Author: Claire Vincent
Date June 2004
This Chapter is rated PG-13 for adult content.
Disclaimer: The Clayton Webb character, and other JAG characters, belong to Donald P. Bellisario, Bellisario Productions, CBS, et al. All other characters and situations of this story belong to the author. No copying of this material is allowed without my consent. For your reading pleasure, one copy is allowed.
WEBB Odyssey Adventures of Clayton Webb and his friends at JAG, and certain special someone.
Rating: PG-13 Classification: JAG - Story Webb/other Romance - Adventure Spoilers: None, written after Tangled Webb.
Chapter 8 Webb Odyssey
Chapter 8 Waiting for the other shoe to drop
Clayton Webb was restless. For the third night in a row, he was up wandering around his townhouse in the middle of the night, unable to sleep. It wasn't nightmares that were keeping him awake, or any particular worry. Just the feeling....something was about to happen.
Well, he told himself, something was about to happen. You are getting married in two days! But the needling in the back of his mind and the tingle down his back wasn't only at the prospect of marring the woman he loved, or beginning his life with her here, and all the "fringe benefits" that included, he thought with a sly smile. No, it was more like the feeling he got in the field, like he was being followed, or watched, or...he had better keep his wits about him because something was about the happen. The other shoe was about to drop.
Maybe it was his suspicious side coming through. Or his fatalist attitude that something would go wrong. He wasn't allowed to be this happy, have this great life open before him. He would have to pay for it, somehow. But what could go wrong? The wedding was all set, everything was in place. The guests from out of town had arrived today, Mother's garden looked beautiful, and the chairs and bower were set up already, the food was ordered, the wedding party had everything they needed...So why was he so edgy?
He sat down on the couch, picked up a book he had been reading off and on lately, when time allowed. It was on the best sellers list, a historical survey of the Chairmen of the Soviet Union, and the times they had influenced. He had enjoyed reading it so far, a non-fiction book that read like a good spy novel. He supposed anyway, he did not read spy novels, but tonight the Soviet history book did not hold his attention. His mind wandered to that day at the beach....
It had been a beautiful day in the city, sunny and warm, hot really for early summer. They had planned a picnic at the beach. Their first trip to the beach since Amy had been home. She had packed the food, and they set off south and east. At the coast the temperatures dropped, and they were glad they had brought their windbreakers.
It wasn't too crowded. They settled in a spot up from the waves, and just sat back to enjoy the scenery. They had walked in the sand some, Amy even took off her shoes with Clay, and let the water play around her feet and ankles. They were fully healed now, and gave her no problems. Clay was happy to see her relaxed and playful again. She looked beautiful. She was almost back to her old self.
They had talked of many different things. How Amy was ready to go back to work, at least she thought so. The Marine Corps said she could come back at part time duty, and were trying to find somewhere to put her. The position at Home Land Security had been taken over by someone else, full time, and there were no positions there part time right now. Amy was frustrated by the delay of getting back to work, but Clay and the doctors told her to take it easy. Things would work out eventually, and she might as well enjoy the rest. Since she had the time off, Amy had decided to go home to Wisconsin, to the farm, for a couple of weeks. It was so peaceful there, and she felt the need to make that contact with home. Clay understood this, but he hated to see her go away, even for a couple of weeks. This would be their last day together before she left.
As the day slowly waned to dusk, Amy dropped some hints that they should be heading back. But Clay had one more thing to do on their picnic. 'I have something to give you before we leave.' He said.
'What's that?' asked Amy.
'I thought I would sweeten the pot.' Clay said.
Amy didn't know what to make of this answer, and she looked at him questioningly.
Clay reached into his inside coat pocket, and pulled out a ring box. 'I didn't have this the last time I asked you, so this time I came prepared.'
He opened the box, and there was the most beautiful emerald cut diamond Amy had ever seen, and the largest.
She didn't know what to say. 'Oh, Clay.' Was all she could come up with. It was a complete surprise.
'Will you marry me, Amy? Make a life with me?'
She looked up into his eyes, usually so clear, and confident, but now, suddenly, a little misty, and a little worried.
She knew her answer, but was afraid, afraid of the life it would lead to, but she loved him. And she felt sad at the fear in his eyes as he asked.
'Yes, Clay. I'll marry you. I'm afraid all of a sudden.' She said around the lump in her throat.
'Oh, Amy.' He said, as he gathered her in his arms. 'We don't have to be afraid of anything ever again. Either one of us.'
They sat like that a moment, reassuring each other in silence. Then he pulled away, and said 'Here, why don't you try this on.' Taking the ring out of the box.
'Now, if you don't like the setting, or...anything, we can go and pick out something you like better. I really didn't know...' he started nervously. He had picked the ring out alone, and not told anyone, even though it had been a hard secret to keep from his mother. But he wanted it to be a surprise for her, and for Amy.
Amy slipped it on her hand. It looked a little big there, she wasn't used to it, but loved it. It was beautiful, and belonged there on her left hand. 'I love it.' She stated through the tears. 'I wouldn't change a thing. It even fits perfectly.' And it did.
From that day on, time had flown by in a whirlwind. They had gone back to Clay's Mother's house to share the good news with her. Amy had asked Clay on the drive over if he would consider holding the ceremony in his Mother's garden behind the house. Amy had always dreamed of a garden wedding, ever since she was a little girl, playing in her grandmother's garden. Amy was concerned however, that such a request would put too much pressure on Porter, when maybe the mother of the groom would rather sit back and enjoy the festivities.
Clayton assured Amy that holding the ceremony in the garden, and having a simple reception at the house afterwards, would be his mother's greatest wish.
'Don't think another minute about it. My Mother would be in her element, and would love to hold the wedding there. She would be almost hurt if we didn't.'
And Clay was right. Porter was having the time of her life helping Amy with all the wedding arrangements. Since Amy did not have any sisters, and had lost her mother, she was more than happy to share the planning of the wedding with Porter. The two of them had gotten along together so well, more like a couple of sisters than a Mother-in-law-to-be and Daughter-in- law. Clay had sat back, and just enjoyed watching them with all the details. He offered answers when they consulted him for his opinion, though it was not very often. In the middle of it all, Harm had confided in him, since he had just finished with his wedding, that 'The wedding is for the women, Clay. All you have to do is show up, look nice, and say I do.'
Looking back on all the planning, Clay certainly agreed with Harm. Now it was just two days....looking at the clock he amended that. One day before he would show up and say I DO. If the wedding was for the women, the honeymoon was for him to plan.
He just wanted to get away alone with Amy. Someplace nice, relaxing, close to some water, and just be together. Someplace they could stay in bed all day if they wanted, and that was defiantly on the agenda as far as he was concerned. He felt he had found the perfect spot, at a resort in Vermont. Used mostly for skiing in the winter, it boasted hiking trails, a lake where they could do some sailing, and swimming, but most importantly it boasted private, secluded cabins. It had been recommended by a friend at the Agency, and as soon as he had seen it described on the web site, he booked it. It was perfect.
With happy thoughts of long walks in the woods, or swimming and lying on the beach with his bride, and the secluded cabin...Clay went back to his bedroom, to try and get some sleep before dawn.
Webb Residence Great Falls, VA 1600 hours
And so it begins, Amy thought. The wedding, in her mind at least, it starts here, with the rehearsal. After this, there is a dinner party at Porter's club, for the wedding party and other special guests, then some sleep. Right, like she was going to be able to sleep tonight, she smiled to herself. Then tomorrow it was up bright and early, getting her hair done, and then going to the house to get dressed. Then the wedding, and reception after. Looking around the garden now, everything was going to be perfect. The late summer roses were blooming, the gladiolas were tall and bright, the chairs and bower were in place.
The wedding party was gathering here to go through the order of the ceremony and where they should be, and what to do. After that, they would drive over to the club for the dinner. Everyone was here, Sarah, as matron of honor since her own wedding two months ago to Harm. Harm was also here, he was best man. Amy's brother Peter and his wife Denise and their two children, Mary Margaret or Molly, and Benjamin were here also, running among the flower beds and chairs. Molly at "almost six" as she kept telling everyone, was to be the flower girl, and 3 year old Ben was ring bearer. Amy was still not sure the little boy would go through with his job, and if he backed out at the last minute that would be fine. She just wanted to include him, as long as his big sister was involved too.
Her brother Peter looked a little uncomfortable. He was much more comfortable on a farm, around his patients, cattle, than a formal garden. He was talking with Harm and Sarah, and trying to keep the children from trampling the flowers. His wife Denise, 8 months pregnant with niece or nephew #3, looked more uncomfortable on the small folding chair. Although she seemed to be talking pleasantly with Porter, who was already falling in love with the two small children, and trying to spoil them with treats ever since they had arrived.
Amy smiled at that. She was not sure how Porter would get along with her niece and nephew. They were good children, and Amy loved them dearly. But she was apprehensive about bringing them to this beautiful home. It just did not seem the place for kids, and Porter, always so proper, and gracious, had seemed the type to expect that children were to be seen and not heard. Amy had been completely wrong. Porter was open and even playful with Molly and Ben, and in the short time they had been here this afternoon, they had already decided that Porter was a new and accepted friend. Amy should have expected this, since she had seen Clay with the children weeks ago, back in Wisconsin.......
Amy had gone home to the farm in Central Wisconsin to rest after finishing her lengthy debriefing at CIA. She had spent time with her family, and seen a lot of friends in town over the two week period. But when Clay flew out to spend the last weekend with her, and fly back home with her, she was ready to go back to Washington, and start in earnest with the wedding plans.
Clay had not really wanted to come to Wisconsin, but Amy had insisted he come and see where she grew up before the wedding. She wanted him to know he was marring a Midwest girl, and what that meant. Clay looked very uneasy as he got out of the rental car at the farm, still wearing a dress shirt and tie. He at least had shed the coat and vest.
Once he had changed, and walked around the place he seemed to relax. When Ralph had taken him out to the barn to see the horses that were boarded there, Clay finally felt at home. Horses he knew, and a couple of these were beauties. He felt he had found some common ground with his father-in- law-to-be when they could talk about horses. Amy was glad to see this, for both Clay and her father's sake.
They had gone to a town fish fry, held at the local Veteran's Hall, where Clay was given his first taste of the local delicacy, Walleye. He loved it. He also met half the town that night. Everyone that attended the dinner, seemed to make their way to the Harris' table, and say Hello to Amy, or welcome her home, or say how proud they were of her for staying tough in Iraq. Amy appreciated the support, but was also a little embarrassed for Clay. Once they had greeted her, and her father or brother, who was the area large animal veterinarian, they eyed Clay and said, 'Oh, so you must be Amy's young man.' Or 'you must be Amy's fiancé.' The next inevitable question was 'And what do you do, Clay?'
Amy always smiled at that question, it was fun watching Clay squirm a little as he said very seriously, 'I work for the government' and try and impress on the other person that was all the answer they were going to get.
After an evening of people stopping by to say hello, Molly took it upon herself to explain to Clay why everyone was coming to their table. This new "Uncle Clay" may not understand what was going on, and Molly thought she should bring him into the family secret.
'Uncle Clay,' she began. 'Did you know my Auntie Amy was a hero?'
Clay, who was still trying to get used to talking to someone 3 feet tall, sort of looked at Amy for guidance, and Amy just smiled and let him fend for himself with the 5 year old. 'A hero?' Everyone at the table stopped talking and sat listening to the conversation, to see what would happen.
'Yes,' Molly said seriously. 'When she was doing her Marine job, some bad men took her away and locked her up, and wouldn't let her play outside, or anything.' Molly was repeating how things had been explained to her when Amy came home and was not quiet herself yet. The playing outside was her addition, but she thought it fit, and described very well how awful it was for her Auntie Amy. 'They hit her too.' Molly added confidentially, to keep it between her and Uncle Clay.
'Yes, they did hit her.' Clay replied. He was surprised the little girl knew all of this, but it was probably hard to keep everything away from children. Molly obviously loved Amy, and wanted to know why she had been hurt.
'My teacher says we should not hit others. Auntie Amy should have told those bad men to stop, then she could have come and told my daddy or Grandpa, and then the bad men would have been in big trouble.'
Clay could have laughed at that, but the little girl was so serious, he wouldn't dream of it. Molly looked convinced that it should have been that easy to take care of the problem. Daddy or Grandpa would have taken care of those bad men for sure. Clay decided to let Molly in on a little secret of his own.
'Your teacher is right, you shouldn't hit others. But I'll tell you.' And he dropped his voice a little to make it a secret between them, though the rest of the table was able to hear. 'Your Daddy wasn't there, and Grandpa wasn't there. But when your Auntie Amy came home, she told me and my friends, and we are like police men that work all over the world, and we are going to find those bad men that hurt Amy, and put them in jail.'
Molly was impressed by this. 'Wow, you can really do that?' Clay nodded. 'You must really love her.'
Clay looked across the table at Amy who was smiling at him. 'I really do.' He said.
'I love you too.' Molly said, throwing her arms around Clay's neck and almost knocking him off the chair in her exuberance.
From that time on, Molly thought Clay was Prince Charming, and a Knight in Shining armor all rolled into one. Clay was flattered and a little confused at being accepted so easily. Ben thought he was pretty cool too, since he found out Clay could ride horses. Just like that, Clay was a hero too in the children's eyes and he decided children were not so hard to understand after all.
The memory of this was floating through Amy's head as they were waiting for Clay to arrive from the office for rehearsal. He was late, and she couldn't understand why.
Clay was just coming from the house at this point. He had stayed at the office because things were beginning to come together on the search for Kharrat and Hessid. Intel was flooding in, they were getting close to what might be the location of one of their hideouts. Clay should have stayed and watched things as they developed, but everyone knew he was getting married tomorrow, and leaving for his honeymoon and they assured him they could handle everything while he was gone. Go get married, they had said as they lead him to the door.
He was here now, and everything would begin. He might as well get used to leaving the office, at the office, and come home to his wife. He was going to have start this sooner or later.
As soon as he made his appearance in the garden, the children ran to him, and threw themselves at him. He bent down and gave them both hugs, and greeted them with kisses and tickling. What was an Uncle for after all?
The group in general smiled at the sight. Harm especially was interested. 'I've never seen this side of Webb.' He said to Mac. 'Oh, I knew he had it in him.' She answered with a smile. She hoped Clay and Amy would be able to have a family, she thought Clay would make a wonderful father.
Webb Residence Great Falls, VA 1340 hours local time
The day of the wedding dawned cloudy and dull. Not a good sign.
By noon, the clouds had moved out, and the sky was a brilliant blue, and sun shown down brightly on Mrs. Webb's garden. Sunlight dappled gently on the lawn and the chairs arranged for the guests, the flower beds were in perfect condition and everything was ready.
Porter Webb couldn't be happier. Clayton was marring a wonderful girl. Porter was already an adopted Grandmother by Amy's niece and nephew. And she secretly hoped it would not be long before she had her very own grandchild to spoil. The only thing dampening her happiness was that Neville was not here to share it. There had been so many things he missed, and she felt his absence so much on these important occasions. But she was about to include him, or his memory at least, right now.
She knocked politely on Clayton's bedroom door, and entered to find her son, and his best man taking care of their final preparations. Clayton was wearing his tuxedo, and Commander Rabb was in his full dress whites. They both looked very handsome.
'Clayton, you look wonderful.' She said, as she approached him.
'Thank you Mother. You look beautiful.'
'I hope not. Only the bride has a right to look beautiful today.' She said jokingly. "Clayton, I wanted to talk to you about something.'
'Yes, Mother?'
'Last night at the rehearsal, you did not use your legal name in exchanging the vows.' His mother stated.
Clay sighed. He was afraid of this. 'It's too long, Mother, too ostentatious.'
'Clayton, it is your legal name, and this is a legally binding ceremony, as well as a religious one, and you should use all your legal names.' Mothers have a way of listing facts to make their children do what they wish them to do. Clayton had hoped he was beyond that now. He was getting married today after all. But her tone of voice still got to him. He wasn't going to win this one.
Harm spoke up, 'All?' he asked.
Clay gave him a warning look. 'Don't ask Harm.'
Porter answered Harm's question. 'Clayton has several names that make up his legal name. When he was born he was the only grandchild, and therefore the only heir to the two family fortunes. Neville and I thought it would be a good gesture if he was given all the family names.' Porter explained.
Harm looked surprisingly at Clay. 'How many do you have?'
'Four.' Clay stated flatly. This was only getting worse.
'You should use them if they are your legal names.' Harm stated in his best attorney voice.
'Don't take her side, Counselor.' Clay warned him.
Porter continued, 'Please Clayton. It would mean so much to me. The only other time I made you use all your names I thought of this day as the only other time you would probably use them. They are perfectly good names, you should not be embarrassed to use them.'
'The only other time I used them, I had no say in the matter. Today I do.' Chided Clay.
Harm asked 'Mrs. Webb, when was the other time?'
'When he was christened of course, and given the names in the first place.'
Clay tried another track, 'Mother, Amy doesn't know about the names. I don't want to spring them on her at the last minute. It wouldn't be fair.'
Porter saw that one coming. 'I'll go and tell her you are using them, and she can practice.'
Clay knew it was futile 'Mother....'
Harm was beginning to enjoy this. 'She's going to need to practice them? What are they?'
Porter was all too happy to explain. 'Clayton is my maiden name. It is a family tradition to use the mother's maiden name as a first name if it is not too long or awkward as a first name. Harris will be a lovely name, if you wanted to use it.' Porter suggested. Clay would leave that discussion for another day.
'Yeah, unlike RABB.' Clay interjected.
Porter ignored the comment. 'Then he is Neville after his father, then George after Neville's father, and Horace for my father.'
Harm snickered, 'Horace?'
'Its got "Harmon" beat.' Clay said.
'Please Clayton, for me.' Porter said, getting back to the subject at hand.
Clay had to give in, it was the only way. 'All right Mother, only if you tell Amy now to prepare her.'
'I will.' Porter promised. 'Oh, I have something for each of you too.' Now that she had won that one, she could move on to why she had really entered the room. She opened her small bag, and pulled out two jewel boxes. She hands one to Clay, saying, 'Clayton, this ring was your father's. I gave it to him as a wedding gift. He did not want a wedding ring, but I wanted to give him something. He wore it on special occasions. I want to give it to you today, to wear for him.'
Clay was over whelmed. 'Thank you, Mother. I wish he were here today.' He said looking at the ring.
'He is darling.' Porter said with smile, and touched her son's cheek. Then she turned to face Harm. 'And Commander. This is for you.' She opens the other box, and pulls out a service ribbon and metal. She reaches up and pins it on Harm's uniform. 'I would like you to wear this in honor of Neville today, and return it to me later.'
Harm was honored. 'It would be my pleasure ma'am. What is it?'
Porter looks at the metal on the uniform, and decides it looks good there. 'His service ribbon from the Agency for his work in Viet Nam.' She looks directly at him looking for his reaction.
'Thank you, Mrs. Webb.' He doesn't know what else to say, and couldn't say anything past the lump in his throat anyway.
'I'm sure Neville wouldn't mind you wearing it.' She says quietly. 'You both look wonderful. I will go and talk to Amy, tell her the change. Oh, and I better inform Rev. Simons too. Just a few more minutes gentlemen.' She says pointedly, and leaves the room.
Harm starts looking around the room, and then at Clay. Something Porter said has him curious. '"Family fortunes?" I guess I never really thought about it. Just how much are you worth Clay?'
Clay looks at him sideways as he starts tying his bow tie. 'That's a hellva question to ask someone on his wedding day.'
'Sorry, just curious.' Harm said quietly. 'A lot?'
Clay looked at him again. 'Let's just say a lot and leave it at that, ok?'
'A lot, a lot?'
'Rabb!'
'Why so touchy about this?' was it wedding jitters? He was just trying to have some fun with Clay.
Clay turned and faced Harm, exasperation and anger in his eyes. Harm had definitely hit a nerve. 'Because. I told Amy 2 weeks ago, just "how much I was worth" and she insisted on a pre-nuptial agreement. Said she didn't want anyone to think she was marring me for my money.'
'She asked for a Pre-nup!' Harm exclaimed. It must be a lot.
'I hate the idea of it. It's like we are ready to throw in the towel before we get started.' Clay said. 'I am going down there in a few minutes, and pledging to love and honor her for the rest of my life, and I mean it. And so does she. That should be all we need.' He turned to the mirror again, and started fumbling with his tie. He was so angry now though, he could not get it tied right.
Harm pushed his hands away, and started tying it himself for Clay. 'You two are going to have a wonderful life together. Forget about the pre-nup. Put it in a drawer somewhere and forget about it. There.' Harm said, backing away, looking at Clay. 'You look great. Relax and enjoy the day. Be happy. It's what you want right?'
Clay checked himself in the mirror, grabbed his suit coat and slipped it on. 'It is want I want.' Looking up at Harm, 'Thanks Harm. For being here,...for everything.'
'You're welcome, Horace.' He said laughing.
'Don't.' Clay warned him as they stepped out of the room. 'Don't start...Harmon.'
Clay and Harm make their way down stairs. They were waiting in the living room, at the patio doors for the music to start. That is their cue to begin the ceremony. As Clay looks out over the group of people gathered, and his mother's beautiful garden, his mind wandered, and he finds himself thinking of his bachelor party from two weeks ago. Lt. Robert's advice came to him, and Clay again felt how true the words were. He was a little surprised he remembered as much as he did of that night. There was a lot of liquor flowing, and they were all worse for wear.
'So, Bud.' Harm began, slapping Bud on the back, a little too hard. 'Being you are the one here who has enjoyed wedded bliss the longest... What advice do you have for our doomed friend here? I mean the happy groom? Doomed groom?' he paused, then decided on 'For Webb.' Harm asked with little comprehension.
Clay agreed whole heartedly for advice, slapping the table top. 'Yes, advice, I'm going to need all I can get.'
Of all of them, Bud seemed the most stable at this point of the evening, which was not saying much. 'Well, sir.' He paused a moment thinking. 'Sir, you are getting married in a beautiful rose garden. Right?'
'Well, there are some roses, but there are a lot of gladiolas too. Mother loves gladiolas. She's been out there everyday coaxing them to bloom for the wedding, and if they don't come through, there will be hell to pay.' Clay answered a little slurred.
Bud nods at this, not really understanding what Mr. Webb is talking about, but continues with his advice. 'Anyway, sir.. a garden. I would have to say that sometimes, though a marriage starts in a garden, and there are times when the marriage stays in a garden, there are times too, in a marriage, where it is in the pits.' Bud felt sorry to have to break this truth to the groom, but he had to know.
The Admiral piped in on this idea, to no one in particular, 'Mine was in the pits a lot.'
Bud tried to continue after this interruption. 'Where was I?'
Harm helped him out. 'In the pits.'
'Oh yeah,' Now Bud remembered. 'And when a marriage is in the pits, you have to remember to do one thing.' And he held up one index finger to make his point.
They all sat waiting for the one thing. Clay finally asked, 'And that is?'
'What?' Bud asked.
'What do I have to remember when I..., we..., the marriage is in the pits Bud?'
'Oh. Do you love her Mr. Webb?' Bud asked.
'Yes. I'm marring her aren't I?' came the emphatic answer.
'Well, you just remember that.' Bud stated, proud he could give Mr. Webb such a pearl of advice on marriage.
Clay however missed it. 'What?'
'That you love her. Just love her Sir.' Bud explained.
The Admiral asked, 'Isn't there a song like that?' and he struck out in a lovely, however off key baritone voice singing, 'Simply lover her, merely love her, love her...
All the men around the table joined in....'Love her'.
They all sat in silence for a moment, thinking of the women they loved in their lives.
Harm slapped Bud on his back with a choked, 'That's beautiful Bud.'
It was beautiful, and the scene before him now was beautiful, and everything was going to be all right. Clay was brought out of his memories by a shy voice from below.
'Uncle Clay.' Clay looked down at his niece, Molly. She was a picture, in rose pink satin, white sash, and a wreath of baby's breath and pink roses in her hair. She was standing in front of him and Harm, looking shyly up at Harm. Clay crouched down to be face to face with the little girl. 'What is it Molly?' he asked.
'Who's that?' she asked pointing up at Harm, with a small white gloved finger.
Clay glanced all the way up to Harm's smiling face, then looked back down at Molly. 'That is the best man, my friend Harm.'
'He is the Best Man.' Molly said dreamily. 'Why is he dressed like that?' she asked.
'He is in a uniform.' Clay stated. 'He is a Naval Officer.'
'Wow.' Molly said, taking in the dress whites from the tips of Harm's shoes to his cover. Then she looked at Clay, and frowned. 'Uncle Clay, why don't you have a uniform?'
Clay stood up. He wasn't sure he was liking this reaction from his niece. Had he lost his #1 status with her all ready? 'Well, I don't have a uniform. I'm wearing my tuxedo. Don't you think I look nice, too?' he asked.
Molly looked him up and down too, seriously considering the question. 'I guess so.' She said carefully.
Harm had no idea he was going to have this much fun today. First Clayton's names, and now this. Poor guy, he thought, but only for a moment.
'Molly, shouldn't you be getting ready to walk in front of your Aunt about now?' Clay gently reminded her.
'Oh yeah.' Uniforms and handsome princes were all forgotten when she realized it was time for her to do her important job for Auntie Amy. She ran along the chairs, and disappeared around the corner of seated guests.
Clay looked at a smiling Harm, standing next to him. 'Dress whites, and gold wings.' Harm said with a wink. 'Gets them every time, no matter how old they are.' He gloated.
Clay just rolled his eyes. At this point the music started, and that was his cue to go and meet his mother.
Clay escorted Porter down the center aisle, and seated her in the front row. Then he stepped to the bower, and Harm joined him there.
Next came the children. Ben came first, carrying the white pillow with the toy rings on it, as a symbol. He looked from side to side at the people who were smiling at him, but kept his head straight. When he saw his mother at the end of the isle, he broke out in a run for the last couple of rows, right into his mother's arms. The people in the seats gave a quiet chuckle, and then Molly came down the isle.
If everyone thought Ben had been cute, Molly charmed them, and a collective sigh moved around the crowd. She looked like a little angel, dropping rose petals in the isle, as she slowly walked to her father. She smiled, and looked up at everyone, and did a beautiful job. She went and sat on her father's lap in the front row, and gave Clay and Harm a big smile, which Clay returned.
Next came Sarah, also in rose pink, looking lovely. She only had her eyes on Harm, and the love shown from her face. Clay was very happy for both of them.
Then the music got a little louder, and everyone stood up. Amy and her father entered the garden. Amy looked everything over with a very careful eye. Everything was perfect, down to the last detail. She was so happy, her cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but she couldn't stop it. She was a little nervous too, not about the ceremony, or any wedding detail. Just what lay ahead for her and Clay. Every Bride felt that way, she was sure. Every thing was going to be fine.
They arrived at the end of the aisle, and her father kissed her cheek, and told her he loved her. He shook Clay's hand then placed his daughter's hand in Clay's. Amy smiled as she looked at Clay. He looked so handsome, and little nervous too. He hid it well, but she could tell he was nervous. His hands were ice cold. In all the time she had known him, Clay always had such warm hands, no matter the weather, or where he was. But at the alter, facing a minister, about to say I Do, his hands were like ice.
Amy smiled up at him, and whispered, 'Its all right.' Just so he could hear. And he smiled, and seemed to relax.
The ceremony went quickly. Clayton looked back and forth between Amy, and the Minister, never once letting go of Amy's hand. They said their vows, with all of Clayton's names, Amy handled them very well.
Suddenly the minister was saying the final blessing, and introducing them as Mr. and Mrs. Clayton and Amelia Webb. The guests all applauded as Clay and Amy kissed, then walked back down the isle into the house to begin the reception. It was a wonderful day, and Clay lost his sense of waiting. Nothing bad was going to happen. He and Amy were finally together. It was like the wedding song from West Side Story that had been sung before the ceremony.
'Day after day, one life,
Now it begins, now we start.
One hand, One heart,
Only death can part us now.'
Residence of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Webb Alexandria, VA 0730 hours local time
Oh, she could get used to this. A warm strong man, lying in bed beside her each morning. She loved how he would roll over in his sleep, and reach for her. He would wrap his arm around her middle, and slide up behind her, holding her tight, then settle back to sleep. Yes, she could definitely get used to this every morning. Which was a good thing, she thought, since she was going to spend the greater part of the rest of her life, waking up this way.
The sun was streaming in the window above them, and she could hear the birds singing on the other side. It was going to be another beautiful day, perfect for their drive up to the resort for their honeymoon. But there was time yet. They didn't have to get up now, and she drifted back to sleep.
After a few minutes, she turned in his arms and faced him, still asleep. Clay opened his eyes and watched her. She is so beautiful. His wife. He liked the sound of that. How did I get so lucky? He asked himself. He looked forward to spending the mornings watching her wake up, being able to roll over and hold her any time he wanted to. He knew they would have to spend time apart. And he will never take for granted the mornings he can spend like this, in bed with her beside him.
While he was looking at her, she opened her eyes, and looked at him, and smiled. 'Morning' she said, leaning in for his kiss. 'Morning, Beautiful'
Clay was again appreciating the advantages of married life, when the door bell sounded. Inclined to ignore it, he kept kissing his wife. But it rang again, a little longer and a little more insistently. 'Who could that be at this hour?' Amy asked a little annoyed.
'I guess I better go find out. It is probably Rabb playing some stupid joke on the newlyweds.' Clay supposed.
'If it is, he better have brought some breakfast.' Amy reluctantly released her husband from her embrace, and watched him roll out of bed and grab some pants. As he headed for the bedroom door, he picked up his robe, and slipped it on too, as he glanced back at his wife. 'Don't go anywhere. I'll be right back.' Then he left closing the door behind him. Amy glanced at the clock on the bedside table, and thought again of who would be at their door at this hour?
Clay walked to the front door, and the door bell rang once again. 'I'm coming, I'm coming. This better be good.' He said, as he opened the door, and stopped in surprise.
Amy rolled over again in bed, and heard muffled voices coming from the living room through the bedroom door. She looked again at the bedside clock, and saw that 15 minutes had gone by. Who was out there, talking to Clay? I hope nothing is wrong, she thought. She was just sitting up in bed, and slipping on her robe, when Clay came back into the bedroom. He had a very sad look about him, and Amy was immediately concerned. 'What's happened?' she asked.
Clay glanced at her, then stepped over to the closet, and pulled out some clothes, and started to get dressed. 'I have to go.' He said simply.
'Go? To the Office?' Amy asked. 'Will you be back in time to leave for Vermont? I would like to try and get up there before dark.' She said, referring to their drive up to the resort.
'No, I won't be home in time to leave for Vermont.' He answered, as he pulled more clothes out of drawers from his dresser.
A small ice cube of fear began to form in Amy's stomach. Clay was moving around the room gathering things, and setting them on the bed. He did not look at her or offer any explanation for what he was doing. Still trying to keep her hopes up, against the obvious, she suggested, 'We could drive up tomorrow, I guess.'
Now Clay looked at her. His wall had gone up, the one that he used to separate himself to do his job. Amy had not seen it in a very long time, but she recognized it just the same. 'Clay tell me what is going on.'
'I have to go to work Amy. Something has happened, and I have to be there.'
The ice cube was an iceberg now, and it chilled her to the bone. 'Clay, where are you going?' she demanded.
'I can't tell you, it's classified.' He actually looked her in the eyes when he said this, knowing full well it was not going to be the end of the discussion. The shoe he had been waiting for days to drop, had just fallen, right in the middle of his honeymoon. But there was nothing else he could do.
'Don't give me the Agency double talk. Where are you going Clay?' Amy was standing now. He wasn't walking out the door until she got some answers.
'Amy...' he really shouldn't tell her, but he didn't have the heart to just walk out the door on her either. That was not a good sign for a field agent. He may be getting too soft. 'I'm flying to Iraq. Hassid has just been picked up. We have been watching what we believed to be one of their hideouts. We were able to grab Hessid, but Kharrat slipped past us. I have to go there ASAP and oversee the interrogation and the continuing search for Kharrat. I'm sorry.'
Amy stood frozen where she was. The last thing she wanted to ever hear again were those two names. Those men had almost killed her, and now they were taking away her husband. 'No you're not sorry.' Amy said accusingly. 'Clay, don't go. Can't someone else handle this? Even for a couple of days? You are supposed to be on your honeymoon!'
'No, no one else can handle this. This has been my case for over a year. I know more about their operation than anyone. Even you.' As soon as he said the last two words, he regretted them. He did know more, but he didn't like reminding Amy of the time she had spent with these men. 'You knew what you were getting when you married me. I would have to leave at a moments notice.' He stopped looking at her, and pulled out a duffel bag, and started putting his things inside.
'Oh, I sure did know what I was getting into. I just didn't think I would have start within 24 hours of saying my vows!' Amy couldn't believe he was just packing up and leaving. She knew he should not have told her where and why he was going, and as far as she was concerned it didn't help to know. But he was leaving. He was zipping the bag, and slipping on his shoes, and all she could do was watch.
'When will you be back?' she asked hopefully.
'I don't know' he answered. He thought it would be a long time, but he didn't have the courage to tell her right now. 'I'll be home when the job is finished. We are so close now Amy. This is our best chance to capture them. I have to see it through to the end.' He had to help her to understand.
Amy was hurt, and angry, and scared, and all she could do was lash out at him. 'I could get an annulment, you know. Divorce you on grounds of abandonment.'
'Don't make this a choice between you and my job, Amy. There is no choice!' he shouted, angry at himself for having to leave her, and he finally lost his temper. It tore him apart to leave her like this. But he had to go. He looked back at her. For a moment, she could see the hurt in his eyes at her threat. But then the wall came back into place. 'You do what you have to do Amy to take care of yourself.' He said quietly. 'Maybe we both made a mistake thinking I could live a normal life.' Burying his emotions, something he unfortunately was good at, he left the bedroom and closed the door behind him.
The Agents that had been at the door so early in the morning to tell him what was happening in Iraq, were still waiting for him, outside ready to take him to the airport. They didn't say anything to him as he stepped out the door. One came forward to take his bag and put it in the trunk of the car. The other turned and moved toward the car, opening the back door for him to get inside. With his head down, Clay began mentally saying good bye to his home, and the life he had hoped to start here with Amy. He didn't know what would be here when he returned. It hurt too much to think about it right now. But he had a job to do, she had to understand that, honeymoon or not.
When Clay had left the bedroom, Amy sat in silent disbelief. Then she got up and ran for the door. She didn't care that there were other men around, or that all she was wearing was her robe. She came out the door and stood on the walkway as he moved toward the car. Her tear filled voice stopped him. 'Damn it Clay!'
He turned to look at her, rumpled and sexy, but with such a sad look on her face and in her eyes. She pushed hair off her face, and said quietly through her tears, 'A ma vie de coer entier'. You have my whole heart for my whole life. Clay made a step toward her, and she flew into his arms. He held her close, as if his life depended on keeping her there beside him. He realized it did. 'You have my whole heart, and all my love for my whole life Amy.' He whispered in her ear.
'I'll be waiting for you to come back. Come back to me Clay please.' She whispered back.
'I will.' And hoped he could keep that promise. He pulled away and looked at her face, memorizing it. She smiled for him, wanting him to carry her smile with him in the days ahead.
He knew if he kissed her lips, he would never be able to leave. He lifted his head, and gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead. Then step by painful step he moved away from her toward the car. She kept smiling as he got inside, and the door was closed. The windows were dark, and she could not see him anymore. But she stood there smiling through the tears, knowing he could still see her, until the car drove out of sight.
Inside the car, Clay continued to look out the window, calling to mind every detail of how his wife looked this morning, how she felt in his arms, her smile as they drove away. He would bring these images to mind in the days, and weeks ahead, and try and take comfort in them. She loved him and would be here when he got back. He didn't deserve it.
The man sitting beside him in the back seat, gave him a few minutes to collect himself, then said, 'I'm sorry Clayton.'
Clay looked at Marcus Stillman, his boss, and his friend. They had seen each other just hours before, at the wedding. But Marcus' apology only left him feeling hollow. Now he knew how Amy had felt at his apology earlier. He gave Marcus the answer Amy had given him. 'No you are not.'
The two men just looked at each other. They were too schooled to let words between them hurt, or help. The drive to the airport was quiet.
End of Chapter 8.
This Chapter is rated PG-13 for adult content.
Disclaimer: The Clayton Webb character, and other JAG characters, belong to Donald P. Bellisario, Bellisario Productions, CBS, et al. All other characters and situations of this story belong to the author. No copying of this material is allowed without my consent. For your reading pleasure, one copy is allowed.
WEBB Odyssey Adventures of Clayton Webb and his friends at JAG, and certain special someone.
Rating: PG-13 Classification: JAG - Story Webb/other Romance - Adventure Spoilers: None, written after Tangled Webb.
Chapter 8 Webb Odyssey
Chapter 8 Waiting for the other shoe to drop
Clayton Webb was restless. For the third night in a row, he was up wandering around his townhouse in the middle of the night, unable to sleep. It wasn't nightmares that were keeping him awake, or any particular worry. Just the feeling....something was about to happen.
Well, he told himself, something was about to happen. You are getting married in two days! But the needling in the back of his mind and the tingle down his back wasn't only at the prospect of marring the woman he loved, or beginning his life with her here, and all the "fringe benefits" that included, he thought with a sly smile. No, it was more like the feeling he got in the field, like he was being followed, or watched, or...he had better keep his wits about him because something was about the happen. The other shoe was about to drop.
Maybe it was his suspicious side coming through. Or his fatalist attitude that something would go wrong. He wasn't allowed to be this happy, have this great life open before him. He would have to pay for it, somehow. But what could go wrong? The wedding was all set, everything was in place. The guests from out of town had arrived today, Mother's garden looked beautiful, and the chairs and bower were set up already, the food was ordered, the wedding party had everything they needed...So why was he so edgy?
He sat down on the couch, picked up a book he had been reading off and on lately, when time allowed. It was on the best sellers list, a historical survey of the Chairmen of the Soviet Union, and the times they had influenced. He had enjoyed reading it so far, a non-fiction book that read like a good spy novel. He supposed anyway, he did not read spy novels, but tonight the Soviet history book did not hold his attention. His mind wandered to that day at the beach....
It had been a beautiful day in the city, sunny and warm, hot really for early summer. They had planned a picnic at the beach. Their first trip to the beach since Amy had been home. She had packed the food, and they set off south and east. At the coast the temperatures dropped, and they were glad they had brought their windbreakers.
It wasn't too crowded. They settled in a spot up from the waves, and just sat back to enjoy the scenery. They had walked in the sand some, Amy even took off her shoes with Clay, and let the water play around her feet and ankles. They were fully healed now, and gave her no problems. Clay was happy to see her relaxed and playful again. She looked beautiful. She was almost back to her old self.
They had talked of many different things. How Amy was ready to go back to work, at least she thought so. The Marine Corps said she could come back at part time duty, and were trying to find somewhere to put her. The position at Home Land Security had been taken over by someone else, full time, and there were no positions there part time right now. Amy was frustrated by the delay of getting back to work, but Clay and the doctors told her to take it easy. Things would work out eventually, and she might as well enjoy the rest. Since she had the time off, Amy had decided to go home to Wisconsin, to the farm, for a couple of weeks. It was so peaceful there, and she felt the need to make that contact with home. Clay understood this, but he hated to see her go away, even for a couple of weeks. This would be their last day together before she left.
As the day slowly waned to dusk, Amy dropped some hints that they should be heading back. But Clay had one more thing to do on their picnic. 'I have something to give you before we leave.' He said.
'What's that?' asked Amy.
'I thought I would sweeten the pot.' Clay said.
Amy didn't know what to make of this answer, and she looked at him questioningly.
Clay reached into his inside coat pocket, and pulled out a ring box. 'I didn't have this the last time I asked you, so this time I came prepared.'
He opened the box, and there was the most beautiful emerald cut diamond Amy had ever seen, and the largest.
She didn't know what to say. 'Oh, Clay.' Was all she could come up with. It was a complete surprise.
'Will you marry me, Amy? Make a life with me?'
She looked up into his eyes, usually so clear, and confident, but now, suddenly, a little misty, and a little worried.
She knew her answer, but was afraid, afraid of the life it would lead to, but she loved him. And she felt sad at the fear in his eyes as he asked.
'Yes, Clay. I'll marry you. I'm afraid all of a sudden.' She said around the lump in her throat.
'Oh, Amy.' He said, as he gathered her in his arms. 'We don't have to be afraid of anything ever again. Either one of us.'
They sat like that a moment, reassuring each other in silence. Then he pulled away, and said 'Here, why don't you try this on.' Taking the ring out of the box.
'Now, if you don't like the setting, or...anything, we can go and pick out something you like better. I really didn't know...' he started nervously. He had picked the ring out alone, and not told anyone, even though it had been a hard secret to keep from his mother. But he wanted it to be a surprise for her, and for Amy.
Amy slipped it on her hand. It looked a little big there, she wasn't used to it, but loved it. It was beautiful, and belonged there on her left hand. 'I love it.' She stated through the tears. 'I wouldn't change a thing. It even fits perfectly.' And it did.
From that day on, time had flown by in a whirlwind. They had gone back to Clay's Mother's house to share the good news with her. Amy had asked Clay on the drive over if he would consider holding the ceremony in his Mother's garden behind the house. Amy had always dreamed of a garden wedding, ever since she was a little girl, playing in her grandmother's garden. Amy was concerned however, that such a request would put too much pressure on Porter, when maybe the mother of the groom would rather sit back and enjoy the festivities.
Clayton assured Amy that holding the ceremony in the garden, and having a simple reception at the house afterwards, would be his mother's greatest wish.
'Don't think another minute about it. My Mother would be in her element, and would love to hold the wedding there. She would be almost hurt if we didn't.'
And Clay was right. Porter was having the time of her life helping Amy with all the wedding arrangements. Since Amy did not have any sisters, and had lost her mother, she was more than happy to share the planning of the wedding with Porter. The two of them had gotten along together so well, more like a couple of sisters than a Mother-in-law-to-be and Daughter-in- law. Clay had sat back, and just enjoyed watching them with all the details. He offered answers when they consulted him for his opinion, though it was not very often. In the middle of it all, Harm had confided in him, since he had just finished with his wedding, that 'The wedding is for the women, Clay. All you have to do is show up, look nice, and say I do.'
Looking back on all the planning, Clay certainly agreed with Harm. Now it was just two days....looking at the clock he amended that. One day before he would show up and say I DO. If the wedding was for the women, the honeymoon was for him to plan.
He just wanted to get away alone with Amy. Someplace nice, relaxing, close to some water, and just be together. Someplace they could stay in bed all day if they wanted, and that was defiantly on the agenda as far as he was concerned. He felt he had found the perfect spot, at a resort in Vermont. Used mostly for skiing in the winter, it boasted hiking trails, a lake where they could do some sailing, and swimming, but most importantly it boasted private, secluded cabins. It had been recommended by a friend at the Agency, and as soon as he had seen it described on the web site, he booked it. It was perfect.
With happy thoughts of long walks in the woods, or swimming and lying on the beach with his bride, and the secluded cabin...Clay went back to his bedroom, to try and get some sleep before dawn.
Webb Residence Great Falls, VA 1600 hours
And so it begins, Amy thought. The wedding, in her mind at least, it starts here, with the rehearsal. After this, there is a dinner party at Porter's club, for the wedding party and other special guests, then some sleep. Right, like she was going to be able to sleep tonight, she smiled to herself. Then tomorrow it was up bright and early, getting her hair done, and then going to the house to get dressed. Then the wedding, and reception after. Looking around the garden now, everything was going to be perfect. The late summer roses were blooming, the gladiolas were tall and bright, the chairs and bower were in place.
The wedding party was gathering here to go through the order of the ceremony and where they should be, and what to do. After that, they would drive over to the club for the dinner. Everyone was here, Sarah, as matron of honor since her own wedding two months ago to Harm. Harm was also here, he was best man. Amy's brother Peter and his wife Denise and their two children, Mary Margaret or Molly, and Benjamin were here also, running among the flower beds and chairs. Molly at "almost six" as she kept telling everyone, was to be the flower girl, and 3 year old Ben was ring bearer. Amy was still not sure the little boy would go through with his job, and if he backed out at the last minute that would be fine. She just wanted to include him, as long as his big sister was involved too.
Her brother Peter looked a little uncomfortable. He was much more comfortable on a farm, around his patients, cattle, than a formal garden. He was talking with Harm and Sarah, and trying to keep the children from trampling the flowers. His wife Denise, 8 months pregnant with niece or nephew #3, looked more uncomfortable on the small folding chair. Although she seemed to be talking pleasantly with Porter, who was already falling in love with the two small children, and trying to spoil them with treats ever since they had arrived.
Amy smiled at that. She was not sure how Porter would get along with her niece and nephew. They were good children, and Amy loved them dearly. But she was apprehensive about bringing them to this beautiful home. It just did not seem the place for kids, and Porter, always so proper, and gracious, had seemed the type to expect that children were to be seen and not heard. Amy had been completely wrong. Porter was open and even playful with Molly and Ben, and in the short time they had been here this afternoon, they had already decided that Porter was a new and accepted friend. Amy should have expected this, since she had seen Clay with the children weeks ago, back in Wisconsin.......
Amy had gone home to the farm in Central Wisconsin to rest after finishing her lengthy debriefing at CIA. She had spent time with her family, and seen a lot of friends in town over the two week period. But when Clay flew out to spend the last weekend with her, and fly back home with her, she was ready to go back to Washington, and start in earnest with the wedding plans.
Clay had not really wanted to come to Wisconsin, but Amy had insisted he come and see where she grew up before the wedding. She wanted him to know he was marring a Midwest girl, and what that meant. Clay looked very uneasy as he got out of the rental car at the farm, still wearing a dress shirt and tie. He at least had shed the coat and vest.
Once he had changed, and walked around the place he seemed to relax. When Ralph had taken him out to the barn to see the horses that were boarded there, Clay finally felt at home. Horses he knew, and a couple of these were beauties. He felt he had found some common ground with his father-in- law-to-be when they could talk about horses. Amy was glad to see this, for both Clay and her father's sake.
They had gone to a town fish fry, held at the local Veteran's Hall, where Clay was given his first taste of the local delicacy, Walleye. He loved it. He also met half the town that night. Everyone that attended the dinner, seemed to make their way to the Harris' table, and say Hello to Amy, or welcome her home, or say how proud they were of her for staying tough in Iraq. Amy appreciated the support, but was also a little embarrassed for Clay. Once they had greeted her, and her father or brother, who was the area large animal veterinarian, they eyed Clay and said, 'Oh, so you must be Amy's young man.' Or 'you must be Amy's fiancé.' The next inevitable question was 'And what do you do, Clay?'
Amy always smiled at that question, it was fun watching Clay squirm a little as he said very seriously, 'I work for the government' and try and impress on the other person that was all the answer they were going to get.
After an evening of people stopping by to say hello, Molly took it upon herself to explain to Clay why everyone was coming to their table. This new "Uncle Clay" may not understand what was going on, and Molly thought she should bring him into the family secret.
'Uncle Clay,' she began. 'Did you know my Auntie Amy was a hero?'
Clay, who was still trying to get used to talking to someone 3 feet tall, sort of looked at Amy for guidance, and Amy just smiled and let him fend for himself with the 5 year old. 'A hero?' Everyone at the table stopped talking and sat listening to the conversation, to see what would happen.
'Yes,' Molly said seriously. 'When she was doing her Marine job, some bad men took her away and locked her up, and wouldn't let her play outside, or anything.' Molly was repeating how things had been explained to her when Amy came home and was not quiet herself yet. The playing outside was her addition, but she thought it fit, and described very well how awful it was for her Auntie Amy. 'They hit her too.' Molly added confidentially, to keep it between her and Uncle Clay.
'Yes, they did hit her.' Clay replied. He was surprised the little girl knew all of this, but it was probably hard to keep everything away from children. Molly obviously loved Amy, and wanted to know why she had been hurt.
'My teacher says we should not hit others. Auntie Amy should have told those bad men to stop, then she could have come and told my daddy or Grandpa, and then the bad men would have been in big trouble.'
Clay could have laughed at that, but the little girl was so serious, he wouldn't dream of it. Molly looked convinced that it should have been that easy to take care of the problem. Daddy or Grandpa would have taken care of those bad men for sure. Clay decided to let Molly in on a little secret of his own.
'Your teacher is right, you shouldn't hit others. But I'll tell you.' And he dropped his voice a little to make it a secret between them, though the rest of the table was able to hear. 'Your Daddy wasn't there, and Grandpa wasn't there. But when your Auntie Amy came home, she told me and my friends, and we are like police men that work all over the world, and we are going to find those bad men that hurt Amy, and put them in jail.'
Molly was impressed by this. 'Wow, you can really do that?' Clay nodded. 'You must really love her.'
Clay looked across the table at Amy who was smiling at him. 'I really do.' He said.
'I love you too.' Molly said, throwing her arms around Clay's neck and almost knocking him off the chair in her exuberance.
From that time on, Molly thought Clay was Prince Charming, and a Knight in Shining armor all rolled into one. Clay was flattered and a little confused at being accepted so easily. Ben thought he was pretty cool too, since he found out Clay could ride horses. Just like that, Clay was a hero too in the children's eyes and he decided children were not so hard to understand after all.
The memory of this was floating through Amy's head as they were waiting for Clay to arrive from the office for rehearsal. He was late, and she couldn't understand why.
Clay was just coming from the house at this point. He had stayed at the office because things were beginning to come together on the search for Kharrat and Hessid. Intel was flooding in, they were getting close to what might be the location of one of their hideouts. Clay should have stayed and watched things as they developed, but everyone knew he was getting married tomorrow, and leaving for his honeymoon and they assured him they could handle everything while he was gone. Go get married, they had said as they lead him to the door.
He was here now, and everything would begin. He might as well get used to leaving the office, at the office, and come home to his wife. He was going to have start this sooner or later.
As soon as he made his appearance in the garden, the children ran to him, and threw themselves at him. He bent down and gave them both hugs, and greeted them with kisses and tickling. What was an Uncle for after all?
The group in general smiled at the sight. Harm especially was interested. 'I've never seen this side of Webb.' He said to Mac. 'Oh, I knew he had it in him.' She answered with a smile. She hoped Clay and Amy would be able to have a family, she thought Clay would make a wonderful father.
Webb Residence Great Falls, VA 1340 hours local time
The day of the wedding dawned cloudy and dull. Not a good sign.
By noon, the clouds had moved out, and the sky was a brilliant blue, and sun shown down brightly on Mrs. Webb's garden. Sunlight dappled gently on the lawn and the chairs arranged for the guests, the flower beds were in perfect condition and everything was ready.
Porter Webb couldn't be happier. Clayton was marring a wonderful girl. Porter was already an adopted Grandmother by Amy's niece and nephew. And she secretly hoped it would not be long before she had her very own grandchild to spoil. The only thing dampening her happiness was that Neville was not here to share it. There had been so many things he missed, and she felt his absence so much on these important occasions. But she was about to include him, or his memory at least, right now.
She knocked politely on Clayton's bedroom door, and entered to find her son, and his best man taking care of their final preparations. Clayton was wearing his tuxedo, and Commander Rabb was in his full dress whites. They both looked very handsome.
'Clayton, you look wonderful.' She said, as she approached him.
'Thank you Mother. You look beautiful.'
'I hope not. Only the bride has a right to look beautiful today.' She said jokingly. "Clayton, I wanted to talk to you about something.'
'Yes, Mother?'
'Last night at the rehearsal, you did not use your legal name in exchanging the vows.' His mother stated.
Clay sighed. He was afraid of this. 'It's too long, Mother, too ostentatious.'
'Clayton, it is your legal name, and this is a legally binding ceremony, as well as a religious one, and you should use all your legal names.' Mothers have a way of listing facts to make their children do what they wish them to do. Clayton had hoped he was beyond that now. He was getting married today after all. But her tone of voice still got to him. He wasn't going to win this one.
Harm spoke up, 'All?' he asked.
Clay gave him a warning look. 'Don't ask Harm.'
Porter answered Harm's question. 'Clayton has several names that make up his legal name. When he was born he was the only grandchild, and therefore the only heir to the two family fortunes. Neville and I thought it would be a good gesture if he was given all the family names.' Porter explained.
Harm looked surprisingly at Clay. 'How many do you have?'
'Four.' Clay stated flatly. This was only getting worse.
'You should use them if they are your legal names.' Harm stated in his best attorney voice.
'Don't take her side, Counselor.' Clay warned him.
Porter continued, 'Please Clayton. It would mean so much to me. The only other time I made you use all your names I thought of this day as the only other time you would probably use them. They are perfectly good names, you should not be embarrassed to use them.'
'The only other time I used them, I had no say in the matter. Today I do.' Chided Clay.
Harm asked 'Mrs. Webb, when was the other time?'
'When he was christened of course, and given the names in the first place.'
Clay tried another track, 'Mother, Amy doesn't know about the names. I don't want to spring them on her at the last minute. It wouldn't be fair.'
Porter saw that one coming. 'I'll go and tell her you are using them, and she can practice.'
Clay knew it was futile 'Mother....'
Harm was beginning to enjoy this. 'She's going to need to practice them? What are they?'
Porter was all too happy to explain. 'Clayton is my maiden name. It is a family tradition to use the mother's maiden name as a first name if it is not too long or awkward as a first name. Harris will be a lovely name, if you wanted to use it.' Porter suggested. Clay would leave that discussion for another day.
'Yeah, unlike RABB.' Clay interjected.
Porter ignored the comment. 'Then he is Neville after his father, then George after Neville's father, and Horace for my father.'
Harm snickered, 'Horace?'
'Its got "Harmon" beat.' Clay said.
'Please Clayton, for me.' Porter said, getting back to the subject at hand.
Clay had to give in, it was the only way. 'All right Mother, only if you tell Amy now to prepare her.'
'I will.' Porter promised. 'Oh, I have something for each of you too.' Now that she had won that one, she could move on to why she had really entered the room. She opened her small bag, and pulled out two jewel boxes. She hands one to Clay, saying, 'Clayton, this ring was your father's. I gave it to him as a wedding gift. He did not want a wedding ring, but I wanted to give him something. He wore it on special occasions. I want to give it to you today, to wear for him.'
Clay was over whelmed. 'Thank you, Mother. I wish he were here today.' He said looking at the ring.
'He is darling.' Porter said with smile, and touched her son's cheek. Then she turned to face Harm. 'And Commander. This is for you.' She opens the other box, and pulls out a service ribbon and metal. She reaches up and pins it on Harm's uniform. 'I would like you to wear this in honor of Neville today, and return it to me later.'
Harm was honored. 'It would be my pleasure ma'am. What is it?'
Porter looks at the metal on the uniform, and decides it looks good there. 'His service ribbon from the Agency for his work in Viet Nam.' She looks directly at him looking for his reaction.
'Thank you, Mrs. Webb.' He doesn't know what else to say, and couldn't say anything past the lump in his throat anyway.
'I'm sure Neville wouldn't mind you wearing it.' She says quietly. 'You both look wonderful. I will go and talk to Amy, tell her the change. Oh, and I better inform Rev. Simons too. Just a few more minutes gentlemen.' She says pointedly, and leaves the room.
Harm starts looking around the room, and then at Clay. Something Porter said has him curious. '"Family fortunes?" I guess I never really thought about it. Just how much are you worth Clay?'
Clay looks at him sideways as he starts tying his bow tie. 'That's a hellva question to ask someone on his wedding day.'
'Sorry, just curious.' Harm said quietly. 'A lot?'
Clay looked at him again. 'Let's just say a lot and leave it at that, ok?'
'A lot, a lot?'
'Rabb!'
'Why so touchy about this?' was it wedding jitters? He was just trying to have some fun with Clay.
Clay turned and faced Harm, exasperation and anger in his eyes. Harm had definitely hit a nerve. 'Because. I told Amy 2 weeks ago, just "how much I was worth" and she insisted on a pre-nuptial agreement. Said she didn't want anyone to think she was marring me for my money.'
'She asked for a Pre-nup!' Harm exclaimed. It must be a lot.
'I hate the idea of it. It's like we are ready to throw in the towel before we get started.' Clay said. 'I am going down there in a few minutes, and pledging to love and honor her for the rest of my life, and I mean it. And so does she. That should be all we need.' He turned to the mirror again, and started fumbling with his tie. He was so angry now though, he could not get it tied right.
Harm pushed his hands away, and started tying it himself for Clay. 'You two are going to have a wonderful life together. Forget about the pre-nup. Put it in a drawer somewhere and forget about it. There.' Harm said, backing away, looking at Clay. 'You look great. Relax and enjoy the day. Be happy. It's what you want right?'
Clay checked himself in the mirror, grabbed his suit coat and slipped it on. 'It is want I want.' Looking up at Harm, 'Thanks Harm. For being here,...for everything.'
'You're welcome, Horace.' He said laughing.
'Don't.' Clay warned him as they stepped out of the room. 'Don't start...Harmon.'
Clay and Harm make their way down stairs. They were waiting in the living room, at the patio doors for the music to start. That is their cue to begin the ceremony. As Clay looks out over the group of people gathered, and his mother's beautiful garden, his mind wandered, and he finds himself thinking of his bachelor party from two weeks ago. Lt. Robert's advice came to him, and Clay again felt how true the words were. He was a little surprised he remembered as much as he did of that night. There was a lot of liquor flowing, and they were all worse for wear.
'So, Bud.' Harm began, slapping Bud on the back, a little too hard. 'Being you are the one here who has enjoyed wedded bliss the longest... What advice do you have for our doomed friend here? I mean the happy groom? Doomed groom?' he paused, then decided on 'For Webb.' Harm asked with little comprehension.
Clay agreed whole heartedly for advice, slapping the table top. 'Yes, advice, I'm going to need all I can get.'
Of all of them, Bud seemed the most stable at this point of the evening, which was not saying much. 'Well, sir.' He paused a moment thinking. 'Sir, you are getting married in a beautiful rose garden. Right?'
'Well, there are some roses, but there are a lot of gladiolas too. Mother loves gladiolas. She's been out there everyday coaxing them to bloom for the wedding, and if they don't come through, there will be hell to pay.' Clay answered a little slurred.
Bud nods at this, not really understanding what Mr. Webb is talking about, but continues with his advice. 'Anyway, sir.. a garden. I would have to say that sometimes, though a marriage starts in a garden, and there are times when the marriage stays in a garden, there are times too, in a marriage, where it is in the pits.' Bud felt sorry to have to break this truth to the groom, but he had to know.
The Admiral piped in on this idea, to no one in particular, 'Mine was in the pits a lot.'
Bud tried to continue after this interruption. 'Where was I?'
Harm helped him out. 'In the pits.'
'Oh yeah,' Now Bud remembered. 'And when a marriage is in the pits, you have to remember to do one thing.' And he held up one index finger to make his point.
They all sat waiting for the one thing. Clay finally asked, 'And that is?'
'What?' Bud asked.
'What do I have to remember when I..., we..., the marriage is in the pits Bud?'
'Oh. Do you love her Mr. Webb?' Bud asked.
'Yes. I'm marring her aren't I?' came the emphatic answer.
'Well, you just remember that.' Bud stated, proud he could give Mr. Webb such a pearl of advice on marriage.
Clay however missed it. 'What?'
'That you love her. Just love her Sir.' Bud explained.
The Admiral asked, 'Isn't there a song like that?' and he struck out in a lovely, however off key baritone voice singing, 'Simply lover her, merely love her, love her...
All the men around the table joined in....'Love her'.
They all sat in silence for a moment, thinking of the women they loved in their lives.
Harm slapped Bud on his back with a choked, 'That's beautiful Bud.'
It was beautiful, and the scene before him now was beautiful, and everything was going to be all right. Clay was brought out of his memories by a shy voice from below.
'Uncle Clay.' Clay looked down at his niece, Molly. She was a picture, in rose pink satin, white sash, and a wreath of baby's breath and pink roses in her hair. She was standing in front of him and Harm, looking shyly up at Harm. Clay crouched down to be face to face with the little girl. 'What is it Molly?' he asked.
'Who's that?' she asked pointing up at Harm, with a small white gloved finger.
Clay glanced all the way up to Harm's smiling face, then looked back down at Molly. 'That is the best man, my friend Harm.'
'He is the Best Man.' Molly said dreamily. 'Why is he dressed like that?' she asked.
'He is in a uniform.' Clay stated. 'He is a Naval Officer.'
'Wow.' Molly said, taking in the dress whites from the tips of Harm's shoes to his cover. Then she looked at Clay, and frowned. 'Uncle Clay, why don't you have a uniform?'
Clay stood up. He wasn't sure he was liking this reaction from his niece. Had he lost his #1 status with her all ready? 'Well, I don't have a uniform. I'm wearing my tuxedo. Don't you think I look nice, too?' he asked.
Molly looked him up and down too, seriously considering the question. 'I guess so.' She said carefully.
Harm had no idea he was going to have this much fun today. First Clayton's names, and now this. Poor guy, he thought, but only for a moment.
'Molly, shouldn't you be getting ready to walk in front of your Aunt about now?' Clay gently reminded her.
'Oh yeah.' Uniforms and handsome princes were all forgotten when she realized it was time for her to do her important job for Auntie Amy. She ran along the chairs, and disappeared around the corner of seated guests.
Clay looked at a smiling Harm, standing next to him. 'Dress whites, and gold wings.' Harm said with a wink. 'Gets them every time, no matter how old they are.' He gloated.
Clay just rolled his eyes. At this point the music started, and that was his cue to go and meet his mother.
Clay escorted Porter down the center aisle, and seated her in the front row. Then he stepped to the bower, and Harm joined him there.
Next came the children. Ben came first, carrying the white pillow with the toy rings on it, as a symbol. He looked from side to side at the people who were smiling at him, but kept his head straight. When he saw his mother at the end of the isle, he broke out in a run for the last couple of rows, right into his mother's arms. The people in the seats gave a quiet chuckle, and then Molly came down the isle.
If everyone thought Ben had been cute, Molly charmed them, and a collective sigh moved around the crowd. She looked like a little angel, dropping rose petals in the isle, as she slowly walked to her father. She smiled, and looked up at everyone, and did a beautiful job. She went and sat on her father's lap in the front row, and gave Clay and Harm a big smile, which Clay returned.
Next came Sarah, also in rose pink, looking lovely. She only had her eyes on Harm, and the love shown from her face. Clay was very happy for both of them.
Then the music got a little louder, and everyone stood up. Amy and her father entered the garden. Amy looked everything over with a very careful eye. Everything was perfect, down to the last detail. She was so happy, her cheeks hurt from smiling so much, but she couldn't stop it. She was a little nervous too, not about the ceremony, or any wedding detail. Just what lay ahead for her and Clay. Every Bride felt that way, she was sure. Every thing was going to be fine.
They arrived at the end of the aisle, and her father kissed her cheek, and told her he loved her. He shook Clay's hand then placed his daughter's hand in Clay's. Amy smiled as she looked at Clay. He looked so handsome, and little nervous too. He hid it well, but she could tell he was nervous. His hands were ice cold. In all the time she had known him, Clay always had such warm hands, no matter the weather, or where he was. But at the alter, facing a minister, about to say I Do, his hands were like ice.
Amy smiled up at him, and whispered, 'Its all right.' Just so he could hear. And he smiled, and seemed to relax.
The ceremony went quickly. Clayton looked back and forth between Amy, and the Minister, never once letting go of Amy's hand. They said their vows, with all of Clayton's names, Amy handled them very well.
Suddenly the minister was saying the final blessing, and introducing them as Mr. and Mrs. Clayton and Amelia Webb. The guests all applauded as Clay and Amy kissed, then walked back down the isle into the house to begin the reception. It was a wonderful day, and Clay lost his sense of waiting. Nothing bad was going to happen. He and Amy were finally together. It was like the wedding song from West Side Story that had been sung before the ceremony.
'Day after day, one life,
Now it begins, now we start.
One hand, One heart,
Only death can part us now.'
Residence of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Webb Alexandria, VA 0730 hours local time
Oh, she could get used to this. A warm strong man, lying in bed beside her each morning. She loved how he would roll over in his sleep, and reach for her. He would wrap his arm around her middle, and slide up behind her, holding her tight, then settle back to sleep. Yes, she could definitely get used to this every morning. Which was a good thing, she thought, since she was going to spend the greater part of the rest of her life, waking up this way.
The sun was streaming in the window above them, and she could hear the birds singing on the other side. It was going to be another beautiful day, perfect for their drive up to the resort for their honeymoon. But there was time yet. They didn't have to get up now, and she drifted back to sleep.
After a few minutes, she turned in his arms and faced him, still asleep. Clay opened his eyes and watched her. She is so beautiful. His wife. He liked the sound of that. How did I get so lucky? He asked himself. He looked forward to spending the mornings watching her wake up, being able to roll over and hold her any time he wanted to. He knew they would have to spend time apart. And he will never take for granted the mornings he can spend like this, in bed with her beside him.
While he was looking at her, she opened her eyes, and looked at him, and smiled. 'Morning' she said, leaning in for his kiss. 'Morning, Beautiful'
Clay was again appreciating the advantages of married life, when the door bell sounded. Inclined to ignore it, he kept kissing his wife. But it rang again, a little longer and a little more insistently. 'Who could that be at this hour?' Amy asked a little annoyed.
'I guess I better go find out. It is probably Rabb playing some stupid joke on the newlyweds.' Clay supposed.
'If it is, he better have brought some breakfast.' Amy reluctantly released her husband from her embrace, and watched him roll out of bed and grab some pants. As he headed for the bedroom door, he picked up his robe, and slipped it on too, as he glanced back at his wife. 'Don't go anywhere. I'll be right back.' Then he left closing the door behind him. Amy glanced at the clock on the bedside table, and thought again of who would be at their door at this hour?
Clay walked to the front door, and the door bell rang once again. 'I'm coming, I'm coming. This better be good.' He said, as he opened the door, and stopped in surprise.
Amy rolled over again in bed, and heard muffled voices coming from the living room through the bedroom door. She looked again at the bedside clock, and saw that 15 minutes had gone by. Who was out there, talking to Clay? I hope nothing is wrong, she thought. She was just sitting up in bed, and slipping on her robe, when Clay came back into the bedroom. He had a very sad look about him, and Amy was immediately concerned. 'What's happened?' she asked.
Clay glanced at her, then stepped over to the closet, and pulled out some clothes, and started to get dressed. 'I have to go.' He said simply.
'Go? To the Office?' Amy asked. 'Will you be back in time to leave for Vermont? I would like to try and get up there before dark.' She said, referring to their drive up to the resort.
'No, I won't be home in time to leave for Vermont.' He answered, as he pulled more clothes out of drawers from his dresser.
A small ice cube of fear began to form in Amy's stomach. Clay was moving around the room gathering things, and setting them on the bed. He did not look at her or offer any explanation for what he was doing. Still trying to keep her hopes up, against the obvious, she suggested, 'We could drive up tomorrow, I guess.'
Now Clay looked at her. His wall had gone up, the one that he used to separate himself to do his job. Amy had not seen it in a very long time, but she recognized it just the same. 'Clay tell me what is going on.'
'I have to go to work Amy. Something has happened, and I have to be there.'
The ice cube was an iceberg now, and it chilled her to the bone. 'Clay, where are you going?' she demanded.
'I can't tell you, it's classified.' He actually looked her in the eyes when he said this, knowing full well it was not going to be the end of the discussion. The shoe he had been waiting for days to drop, had just fallen, right in the middle of his honeymoon. But there was nothing else he could do.
'Don't give me the Agency double talk. Where are you going Clay?' Amy was standing now. He wasn't walking out the door until she got some answers.
'Amy...' he really shouldn't tell her, but he didn't have the heart to just walk out the door on her either. That was not a good sign for a field agent. He may be getting too soft. 'I'm flying to Iraq. Hassid has just been picked up. We have been watching what we believed to be one of their hideouts. We were able to grab Hessid, but Kharrat slipped past us. I have to go there ASAP and oversee the interrogation and the continuing search for Kharrat. I'm sorry.'
Amy stood frozen where she was. The last thing she wanted to ever hear again were those two names. Those men had almost killed her, and now they were taking away her husband. 'No you're not sorry.' Amy said accusingly. 'Clay, don't go. Can't someone else handle this? Even for a couple of days? You are supposed to be on your honeymoon!'
'No, no one else can handle this. This has been my case for over a year. I know more about their operation than anyone. Even you.' As soon as he said the last two words, he regretted them. He did know more, but he didn't like reminding Amy of the time she had spent with these men. 'You knew what you were getting when you married me. I would have to leave at a moments notice.' He stopped looking at her, and pulled out a duffel bag, and started putting his things inside.
'Oh, I sure did know what I was getting into. I just didn't think I would have start within 24 hours of saying my vows!' Amy couldn't believe he was just packing up and leaving. She knew he should not have told her where and why he was going, and as far as she was concerned it didn't help to know. But he was leaving. He was zipping the bag, and slipping on his shoes, and all she could do was watch.
'When will you be back?' she asked hopefully.
'I don't know' he answered. He thought it would be a long time, but he didn't have the courage to tell her right now. 'I'll be home when the job is finished. We are so close now Amy. This is our best chance to capture them. I have to see it through to the end.' He had to help her to understand.
Amy was hurt, and angry, and scared, and all she could do was lash out at him. 'I could get an annulment, you know. Divorce you on grounds of abandonment.'
'Don't make this a choice between you and my job, Amy. There is no choice!' he shouted, angry at himself for having to leave her, and he finally lost his temper. It tore him apart to leave her like this. But he had to go. He looked back at her. For a moment, she could see the hurt in his eyes at her threat. But then the wall came back into place. 'You do what you have to do Amy to take care of yourself.' He said quietly. 'Maybe we both made a mistake thinking I could live a normal life.' Burying his emotions, something he unfortunately was good at, he left the bedroom and closed the door behind him.
The Agents that had been at the door so early in the morning to tell him what was happening in Iraq, were still waiting for him, outside ready to take him to the airport. They didn't say anything to him as he stepped out the door. One came forward to take his bag and put it in the trunk of the car. The other turned and moved toward the car, opening the back door for him to get inside. With his head down, Clay began mentally saying good bye to his home, and the life he had hoped to start here with Amy. He didn't know what would be here when he returned. It hurt too much to think about it right now. But he had a job to do, she had to understand that, honeymoon or not.
When Clay had left the bedroom, Amy sat in silent disbelief. Then she got up and ran for the door. She didn't care that there were other men around, or that all she was wearing was her robe. She came out the door and stood on the walkway as he moved toward the car. Her tear filled voice stopped him. 'Damn it Clay!'
He turned to look at her, rumpled and sexy, but with such a sad look on her face and in her eyes. She pushed hair off her face, and said quietly through her tears, 'A ma vie de coer entier'. You have my whole heart for my whole life. Clay made a step toward her, and she flew into his arms. He held her close, as if his life depended on keeping her there beside him. He realized it did. 'You have my whole heart, and all my love for my whole life Amy.' He whispered in her ear.
'I'll be waiting for you to come back. Come back to me Clay please.' She whispered back.
'I will.' And hoped he could keep that promise. He pulled away and looked at her face, memorizing it. She smiled for him, wanting him to carry her smile with him in the days ahead.
He knew if he kissed her lips, he would never be able to leave. He lifted his head, and gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead. Then step by painful step he moved away from her toward the car. She kept smiling as he got inside, and the door was closed. The windows were dark, and she could not see him anymore. But she stood there smiling through the tears, knowing he could still see her, until the car drove out of sight.
Inside the car, Clay continued to look out the window, calling to mind every detail of how his wife looked this morning, how she felt in his arms, her smile as they drove away. He would bring these images to mind in the days, and weeks ahead, and try and take comfort in them. She loved him and would be here when he got back. He didn't deserve it.
The man sitting beside him in the back seat, gave him a few minutes to collect himself, then said, 'I'm sorry Clayton.'
Clay looked at Marcus Stillman, his boss, and his friend. They had seen each other just hours before, at the wedding. But Marcus' apology only left him feeling hollow. Now he knew how Amy had felt at his apology earlier. He gave Marcus the answer Amy had given him. 'No you are not.'
The two men just looked at each other. They were too schooled to let words between them hurt, or help. The drive to the airport was quiet.
End of Chapter 8.