A Memorable Memorial Weekend

Author: FananicFan

Disclaimer: JAG and its characters are the property of Belisarius Productions, CBS and Paramount. No copyright infringement intended. Original characters, story ideas and story are the property of this author.

Author’s Note: This is the sequel to Temporary Assigned Duty or if you prefer to look at it another way, it's the third story in my series, the first of which was Fate Decides Our Future. I know that some of you liked and some of you hated the last story, but I hope that you'll give this one a try.

Story Timing: This story will give you a little gap information in the Prologue and the story will be happening over Memorial Weekend.

Story Summary: Don't expect any twists and turns in this story. It just fills in some time with some nice moments. I didn't want them to move too fast, but I didn't want to drag things out too long. I always had trouble with that in the series. Without dates in the episodes, sometimes it was hard to tell if things were realistic. For example: The Harm and Sturgis bout could have been plausible if we'd seen a deterioration of the friendship over the course of a few weeks or months. An argument during a friendly game of hoops, a few angry words exchanged after a courtroom showdown, then Sturgis being made temporary JAG and Harm ‘bucking’ him would have led to a believable rift, but enough of my editoral...

On with this tale.

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Story Three

A Memorable Memorial Weekend

PROLOGUE

In the weeks that followed Mac’s departure: Harm’s itinerary for Memorial weekend had changed at least ten times since the original. The Virginia court had asked for proof that, if given custody, he could provide care for Mattie in the form of a nurse or aid. He searched through various sources until he found an agency that could supply him with either a licensed nurse or caregiver on a temporary or permanent basis. Between gathering information for the court, trying to keep up with the changes in his itinerary, maintaining a well-run office, trying not to worry about Mac while waiting for word on her follow up visits, and unpacking, these last few weeks had been hetic. His sanity was being maintained by daily emails, weekly phone calls and pictures that he’d unpacked a few days after Mac had left Lonodn. He’d placed the picture of them taken in Afghanistan on the stand next to the bed. Perhaps during the Memorial weekend, they could make time to get a ‘couple’ picture taken, one without the military props.

In the weeks that followed Mac’s return to Washington: Mac returned to the office under light duty orders. On May 10th, she met with General Cresswell to hand in her requests for separation from the Corps and to begin terminal leave. After the general had asked, “Are you sure that this is what you want?” and she'd replied with a firm, “Yes sir,” the general had signed her request. A couple more signatures and she’d be off to London. At her follow up appointment the morning of the 17th, her light duty had been modified and she’d been given an appointment for the 27th for what should be a final check up. Immediately following her appointment, she went into the office with her primary goal being to email Harm. After being in the office for an hour and seven minutes, Cresswell called her into his office to assign her Ensign Williams case. The Williams case would require her to do interviews, take statements, and do some research. This was the type of case that would’ve been the welcomed diversion that she'd wanted before her trip to London, and it would be a case that she’d want after Harm left, but with Harm’s arrival days away, it wasn’t a case that she wanted right now.

In the weeks since Harm had left: Mattie had begun to address her issues concerning her father with her counselor. The counselor tried to convey to Mattie that her father’s drinking wasn’t her fault, that he just hadn’t been far enough along in his recovery to handle the situation. It was hard for her not to see it as her fault. He’d been doing so well. If she hadn’t wanted to learn to fly, the accident wouldn’t have happened and her father wouldn’t be drinking again. Adding to her feelings of guilt was the stress of not knowing when her recovery program was going to be completed. She wanted to walk again, but she didn’t want to finish the therapy program. Once she finished the program, she’d be released from the hospital…to go home, but she didn’t have a home. The mixture of feelings was taking a toll on her mental health.

Mac’s first visit to Mattie after her return from London didn’t help Mattie’s mood. Mac was wearing her ring from Harm, symbolizing their unity, but that had made Mattie feel left out. Mac gave Mattie the bracelet that she’d bought for her in London. Mac had helped Mattie put it on, and she hadn't taken it off since. Mac resumed her previous schedule for visits to Mattie, and, each visit, Mattie seemed a little better. The time that Mattie spent with Mac seemed to mean more in some way that Mattie couldn’t explain.

The events on one Tuesday evening in May would renew Mattie’s hope for a home and, from it, would spring a new attitude. The big moment for Mattie -and a surprise to Mac - happened on Tuesday, May 17.

*****FLASHBACK****

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Mattie was beaming when Mac entered. If it hadn’t been for the woman unkown to Mac sitting in a chair at Mattie’s bedside, Mac would have thought that Mattie knew about Harm’s visit. Mattie saw Mac in the doorway and acknowledged her presence to the woman.

“There she is. I told you that she’d be here tonight.” Her voice was strong and bubbly.

As Mac stepped further into the room, the woman stood to face Mac. The woman introduced herself, “Hello, I’m Donna LeMoine, Mattie’s court appointed Guardian Ad Litem.”

Mattie spoke before Mac could. “She’s Mac, Harm’s fiancée.”

Mac knew Ms. LeMoine would want to know her full name, but it took her a second to find her voice. It was the first time that Mac had been introduced as Harm’s fiancee, and it had rendered her temporarily speechless. Mac had been running late this evening so she hadn’t changed out of her uniform, and thus thought it appropriate to include her military rank. “Ms. LeMoine, I’m Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. My friends call me Mac.”

Ms. LeMoine asked to speak to Mac privately. Ms. LeMoine’s questions were to the point. She asked about Harm, her relationship with him, and some personal questions about herself. When Mac returned to Mattie’s room, Mattie couldn’t stop asking questions. She wanted to know what Ms. LeMoine had wanted to know. Before saying goodnight that evening, Mattie said, “Sarah is a pretty name.”

*****END FLASHBACK*****

CHAPTER ONE – Thursday, May 26, 2005

The SecNav had sent a car to pick up Captain Rabb and drop him at his home. As they neared the turn that would bring his old building into view, Harm looked at his watch. The time was 1615. Mac shouldn’t be at the loft yet. When the car pulled up in front of the building, Harm was in such a hurry to get inside that he didn’t see her car parked just down a little from where he use to park his.

Mac had left the office early to avoid some of the traffic, but traffic was still heavy and she’d arrived home just minutes ago. She did her usual look around. Her patrol today was part security check and part looking to see if Harm or his things were here.

Mac had brought only a few things over from her apartment, the couch, coffee table, the armoire, television and VCR/DVD with stand. She’d left Varese the chairs and end tables so she wouldn't be without a living room. Harm had left his bedroom furniture so she was only missing a dining room. Harm had left the stools to the island, so that was her dining room. She hadn’t picked these particular pieces for sentimental reasons. She’d picked them for practical reasons. The couch and coffee table gave her someplace to sit and work. Behind the armoire was where she’d always kept her gun. She’d placed the armoire where his bookcase had been and the pistol that she kept ready at the door had its proper place.

After checking the apartment, she went to the answering machine, no messages. Mac changed clothes. Any other Thursday, she wouldn’t have fought traffic into the city to change. She simply would’ve stopped in Arlington to visit Mattie in uniform, but tonight was different. Harm was arriving. She should’ve heard from him. It was 1616. She was checking to see if she’d missed a call on her cell phone when it rang.

Harm was standing outside in the hall near the door. He was fumbling through the side pocket of his bag with one hand and holding his cell phone to his ear with the other.

Having seen the caller ID, she was trying to hide her excitement. “Hello,” she said, her voice calm.

Hearing her voice was music to his ears. “Answered on the first ring. Were you expecting a call?”

She began to pace the living room. “I was actually expecting a visit, but I thought he might call if his schedule changed again and he wasn’t going to make it tonight afterall.”

“They didn’t change my schedule, but I did have a long and rough flight. My bags got knocked around and I can’t seem to put my hand on the key to the place at the moment, but I’m here. When will you be home?”

“You’re at the apartment?” She rushed towards the door, hoping that it was true.

“I’m standing in the hall outside the apartment door, looking for the blasted key, to be exact.” He could sense her presence, but thought it to be only wishful thinking on his part.

She quietly pulled the door open. She used the door to steady her while speaking and taking in the sight of him. “If you bring your bag inside, you can just dump it out to find the key. It'll make it easier.”

He knew that her voice was too clear for him to be hearing it through the phone. He looked up. His phone dropped away from his ear and he flipped it closed while moving towards her. She moved back, allowing him to enter the apartment and flipping her phone closed as she did. He entered, and she pushed the door closed. “Why don’t you get something to drink or just relax for a minute? I’ll take your bag, and you can look for your key later.” She reached for his bag.

“Thanks, but I’ll take it.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "I’d like to change while I’m at it.”

Changed and looking refreshed, he came down the steps to rejoin Mac a few minutes later. Mac’s back was to him, and he saw that she was on the phone. He stopped so as not to intrude on her conversation, but he could hear Mac’s side anyway. “I’m running a little late, but I’ll be leaving in a few minutes.” “I just didn’t want you to worry.” “Okay, bye.” Mac ended her call and immediately felt his hands on her arms and his breath on the back of her neck. He spun her around and kissed her. The kiss was hard, but not rough, and she melted into his arms. His arms had wrapped around her as they kissed.

The kiss had been a way for him to greet his future wife, but, in part, it was a way to keep her here until he could find a way to tell her that he wanted to see Mattie tonight. He didn’t want it to sound like he didn’t want to spend time with her, because he mostly certainly did, but he also wanted and needed to see Mattie. With his schedule in the hands of the SecNav, he wanted to visit Mattie while he knew he could. With Mac in his arms, it was tough to find the words to tell her, but he wouldn’t have to because she'd bring it up.

His arms around her and her head reeling from his kiss, she leaned against him, and they stood in silence for a few moments before she decided that she needed to clue him in on the call. “I was talking to Mattie. I’m going to go see her as usual, but I’ve been dragging my feet, hoping that you’d arrive. If changing and freshening up helped shake off the bad flight and you feel up to coming, I know that she’d love to see you.” She paused. “If you’d prefer, I’ll stay here so the two of you can have some time.”

He placed a kiss on her forehead before he pulled her into a short, but enjoyable second kiss. “I think we should get going. You told her that you’d be leaving in a few minutes.”

Mac pulled herself out of his embrace. She retrieved her purse from the counter. “I’m ready,” she said and, with that, they left the apartment.

Harm looked tired and offered no argument to Mac driving. Once they were on their way, Harm gave her the highlights of his itinerary. Tomorrow: Meeting with SecNav, 0900, rehearsal of the ceremony at The Wall, 1100. Saturday and Sunday had the one line notation, ‘no activities currently scheduled.’ Not currently scheduled, put simply, meant that he was at the mercy of the SecNav. If the SecNav wanted him to be somewhere, he’d be duty bound to be there, even if it were the last place on earth that he wanted to be. Monday: The ceremony was listed from 0800 to 1130. A luncheon was scheduled from 1200 to 1330. Tuesday: Depart from Andrews at 0800.

Mac gave him Bud’s message. If Harm’s schedule allowed, he was invited to the Roberts’ Memorial weekend cookout on Sunday. Mac had hoped for a little hand holding in the car, but no luck. He’d said that it had been a rough flight, so perhaps he needed a little while to decompress. At one point, Mac asked if she should stop so that he could get something to eat, but he said that he really wasn’t hungry.

Westover Rehabilitation Center - Arlington, Virginia

Mac entered Mattie’s room. A plan to surprise Mattie had been devised, and Harm stood just outside the door. As soon as Mattie saw Mac, she was asking about Harm. Mattie had received his email saying that he was leaving London on business, and she wanted to know if Mac knew anything. Harm hadn’t taken into account the impact that Mac’s recent ‘business trip’ mishap may have had on Mattie until he heard the distress in her voice as she fired questions at Mac. He couldn’t wait outside, knowing that she was upset.

His timing was right on as Mattie fired her latest question “Is Harm okay?”

Mac saw Harm in the doorway. “I’d say that flying through five time zones has him a little tired, but other than that, he’s fine.” Mac pointed her index finger towards the door while speaking, “But you can see that for yourself.”

Harm came into Mattie’s room and sat in a chair at her bedside. His smile and hello were greeted with the first of many questions. Mac slipped out of the room so that Mattie and Harm could talk. However, ten minutes later Mac returned, asking him to join her in the hall. Harm followed Mac towards the nurse’s station where a blond, forty-something woman with soft features stood. The woman was making notes on a chart and looked up as they approached. Harm didn’t have a clue as to this woman’s identity, but he didn’t have to wait long for Mac to make introductions.

Mac’s hand waved in Harm’s direction as she spoke. “You said that you’ve heard a lot about Harm from Mattie. Well, this is Harm. Harm, this is Dr. Browning. She took over as Mattie’s counselor from Dr. Wells the week after you left.”

Dr. Browning motioned to an office next to the nurse’s station. “We’ll have more privacy in there.”

In the office, Dr. Browning moved to take a seat behind the big metal desk, motioning for Harm and Mac to sit down. Mac reached for Harm’s hand. “I speak with Mattie every Thursday. We’re usually finishing up when Ms. MacKenzie arrives. I’ve waited this evening to speak with her, but when I saw her in the hall, she said that you were here, Mr. Rabb, and I wanted to meet you. I find it strange that Mattie didn’t mention that you were coming to town for a visit, Mr. Rabb.”

“Mattie didn’t know. I was brought here on business and I wasn’t sure that my schedule would allow me time to visit, so I didn’t tell her that I was coming, just in case.”

“Not telling her was probably a wise decision on your part, given how connected she feels to you. Mattie seems to be very understanding of your military life. Mattie’s bond with Ms. MacKenzie has certainly grown over the last few weeks. I attribute that growth to the potential loss of Ms. MacKenzie when she was injured several weeks ago. I also think that it has something to do with Mattie’s acceptance of her as a mother figure now that Ms. MacKenzie is engaged to you, Mr. Rabb. That bond is the reason why I wanted to talk to you this evening, Ms. MacKenzie and, with Mr. Rabb being here, it'll just make things move along more quickly.”

Mac’s chest felt heavy. What was wrong with her relationship with Mattie? “Is there a problem?” Mac and Harm voiced the question in unison.

“Let me fill you in on some of the things going on with Mattie before we talk about the reason why I wanted to see you.” She paused, giving the couple few seconds to relax before she continued. “Mattie and I have spent a great deal of time on her father in the last two weeks. I’ve tried to contact him both at home and at work without success. Mattie told me of his drinking problem, and my only reason for contacting him was to try to get insight into how to better help Mattie through her issues. However, to my surprise, Mattie seems to be doing better than I’d have thought. I credit that in part to Mattie’s own strong personality and her relationships with the two of you.” She paused again to gather her thoughts and observe the couple sitting in front of her.

Mac was fidgeting nervously for fear that, though everything had seemed fine, she was going drop a bomb, like maybe she couldn’t see Mattie anymore.

Noticing the fidgeting, Dr. Browning continued. “I’d like to verify some things that Mattie has told me before I continue, if that’s all right?” Both of them nodded in agreement and she continued. “The two of you are engaged to each other, correct?”

They replied, “Yes.”

“Have you set a date?”

“No,” Harm stated.

“I understand that the two of you have known each other a long time. Ms. MacKenzie, are you in agreement that Mattie should be in Mr. Rabb’s custody?”

“Yes,” Mac replied, puzzled by her question.

“I’d like to ask why you didn’t seek joint custody of Mattie.”

It was Harm who answered. “I petitioned the court prior to proposing. To refile a petition would have delayed the court in setting a date for a hearing. Once our engagement was official, I notified the court at the earliest possible time of my intent to marry.”

Mac added, “I was interviewed on the 17th by Ms. LeMoine, and a Mr. Watlee interviewed me the following evening at home.”

“So, Mr. Rabb, not filing a joint custody petition was in no way an indicator of any aprehension on your part of the ability of Ms. MacKenzie to care for Mattie.”

Harm wasn’t too happy with the turn in conversation, and the tone of his answer reflected that. “No!”

Dr. Browning was aware that her last question hadn’t sat well, but it had been a necessary question. “I had to ask, Mr. Rabb. I’m sure that you’ll understand when I explain my reason for wanting to speak with Ms. MacKenzie tonight.”

Dr. Browning waited a moment before continuing in order to allow Harm a moment to calm himself. “With Mattie being so close to completion of her physical therapy, I'm not concerned about a setback to her physical recovery. I’m concerned with her mental recovery. I’ve been working on something over these last couple of weeks that I think will help Mattie. Since you live outside the country, Mr. Rabb, and Mr. Johnson would be of more harm than good at this point, I asked the court to give special circumstances consideration to allowing a third party to take Mattie out for an off site visit.”

She paused to watch the couple exchange looks between them before she continued. “An off site visit means what the name implies. The patient is allowed off hospital grounds for an amount of time decided by the doctors to visit with family or friends who might help them with recovery or prepare them for reentry into the family unit with whatever new physical limitations they may have. It allows the patient to be in familiar surroundings or with familiar people in an everyday situation, allowing the patient to get reaquainted with home surroundings or family members in small increments before their release. The lack of a parent or legal guardian in Mattie’s case makes setting up such a thing much more difficult. However, I received an answer from the court on my request this afternoon. After interviewing Ms. MacKenzie and speaking with Mattie, Ms. LeMoine recommended that Ms. MacKenzie be allowed to take Mattie for off site visits. Now I need to know if that's acceptable to you, Mr. Rabb, as her potential guardian and to you, Ms. MacKenzie, as the one who’ll be responsible for Mattie outside the hospital before I can proceed.”

Harm and Mac looked at each other. The couple had been holding hands since they'd sat down, and Dr. Browning watched as the two of them communicated silently. Dr. Browning wasn’t surprised when, without a word uttered between them, they turned to her and agreed to the off site visits.

Dr. Browning finished up with the couple by letting them know that she thought that she could have the paperwork done by late tomorrow. In doing so, perhaps Ms.MacKenzie could take Mattie out while Mr. Rabb was still in town. The three of them agreed that, for much the same reasons that Harm hadn’t mentioned his visit to Mattie, until the paperwork was done, they shouldn’t mention this to Mattie either.

The only question that Mac had for Dr. Browning was about where Mattie could go. Dr. Browning explained that Mattie’s physician would dictate how long Mattie would be allowed off site or what any other limitations might be.

Back in Mattie’s room, the conversation between the three of them - Mac, Mattie, and Harm - moved along easily from one subject to the next. Surpirisingly enough, the explanation that Dr. Browning wanted to meet Harm seemed to be enough of an explanation for the usually very curious teenager. The topic that drew the most questions was Harm’s work schedule.

At one point, Dr. Browning poked her head into the room and asked to speak with Mac. The two women stepped into the hall, and Dr. Browning gave Mac a packet of information about the rules for taking a patient off site for her to review. Dr. Browning said that she’d leave the paperwork at the nurse's station on Friday night, and Mac could pick it up on Saturday by showing an ID.

Mac could see the signs of fatigue in Mattie and Harm. She excused herself to ‘go get something to drink,’ but it was only to leave Harm and Mattie alone to talk privately, just in case this was the only time that they got to see each other before he left.

Harm and Mattie did talk until Mattie could no longer keep her eyes open and began drifting to sleep, then forcing herself awake. After the third nod off, Harm took Mattie’s hand in one of his. “I'd better go. You need your rest. I’ll visit again if I can.” A soft “goodnight” from Mattie, and she was asleep.

Harm found Mac sitting in a chair in the corridor outside Mattie’s room. She spoke first. “I could see that she was getting tired. I knew that she’d drift off and I wanted you two to have some time together.”

“Thank you, but you could have come in.” He paused. “I think I could use a few hours of sleep myself.”

She stood. “I want to go in and say goodnight first.” Harm nodded, and she went into Mattie’s room, returning only a couple of minutes later.

Harm was exhausted, and the ride back to the apartment was quiet. Mac offered to stop and pick him up something to eat, but he said that he was more tired than hungry.

North of Union Station

Once inside the apartment, Mac asked. “Have you been getting any sleep?”

“Usually, but last night I was too excited.”

Mac had to tease him. “Excited about what?”

His eyes made contact with the floor and he had the look of a little boy dragging a toe through the sand. “Excited about seeing you.”

Mac had to hold in the laugh that was threating to come out with his boyish behavior, but she couldn’t surpress the smile. “We'd better get you to bed so that you’re not cranky with the SecNav in the morning.”

“I was beginning to think that you were never going to ask me to bed.” The little boy was gone as he flashed his flyboy smile.

“You’re tired, and I don’t have the green light for that yet,” she replied with a slight blush in her cheeks.

Mac opted for changing in the bathroom. When she came out, Harm had already stripped down, was lying on his back under the covers, appeared to be very comfortable and was nearly asleep. She crawled under the covers and snuggled against him. His arms closed around her. She rested her head on his chest, tucking the top of her head under his chin. He kissed the top of her head.

“I missed you,” he said.

“And I missed you,” she replied. Knowing how much he needed rest and hoping that tomorrow the doctor would release her for more intimate activity, she snuggled in a little closer, and they drifted to sleep.

CHAPTER TWO – Friday, May 27, 2005

North of Union Station

Harm was sleeping soundly when the feeling that he’d overslept caused his eyes to pop open. He turned to look at the clock, 0415. The abrupt wake up delayed his senses, so it took a moment for the female form lying with her side against his and her head resting on his outstretched arm to register. His recollection of the previous day, from boarding the plane to Mac crawling into bed with him, came quickly. He breathed a little easier knowing that he wasn’t dreaming or losing his mind - he was only time zone challeneged. He rolled to his side to look at her. He watched her sleep until the closeness of their bodies awakened other parts of him, and then he remembered that she wasn’t cleared for the early morning manuevers that he had on his mind. He fought his yearning and tried to go back to sleep until the alarm sounded, but after a few minutes, he realized that his thought of sleep was futile and he slipped out of bed.

Quietly, he dressed and left for a morning run. Upon his return, he started a pot of coffee before going to shower.

Mac woke and didn’t have to even open her eyes to know that it was 0527. With the spot next to her empty and the smell of brewing coffee finding it’s way to her nostrils, she knew that Harm was already up.

Harm’s bare chest was visible as she approached him while he was preparing breakfast. He reached out with a cup in hand. Once close enough to accept the proffered cup of coffee, she noticed that he was already dressed from the waist down. They then ate breakfast and reviewed their schedules.

Mac’s appointment late this afternoon required that she have a car, and they were going in opposite directions this morning. A quick phone call to PO Coates to arrange a ride to work for Mac, and the plan was completed. He’d take her car and, once Mac got to the office, she’d call a rental car company that delivered, like Enterprise, and rent a car. It occurred to both of them that the rental should be a car suitable for transporting Mattie. With the commute traffic that she’d be encountering on the way back from Bethesda, Mac suggested that he go to see Mattie for a little while. They could meet for a late dinner at the apartment.

While Mac showered and dressed, Harm cleaned up the kitchen. Before letting Mac leave the privacy of the apartment to meet PO Coates, they shared more than a friendly kiss and wished each other a good day. With Mac on her way, Harm finished dressing and left for his meeting with the SecNav.

The morning had gone as Harm had thought it would. The meeting with the SecNav was a meeting of those officers who'd been invited to the luncheon after the ceremony. The SecNav was giving them a list of dos and don’ts when handling the press and political figures who'd also be attending. The SecNav also confirmed that if the rehearsal went well this afternoon, he’d have the weekend off. Harm was pleasantly surprised when his workday ended at 1330. He returned to the apartment and made a quick call to Mac to verify the time of her appointment and a time to meet for dinner before he changed into jeans and a blue/gray pullover. Before leaving the apartment to see Mattie, he gave the refrigerator an inspection for anything edible and found that he’d have to do some shopping in order to cook dinner.

Harm arrived to see Mattie, bearing a gift-wrapped box, which Mattie wasted no time in opening. It was a book about England with a big section on London. Mattie thumbed through the book and asked a few questions. They talked about various things until Mattie’s nurse came in. A dicussion about Mattie’s need to rest because she’d overdone it today in therapy became a hot topic. Harm gave Mattie a parental look, and Mattie knew that he’d be leaving soon so that she could rest. Harm let her know that he wasn’t going to have to work the weekend so that she’d be seeing him tomorrow. He wished her pleasant dreams and stayed until she’d fallen asleep.

On his way to buy groceries, he thought about how the nurse coming in and informing him that Mattie needed to be resting had made it easier for him leave to make Mac dinner without risking upsetting Mattie.

Mac's furnishings had certainly made the place look different, yet it had a familiarity to it that allowed him to move about the kitchen with ease and in comfort - now that he’d shed his shoes. He hoped that he could pull off a romantic evening. He shook his head and snorted at the thought of romance. He’d never cared about that stuff before. He really had this love thing bad.

Harm was going over a mental checklist: dinner cooking, the coffee table set - he’d had to use it as a substitute for a dining table - when the phone rang. It was Mac. Traffic was finally letting up and she should be arriving in about fifteen minutes. The call ended, and he went about adding the finishing touches. He made a salad, turned on the stereo and lit candles before flipping off the lights.

She entered, put her briefcase down by the door and surveyed the room. A trio of pillar candles acted as the centerpiece to the carefully set coffee table, while soft music played in the background. Candlelight and light filtering in from outside through the windows lit the room. She was touched by the effort that he’d made. He came to her and greeted her with a peck to the lips in greeting. She removed her shoes, tie and jacket. She was now more comfortable and ready to indulge in whatever it was that he was cooking, because it smelled wonderful.

They ate and talked about work related items, in particular, the case involving Ensign Williams, the case that she’d been recently assigned. The dinner itself would be reminiscent of their working dinners of the past.

He’d wanted to ask her about her doctor’s visit, but was afraid that it would sound too much like he’d planned this evening to get her into bed, and that wasn’t the case. He’d planned this evening because he loved her. If she didn’t bring up the doctor’s appointment tonight, then he’d ask her about it tomorrow.

He volunteered to clean up while she relaxed and tried to forget about the Williams case for the time being. She went to change and, when she came back, she was wearing a knee-length, red satin robe. After he politely refused another offer of help, she went to wait for him on the couch.

With dinner dishes out of the way, he joined her. He sat close to her and put an arm around her shoulders. He’d just settled into place when Mac spoke. “I must say that you outdid yourself tonight. Dinner was excellent, but you shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.”

“It was no trouble at all.”

Her tone and facial expression turned serious. “When we were here last, you said that other women were in the past, but is there anyone with whom you have unfinished business?”

It took him a few moments to remember the conversation that they’d had in London about her having to talk to Clay because she felt that the relationship had ended so abruptly that she had unfinished business with him. “No, no unfinished business.”

“So I don’t have anyone to worry about. Not your first wife..." She made a funny face when she said wife, referencing his sham marriage to Catherine Gayle. "...or Professor -”

He cut her off with a delicate kiss to her lips. “No one, I’m all yours. And for the record, I ‘married’ her only to find you.”

CHAPTER THREE - Saturday, May 28, 2005

North of Union Station

Having slept well, Mac woke slowly. She could feel the warmth of him behind her, one of his arms around her waist, the other she was using for a pillow. The cloudy vision of sleepy eyes faded, and his hand with his Academy ring on it became clear. It wasn’t a dream. He was really here.

She started to snuggle closer to him, if that were possible, but a morning need forced her to get up. When she returned from the bathroom, he was on his side, the way she’d left him. She climbed into bed, facing him and placed a soft, quick kiss on his lips.

As she pulled her lips away, he said, “Good morning.” His eyes still closed, his arms wrapped around her.

“Good morning,” she replied before her lips found his again in another loving kiss.

His eyes opened after their lips parted after the second kiss. “I should have gotten a MacKenzie alarm clock a long time ago. I like the wake up feature.”

Her face took on a shy smile. “The wake up feature is on a one of a kind model.”

“Makes me a lucky guy then, doesn’t it?” He kissed her softly.

She blushed and changed the subject. “You need to get up because you have a date with your daughter.”

“You say that like you’re not coming with me.”

“With her accident, your move, and our engagement, she needs some time with you. I haven’t seen Harriet since I got back from London. Bud said that he tried to describe my ring to her, and she wants to see it for herself. I made plans to go shopping with her today, but I’ll come by the hospital for dinner.”

She pulled back, but he didn’t let go. “Already taking care of your family,” he said gently placing a kiss on her lips. “I find that to be a turn on.” He rose up onto an elbow to place a kiss on her neck. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I could run a mile.” She giggled. He leaned in to cover her lips with his and eased her back onto the bed as they kissed.

One kiss led to more. They’d entered a new phase of intimacy last night. Perhaps it was the need to take things slow and easy, as the doctor had ordered, or perhaps it was because both were now certain of the love and level of commitment that each had for the other. It would be almost impossible for either of them to describe their first two encounters. Neither would say that it was sex because, emotionally, it was far from it, yet it was a lusty discovery of what had always been off limits, but desired. Those first two encounters had been freeing and loving and certainly not unpleasant, but now they had more. Their encounter in London had been about need. His was the need to have even one more chance of holding on to what he wanted most. Hers was the need to hold on to what she truly wanted, but was afraid of losing. Last night's tender exchange and the present one were more loving, and they were taking the time to discover how the other would react to being touched here or kissed there. They were more at ease with each other and more confidant in their relationship.

As their latest kiss deepened, his concern for her comfort rose. His hand moved down her abdomen on its way to check for her readiness. Her legs were relaxed as his hand passed between her thighs and two of his fingers entered her. His long fingers slid in and out as he waited for any sign from her that she was uncomfortable or in pain. His fingers moved in and out many times before he was satisfied that she'd given him no sign of anything other than enjoyment and that she was as ready for him as he was for her. He pulled his hand back and, careful not to let her bare any of his weight, position himself over her. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, both making sounds of pleasure, not pain, until both were satisfied.

She lay content in his arms after their lovemaking until that blasted internal clock of hers took note of the time. “You'd better get up and get moving or you’re going to be late.”

“You’re right, but I want you to know that I could lie here with you all day.”

She smiled. After a quick kiss to her lips, he got up to shower, and Mac got up to make coffee.

Westover Rehabilitation Center

Mattie’s door was open when he arrived, and Mattie was picking at her breakfast. After some prodding, Mattie confessed to being upset. Among her concerns were the delay in getting a hearing date and being stuck in the hospital.

Harm spent time addressing Mattie’s frustration and worries, and Mattie seemed to be feeling better by mid-morning. Not long after their discussion had come to a close, a nurse came in to take Mattie to physical therapy. The nurse helped Mattie stand and, with the aid of a walker, Mattie made her way down the hall, the nurse and Harm following close behind. Harm had been getting excellent reports, but it was good to see Mattie’s progress for himself. At the end of the session, Mattie’s therapist talked to Harm. Mattie was on a pace to be ready to leave the hospital in four to six weeks.

Once Mattie was back in her room, her lunch was delivered. Harm wasn’t hungry, so he just watched her eat. During lunch, Mattie asked, “Where’s Mac?”

“Since you get to see a lot more of her these days than you do me, she went shopping with a friend, but she’ll be by for dinner.”

“Is she bringing something?” Mattie looked hopeful. “She usually brings something in on Saturdays.”

“Are you saying that she bribes you with food?”

Mattie nodded and poked at her lunch with her fork. “Have you actually tasted any of this so called food that they serve?” They both laughed.

After lunch, their conversation turned to a discussion about some of the places that she’d read about in the book that he’d brought yesterday. She also asked about his office and job. It was amazing how much they could find to talk about even though they emailed each other at least once a day and talked on the phone once a week.

Mattie's day had been much fuller than she was used to, and a wave of exhaustion swept through her. She fell asleep in the late afternoon. Harm had promised that he’d spend the day, so he wasn’t going to leave the hospital, but he did venture down to the cafeteria while she slept.

In the cafeteria, he looked over the choices. The food available here might be healthy, but it didn’t look appetizing. He didn’t want to risk what it might taste like, so he opted for an apple and a bottle of water. He took a bite of the apple. Now he hoped that Mac was bringing something for dinner, too. He sat in the cafeteria and finished the apple and water before returning to Mattie’s room.

Mattie was still sleeping when he returned. He sat in the chair at Mattie's bedside and picked up the book on England. He made it through five pages before Mattie started to stir. Once she was awake, Mattie apologized for falling asleep, but Harm quickly dismissed the need for her apology.

After her nap, Mattie realized that she’d sent him an email about school that he probably hadn’t read because he'd been traveling to DC. She’d be taking tests Tuesday through Thursday of the coming week and would get the results the week after. If she passed all the tests, she’d be caught up and able to advance with her class. Harm realized as she spoke that he hadn’t checked into schools for her in London. He'd better do that upon his return. The talk of school brought up the talk of boys, one boy in particular, Kevin. Mattie said that Kevin was keeping in touch by email and had even sent a couple of cards to the hospital.

It was approaching the dinner hour, and Mac was at the nurses’ station to see if the paperwork for Mattie’s off site visits were ready. After a check of her ID, Mac slipped the manila envelope that she'd been handed into her shopping bag before picking up the pizza box off the counter and heading to Mattie’s room.

Harm was starting to get hungry. As if his thoughts had cued her, Mac appeared in the doorway. “Is anyone hungry?” Mac entered the room with her purse and a shopping bag in one hand, and a pizza box in the other.

Mattie watched Harm stand and take the pizza box before kissing Mac on the cheek in greeting. Mac put down her purse and shopping bag while Harm placed the pizza box on the table near Mattie’s bed.

Mac reached for Harm’s hand. “I’m going to show him which machine has the coldest soda.” Mac led him out of the room. Down the corridor and two left turns later, they entered a room with several tables and two vending machines in it.

Mac looked at his puzzled expression. “This lounge has the coldest soda and the freshest snacks. I don’t know why it’s that way. It just is.”

Harm’s expression was one of curiosity. “Have you done recon of the entire hospital or just this floor?”

She was dropping coins into the vending machine, but she looked over her shoulder to address him, her voice full of pride. “Of course the entire hospital ... what kind of Marine would I be if I did recon of only one floor?” She made her soda selection, dropped in another set of coins and tapped a second button. Inserting a few more coins, she told him to pick his drink.

Mac came through Mattie’s door first with two cans of soda in hand, and Harm came in on her heels. Mac opened a soda and offered it to Mattie.

While taking the soda from Mac, Mattie got a reminding glimpse of Mac’s ring, causing her to ask. “Have you two set a date yet?”

Mac answered. “We talked about getting married in London, but since we don't know when I’m going to get there, it’s not practical to set a date.” Mac leaned towards Mattie and lowered her voice. “I did see a dress that I liked today, though.”

Mattie replied at the same low volume. “Did you get it?”

“No, I wanted to think about it. Buying a dress here and getting it to London seems like too much work.”

They were acting as if Harm couldn’t hear them, even though they were aware that he could, so he listened while enjoying a slice of pizza.

Mac and Mattie reached for a slice of pizza. Mattie took a bite and chewed it before asking another question. “Does the wedding have to be in London?”

“No, it doesn’t have to be. I just thought that it sounded romantic.” Mac replied.

Mattie nodded in understanding as she chewed. “Is it going to be a big wedding or a small one?”

“We haven’t talked about that.”

“You two haven’t talked about much, have you?”

“I guess not.” Mac motioned with her head towards Harm. “Maybe if he’d asked a little sooner than twelve hours before he left the country, we might have had time to discuss a few things.”

Harm put on an outraged expression, but didn’t say a word.

Mac continued, “Mattie, I have an idea. If I bring some bridal magazines to you, will you start writing down some ideas to get us started?”

Mattie beamed. “Sure, I can do that.” She paused. “Harm, you do know that Mac’s name is Sarah, right?”

“Yeah, I know that.” The ‘duh,’ of course I did sound in his voice was obvious to both of them.

“You’re not going to call her Mac during the ceremony, are you?”

“From the sound of it, I'm guessing that the correct answer is no.”

The wedding questions subsided as the pizza disappeared.

After dinner, Mac pulled the manila envelope out of the shopping bag and placed it next to her purse. The rustle of the paper shopping bag drew Mattie’s attention. Mac pulled a jogging suit out of the bag. “I bought this for you.”

Mattie looked at Harm, who said, “Hey, don’t look at me. It must be yours. The legs are too short for it to be mine.”

Mac spoke, “You can’t leave the hospital without something new to wear.” Mac would later explain to Harm that Harriet had suggested the style, stating that the pieces were easy to slip on, making it less difficult for her to dress.

Neither Harm nor Mac let Mattie know that she’d be getting a chance to wear the outfit tomorrow. They wanted it to be a surprise. Mattie started showing signs of fatigue, so Harm and Mac said goodnight, and they exchanged ‘see ya tomorrows’ with Mattie.

Before they left the hospital, Mac and Harm verified that Mac was scheduled to take Mattie out of the hospital. The time that the couple had chosen would allow them to attend the Roberts’ cookout together.

North of Union Station

Each having a car, they didn’t see each other until they both arrived at the apartment. Once at the apartment, they spent a few minutes talking about Mac’s shopping trip. Mac had purchased only the outfit for Mattie. However, Harriet had gone on a shopping spree and had nearly filled the minivan, according to Mac.

They were comfortably seated on the couch and the conversation hit a momentarily lull. Harm reached for her left hand and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. He used his thumb to wiggle her engagement ring. “You’re not going to make me wait nine years, are you?”

“It would serve you right for making me wait so long for you to ask.”

He kissed her cheek and then moved to kiss her neck. “Is there any way that we could negotiate a shorter sentence, counselor?” he whispered into her ear.

The kisses that he was administering to her neck were feather light and gave her goosebumps. “We could negotiate, but I must warn you...negotiations could take all night.”

“Whatever it takes.” Those were his words before he kissed her. The kiss was hot and full of passion.

He stood and pulled her to her feet before scooping her up and taking her to bed. With the rest of the world blocked out, they made love. After lovemaking, they lay in bed, kissing and cuddling until Mac began to yawn. “I'd better let you sleep. Tomorrow will be another long day,” Harm said with a yawn of his own.

They fell asleep wrapped up in each other.

CHAPTER FOUR – Sunday, May 29, 2005

North of Union Station

Harm woke to the aromas of coffee and cinnamon. He got out of bed and slipped on sweatpants. He made his way to the kitchen where he found Mac making French toast. Mac had already eaten, so after fixing him a plate and pouring him a cup of coffee, she excused herself.

He’d enjoyed his first few bites when he heard the shower come on. He was tempted to join her. However, her current state of recovery made him decide against it. For the time being, it was best to keep intimate encounters more loving and less hurried than sex in the shower, but the thought of sex in the shower with her put a smile on his face.

With his plate empty, he placed it in the sink and topped off his coffee before grabbing the newspaper and moving to the bedroom. He leaned back on some pillows stacked against the headboard, glancing at the headlines until movement caught his attention. A towel-clad Mac stood posed at the end of the shower’s glass block wall.

Realizing that his eyes were on her, her hand fell away from the wall and she walked towards him. “Mac,” he managed to utter. “I’ve had this dream before,” he gasped.

She sat on the edge of the bed. “Then tell me what happens next, Harm.”

He began to raise his back off the pillows while pushing the newspaper to the floor. She leaned in to meet his lips. In a husky voice he said, “We do more of what we did last night.” As he reached up to tug her towel open, their lips met.

Their love for each other would overflow as their passion exploded in a union that would satisfy their needs and desires. In a state of bliss from lovemaking, it was hard to leave the loving bed that they shared, but today was a special day.

While Harm showered and dressed, Mac dressed and cleaned up the kitchen. As Mac moved about the kitchen, she heard the sounds of water running. She had thoughts of joining him to make her fantasy with him in the shower a fond memory, but something else was of greater importance today, their first outing as a family. She’d have to wait for another time to make her fantasies into reality.

Westover Rehabilitation Center

Harm and Mac arrived holding hands and smiling. After the usual greetings were exchanged, Harm told Mattie that she needed to get ready to go.

Mattie asked curiously, “Go where?”

“We’re all going to the Roberts’ home for a cookout,” Harm replied.

Mac added, “You see why you needed a new outfit.”

“Mac, will you help me get ready?” Mattie was excited. She was getting out of the hospital. Mattie’s hands made a shooing motion at Harm. “I need to get dressed.”

It took no time at all for Mac and Mattie to reach an agreement on the order that things should happen. Once the plan was in motion, Mattie became very quiet. Mattie had the jacket half on, and Mac was adjusting the way she was holding the jacket to allow Mattie to slip in her other arm. Mattie had been so excited, and now she was too quiet. Harm was standing in the corridor just outside the door and would hear the following conversation between Mac and Mattie.

“Mattie, is something wrong?” Mac asked.

“I’m not sure,” Mattie replied.

“If something's bothering you, please tell me or Harm. He’ll be back in a few minutes. I’m sure that one of us can help.”

“Well, that’s the thing. You and Harm are here...like a couple. It seems strange that we’re all going somewhere together. It’s kind of cool, but strange. I’m not making any sense, am I?”

“I think I understand.” Mac paused. “I’ve been in love with him for years. Did you know that?” The jacket was on, and Mattie was concentrating on zipping it up and answered with a simple “no.”

Mac went on, giving Mattie the time she needed to zip it herself or ask for help. “Sometimes I think that I’m dreaming all this.” Mac waved the hand with her engagement ring on it in Mattie’s direction. “When I realize that I’m not dreaming, it’s strange, but wonderful at the same time.”

The nurse who'd checked Mattie’s vital signs when Harm and Mac had first arrived, now passed by Harm and entered the room to tell Mac that Mattie could be released to leave whenever she was ready. When the nurse came out, she told Harm that the ladies were ready to go. When Harm entered the room, Mac and Mattie were standing side by side. Mattie was holding onto Mac, and Mac’s arm was around her, keeping her steady.

Mattie’s hair was pulled back and held there with some sort of hair ornament, and she was dressed in the outfit that Mac had bought her.

“Mattie, you look great,” Harm complimented, which had Mattie smiling from ear to ear. The nurse came back and went over the rules with all of them before letting Mac sign Mattie out in the logbook. Since Mattie was so mobile with a walker, it was no different than folding a stroller up after getting Mattie into the rental car, and finally they were on their way.

Roberts’ Residence

Harm pulled the car up in front of the Roberts’ home. Getting out to help Mattie out of the car, the sight of the steps leading to the front door made Harm and Mac realize how unprepared they might be for today’s outing.

Mattie said that she could climb the stairs if they were deep enough for the walker. Mattie placed the walker on the first step to test the step’s depth. Mattie said that she could do it, but Mac was less certain and stood directly behind her on the step below, ready to assist Mattie in any way. Harm moved the car from directly in front on the house. When he returned moments later, it was hard for him to watch Mattie struggle up the steps. One at a time and slowly, Mattie made it to the top of the stairs with no assistance.

Before ringing the bell, they made sure that Mattie had a chance to catch her breath. Bud answered the door and greeted them in his usual jovial manner; geniuely delighted that they were able to attend.

They may not have considered the steps to the Roberts’ home, but they had taken into account that Mattie might feel uneasy at having to use a walker and the fact that their friends and coworkers were virtually strangers to her. This morning, on the ride to the hospital, they’d decided that one of them would stay close to Mattie while the other one mingled, and then they’d switch off.

Mac was the first to mingle. Seeing Varese talking to two of the new lieutenants at JAG headquarters, Lieutenants Bunting and Douglas, Mac moved towards the trio to say hello. As Mac approached, she heard Lt. Douglas say to the other ladies present. “Yes, I saw the colonel come in with him. I must say that I understand now why she's leaving the Corps. That man is gorgeous.” Mac sighed. He was, and so much more, and hers. She hoped that she wouldn’t have to point that out to the lieutenant at some point. Mac said her hellos, and soon Sturgis joined the four ladies. The lieutenants left the group, and Mac, Varese and Sturgis spoke for a few minutes before Mac excused herself to get drinks for Matttie and Harm.

Harm took his turn at mingling. When he returned to the living room, he found Bud with Mac and Mattie. He joined the conversation, and when Bud called him sir for the third time, he had to say something.

“Bud, I know that old habits are hard to break, but we’re not in the same command any more. I’m not in uniform. I’m here with my family in your home. Call me Harm.” Harm didn’t notice the smile that the word ‘family’ put on Mattie’s face.

“Yes, si -…Harm.”

“Keep practicing, Bud.”

“Yes...” He paused to think. “...Harm.”

Harriet came into the room, wanting Bud’s assistance with something, so Bud was soon off to help Harriet.

Mac and Harm continued to take turns moving about the crowd and socializing while not leaving Mattie alone, until Harriet started letting everyone know that it was time to head outside where lunch would be served. Several people had made it to the backyard before them, but no one had taken up space at the patio table. Harm, Mac and Mattie took up residence at the outdoor table, and Jennifer Coates joined them. Mattie now had someone else around with whom she felt comfortable, and she began to relax a little.

No longer worried that lunch wouldn’t be served on time, Harriet began to mingle. Harriet stopped by to talk to Mac and to congratulate Harm on the excellent job that he’d done in picking out Mac’s engagement ring, saying that it was gorgeous.

When lunch had ended, it was time for Harm and Mac to say their goodbyes so that they could get Mattie back to the hospital on time. When they approached Harriet to say their goodbyes, she asked them to wait a moment and disappeared. She appeared a couple of minutes later with a picture of them taken at McMurphy’s the night that they'd announced their engagement. Harriet said that she’d have given the picture to them sooner, but she couldn’t figure out how to download it from her cell phone, and she’d finally gotten Bud to do it for her.

After they got Mattie back to the hospital and settled into her room, they didn’t stay long. Mattie hadn’t been out very long, but it was more activity than she’d had in months, so she was exhausted. Mac told Mattie that she’d be by in the morning. They could watch the ceremony on TV and see if they could spot Harm. Harm reminded Mattie that he’d be by as soon as he could get away from the luncheon.

Mac used the drive back to the apartment to wear down Harm’s defenses, and he consented to watching a movie of her choice when they got home.

At home, they sat curled up on the couch, watching the movie and eating microwaved popcorn. After the movie, they headed to the bedroom where they made love before falling asleep.

CHAPTER FIVE – Monday, May 30, 2005

The alarm clock woke them, and Harm had no time for anything but getting ready to be a puppet in the Secretary of the Navy’s political show.

Harm sat in his place during the ceremony, sure that, with the flag flying high and the patriotic songs playing in the background, all the pomp and circumstance was playing well on television.

Mattie was putting on a happy front, but she wasn’t happy. Harm was leaving tomorrow. His visit tonight would be the last time that she'd see him...until the next time, if there was a next time. And if there was, who knew how long it might be until that happened?

The ceremony came to an end at 1115. Harm was one of a handful of officers scheduled to join the SecNav, some politicians and the press for lunch. Harm’s handshaking and smiling would finally come to an end at 1345. Harm stopped by the apartment to change before heading to the hospital. He wanted to be comfortable because he intended to stay as late as he could get away with since he was leaving in the morning.

Once the trio was together at the hospital, the ladies teased Harm about being a TV star. Mac and Mattie insisted on a blow by blow account of the luncheon, including all the guests and the menu. How they managed to fill the rest of the afternoon with this conversation was beyond Harm. When Mattie’s evening meal arrived, Mac and Harm left for the cafeteria to get dinner for them. They returned a few minutes later with Styrofoam containers. They ate dinner in Mattie’s room so they could continue to visit with her.

Harm didn’t want to leave, but he could see that Mattie was tired and knew that it was time to say good night. Mac said good night and left Harm to have a few minutes alone with Mattie. Harm waited for Mattie to drift off to sleep. He placed a fatherly kiss on her forehead and whispered that he loved her before he left her room.

Back at the apartment, he needed to pack, but he'd much rather hold Mac. She read his mind again. “I think you should pack now. You’ll be leaving early, and I don’t want you to get out of bed any earlier than you have to.” This would be the only mention tonight of his departure.

Mac patrolled the other room while he was packing in the bedroom and preparing his uniform for tomorrow. A part of her wanted to watch him pack and even to help, but another part of her just couldn’t watch his things go into his travel bag.

After thirty-five minutes of him being in another room, Mac came into the bedroom. She saw his shaving kit on the bedside table for use in the morning. He was hanging up his uniform that he’d wear tomorrow. She turned down the bed. He was facing the closet, his back to Mac. He didn’t see her removing her clothes, but he turned around in time to see her nude body slipping under the covers. He went around to what could be called his side of the bed and stripped down to join her.

He put his arm around her and pulled her to him. It felt so natural to be close to her. She was using her fingertips to draw small circles on his chest. Except for having to leave Mattie and Mac again, his life was better than ever before. Her touch warmed his heart, but it also served as a cold reminder that he’d be sleeping alone tomorrow night.

She looked up at him as he looked down at her, their eyes meeting. They shared a kiss, then two. They wouldn't speak of his flight tomorrow, but keeping his departure in the back of their minds kept the pace slow, and the lovemaking was savored and enjoyed by both of them like no other night before.

CHAPTER SIX – Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Mac woke at 0347 and watched Harm sleep for almost ten full minutes before she had to touch him. Her fingertips moved over the lines in his forehead.

He wasn’t sleeping as soundly as he had been when he’d first arrived, so her soft touch woke him. His hand came up to her face and and his fingers wove into her hair as his hand slid behind her head to pull her into a passionate kiss. He ended the kiss that he’d started, but she was hungry for more, and her lips covered his this time.

They kissed and kissed again. With each kiss, their desire for one another grew. As the soft glow of morning light began to fill the room, he covered her body with his and loved her until they were mutually fulfilled.

Lying tangled up in each other after lovemaking, she knew that it was going to be hard to let him go, but easier this time than the last. The last time he’d left Washington, she'd known that he'd meant everything that he’d said, but she'd been apprehensive, unsure if she'd ‘caught up’ to him and was ready for what he was suggesting. This time, there was no apprehension. She was ready.

Harm gave Mac a squeeze as the thought that this would be the last time that he’d hold her for a while passed through his mind. Mac had heard nothing on her request, and they had no idea when she’d be able to join him in London.

They lay there until the alarm went off, letting them know that they could put off getting up no longer. Unsure of what to say to make the departure easier for the other, when they spoke, they simply didn’t mention his flight.

“I’ll start the coffee and then hit the shower,” Harm suggested.

“No, I’ll start the coffee while you shower,” Mac countered. He nodded in acceptance and got out of bed. Grabbing his shaving kit off the table, he headed for the shower.

She got up, slipped on a robe and went to start the coffee. She also put a couple of muffins and some fruit on a plate and set it on the counter. When she heard the water turn off, she prepared two cups of coffee and headed into the bedroom.

He’d moved his travel bag to the end of the bed and was standing over it with a towel wrapped around his waist, slipping his shaving kit inside when she came into the room. She got close enough to hand him his coffee, which he accepted and thanked her for.

She took a sip of her coffee before speaking. “I set out a light breakfast on the counter. I’ll shower and be ready in a few minutes.” She put her cup down on the table on his side of the bed and disappeared.

He dressed and moved his packed bag to a place closer to the front door before investigating the breakfast that she’d layed out. It wasn’t until he went to top of his coffee that he realized that he was drinking from one of the cups that he’d purchased to have breakfast with her the morning he'd left the last time, and the breakfast was the same. He wondered if it was on purpose or merely coincedence.

Not more than fifteen minutes later, Mac emerged from the bedroom, dressed and ready for work. She crossed to the counter without a word, picked up a muffin and began to nibble on it. Both of them were quiet, neither wanting to talk about his impending departure, but neither able to think of anything else.

And then it was time.

He stood in uniform, ready to depart. If the car sent to take him to Andrews wasn’t downstairs, it would be arriving any moment. She had a meeting with a potential witness in the Williams' case this morning, and stood with him, looking sharp in her uniform.

Mac could feel the burn of forming tears in her eyes. It was time to say goodbye. They both held their arms open and met each other in an embrace. She wanted to bury her face in his chest, but afraid that she’d stain his white uniform with her makeup, she was able to refrain. The kiss that they shared before he left the apartment could have set a forest fire from its intensity.

“I’m going to miss you,” he whispered in her ear.

“And I’m going to miss you,” she whispered back, squeezing him a little tighter.

They embraced tightly and whispered “I love you” in the other’s ear. Their grip on each other eased and, with one last sweet kiss, they parted. A moment later, he was out the door. She watched from the window as he got into the car and it drove away.

During his flight, he’d thought about how his visit may have come about for ‘business’ reasons, but it had certainly accomplished a lot in his personal life. His visit had allowed him to see Mattie and assure her that he still wanted custody of her. The visit had assured him that he and Mac were a couple and that the miles that currently separated them weren’t going to keep them apart.

Mac had gotten to see Mattie’s spirits lifted. She’d seen the joy in Harm’s eyes that Mattie brought him. In Mattie’s eyes, she’d seen the strength that Harm’s presence gave to Mattie and the love that Mattie had for him. Mac's own heart felt whole for the first time in a very long time, knowing that she not only loved, but also was loved in return. Her ring, a symbol of that love and commitment, would serve as a reminder that this separation was only geographical.

Mattie had had a chance to see how she'd fit into Harm and Mac's lives. During Harm’s visit, Mattie realized the reason why she'd valued the time with Mac more these last few weeks. She’d lost her mother and father, albeit in different ways and just the thought that she could’ve lost Mac, too, hurt more than she ever could have imagined. Harm and Mac were to be her family – they had to be. She hoped more than ever before that the court would award Harm custody of her and make them a family.

Though they’d all received something from the visit, all three of them wanted more, more time to make memories as a couple and as a family. With the steps taken over this weekend, it would be hard for anyone not to see that these three were meant to be a family. When it would happen and how would be decided by fate, but this had turned out to be a memorable Memorial weekend.

Once Harm reached the London flat, he called Mac. He was glad that he’d called her first because she had a message from Bud: the family court had set a hearing date. Since Mac wouldn’t be going to see Mattie for a little bit, Harm would get to be the one to tell Mattie that the date for her custody hearing had been set for June 27, 2005.

After finishing his conversation with Mac, he called Mattie. It was hard for him not to just blurt out the news, but he managed. He told Mattie that he’d arrived safely before he told her that he had some news for her. When he told Mattie that a date had been set for her hearing, the line went silent for a couple of moments before her questions began. The first question was when. They talked a little longer than he'd planned, but it was good to hear the happiness in her voice.

Harm returned to work the following morning and began to make plans for his trip back to Washington in a few weeks for the hearing.

Over the next couple of days, the email routine had been resumed and, on Saturday, he called to talk to ‘his girls.’ Mattie was especially talkative because Mac was taking her out again tomorrow. They were going to a movie.

Monday, June 6, 2005

After a meeting with General Cresswell, a noticeably upset Colonel MacKenzie briskly walked to her office, not taking the time to say anything to anyone. Mac didn’t even hear PO Coates ask if she was all right as she walked passed her desk with a lost look in her eye.

Mac closed the door to her office behind her and made sure that the blinds were closed. If she cried, she didn’t want anyone to see. This totally ruined their plans. What were they going to do? She needed to talk to Harm. He had to know what the general had just told her.

******FLASBACK TO MOMENTS AGO******

“Colonel, I’m just going to give you the news straight up. The higher ups have decided that you’re needed in the Corps. They’ve denied your request for separation and terminal leave.”

The look on Mac’s face was hard to read. It was a mixture of so many emotions. Among her emotions were surprise that it had been denied, happy that the Corps valued her service, and worry about what this news would do to her relationship with Harm. In a shaky voice she mumbled, “Denied, sir?”

“Yes, Colonel, denied. In addition, they’ve gotten the problems with Joint Legal Services, Southwest resolved. You’re to take command of JSL in October. In the meantime, you'll be joining the jurdiscary per Admiral Morris' request. You’ll transfer your current case load over to Vukovic.”

“Sir, if I may suggest. I think that the case you gave me last week, Ensign Williams, should be handled by Commander Roberts.”

“Colonel, you don’t think that the lieutenant can handle that case?”

“No, sir. The ensign’s defense rests heavily on a witness who's been reluctant to come forward. The witness will need to be handled with a more sensative approach to get her to testify, sir, and I don’t feel that the lieutenant has mastered that skill yet, sir.”

“I see, Colonel. I’ll talk to Admiral Morris. If he has no objections, you’ll be allowed to help Commander Roberts keep the witness on board.” Mac was relieved. “You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, sir.” She stood and left his office, with her Marine bravado keeping her together on the outside.

******END FLASHBACK******

When her eyes focused again in the present, she was staring at her computer monitor. It was hard to type the words, but she managed. She read over the email several times. She wanted to call, to hear his voice, but didn’t think that she’d be able to get the news out without crying.

She managed to muddle through the rest of the day. At home, she was glad that it was Monday. She didn’t have to put on a ‘happy face’ for Mattie. She’d have tonight to digest this new twist in her life by herself. She’d hoped to be joining Harm soon, but now…what was going to happen now?

The End...for now!