Chapter 6

Sarah was much easier to shop for. She quickly agreed to a lovely Vera Wang evening gown in royal blue, and some Dolce and Cabaña dresses. She picked out a couple pair of Bruno Magli Savoy shoes that only cost $255.00 a pair. The only thing she took her time on was the perfume. AJ sniffed first one and another, wondering if she would ever chose. Personally, he loved Sarah's clean fresh scent and didn't know why it should be hidden. Finally she leaned over and he sniffed her neck. Hell, he was starting to feel like a dog chasing after a bitch in heat, and this last perfume caused him to rise to the occasion. Standing he turned to leave. He called over his shoulder, "Darlin, believe me, that one was made with you in mind."

Clay looked at the perfume. It was Channel. "Oh, well- he could have chosen worse."

They found AJ in a jewelry store, looking at the wedding rings.

"Damn-I knew there was something I had forgotten! You two will need jewelry. Well, at least wedding rings and watches, maybe a necklace!" exclaimed Clay, rushing to the counter to pick out what was needed.

Pushing him out of the way, AJ said, "I don't think so, Webb. A man always chooses his lady's jewelry. Sweetheart, here is what I would pick for your wedding band and engagement ring," grinning AJ, held out his hand to Sarah.

A shiver went up Sarah's spine as she reached for AJ's hand, "Of course, my love"...how true those words were… "I'm sure I'll be pleased with whatever you chose."

AJ called the sales lady over and pointed to the beautiful emerald and diamond engagement ring that was locked together by surrounding matching bands. Turning, he placed it on Sarah's finger. It fit perfectly. "Well, Darlin', will this do or should I keep looking?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, no, AJ, they are beautiful. You have such exquisite taste," sighed Sarah. She turned to the clerk and asked to see a matching man's band, with it in her hand she turned to AJ and said, "Will you wear one too?"

"Only for you," he answered.

Before he could say more, Webb jumped in with, "Well, then we'll take that and a diamond necklace, two Gold Rolex watches-one men's and one ladies-and a pair of diamond solitaire earrings around six karats, I would think," said Clay breaking the moment. "That should do it unless, AJ, you would be willing to wear a gold bracelet."

"No way in hell!" scowled AJ.

"Didn't think so. Please, wrap those and you know where to send the bill," Clay said to the sales clerk. He turned to Sarah. "Want to wear your rings?" grinned Clay.

Looking at AJ, she replied, "Yes, I think I'll wear them…. just to get the feel of them."

Tuesday, April 6, 2004

0715 EST

AJ's house

McLean, Virginia

That morning, AJ had closed the expensive piece of luggage carrying his new wardrobe, which he was still not comfortable with, in preparation to picking Mac up at her apartment. He was sure that Josef had gotten his inseam measurement wrong, because the pants of the suit he had on were sure snug in the crotch area. AJ thought for just a second that maybe he should have let Mac take the measurement after all, but rejected the thought quickly. The thought of having her hand at his crotch was making the pants even more uncomfortably tight.

Mac enjoyed getting into her new clothes and jewelry. She looked down at the rings AJ had picked out for her and wished for just one fleeting second that they really belonged on her hand. But she squashed those thoughts quickly. She even hated herself that she had been glad his engagement to Meredith had been broken off. Not that she wanted him unhappy and alone, but that she knew she wanted to be the one to make him happy.

When the knock came at her apartment door on the dot of 0800, she knew it would be AJ. He was always on time, she smiled to herself-even if he needed a watch to do so. "Good morning, Sir," she said as she opened the door to him. He looked and smelled fantastic! Not that he didn't look and smell fantastic every day, but this was different.

"AJ, Sarah," he reminded her.

"Sorry, Si…AJ," she grinned. "Old habits are hard to break."

To be continued….