I knew that she was up to something. I just didn't realize that the whole base was in on it with her, up to and including Hawk and Chuckles.

It was very much a surprise when I walked into my office at the infirmary, and lo and behold, there was a party going on. How was I supposed to know that they were planning a birthday party?

They're good; I'll give them that. They even managed to get my Dad over here without me finding out about it.

I never would have pegged A.J. to be the driving force behind it. It seems that she's gotten pretty good at looking sweet and innocent, especially when she's up to mischief.

I stare at her across the room, laughing with Kenny, Edward, Bill and Dashiell at a joke one of them told, and I see for the first time a woman grown, and no longer my little girl.

She has so many of her mother's mannerisms, and though she looks at peace with herself, I know that there's inner turmoil going on.

I'm not going to let it get to me today; I'm just going to do what they want me to do. I'm just going to take it easy and relax for a little.

I catch A.J. looking at me from across the room, and I smile. She is most definitely my pride and joy.

I watch as she goes to the door to help someone with something. I remind myself to get her about putting all those candles there. Not.