| Subject: London Series - Part 15......Thanksgiving |
Author:
Maximus
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Date Posted: 08:44:06 09/21/06 Thu
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "London Series" on 13:06:25 09/06/06 Wed
London Series: Part 15
Author: Maximus
Part 15 Title: THANKSGIVING
Command Home
Friday, 11 November
09:00 Hrs
(Sarah making call to Bud)
Lt. Commander Roberts !
(S) Bud, this is Sarah. Did Harm tell you that I am going to prosecute the Admiral Wilson case for SECNAV ?
(B) Yes he did. How can I help ?
(S) Could you set up a meeting with the 2 lawyers that were going to prosecute for 10:00 so I can meet them?
(B) Sure. How about in the conference room? Are you going to need an office ? I have one open.
(S) Yes, that would be nice. I understand Linda Vance is going to be the civilian attorney for the Admiral. You know that is Geri’s mom don’t you.
(B) Yes, I do now. Harm told me yesterday. Is she any good?
(S) I don’t know but I imagine she is strong from what I was told by Allen. I will be there at 10:00. Thanks Bud.
JAG
10:00 Hrs
Sarah arrived on time and was introduced to Lt’s Jefrey Anderson and Mary Smith. They made small talk for a bit then Sarah sprung the question on them.
(S) Are you both aware that I am Captain Rabb’s wife?
(J & M) Yes we are.
(S) Good. I do not want that to influence you in any way because you are now working for me. The SECNAV sent me because he wants no doubt to exist that the Admiral got a fair trial. We are going to find the truth about this case no matter what the result is.
Please prepare a complete file for me today so I can get up to speed over the weekend. I am going to be in office number 14 until the trial is finished. Do either of you have any questions?
(Jefrey) What can we do to help you with this case?
(S) I want to review everything I read this weekend with both of you Monday morning at 10:00. I will expect you to fill in what I haven’t picked up on. Please re-read your notes before you come.
Please set up a meeting with Lt. Cmdr. Fay Edwards so I can meet and talk to her. Make sure her interview is in the file.
Since Linda Vance is the new civilian council, make an appointment for us to talk to her here at 13:00 on Tuesday.
I want to know that I have a handle on this by quitting time on Tuesday. I need to call SECNAV on Wednesday and I will need to give him answers. I expect that you are going to be a lot of help to me.
One more question. Rumor has it that you two have a thing for each other. Without any evasion, is it true?
(Mary) Yes.
(Jefrey) Aw, aw I guess so. I didn’t know what Mary would say. My answer is yes we do; I just haven’t admitted it to her yet. Did you hear me Mary?
(Mary) Yes I did. Finally. Thank you.
(S) That’s good. We went 8 years afraid to answer that question with honesty. You have just moved ahead. Follow your heart. I wish you all the best. Here is my card with the phone numbers you can get me anytime. Thanks for being on my team.
(J & M) Thank you ma’am.
Sarah made her way to office #14 and shuffled though the desk for the basics and set up office. Pictures of Harm, Mattie, and Mattie and Geri together went up on top of the bookshelves.
She started by reading all the formal filings on the case. A certain Captain interrupted her work to take her to lunch.
They discussed what he knew about the case over a sandwich and coffee. They discussed the answers Sarah had received from Mary and Jefrey. Harm chuckled that they had more guts than we did. Sarah laughed and kissed him. Harm told her he was so proud of her and hoped she got to the truth. She told him she was going to do her best.
Command Home
18:00 Hrs
Sarah came in to the house carrying about 40 pounds of folders and depositions and was intercepted by Harm. He nicely reminded her that his pregnant healing wife was not supposed to be carrying things like this. She let him take over with a warm smile. He carried everything into the master suite where she would work over the weekend. She quickly stripped out of her clothing and invited him into the sauna. They held each other and he kidded her about her cute little scar. Waiting on the 16th was becoming a real drag.
Command Home
Sunday, 13 November
22:15 Hrs
Harm interrupted Sarah as she was going over her notes from the Wilson case. He read what she had written and pointed out inconsistencies in her notes. She flagged it for questions tomorrow. She took the hint and shoved her notes in her case and chased him into the bedroom. After a little fooling around, they discussed the weekend. They had visited Mattie both days and found her doing better. She was walking a little with the help of a cane. Her attitude was good and they had enjoyed her company.
Even though Sarah had spent most of the weekend with her nose in the files, they had found time to be together. Harm had helped as much as he dared to but tried not to cross the line.
They discussed how and what they were going to do for Mattie’s birthday. Harm remembered she said she wasn’t into that kind of thing.
Sarah’s Office
Monday, 14 November
10:00 Hrs
Sarah started telling Lt’s Anderson and Smith what she understood about the case from the start. As she made her presentation, they interjected facts and interesting findings as she went along to fill out the picture. Sarah asked direct questions that she had no answers to and they answered what they could. She assigned them the task of getting the answers that were not known.
Sarah pointed out the inconsistencies that Harm had found. After they all talked about them, she assigned one to each one of them.
13:00 Hrs
Lt. Smith was waiting as Lt. Cmdr Fay Edwards got off the elevator and escorted her to the conference room where Sarah and Lt. Anderson were waiting. Lt. Smith introduced the Lt. Cmdr to Sarah and they got down to work. Sarah asked Fay to tell the story to her as the two Lt’s listened. (They had heard the story before.) Sarah asked some very pointed questions of Fay and tried to determine if what she had heard was true.
She finally asked Fay her opinion as to why she thought an O-8 with a family would try to force himself on an O-4. Fay finally told her that he had been making very suggestive remarks to her ever since she arrived on station. Sarah wanted to know if Fay had led him on. She answered NO. Since they worked in completely different buildings, she had tried to avoid him. She said he kept showing up like a dog in heat. He had told her plainly that he expected to have sex with her and she had given him a red light on every occasion. She had reported him to the Commander in Charge but assumed he decided to try to contain the situation.
Sarah asked her if she had had sex with anyone on base. Her answer was yes and identified a friend that was the same rank as her. She made sure that Sarah knew she was not one to sleep around with everyone. The last question invited Fay to tell her anything else that Sarah needed to know. Fay summarized the story again and assured Sarah that she did not lead the Admiral on and he had raped her. She confirmed that the semen found by the infirmary while doing the rape kit was identified as that of Admiral Wilson. She told her about the pictures taken indicating forced entry which was also in the evidence.
She also brought up the torn and bloody slip and panties that was in evidence.
Sarah thanked her for being upfront with her and told her to be in the court room on Thursday morning at 09:00 for the start of the trial.
After Fay had departed, Sarah called Jefrey and Mary in her office for a discussion. She asked them what they heard that was new or not what she had said before. They both told what was new but agreed that nothing was different. Sarah told Lt. Anderson to call the Commander in Charge and ask him to come to the office this afternoon at 16:00.
16:00 Hrs
After the Commander in Charge arrived, all three attorneys met with him in the conference room for his deposition. Sarah introduced everyone and started by asking him why he had not taken action against the Admiral when Fay had reported him.
The Commander told them he did not have a death wish. It was common knowledge among the younger officers that criticism of the Admiral would ruin your career. He said he had written up a report but put it in the file instead of filing it up the chain of command like he should have. Sarah asked him if Fay had inquired why something wasn’t being done. He said she had inquired and he stonewalled her. Sarah asked him if he had any other information that might be germane to this case. He said he did and told of the stories that other females had told about being approached and harassed by the Admiral. He said he had the complaints in the files. After making sure everything was read into the deposition, Sarah ordered Lt. Anderson to accompany the Commander back to his office and bring copies of all complaints back to her. Sarah told him to be available at the start of the trial on Thursday.
When Lt. Anderson returned, he had complaints from 5 different females to add to the case. Sarah asked Mary to make two mark-up copies of the Admiral’s deposition and the 5 complaints for her homework this evening. She told her to drop it off at Harm’s office with a note asking him to bring it home for her when he came since she was leaving now.
Command Home
17:40 Hrs
Harm kissed her and handed her the brown envelope containing the deposition when he arrived. They made small talk and he went up to change clothes. She hurried into the Library Command Center where Kate was and opened the envelope. She was not at all surprised when she found red marks and words written around the edges of one of the depositions. She knew her man so well and knew he would not be able to resist solving the puzzle and he was the best. She quickly read through and noticed his comments and put a cross through the ones she disagreed with. She made her way to their bedroom to freshen up before joining him for dinner.
After spending time talking, Harm went to make a call to Mattie and Sarah returned to read the clean copy of the deposition. She made notes on the sides as she went and when finished, she compared it with Harm’s marked up copy. She re-read the parts to figure what Harm had seen that she did not. After making up her mind about what the meanings were, she transferred that to her copy. She listed all of the facts and notations on a clean sheet of paper. She quickly noticed the strong parts of the case and started her list of questions for court.
Sarah’s Office
Tuesday, 15 November
09:30 Hrs
After getting her morning coffee, she asked Mary and Jefrey to come to her office. She reminded them that Linda Vance was to be here at 13:00 and ask them if they were ready. They were so she handed each a copy of the sheet from the night before. After they had time to read it, she asked them for answers to the questions. Their answers matched hers with exception to 2 questions. Jefrey told of the time line as explained by the investigators and showed where it differed from what the Admiral had stated. When Sarah used the other time line things made more sense.
13:00 Hrs.
Linda was warmly greeted by Sarah when she came into the conference room followed by the two JAG attorneys who were helping her. Sarah explained to the Lt’s how they knew each other and how special Geri was. Sarah asked the latest news about her since she had not seen her for a week. After pleasantries, Sarah started reviewing the case evidence with Linda. Copies of all evidence that JAG had that Linda did not were made and given to her. It was obvious that the Commanders deposition and reports from the files of the other 5 females kind of deflated Linda. Copies of evidence that Linda had that JAG did not was also copied.
After talking at length, Sarah told Linda that she felt she had overwhelming evidence that would convict the Admiral. Sarah suggested that she talk to her client and she said that she would present any plea bargain to the SECNAV for his consideration. If not she would see her in court on Thursday morning. Linda kept her composure and told her she thought it was a good idea. Linda thanked her and left with the other JAG lawyers.
Sarah quizzed Mary and Jefrey on their feeling about what had been said. Both felt Linda had been upset when she found that the Admiral had approached other females and reports made. They were impressed with Sarah’s presentation.
Sarah used the computer to make out an E-mail report to the SECNAV of what the meeting outcome was. She enclosed the phone number to office #14 for his use. Since she was scheduled to report to him tomorrow, she decided against calling today.
Sarah’s Office
Wednesday, 16 November
10:00 Hrs
Sarah spoke to both Mary and Jefrey separately to decide which she would allow to cross examine the witness’ presented by the defense. She felt they could use the experience and she would instruct them of what was to be achieved.
She spent most of the morning creating the outline of how she would put on the prosecution’s case if it was necessary.
15:00 Hrs
(Sarah making call)
Edward Sheffield !
(S) Colonel Rabb calling as requested sir.
(SECNAV) Thank you Colonel for calling. I read your e-mail and it looks like the Admiral is guilty as charged. What do you want to do now?
(S) That will be up to you sir. As I mailed you, I offered to tell you of any offer they made. Would you be willing to listen to a plea bargain?
(SECNAV) Probably not. The American people will expect the full story of how a rapist is treated in the Navy. It will need to be like it is in civilian life. Call me if they make an offer anyway. OK?
Do you have any news yet about a baby ?
(S) No sir. I should know when you get here on the 23rd. Thank you for asking.
(SECNAV) Colonel, make sure he gets what is coming to him.
(S) Yes sir. I intend to.
16:30 Hrs
Sarah made sure both Mary and Jefrey was ready for court and told them to try to relax tonight and they would deal with it tomorrow. She explained the defense would be up first and the earliest time for them would be in the afternoon.
Sarah packed up her case and left for home since she had not heard from Linda and tonight was the night, tonight was the night.
Command Home
19:00 Hrs
Harm and Sarah retired to the master suite after dinner. They had counted the days and had followed the doctor’s orders to the letter. (rather reluctantly) They took their time and made the evening one to remember. Sarah sure would be in a good mood for the first day of the trial.
Court Room 4
Thursday, 17 November
09:00 Hrs
Court was opened, and jurors selected, and the defense started their case by 11:00. As they presented evidence, Mary and Jefrey asked the planned questions when it was their time to cross examine. They were getting the answers they needed as they went along. Court was recessed at 12:30 for an hour for lunch. Upon return, Linda finished presenting their case. A 15 minute recess was called before the prosecution was to put on their case.
Linda met Sarah out in the hall bringing her a cup of coffee. They talked and Linda told Sarah she had advised the Admiral to plea bargain but he refused believing he could not be convicted. Sarah complimented her on the case she had presented and told her it was now her turn.
After court resumed, Sarah called the 5 different female service people, one at a time, to tell the story of why they hade filed reports against the Admiral. She made it clear that the reports were never filed properly into the chain of command. After they were finished, she called the Commander and asked him the questions to tell why he did not file the reports against the Admiral. She was about to call Fay when the Judge called a recess until Friday morning when Fay would then be heard.
Sarah had beat Harm home and had asked Hazel to prepare vegetable lasagna knowing it was one of Harm’s favorites. He was pleased that Hazel had gone to the extra effort.
Sarah spent a good bit of her time re-reading and re-thinking the presentation of her case. Harm watched as she agonized over her presentation. He appreciated what she was going through.
Court Room 4
Friday, 18 November
09:00 Hrs
Everyone except the Admiral was at their tables prepared to proceed with the trial. At 09:15 the Judge hearing the case entered the room and took a seat. He announced that Admiral Wilson had had a heart attack during the night and he had received word 5 minutes ago that he had passed away. He asked that everyone stand for a moment of silence and then declared “Case closed.”
Sarah had mixed feelings about what had happened but knew that he would never hurt another woman. She approached Linda, shook her hand and welcomed her into the military justice system. Sarah went back to her office and wrote up a final report and also sent SECNAV an e-mail explaining what had happened. She explained she was looking forward to a couple days off before he arrived.
Northside Military Hospital
Room 310
Saturday, 19 November
13:00 Hrs
Mattie had finished her lunch and was working on math problems for her Monday class when Geri walked into the room. It was just like old home week. Evidently they had missed each other and sat talking to catch up. An orderly entered the room with her wheelchair and told her it was time to go to re-hab. Mattie protested that it was Saturday and she didn’t have re-hab today. The orderly said he was following orders and helped her into the chair. Mattie was not happy about this at all. Geri walked with her as they moved her down to the re-hab room.
As she entered the dark room, she started to get upset but that all changed when the lights came on with a “Happy Birthday to you.”
Sarah came and put a party hat on her as Harm was singing Happy Birthday to her while playing his guitar. Harm and Sarah hugged and kissed her as she requested Harm to play her favorite 4 songs. He sat and got comfortable by her chair and everyone became quiet and listened to Harm sing to his favorite “daughter.” Most were amazed that Harm was so good and had so many talents. When he finished, there were few dry eyes in the crowd.
Hazel came in pushing a cart with a humongous cake with seventeen lit candles on it. Mattie made her wish and blew out the candles and thanked everyone for being there. Mattie cut the first ten pieces of the cake and made sure that Harm, Sarah, Harriett, Bud, Mac, Kate, Geri, Hazel and Cathy (her re-hab therapist) got a big piece. Most of the other patients that she had shared time with had been invited and everyone enjoyed the cake and ice cream. Sarah took this opportunity to tell Geri she was being missed by Harm and her and invited her to the house anytime she wanted. Sarah hugged her and reminded her that they thought she was special.
After all the festivities were over, Harm pushed Mattie back to her room and Sarah told her to look in her closet for her birthday present. She found a full length fawn colored leather coat that Harm had had specially made for her. It was glove-soft and looked yummy. Sarah helped her put it on. She said she would have this to wear when she left the hospital since it was getting colder. She showed her appreciation to both of them with a kiss. Sarah reminded her about the appointment on Tuesday to find if she and Harriett were pregnant and made sure she knew she was going with them. Getting to be seventeen sure was grand.
Northside Military Hospital
Tuesday, 22 November
11:00 Hrs
Harm and Sarah had stopped by and picked up Harriett for the trip to see Dr. Simms. They had stopped by Mattie’s room to take her with them but she was late returning from re-hab so they had to go on to their appointment. Dr. Simms took each one in separately and did her examination. She had collected the urine sample for the tests. Dr. Simms called and had Mattie brought to her office so she would hear the news the same time as everyone else. She told everyone that the strip test showed that both Sarah and Harriett were PREGNANT. She told them she was having the rabbit test done just to be sure. You could hear the yelling and screaming all over the halls and even down on floor 3. Harm was hugging both Sarah and Harriett at the same time. Mattie was just as excited as everyone with the thought of having a little brother of sister.
Dr. Simms gave both pregnant ladies a schedule of things to do and not to do for the next 2 month. She told Sarah the jogging was out and walking was in. She explained that they were going to err on the side of caution with her since she was not out of the woods yet and would not be until the baby was here. Everyone thanked the doctor and left the office for a celebrational lunch. Harm watched as the “Sisterhood” went up another notch.
Harriett called Bud, told him the news and bubbled over with her enthusiasm. By the sounds of it, Bud was happy to. Sarah smiled at the thought of what Bud would get out of this.
After everyone settled down, Harm found Sarah and Harriett talking about the Thanksgiving Day dance. Harm asked Mattie if she wanted to join them for Thanksgiving Day Brunch at the compound. He told her he had gotten permission to have her for the afternoon. He explained that the Dance was that evening but the doctor didn’t want her out after dark. He told her he would send the car and a surprise for her if she would come. She gladly accepted the invitation. He told her to be ready at 09:30.
Command Home
19:00 Hrs
(Harm making call to California)
Hello !
(H) Dad, is that you?
(F) Yes son. How are you doing?
(H) Is mom around, I have great news. Can you get her on the phone also? (in the background we can hear Trish raising he voice- “Is this about the baby ??”)
(T)Are you going to tell us we are going to be grandparents again?
(S) Yes ma’am. We found out this morning but didn’t want to wake you. It’s actually better than that. Harriett is also pregnant.
(T) What does that mean?
(S) Harriett wanted and we agreed to let her carry 3 of my eggs as a surrogate mother in case I can’t carry a baby to full term.
(T) Two babies?
(H) Yes, maybe more. We don’t know how that will turn out.
(F) Are you telling us that you could end up with 4 or 5?
(H) I guess it’s possible. We hope to at least end up with one. Or more.
(F) Son, you have done it this time. Is your lap big enough to hold all of them?
(H) If it is to much for Sarah, I, and Mattie, we will call you to help. Would that be OK with you ?
(T) Just try to keep us away. Do you need us to come there now ?
(S) Even though we would love to see you, it’s still a long time yet. I would like you here if I start having problems.
(T) You got it. I am so excited. How far along are you?
(S) We start counting from October 10, so little over 6 weeks.
(F) You have made us both very happy. What does Mattie think about this?
(H) She’s ecstatic. She can’t wait. I think she will take to this in a big way. She talked the other day about how neat it would be to have a little brother or sister. By the way, she is doing better every day. Things are improving.
(T) We are so proud of you both, or all three of you. Will you call us and keep us up to date? Is there anything else we can do?
(S) Yes, We tried to get hold of Gramma Sarah but she didn’t answer the phone. Could you try later and call us back if anything is wrong?
(T) Sure. She will be thrilled to death.
(H) Thanks. We will call more often and call us when you can. We love you.
(F) We love you too. Bye.
After the call they discussed who else they wanted to tell. After making a small list, they started with General Cresswell, then Admiral’s Boone and Chegwidden. They would wait on SECNAV because he was now on his way here.
Command Home
Wednesday, 23 November
13:40 Hrs
Sarah was at the front door when Mr. & Mrs. Sheffield arrived. She asked Manny to put their luggage in the Blue room and then turned to give Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield a hand shake and a hug. The first words out of SECNAV’s mouth asked about the baby. She bubbled and told how excited they were and told them Harriett was also. She explained about it since it was apparent they had not heard about the surrogacy. SECNAV had forgotten about her medical problems. Her command presence never allowed anyone to believe she might have problems. She explained that Harm had to stay at the office because he was trying to get his people out early for the holiday.
She invited them into the dining room where Hazel had prepared lunch. SECNAV was delighted that the Admiral Wilson mess was taken care of and that the Admiral’s wife would at least get the retirement benefits.
Sarah told Mr. Sheffield that Harm had left instructions for Manny to take them anywhere they wanted to go. She told him that Manny knew the address of the mall and all their favorite restaurants and Mrs. Sheffield took control of the situation and Manny waved as they drove away.
Command Home
Thanksgiving Day, 24 November
13:00 Hrs.
Harm was sitting talking to some of the many people that had been invited to the traditional Turkey dinner. It was something like a zoo with Bud’s, and Allen’s children wearing off energy and the dinner being put on the table. All three stewards were in someway involved with the cooking and serving of the meal and were having a good time. Mr. & Mrs. Sheffield were enjoying the atmosphere and the specialty coffee that Harm had selected. This was a day of celebration and everyone seemed so comfortable being with one another.
Mattie was having a great time with Geri who had been the surprise that arrived with the car this morning. Harm had Manny pick her up on the way and take her to Northside to pick up Mattie. It was special to the two girls. Mattie wore her birthday coat and she looked great in it.
When the meal was ready Hazel told Harm who called everyone into the dining room. He thanked everyone for coming and turned it over to the compound Chaplain for the blessing. Food was passed and turkey eaten and everyone had as much as they wanted. After the meal, the table was cleared and different games were started. Cards, dominos, monopoly and others drew fans. Many people were watching the parade on the TV or nodding off to sleep. This is the way memories are made.
Since the Dance was to start at 19:00, people started leaving at 16:00 to get ready. Everyone thanked Harm and Sarah for inviting them. Harm and Sarah escorted Mattie to the Limo and said good night with hugs and kisses since she had to be back before 18:00. She had enjoyed her time away from the hospital and seeing the house and her room for the first time. Harm held her for an extra minute and gave her an extra squeeze before letting her get into the car.
Harm and Sarah finally retired to the master suite to get ready for the big dance. They were both going in full dress or mess dress uniforms. Sarah would have rather went in a gown but knew she was expected to be in dress blues with her rank being obvious.
Chow Hall
Thanksgiving Day Dance Party
18:30 Hrs
When the doors were opened, several people who were the first to arrive, circled the many tables to find where their names were. They exchanged a few of the cards to make sure they would set with friends. They noticed the bandstand already set up with the name of AIR SUPPLY on the drums. Wow, could that really be true?
The area filled quickly as time started to run short. Men in Mess Dress and Ladies in either formal military dress or long dresses were a sight to behold. Harriett was lovely and was overseeing the progress and seemed pleased.
Mr. Sheffield was in a black Tuxedo with a festive red shirt and Mrs. Sheffield was in a long black formal dress with a red shawl. They looked elegant. Harm and Sarah were in Mess Dress uniforms and made quite an impression with Harm’s whites and her dress blues.
After everyone was seated, Harm took to the stage. He thanked Sarah, Harriett, and all the wives of the Navy Wife’s club for all of their work and effort to make this possible.
………………Applause, applause……………….
He announced that Air Supply had in fact arrived a few minutes ago and had made the compound one of their USO Tour stops.
………..Applause, applause………
He introduced the Secretary of the Navy and his wife as their most honored guest. ……..Applause, applause…...
Harm reminded everyone again that there was a formation for all personnel tomorrow at 10:30 in the chow hall. (where they were)
He told everyone there was a surprise planned which he thought they would enjoy. So without further a due, I give you AIR SUPPLY. ………………Applause, applause………………
The members of the band came on stage and quickly started playing their first number. SECNAV and his wife, Harm and Sarah, and Bud and Harriett all moved onto the dance floor and danced slowly for this first dance. As it ended, Applause, applause.
Everyone felt at ease to enter the dance floor after that. Harm moved quickly to the chow hall office (being used as dressing room) to find if Top and Jennifer were ready. They would be ready in ten. Harm told him to call the Lt.’s cell when he was ready. He went out the front door to find one Lt. and 12 marines standing in dress blues with swords drawn. He told them Top would be ready in 10 and told the Lt. in charge that Top would call his cell. Everything would be more impressive if done smartly. Harm returned to his seat with Sarah and made a motion to the band. They played one more number and stopped.
The outside doors opened with a bang and in marched the marines with swords drawn. They took up their station spread from the back of the tables down the aisle to the front, returned their swords to their scabbards, faced the aisle and stood at parade rest. Harm and Sarah left their seats and assumed a position in front of the band as the compound Chaplain moved forward and between them. The Lt. turned and walked to the back. As Top approached, the Lt. led him down the aisle to the front. He turned and faced the back as Jennifer appeared. She was in a long white dress with a train with pearls; she was absolutely beautiful and radiant.
The Lt. again walked to the back, extended his elbow, which Jennifer took, and the band started playing the wedding march. As the turn was made to come down the aisle, the Lt. called attention and the 12 in dress blues snapped too. As Jennifer approached, every Marine saluted her as she passed his station. When she arrived in the front, Victor Galendez took her hand and they both faced the chaplain.
The chaplain told of the love that Victor and Jennifer now shared and went through the ritual that the two of them had chosen. Harm and Sarah supplied the rings at the right time and watched their friends in wonder. After Victor and Jennifer were pronounced man and wife, they faced the marines again. The chaplain introduced them as Master Gunnery Sergeant and Mrs. Victor Galendez and everyone applauded them. The Lt. in charge gave the command and all 12 marines came to attention, moved to the center of the aisle and turned to the back. On command they all marched to the back and formed an arch of steel. Victor and Jennifer walked down the aisle and under and through the arch. The last two members of the arch gave each of the couple a whack on the backside with the flat of the blade as they passed which sent the crowd into applause.
After pictures, they returned to the two reserved chairs at the table with Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield, Harm and Sarah, and Bud and Harriett. Wow, that’s about as much as front table as you can get. On signal, Air Supply played Jennifer’s favorite song and Victor and Jennifer danced. SECNAV started the second dance with Jennifer, Harm cut in followed by Bud and finally Victor cut in to finish the dance. The chain of command had been observed and Victor ended up with his bride. Everyone wanting to dance, joined for the third and other dances.
The rest of the evening was pleasant with food, drink and good company. Air Supply wowed everyone as Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell sang everyone’s favorites. As the evening wore on, Harm and Sarah seemed to be dancing or standing on the dance floor with their full attention directed only on the other. They found the band and party to be very nice but they had moved beyond that into their own realm. It was so great they had found where the center of their universe was. It was so great to be in love like this.
Happy Thanksgiving !
TBC.
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