a better answer. "I think your father and I are at a point in our lives that we'd just rather focus on each other," she replied, watching AJ's back as well.
Francesca shook her head. "I hope it is not something you will want," she said softly. "I know my Papa...he is not the kind for children."
Keely nodded, acquiescing. "Although, there is something rather amusing about him trying to explain life to a three year old," she added with a smile. "But I think as long as I have him, I don't need anything else. We'll just keep getting dogs," she whispered conspiratorially, but with a smile.
"And
you may have my children for the summers," Francesca laughed.
"I am sure I will be glad to send them to you."
Keely laughed with her. "That's great. Between your father and
me, we'll be able to say, 'no', 'stop', and 'pizza' in Italian. We'll be
set." She looked back at AJ, who was now watching them from across
the hood of his Expedition. "All right, all right, we'll get going,
old man." She rolled her eyes at Francesca. "I'm hoping
your children are more patient than he is."
"Not a chance. But then, you'll see for yourself," she smiled. "Thank you, Keely," Francesca said, patting her hand as she moved toward her father's car.
Keely squeezed Francesca's hand back, then climbed into the Celica, starting the car. "Peace on Earth and goodwill to men," Karen Carpenter sang. Keely switched the station, listening instead to Sarah McLachlan, singing the entire way home, feeling much more relaxed.
Keely honked once as AJ pulled off the freeway towards Francesca's hotel. Keely continued on the road for a few more minutes, pulling into the garage. She greeted Sadie with a kiss, then meandered upstairs, pulling on some old sweats and a t-shirt, and best of all, bare feet. She hummed to herself as she came back downstairs, pulling her hair up in a plastic claw. Keely checked the messages and then turned, seeing the large pile of dishes in the sink. She rolled her eyes, walking over to the dishwasher, unloading the clean dishes and loading in the dirty. She started the tap water, getting a Brillo pad out to scrub the pots they'd used for dinner the night before, still humming to herself.
Fifteen minutes later, AJ strolled into the house, smiling at the Christmas lights still blinking merrily. "You're going to pay a fortune this month, between the phone bill and the electric bill," he teased, coming into the kitchen.
Keely chuckled, looking over her shoulder at him, trying desperately to get the chili off the bottom of her pan. "So? It's *Christmas*, AJ. What happened to frankincense, myrrh, and twinkling lights?"
Laughing, AJ circled Keely's waist with his arms. "So the Wise Men shopped at Wal-Mart?" he asked, nuzzling her neck.
"Got a pretty good discount, too," she replied, tilting her head to give him better access. "Buy one gift for the Messiah, get the second half off."
"Oh for god's sake," AJ murmured, trailing slow kisses along her shoulder. "You almost done?"
Keely chuckled, rinsing the pan. "Why? Is there something else I need to turn my attention to?" she teased, turning off the water and reaching for the dish towel.
AJ laughed softly, sliding his hands down her thighs. "Well, I can think of a few."
Keely turned, resting her wrinkly hands on his hips. "And what would those be?"
"Me...myself....and I," AJ chuckled, drawing her close.
Keely wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing the underside of his chin. "Well, those are some pretty important things," she said, drawing her tongue down the veins in his neck.
Groaning softly, AJ tightened his grip on Keely. "We went, what? An entire three days without this? How did we survive?" he laughed.
Keely chuckled, her breath warming his neck. "Well, we'll just have to make up for that time lapse, won't we?"
"By god, yes."
* * *
"So, how was your first sexual experience as a grandpa?" she teased him afterward, rubbing his back.
"Don't remind me," AJ said softly. "I'm too old to be a father again, but I'm still too young to have grandkids. Can you see me as a Papaw?" he laughed. "And besides," he added quickly, "you're going to be Nonna Keely."
Keely burst out laughing. "No way, dude. That title goes to Francesca's mother. I'm just going to be the odd one that they run to when you won't play horsie." She smiled up at him, kissing his chest. "And no, I can't see you as a grandfather. I just see you as a funny, sexy, brilliant man."
Shaking his head slowly, AJ smiled. "Thank you. But don't discount yourself. It may have taken everyone else in my life a little while to get used to you, but kids are different. From the first time they visit, you'll be here. We'll be Nonno and Nonna to them. They're not going to know you're any different from their friends' step-grandmothers." AJ paused, chuckling softly. "Wow. This is so...." he couldn't find the word.
"Very much so," Keely agreed, understanding exactly what he was trying to say. "I don't know...there's something odd about becoming a step-grandmother without becoming a mother." She shook her head, smiling.
"Exactly." AJ grinned, twisting his head to look down at Keely. "But then, we're an odd pair, so it fits."
Keely smiled again, kissing him lightly. "That's true. We're nothing if not odd."
"But it's part of our charm."
End Ch. 9
