He's doing it again.

Commander Rabb does that a lot lately…stare at the colonel.  Ever since I leaked that she was dating Jack it seems that the commander has been more moody. 

I guess I told him enough to let him know that Jack's a good guy.  Maybe that's what set it off.  Maybe he's finally realized what he had now that he's lost it. 

I admire the colonel.  She stuck by him long enough and when he chose flying over her, she didn't pine away for him like a lot of women would.  No, Sarah MacKenzie pulled herself together, worked hard, and got promoted. 

But when he came back, that was a different story. 

I'm not back at JAG full-time yet, so most of my information is second hand and through the eyes of my darling, but slightly dense, husband.  Yet, if Bud noticed something changed, then it was big.  Then, the commander started coming over more often.  Under the guise of visiting A.J. and doing his duty as a god parent, but I knew there was an ulterior motive.  So, how could I not give him what he wanted? 

It would begin by him asking how I was adjusting to part-time work at JAG and then I would tell him how much I'd missed everyone and knowing what was going on in their lives.  And then, ever-so-subtly, I'd sneak in a word or two about Mac. 

He seemed noncommittal at first, but after a few weeks, he would bring up the subject more than I would.  I've begun to look forward to our visits.   Even when we see each other at work, it's still nice to talk to him off the clock.  He's always been a willing ear, especially during the dating phase of mine and Bud's relationship.  Now, I get to return the favor.

Only today, I wish he wasn't coming.  I found out something that I can't bear to tell him…something that even the colonel doesn't know.  Or at least, I <hope> she doesn't.

Jack's married.

And not just married as in gold wedding band.  I mean married as in gold wedding band, two kids, and a Dodge Caravan. 

I pray that Mac doesn't know…how could she knowingly date a married man?  Especially after all she's been through. 

But maybe that's exactly why she would.  She can’t have the man she wants, or wanted, and yet she doesn't want to settle for less.  Therefore she dates a man who wouldn't ask for more than she was willing to give. 

Jack <is> a good man.  He's just not <her> man. 
 

END
 

Go to "Broken Bonds"