Chapter 13

As soon as breakfast was over Grace and George offered to do the clean up so AJ and Cassie could start making phone calls. They went up to her office and Cassie started with her step daughter Lori. Unfortunately the story she was working on had taken her to California and Lori said she would be tied up for two weeks at least. AJ's first call was also to his daughter, however he had better results. Francesca said she woulnd't miss her father's wedding for anything.

Adel also said that she would fly in from Texas to be there. Next he called the Tiner's but was disappointed when Jason explained that he was involved in a big case and would not be able to get away.

However, his call to the Robert's he got much better results. "Hello Bud," he greeted when he came on the line.

"What can I do for you AJ? Are you still enjoying your time at Grayhouse?"

Bud and Harriett had finally gotten over the habit of calling him 'Sir' over the six years since he'd retired from JAG and they were now more on equal tierms as friends. "I am enjoying the trip Bud and the reason for my call was to see if you and Harriett would be able to return to Grayhouse this Saturday. I will be happy to pay for your plane tickets."

"Is there some special reason for our return?"

AJ chuckled, "I guess I didn't mention the reason, did I?"

"No, AJ."

"Well I'm getting married and I would like very much for you to be my best man."

"I'd be honored Sir (sometimes it still slipped out) but whom are you going to marry?" Bud was clearly excited about this news because AJ heard him shout, "Harriett pick up the other phone! AJ is getting married!"

He heard Harriett shout back, "I don't care how much he likes this new little girlfriend, but he is NOT going to get married at twelve years of age!" AJ nearly choked from trying to keep himself from laughing.

"No Harriett, I'm taking to Admiral AJ! He's the one getting married!"

He heard a click on the line and then Harriett's voice saying, "Oh Admiral I am SO happy for you! Who is the wonderfully lucky lady!?"

"Cassie Nightengale and I are getting married this coming Saturday and I would really like it if the two of you could come. I've asked Bud to be my bestman."

"Oh AJ we would love to! I'd also like to bring AJ and James if you wouldn't mind?" Harriett asked.

"What about the twins Sweetie?" Bud questioned.

"They have that birthday sleepover this weekend and would hate us forever if we made them miss it. I can call Brenda Williams and see if she wouldn't mind them staying an extra night while the four of us go to the wedding. Oh that is if you don't mind if we bring the two older boys AJ?"

"Harriett you know I love all four of your children and you are welcome to bring as many of them as you would like,"

"Thank you AJ! We are so happy for you and we will see you this weekend."

"Thank you Harriett. You know that I consider your entire family as family to me. It just wouldn't be the same to get married without you here."

"We feel the same about you AJ," Bud told him.

"AJ are you going to be moving?" Harriett wanted to know.

"I'm afraid so Harriett. Cassie has her life here and since I've retired I'm much more mobil than she is."

"We are going to miss you SO much," she responded and he could hear her trying to hold back tears.

"It will just mean that we need to make a little more effort to stay in each others lives."

"That's true and we will!"

AJ reported his results to Cassie when he got off the phone and they worked on room assignments to make sure everyone had places. They found that AJ would have to give up his room, something he didn't mind at all. And they planned to give the largest room to Bud and Harriett so the two boys they were bringing with them could bunk on the floor in sleeping bags. AJ chuckled saying that the boys would love that. But Cassie questioned if their parents would? He assured her they wouldn't mind at all, they were a very close family.

To Be Continued…