Chapter 46

Because they'd had a large family gathering at Thanksgiving, Mac and AJ knew that it would be too soon for the ones that had moved out to fly to Virginia for Christmas this year. So, it was with a certain sadness that their plans this year would only be for the nine of them.

Bud and Harriett had been quick to include the Chegwidden's in all of their holiday plans. Mac and AJ had gratefully accepted, knowing that having the Roberts' four around would help ease the pain of their brothers and sisters not being there.

On the bright side, they learned that Francesca's plans with her in-laws had changed so she and her family would fly in for the holiday weekend.

Mac's first week as JAG had gone very well, and without any major problems. She and Tiner worked well together and Mac repeatedly told AJ what a fine officer and lawyer he'd become. AJ teased her, saying that it was because Tiner had served under him all those years ago. His loving wife just rolled her eyes and replied, "Sure!"

During that same week, AJ had been meeting with the contractor finalizing plans for the new house. Everything was moving right along according to plan.

On Saturday Harriett called to ask if AJ and Mac would be available to take her three younger children the next evening. They readily agreed and were told that AJ would drive them over. Young AJ had a study date with Katie his chemistry lab partner, however he had been told to call the Chegwidden's to see if his siblings were still there when he was done. If they were, he was to go there and could bring them home with him after his parents called with the 'all clear'.

Sunday night the younger six children were all in bed asleep when AJ got back from his study date. He joined the four Chegwidden teens in the kitchen for a late night snack. The older AJ and Mac had the same idea and arrived in the hall leading to the kitchen just in time to hear…

"You know it's just gross to think of your parents having sex!" Andi announced.

Sixteen year old AJ replied, "Yeah, but if they hadn't, then none of us would be here."

"Gosh, you're dumb!" Andi taunted. "We're all adopted, mom and dad didn't have to have sex to get us. All they had to do was some paperwork!"

"But someone somewhere had to have sex for you to get here dufus! Or do you think you were grown in a lab…wait…in your case that's probably true!"

"NO-SIR!" she shouted and the adults heard a chair crash to the ground.

Before they could get into the room they heard Steven say, "Hey, you two, knock it off!"

"Yeah, dad taught us not to hit girls! Didn't yours?" Evan demanded.

Steven was standing between Andi and AJ when his parents got into the room. It appeared as if he were trying to keep them apart while not getting hit himself.

"Break it up!" both Mac and AJ ordered in unison in their best 'military' voices. Their children, and it seemed, so did AJ Roberts, recognized that tone of voice and immediately froze in place.

The adults looked at each other and silently tried to figure out who would be best to deal with this situation. AJ wanted to see how Sarah would handle it, so nodded at her to go ahead.

She gave him a wink that only he saw and turned to the kids, "Alright, while it may be fun to speculate on the sex lives of others, we, and Bud and Harriett, are still your parents and due some respect as such. From now on you will refrain from betting and discussing our private lives! And as for the adoption part of the argument, remember your father and I always told you that to be adopted meant that you were Chosen. Parents of natural children had to take what they got. No offence on you AJ, your parents came out pretty good in the kids that they got! Now, onto the problem of the fighting, physical violence should always be the last resort to solve an issue, not the first. Andi you have been taught that in the time you have been with us!"

Mac waited for her daughter's 'Yes Ma'am,' before continuing, "As such, you will be grounded for a week…yes, I know Christmas is coming up!" she said at the protest that she saw in her eyes, "But you brought this on by fighting! So, as such you will go only places that the entire family is going or on school planned events. I'm sorry if that puts a cramp in your holiday, but you children all know the consequences of fighting!"

Looking at her father for help, Andi pleaded, "Daddddddy…please make mom change her mind!"

To be continued….