Title: Second Chance
Disclaimers: I don’t own JAG or anything or these characters
Summary: Mac and Webb get together, or do they?
Rating: NC-17
Category: Romance, angst
Authors notes: Feedback to astridz55@earthlink.net
Mac was having the strangest dream. She was dreaming that her husband came home and climbed into their bed before he pulled her into his arms and fell asleep. She rolled over and woke up suddenly when she realized that she wasn’t alone. She drew in a breath to scream but she stopped when the man kissed her. Startled, at first, Mac did nothing. Finally, the sleep cleared from her eyes and she was even more startled when she recognized him. Clayton Webb.
“Play along, please,” he asked. “I’ll explain later.”
Mac nodded in agreement as she heard knocking on her door.
“Clayton Webb. You get out here right now. I know you don’t live in this dump,” a voice called out side Mac’s door.
“She’s going to wake my neighbors. You stay here,” Mac said as she jumped out of bed, grabbed her robe and went to the door followed closely by Clay.
“Can I help you?” Mac said harshly after she opened the door.
“Where is Clayton and who the hell are you?” asked the blonde at the door.
“Clay is in my bed and I am his girlfriend, Sarah. Who do you think you are?” she said coldly.
“I am Becca Rice, his date.”
“Obviously it didn’t go too well if he is back here in my bed then did it?”
“And you don’t have a problem with his mother fixing him up on dates?”
“Why should I care when she doesn’t even know about me yet?”
The blonde looked at Mac from head to toe before she spoke, “I can see why he wouldn’t want you to meet her.”
“Oh, Mother’s met her, Becca,” Clay spoke from behind Mac wearing only his boxers. “She just doesn’t know that we are together yet.”
“What kind of man are you to be dating two women at once?” Becca asked disgusted.
“The kind of man who didn’t want to disappoint his mother. She set up the date last Friday and Sarah and I got together on Saturday. I forgot all about the date with you until my mother called me today to remind me about it. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to back out this late, so I asked Sarah if she minded and she said that it was okay, just this once.”
“So you’ve been together for a week and you still haven’t told your mother?” Becca asked not believing it.
“That’s because, I’ve kept him in bed as often as I can, he didn’t have much time to go visit his mother. Of course, we were planning on going to her house tomorrow and tell her,” Mac said.
“I still say that Porter will be disappointed,” Becca said hatefully.
“Becca, the only reason Mother will be disappointed is that I hadn’t proposed to Sarah years ago.”
Sarah gasped as she turned to look at Clay as he slipped his arms around her.
“Bye, Becca. You can leave now,” Clay said as he shut the door in her stunned face.
Sarah smiled then softly giggled causing Clay to frown at her.
“Is that anyway to respond to a proposal?”
“Very funny Webb. What was all that about?” she asked as she stepped out of his arms.
“My mother set me up with Becca, her friend’s daughter. It wasn’t that bad at first.”
“Then what happened?” she asked.
“Becca showed up. She was atrocious. All she did was talk about herself and my money. Then she tried to follow me home. I kept driving around and she kept following me. I was close by so I thought that I would stop by. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, that’s fine. But how did you get in?”
“Sarah. I’m a spy, I can get in anywhere,” he said with a grin.
“Fine, but you might want to get back into your pants,” she said with a smile. Her smile widened when he actually flushed before he turned to gather up his clothes. Clay got dressed and Mac waited for him in the living room.
“I’m really sorry about this whole thing, Sarah,” he said as he noticed a pillow and blanket on the couch.
“That’s okay. You might as well stay here tonight. She may still be around and I know you don’t want her to know where you live.”
“Do you mind?”
“Not at all. Night,” she said as she walked back into her bedroom, shutting the door on a surprised Clay.
In a way, he was glad he was staying here. For two reasons actually, one he really didn't want Becca to have any idea of where he lived and the second was that he was suddenly very tired and he didn’t think that he would be safe to drive home. He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow and didn’t wake up until he felt Mac covering him back up with the blanket sometime in the morning.
“Thanks Mac,” he said.
“Go back to sleep, you look exhausted,” she smiled at him then slipped into the kitchen.
Clay intended to do as she suggested but he soon smelled the coffee and knew that he wouldn’t be able to get back to sleep. He stood up stretched and put his shirt and pants back on. He silently walked into the kitchen and saw Mac holding out a mug of coffee for him.
“Thanks,” he took a sip not noticing the grin trying to break out on Mac’s face.
“Strong.”
“Milk’s in the fridge and sugar is over there,” she said pointing with her mug.
“No, this is fine. I don’t mind strong coffee as long as it is made with good coffee to start with.”
“I have to have good coffee. I can’t stand the cheap stuff. Of course, I drink it anyway, I just prefer mine.”
“I don’t blame you. This is much better that the sludge that we had in Suriname.”
“When did you get back?”
“About a month ago. Of course, I have been told to not have any dealings with any JAG personnel,” he grinned.
“Well, so much for that considering that you are now engaged to one,” she laughed.
“Oh no. I have to talk to Mother. Want to come with me to help explain? If you don’t have any other plans that is.”
“No, I don’t. I was just going to read and run some errands today. I’ll be glad to come. I doubt your mother will believe you, especially if Becca already spoke with her. I’ll get a quick shower and be right back.”
Sarah walked back in the living room, dressed causally but nicely in about 15 minutes. “Ready?” she asked. He nodded then stood up.
“I need to stop by at my place first if you don’t mind. I can’t show up at Mother’s in yesterdays suit.”
“Then she certainly wouldn’t believe us!”
They drove over to Clay’s in separate cars and Mac wandered around the living room looking at pictures and such as Clay went to shower and change. He was soon back dressed in khakis and a polo shirt. Mac smiled to think that he was probably the only person she knew who probably actually played polo. He said nothing about her smile but led the way to the door to his garage. He unlocked the doors to his little convertible and opened her door. A short time later after some small talk about the car, they were at his mother’s house.
Clay pulled out his keys, opened the door then called out to his mother.
“Clayton, dear. I was wondering when you were going to come over this morning. Oh, good morning,” Porter said when she noticed Sarah.
“Good morning, ma’am.”
“Are you Sarah?” Porter asked curiously.
“What have you heard this morning, Mother?” he asked suspiciously.
“I got a call from Sandra Rice, Rebecca’s mother. It seems that she knows something that I don’t know.”
“Not really,” he insisted. “Becca, as she insisted on being called, was a horrible date. I was polite but once dinner was over, I left. She followed me home. I have no desire to let her know where I live so I decided to keep driving. I ended up at Sarah’s place and I thought that I could get rid of Becca that way.”
“So you just showed up at Sarah’s? That wasn’t polite.”
“Luckily, Sarah played along with me and we did manage to get rid of Becca.”
“Clayton, you know how much I disapprove of falsehoods in your personal life.”
“Mother, the both of us only told one falsehood to Becca. And that was that we got together last week. Nothing else was a lie.”
“So you are engaged and Sarah kept you in bed all week?” she asked bluntly.
“Mother!” he said as he blushed causing Sarah to smile.
“Actually, I said that I had kept him in bed and that was true. He came into my apartment and was on my bed when Becca started beating down my door. I told him to stay where he was, so yes I did keep him in my bed.”
“I know that you have been asking me for years if I have found the right one, so you could say that it was true when I said that you were disappointed that I hadn’t proposed earlier.”
“Semantics, Clayton. But I can’t say that I blame you, Becca does sound a little flighty and self-centered. But there was one other thing. She said that I knew you, Sarah.”
“Actually, my partner, Harmon Rabb and I met you outside of some luncheon several years ago, ma’am.”
“Oh yes, I remember that now. You were a Marine Major, right?”
“Yes, ma’am, but I am a Lieutenant Colonel now.”
“Please, call me Porter,” she insisted. “Have you two had breakfast yet?”
“No, we haven’t. Clay wanted to get over here before you got any phone calls.”
“I guess he forgot that Sandra is one of those disgustingly chipper morning people,” Porter said with a smile. “Come with me, we’ll see what we can have for breakfast.”
After breakfast was over, Clay gathered up some of the plates and took them into the kitchen.
“Thank you for helping out my son.”
“It wasn’t a problem,” Sarah insisted.
“Thank you anyway,” Porter said as Clay returned.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day, Sarah?”
“Nothing much.”
“Would you like to go riding with us?” she asked without
looking at Clay.
“Mother,” he said in a warning tone.
“I’m just offering as a thank you for helping you out.”
“You already thanked her.”
“I know but she did mention during breakfast that she
liked to ride and since we were going to go riding today, I thought I would
extend the invitation to her too.”
Sarah looked over Porter’s head to see Clay mouthing the words, “You don’t have to go.”
“I’d love to join you,” Sarah said smiling at Clay as he
rolled his eyes.
“Good, I can tell you some stories about Clayton as a
little boy.”
“Mother!”
“If you don’t want to hear what I tell her, then you might
want to finish the dishes.”
Sarah laughed as Clay shot her a glare then finished
collecting the dishes before disappearing into the kitchen.
“You did that just to embarrass him, didn’t you?” Sarah
asked with a smile.
“Yes, I did. He doesn’t bring women home to meet me
too often. He always says that he is afraid that I’ll embarrass him.”
“We’re just friends, Porter.”
“I know. Shame. But he doesn’t need to know that I know,” she grinned causing Mac to laugh.
Clay returned from the kitchen a moment later and they soon finalized their
plans to go riding and have a picnic lunch later. They had an enjoyable day even though Porter had to leave early
after having forgotten a previous engagement.
Clay suspected that she had invented something but he was enjoying
himself with Sarah so he didn’t really mind.
Friday night a week later at Calistos
Mac arrived at Castilos to pick up her pizza that she had ordered but they seemed to have lost her order. She told them again what she wanted and took the offered seat to relax from her long day. She looked around and spotted Clayton Webb just as he noticed her. They smiled at each other and when he gestured her to come over she did.
“Don’t tell me you’re going out with Becca again and she stood you up,” Mac said with a smile.
“No. Even worse,” he said as her eyebrow shot up. “My mother stood me up. Would you care to join me?”
“Sure, I guess they will just bring my pizza over here when it’s ready.”
“Pizza? What kind?”
“Meat lovers, want some?”
“Sure, let me just tell them to make it a large,” he said as he stood up.
“It is a large,” she said slightly embarrassed. “I was going to save it for lunch tomorrow too.”
“Oh, I don’t want to take your lunch.”
“No, that’s fine. I’ll just stop and get Beltway Burgers,” she said with a smile.
“You like those?” he asked surprised.
“Don’t you start complaining about them. I hear that enough from Harm.” They laughed.
“They are okay but I prefer Five Guys Burgers.”
“I don’t think that I’ve tried them.”
“They are the best. Since I’m eating your lunch, how about I pick you up and treat you tomorrow, Sarah?”
“You don’t need to, Clay.”
“I know, but I want to, Sarah.”
“Okay,” she smiled. “If you insist.”
Clay smiled back at her as the pizza arrived and they continued to talk about favorite restaurants, car, and even the weather. Eventually, they finished their meal and after paying the bill they finalized their plans for the following day. Clay walked Sarah to her car and his phone rang as they got there.
“Webb,” he said annoyed that he was interrupted. “Okay. I’ll be right there.” He hung up the phone. “Sorry, Sarah. I’m going to have to cancel tomorrow. I’m sorry, I can’t tell you more than that.”
“I understand, Clay. Just try to be careful,” she said as she unlocked her car.
“I will. I’ll call you when I get back. See you later, Sarah,” he said softly before he slipped away.
The Following Friday
Mac walked out of JAG after a long week of work, glad that it was finally Friday. She planned on going home and relaxing in a nice long bubble bath. Harriet had invited her to McMurphy’s after work but Mac really didn’t really want to be around anyone right now. Harriet understood and didn’t push which Mac appreciated. She unlocked her door and just as she walked in, she heard someone call her name from the hall.
“Clay,” she smiled until she noticed his slightly bruised face. “What happened to you?”
“I fell down,” he said watching her face show disbelief. “Honest.”
“Okay. If you insist,” she joked with him. “Come on in.”
“Thanks. I brought you dinner,” he held up a large sack from Five Guys.
“You didn’t need to do that. Clay,” Sarah said as she led him to the kitchen.
“I know but since I had to break our plans for Saturday, I figured that it was the least that I could do.”
“I’ll let you this time cause something in that bag is smelling very good.” She pulled out plates and some sodas as Clay began pulling out fries. Soon they were both sitting down at the table the food between them.
“I wasn’t sure what you would like so you pick first. These are Cajun fries, these are plain,” Clay said. “Which ones would you like?”
“Either one looks good. How about we just split them?” she suggested.
“Sounds good,” he said as he snatched a handful of the Cajun fries.
They spoke of a variety of things that happened in the past week and when they were finished they moved over to the sofa.
“So, Clay. Can you tell me how you hurt yourself?”
“I was in an undisclosed location,” he smiled slightly knowing she wouldn’t ask for more information. “Everything was going down fine until someone tried to punch me. I managed to dodge but I am embarrassed to say I tripped and landed on my face.”
“Oh no! But I guess everything else went okay?”
“Yeah, we got the guy we needed to and he might even lead us to a bigger fish.”
“That’s always good news,” she said as he nodded.
“I just realized that I barged in tonight and ruined your plans for the evening. I should probably go,” he said as he stood up.
“Not at all. I had a long week and I just wanted to be away from some of the people at work. Harriet invited me out tonight but I didn’t feel like going.” She stood up and walked with him to the door.
“So, Sarah, you didn’t have any plans on a Friday night?” he asked as he leaned against the open door jam.
“Well, I was going to take a nice long bubble bath and meet up with David,” she grinned.
“David?” he asked curiously.
“My pizza delivery guy,” she smiled.
“Do you have plans tomorrow night?”
“No. Why?”
“I have an extra ticket to ‘My Fair Lady’ tomorrow night.”
“I love that musical.”
“Would you like to go with me?”
“Are you asking me out on a date?” she asked.
“I guess so,” he said.
“Alright,” Sarah smiled as Clay looked mildly shocked by her answer.
“How about I pick you up at 5:30 and we can go to Aniano’s?”
“I’ve heard about that place. It sounds good.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow then, Sarah,” he said as he slipped out the door.
Saturday evening
Mac fussed over which dress that she was going to wear for her date tonight. Part of her was still rather surprised that she was going on a date with Clay. But then again, he seemed almost like a different person when they were alone together. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard his knock on the door.
After a few moments, they were on the way to dinner. They both enjoyed a variety of tapas and paella washed down by a non-alcoholic sangria. They had a lovely time on their date, with only one problem arising during intermission. Clay received a phone call ordering him to Langley early the next morning. Both were pleased though that he didn’t have to leave immediately.
Once the play was over Sarah decided to invite Clay up for coffee. She also hoped that they could talk about what ever it was that developing between them. She fixed the coffee then leading the way into the living room they both sat down to talk.
“So, Clay. What is going on between us?”
“I don’t know but I do know I like spending time with you,” he responded.
“So do I,” she said honestly.
“I don’t think my trip will be too long. Shall we see where this goes when I come back?” he asked avoiding her eyes.
“I’d like that. Can I ask you a few things before you leave though?”
“Sure,” he said, curious that she was going to ask where he was going.
“I understand that you can’t tell me where you are going, what you are doing, or when you will be back. I accept that. But can I at least ask you to let me know that you are leaving?”
“I don’t know if I always can. I have to leave suddenly sometimes,” he said hoping that wouldn’t be the end of this possible new relationship for them.
“I know, but if you can, call me, email, page me, have your secretary call me, anything. I just don’t want to expect you and have you not show up.” She smiled slightly, “I would really worry.”
“But you wouldn’t worry if I’m out of the country?” he grinned at her.
“No, I would probably worry more, but I understand it’s your job.”
“I think that is reasonable. We should be able to work that out. Is there anything else?” he asked once again hopeful.
“Don’t ever lie to me. Don’t tell me you are going on vacation with your mother but then actually go to the middle of a war zone.”
“Sarah,” he turned to her and caressed her cheek. “I can’t always tell you everything but I will never lie to you. I promise.” He leaned down slowly and lightly kissed her lips. She eased into the kiss but kept it light not wanting to start something too much too soon.
Over the next few months, Clay and Sarah managed to keep their relationship a secret. They tried to take things slowly and they managed to succeed for the most part. No one realized that Clay stopped coming into JAG and that Sarah seemed happier. Clay had told her one night that he didn’t think that he could keep from kissing her if he saw her at JAG. The only thing that anyone ever noticed was that she would occasionally get an email or phone call that would leave her a little morose. One day though, she received flowers.
Sarah opened the small note and read the three words that she almost expected, “Sorry. Gotta run.” Mac smiled sadly. She had really been looking to their time away together this weekend.
“What’s up, Mac?” asked Harm.
“Oh, nothing much. Plans unexpectedly changed, that’s all.”
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yes Harm. I’m fine,” she said indulgently.
“Well, you know if you ever need to talk…”
“I know Harm. Thank you.”
Harm left her office, leaving her in her thoughts. This was supposed to be their first weekend together. Even though they had dated for about three months now they had not consummated their relationship. Sarah was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen. They had actually talked about it and decided that they wanted to make the weekend special. Sarah thought it was a little odd to plan something like that, she preferred things to just happen as they did but since Clay wanted to, she agreed. She certainly didn’t mind the idea of a nice romantic weekend away with Clay. Unfortunately, it didn’t happened quite the way they planned.
Sarah had been worried that Clay wouldn’t be able to make it but he was back in time from his mission. The bad thing was that he had been shot. The bullet just grazed the back of his thigh, he wasn’t hurt badly, just enough to put a damper on their weekend. They stayed at his place and even though they shared the bed, nothing happened.
This time they had the rooms already booked and paid for and Clay wasn’t going to be able to make it. He had made her promise that if something came up that she would go by herself anyway. If possible, he would try to meet her there. At the end of the day, she quietly gathered her things before noticing the flowers one more time. She knew that she couldn’t take them with her because she was going directly to the bed and breakfast. She spotted Bud as he walked by.
“Lt. Roberts.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Take these home for Harriet. I’m going out of town and I can’t take these with me.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Someone should enjoy them.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Harriet will love them.” She watched as Bud picked up the flowers and put them in his office.
Sarah followed the directions Clay had given her to the bed and breakfast and found a charming place. She talked to the owner and was informed that there was a slight problem with her room. It wasn’t quite ready yet, but she would have someone take her bags up to the room. The owner told her to feel free to look around the inn and even help herself to a drink at the bar. Sarah walked around and spotted the bar, she asked for a tonic with a lime twist. She took her drink and sat down next to the fireplace and picked up a magazine that was sitting next to her chair.
A short while later, the owner found her and said that her room was ready and she was welcome to go on up. It was room number 5, to the left at the top of the stairs. She walked up the stairs and gasped in surprise as she opened the door. The room was filled with roses and candles. And Clay. She walked over to him quickly and embraced him.
“I didn’t think you were going to make it, Clay.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I ordered the flowers and then the mission was canceled at the last minute. It was too late to cancel the flowers.”
“That’s okay, Clay. You’re here now at least,” she said as she kissed him.
“You know what?” Clay asked as he pulled back for a moment.
“What?” she asked as she kissed along his jaw line.
“I’m glad I asked the owner to send up room service even thought they usually don’t.”
“And why is that?” she asked seductively.
“Because I don’t think that I’ll manage to keep my hands off of you.”
“Good,” she said as she reached for his suit jacket and slipped it off his shoulders.
They enjoyed each other all weekend but both were a little reluctant to leave. They enjoyed their time together and missed each other when they were apart. Clay had kept his promise and always told Sarah when he had to leave. But he still managed to surprise her at times, in a good way. Clay would send flowers to her on the 17th of each month. She didn’t realize the significance of the day at first but then she was surprised at his romantic nature. The 17th was the day that they first made love.
Several months later
Admiral Chegwidden’s office
Sarah, Harm and Bud were standing at attention in the Admiral’s office wondering why they were called in but waiting for him to talk. Finally, he did.
“I know that we haven’t seem him recently but I thought that you would like to know. Clayton Webb is presumed dead in a car bombing incident at the American Embassy in Morocco.”
All three faces lost color and Sarah gasped. Only the Admiral noticed.
“Colonel, sit down.”
Sarah did as ordered but heard nothing else that was said. She kept thinking about the other time that they all thought that Clay was dead. Apparently, Harm and Bud were thinking the same thing and began questioning the Admiral.
“That is all I know, Commander. If I hear anything else, I will let you know. You are dismissed. Colonel, wait a moment,” he said even though he wondered if she had even heard his dismissal.
“Colonel, Mac? Are you okay?”
“Yes, Sir. I’m fine,” she said but her voice belied her words. She stood up not waiting for him to dismiss her and headed for the door.
“If you need someone to talk to Mac…”
She nodded but refused to look back at him again, she was so close to bursting into tears. Sarah managed to fight back the tears for the rest of the afternoon by focusing on her work. She suspected that once she had to leave work, she would break down so she ran as many errands as she could imagine. She stopped by the grocery store, picked up her dry cleaning, her prescription and even got her watch batter replaced before she went home. Once the groceries were put away, she changed into her sweat suit and ran.
Sarah ran to forget about what all had happened today. She had lost the man she loved, again. The more she thought about it the more she ran. Finally, she stopped thinking and was able to run back home. She took a quick shower and hoped that she would be exhausted enough to go to sleep. She slept for a while but her nightmares woke her up. She knew she wouldn’t be able to get back to sleep so she got up, tossed on another pair of sweats and picked up her pistol. She laughed humorlessly at herself.
“Why do I always clean weapons when I am upset?” She stayed up for the rest of the night, only a few hours, glad that she didn’t have court tomorrow.
Finally, at 0500 she went on to work, anything to get out of her apartment. Not surprisingly, she got to work before everyone else, even the Admiral. He walked by a few hours later and looked at her in surprise. She looked like she hadn’t gotten any sleep, but he didn’t know what to say. She knew where to find him if she needed someone to talk to. He left her alone and went to his office wondering why she was taking this so hard.
Just before lunch he went to her office to ask her about her caseload and to see if she was doing okay. She insisted that she was fine. AJ turned to leave the office and nearly ran over Tiner. He was holding a vase of red roses.
“Ma’am, these are for you.” Tiner didn’t understand the stunned look on her face as she saw the flowers.
“Put them in my office.” Tiner looked confused but did as ordered. “Colonel. My office now.”
Mac stood up and followed him into his office. “Do not disturb us, Tiner. For any reason. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” Tiner went and retreated back behind his own desk. The Admiral gestured to the chair and she down as he then reached for the card in the flowers. Before he handed it to her he said gently,
“Webb’s the one who’s been sending you flowers, isn’t he?” he asked gently as he handed her the card.
“Yes,” her voice broke.
“Why didn’t you say anything, Mac?”
She just shook her head, lowered her eyes and reached for the card. She opened it up and began to sob.
Sarah,
I love you
Clay
AJ glanced at the card and reached for his handkerchief for her. He let her cry for a while before he reached out and took her in his arms. Soon, her tears started to slow.
“Mac, I am so sorry. If I had known, I would have told you differently.”
All of a sudden he heard Tiner’s voice raised, insisting that the Admiral was busy. Before AJ knew what was happening the door flung open and in walked Clayton Webb. He stared transfixed at Sarah in AJ’s arms. AJ pulled his arms away and spoke to Mac quietly.
“I have to go check on Tiner.” She just nodded. When AJ walked out of the room Clay mouthed, “Later.” AJ nodded then left. Sarah didn’t move, she just tried to regain her composure. She couldn’t believe that she had burst into tears in the Admiral’s office. She was just caught by surprise at what Clay had written, he hadn’t told her that before. Sarah was just so upset that she finally heard the words she wanted to hear but she would never actually hear him say them to her.
Clay stood there and watched her trying to regain her composure. It hurt him to see her in such pain. Pain that he had caused. He knew that he was going to have to make some changes for her and he was amazed at how much he wanted to do that to make her happy. He saw her look at the card, then hold it to her heart. He loved her so much, he was just sorry that he hadn’t told her earlier. He walked up behind her and when he was within arms reach, he called out her name. She thought she was hearing things, until he said her name and touched her arm. She spun around and saw him standing there.
“Clay?”
Clay pulled her into his arms and held her as tightly as he could. A few minutes later, he pulled back slightly to look into her face as he whispered a few words.
“I love you, Sarah MacKenzie.”
“Oh, Clay,” she said as her tears returned. “You don’t know how much I wanted to hear that.”
“I wanted to say it for a while but I didn’t want to scare you away. I know my job makes things difficult but I really want to try to work this out between us.”
“So do I, Clay. I love you,” she said as she kissed him quickly but with passion. “Can you tell me what happened?”
“Another agent and I were headed to the embassy and we were talking about who we had at home. I told him a little bit about you and he said that I should make sure that you didn’t get away. I mentioned that we haven’t been together for too long and he reminded me of something.”
“What was that?” she asked as she held him tighter.
“He reminded me that things can happen so quickly and that there are no guarantees in life. I got to thinking and decided on his advise to change the card on the flowers I had already ordered for you. Fred went ahead into the lobby of the embassy to wait for me and I walked away and called the florist. When I was just hanging up the phone, I heard the bomb go off.”
“Oh Clay.”
“For some reason, I was given a second chance. I don’t want to waste this one.”
“Neither do I, Clay.”
The End