Harriett, hearing the twins wake up in the other room, handed Matthew back to AJ and went in to get them. Bringing them both out in her arms Bud stepped up and took one baby from her. Harriett introduced her twins to Matthew saying, "Look, Matthew, here are two playmates for you, Mackenzie and the one Bud has is Margaret."
"How will Matthew ever chose between two such beautiful older women?" asked Clay.
"That's easy, his hands already reaching out for little Mackenzie," smiled AJ.
"To bad arranged marriages are a thing of the past," replied Porter with a grin.
"Excuse me folks, but if we are going to make it to Chaplin Turner's service on time, we need to get a move on," Harriett announced to the room. She then hurried to get her children ready to go.
Once they reached the church all were hurrying to get inside and get a seat before the service began. It had always been a habit of the Chaplin to take a few moments to size up his audience before a sermon and tonight was no different, but what he beheld took his breath away.
There in the front row were Rear Admiral AJ Chegwidden and Mrs. Porter Webb, Clayton, Sarah and Matthew Webb, and Harmon and Kristi Rabb, Jr. His son, Sturgis was in the second row with his girlfriend Bobbi Latham, Bud, Harriet, AJ, Jimmy, Mackenzie, and Margaret Roberts, along with Bud's brother Michael Roberts and Jennifer Coates, his girlfriend. Silently sneaking in the back was Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez whom the Chaplin waved down front to sit in the first row where a seat had been saved for him in hopes that he would make that night.
It was truly a blessed night and one for which Chaplin Turner was grateful. Tonight had seen the return of the prodigal daughter to JAG, and many new beginnings for his loved ones. Looking out over the congregation he saw the glow of love and acceptance. Moving down from the podium he came to stand before Sarah and Clay, they had a surprise for all who were present.
"This evening's service is going to be a little out of the ordinary," began the Chaplin. "Tonight I have the honor of christening Matthew Clayton Webb. Sarah, Clay, would you please come and stand beside me? Admiral, Harriet, would you please come and stand beside them as the godparents of Matthew?"
There, on that beautiful night, as the church bells tolled midnight, Matthew Clayton Webb was christened with AJ Chegwidden and Harriet Sims-Roberts taking on the duties and responsibilities of godparents. Neither had expected this, but were thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of this young family. When the christening ended, the JAG family descended upon the six people standing in front of the church.
Sarah stepped forward and everyone stopped to watch her. She had yet to say a word since they had entered the Roberts home several hours before. "First, I want to apologize to all of you for running away. It was an immature and selfish thing to do, and one I wish I could undo even now. Second, I want to tell all of you how much I love you. You have been my family for so long, and it's been a lonely miserable year without you. Third, thank you for sharing this evening with Clay, Matthew, and I. It means so much more, when shared with one's family."
AJ stepped up behind Sarah and placed his arm around her waist anchoring her to him. What he had to say next was important, and he didn't want her getting away until he was finished. "All of you know that Sarah came to see me before she left. I blame myself for her leaving, because I was unable to see beyond my own pain. I didn't take her, or her feelings, into consideration when I said the things I said to her, and I left her no alternative, but for her to run away, and for this I am truly sorry."
Turning to Sarah he continued, "Sarah, if you wish, I've arranged for you to be able to return to JAG at the same level you were at when you left. The SECNAV has agreed to write these last months off in your record as a medical leave, thereby making your request for a discharge null and void. It is yours if you want it. All you have to do is say the word, and I'll make it happen."
"Word, Sir."
"Excuse me?"
"You said, all I had to do was say the word, and I just did, Admiral." Turning to Clay, Sarah continued. "Clay, do you have a problem with my returning to JAG?"
"If it is truly what you want, no," Clay replied smiling.
Turning back to the Admiral, Colonel Webb saluted him and stood at attention. Gunny yelled, "Attention on deck." Everyone came to attention and the Admiral returned her salute.
"Welcome home, Colonel, it is nice to have to you back."
THE END