Chapter 16

Sunday, July 18, 2004

Chegwidden home

McLean, Virginia

"Chegwidden."

"AJ, you old sea dog!" Tom laughed when his friend answered the phone. "Don't you ever just say hello? Even at home?"

"Why should I, old buddy? It's the Chegwidden home. What's up?"

"I need you in dress uniform next weekend!" Tom told him cheerfully

"Hey, old buddy, you work at the Pentagon, not me. Just because you have a dress affair don't get me involved. I intend to watch the baseball game," he laughed. "You won't be seeing me in no damned dress uniform next weekend."

"Well, I didn't want to get married without you by my side, buddy, but I guess I will just have to if a ball game is more important!"

"Married? Who would be marrying you, you old devil?" he laughed so loud that Dammit jumped up. "Do I know this old battle axe?"

"Not yet, but you will soon, and there is nothing old about her except for the guy she is going to marry. Damn, AJ, she's young enough to be my daughter, but I love her!"

"Tom, you're robbing the cradle? Anyone's baby I know?" he asked, turning off the TV his friend now
having his full attention. "Not that Admiral's cross-eyed daughter that's been chasing you for two
years now!"

"No, it's not her, this one is more beautiful than the day is long, and I'm keeping her to myself till she is safely married, she might find that you are passable too, and I can't have that!" Tom laughed. "So, could you tape the game buddy and show up for me?"

"Hell, I wouldn't miss this for anything, not even a baseball game. I'll tape it or have Dammit tell me about it when I get home," laughed AJ thinking about his friend finally finding someone that would love him like he deserved. "So, when is it, and what time do I show up?"

"Saturday at my place, it is just going to be a small wedding, but it wouldn't be right without you there, buddy."

"I'll be there dressed like I was going to visit the President, himself. I can't wait to see this bride of yours," he replied. "I don't suppose you're going to give me any clues as to who she is?"

"Her name is Krystal and she's as lovely as her name, she used to be in my command years ago, that's when I fell for her, but never could do anything about it. Then last night, I met up with her again and found out that she loved me too all these years and I proposed! I was stunned when she said yes, but I am not giving her any time to change her mind now!"

"You proposed last night, and the wedding is next week? No, I don't suppose you're giving her a chance to change her mind. I'm surprised you didn't just run off to the nearest justice of the peace last night," said AJ shaking his head at his friend's swiftness to marry. "I wish you well, my friend, but hope you're not moving to fast in this one."

"Not at all, I've loved her for ten years and I'm not waiting one minute longer to make her mine!"

"If you've loved her for so long, then why haven't I heard you mention her name before now? It just seems strange, my friend," questioned AJ. "I hate to see you get yourself caught up in something that could cause you a world of hurt. She isn't pulling a scam on you is she? And before you answer, remember I only have your best interest at heart."

"She was under my chain of command! I couldn't say anything to her during that time, and then she went off to law school. Just yesterday I found out that she was being transferred to town. I called her, we went to dinner and the rest is history!"

"I wish you luck my old friend, but marry in haste and repent in leisure," replied AJ. "I only hope that saying isn't true for you."

"AJ I wouldn't call ten years haste! Just be there for me my friend!"

"You got it old buddy. Like I said, wouldn't miss it for anything. You going to be dressed up like a monkey, too?"

"You bet. Have to do my lady proud!"

To be continued…