…Till Death Does Us Part Chapter II – Part 9/26

Disclaimer - See part one for all important information

Wednesday April 7

5:45 PM

JAG

Naples, Italy

Mac sat in her office with her feet propped up by a box under her desk.  She was reading a file as her left hand rest protectively on her belly.  This had grown steadily since she found out four months ago she was pregnant.  The morning after she found out she was pregnant, the morning sickness hit, and luckily stopped a few weeks later.

There have been several times when her hormones had gotten the best of her; at least it only happened once or twice in the office. The only person who had witnessed them was Lois, who was promptly sworn to secrecy. Lois just laughed it off with, "Ma'am, I grew up with four older sisters.  I know all about secrets."

Last month, during her doctor's appointment, he surprised her by asking if she wanted to know the sex of the baby.  She declined, saying she wanted to be surprised, but since then it had been killing her whether to know or not to know.  It was also around that time she felt the first movement of the baby.  It was a small flutter, and it surprised and shocked her. 

Now those rare flutters had changed into soft kicks and punches, which were growing in amount and force.  At least the baby was nice enough to sleep when she slept and was only awake when she was awake. 

Mac was adjusting to being pregnant, and the office was also adjusting.  The personnel quickly learned not to ask what she was eating for lunch.  They also learned not say she was glowing, after she threatened Rogers with his life if he ever muttered those words again.

"Ma'am, Admiral Chegwidden is on the phone," Lois said as she walked in with a cup of herbal tea for Mac.

Mac looked at the tea. "Did I ask for this?"

"No, Ma'am.  But you always have a cup around this time."  Lois smiled.

Mac smiled back.  "Thanks, Lois.  He's on one?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Lois said before she walked out of the office and closed the door behind her.

"Good afternoon, Admiral," Mac said as she picked up the phone.

{"How are you, Colonel?"  AJ asked, leaning back in his chair.}

"I'm fine, Sir.  You?"

{AJ groaned slightly.  "Fine, except for a few officers who are trying my nerves.  How are yours?"}

"Well, I overheard one of them saying he didn't know which was worse: having a CO who's pregnant, having a CO who's a Marine, or having a CO who's a pregnant Marine?"

{AJ laughed.  "Which one did he choose?"}

"The last one."  Mac laughed.

{"How are you and the baby doing?"}

"We're okay.  It's moving more now then before."

{"Boy or girl?"}

"I told Dr. Henning I wanted to be surprised."

{AJ thought about her personality.  "It's driving you crazy isn't it?"}

"Like you wouldn't believe."

{AJ laughed.  "I'm sure which ever one it is, it will be just like you."}

"That's what worries me, Sir," Mac muttered then she took a second.  "You usually wait to call me at home.  Is there something I need to know about, Sir?"

{AJ took a breath knowing Mac would figure it out.  "Captain Hallworth's wife died last night."}

"I'm sorry to hear that."

{"He'll be returning to Italy in June to take his command back."}

"I see, Sir."  Mac said, suddenly feeling depressed and slightly confused.

{"How does that work into your pregnancy?"}

"I'll be seven months in June, Sir."

{"Then I'll lose you in August to have the baby."}

"The end of August, Sir."

{"You're going to work straight through?"  AJ questioned.}

"As long as my doctor allows it, Sir.  Is that a problem?"

{"Just promise not to have this kid in my office."}

Mac chuckled.  "Of course not."

{"We'll talk more about it when it's closer to your transfer date," AJ said, as there was knock on his door.  "One minute, Mac."}

AJ covered the mouthpiece.  "Enter."

"Sorry to interrupt, Sir," Harm said as he walked into the office.

"Just let me finish this call."  AJ instructed as Harm stood in front of his desk.

{"Sorry, about this, but duty calls," AJ told Mac hoping Harm wouldn't say anything.}

"I completely understand, Sir.  Should I expect the normal call next week?"  Mac grinned.

{"Of course.  I'll talk to you later, Mac, have a good day."}

"You too, Sir," Mac said before she hung up the phone.

AJ looked at Harm.  "What can I help you with, Commander?"

Harm was thrown off a little by hearing Mac's name, but tried to continue.  "I just came to update you on the Kerry court marshal.  Commander Turner and I have reached a settlement."  He handed AJ the file.

AJ opened it.  "Good. Anything else, Commander?"

"No, Sir."  Harm reported.

AJ looked up at him and decided to try a conversation.  "Colonel MacKenzie will be coming back in June."

"That's nice to hear, I'll make sure I'm out of her office by that time," Harm stated.

AJ leaned back in his chair.  "Was there something that occurred between you and Mac I need to know about, Commander?"

"Nothing that requires your attention, Sir," Harm replied.

AJ thought for a minute and figured he knew something Harm didn't.  "Dismissed, Commander."

"Aye, Aye, Sir," Ham said before leaving the office with an odd feeling that something was up and he should have known about it.

End Part 9