Mac looked up from the file she was reviewing on her desk. Tiner was hovering around the open door.

"She's already gone to lunch Jason; she probably won't be back for another half an hour."

"Actually I'm here to see you ma'am. I'm just trying to work up the courage."

"Why don't you come in and sit down so you're not hovering, when you have the right amount of courage built up then maybe you can ask your question?"

"Yes ma'am." He came in and sat down in the chair opposite hers. Mac went back to the file occasionally glancing up to see Tiner trying to figure out how to word his question.

"Is it a life changing question or is it just awkward?" Mac asked after a full ten minutes.

"A little of both ma'am."

"How about we start with permission to speak freely and you taking a deep breath?"

"Yes ma'am."

"So?" Mac prompted.

"I have a legal question."

"Okay." Mac said a little weary, he worked in an office full of lawyers and he was a law student.

"If two Petty Officers got married then one of them went to OCS, the Navy wouldn't have problems with the Commissioned Officer / Enlisted relationship would they?"

"No, it happens all the time. As long as proper decorum is maintained in public and they aren't in the same direct change of command it shouldn't be a problem.

"Thank you ma'am." He relaxed slightly.

"So you're thinking of proposing to Jen?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Have you and Jen discussed what you want for the future?" Mac asked.

"Yes ma'am. We've discussed everything, kids, where we want to be in ten years, my going to OCS."

"Then good luck, I'm sure she will say yes."

"That was the other thing I wanted to ask you about ma'am."

"Oh yes?"

"Ma'am, I understand if you say no or you think it's inappropriate."

"Go ahead." Mac encouraged.

"The ring ma'am, I have no idea where to start. My taste in jewellery isn't the best ma'am."

"The necklace you bought her for her birthday was beautiful." Mac reminded him.

"Ma'am, Gunny's sister was in town and helped me pick it out." Mac thought for a second.

"Would you mind if Lieutenant Sims found out?"

"Why ma'am?"

"The best way to do it would be if Harriet and I were out shopping on say Saturday at 1100 and we happened to walk past a jewellers and you happened to be inside, then we could help but offer our assistance, being the good officers we are."

"I suppose not ma'am." He said with a smile.

"I'll talk to Harriet and I'll let you know for certain. I know the best jewellers in the area too."

"Thank you ma'am. Can I ask that you don't...."

"Jen won't hear it from me."

Thank you ma'am. Can I get you some coffee?"

"I'm fine thank you."

~

"Harriet are you busy on Saturday?" Mac asked.

"No ma'am." Harriet replied.

"Feel like shopping? I think I deserve a new pair of shoes."

"Me too ma'am. I'm sure Bud can manage with AJ."

"Ladies." Harm said.

"Commander." Mac replied.

"Discussing anything interesting?"

"We're going shoe shopping on Saturday." Mac replied.

"You need more shoes?" Harm questioned. "Because I had shoes fall out of the closet on me."

"That's because you were searching for something and knocked them out. Besides you never come between a woman and shoe shopping."

"I stand corrected. I take it I'm babysitting?"

"Harm she's your daughter, it's not babysitting it's being a parent."

"I stand corrected again."

"I'll pick you up at 1000 on Saturday, Harriet." Mac said turning back to Harriet.

"I look forward to it ma'am."

"I have to get back to court I'll see you both later."

TBC