Part Fourteen
by Paula B and CJ
30 June 2002
Bethesda Naval Hospital
0800 Hours
When she woke, she wasn’t really surprised to find herself in a hospital bed. «My turn, I guess.» The dream was still with her. She could still feel the fear of nearly dying. She could still remember how it felt to march through the cold of Pennsylvania. She smiled. She could still feel his lips on hers. His body on hers.
She hurt. Her head hurt, but her stomach hurt too and she instantly knew she had been throwing up. «Concussion? Or did they give me Demerol?» The events crowded in on her and she realized that the ambulance would have taken her to the nearest hospital. «Which one? Oh shit. Why didn’t they check my dog tags?» She tried to move her hand and that’s when she became aware of the weight on her wrist. Gazing down her nose she finally forced herself to focus on her surroundings. Private room. Blinds covered by drapes. Furniture, a little nicer than she had a right to expect. Brown head resting on her right wrist. Gently, she pulled her hand free and was relieved to find that the IV was in her left hand. Her vision cleared enough to make out his features as he slept. One lock of hair, always bothersome to him, one of the things she loved, fell over his forehead.
Running her fingers through his hair and brushing the lock back into place, she felt, rather than saw, him wake. "Hi," she whispered.
"Oh, god," he groaned. "You scared the hell out of me, Sarah MacKenzie. Why didn’t you tell me you were highly allergic to Demerol?"
"It’s in my records; it’s on my dog tags. Why didn’t they think to check? He lifted his head and she could see the pain spasm across his face. "Clay? How bad was I?"
"Oh, I don’t remember. You kept telling everyone you didn’t know and why were they asking you about troop strength and why would you know. You had Chegwidden scared."
"But not you, huh?" She tried to get more comfortable.
"Me, nah. Not until later." His grin erased the last of the sleep from his face. He sat back in the chair and tried to the work the kinks out of his back.
Looking at him suspiciously she demanded, "What happened later?"
"Oh, man. You must get some pretty kinky dreams on the right meds."
"Clayton Webb," she hissed. But before she could say anything the door opened and a nurse stuck her head in.
"Oh there, now. You see Mr. Webb. I told you she would be fine."
The grin was gone and a look that Sarah never wanted directed at her replaced it. "That still doesn’t explain why the emergency room gave her Demerol in the first place. She could have…" He felt Sarah’s gentle squeeze on his hand. Taking a cleansing breath, he sighed, "Where is the doctor?"
"He’s making rounds right now, he’ll be here when he…I’ll go get him right away, sir." The nurse fled at the look on his face.
Never letting go of Sarah’s hand he bent down and kissed her. She settled back, but he followed her, still kissing her until she groaned. "Oh yeah. That’s what I heard earlier this morning." He sighed and brushed her hair away from the head wound. "We came so close yesterday, Sarah. I’ve never been so scared in my life, first the bullet, then the wrong medicine. They had to pump your stomach. I wanted to hit somebody. Rabb came by and sat with me after they moved you up here."
"Here’s very nice, Clay. I don’t rate this."
"Yeah, you do."
"Well, I see we’re awake this morning, Colonel. I hear you had a nasty reaction to some medication that we should never have given you." Webb turned his glare on the resident standing in the doorway. The doctor took one look at Webb’s disheveled appearance and the glower and held up his hands. "Which we are checking into as I speak. We’ll get to the bottom of that and make sure it doesn’t happen again. But why don’t you step outside Mr…uhm…"
"Go on Clay. Why don’t you get a cup of coffee?"
"Nah. That’s okay. I’ll just wait outside. There's a waiting room just across the hall."
He wasn’t really surprised by the tall presence looming over him. "Did you ever get any sleep last night, AJ?"
"Some. You?" AJ grunted and stretched his back muscles again. "Damn, I hate hospitals."
"Tell me about it."
"She awake?"
"Finally. The doctor’s in with her now." Webb slowly got out of the plastic bucket chair and tried to stretch, groaning a bit also. "I just want to get her home and I know she will be hell on wheels if they refuse to let her go."
"Well, I’ll make it a goddamn order, if I have to, Webb. She has to stay…oh hell. Like Cori’s going to stay either." He ran his fingers over his head. "I don’t know what I’m going to do with her, Webb."
Webb studied his friend and sighed. "I guess you have to trust her to make her own decisions, AJ. I do think she should see someone, though."
"Yeah, well, I’ve already won that battle. Doctor Bishop already stopped by to see her. Put her on some medication. She's sleeping now. Real, restful sleep. She hasn't done that in a while."
"Stan Bishop? You know Stan?"
AJ sighed and shook his head. "Is there anybody in this town you don’t know Webb?"
"A couple, none of them worth knowing." AJ finally caught a glimpse of the old, cocky Webb they were all used to. "Stan’s done some work for us. Some of our guys come back pretty messed up."
"I can imagine." AJ sighed, looking in at his chief-of-staff as the doctor opened the door.
"Mr. Webb." The doctor paused to study the disheveled navel officer glaring at him. "Admiral Chegwidden, I didn’t realize that you knew, oh, of course, Colonel MacKenzie is under your command?"
"Yes, doctor," AJ bit off. "Have you come up with a plausible excuse as to why your hospital nearly killed one of my best officers?" Webb just let him go. It was easier than trying to calm the very angry ex-SEAL and he was getting some satisfaction from the doctor’s obvious discomfort.
"Not yet. I suspect I know what happened and the issue is being addressed by people higher up than I am, sir." The doctor calmly met the tirade, but let the very angry men know that they should be yelling at someone a little higher up than he was in the chain of command.
Webb held up his hand. "Doctor, what’s the prognosis on Colonel MacKenzie? When are you willing to release her?"
That earned them a resigned sigh. "I would like to keep her another day, but the lady isn’t going to sit still for it. She assures me that someone will be with her at all times if she can go home."
"Damn straight," came the two determined responses. AJ had the grace to look a little sheepish and Webb continued. "I’ll be with her, unless something unforeseen comes up. If I have to go somewhere there are any number of people I can call."
"That’s pretty much what she said. I do want her to wait until afternoon though. That will give her time to fully wake up and make sure there are no complications to the medication. Once she’s gone to the bathroom successfully, I’ll sign the release papers. Agreed?"
Webb sighed. "Thank you, doctor."
Cordelia stirred in her sleep, sighing contentedly as she awoke. It was the first peaceful sleep she could remember since the babies were born. «For a change, I didn't dream about that crazed hillbilly.» Still groggy from the medicine and her nap, Cordelia lay back across the bed.
«I hope my seeing Dr. Bishop calms AJ's fears. I know he's worried.» Cordelia remembered when AJ had knocked her out of the bed during one of his nightmares. «I told him he should get help, but he said no. He finally did and was glad. Full circle. Well, almost. I'm not sure I could knock him out of bed.»
Expecting AJ to return any minute, Cordelia watched the door, thinking about her dream. «At least there weren't any mermaids this time.» She giggled.
Thinking about the dream reminded Cordelia of Mac. «I wonder how she's doing?» Cordelia reached for the phone and dialed the operator to find out Mac's room number. Using the pen attached to her chart, she wrote the number on the palm of her hand then slipped out of the bed. She opened the door and checked her room number. «Somebody made that easy. She's right next door.»
Cordelia knocked then pushed the door to Mac's room open. Mac looked up, surprised. "Cori." Mac smiled, "Lucky you. At least you've been able to change into pajamas. I'm still in this damned hospital gown."
"They know you're a Marine. They're afraid you'll be up doing recon to get out of here. They have seriously underestimated me. If you think you can get the top over the tubes, I'm certain AJ brought me some spare pajamas. I could get them for you." Cordelia offered conspiratorially.
When Mac nodded eagerly, Cordelia slipped back to her room, returning a few minutes later with a pair of satin pajamas. "I think AJ was prepared for me to move in. He brought enough pajamas for two weeks. No way in hell I'm staying long enough to wear them all!" Cordelia laughed and settled into the chair by Mac's bed.
"Did they shoot you, too?" Mac asked. No one had mentioned that Cordelia was in the hospital as well.
Cordelia shook her head. "No, nothing like that. I just freaked out. Post Traumatic Stress. I haven't been sleeping well since the babies were born. I keep dreaming about Allenby and being on that mountain. AJ recognized it, but I wouldn't listen to him. I was afraid to go to sleep, afraid of the dreams. Can you imagine? But this morning AJ convinced me to talk to a doctor. The doctor gave me some medication. I just had my first peaceful sleep since the babies were born." The words caught in Cordelia's throat.
"Cori, what is it?" Mac asked, concerned.
Cordelia's lip quivered, "I miss the babies, Mac. I haven't seen them since… how long have we been in the hospital?"
Mac pulled Cordelia beside her on the bed. Cordelia leaned against Mac's shoulder and began to sob. "I fight with AJ, I miss the babies and I don't even know how long it's been since I've seen them. Long enough that I can't nurse them any more, even it weren't for the medication. Some wife and mother I am."
"Cori, I'm sure the babies are fine. And things with the Admiral will be fine once you feel better." Mac assured her.
"And I'm not a very good friend, either. You've been shot and then nearly killed by an allergic reaction and here I am moaning and groaning," Cordelia renewed her sobs.
Mac laughed, "You're a wonderful friend, Cori. If it weren't for you, I'd still be wearing that damned hospital gown. Right now, I can't think of a better way for a friend to cover my six. In this case, quite literally." Even Cordelia had to giggle through her tears.
"Cori, did you tell the Admiral about your deams?" Mac asked.
Cordelia shook her head. "I didn't want to worry him any more than he already was. But I talked about them to Dr. Bishop this morning. And I didn't dream about Allenby while I took a nap a little while ago." Cordelia grinned, remembering her dreams.
"You're smiling. Did you have a good dream?" Mac thought of her own dreams as she asked the question.
Blushing, Cordelia nodded. "Remember the dream we had? The one where I was a mermaid and you were one of Queen Elizabeth's ladies in waiting?" Cordelia waited as Mac nodded. "I had another one. It had AJ and you and Clay. Commander Rabb was in it too. And someone called Tess Coulter. Come to think of it, she was in that earlier dream, too, a little. Commander Turner was a minister --"
"And Bud was a blacksmith?" Mac asked quietly.
"You had this one, too?" Cordelia whispered in disbelief.
"It was the Revolutionary War and I was pretending to be a man so that I could fight. You were buying guns that Gunny smuggled. And we all went to Valley Forge," Mac finished.
"Why are we dreaming the same dreams?" Cordelia wondered aloud.
Mac shook her head. "Not why, how?"
"Last time I was hurt, this time you were. Do you think that has something to do with it?" Cordelia asked.
"You mean like hallucinations? I don't think so. I'll bet it's the conversation we had just before we left the restaurant. You had mentioned the female spies and soldiers from the Revolutionary War. It's just a coincidence that we dreamed the same thing," Mac tried to shrug it off.
«But that doesn't explain the last time.» The thought flashed through both of their minds at the same time.
The two women sat in silence for a moment. They both jumped when the door opened. It was Clay. He walked to the bed and kissed Mac then said, "Cordelia, good to see you up and about." It wasn't what he really thought. «She looks like she's been crying. Chegwidden's going to be upset about that. I wonder what's wrong?»
"Do you know where AJ is, Clay?" Cordelia asked.
"AJ stopped in here after you fell asleep. Mac was ready for a nap herself and she sent the two of us away to eat. AJ is checking with the doctor about how long you need to stay in the hospital," Clay said.
"What about me? When do I get to leave?" Mac was clearly anxious to go.
Before Clay could answer, they heard the door slam next door. The door to Mac's room flew open. "Cordelia's not there. No one saw her leave, either," AJ barked as he focused on Clay.
"I'm right here, AJ. I'm fine," Cordelia spoke up. She could see AJ relax as he realized she was safe. He approached the bed and stood beside her.
"You had me worried, Darlin'," AJ whispered.
Cordelia met his eyes. "Does that mean you're not worried any more?"
"No, it just means I'm worried less. I'll probably worry about you until things are back to normal, however long that takes." AJ wrapped her in his arms.
"What about the fighting?" Cordelia whispered.
AJ glanced sheepishly at Mac and Clay, both of whom did their best to ignore him. "I never wanted to fight with you. I just want to take care of you. And for you to take care of yourself."
"So you were talking to the doctor to make sure I stay here for a while?" Cordelia looked at him sadly.
"No," AJ said. "I was talking to the doctor to see when I could take you home. That is, as long as you promise to take it easy once we get there."
"When can I leave?" Cordelia asked eagerly.
AJ kissed her before he answered, "As soon as you're ready. You can rest while I call people and cancel the cookout."
"Absolutely not. I promise to rest, but I don't want to cancel the cookout," Cordelia insisted.
"But Cori, you don't need to be doing all that work. We can have a cookout another time."
"AJ, I'm not doing any work for the cookout. At least nothing more than letting people into the house and outside to the back yard. Everyone else is splitting the work. There's really no reason to cancel it," Cordelia glanced at Mac. "Unless Mac can't come. When does she get to leave the hospital?"
Mac echoed her, "When do I get to leave?"
"You leave later today, as well," Clay said. "And as long as you agree not to work either, I suspect the doctor will say you can go to the cookout."
"You promise not to lift a finger, Cori?" AJ asked.
Cordelia nodded, "I promise."
"And you Colonel, consider it a direct order. You are not to work at all at the cookout. You are to plant your six in a chair and let that spy wait on you hand and foot," AJ said sternly.
Mac shot a grin at Clay before she said, "Aye, sir."
"I'll see you at the cookout, then," AJ glanced at Clay and shook his head.
"Mac, I hate to desert you, but I want to get home to my babies. But I'm sure Clay will see to it that you're in good hands," Cordelia said, rising from the bed. She was barely to her feet when AJ lifted her. As he carried her to the door, Cordelia peered around his shoulder and said, "Sweet dreams, Mac."
Mac grinned.
Clay watched the door close then asked, "Sweet dreams? What was that about?"
"Nothing, Clay. Just that Cori and I have both been having the most unusual dreams," Mac murmured.
"Must be the medication," Clay said absentmindedly.
30 June 2002
McLean, Virginia
Home of AJ and Cordelia Chegwidden
1300 hours
Cordelia saw the Roberts' minivan when she and AJ pulled into the driveway. AJ hurried out of the car and around to her side to carry her into the house. He explained along the way, "Porter and the Roberts have been helping with the babies while you've been in the hospital. You should see little AJ with them."
"I've missed them, AJ," Cordelia said quietly.
"I know you have, Cori, but it couldn't be helped. Just remember one of the key elements to what's best for them is for you to be healthy," AJ whispered and kissed her.
Harriet had seen them arrive and opened the door. "Welcome home, ma'am," she smiled. Rimbaud bounded through the door, barking excitedly. He jumped on AJ while trying to reach Cordelia and refused to stop until AJ squatted low enough for the dog to give her slobbery dog kisses then rest his head across her chest. He clearly didn't want to move, and when AJ stood, Rimbaud walked alongside, his body touching AJ's leg. He refused to take his eyes off Cordelia.
Inside, little AJ was playing with the babies on a blanket. He sat in-between them, holding a rattle over each baby. When he shook them, Conlan and Rebecca cooed and gurgled.
AJ sat Cordelia on the on the blanket beside them, and knelt behind her Rimbaud parked himself beside her. Cordelia asked, "Do you like babies, AJ?" as she reached to stroke Conlan's hair.
The child nodded. "I helped watch the babies," he said proudly. "I play with them some, too. They eat a lot. They sleep a lot." He leaned forward and whispered, "Sometimes they smell funny. I don't help with that!" All the adults laughed.
"It sounds like you're an expert. You can help with the babies any time," Cordelia grinned. "Or you can just come play with them if you want. They'll probably be more fun when they're a little older."
Little AJ grinned and shouted, "Watch this!" He leaned forward, grabbed Rebecca's foot and pressing his lips against her instep, blew hard. It made a horrible noise. Rebecca laughed out loud.
AJ laughed until he had to blink away tears. "Just like her mother," he whispered to Cordelia.
Little AJ was suddenly concerned. He stood and looked from AJ to Cordelia. "Uncle AJ, Aunt Cori, you know she's missing some parts, don't you?" he whispered.
Bud and Harriet dropped their jaws in unison. AJ nodded and swallowed. Cordelia glanced at all of them, then reassured the child, "I think she just has different parts. I'm pretty sure they're all there, or the doctor would have said something."
With a sigh, little AJ said, "Well that's a relief!" He returned to the babies and the rattles.
"Would you like something to drink, ma'am? I know it's your house, but I can get it while you rest," Harriet offered.
"I'll get her something, Harriet. But thanks for offering," AJ stood. "Would anyone else care for anything?" No one answered, but AJ returned with four cokes, anyway.
Harriet was telling Cordelia, "We have them on a feeding schedule where they eat at the same time. They have an eleven o'clock feeding and they have been sleeping through the night. The Admiral has had a temp from the nanny service come in to help us, too. He won't leave the babies alone with her, but it has been helpful with the two of them during the day. It's almost lunchtime. How about I get everything ready, you start with one and I'll start with the other and we can switch after the burps? That way you still get to feed both of them." She glanced at the Admiral. "Unless, of course, you want to help feed the babies, sir."
"You seem to be enjoying it, Harriet. There will be plenty of time for me to feed them. Go ahead," AJ smiled as he distributed the cokes.
"That sounds good, Harriet. I've missed them." Tears welled in Cordelia's eyes, but she blinked them back. She reached for the coke AJ handed her and took a big swallow.
"I guess I should start with Rebecca. She's liable to finish before we have time to switch," Cordelia laughed. AJ handed her the baby and Harriet gave her the bottle then picked up Conlan to feed him. They switched out halfway through the bottles and the babies finished eating and fell promptly asleep.
Bud and Harriet each took one of the babies to the nursery. Little AJ followed them. Rimbaud looked from Cordelia to the babies then finally jumped off the couch and headed toward the nursery to guard his charges, leaving AJ and Cordelia alone.
"You OK?" AJ asked quietly.
Cordelia nodded. "It's just that it seems like I've been gone for so long. Much more than a couple of days."
"It's the babies. They've grown and they're sleeping through the night. But maybe you'll be able to sleep through the night, too. No more dreams," AJ whispered.
"I didn't tell you about the dreams, AJ. How did you know?" Cordelia didn't want to meet his gaze.
"Cori, I'm not a heavy sleeper." AJ cupped her chin in his hand. "You've been thrashing around the bed at night, even talking in your sleep. It wasn't hard to figure out what you were dreaming about. Dr. Bishop gave me some prescriptions to fill for you. I can offer a testimonial for the medicine. It's pretty good stuff."
"I know. He gave me some before my nap today. I had dreams, but they were good dreams," Cordelia smiled. "You were in them."
The Roberts slipped past them quietly, not wanting to disturb them. Harriet did say, "We're on our way out, sir. But call us if you need anything."
AJ answered, "Thank you both." Then he returned his focus to Cordelia. "So tell me about these dreams," he said as he picked her up to carry her to their bedroom.
"Only if you make love to me first," Cordelia breathed in his ear.
Placing her gently on the bed, AJ kissed her. "You drive a hard bargain," he teased as he began to unbutton her pajama top. "Tell me what you want me to do."
"I want you to kiss me," Cordelia whispered. AJ obliged, his lips covering hers as his tongue explored her mouth. She struggled for breath as he broke away.
"Then what?" AJ asked.
"Everywhere. Kiss me everywhere. And touch me everywhere," Cordelia gasped. His lips began a slow traverse of her body as she sighed, "Don't stop. Don't ever stop." She tugged at his shirt and he paused long enough for her to pull it over his head.
His lips followed the curve of her cheek then floated over her neck below her ear. AJ pushed the sleeves of her pajama top over her arms one at a time, kissing her shoulders, blowing softly over her armpits and licking the soft skin on the inside of her elbows. He brought both of her hands to his face, kissed one wrist then the other, and began to slowly suck each of her fingers.
Cordelia panted softly, the beat of her pulse thundering through her brain. When AJ lifted her arms above her head and cupped a breast in each hand, she shuddered. His thumbs traced her aureole then his lips covered one breast and she squirmed in pleasure. Her muscles tensed and released in unison, responding to his touch. He nipped each breast, teased both nipples to stiffened peaks then traced a trail between her breasts and over her stomach to her navel. He dipped the tip of his tongue inside then traced the outer circle, widening the circle to take in her abdomen. Then he slipped his hands in the waistband of Cordelia's pajamas and slid them over her legs in one smooth motion.
Lifting her left leg at the knee, AJ kissed her thigh forcefully. He nipped the tender flesh, holding it gently between his teeth. His hands rubbed over her calf, straightening her leg over his head and he fluttered his tongue over the sensitive flesh behind her knee. He rubbed his cheek against her calf then kissed her ankle. He placed a gentle bite at her heel before his tongue fluttered along her instep. Finally, one at a time, he took her toes into his mouth, swirling his tongue around each of them in turn.
AJ stroked both of her legs from the thigh to the ankle and lifted them together and kissed her insoles. He gently lay her left leg on the bed before turning his attention to Cordelia's right foot. This time, he started with her toes, sucking each one sensuously before moving up her calf with fluttery kisses and stroking the back of her knee. Cordelia moaned softly as he kissed her thigh, anticipating what would come next.
Draping her legs over his shoulders, AJ nibbled Cordelia's labia then thrust his tongue gently inside. He could hear her breathing in tiny, fragmented gasps as he teased her. He sought her clit, swirling his tongue around the nub, setting her nerves on fire and she writhed in unison with the manipulations of his tongue. Cordelia lifted her hips to him and in a throaty whisper begged, "Please, AJ." She reached for his belt and began to unbuckle it then unfasten his pants. She felt the bulge beneath the material and stroked him. AJ reached for the waistband, pushing his pants and boxers over his thighs. He kicked off his shoes and used his feet to drag his pants over his calves, letting them fall to the floor at the foot of the bed.
Reaching for the drawer of the bedside table, AJ found a condom and put it on with one hand while circling Cordelia's clit with the thumb of his other hand. Cordelia groaned, "Please, now." He lifted her hips and placed his shaft between her labia, rubbing between the soft, slick skin. The tip hit her clit, brushing hard against it, and Cordelia moaned before she gripped him, feeling his hardness before she placed the tip of his cock at her entrance. She lifted her hips, taking him in, squeezing around him until he was all the way inside. She wrapped her legs around him and began to rock against him.
AJ could feel Cordelia shudder with each thrust, her muscles gripping him tighter each time, her breath, hot against his chest. When she cried out, he silenced her with a kiss, stopping only when his low moan erupted.
They lay together breathlessly, AJ holding Cordelia against him. Cordelia snuggled against his chest, ruffling her fingers through his fur. She shivered, and AJ lifted her, shifted in the bed then let the covers fall over both of them. "So tell me about this dream," he whispered. Her only response was the soft, steady breathing that told him she was resting peacefully.
29 June 2002
Webb’s Townhome
2300 hours
Clay gazed down at Sarah, sleeping in his bed. He had insisted that she come home with him. "There’s work I have to finish that I can do at home, Sarah." She hadn’t protested. She tried to stay awake, but the aspirin for her headache had been enough to knock her out almost as soon as they got home. He put her to bed, but left the door to the bedroom open so he could hear her. After a quick shower and shave, he spent the rest of the day making phone calls and studying his e-mails from the den. She had been asleep for almost eight hours, and finally he was ready to crash. He had nodded off while reading a particularly boring report on a particularly boring mission that would net them little, and now his neck hurt even worse than it had that morning.
Slowly he stripped out of his sweat pants and shirt. He crawled into bed next to her and she murmured in her sleep. He was glad the only damage was a slight concussion, but the fear that they had almost lost her due to a hospital blunder made him even more determined to ask her to marry him. Gently he positioned himself so on his side so his lips were close to her cheek and his arm could rest across her stomach. She was wearing one of his tee shirts and nothing else, and he fought the urge to run his fingers over her skin. He had no real desire to do anything more than just touch her, to assure himself that she was nearby and safe. He fell asleep not even realizing that he had clutched her hand in his.
The dream this time wasn't as distinct as the previous nights; vague images of laughing children and galloping on horseback, of making life and standing witness to death at graves, large and small, of his presence through it all. Sarah woke feeling only a slight throb in her head and as safe as she could ever remember. His dark brown hair tickled her nose; his body held her entire right side prisoner. His fingers were interlaced with hers. Rain beat against the windowpane, and for a moment she wondered where she was. But just for a moment. «I have been in this bed before. Been with this man, evidently, if I really believe such things, in several lifetimes.» She smiled as he began to stir. «It was silly, but did it really matter?» She would be content in this lifetime with him. She was glad she had finally found her way to him. Raising their entwined hands until his dropped to cup her breast and his murmur of discontent calmed, she reached up and ran her fingers through his hair.
Groaning petulantly, he woke and started to rise up off of her shoulder but her fingers caressed him and his began to follow suit, rubbing and squeezing her breast through her tee shirt.
"Nice," she whispered and trailed her fingers down his cheek to trace his lips with her finger. She moaned softly as he pulled her finger into his mouth and sucked on it for a moment. Lifting his head, he gazed into her passion filled eyes and groaned again.
"We shouldn’t," he insisted. As he started to push away from her, freeing her right hand and arm she embraced him and pulled him back to her lips.
After a long, wet, delving kiss he pulled back again, but her arm was still around him. "Don’t you know that this is life-affirming, Clay?" She ran her hand under the band of his boxers and caressed his ass. "Please, Clay."
"I-I’m afraid, I’ll hurt you, Sarah. Later when…"
"Now, Clay." She lifted her head and demanded another kiss.
"You’re a stubborn woman, Sarah MacKenzie," he groaned before trapping her body with his arm. "You want this?" He ran his hand over her back until he reached the hem of her tee-shirt and then rucked it up as high has he could. "You want me? Then take me, Marine."
She grinned and sat up. Even in the dawn’s light he could clearly see her face. He watched carefully for any sign of pain or even discomfort.
She knew what he was doing and why. She had a headache but her stomach, while sore, had felt worse. «Damn, I want him. It's been too long. Too damn long.» With little preamble she thrust down on him, even before she was fully prepared. They both hissed at the rough sensation. He reached up to steady her, holding her shoulders, making her look into his eyes. "Please, Clay." Her voice was shaking with her need.
Pulling the tee shirt over her head, he tossed it somewhere into the darkness. Closing his eyes, he nodded and let his hands begin to roam over her. Teasing her breasts, he felt her hands begin to knead his shoulders. Opening his eyes he saw hers just above him, ready to kiss him. He pulled her down and their tongues twined together and she continued to pump up and down on him. Their joining was now fully lubricated and the sound of their mating filled the room. Clay groaned at the sound and briefly wondered if now was the time to ask her to marry him. But that thought fled as she sat back, changing the angle of her thrusts. He reached up and began to worry her nipples, already hardened to stiff peaks. He tried to tell her how beautiful she was but even those words failed him as she took his hands in her and entwined their fingers. Their eyes locked and the intensity of her desire threw him over the edge, shouting her name. She came moments later, her scream of "Clay" the most wonderful thing he could ever remember hearing.
He pulled her down to his chest, kissing her lips, her eyes and finally the bandage on her temple. "Are you okay?" he managed with a pant.
"Never better," she murmured and she snuggled even closer, holding him inside her still.
Part 15
4 July 2002
McLean, Virginia
Home of AJ and Cordelia Chegwidden
Early morning
AJ liked the quiet of the morning. It wasn't 0700 yet and already he had taken his morning run and fed both babies. Cordelia was still asleep. «Sleeping soundly, thank god.» He drank a glass of orange juice. «It wasn't quite as hot out this morning as it has been. The rain has really helped with the heat. Should be nice for the cookout.» He looked in the nursery where the babies lay in their playpen. Rebecca had discovered her feet and was sucking her toes. Conlan reached for the brightly colored pieces hanging from a mobile. «Time for a shower.» AJ headed to the bathroom.
Passing beside the bed, AJ glanced at Cordelia. Groggily, she opened her eyes. "Getting ready to run?" she murmured, almost unintelligibly.
"Already finished. Getting ready to shower," AJ whispered.
"Finished? What time is it?" Cordelia sounded worried.
"It's almost 0700," AJ said.
Cordelia shot up. "Why aren't the babies awake?"
"They are awake," AJ soothed her. "I fed them when I finished my run. They're playing in the nursery."
Relaxing, Cordelia asked, "So you're all hot and sweaty?"
"I'm not still hot, but yeah, I'm pretty sweaty," AJ nodded.
"Wanna get hot and sweaty?" Cordelia grinned, tugging at his tee shirt. She inhaled deeply. "I like you sweaty, did you know that?"
Without speaking, AJ ripped the shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor. Cordelia pulled his running shorts over his legs. AJ toed out of his running shoes and socks, then slid beside her underneath the sheet. Cordelia was already naked. She kissed AJ's shoulder, tasting the salt sweat and inhaling his musk as she rolled him over and straddled him. Gently, she bit his lower lip before running her tongue over it and into his mouth to explore. She finished her kiss with a nip to his upper lip, then sat up and leaned back, exposing her breasts fully. She ran her hands over her hips and up her sides, cupping her breasts, then stroking her nipples as AJ watched.
Cordelia leaned forward again, kissing him forcefully, working her hands down his chest. She licked his chin, then traced her tongue over his neck and to his chest. She felt his hardness against her labia and shifted her hips, covering him in her juices. AJ moaned as she shifted to slide over him, shuddering as her wet heat drew him in. Bracing her hands on his shoulders, she raised her body. She swivelled her hips and touched his nipples the same way she had touched herself a few moments before, then ran her hands over AJ's abdomen, tracing the patterns of the muscles across his stomach. Then she reached for his hands, guiding them over her thighs, up her stomach and to her breasts. The whole time she circled her hips slowly, her muscles pulsing around him.
AJ stroked her breasts, tweaking her nipples, grinning as his fingers followed hers over the soft flesh. He watched the muscles in her thighs flex as she rose slightly, then descended over him again. He slid one hand down her side, caressing her thigh for a brief moment before he began to circle her clit with his thumb. He brought his other hand down, stroking her thigh before reaching to cup her ass in his hand, pressing against her as he lifted his hips to hers and increased the rhythm of her circles. She continued to stroke her breasts as he watched, his tongue inching slowly over his lips.
Straining her neck and arching her back, Cordelia began to gasp. Her body trembled and she began to circle furiously above him, gripping him inside her. AJ felt her release in her thighs as her legs began to shake. He met her climax with his own, exploding inside her. She moaned and he rose to kiss her. She leaned against him, her breath hot against his chest, inhaling deeply of his scent.
"Who's hot and sweaty now?" AJ asked.
Cordelia licked his chest, then nipped his ear before she answered, "I like hot and sweaty. It's exactly the way every Fourth of July should start."
"If it starts this way, how's it going to end?" AJ grinned.
"Fireworks, baby, fireworks," Cordelia whispered.
4 July 2002
Alexandria, Virginia
Sarah MacKenzie’s apartment
0700 hours
He rolled over and reached out for her only to find an empty place next to him. Blearily, he opened one eye and groaned when he saw how late it was. It took him a moment to remember that this was a holiday and 7:00 AM was damn early. He listened carefully, but couldn’t hear her in the bathroom. Sitting up, he pushed the hair off his forehead and searched the bright room. The curtains filtered the light but he could tell it was going to be another scorcher. Pulling off the light sheet he stumbled up and into the empty bathroom.
After taking care of his morning ablutions, he felt better. He pulled open the drawer where he kept a small stash of clothes and pulled on a pair of briefs and a tee shirt. Scratching his chest he wondered out into the living room. Now he was beginning to panic. "Sarah?" The room – no, the apartment – was empty save for him.
Biting his lip, he searched for a note but could find none. He looked around once again, trying to decide to give into worry or anger when he heard the door locks being thrown. Taking a deep calming breath, he waited.
"Oh, hi. You’re awake." She smiled at him and he completely forgot to be mad. He was just glad she was back. "I wanted to run out and get breakfast. It’s too hot to even use the toaster. Besides, I know how much you love Louie’s chocolate croissants."
"I like you in bed when I wake up, even better." He pouted.
She caught the flash of fear in his eyes but decided to ignore it. "I'm fine, Clay. I wanted to take a brisk walk before it gets even hotter than it is. I feel fat. You won’t let me do anything, even though the doctor said…"
"Hey, hey, hey." Clay raised his hands up in defense. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…oh hell, I’ve got no room to talk do I?"
She put the bag with the coffees and the croissants on the table and walked up to him. Sliding her arms around his neck she whispered, "No you don’t, but it is kinda sweet…in very small doses."
He pulled her to him and kissed her soundly. "Sorry. This is going to be a real problem isn’t it?" he said ruefully when he released her lips but not her waist where he still held on tightly.
"Oh, I don’t know, I think we can work it out." She sighed as the felt his fingers began to draw circles along her spine, inching north toward the sports bra she had donned under the skimpy little tee shirt. "I think we need lots and lots of therapy."
"Oh, and what kind of therapy do you prefer, Sarah?"
She bit her lip, thinking for a moment. "Well, I believe in a more natural approach." She giggled, tugging at his undershirt.
"Oh, you mean you want to get naked?" He grinned and pulled his tee shirt and boxers off. "Like this?"
"Oh yes." She sighed and started to sink to her knees, but his hands under her arms stopped her.
"Just a minute now. You aren’t qualified for this therapy."
She arched an eyebrow and purred dangerously. "Oh, really?"
"Nope. Too many clothes." And with that he turned quickly and ran into the bedroom.
"Your loss!" she laughed as she started pulling her clothes off. When she joined him in the bedroom she found him exactly the way she like him. Lying there, spread eagle, his hand caressing his already rigid cock, waiting for her. The sight of him took her breath away. There were times like this when she couldn’t figure out why they didn’t just talk about marriage.
He lay there, so hard for her, wanting her so badly. Not just for the sex either, though he couldn’t remember sex ever being as good as it was with Sarah. No, he needed to know she was going to be there next to him, whenever possible. He had no illusions that they would ever have a ‘normal’ life together. «Whatever that was anymore.» But the time they spent together was precious to him. "Oh, Sarah." He sighed and started to ask her, but she sank to her knees at the end of the bed, falling forward. Her outstretched arms halted her descent and her lips hovered over his straining shaft. "Please," he begged and she grinned before engulfing him completely. Her tongue caressed the thick vein on the underside of his cock and he groaned at the intensity of his surging desire. He needed her more than he needed anyone else. He was so close. Sitting up, forcing her to release him, he pulled her to his lap until she settled on his cock. Crossing his legs under her, he pulled her tighter as she embraced his neck.
Thrusting up into her he held her ass, grinding her clit against his pubic hair. "Oh Clay. Yes, just like that. Harder, baby." She rode him, arching back so that he could nibble at her collarbone and finally her nipples. He felt the hot sensation of her inner muscles clenching around him until he couldn’t hold back anymore. Shouting her name he spurted up into her, holding her down on his throbbing shaft as she keened her own release. Her head flopped down against his shoulder and he could feel her still shuddering with tiny after tremors. "Oh wow. Oh boy. Did it work?"
"Hmmmm? Whatever you did, worked exactly the way it was supposed to. Damn babe. You are the most incredible, sexy Marine I have ever met. Hell, you’re the most…"
Her lips on his stilled his praises. He didn’t realize just how much compliments embarrassed her. Or maybe he did because she realized he always made a point of telling how good she looked or how wonderful she made him feel. He really did know exactly what to say to her – most times. Nipping his lower lip she grinned. "You up for shower therapy?"
"We got time?"
"Today, Mr. Webb, we have time."
4 July 2002
McLean, Virginia
Home of AJ and Cordelia Chegwidden
1835 hours
Cookout plans were going perfectly. Sturgis and Sharkey arrived early, spending most of the day nursing beers out by the smoker. AJ found several errands that needed to be run, and disappeared periodically. Occasionally, Cordelia would step onto the patio and say, "Guys? Time for another beer? I'm sorry, but you'll have to come get it yourself. If I lift a finger, AJ will have me back in the hospital. Of course, he'd probably keelhaul the two of you." The men took turns picking up beer in the kitchen.
After lunch, Cordelia fed the babies and put them to sleep, then slipped into the back of the house for nap. When she woke, she found the kitchen filled with food and the back yard filled with guests. She checked her watch. «It's 1835 hours? I slept for four-and-a half hours?» She recognized most of the people, and joined a group where AJ, Reverend Turner and Kern were laughing as another man told a story. «He looks familiar, but I just can't place him.» Cordelia tried to remember where she had met this man before.
"…They were in the bathroom trying to flush themselves down the toilet. They wanted to visit the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," the man shook his head. "The bathroom was flooded, and they were drenched from head to toe. Those boys are in high school now, but every time I see them, I think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
"Why were they trying to flush themselves?" AJ asked, shaking his head.
"Because the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lived in the sewer," the man laughed.
"Were these your children?" Cordelia asked as she wrapped her arm around AJ's waist.
"In a manner of speaking," the man said. "They were in a preschool class I taught in a special early education program." He reached out his hand to Cordelia, "Samuel Ryan. Call me Sam. You must be Cordelia. I'm just telling AJ what he has to look forward to."
Cordelia laughed and shook his hand. Then it dawned on her. «Samuel Ryan? Like in the dream?» She looked around the yard for Mac, but when she found her friend, Cordelia realized that Mac was too far away to hear. "You teach preschool?" Cordelia asked.
"Only that one time. I have a K-12 certification and an early childhood endorsement. I spent most of my time in the high school, but these last few years I taught kindergarten. It's a fun age," Sam grinned. "The high school kids were always really impressed that I was a retired Navy SEAL. It didn't carry much weight with the five-year-olds."
Her mouth dropped and Cordelia shot AJ a sheepish look. "You were a SEAL?"
"That's how I met AJ. I went into the SEALs after I enlisted, we were in the teams together. After Viet Nam, I was assigned to Coronado and SEAL training. I put in my twenty and went to night school to get my teaching degree. When I retired from the Navy, I started teaching." Sam shrugged, "I've retired from teaching now and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself next. AJ mentioned having an idea for me, but he hasn't given me any specifics."
"A SEAL who works with kids. I think I know what AJ had in mind. Something like a cross between a nanny and a bodyguard," Cordelia winked at AJ as she reached for Sam's arm. "Tell me, Sam, have you met the babies?"
AJ watched as Cordelia led Sam away.
"You want him to watch your kids?" Kern asked, amused.
"I want him to guard my kids and my wife. Cori wants him to watch the kids," AJ said dryly.
"She OK?" Kern was silent as he waited for AJ's response.
AJ nodded, "She's going to be." He looked to the patio, where Cordelia and Sam had plucked the babies out of the playpen and stood talking. Rimbaud stood watch, staring at this stranger who was playing with his charges. Sam bounced Conlan in his arms. AJ could see the boy's smile from where he stood. Then Conlan saw Cordelia and reached for her. Cordelia and Sam traded babies. His hand behind her head, Sam bounced Rebecca. She shrieked with joy at the motion. AJ laughed. «She has her mother's lungs.»
Kern gave him a puzzled look. "What's so funny?"
"Look at them." AJ nodded, then said, "Cori's going to be fine."
Across the yard, Sharkey and Bud watched Rachel playing with little AJ. He remembered her from the wedding and followed her around adoringly. She seemed to enjoy entertaining the younger child.
Harriet, Shelly, Porter and Bobbi chatted in the shade. Tiner brought them all fresh beer. «Glad I remembered that glass for Mrs. Webb.» Then he joined Gunny and Sturgis, who were getting hungry.
"Are we waiting for Rabb to arrive before we eat? Where is he, anyway?" Sturgis wondered.
"He was checking flight schedules yesterday. I think he was picking someone up. Maybe the flight was delayed," Gunny theorized.
"You think he's bringing someone?" Sturgis grinned. "Rough way to introduce anyone to this crowd!"
"I didn't know he was seeing anyone since Ms. Peterson left him for that undertaker. You think -" Gunny was interrupted by Rabb's entrance.
Mac coughed, choking on her soda. Webb gave her a puzzled look, then glanced at Rabb, who had a striking, statuesque blonde woman on his arm. Cordelia crossed the patio.
"Commander Rabb, we've been wondering when you'd arrive. She glanced at the woman, smiled and said, "You must be Tess."
"Tess?" the woman repeated. "No one has called me Tess since my grandmother died. It's Terry. Terry Coulter."
Rabb stared at Cordelia. «She acts like she knows Terry, or like I've mentioned that I was bringing her. I know I didn't.»
"Terry," Cordelia repeated "I'll try to remember." «That will take some getting used to.» She glanced at Mac, who raised her eyebrows and shrugged.
Webb watched the exchange. "What's up with you two?" he whispered. "I've never seen you react this way to one of Rabb's girlfriends."
"I've already met Tess-- I mean Terry. It's hard to explain, and now is not the time. Just trust me, it's weird," Mac hissed.
"How does Cordelia know her?" Webb asked.
Mac frowned, "Like I said, it's weird. I think this is actually the first time Cordelia has met Terry." Mac paused, "I think she just feels like she knows her. Terry's like that. She's easy to feel comfortable around." «In any lifetime.»
"Well it's about time, Rabb. We were getting hungry. Good to see you, Commander Coulter. You made it just in time to eat," AJ called out. "Let's set up the buffet." AJ gave a Cordelia a look that told her, in no uncertain terms, to stay put. AJ, Harriet and Tiner made their way to the kitchen. As they passed Rabb, AJ said, "Last one here gets to help. With me, Rabb. Commander Coulter, make yourself at home."
Rabb followed and the four of them returned with an array of hot baked beans, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, pasta salad, potato salad, cole slaw, fruit salad devilled eggs. In the meantime, Gunny and Sturgis were preparing to serve the roasted pig.
"Reverend Turner, would you bless our meal?" Cordelia asked.
The Navy Chaplain nodded, prayed briefly and the crowd descended upon the food.
"Be sure to save room for desert!" Cordelia laughed. "I think we have more desert than we have dinner!"
The sun was setting and Clay and Harm were busy lighting the citronella tiki torches Turner and Roberts had planted all over the yard. AJ flicked a switch and the plastic lanterns that Cordelia had purchased on a whim added little light but some gaiety to the soft patio lighting. The sounds of summer were nudging the memories of all the adults present as cicadas lent a backdrop to the quiet laughter. Little AJ and Rachel were chasing the first fireflies of the night and Jason Tiner was helping them. Off in the distance they could hear the beginnings of fireworks being set off by people unconcerned with mundane local ordinances.
Mac stood off to one side watching Clay finish up with the torches at the end of the yard. "You feeling better, Colonel?"
She smiled up at her CO. "Yes, sir. One-hundred percent. I’ll be at work bright and early Monday morning, unless you need me to come in tomorrow, sir."
AJ snorted. "We’ll do just fine without you tomorrow – or at least the acting JAG will."
Mac saw Harm look up at that and walk over to them. "Hey, Jarhead, you wanna come in tomorrow and…"
"No she doesn’t, Rabb," AJ cut him off with a laugh. "But if you ask nicely, I think Turner might do it. I understand Congresswoman Latham is wanting him for special duty next week and he might be amenable to taking tomorrow if you take the Henderson case."
Harm smiled over to where Terry Coulter was talking to Harriet and the congresswoman. "That would be great, sir. I wanted to take Terry flying tomorrow." He hurried off to talk to Turner.
Clay was making his way back across the yard. Mac smiled at his casual dress. Few of the people around them ever saw Webb in anything but a three-piece suit. Today he had worn comfortable khaki shorts and a casual shirt, with slash pockets that were just a little loose and bulky. He had just put one foot on the step leading up to her when little AJ squealed at something and ran right into him, sending him sprawling forward. Something skidded out of his pocket and bounced across the wooden deck to rest against Sarah’s sandal-clad foot. She kicked it trying to get to him, but saw the small blue jeweler’s box just as he reached for it. "Clay?" She knelt before him. He looked up into her eyes and even in the dusk she could see the blush.
"Hey buddy! What’s that?" Harm demanded.
The two looked around and saw everyone was staring at them; Sarah kneeling, Clay trying to push up, all the while holding onto the box.
"Clay?" Sarah insisted once he was upright, kneeling before her.
Sighing, he held out the box. "I…uhm…I’ve been carrying this around for a little while. I…uhm…was waiting for the right moment. I know you don’t like surprises, but…uhm… I guess…uhm…well…uhm."
AJ felt the soft touch of Cordelia’s hand on his arm. Reaching around, he held her to him. There was little to be done and everyone just stood still and watched the very nervous spy and the terribly embarrassed Marine stare at each other in the torch and lantern light. Even little AJ seemed to know not to say anything.
"Clay?" Mac breathed as she reached for the box that he held out to her.
"SarahMacKenziewouldyoudomethehonorofmarryingme," he said in a rush as she opened the box.
"Oh dear. Clay, it’s…" Everyone could hear the awe and the tears in her voice.
He scooted forward and gently touched her cheek. "Sarah?"
"Yes," she sighed and held the box out to him. Taking the ring he slipped it on her finger and leaned over to kiss her. He started to fall forward and she ended up laughing out of the kiss as she steadied him.
"Later," she whispered huskily.
He pushed himself upright and then reached down to help her up. She thought he was going to let her go, but instead, he pulled her into an embrace and kissed her soundly to the applause of everyone there.
Rabb was the first to reach the couple and he slapped Webb, hard, on the back. Then he took his partner and best friend and hugged her. "You sure about this, Jarhead?"
"Yes, very sure," she whispered in his ear.
Next came Cordelia and AJ. But when Porter stepped forward, Sarah turned suddenly shy. Porter hugged her gently and whispered, "Welcome to the family, Sarah. I like that you make my son smile."
As if on cue, the first starburst of fireworks exploded overhead and showered red, white and blue sparkles down upon them.