Chapter 31

Thursday
2331 Zulu
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

“Mac, be a dear and hand me that spoon, will you please?”

“Just a moment. Let me get this out of the oven.” Sliding the laden baking dish onto a trivet to cool, Mac closed the door soundly before passing the requested utensil. A cloud of steam billowed from the pot on the stove.

Inhaling deeply, her mouth began to water. “That smells wonderful,” she complimented.

Trish smiled as she worked. “It’s an old family recipe, handed down on my mother’s side for the last four generations. Harm used to love it when he was a child. I don’t cook very often now that it’s just Frank and me. We spend a lot of time abroad, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants around La Jolla when we’re home.”

“I’ve got a huge collection of take-out menus myself. But it’s always nice to have a home-cooked meal.”

“Especially one you don’t have to prepare yourself. Now go sit.” Mac grinned as Trish shooed her over towards the dining room with a motherly pat. “You’ve been on your feet most of the afternoon and should rest for a bit while we’re waiting for Harm. I’ll be right over as soon as I clean up.” Giving the sauce one final stir, she set the spoon down on the counter before covering the pot.

A moment later, two sets of eyes focused on the front door at the sound of a key in the lock. Sea bag in one hand and cover in the other, Harm’s gaze immediately zeroed in on Mac as soon as he stepped into the loft.

“Sorry I’m late. I would’ve called after dropping Sturgis off but the battery on my cell phone died.” Shutting the door behind him, he paused to hang his cover before crossing the room to Mac’s side. “How are you doing?” he asked softly, laying one hand lightly on her rounded tummy.

Standing at the stove, Trish watched the unfolding scene with fascination. Even as a boy Harm had always had a protective streak towards others. Now, seeing him for the first time as a doting father-to-be, she was overcome with pride and absolute certainty that her son’s feelings for this woman indeed ran as deeply as she’d suspected. Leaning slightly to one side, she observed an identical expression of affection on Mac’s face as she looked back at him. It seems the road runs both ways, Trish thought with satisfaction.

Harm straightened and gave Mac’s hand a squeeze before turning to greet his mother. “Hi, Mom. Or should I call you ‘Grandma’?” he grinned broadly.

“‘Grandma’ will do,” Trish laughed, embracing him in a long hug. “It’s so good to see you, dear. Frank sends his love and congratulations.”

She pulled back so that her son was at an arm’s length before glancing between him and Mac. “Now, Harmon, why don’t you get drinks for everyone and have a seat. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

“What did you two do today?” Harm moved to open the refrigerator, where he grabbed three bottles of water. “Did you end up going shopping?” he asked, passing one to Mac as he joined her at the table.

“We went to see the house,” Trish said as she fixed their plates, “then around to some specialty décor stores.”

“We picked out new wallpaper for the foyer and the master bath. And I found some gorgeous tiles for the kitchen backsplash.” Mac smiled coyly at Harm. “We brought back some samples to show you.”

“Let’s bore him with that later, dear,” Trish said easily as she set their dinners down in front of them. “It’s been a few hours since you last ate and it’s important for my grandchild’s sake that you keep up your strength.”

Seeing the questioning look he shot in her direction, Mac rolled her eyes in mock consternation. “Relax, Harm. Your mom’s been taking good care of us. I promise.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Sunday
0125 Zulu
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Sitting cross-legged on Mac’s kitchen floor two days later, Harm peered into the cavernous cabinet in front of him with grim trepidation. They were supposed to be moving into the new house the following weekend, but the daunting task of packing still loomed on the horizon. When Mac had asked him for assistance, he had envisioned lifting and relocating boxes – tasks she was precluded from doing because of her condition. He’d never imagined that she would want him to help sort through her belongings.

“Jesus, Mac. How many small appliances do you really need? You’ve got enough stuff in here to open your own Williams Sonoma outlet store.”

“You’re just jealous because I’ve got better quality equipment than you do,” she countered from a few feet away. Wrapping a large serving bowl in a sheet of newsprint, she carefully set it down in an otherwise empty box. “Come this time next week, you’ll be able to use anything and everything here to your heart’s content.”

“Now there’s a loaded statement.” Glancing back at her with a smirk, he reached into the cabinet for the nearest appliance.

“Oh, you wish—”

With a sharp intake of breath, Mac grimaced and lifted a hand to her stomach, her train of thought suddenly forgotten. Alarmed by the sudden change of events, Harm was at her side in an instant, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“What’s wrong? What’s the matter?” he asked, worry creeping into his voice.

She didn’t respond, only continued to frown as her hand rubbed absently across her swollen abdomen. Fighting to keep himself steady against the wave of rising panic, Harm searched her face with evident concern.

“C’mon, Marine, talk to me.”

“I... I’m okay,” she whispered, slowly meeting his gaze. “I don’t know what—”

Her eyes widened in surprise an instant before she awkwardly grabbed for his free hand. Positioning it carefully where hers had been, she clutched his arm excitedly. “There! Can you feel that?”

Becoming aware of the movement underneath his fingertips, Harm’s eyebrows lifted and he looked at her in astonishment. The alarm he had experienced moments earlier was washed away by an overwhelming sense of wonder and delight. “The baby?”

A sweet smile crept over Mac’s face as she nodded, not fighting the unexpected flood of tears. Waiting for him to make some comment about her hormones, she was caught off guard when he instead reached up and gently ran a finger down her wet cheek.

“Hey.”

Harm’s voice was hoarse with emotion as he blinked away his own tears, flashing a watery smile. Reaching down to take her hand, he brought it up to his lips and lovingly kissed the back of her knuckles. Then, without giving it much thought, he leaned forward and their lips met in an exquisitely tender kiss.

Moved beyond words, Mac finally let her head drop onto his shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him as she fell into his warm embrace. Holding her tightly, Harm closed his eyes and affectionately pressed his lips to the side of her head. The packing was momentarily forgotten. Sitting there for what felt like an eternity, Harm and Mac were content simply to be entwined in each other’s arms.



Chapter 32

Saturday
1747 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

“Watch the leg, it’s about to hit the—”

!THUNK!

“—door frame.”

Grimacing, Harm peered at Sturgis over the top of the couch as he struggled to keep his grip. “Thanks for the head’s up. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” Sturgis replied.

Moving day had finally arrived, dawning clear and bright with gusty winds and slightly lower-than-average temperatures. Starting first at Harm’s loft, and following with Mac’s apartment, they were now unloading all of the furniture and boxes out of the rented truck and into the new house. Carefully edging the foot of Mac’s sofa past the jamb on the front door, Harm nodded to his friend and began slowly backing down the hallway.

“Guess this means I’ll be stopping at Home Depot later,” he grunted, shifting the weight of the couch in his hands. “That’ll make four times in one week, between finishing the attic and repairing all of the dings from moving in. Think they’ll give me a discount for being a loyal customer?”

“A big box like that? Not a chance. What else do you still have left to do?”

“There are a still a few seams to tape, and I need to get more glass blocks to complete the bathroom wall. And I have to install the fixtures, pass inspection, and prime and paint the drywall. My goal is to have Mattie moved upstairs by the end of the month.”

Eyebrows shooting up, Sturgis looked at him with surprise. “Do you honestly think you’ll have it ready for her by then?”

“I certainly hope so.”

Approaching the final corner leading into the family room, the two friends tilted the sofa and cautiously began to ease it through the tight turn of the hallway. Behind him, Harm could hear voices in conversation.

“Have you gotten the results of the amnio back, ma’am?” Harriet was asking. Craning his neck as he waited for Sturgis to maneuver the other end through the narrow passage, Harm could see where the lieutenant crouched beside a pile of boxes near the sliding glass doors.

“Not yet.” Mac’s response came from the direction of the adjacent kitchen. “The doctor’s office is supposed to call sometime this coming week.”

“Are you going to find out if it’s a boy or a girl?”

“No. As long as the baby’s healthy, we’d rather be surprised about the sex.”

“Actually, Harriet, that topic’s still up for debate.”

Making sure he spoke loud enough for Mac to hear, Harm flashed Harriet an impish grin. “I want to know, but Mac’s digging in her heels.”

With a grunt, the two men set the heavy piece of furniture down against the far wall.

“There’s nothing to debate, Harm. And I’m not digging in my heels. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: I’m simply being realistic.” Rounding the breakfast bar into the family room, she grabbed a stack of pillows and glanced at Harriet. “Would you mind carrying that laundry basket upstairs for me?”

“Not at all.” Seeing Mac glower at Harm before leaving the room, Harriet followed her down the hallway to the u-shaped staircase. As soon as the men were out of earshot she inquired, “What that was all about?”

“It’s pretty simple really. Harm wants to find out now. I don’t. And if Harm knows before I do, then chances are good he’ll inadvertently slip and tell me, thereby ruining the surprise and defeating the purpose of my not wanting to know in the first place.”

“I’m sure he has his reasons,” Harriet said.

Mac snorted. “You bet he does. ‘I want to know now so that we can buy the right color clothes. That way people won’t constantly have to guess the baby’s sex because it’s always wearing yellow,’” she mimicked.

Rolling her eyes, she stomped to the top of the stairs and across the hall into the master bedroom where she tossed the pillows onto a box with a frustrated sigh. “Is it really so awful for me to want to wait until it’s born? I mean, you and Bud found out for all three of your babies. What do you think I should do?”

“I think you need to go with your heart.” Setting the basket down, Harriet looked at her friend sympathetically. “You have to do what’s right for you, and if that means waiting until the baby is born then so be it. Stick to your guns, ma’am. I’m sure the Commander will come around eventually.”

“And if he doesn’t, I’m going to be hearing about it for the next four months.”

As Mac rubbed a hand soothingly over her tummy, Harriet stepped over to one of the windows facing out into the front yard.

“There’s another option, Colonel,” she said, eyes twinkling mischievously as she looked down to the sidewalk below. “Admiral Chegwidden just returned with Mattie and Mrs. Burnett. If you don’t want the Commander finding out before the big day, you could always ask the Admiral make it an order.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Same Evening
0102 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

In exchange for her taking the master bedroom with its sunken garden tub, Mac had offered to let Harm have the den downstairs plus a bedroom on the second floor. He’d just finished setting up his stereo equipment and was heading back upstairs when she appeared at the top of the steps.

“Hey, could you give me a hand?”

She waited until he nodded before turning back to her bedroom with a smile. Following her across the hall, he leaned casually against the doorframe, watching as she moved to the dresser in the corner.

“This drawer is jammed,” she grunted as she gave an ineffectual yank on the handle. “It must have happened during the move. I’ve been trying to open it myself but it just won’t budge.”

“Let me try.”

Mac stepped back as Harm sauntered over and stared challengingly at the offending piece of furniture. He looked at it for a moment before kneeling down and taking a firm grip on the drawer pull. Watching from a few feet behind, Mac waited patiently as he put his weight into the task at hand and gave the drawer a hard heave.

To their mutual surprise the drawer easily came loose and flew across the room. Thrown off balance, Harm lost his footing and crashed backward into Mac’s legs. One minute she was standing, the next she was laying in a heap with him at the foot of the bed, limbs tangled with his and her head pounding from where it had come into hard contact with the wooden floor.

Disoriented by the tumble, Harm’s attention immediately zeroed in on how intimately Mac’s hips fit with his, how well their lower bodies meshed together. Acutely aware of her burgeoning belly pushing against him, a surge of longing flowed through his veins at the visceral knowledge that she was carrying his child. Desire flared. Caught up in his own hunger, the sound of Mac’s groan brought his thoughts back to reality with the efficiency of a cold shower.

“Mac!” Harm scrambled to his knees and crouched over her, his eyes filled with concern as she lifted a hand to the back of her head. “Are you all right?”

“Figures I can’t get by at least one day without you giving me a headache,” she muttered, scowling up at him.

Propping herself up on one elbow, she rolled to one side and struggled to sit up. Giving her a hand, Harm’s gaze was instinctively drawn to the gaping neckline of her blouse and the creamy flesh it revealed. Until now he had studiously avoided noting how pregnancy had enhanced her already ample cleavage. Get a grip, Rabb! he chastised himself, dragging his eyes back to her face.

“I guess not,” he nodded. “Do you hurt anywhere else?” He ran his fingers lightly down her arms, grasping her hands warmly.

“Just my head and my pride.”

“Not to mention your backside?” he teased, attempting to lighten the mood.

Mac smiled, and blushed. “Yeah, I guess my backside is a little bruised too.”

Hauling themselves to their feet, Harm gave her shoulder one final squeeze before forcing himself to take a step backward. It wasn’t easy, but his hormones were staying firmly in check. “Give a yell if you need me for anything else. Okay?”

“Will do.”

He turned to leave and was halfway into the hall when Mac called back out to him.

“Harm?” She gave him a small but heartfelt smile. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

Standing at the foot of her bed, Mac watched as Harm disappeared from sight.



Chapter 33

Christmas Eve
2219 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

November swiftly gave way to December as Harm and Mac’s makeshift family settled into the challenges of living under one roof. The first few days proved especially trying. Both adults, having grown accustomed to a certain amount of privacy after years of living alone, almost immediately found themselves stumbling not only over each other but over Mattie as well.

Although technically only a four-bedroom home, the house boasted a walk-up attic. Harm was turning the home’s top floor into a retreat for the teenager, framing in the walls and adding a small private bath. Unfortunately, though, as a result Mattie couldn’t move in until it was finished. In the meantime she took up residence in one of the two unclaimed bedrooms on the second floor where she was forced to share the hall bathroom with Harm. After his first encounter with feminine hygiene products, he doubled his efforts and completed the project a full week ahead of schedule. By the time the holiday season rolled around, Mattie was happily ensconced in her new room and Harm once again had a bathroom all to himself.

The living room now glowed in Technicolor as the lights on the Christmas tree flickered to life. Rocking back on his heels as he admired the sight, Harm thought about the tremendous amount of effort Mac had put into decorating their home for the holidays. Each year she pulled out all the stops, but this Christmas she’d really outdone herself. The house looked absolutely spectacular. He couldn’t remember ever feeling more contented and secure during the holiday seasons than he did at that moment.

A sudden burst of laughter from the direction of the kitchen intruded on his musings, and his lips curled upward in an involuntary smile. Knees creaking as he rose, he stood and headed through the dining room where he paused in the doorway to the adjoining kitchen. Mac and Trish were working side-by-side at the counter with their backs turned to the door. Watching as Mac’s shoulders heaved with a girlish giggle, it occurred to him that this truly was the best Christmas he’d had in a long time.

Even Thanksgiving, after a rocky start, had turned out wonderfully… once he’d learned how to survive hormonal overload. He and Mac had invited the Roberts family to join them in celebrating their first Thanksgiving in the new house. Trish and Frank had also been planning to attend, but unexpected business at the gallery had eventually required them to be in California over the holiday, thus leaving the responsibility for the celebration dinner entirely up to Mac. An hour or so before Bud and Harriet were to arrive, Harm had found himself furtively picking up the phone and dialing their number.

“Roberts residence.”

“Bud, it’s Harm.”

“Hi, sir!” In the background, Harm heard a loud thump and the sound of a child yelling, followed shortly thereafter by an infant’s wail. “Um, don’t worry, sir, we’ll be there in an hour as promised,” Bud assured him distractedly.

“I know you will, Bud. Listen, would you mind getting Harriet for me? I need to talk to her about something.”

“Sure, sir. Hang on.”

A few moments later Harriet came on the line, somewhat out of breath. “Commander?”

“Hey Harriet,” Harm said, lowering his voice into a near whisper. “I’m sorry for disturbing you, but I could really use some advice right now.”

“What’s on your mind, sir?”

“It’s Mac,” he began. “She’s not acting like herself. Ever since 0600 this morning she’s been in high gear trying to get everything ready for dinner tonight. I’m starting to get a little concerned, especially after what just happened.”

“Sir?”

“I found her in the kitchen bawling her eyes out.”

“Let me guess. She wasn’t peeling onions, was she?”

“No, she was peeling potatoes,” he confirmed, frustration creeping into his voice. “When I ask her what’s wrong, she says it’s nothing and kicks me out of the room. I don’t understand, Harriet. What am I doing wrong? I’m only trying to help.”

“I’m guessing hormones, sir. When you’re pregnant, tears tend to come from anything and everything. She probably has no idea why she’s crying. I’m sure was embarrassed to be caught losing control like that.”

“What should I do?”

Harriet paused. “You could always give her a hug and tell her that you love her. That’s what Bud used to do for me, anyway.”

A flutter of panic lodged in Harm’s throat. Loving Mac was one thing, but putting his feelings into words was something else entirely. “Do you have a plan B?” he asked Harriet quietly.

“Try giving her a hug,” Harriet replied easily. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s a little overwhelmed with her first formal dinner in the new house.”

After a few more brief words, Harm thanked Harriet and said goodbye. Armed with Harriet’s suggested strategy, he’d waited a few minutes before quietly returning to the kitchen. Mac stood at the counter sniffling back her tears as she dropped another potato into the large pot on the stove. Caught up in her own emotions, she didn’t sense Harm’s approach until his arms wrapped soothingly around her middle. She tensed up, but then almost immediately relaxed back into his embrace with a muted sob. They continued that way for a long while, motionless, until the weeping eased up and she pulled away.

Afterward, neither had felt the need to speak, and Mac returned to the task of preparing dinner as though nothing earth-shattering had taken place. Grateful for Harriet’s guidance, Harm mentally filed the term ‘hug therapy’ away for future reference.

“Earth to Harm!”

Startled out of his reverie, it took him a moment before he remembered that Thanksgiving was over – it was Christmas Eve, he was standing in the doorway to the kitchen, and his mother had asked him a question. She and Mac were watching him expectantly, waiting for an answer.

“Sorry, Mom. What was that?”

“Marshmallows?” she repeated, holding out a bag of the sweets to help emphasize her query.

“Huh?” What did marshmallows have to do with Christmas dinner? He stared at her blankly.

“I think that’s a ‘no,’ Trish,” Mac answered for him, chucking as she grabbed a nearby towel and wiped her hands.

“What’s a ‘no?’” Harm looked at her in confusion.

“Should I prepare the sweet potatoes with marshmallows?” Asking him for the third time, it was apparent that his mother’s patience was starting to wear thin.

“No,” he said instantly, wrinkling his nose in disgust.

Smiling flirtatiously as she patted him on the shoulder, Mac turned to the older woman with a grin. “See, Trish? I told you I know my flyboy.” Before either of them could say anything, she had sauntered out of the kitchen and disappeared down the hallway.

Harm stared after her for a moment, surprised that she and his mother had been talking about him behind his back. Then a grin slowly spread across his features as he realized what she’d said: ‘my flyboy.’ Yes, he thought happily, this is definitely turning out to be the best Christmas ever.



Chapter 34

Christmas Eve
0042 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

A steady curtain of snowflakes was slowly obscuring the frozen ground from view as evening fell. The frigid wind rattling against the glass wailed mournfully as it tried to push its way inside, but the flames crackling merrily in the corner fireplace kept its chill at bay. Sounds of laughter and holiday music filled the room.

Lounging around the coffee table, the group was enthusiastically engaged in an after-dinner game of Trivial Pursuit. Fortunately the teams had proven to be fairly evenly matched: Mattie, Mac, and Trish versus Harm, Jennifer, and Frank.

“Looks like we’re going to have a white Christmas,” Mac commented as she sipped some tea. Pulling her eyes away from the window, she turned her attention back to the playing board that had been set up on the table. “Your turn, Harm.”

Obediently rolling the dice, he waited for them to come to a stop before picking up his team’s round game piece.

“Yes!” he exclaimed, seizing the opportunity to get the final piece they needed to win. “Let’s go for the wedge.”

“Arts & Literature? Hmn...” Mattie reached into the box and pulled out the next trivia card. Reading the question to herself, she snorted loudly and flashed him a supercilious smile. “There’s no way you’re going to get this. ‘In the children’s book ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,’ what kind of creature was Buckbeak?’”

“Actually, that’s easy,” Harm smirked, folding his arms in smug satisfaction. “Buckbeak was a hippogriff.”

“You’ve read ‘Harry Potter,’ sir?” Jennifer asked incredulously.

Mattie couldn’t believe it either. “No freaking way. How did you know that?!”

Chuckling at the look of total doubt on his ward’s face, he leaned over and grabbed the baggie of pie pieces. “This coming from the fifteen-year old who made me sit through the movie last week?” he said dryly.

“I didn’t think you were paying attention,” she replied with a trace of annoyance.

“This has been a wonderful evening,” Trish interjected, diplomatically changing the subject. “I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun at Christmas. Whatever made you think of Trivial Pursuit, Mattie? It was a marvelous suggestion.”

Mattie swallowed hard. “It... it was sort of a holiday tradition I had with my mom.” Hesitating, the girl’s voice caught as she glanced at Harm. “We didn’t play last year, but somehow it just doesn’t seem like Christmas without it.”

“Ah, that explains how you got to be so smart.” Sensing the veil of darkness that threatened to overwhelm her, Harm deliberately kept his tone light. He reached over and gave her arm a squeeze.

The teasing manner with which he spoke had the desired effect. Her mood brightening, Mattie blushed with a small smile at the compliment.

Struck by a sudden notion, Trish turned to Frank and whispered something in his ear. An instant later he excused himself. Watching as he vanished upstairs, she turned to Harm.

“Darling, do you remember the tradition your father and I had when you were a boy? Every Christmas Eve, we would have a family photograph taken in front of the tree. You used to love looking at the lights and how they made rainbows on the walls and furniture.”

“Vaguely. As I recall, we stopped doing it after he disappeared.”

“I couldn’t bear to continue with it after he was gone,” she nodded sadly. Then as quickly as the grief had descended, it was washed away by the prospect of Christmases to come. “I think it’s high time we dragged that old custom out of the closet and dusted it off. What do you say?”

A grin spread across Harm’s face. “That’s a fantastic idea, Mom. Actually, it would be nice to do it every year, continue the tradition for our new family.” Wrapping an affectionate arm around Mattie’s shoulders, he beamed at Mac. “How about it, tiger? Feel up to posing for a few photos?”

“Do I have a choice?” she laughed, rising.

“Nope.”

“Then go stand over by the tree. Frank should be back any moment,” directed Trish. Once they were in position, she eyed them carefully. “Mattie, you stand in front with Harm and Mac behind you... ...exactly... ...now Harm, try laying your hand on Mattie’s shoulder... ...yes, that will do quite nicely.”

The sound of footsteps on the stairs eventually heralded Frank’s return. Carrying a very expensive looking camera, he waited to receive his wife’s go-ahead before proceeding to take a few photographs. When he’d finished, Jennifer broke the silence before the three could move apart.

“Why don’t we get a few with the grandparents?” she proposed. “I’d be more than happy to take them if you’d like.”

Meeting her husband’s gaze, Trish nodded. “Thank you, Jennifer. That would be lovely.”

Taking the camera from Frank, the young woman watched as the Burnetts positioned themselves on either side of Harm and Mac. Mattie remained in front, with the four adults grouped quietly behind her. Once everyone had settled into position, Jennifer lifted the camera and looked through the viewfinder.

“Can you move closer together? I’d like to get everyone into the frame.”

As the group pressed in, Harm’s arm instinctively slid around Mac and pulled her nearer, his hand settling gently on her hipbone. Returning the gesture, she let her fingers play lightly on his waist. They stood that way for a few moments as Jennifer snapped the first shot.

Suddenly, Harm heard Mac’s sharp intake of breath and felt her stiffen next to him. Tightening his hold on her hip as she rubbed her free hand soothingly across her tummy, he glanced down at her questioningly before returning his gaze to the camera. With as little motion as possible, she took his hand and laid it where hers had been. Immediately he could feel their unborn child kicking persistently into his palm.

The impromptu photo shoot was over a few minutes later. “Thanks for letting me use your camera,” Jennifer commented as she returned it to Frank. “My little point-and-shoot wouldn’t work nearly as well. I think tonight’s pictures will come out really nicely.”

“Would you like to see them?”

Beckoning for everyone to gather around, Frank turned the camera over and deftly pulled the digital images up on the screen. When the first picture appeared, he handed the unit back to Jennifer and Mattie, who leaned in for a better view. “They’ll be much sharper when I download them onto the computer,” he explained. “The camera preview tends to look a little blurry due to the small display.”

“What’s the resolution?”

“7.1 megapixels.”

“Wow.” Jennifer’s eyes rounded in awe. “Way better than my point-and-shoot.”

“Check this one out, Mrs. B.” Taking the camera from her former roommate, Mattie passed it over to Trish.

“Oh, darling. What a beautiful picture.”

Mattie grinned in agreement as Trish handed it to Harm and Mac for them to view. “It’s a great shot. You both look really happy. What happened? Did someone spike your cider?” she teased.

“Very funny, squirt.”

Chuckling, Harm looked down at the picture on the screen. His mother, Frank, and Mattie were all smiling politely, but he and Mac were positively glowing.

Standing beside him as she peered over his shoulder, Mac too saw the excitement the picture had captured in their expressions. In that instant they had been mutually experiencing the bond between parent and child. They had shared other intimate moments in the past, but actually seeing each other’s happiness so vividly immortalized on film flooded her with an indescribable sense of supreme contentment. Feeling Harm’s eyes on her now, Mac finally lifted her gaze to meet his and smiled softly.

“Merry Christmas,” she beamed.



Chapter 35

Christmas Eve
0315 Zulu
Washington D.C.

Eventually the excitement and festivity of the evening wound down, leaving a sense of peace and contentedness in its wake. Everyone agreed to leave the opening of presents for the following morning, so with an exchange of hugs and well wishes, Jennifer departed and the Burnetts turned in for the night. An hour later, after a yawning Mattie said goodnight as well, Harm headed off for his annual visit to the Vietnam Memorial.

The snowfall had tapered to flurries, leaving the ground covered by a white blanket that glittered under the memorial’s soft lighting. Standing alone in front of the somber black wall, Harm looked intently at the name etched into the stone. It had been thirty-five years since his father had gone down in that jungle halfway around the world. Thirty-five years, he mused. Had it really been so long? Lost in a world of memories as he ran his thumb over the familiar lettering, he didn’t hear the footsteps crunching in the snow behind him.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

Dragged out of his musings, he automatically tensed at the soft female voice. The moment of anxiety faded, however, when he turned around and recognized the figure standing a few feet away.

“Mom? What are you doing here? I thought you’d gone to bed.”

“Couldn’t sleep.”

“Is everything okay?” Concerned, he took a step forward.

“Everything’s fine,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Just a little insomnia, that’s all. I thought maybe a glass of milk might help but when I went down to the kitchen you were already gone.”

“How’d you know I’d be here?” He paused, and then answered his own question. “Mac told you.”

“I’m rather surprised that she didn’t come with you.”

“Even my Marine can’t argue with the fact that a woman in her sixth month of pregnancy shouldn’t be walking around outside on a night like this. These sidewalks are pretty icy. The last thing she and the baby need would be for her to slip and fall. You know how stubborn she is – she’d insist on walking by herself and I’d be a wreck worrying she’d lose her balance and have a crash landing.” He shrugged with a grin. “What can I say? Being more persuasive is what makes me the better attorney.”

“Are you better, or simply more egotistical?” his mother said wryly.

“Let’s assume I didn’t hear that,” he chuckled. “Speaking of nights like this, you shouldn’t have come out here this late by yourself.”

“Don’t worry, I didn’t. Mac drove with me. She’s waiting up in the car.” Burrowing her hands deeper into her coat pockets as she stepped closer to her son, Trish turned her attention to the memorial before them. Her voice grew somber. “This is the first time since your father disappeared that I’ve had the courage to come here on Christmas Eve.”

“I know,” Harm said quietly.

“It doesn’t feel like it’s been thirty-five years. Frank and I have been married nearly thirty, yet there are some things I remember about your dad as though they happened just yesterday.”

Trish leaned over to give her son a hug, discreetly slipping a small wrapped package into his pocket as she did so. In return, he nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“I know the feeling. A lot has happened in the last year alone, but sometimes it doesn’t seem like a whole year has gone by at all. It’s funny how the mind perceives the passing of time.”

They stood for a few moments in silence, each staring wordlessly at their combined reflection in the black granite wall. Finally, Trish spoke.

“I’m proud of you, Harm. Both with what you’ve done for Mattie and where you’re going with Mac,” she told him. “And I’m sure your father is proud of you too.”

“Thanks, Mom. That means a lot.” Working to control the underlying emotion in his voice, he finally cleared his throat and forced a grin, squeezing her shoulder. “It’s getting kind of cold out here. What do you say we rescue Mac and then head home for a cup of hot chocolate?”

Patricia Rabb Burnett took one final look at her first husband’s memorial before smiling up at her son.

“That’s an excellent idea, dear.”

Turning wordlessly, they slowly made their way back up the icy walkway, the wall behind them gleaming dully in the quiet night.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

New Year’s Eve
2250 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

“Mac?” Harm called up the stairs for the third time in as many minutes. “They’re going to be back any minute with the limo. What’s the hold up?”

“Just a second!”

Her muffled response drifted down to Harm from somewhere above. Glancing at his watch, he sighed before reaching into the hall closet. Frank had procured an extra pair of tickets to one of the more prestigious Washington area New Year’s Eve balls and the four adults were planning to go together.

Since the evening’s gala wasn’t a military function, Harm had forgone mess dress in favor of a more traditional civilian tuxedo. As he buttoned up his winter coat, the rumble of a car engine pulling into the driveway announced his parents’ arrival. Grabbing his scarf as he turned to call Mac once again, his voice instantly stilled at the vision of the woman coming down the stairs.

Her hair had been swept back off her face into delicate finger curls. The long, shimmering, deep red velvet dress fit perfectly, with its plunging neckline and empire waist that accentuated her rounding figure without being overly provocative.

Watching as she came to a stop halfway down the stairs, Harm’s eyes drifted in speechless wonder up her body before finally coming to rest on her face. Their gazes locked and held. She looked at him with surprise at his seeming speechlessness, while he simply stared with the rapture of a man smitten.

!!!FLASH!!!

Completely mesmerized by the beautiful woman before him, it took a moment for the click of the camera to register in Harm’s ears. A few feet away Mattie stood grinning foolishly, watching as the two of them stared at each other in helpless adoration. In the six weeks since they’d moved into the house, she’d seen them slowly growing closer without ever actually admitting their feelings. How could two people so obviously in love be so utterly clueless?

“Wow, Mac, you look fabulous!” she complimented. “Isn’t she stunning, Harm?”

“Absolutely breathtaking.”

His voice was low but firm, and full of heartfelt sincerity. Standing perched on the stairs with Mattie looking intently between them, Mac could feel the warm blush creeping up through her chest and into her cheeks. In vain she tried to drag her eyes away from his riveting gaze but found herself unable to do so.

“Don’t you guys have to be there soon?”

Mattie’s astute observation suddenly spurred her guardian into action. Moving back towards the door, Harm peered out the window towards the driveway.

“Frank and Mom just pulled up,” he announced, taking Mac’s wrap from the nearby closet. “Are you ready?”

“All set.” Handing her clutch to Mattie as she stepped down into the foyer, Mac let her gaze drift over Harm’s broad shoulders before turning to let him help her into her coat.

“Now, remind me again what time you kids are planning to be home?” Mattie smirked.

“That, my dear, is none of your business.” Grinning broadly at her, Harm opened the door. “You know how to contact us in case of an emergency.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve got Mac’s cell phone number if I need you for anything. But I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. My only date tonight is with Dick Clark and the bottle of sparkling apple juice that’s chilling in the fridge.”

“Sounds like fun. Don’t stay up too late.” Following Mac through the open doorway, a moment later he leaned back inside. “Happy New Year, Mattie.”

She returned his smile. “Happy New Year, Harm. See you in 2005!”



Chapter 36

1302 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Dropping back into her chair, Mac took a sip of steaming tea and watched her computer boot up for the day ahead. It was her usual routine: pick up messages, set down briefcase, hang up coat, grab coffee, turn on computer, open briefcase, and get to work. With the exception of times when she’d been out on assignment or attending one of Admiral Chegwidden’s early morning briefings, she had followed the same schedule every day for the nine years she’d been at JAG. The only two things that had changed in recent months had been the substitution of tea for coffee and that her morning commutes were now shared with Harm.

She set down her mug and reached for her briefcase. Flipping it open, she was surprised to find a thick white envelope included with the large stack of paperwork. It certainly hadn’t been there when she’d packed up her files at home the previous evening. Seeing her name written on the front of the package, she succumbed to curiosity and looked inside.

The envelope contained a stack of glossy photographs and a short handwritten note. Her eyes skimmed over the plain piece of paper:

Mac,

Pictures sometimes reveal things we wouldn’t necessarily recognize otherwise. Keeping that in mind, I think you and Harm may find the enclosed pictures enlightening. Hopefully they’ll help you see what is already so apparent to the rest of us.

Love always,

Mattie

With a slight frown, Mac set the note aside and picked up the photographs. On top was the picture Mattie had taken in the foyer on New Year’s Eve immediately before they’d left for the party with Trish and Frank. Lips curling upward at the memory, Mac shuffled the photo to the back of the pile and refocused her attention on the rest of the pictures.

They were all from New Year’s. She and Harm in the limo, standing next to the ice sculpture in the hotel lobby, dancing together. She vaguely recalled posing for a few of the shots, but many of them appeared to have been taken candidly. Mattie must’ve gotten the photos from Trish, smiled Mac to herself.

“Good morning, Colonel. Am I interrupting?”

Glancing up, Mac saw Commander Sturgis Turner standing in her office doorway.

“Not at all.” She smiled, beckoning for him to enter. “I suppose you want to talk about the Franklin Article 32 hearing?”

He took a seat in one of the chairs opposite her desk. “If you have a moment. Are those holiday pictures?”

“New Year’s,” she nodded.

“May I?”

Taking the photographs from Mac’s outstretched hand, Sturgis carefully flipped through them. His expression remained impassive as he pulled one out of the group and handed it back to her. “This one’s pretty good. Who was the photographer?”

“Harm’s stepfather,” she answered. Looking at the print, a twinge of dismay swept through her as she realized why Sturgis had singled it out. The photo had been taken while she and Harm were on the dance floor at midnight, arms wrapped around each other in a visibly consuming kiss. Fighting off the inward shiver of desire that arose at the memory, she looked back at her colleague. “He was taking pictures most of the evening.”

“There’s a shutterbug in every family,” Sturgis nodded knowingly as he returned his gaze to the pictures in his hand. “I can’t help but notice, though, that all of these seem to be of you and Harm. How are things going between you?”

“Fine.” Sometimes Sturgis was too damned observant for his own good.

“Just ‘fine?’ If I didn’t know better, Mac, I’d say that these pictures are of a couple very much in love. Are you sure there isn’t anything you’d care to share?” He glanced up at her, careful to keep his features neutral and his amusement to himself. This was too much fun!

“Nothing other than Mattie picked them out. You know how it goes, Sturgis. She’s a typical teenage girl.” The baby kicked, and Mac involuntarily smoothed a hand over her tummy. “When you’re sixteen, you tend to have an overly romanticized view of the world,” she said sarcastically.

“Maybe she’s more perceptive than you give her credit for,” he reasoned, leaning forward. His voice lowered confidentially. “Have you told Harm how you feel?”

“This really isn’t the right time—”

“It’s a simple question, Mac.”

“Sturgis—”

“Have you told him?” he pressed.

“No!”

Her eyes widening at the force of her words, Mac caught Sturgis’ gaze for a split second before glancing away towards the bullpen behind him. Thankfully, no one appeared to have overheard her through the open doorway.

“Has it ever occurred to you that Harm might feel the same way?”

“I know he cares for me a great deal,” she hedged. “I should hope he would, considering that we’re having a baby together. But in a romantic sense... no, I don’t think that Harm feels the same way for me that I do for him.”

“Try again, Colonel. Can you honestly look at these and not see two people madly in love with each other?” Sturgis countered, waving the envelope of pictures for emphasis. Then his voice softened. “Your happiness could be right around the corner, if you’d only reach out and grab for it. What are you so afraid of?”

Exhaling slowly, she dropped her gaze back to the image of Harm kissing her. Sturgis was right. They did look happy… and in love. All of the prints Mattie had selected showed a man and woman who appeared blissfully and completely absorbed in each other.

“I wish it were that easy,” Mac muttered with a flick of her wrist. The photo landed quietly before her on the desk.

“As my father always says, ‘Love is only as complicated as we make it.’ However you choose to interpret that is up to you.”

They fell silent for a few moments. Sturgis’ eyes twinkled as he gave Mac time to absorb on what he’d just told her. Finally, she took a deep breath and looked at him squarely.

“I believe you wanted to talk about the Franklin case?” she asked, purposely steering the dialogue back to more professional matters. The personal discussion was over.

Opening his mouth to reply, Sturgis was cut off by a knock on the door behind him.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Harm apologized as he leaned into the room, one hand on the jamb. “I’ve got to head down to Quantico. Probably won’t be back until later in the evening. Do you need anything before I go?”

“No, I’m good.” Suddenly self-conscious of Sturgis’ watchfulness, Mac shook her head. “Still picking me up at Bud and Harriet’s after the shower tonight?”

“Count on it.” Harm’s flyboy grin practically lit up the room.

“Drive safely.”

“Always.” Giving a playful wink at her shy smile, he pushed off from the doorframe and disappeared from view.

Sturgis observed the entire interchange with mute fascination. How much longer are they going to continue to delude themselves? he wondered. Shaking his head, he raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “If that’s not a man in love...”

“Sturgis,” she warned.

“Fine, fine.” He chuckled, lifting his hands in mock surrender. “I know better than to push the buttons of an annoyed jarhead.”

Mac just rolled her eyes.



Chapter 37

Same Evening
0133 Zulu
Roberts’ Family Residence

Harriet waited until the last of the guests had reached their car before closing the front door and flipping the deadbolt with a resounding click. Turning towards the living room, she saw Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie sitting on the sofa with young A.J. held in a loose embrace.

“Daddy, I want Aunt Mac to read me a story,” the youngster protested.

“Not tonight, A.J.” Bud stood a few feet away, sixteen-month-old Jimmy fast asleep in his arms. “Aunt Mac will be leaving soon and it’s time for your B-A-T-H.”

“I don’t want you to leave. Please?” Peering up at his godmother, A.J.’s mouth turned down in a practiced pout.

“Sorry, honey. It’s getting late and Uncle Harm will be here soon to take me home. Besides, someone I know needs to hop in the tub. Otherwise he’ll be pretty smelly tomorrow.”

“Say goodnight and then let’s go upstairs,” Bud told him firmly. To his relief, for once A.J. did not put up much of a fuss.

“Goodnight, Aunt Mac.” Pushing upwards, the kindergartener threw his small arms around her neck in a hug, burying his face in her shoulder. A few moments later he pulled back and gave her a sloppy kiss on the cheek. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he dropped to his knees and laid his lips against Mac’s well-rounded abdomen. “Goodnight, baby.”

Harriet couldn’t help the proud smile that broke open at the sight. Although A.J. was still too young to understand the concept of pregnancy, she and Bud had told him that Aunt Mac had a baby inside her tummy and was going to be a mommy. Apparently he’d listened.

“Come on, A.J.,” Bud repeated. Shifting Jimmy’s weight to the other arm as A.J. obediently scrambled off the couch, he took the boy’s hand and quietly led him towards the stairs. “See you in the morning, ma’am.”

“Night, Bud.”

As they passed by, Harriet leaned in to give her husband a soft kiss. Then, picking up the flat, rectangular gift box that had been sitting unobtrusively off to the side, she joined Mac in the living room.

“How are you doing, ma’am? Can I get you anything?” she asked, dropping into one of the chairs opposite the sofa.

“No thanks. I’m fine.” Mac gestured towards the half-full glass of water that sat at her elbow and reached for a cookie from the platter nearby. “This has been a wonderful evening, Harriet. I couldn’t have asked for a better baby shower.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“Although,” Mac continued, a conspiratorial smile blossoming, “I don’t think Harm believed me when I told him it looked like ‘Babies R Us’ exploded all over your living room. It didn’t seem like this much when we registered, I swear.” Her eyes scanned thoughtfully over the myriad of gifts scattered about.

“Walking around the store marking things down on a piece of paper doesn’t really do it all justice,” Harriet agreed. “It’s amazing how much stuff babies require. Remember my first shower? Bud and I could barely fit everything into our apartment.”

Nodding, Mac took a sip of water. “Whoever started the tradition of having showers deserves a medal. I can’t imagine what the bill would’ve been like if Harm and I had to buy all of this ourselves.”

“You start spending before the baby is born and don’t stop until after college. Poverty is a common side effect of becoming a parent,” laughed Harriet. “The first is the most expensive because you’re basically starting from scratch. But fortunately, the more kids you have, the less you need to buy because most of the major purchases are already under your belt. If you and the Commander decide to try for another after this one…”

Swallowing a laugh at Mac’s suddenly shocked expression, Harriet figured it was probably best not to pursue the subject further. Not right now, anyway. She glanced down at the package in her hands before holding it out for her friend to take. “I saved this for last.”

The gift was light to the touch and simply wrapped in crisp white paper, held together with a decorative rustic brown ribbon. Peeling the paper away from the box underneath, Mac slid one fingernail to loosen the binding tape and slowly drew open the lid.

“Oh, Harriet…” Her surprise and delight apparent, she pushed aside the white tissue paper and gingerly lifted the delicate lacy garment. “This is absolutely exquisite.”

“I didn’t know if Mrs. Burnett kept the Commander’s christening gown but thought I’d take a chance.”

“She didn’t.” Mac admired the white dress and tiny booties and cap that accompanied it before smiling at her friend, eyes glistening with tears. “It’s exactly what I would have picked out. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Beaming contentedly, Harriet was filled with a profound sense of satisfaction. She and Bud had deliberated for quite some time over what kind of gift to get for the Colonel and Commander. In her mind, not only was the gown a gift that exuded timelessness, but it could also be used for future children. She hoped it would serve as yet another hint to Harm and Mac that they belonged together. Grinning to herself as she settled back into her chair, Harriet watched silently as Mac neatly refolded the gown and laid it gently inside the box.

* * * * * * * * * *

Buckling his seatbelt a short time later, Harm shifted the transmission into drive and carefully eased the Lexus out of Bud and Harriet’s driveway. As he approached the stop sign at the end of the street, his eyes drifted to the large pile of gifts visible in the rearview mirror.

“How can something as small as a baby require so much stuff?” he asked. “I mean, I knew that we would have to get a lot of things, but this is a little absurd. I can barely see the car behind me.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault you don’t know how much stuff your mom and I picked out. You weren’t in town when we went to register, remember?” Mac’s eyes sparkled impishly as she teased him. “If you’d gone with us then you would know that—”

“Sturgis and I had to extend our investigation on the Coral Sea per Admiral Chegwidden’s orders. That was NOT my fault,” he interrupted. “If I’d had the choice I would have gone with you. Remember?”

“I know you would have,” she conceded. “Tell you what. If you still want to be a part of the whole baby shopping experience, no one got me a breast pump.”

Harm looked at her weakly.

“All right then. I’ll spare you the humiliation.” Mac chuckled, then sobered. “But seriously, there are a few items we still need to get before Little MacKenzie-Rabb arrives.”

“Such as?”

“A few packages of cloth diapers, some more onesies, a baby bathtub… oh, and Harriet recommended buying stock in Pampers.”

“Whoa, CLOTH diapers?”

The Lexus came to a halt as Harm turned to stare at Mac incredulously, eyes wide with disbelief. Before she could open her mouth to respond, he began shaking his head emphatically. “Uh-uh, Mac. There is NO WAY you’ll catch me changing poopy cloth diapers! That’s why we asked for the Diaper Genie, remember? No muss, no fuss?”

Mac burst out laughing.

“Relax. It’s not what you’re thinking. Trust me,” she eventually managed to say between heaving breaths. Inhaling deeply, she’d nearly gotten herself under control when another bout of giggles erupted. “Did I really just hear you use the word ‘poopy?’”

He glared at her momentarily before turning his attention back to the road. The SUV once again began to move as her laughter finally died down, leaving a broad grin in its wake.

“Cloth diapers make great burp rags, especially the non-pre-folded kind,” she finally explained. “And I have it from a good source that you can never have too many burp rags.”

“As long as we’re clear that the only diapers we’ll be using will be disposable.”

“Harm, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Your precious Diaper Genie will be getting plenty of mileage.”

Twisting in her seat, Mac looked back at the heap of gifts that filled the rear cargo area and back seat. The Diaper Genie box was buried somewhere underneath. “You know, it really is a good thing you brought the Lexus,” she commented.

“We never would have been able to fit all this into one of the ‘Vettes.”

“That’s because Corvettes weren’t exactly designed for toting around babies,” Mac reminded him. Her eyes widened. “Oh God, I hadn’t thought of that.”

“What?”

“My car doesn’t have a back seat.”

“So?”

“You didn’t really spend much time around Bud and Harriet when the boys were babies, did you?”

“Not when they were brand new,” Harm conceded. “But it wasn’t for lack of interest. I went back out to the Henry shortly after A.J. was born, and then with Jimmy…”

He stopped mid-sentence. Neither of them needed reminding of why he’d maintained distance from his JAG friends and family around the time of Jimmy’s birth. The mess of Paraguay and his ensuing stint with the CIA were water under the proverbial bridge.

“Harm, you can’t put a car seat in front. It’s too dangerous. And even if it weren’t a question of safety, where am I going to put a stroller, diaper bag, portable crib, and everything else I’ll need to haul around with me on a regular basis? My ‘Vette is simply too small.”

“You could always drive this,” he suggested.

“And what happens when it breaks down, or if we need to switch cars unexpectedly?” She shook her head with a sigh. “Three cars between us and only one that’s really practical.”

“What exactly do you propose, then?”

Leaning back against the headrest, she closed her eyes. “As much as I love my Corvette, it only makes sense that I trade it in for something that’s kid-friendly. You’ve already got the Lexus, and I couldn’t ask you to give up your convertible after all the work you’ve put into it.”

“What do you have in mind? Another Jeep?”

“I haven’t a clue.” She glanced over at him. “Want to come with me to pick out a new car?”

“How does Saturday sound?”

* * * * * * * * * *

The rest of the ride home was spent in quiet, earnest dialogue. By the time Harm pulled the Lexus into the garage they had worked out the details for the weekend’s shopping excursion, having decided on a handful of makes and models they believed would be the most appropriate for their needs. As they’d discussed which dealerships to visit, in the back of each of their minds lingered a conversation they’d had years before, after Harm’s first Corvette had met an untimely end at the hands of a car thief:

~Why don’t you come with me to pick out a new car with Bud and Harriet?~
~Isn’t that something Jordan should be doing?~
~Mac, you pick out a new car with your girlfriend, you might as well buy her a ring.~

That one statement equating car shopping and wedding bands had lodged itself deep in their memories and refused to let go. Each recalled it now, thinking about its implications as they related to the present situation.

I’m the mother of his child, but does Harm think of me as his girlfriend? If so, does it count if the girlfriend is the one who does the asking? Mac wondered.

She probably doesn’t remember my saying that, Harm thought to himself, but as the mother of my child she means more to me than any girlfriend. Did mom tell her about the ring?

Neither said anything to the other.

Chapter 38

Monday
1920 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Stepping into the break room, Mac stifled a yawn and headed directly for the box of decaffeinated tea sitting on the counter next to the coffee machine. Now that she’d entered the third trimester of her pregnancy, the energy she’d experienced during the last few months had suddenly vanished. Fortunately, Harriet’s advice for having a mid-afternoon cup of tea and a small snack seemed to help combat the lethargy. Grabbing a mug off of the shelf above, Mac filled it with hot water and dropped in a teabag. Then she leaned back into the counter and heaved a tired sigh.

“Everything okay?”

Looking up, she caught Harm standing in the doorway watching her.

“Yeah, I’m just a little worn out,” she said. “Nothing to worry over.”

“You sure? Because if you don’t feel like going tonight, I’m sure we can reschedule,” he told her, moving closer. Every day he seemed to grow more protective of both her and their child, which to Mac’s surprise only made him that much more charming.

“I’m fine, Dad,” she smiled. “And you know perfectly well that we can’t miss our first class. I’ll manage somehow, don’t worry. You brought the pillow, right?”

“And some civvies for us to change into.” Crossing the room, he nudged her aside and poured himself a cup of coffee. “The bag is in my car.”

Before Mac could reply, their discussion was interrupted as Jennifer Coates strode into the room.

“Good afternoon, ma’am, sir.” Smiling at them in greeting, Jennifer took a step in the direction of the refrigerator before pausing. “Ma’am, forgive my asking, but was that a new minivan I saw you driving in this morning?”

Mac and Harm grinned at each other.

“Yes,” Mac told her. “I finally realized that in a few weeks I wouldn’t be able to fit into my Corvette anymore and that a bigger car was probably in order.”

“It’s cute – very stylish! When did you get it?”

“Over the weekend.” Harm chuckled. “We went to a few different dealerships but had trouble agreeing on what we liked best.”

“One didn’t give enough leg room in the back seat.”

“Another didn’t have big enough cup holders or enough cargo space.”

“And I wanted something that came equipped with reverse sensors.” When Jen looked at her questioningly, Mac shrugged. “Makes it easier to back up without having to constantly worry about replacing the bumper.”

“So what made you decide on the Quest?” Opening the fridge, Jennifer pulled out a can of soda.

“It had everything we wanted,” Harm said. “Not to mention that both side doors open at the touch of a button on the remote. Mac figured that would probably come in handy.”

Glancing with a frown at his watch, he looked at them apologetically. “Sorry to run, but I need to head out or else I’m going to be late for a client meeting. You’re sure about tonight?” he asked Mac.

She nodded. “I’ll meet you downstairs at seventeen hundred hours.”

“Okay then.” Giving her a quick kiss on the lips, Harm turned and quickly strode off out into the bullpen.

Mac looked over at Jennifer, who watched the loving exchange with feigned disinterest.

“We were seriously thinking about the Ford Explorer, too,” Mac said, taking a sip of tea. “But of course, Harm pushed for the minivan, which is what we finally decided to go with.”

“Why that and not the Explorer?” Jen inquired.

“The Nissan dealership had a Quest in stock that had everything we wanted. We drove it off the lot the same day. But more importantly,” Mac smirked, “I don’t think Harm was very enthusiastic about me driving an SUV that’s larger than his Lexus.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Monday
2303 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

“Face it, Sturgis has me dead-to-rights on this one,” Mac grumbled.

On the drive to Bethesda from Falls Church, she’d asked for Harm’s opinion regarding a client she had recently been assigned to defend. It was a relatively straightforward situation, but Mac knew that it would be nearly an impossible case to win and was starting to get frustrated. Even Harm, who had managed to successfully argue equally hopeless cases on a number of occasions, couldn’t seem to come up with a good strategy.

“Mac, it’s not as bleak as you seem to think,” he said, trying to provide her with encouragement. “A few years back I personally defended a Marine gunnery sergeant on similar charges and was able to get them dropped.”

“There were special circumstances in that case, Harm,” she reminded him. “You were able to prove there was no premeditation, the Gunny didn’t intend to injure his CO, and he had the skills to make the shot. That defense won’t work here – Lieutenant Graves’ last PFT clearly demonstrates that he couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn if he were aiming for one. He pulled the trigger at close range and seriously wounded his commanding officer.”

Her footfalls echoed loudly on the corridor’s linoleum tiles. Harm walked a few steps behind, a clean pillow tucked casually underneath his arm. He tried again.

“Still, there’s no reason to believe you’ve lost the case before it even goes to trial.”

Stopping outside of the door to the classroom, her eyes glinted with barely concealed irritation.

“A precedent also exists in the case of a junior lieutenant who was charged with attempted homicide after firing on his commanding officer at close range, resulting in severe bodily harm. Not only did the prosecuting attorney prove that the attack was premeditated, the defendant was found guilty on all charges and received a dishonorable discharge and fifteen years hard labor. Government vs. Marchek, 1953.”

“How did you find that?”

“I’m pregnant, not incompetent.” The door swung heavily on its hinges as she turned the handle and yanked it open.

He followed as she stormed into the room. “I never said you were incomp—”

Nearly plowing into her, Harm was thrown off guard when Mac stopped unexpectedly just inside the doorway.

On the floor in the middle of the room sat upwards of fifteen people, who now turned their heads simultaneously to look at the latecomers. A middle-aged woman stood over by the far wall, playing with the controls on the A/V unit. Glancing over, she smiled warmly at Harm and Mac.

“Come on in and make yourselves comfortable.” She straightened and gestured for them to join the assembly. “We were just about to get started.”

The two attorneys glanced at each other self-consciously, their conversation about Graves forgotten as they together stepped forward in silence towards the others. Dropping the pillow at his feet, Harm paused to help as Mac awkwardly lowered herself to the carpeting. He joined her a few moments later, his hand lingering idly on her lower back.

“Okay, that should be everyone,” said the woman at the front of the room as she turned to face the class. “First of all, welcome to Lamaze! I’m assuming you all remember signing up for this course. If you don’t,” she said with a wry grin, “the psychology department is located two floors down.”

As expected, a ripple of uneasy laughter flowed through the group. Harm looked at Mac and gave her a small, reassuring smile. The instructor continued.

“My name is Anne Trudeau. I’m a licensed nurse practitioner and have been teaching this course for nearly seven years now. Before we begin, though, I’d like to take a few minutes to go around and introduce ourselves.” Leaning back against the desk, she crossed her ankles and motioned to Harm and Mac. “Why don’t you go ahead and start?”

Their eyes met briefly in unspoken discussion. Why not? Mac nodded at Harm.

“I’m Harmon Rabb.”

“I’m Sarah MacKenzie.” Rubbing one hand across the side of her tummy, the other searched out Harm’s hand. He gave her fingers a squeeze as she turned to look at him, their gazes intense with mutual excitement. “And this is our first baby.”



Chapter 39

Wednesday
1824 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Shortly after lunchtime Harm wove through the sea of desks in the bullpen towards Mac’s open door. As he approached he could see her sitting with her head bowed diligently, the ever-present mountain of paperwork perched ominously off to one side. Sometimes he still found it hard to believe that Mac, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, was not only his fellow JAG lawyer and an old friend, but was also his housemate and the mother of his child.

Harm watched her for a moment just outside the doorway, observing the way the light glinted off her hair in the afternoon sun. It was funny how he’d never really noticed the pretty sight even though he’d watched her through this same door countless times before. His quiet knock echoed through the office.

Glancing up at him, Mac smiled. “Hi.”

“Keeping busy?” He motioned towards the stack of paperwork on her desk.

“No more so than usual, although I promised Admiral Chegwidden I’d have this for him by the end of the day. What’s up?”

“Not much. Just stopped by to see how you’re doing.” Harm plunked himself down in one of the chairs across from her desk.

“I’m fine, Commander.” Leaning forward, elbows on the desktop, she clasped her hands together and looked at him wryly. “Same as I was when you asked me forty-two minutes ago.”

“True. But when I asked earlier you’d just finished cross-examining Bud’s star witness and had been on your feet most of the morning. There’s a big difference between that and sitting in a nice comfortable chair behind your own desk,” he countered.

“It was good exercise. And at least my being in court kept you from spending more time in my office than in your own. Besides,” Mac chuckled, “Bud came in and made me an offer right after you left. Seems his client decided it was less risky to plead it out than to let the case go to a full court martial.”

“Is that what you’re working on now?”

She nodded. “It took a little negotiating, but we were finally able to reach a settlement. Now all I have to do is complete and file the paperwork.”

“Exciting.” Harm sniggered and rose. “I won’t keep you from it then.”

“Thanks.”

Dropping her gaze back down to the folder in her hands, Mac refocused her attention on what she’d been doing. As he reached the doorway, Harm paused to look back at her, one hand on the wooden frame.

“Before I forget… keep Monday evening free, okay?” Trying to keep his demeanor as nonchalant as possible, he didn’t want Mac to get suspicious of his plans.

One side of her mouth curled in disbelief as she continued to scan the folder’s contents. “That shouldn’t be a problem. You’d be surprised what being thirty-three weeks pregnant will do to a woman’s social life.”

“You mean you actually have one when you’re not pregnant?” What better way to throw her off the scent than to be a pain in the six?

“Ha ha, very funny.” She stared up at him quizzically. “What’s so special about Monday?”

“Nothing much,” he replied, an ambiguous smile on his features as he stepped out the door.

“Hey, Harm?”

He stopped. “Yeah?”

“Would you mind grabbing me a pudding cup from the fridge? One of the ones with chocolate and vanilla swirled together?”

Her bright smile made him laugh.

“Only one?”

Thinking for a moment, she patted her swollen belly and grinned. “On second thought, make it two. We’re hungry.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Harm brought her the requested snack cups a few minutes later, accompanied by a glass of milk and several napkins. As he disappeared out of sight in the direction of his own office, Mac chuckled aloud. While she normally didn’t like being hovered over, a part of her enjoyed how protective and courteous Harm had been these last few months. He’d taken to stopping by her office periodically throughout the day to ensure that she had everything she wanted and was feeling all right.

Would he continue to be this generous after the baby was born? A girl could get used to having her own personal flyboy waiting on her hand and foot, she thought with an inward grin.

Grabbing a spoon out of the desk drawer, she reached for one of the pudding cups and skimmed off some of the top layer of chocolate pudding. Savoring the sweet taste, Mac allowed herself to sit for a few seconds staring whimsically out into the bullpen before her mind began to drift back to work. There were a million and one things that needed yet to be done, and she didn’t want to have them hanging over her head when she left the office that evening.

Setting the pudding down with a determined breath, she returned her attention to the paperwork in front of her. As her gaze dropped downward, her eyes lingered for an instant on the small calendar she kept on the desk.

Her unconscious mind suddenly made a connection between the calendar and the conversation she’d just had with Harm. Doing a double take, she picked up the small cardboard chart to make sure she had indeed read it correctly.

The following Monday was February 14th, otherwise known as Valentine’s Day.

* * * * * * * * * *

Monday
2316 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

It was well after eighteen-hundred local time when Mac got home from the office. She’d been planning to leave work early, only to find her good intentions thwarted by Harriet, who had come into her office at sixteen-thirty with an ‘urgent’ matter that simply could not wait until morning. After an hour and a half they were no closer to resolving the issue and Mac was starting to get antsy. She finally persuaded Harriet to call it a day, and they’d walked out to their vans together.

Now concentrating on the awkward task of getting up the back steps, Mac didn’t see the young female face peering out at her from the dining room window. Although it was cold outside, the temperature had held steady above freezing for the last few days, allowing the last of the ice and snow to melt away. Pulling out her keys, Mac had one hand on the doorknob before the small note taped to the door caught her attention.

“This entrance is temporarily closed,” it read. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thanks! ~Management”

What the hell? she thought.

Black construction paper had been carefully taped on the inside of the glass-paned door, effectively preventing her from looking into the family room. Harm was definitely up to something! Frowning, Mac pulled the note off the door with a sigh before turning back to the driveway. Counting her blessings that the walkways were clear, she carefully eased herself back down the steps and waddled her way alongside the house to the front porch.

Voices could be heard echoing from the rear of the house as soon as Mac stepped into the foyer. Closing the door quietly behind her, she hung her coat in the closet and slipped her shoes off her aching feet. Then, leaving her briefcase at the bottom of the stairs, she padded softly towards the kitchen. The voices grew louder. When she rounded the corner into the room, she saw Harm standing at the counter with his back to her.

“Harm, chill out. Everything looks beautiful,” Mattie was saying as she climbed onto a stool at the breakfast bar. Her eyes met Mac’s over Harm’s shoulder as the tired Marine silently appeared in the doorway.

Based on the way he was standing, it was apparent that Harm didn’t realize he and Mattie weren’t alone and that Mac was listening to every word. Struck with a sudden idea, Mattie looked at her guardian intently.

“So, tell me again why you haven’t said anything to Mac yet?” she questioned.

“Mattie...” Harm sighed. “This may sound strange, but I honestly don’t know how she feels. What am I supposed to say – ‘Hey Mac, I love you,’ and then pray that she tells me she loves me too? Somehow I can’t see that happening.”

Mac’s heart caught in her throat. “You never know, Harm. It might work,” she said softly.



Chapter 40

Monday
2322 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

Spinning on his heels at the sound of Mac’s voice, Harm gaped at her in shock and disbelief. The protective layer he’d kept firmly over his heart all these years had just been unceremoniously ripped away, rendering him totally and completely exposed. Had she really just heard him say that? Despite the way in which her gaze locked on his, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so vulnerable.

“That’s my cue.” Beaming happily, Mattie slid off the stool and sauntered past, patting Harm on the shoulder as she went. “See you guys in the morning.”

The sound of her footsteps faded down the hallway, leaving Harm and Mac standing in the kitchen staring at one another.

“Mac…”

Taking an uncertain step forward, Harm looked at her helplessly. Of all the ways he’d envisioned telling Mac that he loved her, none had ever involved her overhearing him blurt the words out to someone else.

Her mind racing, Mac couldn’t help the burst of hopeful joy that warmed her soul. Harmon Rabb, Jr., her longtime colleague, father of her unborn child, the one person in the world who knew her inside and out, had just admitted that he loved her. Overcome with sudden boldness, she closed the gap between them. Keeping her eyes steady on his, she lifted her hands to his chest, letting her palms linger there before sliding them up around his neck in a lovers’ embrace.

Harm’s arms reflexively encircled her waist, her burgeoning middle pressed between them.

“It’s okay, flyboy,” she whispered.

Rising on her tiptoes, she closed her eyes and tenderly pressed her lips to his in a feathery kiss. Harm was kissing her back in the span of a heartbeat, despite an irrational fear that she’d push away from him yet again.

Deep in the recesses of his mind, however, he recognized that her reaction was not merely that of a platonic friend. What had she meant when she’d said ‘it might work?’ There was only one way to find out. Breaking away, his hands trailed restlessly up and down Mac’s back as his gaze captured hers.

“I love you, Sarah.”

Her breath hitched as she rested her forehead lightly on his. She smiled softly, their eyes inches apart.

“I love you too, Harm.”

* * * * * * * * * *

They stood there in each other’s arms for a long moment. Neither spoke, but soon Harm’s arms tightened, pulling Mac even closer. Her eyes squeezed shut as she dropped her cheek to his shoulder, lashes dampened by irrepressible tears of joy.

“We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?” she smiled. A burst of laughter rumbled in Harm’s chest, but she didn’t open her eyes.

“Would you have it any other way?” Turning his head slightly, he kissed the back of her hair.

“Nope.” She lifted her head and gave him an intimate grin, a single tear trailing down her face as she kissed him again. “Life wouldn’t be nearly as interesting.” Her gaze drifted over into the adjacent family room.

Reaching up to caress her cheek with his thumb, Harm knew the instant she realized what was different about the space.

“Like it?”

“My God, Harm!”

Mac pulled away from him in astonishment. Flowers of all varieties and an assortment of tropical plants filled the room: on the tables, on the floor, on the bookshelves in the corners. No space remained untouched by their presence. White, pink, and purple petals were everywhere mixed gracefully with glossy green leaves, turning the normally comfortable area into a lush, relaxing retreat. It was a wonder she hadn’t seen the changes when she’d first walked in, but the lights had been turned off and she’d been so focused on hearing Harm and Mattie’s conversation… Shaking her head numbly, she turned back to Harm.

“You’ve been busy,” she murmured.

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” he admitted ruefully. “I wasn’t expecting you to be home quite this early.”

“I would have been home sooner, but Harriet needed me for something.” When Harm didn’t immediately respond, Mac’s eye’s narrowed. An instant later she punched him playfully on the arm. “You set me up!”

“It worked, didn’t it?”

“Remind me to have a talk with Lieutenant Sims tomorrow,” Mac grumbled. Not really angry at all, her expression softened a moment later as she glanced back towards the transformed family room. “Harm, I can’t believe you did all this just for me.”

“Don’t thank me yet. The evening’s still young.” Pivoting on one heel, he extended a gentlemanly arm for her to take. “Would you care to join me for dinner?”

Without hesitation, Mac slid her hand into the crook of his elbow and smiled. “I thought you’d never ask. Lead the way, sailor.”

Together they crossed the threshold into the dining room.

* * * * * * * * * *

Harm had pulled out all the stops in making this a meal to remember. Knowing that Mac still couldn’t stomach meat as a result of her pregnancy, he’d chosen simple dishes that all featured some kind of seafood. Lobster bisque and spinach salad sprinkled with soft-shelled crabmeat were followed by a main course of artichoke-stuffed salmon and fresh green asparagus. Afterwards, just when Mac thought she couldn’t eat any more, he’d brought out the piece-de-resistance: homemade caramel crème brulee.

When she finally pushed her plate away with a contented sigh, Harm suggested she go upstairs and change into some PJs while he cleaned up. Less than ten minutes later, wearing loose fitting pajamas and her well-worn pink bathrobe, she carefully eased herself back down the staircase and padded towards the family room. To her amazement, the scene had changed yet again.

In addition to the flowers and plants, there were now countless numbers of lit candles scattered throughout the room, bathing everything in warm, golden light. The subtle sound of flute music played from somewhere in the background, and the scent of jasmine filled the air. Harm was nowhere to be seen.

“Where did you go?” she called softly, beckoning him to return from wherever he had disappeared. A moment passed before he emerged from the dining room. “Harm—”

“Shhhh…”

He silenced her words with a smile and a tender finger to her lips. Mac gazed at him lovingly, the wonder and appreciation in her eyes evident. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he turned her around and guided her over to the sofa.

“I knew you wouldn’t feel at ease going to a spa right now,” he explained quietly, “so I’m bringing the spa to you. Now sit back and relax.”

With his help, she did as she was told and lowered herself into one corner of the couch. Then, surprising her again, Harm picked up her feet and gently turned her so that her legs stretched out along the cushions. When he saw she was comfortable, he settled himself down by her feet and reached for a small jar of ointment sitting nearby.

“But I—”

“No ‘buts,’ Mac.” Twisting open the lid, he scooped out some clear salve and began rubbing it between his hands. “This is something I want to do for you. Let me, please?”

Not waiting for an answer, he lifted one of her feet and slowly began to massage the balm into her sensitive flesh. Acquiescing, Mac closed her eyes and leaned back, inhaling deeply as the eucalyptus worked its magic. Harm watched her as he continued his ministrations, contentedly losing track of time as the tension in her face gradually faded into peace.

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TBC…

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