Chapter 21

Grinning at the puzzled looks on Bud and Harriett's faces, Mac suggested with a wink, "Why don't you?" She would have added 'darling' to the end of that, but wanted to keep the suspense up just a little bit longer.

"Alright," AJ replied. As they all sat down he turned slightly towards Bud and said, "It seems that I'm in need of a best man and I was wondering if you would consider taking the job, Bud?"

Stunned, Bud finally asked, "Have you and Miss Cavanaugh gotten back together, Sir?"

"Good Lord NO!" AJ exclaimed as Mac burst out laughing at the look of horror on his face. "And its 'AJ' now Bud! I'm no longer in the Navy."

"Old habits, Si…AJ. If it's not Miss Cavanaugh, then who are you going to marry?" Bud asked.

"I think this is where you come in, Sarah," AJ teased.

Delightedly, she turned to Harriett, "I know you said that you would be my matron-of-honor this weekend and I was hoping that you wouldn't change your mind if there was a change in the line-up."

"Change in the line-up? I don't think I understand."

"Well, Harm and I have always been good friends, but there was never any eternal love between us and just very recently, for which I have you to thank I might add, I discovered that the man I do love with all my heart has feelings for me too..."

For maybe the first time in history, Bud got something first! "And the Admiral needs a best man! Wow, are you two getting married?"

Seeing Mac and AJ exchange loving glances and reach for each other's hands, Harriett gave a squeal of delight and practically launched herself at the two of them. Hugging them tightly, she enthused, "Oh this is so wonderful! I always knew the two of you belonged together! You two will be just perfect together!"

"So, can I take this as a 'yes you will still stand up with me on Saturday'?" Mac teased as she hugged Harriett back.

"Oh yes, yes, yes!"

"And Bud, you never did answer my question," AJ reminded the younger man.

"Question, Sir?"

"To be his best man, Buddy! Of course he will be, Sir! I'd kill him if he said no!"

"Harriett, I can answer for myself! I'd be honored to, Si…AJ, and it has nothing to do with Harriett's threat to kill me."

"Thank you Bud, but I wouldn't worry too much about that threat…I'd be much more worried that she'd put you on diaper detail!"

"Been there, done that!" Bud assured him, and they all had a good laugh at the expression on his face.

Everyone settled down and went back to eating in between demands to know how this all happened and how Harm was taking it. They took turns answering questions and then explained that Mac would be taking the promotion and transfer to San Diego after all. Both of them were saddened to learn that two of their favorite people would be moving out of the area, but they were mixed feelings because of the happiness that AJ and Mac had discovered their love for each other.

The next morning found them snuggled in each other's arms when the alarm went off. Mac rolled over with a moan and slapped it off. "God I hate to leave this bed with you still in it!" she protested as she got to her feet.

"Would it help if I got out of it?" AJ joked.

"Not much, but I might feel slightly better if you could scrounge up some breakfast while I shower."

"Consider it done," he stated, getting up and slipping into his jeans before heading to the kitchen.

Mac emerged from the bedroom eighteen minutes later, showered and fully dressed for work other than her shoes and jacket both of which she carried in her hands. Putting them down, she walked over to AJ and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek on his back as he stood at the stove. "Do I smell chocolate?" she asked eagerly.

To be continued….