Dear
Diary
I didn't mind that my plans changed when everyone else showed up. I did
make a point to promise Harm that we would spend some time together the next
time he came to visit. As it turned out, he wasn’t going to be visiting
any more...
AJ and I carried the bags back to the tables that the rest of them had
commandeered. I watched AJ out of the
corner of my eye, thrilled that he was there.
As he explained that Harriet had called and invited him, I noticed his
cologne.
“I like your cologne, by the way,”
I said softly.
“Thanks. I had to take a shower after Harriet called because I smelled
like a garden,” he said with a smile.
“What’s that about a garden, sir?”
asked Harriet innocently.
“I’m thinking about putting in a
garden next spring,” he said without missing a beat.
“And you are asking the Herbicidal
Maniac to help you?” asked a stunned Harm.
“One of these days Rabb, you’ll
learn not to put your foot in your mouth,” AJ said before I could say anything.
“Just remember, Harm. I’m doing a lot better. Your plants are still alive aren’t
they? And that was even before you
bought me Houseplants for Dummies,” I said sarcastically. “Now, if you don’t mind, quit picking on
me.” I was mostly joking but I have to
admit that I was getting tired of his plant jokes. I sat down on the far side of the table in an exaggerated huff to
let everyone know I was just teasing.
Unfortunately, Little AJ didn’t
realize that so when Harm came over to apologize, AJ stood up between us. He stood there with his arms crossed and
glaring up at Harm.
“I’m sorry, Mac,” Harm said
sincerely. “I won’t pick on your
agricultural skills any more. I
promise.”
Little AJ looked back at me to see
if I approved. I smiled and nodded to
my young protector who then stepped aside and propped his little fists on his
hips. He was so sweet to stand up for
me but I was shocked by what he said next.
“Now you have to kiss and make
up,” he said knowingly.
“What?” Harm and I asked at the
same time.
“Well, when Daddy does something
wrong Mommy makes him kiss her,” he said, not noticing his mother’s red face.
“Son, that is because we are
married. Uncle Harm and Aunt Mac are
just friends,” explained Bud.
“So friends can’t kiss?” he
questioned.
“Not necessarily,” said Harriet,
recovered from her embarrassment. “They
just usually kiss on the cheek though.”
“Oh, okay,” he said then looked at
Harm as if to say, ‘Hurry up.’
Harm looked over to Renee,
grinned, winked then leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. Little AJ was pleased and then ran off and
took Jingo’s leash from Bud. We all
smiled as we began to fix our meal.
Soon, we were all enjoying our late lunch, and I was especially enjoying
the company; I was sitting next to both AJ’s.
We were almost finished eating when Renee brought up the plants again.
“I know he isn’t going to pick on
you about the plants ever again but in a few months you won’t have to worry
about that anymore,” said Renee. I
looked at her in question before she continued, “The Made-for-TV movie that I
was working on is a hit with the critics so the network decided to give me
another opportunity. They asked me to
direct a pilot and I just got word today that it was bought.”
Suddenly, everyone was offering
their congratulations. I looked across
the table and saw Harm wrap his arm around Renee and look at her with
undisguised love and pride. I was happy
for Harm in finding someone he could love.
I know that he fought it for a long time but I think he knew now that he
and Renee were meant to be together. I
just wished that my best friend didn’t have to be so far away.
As if she read my mind, Renee
continued, “The best thing is that the series will be shot here in DC. So, we are moving back just after
Thanksgiving.”
Again, there was a round of well
wishes. I was surprised that they were
coming back. I almost expected Renee to
say that they were permanently moving to California. Harm said that he wanted to come back here to be around his
friends and open up his own law firm.
Renee knew that this series opportunity was too good to pass up both for
her and for Harm.
We talked more about the series,
the move and the new law firm and before we knew it, it was dark. I was holding Little AJ when he dozed
off. I was amazed at how heavy the
child suddenly became.
“Harriet? Does AJ suddenly gain 20 pounds when he
falls asleep?” I asked as she was gathering up the extra food.
“Oh, here, let me take him,” she
looked at her son fondly.
“I have him Harriet,” I heard AJ
say behind me. I turned and he took his
namesake into his arms so gently, the boy never woke up. After one long glance at the two AJ’s, I
turned to help Harriet.
Soon everything was packed up and
we were ready to head out. AJ eased the
sleeping child into his booster seat in the minivan before they all drove off,
leaving us alone.
“I probably should go home,” I
said with a sigh. “I have to go in
early in the morning besides I don’t want to leave Jingo.”
“I understand, Sarah.”
I knew that he did, both about the
early hours and the fact that I didn’t want to ignore Jingo. Besides, I didn’t know quite how to proceed
after the wonderful weekend. I opened
the door for Jingo to hop in the car before climbing in myself. AJ leaned down and gave me a good-bye kiss. I was glad that I was sitting as my knees
went weak with what he said next.
“By the way, Jingo is welcome in
my house any time.”