Thanks for reading, everyone! I look forward to sharing this story as we count the days to Christmas. Hope you continue to enjoy!
Stocking
"Well, ma'am, you're all set," Petty Officer Jennifer Coates declared proudly. "All cases are covered from now until the new year, I've got all the administrative work under control, and your docket and your desk are completely clear." With a grand, sweeping gesture of her hand, Jen motioned to her commanding officer's desk. "You don't have to worry about a thing, ma'am."
Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie smiled gratefully as she closed the bottom drawer of her desk and removed some paperwork from her briefcase to leave at the office while she was away.
"I don't think I've ever seen the top of my desk before," she said amusedly. "Thanks for all your help, Jen."
"It's no trouble at all, ma'am."
"The decorations look great, too," Mac added.
For the holiday season, Jen had taken it upon herself to adorn the offices of the Joint Legal Service Center Southwest with red, green, and silver tinsel. She had even assigned personalized red and green stockings for everyone, except for Mac, who received a bright white stocking with Colonel MacKenzie written in glittery silver cursive.
"A white stocking?" Mac asked.
"For the bride-to-be," Jen explained.
Bride-to-be. Hearing the words said aloud made Mac's heart flutter, and she wondered if Jen noticed the thrill that raced from her head to her toes.
"I'm really excited for your wedding, ma'am." Jen's eyes twinkled with excitement. "And I can't wait to see Mattie. When do she and Captain Rabb get in from London?"
"Tomorrow afternoon," Mac replied. "Then we'll only have a few days to get everything ready before Christmas Eve."
"A Christmas Eve wedding," Jen sighed dreamily. "It sounds so romantic. Oh, ma'am, you better leave now. You don't want to be late for your final dress fitting."
"I'm on my way," Mac said, picking up her cover and her briefcase and giving Jen a friendly nod. "We'll see you on Christmas Eve."
"I wouldn't miss it, ma'am."