Chapter 126

Trying to recall where his Mess Dress uniform was, it finally came to AJ that after the last function he had worn it to, he had the dry cleaners deliver it here to the office. He made the last of his calls and arranged to be picked up in the front parking lot in thirty minutes. After calling the front gate to inform them of what was going on, AJ then changed uniforms. With the gloves tucked into his cover and that securely under his arm, he left his office with five minutes to spare.

As usual, Coates jumped to her feet and started her normal call. However, this time she stuttered over her words when she saw how the Admiral was dressed. "Att…tention on Deck!"

Everyone came to attention in the bullpen. AJ did not make his usual call of, 'As you were', either. Dressed as he was, he figured that he deserved a grand exit.

When Harriett saw his attire and the look in his eyes, she said as he passed, "Go get her, Sir!"

AJ just smiled in response and as the elevator doors closed after him, Harriett said, "There goes an officer and a gentleman!" Running into Mac's old office that had not yet been reassigned, Harriett looked out the window to see the Admiral climbing into a white stretch limo. He looked up and waved to her just before he got in. She sighed at the romantic gesture and prayed, "Oh, Mac, don't let your pride stand in your way when he gets there!" She was backing up to go back to her desk when she bumped into Harm who had come in behind her and had been looking out the window over her head.

"Now why didn't I think of that?" he muttered, shaking his head perplexed.

"It wouldn't have done you any good," Harriett whispered.

"What was that, Harriett?"

"Nothing, Commander. I need to get back to my desk. If you'll excuse me, Sir," she said moving around him and leaving the room.

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

1400 EST

Mac's apartment

Sarah was burping Angela when a knock came at the door. Getting up to see who was there she opened it. There stood AJ in his Mess Dress Whites. She tried to slam the door in his face, but AJ stuck his foot inside and braced the door with his hand.

"I have a surprise waiting for you downstairs. The least you could do after all the trouble I went through is to come and look at it."

"I don't want any more surprises from you, AJ. I've had enough to last a lifetime," she said trembling.

"Just come and see this one, Sarah, and if you don't like it, I'll leave you alone for good," he promised.

"All right, but you better mean it," she replied. Telling Chloe that she would be right back and asking her to watch Angel, she followed AJ.

Walking downstairs, AJ prayed with all his heart that this would work. That this would convince Sarah he really and truly loved her. He needed her and Angela in his life to fill it with joy and happiness or it would be empty again. Outside, he placed his arm around her and smiled, "Princess, your carriage awaits." There, before her was a white stretch limo, since he couldn't find a carriage at the last minute.

Looking up at him with tears in her eyes she replied, "Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?"

Sweeping her up into his arms, he carried her to the car, saying, "I want to carry you off to my castle," he smiled softly. Once they were in the limo, he handed Sarah an arm full of white roses with the thorns removed. "Roses for my princess, and with no thorns to prick her lovely skin," he gallantly said, as he knelt before her.

"AJ, this is all very nice, and I appreciate the thought, but it doesn't undo all the lies," whispered Sarah, burying her face in the roses, so he couldn't see the tears.

To be continued….