Title: Then They Do, A Father's Reflection Author: Kay Martin (navysgurl09@yahoo.com) Classification: Fluff, R Rating: G Spoilers: none really. takes place after AJ/Meredith wedding Summary: Jag's father looks back Disclaimers: the song "Then They Do" is sung by Trace Adkins and written by Jim Collins/Sunny Russ, and none of the people from jag are mine, neither is the show, neither is DJE (darn) AN: Just a short little thing I thought of when I was at work, (can you tell I was bored?) Anywayz... Feedback is always welcome, but if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anyting at all. ENJOY! P.S. If you haven't heard this song before, you really kind of have to read the lyrics to understand the story. **************** "In the early rush of morning, Trying to get the kids to school: One's hanging on my shirt-tail, Another's locked up in her room. And I'm yelling up the stairs: Stop worrying 'bout your hair, you look fine." **************** AJ smiled as a familiar song came on the radio. He had never really listened to country untill Meredith. She insisted that it was one of the few forms of music that told real stories. She told him a lot of people don't like to listen to it because the songs usually hit too close to home. As the song played on he thought of his time at JAG, and realized that she was right in that he really could relate to it. He remembered the chaotic state of the bullpen as everyone readied for the monday staff call, and how he often had to round up his officers. Tiner was always right on top of him, with messages, plans, and anything else the world threw at him. **************** "Then they're fighting in the backseat, And I'm playing referee. Now someone's gotto go, The moment that we leave. And everybody's late, I swear I can't wait till they grow up." **************** Letting a sigh, he thought back to the many many times he acted as referee for his two senior officers. Whether it was playfull banter, or the full blown temper-tantrums, Harm and Mac always seemed to be going at it. Then there were the times during Harriets three pregnancies where, when they were just getting started, Harriet would jump up and leave for the restrooms. It slowed them down considerably sometimes, but he never had the heart to say anything. Sometimes he just couldn't wait to retire. **************** "Then they do, and that's how it is. It's just quiet in the mornin', Can't believe how much you miss, All they do and all they did. You want all the dreams they dreamed of to come true: Then they do." **************** Retirement was definately a nice change of pace for him. After he and Meredith were married, he stayed on board for a short period while, but eventually decided that it was finally his time to move on. However, he sometimes couldn't help but miss all the action and excitement of JAG. During the first few weeks of his retirement, he often found himself just "dropping in" to check on a few of the last cases he had assigned, or sometimes to pick up an item he had "forgotten" on his last visit. His people never seemed to mind though. The thought made AJ chuckle. It was funny how he still thought of them as "his people". In truth though, they were. They too, often found themselves calling or dropping by to chat or seek advice. He always welcomed them with an open door. **************** "Now the youngest is starting college, She'll be leaving in the fall. And Brianna's latest boyfriend, Called and asked if we could talk. And I got the impression, That he's about to pop the question any day." **************** Throughout his time at JAG, he had always thought of his people as his children. Through all of there faults, habits, and hair brained schemes (or at least Rabb's), he loved them all as his family, and each person was a welcome member. Even singer. The last addition to his family was young Jen Coates. He remembered the day she started at JAG, eager and ready to work. He had made a wise decision in bringing her aboard, and an even wiser one when he recommended her for the seaman to admiral program. After earning a bachelor's degree, he had full confidence she would be ready to take on the world as an officer. And speaking of children, two of his favorite had seemingly got it right after nearly a decade. AJ had just recieved a phone call from Harm asking his permission to marry Mac. While he obviously hadn't needed to, Harm had still expressed the fact that AJ truly was a father to all of them. The old admiral was choked and gave not only his permission, but full love and support. **************** "I look over at their pictures, Sittin' in their frames. I see them as babies: I guess that'll never change. You pray all their lives, That someday they will find happiness." **************** Pictures and memories of himself, his people, and JAG events littered the house. They had all slowly collected over the years, and he could remember when every single one of them was taken. They began from when he first arrived, to each new arrival of a staff member. He had a formal picture of almost everyone in their uniforms, and, the proud father he was, carried many different pictures in his wallet. Especially ones with his namesake and his brother, and of course, his own daughter. He remembered each new addition as young and eager to work. Many reminded him of himself. That image still hadn't changed. He wished the best for all of his children and tried to help them attain their goals any way he could. Just as a father should. **************** "Then they do, and that's how it is. It's just quiet in the morning, Can't believe how much you miss, All they do and all they did. You want all the dreams they dreamed of to come true: Then they do." "No more Monday PTA's, No carpoos, or soccer games. Your work is done. Now you've got time that's all your own. You've been waiting for so long, For those days to come." **************** No more monday staff calls, long investigations, charity events, secret missions, or digging two certain someones out of trouble. He was done. He was retired. "Yeah right." AJ thought. He knew that if any of his people needed him he'd be there in a minute. But now he truly could enjoy his time with his new wife and finish out his years in peace. He had waited for forever to retire, and now he had. He would definately miss the job and the excitement, but every time someone came to visit from JAG he was reminded that he wasn't missing very much at all. His family was still there. He was still going to be a part of their lives, and them a part of his. That would never change. **************** "Then they do, and that's how it is. It's just quiet in the morning, Can't believe how much you miss, All they do and all they did. You want all the dreams the dreamed of to come true: Then they do." "Ah then they do" **************** AJ's dreams had come true and he was sure that the same would go for his children. They have, they do, and they will. **************** THE END