Chapter 20

"We SEALs take our showers seriously, darling!" AJ replied.

"How can you think of giving this up to move to San Diego with me?" Mac questioned softly.

Turning her into his arms he asked her tenderly, "Do you really think that this shower, or this house, is more important than you?"

"I guess it will just take a while for it to sink in that you truly love me."

"Why is that so hard to believe?"

"My track record has been pretty lousy and it's hard to think that a man as wonderful as you could love someone with my history."

"Sarah, your history makes you the person you are today. It's that strong, capable, competent woman that I love, and while I'm glad that you think I'm wonderful there really isn't anything all that special about me. I also have a less than stellar history when it comes to relationships, but I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to make this one work."

"So will I, my love!" she promised and drew him into the shower with her.

They made love in the shower and then again in the bedroom when they got out. It was during lunch that Mac had a thought, "You know I should probably call Harriett and let her know about the change in plans."

"Don't you mean the change in grooms?" AJ laughed.

Giggling, she admitted, "Yes that! She is going to be my matron-of-honor and while I don't see her having any objections, I should be the one to tell her rather than letting Bud break the news to her tomorrow night when he gets home from work."

"I have an idea. I'd like Bud to be my best man and would like to ask him in person, so why don't we call them and see if we could drop over tonight with dinner and tell them then?"

"That's great! Then if you don't mind, we could spend the night at my place so we could stay in bed longer before I have to leave for work?"

"Like I would ever object to any plan that would keep me in bed with you longer! Why don't you call the Roberts and find out what they want us to bring for dinner while I throw a change of clothes in a bag?"

Mac did that, only telling Bud that she had something to talk to them about, but giving no details. He told her that fried chicken would be Harriett's choice for dinner; she was going through a stage where she wanted only fried foods.

On the way into town they picked up two buckets of chicken, along with several side dishes and rolls. Arriving at the Roberts' door, they were met with surprise when Bud saw AJ with Mac.

"If you let us come in, we'll explain everything," Mac teased him as he stood there blocking the doorway. "Plus, AJ has the chicken!"

"Oh! I'm sorry! Please come in Sir, Ma'am!" he stammered as he backed up to allow them entry.

"Buddy, is that Mac?" Harriett's voice could be heard coming from upstairs.

"Yes honey, and she has Admiral Chegwidden with her!"

"Really!?" she asked, appearing at the top of the stairs.

She was almost knocked off her feet as two little tornados rushed past her, flying down the stairs calling out, "Admiral AJ!" and "Auntie Mac!" as they ran.

Both new arrivals were hugged within an inch of their lives and only the few seconds warning that AJ had, as the two raced towards them, saved the chicken from being scattered on the front lawn.

"Please, please come in!" Harriett begged as she slowly came down the stairs. She had just started showing with the twins and her center of gravity was off just a bit these days. "Boys! Let them get in the house!" she admonished.

Everyone moved towards the dining room and while the food was being set out, AJ asked Mac, "Do you want to start the explanations, or shall I?"

To be continued….