Chapter 10 - You Go Back, Jack 'n Do it Again
Bay City, Maryland - Parker Residence
2 days until medal ceremony
7:02 AM
Murdock could only describe the next morning as complete and utter chaos - and by the way his stomach was now tied up in knots, he was convinced that maybe there was something contagious going around after all. But this was no time to be sick, or even consider such a thing. Because right now, he was frantically searching through the few last unpacked boxes left that he'd left buried in his closet. He just had to find it, since the plan couldn't continue without...
He finally stopped, frustrated and exasperated, then stuck his head out the closet door and called out, "I'm driving myself crazy here! I still can't find it and I know I've looked everywhere."
"Did you check the closet?"
"Yeah all of it, been through every box twice over. Still isn't anywhere in sight!"
"...check the back of the door?"
He peeked behind the open door and there it was, his Army dress uniform hanging safe and sound. "Got it, thanks!"
After affixing the last button on his olive-drab dress jacket, he faced the mirror and a pair of identical brown eyes stared back at him. Both paused for a moment of literal reflection and a quick check for wrinkles - both on face and uniform. Finding none on either, he brushed what were left of his bangs over his ever-receding hairline and a small pout of displeasure appeared and his mirror-self returned the same back at him.
It was bad enough that his leather flight jacket was showing its test of time, but now he was beginning to wonder if he was doing the same.
A few more years and I'm gonna be as bald as that new Trek captain - that Picard fellow. Good show, by the way!
Knowing she didn't give any thought about his hairline anyway, he affixed his captain's hat, squared his jaw, then saluted his mirror self with a perfect two-finger Picard maneuver.
"Number one, engage!" he commanded, then saw movement over the shoulder of his reflective self as she appeared in his doorway.
"Aye, captain."
He turned around at her voice and marveled at the sight as she approached, dressed in full dress Uxbridge Air Force blues. "Well, would you look at that!"
"Still fits." She grinned as she gestured to her attire, then muttered under her breath, "Barely." She quickly dismissed the thought, distracted by his newfound formality. "Enough about me - look at you!" Her eyes settled on the various medals and ribbons on his chest, meticulously reading into his heroic past.
He brushed off her compliment like no big deal as he ran his thumb across her silver wings. "Your dad must've been so proud the day you got these."
"He was." She smiled as the memory as she looked at his own set of wings. "But Dad also said it's not about the wings, it's about what's underneath them." She traced his own silver wings and admitted, "And I know you have nothing but a heart of gold under yours, Tiger. That's the only reason why I'm even considering this part of your plan; if it were anybody else..." she trailed off, shaking her head at the thought.
After a brief hug to keep the uniform creasing to a minimum, they looked in mirror, side-by-side. She watched him sling his arm over her shoulder, it was quite the sight - a tall 'pongo' in green and average pigeon in blue staring back at them.
"Sooo." A grin spread across his face as he playfully nudged her. "Acelynn Parker, are you ready to be... Mrs. Murdock?"
"I, uh..." She blushed, this time a heavy shade of green. His elbow in her side was enough to crumble what little was left of her nerves as she went dashing for the nearest bathroom, hand to mouth.
Murdock could only roll his eyes as she slammed the door. "Oh, come on now, I know there's more going on around here than the flu!" Suddenly, his own stomach flipped again and he grabbed it and winced. "Whoa, settle down there. Okay, maybe not."
Suddenly, the doorbell ringing had his attention diverted and he cracked open the door to peek in. "You weren't expecting anyone this morning, were you?"
"That's a negati- ugh, no!"
After her far-from-enthused sputter from the porcelain bowl, he hurried down the staircase and opened the door.
"Well, there you are!" Face offered a teeth-chattering grin as he shivered from under the bundles of his thick winter coat. "Geez, I've been trying to get you on the phone all morning. Haven't you guys ever heard of call-waiting?"
"Jack!" Murdock quickly hid his surprise with a plastering grin. "Hey, welcome back to Parker's Place. Boardwalk's right down the road! Hey, what the heck are you doing all the way out here this fine morning?"
"Happy belated birthday!" Face handed him a manila folder. "I came by to drop off your new ownership papers for the plane. I took care of everything too, taxes and all." As Murdock looked back in thanks, Face curiously eyed his dress uniform. "Everything, uh, alright in there?"
"Everything's just fine." Murdock tucked the folder under his arm, then enthusiastically gestured him inside. "Come on in already and warm up. Fire's on." He quickly set his the file folder down on top of the 'A-Team' file to hide it from Face before he'd noticed.
Face, still trembling, was now as close to the fire as he could get without catching fire himself. "Boy, I'm still not used to these winters out here. It's terrible - I think today's the coldest yet! How about you guys, staying warm?" He took note of the rumpled blanket, along with the phone with its receiver still off the hook. "Yeah, you don't need to answer that, I can see for myself. No wonder it was busy all morning," he teased, eyebrows wagging.
Murdock made a dash over to the phone and hung the receiver up. "We were up late looking at some paperwork, just working the books... you know business."
"Sure, business..." Face ran his fingers through his hair, noticeably stalling as he glanced around at the familiar house, He raised his eyebrows in surprise at how much it'd changed since the last time - the first time - he was here. "Boy, you guys sure got this place fixed-up really nice. Guess it's only fair that you had a decent pad to hang your hat too, Murdock."
"Hey, and I didn't even have to scam mine." Murdock playfully socked Face on the shoulder, realizing it was taking all his effort to pretend there was absolutely nothing going on this morning. They were just two longtime pals, mucking about like so many times before...
"Hi, Face!" A.J. beamed as she headed down the staircase.
"Ah, there she is." Face's grin fell at the sight and realized he was more distracted by her dress uniform than Murdock's. "Wait, you're not - who is this, Murdock?"
"Hah-hah, very funny! Did you come out here for an impromptu lift?" She smiled apologetically. "She won't be ready until later this afternoon. We have some errands to run this morning and a formal... you know, thing."
"No, not today, I - uh, brought some papers for Mudock for the new... uh," Face trailed off, his curiosity finally reaching it's peak. "New plane. Okay guys, I just have to ask here, what's with the uniforms?" As he stared at them both, two words that came to his mind. Role and playing. "I didn't interrupt anything, uh, important now, did I?"
"Actually, yes." Murdock nodded in agreement. "You kinda did."
Face could only stare dumbfounded in reply.
"No!" she jumped in to correct them both, "Not that - we were just trying them on for an appointment at the Wh-"
"Say, Ace...?" Murdock interrupted her with a knowing wink, then held out his keys. "Would you mind warming up the car while Face and I have a little chat here?"
"Sure, Tiger." She took the keys as fast as his hint, then headed for the door.
Face watched her leave, then shook his head. "You know, I'm really beginning to wonder about you. Phone's off the hook all morning, and now you both look ready for some - I don't know, awards ceremony or something."
Murdock pursed his lips to keep from sputtering in surprise.
"What in the world are you two doing?" Face demanded.
Murdock shrugged nonchalantly. "You sure you wanna know? Once I tell you, I can't take it back."
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't." Face crossed his arms, waiting for an answer.
"Okay." Murdock held still in a moment in deep thought, trying to figure out exactly how to explain things. He finally laid his hand on Face's shoulder. "I promised you way back after that stuff with A.J. - uh, Bancroft, your dad - that I would never keep anything important from you ever again. No matter what. Now, I fully intend to keep that promise, but you gotta ask me what you want to know. Just please make it a ten-question limit because we really gotta get going here, okay?"
"Oh, so we're going to play ten-questions, are we?" Face rolled his eyes. "Fine, it's not like we haven't done this before. Where are you guys off to in such a hurry?"
Murdock answered without delay, "We are heading to the Virginia 'Clerk of Courts' this morning." He held up one finger, adding, "That's one."
"Why?"
"Because my driver's license still says Virginia, duh! Two."
"That doesn't count!" Face swatted away Murdock's two-fingered salute. "Why are you going to the courthouse, Murdock?"
"To fill out paperwork for a license." Murdock answered, his impatience slowly growing. "Three."
"What kind of license, Murdock?" Face intently eyed him. "You two look awfully dressed up to go out and about, filling out paperwork just for some business chartering thing."
"Fine... it's not for the business - it's for a marriage license," he finally admitted, rambling, "Look at that, you found out in four questions, which means you win and it's a new record! Okay, are we done here yet?"
"What - no!" Face gaped at him in disbelief. "No, way, I have six more questions left and I fully intend to use them." He lowered his voice, just in case she was in earshot somewhere and muttered, "Look, I thought things weren't really... serious with you guys. That's what you told me on the plane, remember?"
"Yeah, I remember and well... I lied. You got five left."
Face scoffed, realizing he'd inadvertently used one of his questions. "You forget, I can always tell when you're lying... like right now. You're lying about lying!"
"Fine, busted!" Murdock covered his face in thought, admitting, "Look, you know we were trying to fly loose with everything going on, but things just got real serious, real fast." He suddenly headed for the door - real fast. "That's six - and we gotta finish this on the fly, because we have to be there before eight-thirty."
As they walked back outside, Face closely eyed Murdock. By now his anticipation had built up enough that his thoughts wandered about in 'worst case scenario land'... for him, anyway. He looked at A.J., who was revving the car's engine and pointing to her watch in return.
"Serious... what, is she - you know after all?"
Murdock froze in mid-step at the thought, then wondered which explanation would sound better. Revealing their pardon plan was not in the cards just yet; those beans needed to simmer a little longer before they were spilled. But perhaps the other explanation would shut Face up quicker than the word commitment.
"Yeah," he answered, then flinched; a dead giveaway he was lying again and Face noticed. He waved a dismissive hand, hoping to cover up his botched bluff. "Okay, maybe, yeah... more of a kinda-almost, pretty sure. She even got airsick from my flying yesterday, can you believe that? Seven."
"Yeah, I can believe that, Murdock." Face knowingly admitted, then gritted his teeth from the cold starting to bite into him again.
"Hey, you half-expected this too, just like you said." Not quite a lie this time, and it was enough to confuse an already flummoxed Face as they quickly headed for the car as fast as their legs would take them.
"Hold on, this is all still happening over a just maybe - Murdock, wait!" Face caught up and grabbed Murdock's shoulder to stop him, then turned his hands palms up, waiting for an explanation - a better one anyway.
"You're up to eight questions, better make the last two count," Murdock stalled as he folded his arms across his chest to keep himself warm. "Because I'm freezing in this get-up."
"Fine, I'll keep it short - why?"
"You already asked that."
"And you still didn't answer."
"Okay... you want to know - it's because," he squared his jaw, "Because, I love her, Face." It was the first time he'd ever said it out loud and even he blinked in surprise. "Really," he added as he walked to the car, and it felt like his feet actually left the ground.
"Really, Murdock?"
As Face caught up to him again, Murdock mentally prepared for the inevitable heading his way. The scolding. The lecture. The 'What in the hell are you thinking?' all the way up to the 'You don't get married just because you just 'think' she's…'
"Well, I don't know what in the hell you're thinking..."
Murdock winced. That was one.
"...but the courthouse? Come on, I really thought you guys had more 'pizzazz' than that. Well, not so much her, she practically lives in that flight suit, but you? Of all the years we've been together, haven't I taught you anything about style? About class?"
Surprised, Murdock stared straight ahead as they kept walking. It wasn't quite the answer he'd expected.
"You know, Murdock, when we were back in L.A., I once scammed a wedding for a colleague of mine in less than twenty-four hours; church, cake, D.J. and all..." Face's eyes began to gleam as he reminisced. "Just give me two days after I get back and -" he stopped abruptly, realizing what he'd just said, then winced.
Murdock watched his reaction closely. Clearly, he wasn't referring to today's road trip. "When you get back - or when we get back?"
"Sorry, Murdock. I tried to call and tell you earlier, but I couldn't get through so I came out to let you know, but now I find you here off to get mar-"
"Get back from where, Face?" Murdock demanded.
"Florida. I'm going to Florida to go see Ellen. Baby's due any day now and I promised that my first duty as an Uncle, I'd be there."
"Okay." Murdock breathed a sigh of relief, first at knowing it wasn't Stockwell business, second, realizing Face really wanted to help make what is supposed to be a special day even better. "You'd really scam an entire wedding for me, pal?" He hugged his friend at the generous thought.
"Of course, I would, Murdock - only because you're worth it." Face pulled away, his blue eyes softening. "Which brings me to my last question - what are best friends for?"
Murdock bit his lower lip in thought, then jerked his thumb behind him at Face's fancy ride and grinned as much as he could muster in the freezing cold. "You can drive us to the courthouse! I can't get married without my best man - besides, I was at your wedding, remember?"
Face rolled his eyes. "That wasn't a wedding, that was a nightmare. Okay, you got it, I'll drive you guys." He watched Murdock hurry over to A.J. in the awaiting car and explain the situation and sudden change of plans...
"Welcome to Templeton Peck's Chauffeur Service, guys!" He announced as the two of them now climbed into his backseat.
"Thanks for the lift, Face!" A.J. piped up as she settled in, then marveled at the fancy interior. "Wow, nice ride. It sure feels like a real wedding day now."
He smiled at her through the rear-view mirror. "Hey, A.J., Murdock told me all about the good news, congratulations!"
"Uh, thanks...?" Her unsure voice wavered from the back seat, as she looked at Murdock, wondering exactly what he'd told Face.
"Yeah, surprise, right?" Murdock added, mouthing the word 'you', circled his belly, then pointed at his ring finger while eyeballing the driver's seat.
She gaped in disbelief, having no idea why Murdock would even mention something like that to Face. All she knew now was that she'd have to go along with it.
"Nah, not really." Face chuckled. "You know, I didn't want to bring it up earlier, but I could tell you're showing a little bit already."
"What?" She fired a warning glare at Murdock in utter disbelief, then pretended to laugh it off while she blushed a fiery shade of red. "Already? Wow! You know, that's some gift you have there, Face - hey, maybe it's twins!" She grinned at Murdock, who turned a few shades greener under his uniform hat.
"Aw, don't be embarrassed," Face reassured her with a thumbs-up. "Looks real good on you, kid."
Suddenly, Murdock leaned over and swatted Face with his captain's hat. "Can it, will ya? You've just gone from 'Best Man' to 'Worst Man' in about five seconds flat, pal!"
9:30 AM
Fairfax County Court of Clerks, Fairfax, Virginia
"Just so you're aware," Murdock whispered, hoping his voice wouldn't carry too far. Mere footsteps echoed loudly in this place. "I'd rather fill out maintenance checklists a hundred times over than another one of those license forms. All those questions they ask - I didn't know what to answer for half of them."
"That reminds me," she whispered back as chamber doors opened ahead of of them and they walked through. "Remember when you asked me if I was ready to be Mrs. Murdock?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm... not entirely sure I'm ready for that."
"What - why?" His whispering voice climbed to a defensive hiss. Honesty was one trait that he never frowned upon, but this was an exception. "You don't like my name or something? You know we Murdock's come from a long bloodline of fine and mighty Scot-"
"No, it's not that," she chuckled, waving her hand for him to calm down. "It's just - I finally got used to living up to my own name again, but living up to yours, well... I can't imagine myself a Murdock yet any more than you can imagine yourself a Parker."
"What are you talking about?" He looked at her in disbelief. "I can already imagine myself as one right now!"
"...really?"
"You bet - must be from staying at that house and the run down that P.T. Path of yours - well I feel like I'm in the most tip-top, thug-stoppin' shape of my life!" His voice rose in excitement. "Makes me feel like I could wrestle B.A. and take him down for a change!" he froze, then looked around to the room full of people... now shooting awkward glances their way.
Except Face, of course. He was lone person who was grinning like a Cheshire cat; more than content to be on the sidelines this time around as he exchanged pleasantries with the woman sitting directly next to him, who was trying to say hello to him with her eyes.
Murdock finally admitted, "Okay, I guess my name is a pretty crazy one to live up to." He took her hand, then firmly said, "Look, our names didn't matter before, why should they matter now?"
"Thanks. Okay, uh, are you sure about this?" She tried to pretend her nerves weren't climbing as they approached the judicial bench, but a hard panic-filled gulp told otherwise. "Do you think this plan is really going to work?"
"Ace," he began, taking a deep breath as he tried to keep his heart from leaping into his throat. "I've never been so sure about anything in my life, aside from the day I hit the sky for the very first time. So, yes," their eyes met and he firmly answered, "I do."
"You do?" The judge called out excitedly as they approached, having overheard the very last of their conversation. "Well, that's all I needed to hear, so it looks like my job is done. Court is adjourned!" He picked up the gavel and eagerly banged it.
The two now very dumbfounded individuals stared blankly at the judge, who was now maniacally laughing at them both.
"Hi there, I'm Judge Stone." The robed man enthusiastically held out his hand and they both shook it. "I'm temporarily filling in for Judge Weege, seems he has that pesky flu that's been going around, so, I'll be performing your ceremony. Now, I trust we're all ready to commence and that we're all here of our own volition, right?" He looked at A.J. who nodded back in agreement.
"Uh, yes we are, Your Honor."
"All right then." Stone rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "Do you have the rings?"
You could almost hear the record-scratch that played in Murdock's head as he looked up at the unexpected question. They'd come here just for the license, not...
"Rings?" Murdock croaked hoarsely.
"Yeah, rings!" Judge Stone aped. "It's a pretty normal thing when people get married, you know. You get a ring; she gets a ring, I get a ring - oh wait, no I don't, ha-ha!"
Murdock winced, knowing he'd gone through every detail about getting their union finalized except... "Your Honor, uh, no rings today."
"No? Oh, what a shame." Stone pouted, then patted at his robe. "Hmm, I might have some for sale in here - you'd be surprised how many people forget!"
They both stared back in disbelief and he winked, explaining, "I'm kidding, just kidding bailiff... hey, don't arrest me!" He settled down and held up the 'Holy Book'. "Shall we?"
Murdock felt his face burn as he stared apologetically at A.J., cursing his very own negligence.
Who in their right mind would be here doing this for real without rings? No one in their right mind, that's who! I can't believe I forgot the most important...
She pointed at the ring he'd given her the night before and smiled back, telling him it didn't matter.
Relieved, he looked from their still-joined hands to the light reflecting in her eyes... then off the silver pin on her chest. His eyes suddenly widened in realization.
"Dearly beloved... we are gathered here today to-"
"One moment, Your Honor!" Murdock blurted out and the courtroom gasped. "We might not have rings, but we do have something... uh. just as important." He fumbled with shaky hands to unpin the silver wings from his uniform and motioned for A.J. to do the same, which she obliged.
"I'm very sorry for the interruption, Your Honor," she said as they both handed their wings to the judge. "But I think we've got everything straightened out now."
He curiously eyed their pins, thoughtfully stating, "That's okay, there will be no contempt charges today." Then he banged his gavel to quiet the courtroom. "Okay, are we all ready for takeoff here? Ladies and gentlemen of the court, before we start again, I'm going to have to ask all of you to please fasten your seat belts and return your tray tables and seats in their locked and upright positions. Thank you and enjoy the flight!"
As the courtroom's laughter echoed around them, H.M. 'Howlin' Mad' Murdock and Acelynn 'Ace Junior' Parker stared at each other in utter surprise, both wondering how they'd managed to get a judge who was just as 'wild' and 'crazy' as they were.
Must be fate...