Disclaimer: I don't own the JAG characters, I'm just borrowing from DB's toybox for a little while.
Spoilers:
Ignores Hail and Farewell. Harm didn't come back to JAG after his stint in the CIA.
Chapter 1: A Chance Meeting Can Change A Lot
November 17th, 2004
JAG Bullpen
Desk of Harriet Sims
'I should have stayed home today.' Harriet Sims sat gloomily at her desk staring at the vase full of pink roses that occupied the upper right corner next to the phone.
There had been four to start with, delivered first thing this morning with a note.
Sarah would have been four today, and I wanted to remember her. Since I know Bud is in court all day, I would like to pull retired Admiral's privilege and have the honor of taking you to lunch.
A.J. Chegwidden
She wasted no time in picking up the phone, and now was waiting for him to come pick her up. The roses had multiplied all day – one each from Harm, Sturgis, Jen, Mattie, Manetti, Tiner , Mikey and, of all people, the Sec Nav. He'd run into Jen the night before at the flower shop since Harm, Tiner & Mikey had called her and requested she buy one for them and leave it on Harriet's chair – each thinking he had an original idea. Clayton Webb, not to be outdone, had sent a rosebush. It was signed jointly from him and Mac.
Another note accompanied it:
Dear Harriet –
I am so sorry I cannot be here today - I know Sarah will give you her condolences in person, but I wanted you to know I am thinking of you as well. A second bush will be planted near Sarah's grave in the Infant's Garden. Call the Gardener at the Webb estate and he'll come out and plant it wherever you want. Particularly now that my Sarah is expecting a child of our own I realize how hard this must still be for you.
Love Always,
Clayton Webb
'Wow' thought Harriet to herself. 'What a change…the tin man finally found his heart… A year ago, he wouldn't have even thought about something like this. ' Just then AJ walked into the bullpen.
"Nice Flowers, Harriet. I see I wasn't the only one to think of pink roses this morning." He came around the desk to give her a hug. "How are you holding up?"
She smiled softly, "I'm alright, sir – being miserable on this day will never completely go away, but every year it gets a little easier." AJ helped her with her coat and escorted her down to the car.
After a leisurely lunch at Callisto's, they headed towards the cemetery. AJ pulled the car to the side of the plot access road, then opened Harriet's door. Pulling open the back passenger door he removed a small bouquet of flowers.
As they approached the grave, they were surprised to see someone was already there, standing staring at the name on the grave. A small bunch of white roses sat propped against the stone, obscuring the date.
The man started as he sensed their approach. Harriet gasped as she got a good look at his face. "Dr. Gettis?"