Chapter 16

He knew how badly she was feeling when she did as he said without a protest. "Sarah, are you sure that you're up to going tonight?" AJ questioned gently.

"I'm positive, AJ. Besides I want to tell everyone our news tonight if that's alright with you."

"I thought you might want some time to be sure," he offered.

"I'm sure enough to agree to marry you in a week's time, why wouldn't I be sure enough to tell our friends? Unless you're saying that you need some time we really should tell them as quickly as possible since our date is so close."

"Sarah, I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

"Wonderful," she replied with a smile that turned mischievous as she asked, "How do you think everyone will react?"

"Surprise and shock…from everyone but Harriet. I have a feeling that she sees a lot more than anyone gives her credit for. Do you anticipate any problems with General Creswell?"

"I don't see why. You've been retired for months and everyone knows you've been away that whole time. I can't believe that any one that knows you would think we've done anything against regs."

"Why me, Sarah? Why didn't you say 'us'?"

"Because I have some questionable things in my past so if they just went on my reputation…" she trailed off.

"That's nonsense! I'm not as lily white as you're making me out to be you know."

"That's bunk! You are the most honorable and respected man that I know!" she insisted.

"Luckily we are here or I would give you a list of people that don't agree with you, Harm being at the top of it."

They were walking up to the house as Mac answered, "You're wrong about that. Harm does respect and admire you."

AJ knocked on the door, privately thinking that they would just have to disagree on that score.

Once inside, the General was surprised to see AJ, because he had been under the impression AJ was out of town. Creswell and his wife were concerned, worried, and then amused as the story of how he had come to be back unfolded.

By the time they had told the part in the story about Mac's accident and having spent the night in the hospital everyone was already seated at the table. Mrs. Creswell commented that it was a good thing the office was closed until after the New Year to give her time to recover.

Mac looked to AJ and getting his nod of approval answered, "It will also give us time to prepare for the wedding."

"Wedding? Whose getting married?" Dora Creswell asked.

Reaching out to take Sarah's hand in his AJ replied, "Getting Chloe's letter as I did, made me realize that time was too precious to waste. This has truly been a holiday for miracles. I discovered that Sarah and I had feelings for each other, so I asked her to marry me…"

The room filled with exclamations of surprise as well as excited clapping from Harriet.

"That is SO wonderful!" Harriet cheered. "Have you set a date yet?"

Mac and AJ shared a grin knowing the shocked reactions that would be forthcoming as Mac told them, "New Year's Day."

"This year?" the General demanded.

Tongue in cheek, AJ couldn't resist telling him, "No, General, that wouldn't be possible since New Year's Day this year has already come and gone. We are getting married next year."

As several sighs of relief were heard around the table it was Bud that understood first, "But New Year's Day next year is still only a week away!"

Mac was nodding happily as the guests registered that truth with looks of shock.

"But that gives you so little time to prepare!" Harriet protested.

"We don't need much, we have each other and hope that you all as our friends and family can be there," AJ answered.

"The only others that we need there are Chloe and AJ's daughter Francesca," Mac offered and then turned to him and asked, "Do you think she would be able to come?"

"I'm sure she will try her best," he answered. "You do realize that we still need to let Chloe know that you aren't dying."

"What?" gasped everyone at the table, but Mac who giggled.

To be continued…..