A MacGyver Wedding

June 1, 1995

Dear Sam,

It was good to hear from you. At least I know you're alive and kicking. So much has happened since I last wrote. I had a set-back and am still on light duty at Challengers, but let me start where I left off last time…

MacGyver glanced guiltily at the stack of resumes patiently awaiting his attention. He pushed the files a little further away. Man, he hated paperwork! It was the first day of summer vacation, and the next few months were going to be anything but a vacation given the commitment he had made to Challengers. Surely no one could fault him for taking a break and writing a letter to his son half a world away.

A couple hours later, after a little writing and much procrastinating, MacGyver settled on the couch, resumes at his side, ready to review them and separate them out into "Yes" and "No" piles. Once he had sorted out the applications, Mac sighed heavily. The 'No' pile was twice the size of the 'Yes' pile. Oddly enough, the only Challengers non-faculty employee who had reapplied was Officer Carl Wilson. Mac was glad to see that. He would happily rehire Carl. Mac would give him a call first thing Monday morning.

A car horn pierced the otherwise quiet afternoon. MacGyver ignored it at first, but when it continued to blare incessantly Mac went to look out his front window to find the cause of the raucous in his usually peaceful neighborhood. He could not believe his eyes when he saw a blue and white 1957 Chevy Nomad station wagon parked in front of his Jeep. His Nomad which he had left behind in L.A. when he made the temporary move to Wisconsin. He'd recognize it anywhere! Like a kid on Christmas morning, MacGyver rushed out of his apartment building to the classic vehicle. Pete sat in the passenger seat with ex-wife Connie behind the wheel. In the back seat sat Jack Dalton grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"What are you guys doing here?" Mac asked, thoroughly delighted to see his long-time friends. "Why didn't you call and tell me you were coming? And why did you bring the Nomad?"

"Whoa! Slow down there, Kemosabe," Jack instructed his childhood friend as he climbed from the car. "One question at a time!"

The two men exchanged brief but heartfelt hugs before MacGyver turned to see Pete and Connie standing next to each other on the sidewalk. He caught both of them in a large embrace before herding everyone through his building's lobby and up to his apartment. Once the initial excitement died down and everyone found a seat, MacGyver posed his original questions once again.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"Can't a guy drive two thousand miles over hill and vale to visit his best amigo?" Jack asked.

"No Jack," Mac answered succinctly. "Especially not you who would fly in a tin can before spending three days on the road."

"You wound me, Mac," Jack feigned offense placing his hand over his heart.

"Perhaps Pete should explain," Connie suggested.

The blind man cleared his throat before turning in the direction of MacGyver's voice.

"Connie and I decided to move to Chicago," Pete explained matter-of-factly.

"What?! Why?! Pete, you hate cold weather!"

"Yeah, well, certain 'higher-ups' at Phoenix suggested my consultant skills would be put to better use in a, how shall I say, smaller division."

"I'm sorry, Pete," Mac replied solemnly. "But what about Connie's travel agency?"

"It was getting to be too much for me," the ever-stylish yet down-to-earth lady confessed. "I hired a few strong managers. It's in good hands. Besides, I could always open an expansion office," she smiled.

"Well that's just great," MacGyver smiled, "But why'd you stop here?"

"That should be obvious, Mac. I have a dear friend in the area," Pete replied. "Besides," he continued, "I'd really like to go over to Challengers, check things out, you know?"

"Yeah, I know Pete. But what about Jack?"

"What about Jack?" Jack asked as he shot MacGyver a look.

"Well, that's where it gets a little…complicated," Pete hedged.

"Then could someone please uncomplicated it for me?" Mac asked no one in particular.

"Pete and Connie are getting remarried and I'm the best man!" Jack announced proudly.

Three pairs of eyes pinned him to his seat. "What?" he asked innocently. "He said to uncomplicated it!"

"That's great, Pete!" MacGyver exclaimed. "I'm really happy for the both of you, but why didn't you tell me? You know I would have wanted to be there, be your best man."

Pete shrugged. "Connie and I were just going to have a civil ceremony at the courthouse back in L.A. With you way out here, we asked Jack to stand up in your place."

"In his place?!" Jack interjected. "Pete, I'm hurt!"

"What made you change your plans?" Mac inquired as he struggled to make sense of everything he was hearing.

"Can you believe there's a waiting list at the courthouse?" Pete laughed. "And then Phoenix wanted me out here sooner than planned."

"Plus, our house was only on the market a few days before we found the perfect buyers," Connie added. "So we decided to pack up and spend some time here until our house in Chicago is ready. It should only be a week or so. Pete and I made reservations at a nearby hotel. We plan to drive down to Chicago and get married next weekend. Of course, you're invited.

MacGyver shook his head as if the action would help the pieces of this puzzle fall into place.

"But how does Jack and the Nomad fit into all of this? And who's taking care of my place while Jack's here?!"

"Allow me," Jack said as he got up from his chair and took center stage in Mac's small living room. "Phoenix is anxious to get the Jeep back, and we thought you'd like to have your old wheels back." MacGyver nodded. He couldn't argue about that. "And Connie needed someone to co-pilot that boat for her since Pete isn't the best map reader around, no offense Pete."

"What about my place, Jack?" MacGyver was afraid of the answer, but he needed to know.

"I have some friends looking after it," Jack replied nonchalantly. "Don't worry. Ole Uncle Jack has everything under control."

"That's what worries me," Mac groaned. "By the way," he began cautiously, "I don't remember hearing where you plan to stay."

"Well right here, of course," Jack stated, motioning to the couch. "We've got a lot of catching up to do."

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MacGyver plodded into his kitchen Monday morning, poured himself a glass of orange juice, and willed his eyes to stay open.

"Sleep well, Compadre?" Jack asked with a grin as he folded his blanket and smoothed imaginary wrinkles from the couch cushions.

"No, Jack, as a matter of fact I didn't." Mac tipped his head to one side to add emphasis.

"Sorry to hear that. Was your head bothering you again?"

"No, Jack. It wasn't my head. It was you!" MacGyver snapped, not bothering to ask how Jack had found out about his headaches. Word apparently traveled fast in his small circle of friends.

"Moi? What did I do?!"

"You snore, Jack. You snore. Loudly!"

"Well there are just some things a guy can't help, ya know, like—"

MacGyver held up a hand to cut his friend off. "And when are you going to tell me why you're really here?!"

"I already told you. I helped drive the Nomad and I'm here for the wedding."

Mac squinted at his friend. "That's it? Nothing else?"

"Like what?" Jack asked naively.

"I don't know!" MacGyver threw up his hands. "Some sort of scheme, a shady business venture, a buried treasure…Aha!"

"Aha what?"

"Your left eye twitched when I said 'buried treasure'," Mac observed.

"So, maybe there's an eyelash in it or something," Jack attempted to explain.

"Aw, c'mon Jack! Everyone who knows you knows your left eye twitches when you're lyin'!"

"Alright, alright! I just happened to be doing some, um, research on the area and," Jack's voice quickened with excitement, "there's an old abandoned school and convent between here and Chicago. Legend says there are tunnels underneath leading out to Lake Michigan that were used by gangsters and bootleggers from Chicago. Maybe even pirates!"

"Great, Jack. Next your gonna tell me it's haunted."

"Well, since you mentioned it…"

"Stop it, Jack! There's no such thing as ghosts and you know it." MacGyver turned on his heel and headed back to his bedroom to dress for the day.

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Mac pulled the Nomad into his normal parking space at Challengers to find Pete and Connie in their rental car already waiting for him and Jack. He led them into the building and called out for Evelyn and Joanna. He had seen their cars in the lot so he knew they were around somewhere. They both came from the direction of their offices.

"Peter!" Evelyn exclaimed when she saw her old friend and immediately wrapped him in a warm hug.

"And Connie!" The two women hugged each other and gushed about how good the other one looked.

"This is my friend Jack," MacGyver motioned to the man next to him.

"Ah, Pete's told me a lot about you!" Evelyn teased and she wrapped him in a hug as well. Jack's eyes bulged out and for once he was rendered speechless. Mac almost laughed, but his attention was now on Joanna who had hung back in the shadows.

"Joanna, come and meet MacGyver's friends," Evelyn ordered with an encouraging smile.

Jo stepped up to the small group and stood in front of Pete.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Thornton," she said politely, reaching out to take the hand he offered.

"Likewise. And please call me 'Pete'. MacGyver has told me a lot about you."

Mac watched as her cheeks turned pinked.

"And I'm Connie, Pete's soon-to-be-no-longer-ex-wife."

Before Joanna could shake her hand, Connie was hugging her as if they had known each other for years. MacGyver let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding as he saw Jo relax in the embrace of her new friend.

"What did you say?" Evelyn demanded.

Connie answered with a warm laugh. "Pete and I are getting remarried in Chicago next weekend. Of course you're both invited!"

Before the women could respond Jack approached Mac, cleared his throat and adjusted his shirt collar.

"Joanna," he said reluctantly. "This is my friend, Jack."

"Enchante, senorita," Jack crooned, taking up her hand and placing a kiss on the back.

MacGyver winced inwardly. Women either giggled or cringed at a Jake Dalton greeting, but Joanna did neither.

"Nice to meet you," she said in a professional yet friendly tone. Her eyes danced with amusement as she gently removed her hand and casually wiped it on the back of her pants leg. MacGyver wanted to laugh, but he controlled himself, not wanting to hurt Jack's feelings.

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Once the appropriate small talk had been dispensed with, Evelyn and Joanna headed back to their offices while MacGyver took his friends on a tour of the school, detailing the projects he hoped to accomplish this summer. While the men discussed the details of the undertakings, Connie slipped away to search out Evelyn.

Evelyn and Joanna were in the administrator's office when Connie knocked lightly on the door. The short red-head got up and met her at the threshold to give her another hug and congratulate her on her upcoming remarriage before insisting that the bride-to-be take a seat in the visitor's chair next to Jo.

"I meant what I said before," Connie reiterated looking back and forth between the two other women. "I really do want you both to come to Chicago for the wedding. The boys decided that both Mac and Jack will serve as best men so I need two wonderful ladies to be my maids of honor. Please say you'll come."

Evelyn readily agreed, but Joanna remained silent. Sensing the other women looking at her she replied shyly, "I really am flattered, but we only just met. I don't want to intrude."

Connie let out a laugh and then sighed. "I guess my invitation may have seemed abrupt. It's just that, with everything Pete has told me about you from his reports from MacGyver, I feel like I already know you!"

Joanna was still uncertain, thinking of several excuses to extricate her from this sudden commitment as she glanced at Evelyn, seeking guidance. Her boss gave her a discreet nod and Jo struggled to set aside her discomfort and agreed to the gracious woman's request.

"Wonderful!" Connie exclaimed. "I know you're all very busy, but perhaps we could meet for lunch one day so I can give you all the details and we can coordinate outfits."

"That sounds lovely," Evelyn assured her as Joanna's organized mind revolted at the sudden upheaval in her well-scheduled week, but she nodded her ascent as well.

Wednesday was sunny, hot and humid. The kind of day Joanna loved…when she didn't have to work. Dressing professionally yet coolly was always a challenge. She had two interviews scheduled for this morning before her and Evelyn were to meet Connie for lunch. MacGyver, Jack, and some interns from the Chicago Phoenix office planned to spend the day thoroughly cleaning and repainting the recreation room. Of course, Mac had included Pete in the day's activities insisting that a person didn't have to see dirt in order to clean it.

Before Joanna knew it, Evelyn and Connie were standing outside her door waiting to go to lunch. They dined at a nearby restaurant, enjoying the climate controlled atmosphere while Connie laid out the plans for the upcoming weekend. They were scheduled to leave for Chicago Friday evening to hopefully miss rush hour traffic. Two hotel rooms had been reserved: One for the men and one for the women. Connie had planned well, but that was to be expected given her line of work. Upon returning to Challengers, the three women went to check on the progress the men had made in their absence. They only went as far as the rec room doorway to avoid getting splattered with paint or cleaning products, but even from there Joanna could feel the stifling air hanging in the room. Despite having opened some small windows, there was no cooling breeze to be had.

Joanna's gaze immediately sought out MacGyver, and the sight of him made her body go rigid and her cheeks turn hot. Joanna was used to seeing him in loose fitting henleys, baggy colorful shirts and the occasional suit, but today he was wearing his usual jeans paired with a black tank top that displayed his broad chest, strong shoulders, and well-developed upper arms. His smooth, taut skin glistened with moisture while his slightly-too-long sweaty hair clung to his long, sturdy neck and she fought the urge to go wipe his dripping bangs out of his eyes. She usually didn't notice these things, but since she had met Mac, her life had been anything but usual.

"Enjoying the view?" Evelyn asked, causing Joanna to gasp in surprise. Before she could respond she heard Connie address Evelyn.

"Appears she's doing a little window shopping," the usually prim and proper woman observed with a smirk.

"Hmmm," Evelyn replied as if Jo wasn't standing there. "But you know the trouble with window shopping?" she directed her question to Connie.

"Yep. You never actually buy anything!" And then the two of them giggled like school girls while Joanna wished for a sink hole to appear and swallow her whole.

Suddenly Connie's hand was on her shoulder. "Don't be embarrassed dear," she implored. "We were only having some fun with you. Mac is a very attractive man, both inside and out. I'd be worried if you didn't stop and appreciate that every now and again." Connie smiled again, but this time it was with genuine affection.

Joanna returned the smile, politely excused herself, and headed toward her office, but not before overhearing Connie ask Evelyn about the status of her and MacGyver's relationship. Joanna hurried away, not wanting to hear the answer because she, herself, wasn't sure what the answer was.

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The week flew by quickly for MacGyver. Between conducting interviews, working on the rec room, and catching up with Pete and Jack he had hardly seen Joanna at all. Therefore he was pleased when he saw her pull up in front of his apartment building Friday evening. He had genuinely missed her and looked forward to spending time with her. It had been decided, by Connie and Evelyn, that Jack would drive the elder members of the wedding party down to Chicago in the roomy Nomad while Mac and Jo took the Jeep which had been deemed too uncomfortable for 'old' people. MacGyver had been an agent too long, and a bachelor even longer, to know a set-up when he saw one, but for once he didn't mind. Their efforts were so obvious it was amusing.

As they stowed their luggage and climbed into their respective vehicles, Mac felt Jo's gaze boring into him.

"You got a haircut," she said, as if he didn't know.

It was really just a trim, but MacGyver was glad she noticed.

"Yeah, it's my wedding present to Pete and Connie. Along with agreeing to be trussed up in a suit and tie." Truthfully, Mac would do whatever it took to make the Thornton's day perfect and memorable.

Companionable silence reigned in the Jeep as they made the short road-trip south. Normally this wouldn't bother MacGyver, but a niggling question gnawed at him and he thought perhaps Joanna might have an answer.

"Jack was telling me about an abandoned convent on the shores of Lake Michigan that might be haunted."

"Yeah, St. Mary's School for Girls in Prairie Point. My great-grandma worked there."

MacGyver glanced at her, his curiosity rising.

"Have you ever been there?"

"A long time ago. I found it pretty creepy."

"Do you believe in ghosts?" MacGyver meant to tease her, but was surprised by her answer.

"I don't believe in them. But I don't not believe in them, either," she replied.

"Do you know anything about the tunnels?"

Mac saw Joanna's head snap toward him. "Jack knows about the tunnels?"

"You sound surprised."

"There are several widely known stories about the place being haunted. Many of which have been debunked, by the way. But it's hard to find information about the tunnels. If they even exist."

"How did you learn about them?" he asked.

"Local rumors," she shrugged. "You can supposedly access them from the chapel, but I also heard the entrances have been blocked. Is Jack planning on going ghost-hunting?"

"More like treasure hunting, but yeah."

"Are going with him?" she asked with a grin.

"No! Absolutely not! No way, never! Well…maybe. Yeah, probably."

Joanna laughed out loud.

It was ten o'clock that night when the small group arrived at the high rise luxury hotel located on Michigan Avenue just a few blocks from the lake. MacGyver slid his keycard through the electronic lock, allowing Pete and Jack to enter as he surveyed the well-appointed room which offered two double beds and a sleeper sofa along with a microwave and mini-fridge. Mac assumed the set-up was the same for the women's room across the hall. Tomorrow night Pete and Connie would be sharing the honeymoon suite before settling into their new home Sunday morning. Jack had offered to help the couple move in and they were quick to accept an extra body to assist with the onerous task, insisting he stay in their guest room for as long as he needed. Mac shook his head. Did they have any idea what they were in for? MacGyver would have liked to have stayed and helped his friends, but he was technically still on assignment and needed to return to Milwaukee and Challengers.

Early Saturday morning Mac entered the lobby area to take advantage of the free breakfast buffet. He found Joanna already sitting at a table browsing through a magazine, half-way through her meal. After grabbing a glass of juice, a yogurt and a banana, MacGyver made his way towards her.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" he asked.

Joanna looked up, the look in her eyes turning from surprise to pleasure when she saw him.

"What would you do if I said it was?" She asked cheekily.

"I'd have to go to Plan B," he replied.

"Which would be…?

"Don't know. Haven't thought of it yet."

Joanna laughed and motioned for MacGyver to join her. Sitting across from her, he noticed her pale skin and drooping eyelids.

"Sleep well?" he asked, though her face had already give him the answer.

"No," she grumbled. He cocked and eyebrow. "Turns out Evelyn snores like a chainsaw. There are some things you just don't need to know about your friends."

Mac grunted. "Tell me about it. Both Jack and Pete kept me up half the night. When I left, they were still sleeping like babies."

Having finished her breakfast, Joanna closed the magazine and began to rise. "I better get back to the room," she told him. "Connie has Pete's credit card and insists we do some damage to the Miracle Mile before the ceremony this afternoon." She headed towards the elevators, soon out of sight.

At 3pm there was a knock on the door. MacGyver opened it, taken aback by the woman standing there. He was used to seeing Joanna in professional as well as casual attire, but nothing had prepared him for this. She stood in front of him wearing a light aqua sundress that gracefully draped her figure, showing it off to perfection. The skirt flared slightly, the hem falling just below her knees and flitting around her legs with the slightest movement. He couldn't help noticing the tie he had been struggling with for the last ten minutes was the same lovely blue as her dress. The tie Connie had insisted he wear. Why hadn't she just given him a sign to put on his back that said 'I'm with her'?

"And they say women are never ready on time," she quipped, crossing her arms in front of her and leaning on the doorjamb as she balanced on high-heeled beige sandals.

"There's a first time for everything," Mac smiled back just now noticing Evelyn standing off to the side. The shorter woman wore a peach colored sheath that matched Jack's tie, and behind her Connie wore a light beige skirt suit, a bouquet of summer flowers already in hand.

"Here, let me help you with that," Joanna said, causing MacGyver to step back as she and the other two women entered the room. Jo reached up and began straightening and tightening Mac's tie when Jack emerged from the bathroom.

"MacGyver," he scolded. "Why didn't you tell me we had three lovely visitors?"

The women snickered and soon the small party was standing in front of the hotel, hailing taxis. As with the room, the women road in one car and the men in the other, their destination the Cook County Courthouse. Upon their arrival, they were escorted into a small conference room and greeted by the judge who was to perform the ceremony. He and Pete had been good friends back in the day so the judge had arranged to marry his friend outside of normal hours when there would be less of a crowd. The judge donned his black robe and instructed Evelyn and Joanna to stand next to Connie and stationed MacGyver and Jack next to Pete. He then opened the portfolio he carried and began to recite the age-old words that would bond Pete and Connie together for the rest of their lives…again.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…" Mac's mind drifted. He recalled the way Joanna had looked, standing in his hotel room doorway, her face glowing and eyes sparkling as if she hadn't a care in the world. He remembered the soft touch of her hands as she deftly fixed his tie as if she had been doing it all her life. He wondered what it would feel like if it was Joanna he was standing next to in front of the judge, making forever promises to each other. A forearm to his gut jerked him from his reverie.

"Wha?"

"The ring," Pete hissed.

Fully present now, MacGyver began patting his suitcoat in search of the small velvet pouch Pete had given him for safe-keeping until this exact moment. When he finally pulled the ring from an inside pocket, the room gave a collective sigh and the ceremony continued.

"I knew Pete should've given me the ring," Jack complained as he elbowed Mac in the ribs. Mac frowned and focused hard on the rest of the proceedings.

After rings and kisses were exchanged and the proper documents signed and witnessed, the happy group headed back to the hotel's premier restaurant for an intimate celebratory dinner. The Thornton's were picking up the tab and everyone was under strict instructions to order whatever they wanted, regardless of cost. Drinks were served and toasts were made. Joanna and Evelyn each indulged in a glass of white wine while MacGyver ordered sparkling water and the newlyweds sipped champagne. Jack took advantage of the full bar and free liquor.

Dinner was a delightful affair with scrumptious food and even more enjoyable company. After being escorted to a large, round table, Connie instructed MacGyver to sit between Evelyn and Joanna and he happily obliged. Conversation flowed easily and there was much laughter and good-hearted teasing. Even though Joanna didn't have a history with the group, she managed to hold her own and join in the happy discussions. This pleased Mac perhaps more than it should have, but he had sensed how apprehensive she was about the trip and he was glad she had been able to relax and allow his friends to accept her.

They had just finished a decadent chocolate dessert when a small band stepped onto a dais at the front of the dining room beside a small dance floor. After briefly tuning their instruments they started playing a slow waltz. MacGyver saw Pete whisper something in Connie's ear that made her giggle, then the two were off to the dance floor.

"What's wrong?" Joanna leaned over and whispered in Mac's ear, obviously seeing the confusion on his face.

"I didn't know Pete could dance," he replied as he watched the couple in awe.

Soon the band segued into a more upbeat tune. Connie guided Pete back to the table as younger couples made their way to the floor. Next it was Jack who leaned over toward Evelyn.

"Excuse us," she offered politely as Jack led her toward the other dancers. Joanna's mouth fell open.

"What's wrong?" Mac whispered in her ear.

"I didn't know Evelyn could dance," she replied.

"First snoring, then dancing…this is turning out to be quite an enlightening trip," Mac observed as Joanna giggled softly.

Jack returned Evelyn to her chair as the band launched into a well-known swing dance number.

Jack bowed to Joanna. "And now it is your turn, mademoiselle."

"Oh, I don't really dance," she hedged.

"Neither do I, but what the heck!" Jack exclaimed as he reached for her hand.

"She said she doesn't dance," MacGyver stated firmly, glaring at his friend.

Joanna watched the two men. Jack still had possession of her hand.

"Well, I always did like this song," she relented. "I guess one dance can't hurt." And off she went with Jack.

Mac felt his hackles rise even as he willed himself not to be jealous of his friend. After all, he could just as easily be dancing with Jo now if he had bothered to ask instead of sitting like a bump on a log. He focused on taking calming breaths as he watched the duo attempt to execute the basic steps of the jitterbug, laughing when their efforts failed to produce the desired result. Honestly, Jack was one of his best friends. He should be glad that Joanna was getting along with him. After all, Jack Dalton tended to be an acquired taste.

The lively tune turned into a slow, rhythmic ballad and Jack pulled Joanna close. That did it! MacGyver quickly got up from his chair and made his way across the dance floor. He tapped Jack on the shoulder.

"Get your own girl," Jack mumbled as he attempted to bury his head in Joanna's neck.

MacGyver poked Jack in the shoulder. Hard.

"All right, all right, she's all yours," Jack said, releasing Joanna and backing away a bit unsteadily.

Joanna walked into Mac's arms and they began gently swaying to the music in perfect rhythm with each other.

"I'm sorry about Jack," Mac murmured softly.

"No problem, I could've handled him," Joanna assured.

MacGyver pulled back so he could look her in the eye. "I'm sure you could've," he smiled, before once again holding her near until the song ended.

It was 2am and MacGyver sat on the edge of his bed, dropped his head in his hands and groaned. The only thing worse than a snoring Jack was a snoring intoxicated Jack. Mac pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Maybe a walk would help. He was reaching for his jacket by the door when he heard a muffled noise in the hallway. He looked out the peephole and saw Joanna sneaking out of her room across the way. Mac quickly opened his door, the noise catching her attention, and joined her in the hall.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.

"No," she said with a yawn. "I guess I'm still kinda wound up from this evening. And Evelyn's snoring again. What about you?"

"Jack."

"Ah."

"Where were you headed?" he asked, noticing she was dressed as well.

"I thought I'd go down to the lobby. See what's on TV or look through a magazine or something."

"I was gonna go for a walk, get some fresh air. Wanna join me?"

"You're going for a walk in the middle of the night in downtown Chicago?" She shot him a look that said he was one beaker short of a chemistry set.

"I heard this was the good side of town," he assured her with a grin as they left the building and turned east, heading to Lake Michigan. MacGyver was surprised at the number of people still meandering the streets at this hour.

"Did you have a good time today?" he asked.

"Sure. It was very nice."

"You don't sound too enthusiastic," Mac observed.

Joanna sighed. "I'm sorry. The whole day was lovely. I just find weddings in general to be rather depressing?"

MacGyver remained silent, giving her time to find the words to elaborate.

"Kinda gets me thinking about what I'm missing out on. I guess that sounds pretty selfish."

"Not really," Mac declared. They had reached the paved path that ran parallel to the lake. Lights of distant freighters twinkled in the darkness and the full moon shone brightly on the water.

"How come you've never gotten married?" Joanna asked bluntly, literally stopping MacGyver in his tracks. This had to be one of the most direct questions she had ever asked him.

"I thought we already talked about this?"

"You told me why you didn't marry Sam's mother. There must have been other women in your life you were serious about."

"And how can you be so sure?" he smirked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Trust me, Mac. In my experience, a guy like you has to work really hard at staying single. I'd extol your virtues, but I don't want you to get a big head."

"There were a couple girls," MacGyver admitted. "But it was a long time ago."

"What happened?"

"One or the other of us would leave because we couldn't handle the thought of being tied down. We wanted freedom, adventure. I guess the easy answer is that I'm afraid of commitment."

"What's the hard answer?" Joanna asked quietly.

Mac sighed. "I guess I'm afraid of making a mistake. Of letting someone down that I care about, having someone I love get hurt."

Joanna simply nodded as a visible shiver went up her spine. By now they had abandoned the concrete path and were walking side-by-side on the beach. The sand was still warm, but the breeze off the lake had significantly cooled the air.

"You're cold. Here," Mac said, slipping out of his lightweight jacket and draping it around her shoulders before she could protest. "So, what's your story?" he asked gently.

"I always saw myself as a wife and stay-at-home mom. I guess I thought it would just magically happen. One day I looked around to see all my friends married with children and realized that life had happened without me. By the time I understood what I should have done it was too late."

MacGyver reached down and grabbed Joanna's hand, bringing her to a halt.

"Don't say that," he said brusquely, turning to look at her. "It's not too late for you. And hopefully not for me, either," he added with a crooked smile.

Her brown eyes searched his as if asking for a promise that this was true. The vulnerability he saw there was his undoing.

MacGyver dipped his head slightly, his gaze zeroing in on her soft, pink lips. He hesitated, giving Joanna a chance to back away when she wordlessly raised her face to his, apparently eager to accept what he offered. Cupping her face in his large hands he carefully lowered his mouth to hers until their lips met in a gentle, soft caress. He didn't rush, but he didn't linger. His heart fluttered as if he was a schoolboy kissing a girl for the first time. He would readily admit that he had kissed his fair share of women, but he couldn't recall any of them feeling exactly like this. Maybe it was because he had never kissed someone exactly like this before.

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"Rise and shine, sleepy head!" Evelyn crowed as she entered the room with a disposable breakfast tray laden with various fresh fruit and muffins.

"'Morning," Joanna mumbled from under the heavy down duvet. It had been nearly 4am Sunday morning by the time she and MacGyver arrived back at the hotel. She had kicked off her shoes and crawled back into bed fully clothed, but sleep was elusive as her mind replayed, in vivid detail, every word, every touch from their walk on the beach even as she berated herself for overthinking it. But that's what she did. She overthought…everything! Maybe, just this once, she could let things play out. She had just been kissed by an incredible man. If it went no further it was still more than she could have hoped for.

Joanna threw back the bed clothes and reached for her shoes. When Evelyn turned to find her fully dressed she cocked her head and furrowed her brow.

"I went for a little walk last night," Joanna offered hesitantly.

Evelyn nodded and went back to arranging their breakfast. "I heard you come sneaking in early this morning like a wayward teenager and wondered what you'd been up to."

Joanna smiled to herself as she wondered how her boss would react if she said she'd been kissing MacGyver.

"You should know better," Evelyn continued. "It's not safe to go walking the streets alone in the dark."

"I wasn't alone," Joanna assuaged her, heading to the bathroom.

"Oh? Ooooh!"

"It was just a walk, Evelyn," Jo called over her shoulder.

"Whatever you say, dear!"

An hour later saw the group of six once again in the lobby sorting out transportation plans for the day. Mac had to return the Jeep to Phoenix and Jack, Connie, and Pete needed to be taken to the Thornton's new home.

MacGyver took the Jeep to Phoenix while Jack took the Nomad and dropped off Joanna, Evelyn, Pete and Connie at the new house before picking Mac up at the Foundation and returning to the Thornton's. Connie happily showed off her new home as she guided her friends through the maze of boxes the movers had left in each room. Everyone laughed at Jack's hangdog look when she showed him the guest room, currently devoid of any furnishings.

"Don't worry, Jack, we'll have the beds ready for tonight. After you finish putting them together," Connie promised delightfully.

Jack looked imploringly at MacGyver who held up his hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Don't look at me!" Mac warned him. "It was your idea to help with the moving in exchange for free room and board." Jack scowled.

After exchanging more hugs, more congratulations, and good-byes with promises to get together soon, Mac guided the Nomad onto the highway which would take him, Joanna, and Evelyn back to Milwaukee. The trio rode in comfortable silence for several miles before Evelyn spoke up from the back seat.

"I'm so glad Pete and Connie finally worked things out and got back together. Just goes to show that anything can happen given enough time," she declared.

Neither MacGyver nor Joanna responded as they stared out the windshield at the passing landscape, Evelyn's words bringing small, hopeful smiles to their lips.