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| Note from the Author: I'm not exactly sure how long Admiral Chegwidden was with JAG so I'm making it up. If someone knows, please let me know. ~Mac Mac smiled at Harriet. The small retirement party was just a drop in the hat compared to what the Navy will give Admiral AJ Chegwidden, but it seemed as though the man was enjoying himself. "Ladies and gentlemen," Mac said. "If I could have your attention please. Admiral Chegwidden would like to say a few words." Everyone clapped as he took the microphone from Mac. "First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for coming today. And of course, I'd like to thank Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, Lieutenant Commander Harriet Sims, and my goddaughter, Evelyn Rabb for the wonderful party." "The past 14 years at JAG have been challenging. I'm almost sad to see it go, but we all have to be realistic. There are a few things I won't miss at all. One would be a certain Lieutenant Commander shooting the ceiling of one of the courtrooms." Chegwidden looked at Harm. "I trust that won't happen again?" "No, sir," Harm replied with a laugh. "Again, thank you all! I'll always be around if you need anything." He looked at Harm again. "I'm sure most of you want to hear from the man who'll be taking my place. I have it on good authority that he was nervous about giving a speech." "When I first met Harmon Rabb, I thought he was arrogant and cocky... he was." More laughter. "But then I saw him in the courtroom. He took what he used as a fighter pilot and brought it to JAG. I've never seen a lawyer with so much tenacity." Chegwidden smiled, looking at Mac. "That is, until I met Harm's third partner." "I'd like to present my successor, Captain Harmon Rabb, Jr." Harm stood up and walked up to Admiral Chegwidden. "Thank you, sir," Harm replied, shaking his hand. He looked around at everyone who was there. His gaze lingering on Mac, who smiled encouragingly. "As you know, I was nervous about making this speech. I think it's because I know that I'm going to follow one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of serving under." "AJ Chegwidden is more than a commanding officer, he's a friend. Someone you can always count on to be there." He smiled. "Even if you're firing weapons in a courtroom. He has helped me become who I am today." "I'd like to thank the people in my life who have made this possible. My family and I have been through the wringer, but with all of you, we've overcome the odds. Commander Sturgis Tanner, Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts, Lieutenant Commander Harriet Sims, Bobbi Latham, and Meg Austin." "Of course, I can't forget my wonderful children, Evie, Rena, Christiana, Trisha, Nicholas, and soon, Madison. Last, not not least, my beautiful wife, my touch stone, Colonel Sarah Mackenzie-Rabb. Thank you for being a part of my life and thank you for my children." Harm smiled. "Enough with the mushy stuff, lets continue this party!" He set the microphone down and walked over to Mac. "Hey, I thought Marines didn't cry." "This one does," she replied, kissing him. "Ewwww!" Nicholas exclaimed. Harm and Mac laughed. "One day you won't mind so much, Sport," Harm said. "I'll NEVER EVER kiss a girl!" Mac bent down next to him. "What about me?" "You're not a girl, Mommy, you're a pretty lady," Nicholas responded, kissing his mother on the cheek. With that, he rushed off to find his sisters. "Our son has pretty good taste in women," Harm said, putting an around Mac's shoulders. "I love you." "I love you too." |
