by Margaret Kay
Doc wished she hadn’t asked. He hadn’t had that conversation with Elizabeth yet. “Yeah, I’ll get you the ID for it later today.” He planned to install it while they were there at the office. He noticed Elizabeth was looking at him with unasked questions.
Elizabeth was confused. Alexander had said the phone would be tracked by Ops. Certainly, the ID number was available. Why hadn’t Garcia taken care of that? She removed her phone from her back pocket.
Doc leaned in close to her. “We’ll talk about it later,” he whispered, directing her hand to replace the phone in her pocket.
“Yeah, we got the phone,” Yvette said. “I was surprised that Shepherd had to think about it.” Her eyes went to Garcia. “You never told him you provided an agency phone to Sienna, did you?” She laughed a full belly laugh when Garcia shrugged innocently.
Doc ended the Ops visit then, ushering her back into the hallway. He stopped and poked his head into Madison’s office a few steps farther down the hall. “Hey.”
Madison rose from her chair and crossed the room. She gave Doc a hug. “Congrats. Cooper and I are happy for you.” Then she turned to Elizabeth and wrapped her arms around her. “Congratulations and welcome. I should have known there was something between you two. Do you know yet if you’re having a boy or a girl?”
“No,” Elizabeth said. Her eyes went to Alexander. They hadn’t talked about if they wanted to find out the gender of the baby. They hadn’t talked about a lot of things.
“It’s probably too soon,” Madison said dismissively. “Anyway, we’re happy for you.” She pointed back to her computer. “I’ve got to get back on. If I don’t pass this test, we won’t be official for the next mission. We’ll see you guys Friday night at Angel and Jackson’s house.”
Doc chuckled to himself. So, Angel had already notified the team about the get together Friday night. Angel hadn’t wasted any time. Doc appreciated these people, who were his family, more than ever. They all embraced his news, welcomed Elizabeth and made this easier than it could have been.
November
Elizabeth watched Alexander close the door to Madison’s office. He led her around the corner. Several doors were open. They went to one and stepped into an office. Seated at the desk was the muscled black man who was the team pastor. He smiled warmly at them.
“Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Williams.” He stood and closed the distance.
Elizabeth noticed that he too openly wore a pistol holstered on his hip. Yes, this was definitely going to take some getting used to.
He took them both in a hug at the same time. “Praise be to God for the new life created. You will let me baptize your baby, won’t you?” His gaze met Elizabeth’s. “I’m not Catholic, but God knows I am a devout Christian.”
That was something else she and Alexander hadn’t discussed. She wasn’t sure how she felt about her baby not being baptized Catholic. Of course, she was married outside of the Catholic Church to a non-Catholic. “Given the situation, I’m not sure that matters.”
“Elizabeth,” Lambchop said, taking both her hands. “God loves you and your child. You said vows to God, not to the Catholic God, just to God.”
Elizabeth nodded. He made a lot of sense. “I believe the union Alexander and I pledged before God is legitimate. It doesn’t have to be within the Catholic Church to be legitimate, so the baptism of our child doesn’t need to be either.” She gave him a natural smile. “I would be honored if you baptized our baby.”
Doc wrapped his arms around her and gave her a squeeze. He knew this was major for her. They hadn’t discussed her faith and how it applied to their union and this baby. “Agreed,” he said. “But first things first, the marriage license.” He released Elizabeth and pulled the document from his pocket. He handed it to Lambchop.
Lambchop reviewed it. “We can sign it and date it for tomorrow and I’ll file it tomorrow afternoon. Have you thought about who you’d like to sign as your witnesses?”
Doc hadn’t thought at all about it, forgot it would even be needed. He made eye contact with Elizabeth. “How about Angel and Jackson?”
Elizabeth nodded. Angel was a good choice as she was Sister Bernice John’s daughter, but she was okay with whoever Alexander would choose.
Doc removed his phone from his pocket and sent a text message to them both. Their affirmative replies popped in immediately. “They’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“We could do a short ceremony in the lounge and have anyone in the office who is available come,” Lambchop suggested.
“No,” Doc said right away. He glanced at Elizabeth. “Unless you want it.” His gaze shifted back to Lambchop. “We said our vows in Africa. As far as I’m concerned, that was when we were married.”
Lambchop focused his gaze on Elizabeth questioningly. “Are those your thoughts too?”
“I don’t know any of the others, except Madison and Cooper. If Alexander doesn’t want anyone else to witness us signing the license to make it legal, I’m good with that.”
“Hold on,” Doc said. “How about we have the rest of Alpha Team witness it too?” He owed that to his team.
“Delta was also in Africa,” Lambchop reminded him.
“Okay, but just the two teams,” Doc agreed.
“Not Shepherd?” Lambchop asked.
“Damn, this is getting bigger by the moment. Lambchop, we’re just going to sign the damn piece of paper.”
Lambchop smiled. “You know me better than that. There will be some words, a prayer, and a reaffirmation by the both of you before I sign that license.”
Doc groaned.
Ten minutes later, Alpha and Delta Teams were assembled in the lounge outside of Cooper’s office. At Lambchop’s prompting, Angel did send a message to everyone in the office announcing the ceremony. Soon, a larger crowd than Doc anticipated and wanted was present.
Shepherd rolled into the room and up to Doc and Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth, this is the man responsible for this agency and everything we do, Colonel Sam Shepherd,” Doc introduced.
She was surprised by the wheelchair. No one had mentioned that before. “Hello, Colonel, it’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Elizabeth,” Shepherd said, shaking her hand. “And just Shepherd is fine.” He nodded at Lambchop, signaling him to get this moving.
Lambchop had his stole around his neck, his Bible in his hand. He glanced at those assembled, who stood in a semicircle around him, Doc, and Elizabeth. “Today we gather to recognize a solemn vow these two children of God made to our Lord. While in Africa, Alexander and Elizabeth swore their faithfulness in God’s holy ordinance, to live as husband and wife until death parted them. Today, we recognize this bond and celebrate it. Marriage is a union blessed by God. Elizabeth, Alexander, please join hands.”
Doc didn’t even realize that he stood there beside Elizabeth without even holding her hand. Damn, could he be any more thoughtless? He beamed a smile at her after he had taken both her hands in his.
“Elizabeth, Alexander, you said your vows before only God as your witness months ago. I am asking you to reaffirm your vows now, before these witnesses and God. Elizabeth, please go first.”
Elizabeth felt a pang of something grip her chest. “I, Elizabeth Shaw took you as my husband, promising to forsake all others until we are parted by death, and today, I reaffirm those vows. I promise to work every day to make this marriage successful, to be the best wife and mother I can be, and to support you in all ways.”
Doc was glad Elizabeth had gone first, to help him formulate what his vows should be. He glanced at Lambchop, who nodded it was his turn. “I, Doc, Alexander Williams vowed to you before God as our only witness to be your husband. I promised then, and I promise now, to be faithful to you until we are parted by death. I too promise you that I will work every day to make this marriage successful. I promise you my honesty and my loyalty. I will always be here for you Elizabeth. I will be the best husband and father I can be.” H
is heart felt full, speaking these words to her. The fact that he said these vows in front of his friends, his family, affected him in a way he wouldn’t have predicted. He knew he would do everything he could to be what she needed him to be. He wouldn’t let her down again.
Lambchop opened his Bible to the bookmarked page. “There are many passages in the Bible that talk about the blessed union of marriage. This is one of my favorites and I think appropriate to this union. From Ephesians 4:2-3: With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” He closed the book. “Elizabeth, Alexander, be gentle with one another. Have patience and humility. Maintain this unity you have sworn before God, our Father, and let your hearts be open to all the bounties the Lord has in store for you. Amen.”
Elizabeth had hung on Reverend Johnson’s every word, forgetting there was anyone else in the room. She felt at peace and full of the Lord’s spirit unlike she had in the past few years. “Amen.”
Claps, whistles, and cheers resounded through the room, snapping Elizabeth out of her own mind. She was surprised when Alexander leaned in and kissed her. They were congratulated by each person in the room. Alexander introduced her to those she didn’t know. She knew she’d never remember all their names.
Soon the room was cleared out with only Lambchop, Doc and Elizabeth, and Jackson and Angel present. They all signed the license.
“That was a beautiful ceremony,” Angel told Lambchop, taking him in a brief embrace. Then her eyes turned to Elizabeth. “Jackson and I were married by him in this room too.”
“You were?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes. Jackson surprised me and had my aunt and cousin here, telling them for the first time that I was alive. My aunt was a second mother to me so it was the most special wedding gift Jackson could have given me.” Angel grinned the biggest smile at the memory.
“Your mom mourned the loss of your life when she thought you were dead, but her abiding faith also had her celebrating that you were with God and that she’d see you when she went to heaven. Her faith is amazing. Of all the Sisters I’ve known, your mother has this way about her that inspires a person to believe deeper, to serve with more selflessness, and to love all of God’s creatures to depths that few can. I love your mother as my second mother, just as you do your aunt.”
Angel embraced Elizabeth. “I know you are very special to her too. Thank you for asking Jackson and me to sign your license as your witnesses. It means a lot to me.”
“Us too,” Doc said. “Angel, I’m going to leave Elizabeth with you again. I have another meeting.”
Angel nodded. She knew he was due to see Lassiter.
Doc dropped himself into the chair opposite Lassiter after he’d grabbed a water bottle from the refrigerator in the kitchen. They were in Lassiter’s office. “I’m off on a vacation day, you know.”
Lassiter chuckled. “But you were coming in to get Elizabeth’s phone and for you to meet with Shepherd.”
“Did you also know that Elizabeth and I went to the courthouse this morning and got a marriage license? Lambchop will file it tomorrow when it’s legal.”
Lassiter’s lips tipped into a grin. “I suspected it.”
“Jesus, does everyone know everything around here?”
“Are you asking me if I was summoned to Shepherd’s office as soon as you left yesterday afternoon?”
Doc nodded.
“You know I was.”
“I really pissed him off, didn’t I?”
“I’d say he was more worried than anything, but you do know he prefers to be asked rather than being told.”
Doc let fly a string of curses. After he shook his head he continued. “I know. And I know you’re all about to give up on me. This whole fucked up situation has turned me inside out the last few months.”
“You’re marrying her and taking responsibility. You have a baby on the way. Does that help to straighten you out or is that going to push you farther over the edge?”
Doc shook his head. “I honestly don’t know. But I’m doing the right thing for her.”
“As opposed to how you left it with her when you left Africa.”
Doc nodded.
“How are things between you and Elizabeth?”
“Awkward as hell. Except when we’re in bed.”
Lassiter’s raised eyebrow gave Doc pause.
Doc rubbed his temples. He hadn’t planned to talk with Lassiter about that. It just slipped out. “I told myself I wasn’t going to sleep with her last night, but it just kind of happened.”
“How did it happen?” Lassiter pressed.
Damned Lassiter. Doc knew he wasn’t going to let him get away with anything. Well, technically he had for over two months. “She was cold, showed up here in a lightweight coat. I bought her a good heavy one this morning, and a hat and gloves too. She didn’t even have those either. So, last night she asked me to lay with her and hold her, because she was cold.”
“And one thing led to another?” Lassiter asked.
“Yeah.”
“She’s already pregnant with your child, it’s not like you could get her anymore pregnant.”
Doc shook his head.
“And you’re making the marriage legal. She’s your wife. Why wouldn’t you sleep with her?”
“We were at the mall this morning. She had nothing, showed up with a backpack containing everything she owns. She didn’t have many clothes heavy enough for a Chicago winter. I know everyone who saw us was sure I was her father. She’s too damned young for me, Joe.”
“You are not the only older man who’s ever been with a younger woman. I don’t understand why this is such an issue for you.”
“It just doesn’t feel right. I had to convince her to buy nice things. We were in Victoria Secret. I don’t think she’s ever had bras or panties that weren’t white and cheap. I felt like a dirty old man, dressing this young thing up in sexy undergarments for me to take advantage of. It felt disgusting, and I didn’t like it.”
“Could this be more about you feeling old, than about her youth? You turn forty soon. You’re the oldest man on the team, other than Shepherd, and you have had gray in your hair since you were thirty-two. Forty is a number that bothers a lot of men,” Lassiter suggested.
“Fuck you,” Doc groaned. “And you don’t need to remind me about my upcoming birthday.”
Lassiter chuckled. Doc just answered his question. “Just think about it. I don’t think you have gotten to the root at what’s bothering you about the age difference, and since she’ll be a part of your life, I think you need to get over it.”
“I know I do,” Doc agreed. “The thing is, I want to love her. She deserves that. But I don’t. I would never have picked someone so young and inexperienced.”
“Do you believe love can develop over time?”
“I’m not sure what I believe beyond that I want to do the right thing for her, be there for her and this baby. She said she didn’t come expecting anything from me, just thought I had the right to know.” He paused and shook his head again. “She would have gone on her way and raised our baby in poverty all by herself.”
“So, that’s the only reason you stepped up, because it was the right thing to do?”
“I wasn’t with Victoria at all during her pregnancy. I was in the Sandbox the entire six months. I’m not going to miss it this time or miss the birth of my child. I guess my reasons are a bit more selfish, not that I didn’t know I had to do the right thing for her. It was also that I didn’t want to miss this.”
“Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with any of this. And for the record, neither Shepherd nor I am ready to give up on you. You’ve been working through a lot. I told Shepherd immediately after we spoke when you returned from Africa that this was going to take some time.”
“I appreciate you didn’t tell him what my issues were. I always appreciate that you hold confidences so well. I have to
believe that Shepherd would have pushed.”
Lassiter laughed. “You know the man well. But don’t worry. I can handle him. You have the weekend off. Take the time to get to know Elizabeth and make this new marriage and kid thing a positive for you. And if you find it’s pushing you farther over the edge, get your ass back in here and talk with me about it.”
Doc laughed. “It’s weird. She’s a complete stranger in some ways, a close lover in others.”
“Have you told Elizabeth about Victoria?” Lassiter asked.
“No,” Doc replied softly. “I did tell her the way I acted when we parted was on me, had nothing to do with her and that I am haunted from my past. I’m not ready to tell her about all that yet.”