Dear Diary,
The flight home was uneventful and while I knew that I really should spend some time with Harm, I didn't want to say goodbye to AJ yet.  We made tentative plans to meet for dinner that night if Harm wasn't able to go out.  Of course, every time I make plans, they usually fly right out the window...

AJ dropped me off at my apartment and insisted on walking me to my door.  I let him in before I walked over to the neighbor's and picked up Jingo.  I reached down to pet him and thought about what I could do for Miss Lois since she was always so nice. 

I walked back into my apartment and saw AJ making relaxing with one arm across the back of the couch.  It looked so inviting, so I sat down in the circle of his arms and patted the space beside me to let Jingo know he was invited to join us too.  We sat there for a while silently, just enjoying petting the dog.

"Sarah, there is something that I meant to ask you about earlier," he spoke quietly a while later.

"What's that, AJ?"

"Since I guess you could say that we are officially dating now," he paused to kiss my cheek, "how do we want to tell people?"

"Good question," I said as I turned more in his arms to look at him.  "I don't want to lie about us," a small smile crossed both of our faces.  "But then again, I was kind of hoping that we could keep this to ourselves for a little while."

"Want to keep me all to yourself?" he asked smiling.

"Yes," I said without hesitation causing both of us to laugh.

"Okay, so if someone flat out asks we will tell them but otherwise we will wait till the right time."

"And we can talk about when that right time will be together."  I was happy that AJ was being so understanding.  He wasn't treating me as a possession that he wanted to show off to everyone.

We were sitting on the couch relaxing when I happened to notice my answering machine blinking. Knowing that it was Harm that left messages, I got up to find out how many he left me. Surprisingly he only left me 2 messages but then Harriet left me a couple as did Sturgis and Tiner. I guess Harm called everyone looking for me, I wonder if he called AJ.

"I guess that I probably have a message or two from Harm too," commented AJ as I dialed the number that Harm left me. Renee answered the phone then handed it over to an upset Harm. After trying to make me feel guilty for not telling him that I was going out of town he agreed to meet me at the park with Jingo. He asked if I would pick him up but once I reminded him of the non-existent back seat in my car, he said he would just meet me there.

"Renee, really is good for him," I said amazed.

"Why say that?"

"Well, he was a bit upset with me taking off but only because I didn't seem to tell anyone where I was. He didn't say a word about how he came all this way just to see me and I wasn't here."

"Sounds like he is finally growing up," AJ said as he stood up and crossed over to me. "So what are your plans after the park?"

"I don't know. Do you want to see about having dinner and maybe watch a video?"

"Sure, why don't you call me when you get home? Or if you would like you can just stop by at my place afterward."

"I like the sound of that," I smiled. "I'll meet you at your place then." He kissed me before he left giving me a hint that we would not be watching movies tonight.

Once I gathered my thoughts, I quickly changed into some casual clothes and grabbed some water for Jingo. Within minutes, we were on our way to the park. Much to my surprise, Harm was waiting there for me. I pulled into a spot and quickly gathered Jingo’s leash and water before hopping out.

"Before you say anything, Harm, I am sorry for taking off this weekend. I know you and Renee came all this way for my birthday and I feel bad that I had to go out of town."

"That's okay, Mac. I understand how things pop up unexpectedly. The only problem was that you didn't tell anyone, I got worried about you."

"I'm sorry. I'll try to let you know if you are in town again and I have to run off," I said.

"And I'll try to not show up and expect you to spend all your time with me."

"Deal," I smiled over at him as we walked toward some benches.

"Is that a new perfume? It's nice."

"No," I said suddenly flushed remembering the scented bubble bath. I hid my face by reaching down and petting Jingo, hoping my face would cool off before I had to look up again. "It's just new body wash."

I put Jingo on a long leash and mindful of Harm’s slight limp we didn’t walk too far. We found a bench and decided to have a seat but before I could say anything, Harm’s cell phone rang. He smiled as soon as he heard the voice, which I then realized, was Renee.

“How did it go?” he asked anxiously. “Oh, sweetheart, that is great! When are you going to stop by? Good idea. Remember, Mac’s a jarhead, she can put away the food.” I gasped in surprise as he held the phone away to explain. “Renee is going to stop and pick up some things for a picnic. I just wanted to remind her that you, um have a healthy appetite.”

“I thought you gave up on the Beltway Burger comments, Stickboy.” Even I could hear the laughter from the phone after that comment. Harm shot me an exasperated look before putting the phone back to his ear; he said to Renee, “Okay, we’ll see you soon. Love you.” He hung up the phone and looked back over to me. “You know that she’ll never forget that nickname now.”

“Good! You deserve it for that comment.”

“What did he do this time, ma’am?” a voice asked behind us. We turned around to see Bud, Harriet and Little AJ.

“Oh, Stickboy just mentioned to Renee to bring lots of food because I’m a pig.”

“I never said that! I just said you had a healthy appetite,” said an indignant Harm.

“Oh, no, you didn’t. You said I could put away the food!”

“Aunt Mac? Are you mad at Uncle Harm?” asked Little AJ.

“Not at all, sweetie. We’re just playing.”

"Okay.  Can I go play with Jingo?"

"Sure.  Keep an eye on him for me," I said as I handed him the leash.

We were sitting around talking and watching Little AJ play with Jingo when Harm spotted Renee pulling in.  I knew that Harm was tired and his leg was bothering him, even if he hadn't said anything, so I stood up before he could.

"Come on Harriet.  Let's go help Renee.  You guys keep an eye on them," I said pointing over to the child and the dog rolling around.  Harriet looked fondly at her son but when I saw her shake her head, I knew that she was thinking about how to get grass stains out of his clothes.

"So, ma'am.  Where were you this weekend?"

"Harriet, it's 'Mac,' and yes, I did.  Sorry that I didn't call anyone but something came up suddenly."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything is fine," I said hoping that Harriet didn't see the smile that I could not hide. 

"Harriet," commented Renee. "I didn't know you were going to be here.  I would have brought more food."

"We decided to have a picnic and ran into Mac and Harm.  We have plenty of food for us," said Harriet.

"Why don't we get the food to the men and make them fix it for us?" suggested Renee.

"Sounds good to me.  I'm starving," I said before grabbing a bag.  I stood up and looked directly into the eyes of AJ.  My AJ, not Little AJ.  I was too surprised to say anything but was even more surprised when Renee spoke up.

"Well, it looks like Mac has a boyfriend."

"What?" I said stunned as I looked back at her.  As I turned, I spotted Little AJ behind me trying to get his share of the bags. 

"Admiral.  I didn't realize you were going to be here too," commented Renee making me realize that she was referring to Little AJ before. 

"Harriet called me when she got here.  I hope you don't mind," he said looking directly at me during the last sentence as he picked up his very excited namesake.

"Not a problem," I said.  "It looks like we have plenty of food."

"Good," he said, then looking at the child in his arms he continued, "How about we carry the bags for the ladies?"

"Okay," said Little AJ as he wiggled to be let down.  He took the bags that Harriet gave him then walked off.  Big AJ took the rest of the bags before Renee locked up the car.  We all started walking back when Little AJ stopped suddenly and turned around.

"Hurry up, Aunt Jarhead.  I'm hungry." 

Everyone froze after hearing Little AJ yell 'Jarhead' across the park.  I certainly wasn't sure what to say but I knew that Harm was the one who taught my godson that little phrase.

"Harmon Rabb, Jr.!" I yelled.  Even at this distance, I could see the 'oops' look on Harm's face.  Suddenly, everyone started laughing and I couldn't help but join in myself.

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