Dear Diary,

As I am sure you guessed, I agreed to AJ’s question. We had a wonderful Christmas together. He was happy to be a daddy again and I was happy to be loved so much. Harm and Renee were happy with each other and we had just gotten some good news from the Robert’s family. Since Francesca was going to be in town, AJ decided to have a New Year’s Eve party at his place. I just hoped that I didn’t embarrass myself by letting it slip how familiar I was with the house and the occupant.

I arrived at AJ’s early on New Year’s Eve plenty of time to help with get ready for his party and to distract him a bit. Francesca’s flight was delayed and he was worried that she wouldn’t make it for the party. Shortly before the guests were due to arrive, the phone rang at the same time as the doorbell. I answered the door and was surprised to see Admiral Regan, the new JAG.

“Admiral. I didn’t think that you were going to be able to make it tonight.”

“I thought that I would drop by and surprise everyone,” he said.

“That’s great. May I take you coat?” I asked as he pulled it off.

“Where did AJ disappear to?”

“He should be right out.”

“Hey, BDU. Sorry but my daughter called from the airport and I had to arrange for someone to pick her up. I hope you don’t mind me stealing your yeoman. I called Tiner to pick her up.”

“Not a problem at all, AJ. I thought that I’d drop off that surprise that I had told you about.”

“Come on in and have a seat. What can I get you to drink?” asked AJ.

“A ginger ale would be great,” Admiral Regan said as he sat down.

“Mac, do you mind?” AJ asked me.

“That’s fine.” I stepped into the kitchen knowing that the men had something to talk about. I was curious about the surprise that Admiral Regan had mentioned but I realized that I would find out soon enough. I walked back into the room to see the two men smiling. Admiral Regan spotted me and changed the subject.

"Nice tree you have there, AJ. You never struck me as the tree and all the decorations type."

"My daughter was supposed to be here for Christmas but she wasn't able to leave until this morning. She should be at the airport at any time so I asked Tiner to pick her up," AJ said.

As he spoke, the doorbell rang and AJ stood to get the door as I handed my boss his drink. He also stood and waiting beside the tree, he greeted everyone. I hoped for a brief moment that he didn't notice that Marine ornament on the tree but I suddenly had my hands full of an excited little boy.

"Hi, AJ. How are you doing?" I asked the little boy.

"Fine, Aunt Jarhead. How are you?" he asked innocently and a bit unsure of the sudden laughter from Admiral Regan.

"I'm going to get Harm for that," I mumbled.

"What did I do this time?" Harm asked as he walked into the door.

"Oh, just teaching my godson to call me a Jarhead, Harm."

"Mac," he whined.

"Harmon Rabb?" asked Admiral Regan. "I've heard about you. I'm Admiral Regan, the new JAG."

"Nice to meet you, sir. What have you heard about me?"

"Let's see, shooting an MP-5 in the courtroom, breaking Robert's jaw, nearly causing countless international incidents, and being known of at the Pentagon as Harmful Rabb."

"Um, yes sir. That's me," he said. At least he had the grace to look embarrassed while everyone else laughed.

"I've also heard you were one of the best lawyers that JAG has had."

Harm smiled at that and then rubbing his leg he led everyone to the seating area to sit down. We all sat around and talked, occasionally welcoming a late arrival. Finally, Francesca and Tiner drove up. AJ met them outside so he could have a few minutes of privacy with her. As soon as everyone got settled into their seats, Admiral Regan stood to make an announcement.

"I know my being here tonight is a surprise to all of you but I thought that this would be as good a time as any to announce something. I didn't think that this would be approved this early so I hadn't said anything about this yet." He picked up a flat black box before continuing. "Roberts. Front and center." Bud passed Little AJ off to Harriet, stood at attention in front of his new boss and accepted the box as it was handed to him.

"Congratulations, Lt. Commander Roberts."

Bud smiled as he opened the box and saw the appropriate shoulder boards that he then showed to Harriet. As soon as the commotion died down, the Admiral spoke again.

"I've had a great time, AJ but I have to be leaving. The wife wants to go out dancing tonight," he said while rolling his eyes, obviously not too fond of dancing.

After a round of goodbyes and happy new years, the Admiral left. The party was soon in full swing and everyone was having a great time. After a while people slowly started leaving to go to other parties or home before midnight. Soon only the Roberts, and Harm and Renee were there. Finally having a chance to talk to Francesca, I sat next to her.

"Did you have a good flight?"

"Yes, I did. Except for all the delays, it was fine." She turned to look at her for a moment before looking back at me. I caught the mischievous sparkle in her eyes but was unable to stop what came next.

"Papa, I have to ask. Why do you have a Marine Corps ornament on your tree?"