Secrets Revealed
Author: Raindrops on Roses
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Belisarius Productions, CBS, Paramount, et al.
Spoilers: No overt spoilers that I can think of. This story is completely out of canon, so take everything with a grain of salt.
Feedback: Pretty pretty please?
Summary: Mac keeps a secret from AJ...and it comes crashing down on her.
Five Months Later
"Everything looks good, Sarah. Your little girl is healthy and active."
"Oh, yeah; she's active, all right," I groan as she kicks again.
Adjusting to civilian life has been easier than I thought it would be. After getting over the shock of realizing I no longer had a 0530 wake-up call, I began to enjoy it.
I moved to New York instead of the West Coast. Clayton Webb, who has more contacts than anyone I know, helped me get an interview with Donovan, Lancaster, and Raleigh, a major firm here. I am now an associate there. Mr. Donovan says I can work shorter hours until the baby is born.
Uncle Matt was surprised, to say the least. He knew, better than anyone, how much the Corps had helped me. I explained to him that it was time to move on, and he supported me 100%. I smile at that thought.
I have stayed in touch with Harm and the rest of JAG. I haven't seen them, but modern technology is an amazing thing. I still haven't told them I'm pregnant. I don't know how I'll do it, either.
Harm is engaged to a woman named Jamie. They invited me to the wedding. I may attend, but it depends on my delivery date. They have set a date for three months from now. Oh, and she's not a blonde. Boggles the mind, doesn't it?
Harriet is pregnant again. She says that she and Bud want to name the baby Mackenzie if it's a girl. I cried when I heard that. I've been crying a lot lately.
Little AJ's birthday passed a few months ago. I sent them a gift, but couldn't get to Washington in time for the party. We were in the middle of a huge embezzlement case.
And big AJ...Harriet says he's been rather irritable lately. According to her, SECNAV wants him to appoint Lieutenant Commander Manetti as his new CoS, while he wants Sturgis. I suppose some things will never change. My heart still aches a bit when I think of AJ... I suppose that won't change, either.
The doctor's voice draws me back to the present. "So, Sarah, have you chosen a name for the baby yet?"
"Well, I'm not sure yet, but I'm leaning towards Adele Josephine."
"Very nice, any significance?"
I smile slightly. "No, not really," I reply.
I've gotten very good at lying recently. This is a big one. There is a big significance to this name. The Adele is for AJ's sister, and I chose the Josephine so I could call her AJ. This way, my daughter has something of her father, even if she never knows him.
I pull into my reserved parking spot. Before I left DC, I traded in my Corvette for a more sensible four-door sedan. I could afford a more expensive car on my salary, but I'm going for safety right now, not a statement.
I thank the doorman as he pulls open the door for me, and continue to my office.
"Excuse me, Ms. Mackenzie... Mr. Donovan wishes to speak with you," my secretary greets me as I set down my briefcase.
"Thank you, Thalia. I'll be there in 15."
14 minutes and 58 seconds later, I stand before the door of the senior partner's corner office. I raise my hand and knock.
"Come in," a gruff older voice calls. I open the door and walk in.
"Please, Sarah, have a seat." I wonder what's going on? I don't have long to wait.
"Well, Ms. Mackenzie, we received a new case yesterday. It seems to be your area of expertise."
My heart begins to pound in my chest. A large firm like this one needs lawyers with skills in many areas. Donovan, Lancaster, and Raleigh hired me for my skills as a trial attorney...and my knowledge of the military.
"Captain Roger Barrister has retained us as counsel on a case concerning the death of a sailor aboard his ship, and the theft of several computer files containing...sensitive...information. Now, I realize that you don't need the stress in your condition, but I need you on this case. Prosecution will be..." he opens a folder, "Commanders Harmon Rabb and Sturgis Turner, JAG. I assume that you know them?"
"Yes, sir; Commander Rabb was my partner for a while while I was at JAG, and I worked quite closely with Commander Turner, as well."
"Good, then there should be no problem working with them?"
"None at all, Mr. Donovan."
"OK. I've booked you a train ticket to DC. We don't want to take any chances with the little one, now do we?"
I have to smile at this. Joe Donovan may seem like a grizzly old bastard to most people, but he is really sweet once you get to know him. He sees himself as a surrogate grandfather to Adele.
"No, sir, we don't."
"Well, that'll be all. The train leaves at 4:00." He hands me the folder, and I turn to leave. Donovan stops me.
"Oh, and Sarah, is AJ Chegwidden still over there?"
"As far as I know, sir."
"Well, tell the old squid I said 'don't work too hard,' will ya?"
"Will do, Mr. Donovan," I reply with false cheer.
Oh, god. How am I going to get through this?
"Tiner, call Commanders Rabb and Turner in here for me."
"Aye-aye, sir."
A few minutes later, my two senior attorneys are standing at attention in front of my desk.
I take a moment to study them. Harm had lost his stride for a bit after Mac left, but he's back to normal now. He's getting married in three months; never thought I'd see the day. Actually, I had fully expected him and Mac to get together once she left JAG, but I guess that never happened.
I don't allow myself to think of her as 'Sarah' anymore. It hurts too much. She is either 'Mac' or 'Colonel Mackenzie', even though I know she isn't a colonel now.
My life has changed quite a bit since Mac left. I know that I haven't been taking care of myself very well. I'm also quite short-tempered. I hear the scuttlebutt; it seems that everyone believes that it was because Meredith left me.
That's right. Meredith Cavanaugh left me. She said we were "just too different." I have to agree with that. I know my limitations. I don't try to be something I'm not. Hell, at least she didn't break it off by sending me a "Dear John" letter or by dropping off the face of the earth.
Don't go there, Chegwidden. You were never "involved" with Mac.
That doesn't mean I can't be concerned, does it? Once I got over my anger, I tried to go look for Mac, to apologize. I found that she had left DC completely. I went to Clayton Webb, to see if he could help; the damned spook told me that Mac had asked him not to tell me where she was!
I focus my attention on the case. I give the commanders the basic facts, and hand Harm the file. Here comes the question...
"Umm... sir? Who's going to be defense counsel?"
I smirk slightly. I can feel the edges of my lips curve up. "It seems that Captain Barrister has hired civilian counsel. The firm of Donovan, Lancaster, and Raleigh, to be precise. I'm not sure who, exactly, is on the case, but the lawyers of this particular firm have a reputation for being man-eaters in court. Do not underestimate them."
"Aye, sir." I can tell he just wants to bombard me with questions. I don't have the time for this.
"Dismissed."
I disembark from the train, hauling my duffel bag in one hand, and my briefcase in the other. I head to the car rental window, pick up my car, and go to my hotel. I was surprised when I saw where I was registered. Joe says that the firm has a reputation to uphold. I'm staying at the Willard. I suspect that it's being paid for out of his own pocket, however.
I wake up at 5:30 the next morning. I guess my body knows it's headed to JAG HQ again. Oh, well. I can't get back to sleep, so I get dressed and head down to the dining room for breakfast.
I do a double take as I enter the room. Clayton Webb?
"Hello, Mac; what a surprise." Yeah, it's definitely him.
"Hello, Clay. What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I just love the Willard's breakfast menu."
I give him a look. "Clay, cut the crap and tell me what's going on."
"Can't I want to see a friend that I haven't talked to in a while?"
I let the maitre'd lead me to a table. Webb follows me. I sit, and give the waiter my order. Webb sits in the chair across from me. The silence is deafening.
Then he asks, "Have you told him yet?"
"What are you talking about?" I snap crossly.
He smirks. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Little Adele Josephine there."
My jaw drops. How the hell did he know my baby's name? He leans in closer.
"So, does AJ know or not?"
I shove my chair back, stand, and move to leave. I feel a hand on my wrist.
"Mac, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone there."
I can feel the tears burning under my eyelids. "No, you shouldn't have. It's none of your damn business, Clay, and I suggest you stay out of it."
"He deserves to know, Mac."
"He can't know!" I shout. The few patrons in the restaurant glare at me. I lower my voice, and continue, "Clay, he can never know. Don't you see? It would ruin his career! Besides... I don't even think he remembers." I say this last part in a small voice.
Clay laughs incredulously. "Not remember?" I look at him questioningly. He gestures for me to sit back down. I do so, and he continues.
"Mac, AJ was going out of his mind with worry about you! He must have searched all of Washington looking for you. He even came to me, asking me to find you. When I told him what you told me, I thought he was about to break my nose again! He's in love with you, Mac."
My tears spill over. Damn these hormones! "I don't think so, Clay. You didn't see how cold he was toward me before I left. He doesn't love me--he hates me!"
"Sarah, Sarah... what do you do when you don't want someone to hurt you? You freeze them out! Mac, the man is in love with you. You broke his heart when you left without even saying goodbye to him! Please, at least consider talking to him." His voice softens even more. "Mac, I don't have many friends, but I like to consider you and AJ my friends. As your friend, I'm telling you, don't screw this up." He stands and leaves.
I park my rental car in the parking lot of JAG HQ. The butterflies in my stomach are turning into elephants. I take a deep breath, and enter the building.
I'm stopped by the guard, who asks to see my ID. I show him my license, and he asks me to sign the logbook and escorts me to JAG Ops. Must be new; he didn't even blink when I gave my name.
I step into the bullpen, and thank the corporal for his escort. I think he's surprised that I can read rank. I walk directly to Harm's office, where he and Sturgis are talking. Harm is leaning back in his desk chair, throwing a baseball up in the air, and Sturgis is looking through a file as they discuss a case.
I lean against the doorframe, grin, and say, "So, flyboy, still slacking off, I see?"
Harm drops the ball, and Sturgis's head snaps around. "Mac?!" they both shout at the same time.
Harm jumps up, and we hug. "Oh, my god, ninja girl, how are you? What are you doing here?"
When Harm steps back, Sturgis hugs me as well. "It's good to see you, Mac."
I laugh, and reply, "It's good to see you, too, Sturgis. I'm fine, Harm. I'm here for the Barrister case."
"You're Captain Barrister's attorney?"
"That's right." I'm so happy to be back here. OK, I give it five more seconds. 5... 4... 3... 2...
"My god, Mac, you're pregnant?!" Harm shouts.
"I always knew you were a fast learner, flyboy," I tease. "And why don't you yell a bit louder; I don't think they heard you over on the Hill."
Just then, Harriet bustles in. "Sirs, I found that file you needed--Mac!" she squeals. We embrace.
"Harriet, how are you?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Bud and little AJ are great, and little Mackenzie is doing well."
"So it is a girl?"
"Yes!" We hug again, and then Harriet notices.
"Mac! You never told us you were pregnant! When are you due? Do you know the sex of the baby? When did you find out?"
"Whoa, Harriet, breathe! I'll answer all your questions later. Right now, I need to go talk to my client." I give everyone a hug, turn to leave...and run into somebody. I'm knocked onto my bottom, and my briefcase pops open, sending files flying everywhere.
"Oh, I knew I should have gotten the latch replaced on that thing!" I complain as I start to pick up the scattered papers.
"Here, ma'am, let me help you with that," a familiar baritone voice offers. I freeze like a deer in headlights.
"Thank you... AJ," I say in a timid voice. Shocked brown eyes look up. I can't speak... I can barely breathe at this point. AJ? Whatever possessed me to call him AJ?
I have to strain to hear his reply.
"Sarah?"
I'm hallucinating. That has to be it. Months of mental strain have finally caught up with me. I hold out my hand to help the woman up. Her hand is warm and firm in mine. No, I'm not hallucinating. She's really here!
"Sarah, how are you?" I ask. I can see the obvious. That new-mother glow just shines from her face; but she looks... haunted... somehow. I wonder who the lucky son of a bitch is?
"I'm just fine, thanks," she answers shyly. Shyly? I don't think I've ever seen her act shy before.
"Good, good. Civilian life agrees with you."
She smiles at me. My heart starts doing flip-flops. Damn it! I'm too old for this. I feel like a 17-year-old boy with his first crush. We just stand there for a few moments, gazing into each other's eyes. Finally, Rabb breaks the silence.
"Well, sir, I guess we should get over to the brig now. Mac still needs to interview her client."
I jerk my head around. "Client?"
"Yes; I'm defense counsel for Captain Barrister," a soft, firm voice answers.
I look down and see that I still have her hands clasped in mine. I snatch my hands away, and say, "Well, I guess you should get over there." I turn around and start to walk back to my office.
"Admiral," her voice calls from behind me.
I turn. "Yes?"
"Joseph Donovan asked me to send his regards."
I grin and suppress a snort. That wouldn't be a very... admirally... action. "Regards? Joe Donovan does not send regards."
She grins back. "Well, I believe his exact words were, 'Tell the old squid I said don't work too hard.'"
I laugh. "Tell him I said 'I never do'." I thought so.
"Of course, sir."
Sir... I hate that word.
I get back from the brig around 1230 hours... I mean, 12:30 p.m. Jeez, just being back in this place is bringing back all of my old habits.
I stop by Sturgis' office this time, where I find Harm and Sturgis arguing over a deal for a dereliction of duty case.
"Come on, Sturg, he's just a kid! Give him a break, will ya!"
"No, Harm. The rules are there for a reason. No deal."
I interrupt with, "Ding! Round one!"
They look back at me and grin. "So who won, Mac?"
"Certainly not you, stickboy! C'mon, let me take you to lunch."
"As long as it's not Beltway Burgers."
"Oh, but Harm, it's been five months since I've had one!" I tease. He groans. "No, Harm; actually, I have a craving for Chinese."
"Well, we better not stand between a pregnant woman and her cravings!"
Sturgis intervenes before I can say anything. "Harm, you better watch your back. Mac may be a civilian now, but don't forget, she's had Marine training."
"Damn straight!" I laugh.
On our way out, I spot Harriet. "Hey, Harriet, you want to come to lunch with us? My treat," I offer.
"No, thanks, Mac; I'm going to go drop Bud some lunch. But have a nice time! Oh... Commanders, General Garrison called, not ten minutes ago, and said that he needed to talk to you."
They look at each other and groan. Sturgis says, "So, Harm, your client willing to deal yet?"
Harm sighs, and replies, "I don't know, Sturgis; but we can't keep a general waiting, now can we?" He looks at me and says, "I'm sorry, Mac..."
I look at him in sympathy. "I know, Harm, duty calls. Don't worry; go. I'll be here tomorrow; we can go then."
He gives me that flyboy grin that used to make my heart pound; now it just makes me smile back fondly. "Thanks, Mac, see you later!" He and Sturgis rush out.
I sigh and turn around. AJ is standing right behind me. He asks hesitantly, "So, Ms. Mackenzie, may I take you to lunch?"
I smile, and say, "Sure... I think we need to talk, anyway."
He nods, an oh-so-serious look on his face, and takes my arm as we leave.
God, I haven't been this nervous since ninth grade, when I asked Cindy Lawson to Homecoming. We get to the restaurant, and I help Sarah to her seat. She orders the beef lo mein and a plate of triple-spiced kung pao chicken, and I watch in fascination as she stirs it together and eats with relish.
She finishes, and pushes her plate away. A myriad of emotions cross her face as she reads her fortune. Now I'm curious.
"So... Sarah... is it OK that I call you Sarah?"
"If I can call you AJ."
Oh, I'd love for you to call me AJ! "Deal. Sarah, what did we need to talk about?"
Terror suffuses her face. I can see the battle that is being waged within her. She breathes deeply, and says to me, "Before I begin, you have to promise you won't yell or interrupt. If you do, I'll lose my nerve."
Now I'm really curious. "OK, I'll try."
"No, AJ, you can't just try; you have to do." Her voice is extremely agitated.
"All right, Sarah," I say soothingly.
A few more deep breaths and she begins. "Do you remember last October, the night of Harm's party at McMurphy's?"
"Vaguely," I answer. Warning bells begin to sound in my head.
"Well, you all got drunk," she smirks a bit, "and I had to drive you, Harm, Keeter, and Sturgis home. I dropped Harm, Keeter, and Sturgis at Harm's place. I dropped you off last, because I was using your Escalade, and I wanted to leave it so you could use it over the weekend. You were...rather...ummm..."
"Smashed?" I supply.
"Yeah, that'll work," she chuckles, but it's a nervous chuckle. "So I dragged you into your bedroom, and tried to get you comfortable." She breaks eye contact, and looks down at her hands. I don't think I want to hear what she's about to say.
"Anyway, you must not have been as drunk as you seemed." I *know* I don't want to hear this. "Well... you... I... we..." She starts trembling uncontrollably.
"Sarah?" I ask with more calm than I feel. "Are you trying to say that we had sex?"
She nods her head and starts to cry. "I'm sorry, AJ. I knew it was wrong. I should have stopped you. I was perfectly sober; I knew what was happening; you didn't. Please don't hate me, AJ. I'm so sorry!"
I should go to her, comfort her; but I can't. I'm numb. I don't think it's fully registered yet. "Excuse me, I need to go for a walk."
"Please, AJ..." she looks up at me in supplication. I just stare at her blankly, then get up and walk out.
Why? Why? Why? Why did I say anything? I knew I should've just kept my mouth shut! Damned fortune cookie! If I hadn't looked at that thing, I never would've said anything. "Your path is arduous but will be amply rewarding." Yeah, right. They got the 'arduous' part right, but what's rewarding about it? AJ hates me now, and he has every right to! I should have told him when it happened. Good going, Mackenzie, you've screwed up again. I sob hysterically. God, please, just give me the strength to get out of here and back to my hotel. I hate crying, especially in public, but I can't help it. The waiter gives me a sympathetic look as I give him my credit card. He comes back, and I get the hell out of there.
I drag myself up to my room and collapse on the bed. I lay there for hours, staring at the ceiling, berating myself. Oh, god... he doesn't even know that I'm pregnant with his child! I hope his powers of deduction are as good as they seem. I don't think I could explain it to him. I can't see him again... I just can't. I'm strong, but I'm not that strong. I don't think I could face him, knowing that he hates me. Oh, god, I love him so much it hurts! I cry myself to sleep.
I spend the rest of the week drowning myself in my work. I successfully avoid seeing AJ... no, not AJ... the Admiral. My work pays off, as my client is found not guilty. Harm invites me to McMurphy's, but I can't. I just can't go to the place that started all of this. Instead, I hop the first train back to New York.
I think Mr. Donovan is a little worried about me. I know I haven't been very sociable for the past week and a half, but it's the only way I know of to numb the pain, other than going to the bottle.
Two weeks after the Barrister case (i.e. the fiasco with the Admiral), I receive a very large bouquet of flowers. I huff angrily. I told Tom not to bother; I'm not interested!
I pick up the bouquet, preparing to throw the flowers out. The card falls out, and I pick it up. I read it in shock.
It's not from Tom.
My head is a bit clearer after my very long walk. I am still in shock, but my brain isn't completely frozen.
I can't believe that I didn't remember... but those dreams. Those weren't just dreams, they must have been memories. But if they are memories, then... no. That's just not possible.
I spend the rest of the week holed up in my office. I try to focus on my work, but it's just not working this time.
I lay in bed, thinking of Sarah. Wait a minute... if she's pregnant, who's the father? I know it's not Harm, and I don't think Sarah would just...
Dear God in Heaven.
The next morning, I rush to Falls Church.
"Tiner, get Clayton Webb on the phone."
"Aye, sir."
I hear a click as the call connects.
"Webb."
"I have questions, and you're gonna give me answers, Webb," I growl.
"Well, I'll see what I can do, AJ," he replies sarcastically. "What, exactly, do you have questions about?"
"Sarah."
I hear a sigh from the other end. "AJ, I can't tell you where--"
"I know that," I cut him off impatiently. "I know where she is. I want to know about her baby."
"AJ, she's going to kick my ass if she finds out I told you..."
"Well, Webb, you have a choice: an ex-Marine or an ex-SEAL. Take your pick."
"All right, AJ, I'll tell you." He takes a deep breath, and says, "Yes, the baby is yours."
"Shit," I whisper.
"I'm sure that's what she said, too, AJ," Webb says dryly. "I'm also going to tell you what I told her--don't screw this up."
"Thanks, Webb. I gotta go." I hang up, stunned.
Why didn't she tell me?
Umm... AJ? When she did try to tell you, you walked away. How could she have told you? You are a damned fool, AJ Chegwidden.
Now what do I do? Another thought hits me like a ton of bricks: this must have been why Sarah resigned. Oh, god, and I acted so cold towards her. She must hate me. She has every right to.
I have to do something. I have to fix this... the biggest mistake of my life.
I stand there in shock. AJ sent me flowers? How? ...No, not how... why?
I can only think of one reason--he knows. But if he knows, why isn't he angry? I mean, I kept a huge secret from him for six months. I would think he would be ticked!
I reread the card. He's asking my forgiveness? I should be the one begging for his!
Joyous laughter bubbles up in my throat. He doesn't hate me!
I set the vase back down on my desk. I can't throw these flowers away. I don't think I ever will.
I pick up the telephone and dial a familiar number.
"JAG Ops, Admiral Chegwidden's office, Petty Officer Tiner speaking."
"Tiner? It's Sarah Mackenzie. I need to speak with Admiral Chegwidden."
"Col... Ms. Mackenzie? It's good to hear from you!"
I know that he's getting ready for some long-winded speech, so I cut him off with, "Thanks, Tiner. It's good to hear from you, too. So... the Admiral?"
Tiner says, "I'm sorry, ma'am. He had to go out of town suddenly. I believe he'll be back by Monday, though. Would you like me to tell you he called when he checks in?"
"No, thank you, Tiner. I'll call back on Monday." I hang up, disappointed.
Before I have long to nurse my doubts, my secretary pops her head in the door. "Ms. Mackenzie? Mr. Donovan would like to see you in his office, ASAP." Oh, boy. This doesn't sound good.
"Thanks, Thalia. I'll be right there."
For the second time in two weeks, I'm standing in front of the senior partner's office. This time, though, I feel more like a little girl called to the principal's office. With some trepidation, I knock.
"Come in," I hear through loud laughter. Oh, my god... I would know that voice anywhere. I enter the room and close the door behind me. When I look up, there he is.
"Sarah, AJ tells me that he's been looking everywhere for you for the past five months, but he only found you two weeks ago. When you were on the Barrister case, right?"
"Yes, sir." I'm shocked. I can manage the most perfunctory of responses, however.
"Well, Sarah, usually I wouldn't do this, but... I hear that you two have some things to work out. I'm going to leave now, but I expect you to stay here until you're at least not completely pissed off at each other. Please, don't throw anything," he jokes, then leaves me alone... with AJ.
She looks tired. Exhausted, physically and emotionally.
"Sarah... please, sit down." Timidly, she takes a seat on the far side of the desk. She looks like a doe ready to run off if I startle her.
"Sarah, we have a lot to talk about, don't we?"
"Yes, AJ, I suppose we do," she replies tremulously.
I don't know what to say, so I ask, "Why didn't you tell me? I wouldn't have just left you hanging."
She takes a shuddering breath. "I know, AJ, but it seemed like the right decision at the time. Even if I had gotten a transfer, the scuttlebutt would've gone crazy. This way, I wouldn't ruin two careers."
I look at her incredulously. "Careers? You were worried about our careers? There are things more important in life than work, Sarah."
"Don't you think I realize that? That's why it didn't hurt so much when I resigned. The thing that hurt the most was your behavior towards me. AJ, you were so cold. How could I have told you about this when you didn't even want to look at me? Besides, you've always had a reputation for being ambitious. I didn't want to get in the way of that."
How could I have so screwed this up? I decide to take the bull by the horns. Moving to the chair closest to Sarah's, I sit and take her hands in mine. She looks at me, surprised. "Sarah, I'm in love with you." She gasps, shocked by my blunt admission. I'm shocked as well. I didn't think it would be so easy to say those words. I snort inwardly. Easy? Nothing about this has been easy, AJ.
He's... in love with me? He's in love with me! Tears of joy spring to my eyes. He continues, as I listen attentively.
"That's the reason why I was so cold when you left. It felt like I had been punched in the gut," he chokes out. "Sarah, I'm sorry for the way I behaved, both five months ago, and again two weeks ago. I should have heard you out, not frozen you out. Can you forgive me?"
I can feel the hot tears streaming down my cheeks. "Oh, AJ, there's nothing to forgive. I should have told you from the beginning, not tried to run from my mistakes. AJ..." I place my hand on his cheek. Looking straight into his eyes, I say, "I'm in love with you, too."
My mind is playing tricks on me again. I could've sworn I just heard Sarah Mackenzie say she's in love with me. I look at her disbelievingly. She laughs lightly. God, it's good to hear her laugh.
"Don't look at me that way, AJ. It's true. I love you, AJ Chegwidden." I know that voice. That's the voice from my dreams. The same words, the exact same inflection. I feel a wide smile spreading across my face. An answering smile shines from hers. I stand up, pulling Sarah to her feet with me. I enfold her in my arms; she embraces me tightly. She tilts her head up at the same time I bring mine down.
Our lips meet. For a drunk, AJ was a good kisser, but this? This just blows all other kisses out of the water. It's soft and sweet, tasting of promise, as well as passion lurking just below the surface. It's the lightest of kisses, but the love that is expressed in it is tangible.
It's the end of our secrets, our regrets. It's the beginning of a love that will be eternal.
