Chapter 41

Monday
1421 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

By mid-March, rumors had begun to surface regarding what Admiral Chegwidden planned to do when Colonel MacKenzie left for maternity leave. Fast approaching the end of her pregnancy, Mac was starting to make sure all of her cases were ready to be transitioned off to other JAG attorneys. No official plans had yet been announced as to how or when that transition would occur, however, and the staff was beginning to wonder what would happen.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

“Morning, Harriet.” Checking her email before staff call, Mac wasn’t surprised when the lieutenant appeared in her office doorway with a welcoming grin. She deleted an unwanted message and turned to face her friend. “Did you have a good weekend?”

Harriet chuckled. “It was fine. We had to take A.J. to the emergency room on Saturday, though, but otherwise—”

“What happened?!”

“You know those little pink triangular erasers?”

“Oh, no…” Relaxing a little, Mac smiled. “Let me guess. In his ear?”

“Up his nose,” Harriet corrected with a shake of her head, her eyes dancing in amusement. “One in each nostril. According to the doctor, that sort of thing isn’t exactly an uncommon occurrence.”

Her laughter subsiding, she stepped forward and gently changed the subject. “What about you, ma’am? How have you been feeling?”

“Like I want to drop-kick the next person who asks me that.” Smiling, Mac shrugged. “I can’t see my feet anymore, my ankles have swollen to the point that my shoes don’t fit, and I feel like I’m approximately the size of the Goodyear Blimp. I sooo cannot wait to get back to kickboxing class.”

“Believe me, I’ve been there,” Harriet commiserated. “But you don’t have too much longer to go, and trust me when I say it’s worth all the misery,” she grinned.

“Two weeks and counting,” Mac sighed.

“Mac? Are you ready for staff call?” Interrupting, Harm stepped into the doorway beside Lieutenant Sims.

Mac smiled. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Pushing her chair away from the desk, her expression turned sheepish as she glanced up at them. “Would you guys mind giving me a hand?”

* * * * * * * * * *

Holding the door for Mac as they entered the conference room, Harm was surprised to see an old friend grinning at him from the seat beside Admiral Chegwidden. Flashing the newcomer a hearty welcoming smile, he waited until Mac was comfortable in her chair before sitting himself.

Now that everyone was present, the Admiral began the meeting without preamble.

“I’m sure most of you remember Commander Caitlin Pike,” he said. “Effective immediately, Kate is TAD to JAG Headquarters to provide coverage while Colonel MacKenzie is out on leave. Colonel, you’ll begin transitioning your caseload over to Commander Pike starting this afternoon.”

“Aye, sir.”

Chegwidden continued. “The remainder of the Colonel’s responsibilities will be divided between the rest of you as follows…”

With the characteristic efficiency everyone had come to expect from the former SEAL, the Admiral detailed out the new allocation of tasks and then proceeded onto the usual agenda. An hour later, once the meeting had adjourned, Harm, Mac and Kate lingered behind in the room while the other attorneys headed back out into JAG Ops.

As the door swung closed, Kate turned with a grin to Harm and gave him a bear hug.

“It is so good to see you!” she laughed loudly.

“You too, Kate.” Patting her on the back, Harm smiled at Mac and pulled away. “It’s been what, three years?”

“More like four,” Kate admonished, her hand lingering on his arm. She glanced over at Mac as well. “He never calls, never writes…”

Mac smiled warmly. “Well, in his defense, he has been keeping busy.”

“Yeah, he always has some excuse.” Kate turned back to Harm. “The last I heard you’d taken a little swim in the Atlantic. What on earth were you thinking, flying in the middle of a tropical storm?”

Suddenly uncomfortable, Harm’s gaze dropped to the floor before lifting up to meet Mac’s. “I was trying to get back for Mac’s wedding, actually.”

Glancing between the two other officers, Kate felt the instant tension and decided to press Harm for the story later, when they would be able to talk in private. “I’m a little surprised that Admiral Chegwidden passed you over for Chief of Staff,” she said instead. “Aside from Mac, aren’t you the most senior officer at Headquarters?”

“I think the Admiral knows how much Harm hates doing administrative paperwork,” Mac grinned.

“He knows that I’m going to be taking two weeks myself when Mac goes into the hospital, which automatically makes me the wrong person for the job,” Harm amended. “Besides, Sturgis is a much better fit. He actually likes that sort of menial stuff.”

“Why are you taking two weeks?” Kate shot Harm a puzzled look.

“To help Mac with the baby. Where else would I be?”

Brow furrowing into a frown, Kate turned to Mac. “What about your husband?”

“I’m not married.” The confusion on Mac’s face was apparent.

“The last time I was in town, you had just gotten engaged,” Kate reasoned. Bewildered, she glanced at Harm and folded her arms across her chest. “And didn’t you just say that you went down at sea trying to get back for her wedding?”

“Well, yeah, but—”

Realization dawning, Mac instantly understood the source of Kate’s misunderstanding.

“She doesn’t know, Harm,” Mac said, her eyes capturing his.

“Know what?” Kate asked cautiously, her gaze once again passing from Mac to Harm and back to Mac.

During her last visit to JAG, she’d immediately sensed the emotional connection between these two officers. Obviously that connection hadn’t lessened in the intervening three years. If anything, the silent communication Harm and Mac shared was now stronger than ever.

At Harm’s nod, Mac looked at Kate compassionately. “The wedding was cancelled as a result of Harm’s crash and my fiancé returned home to Australia shortly thereafter,” she explained. “I didn’t marry Mic.”

“Then whose baby—”

Stepping forward, Harm reached out to his friend. “Kate, the baby is mine. I’m the father.”

“Oh.” Not quite sure how to react, Kate simply stared back and forth between the two of them for a moment. Harm and Mac were having a baby together? As quickly as it had come, the momentary shock was washed away by excitement for her friends. She broke into a smile as a wave of laughter burst forth. “Well, congratulations!”

Both Harm and Mac began laughing as well, the tension in the room disappearing.

“Tell you what,” Harm grinned, “why don’t you come over for dinner tonight? That way we can fill you in on everything that’s gone on around here over the last few years.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Don’t argue, Kate. It would be our pleasure,” Mac said.

“C’mon, it will be fun,” insisted Harm. “What do you say?”

Glancing between them again, Kate finally caved. “Okay,” she nodded. “But you have to let me bring something.”

“Deal.” Laughing as they all started towards the door, Harm smiled. “And this way you can see our house, too.”

Kate stopped and stared at her old friend, her eyes widening. “You bought a HOUSE?”



Chapter 42

Next Day
2045 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

“I’ve been having some difficulty tracking down one of the witnesses for the Maxwell Article 32,” Mac said as she passed a file to Kate, who was seated in one of the chairs opposite Mac’s desk. “I’ve left three messages but haven’t had a chance to follow up further.”

The two women had been working together most of the day bringing Kate up to speed on all of Mac’s outstanding cases. After three hours straight Mac’s lower back was beginning to ache. Wishing she could take something, she shifted uncomfortably in her chair as Kate flipped open the folder and scanned through the documents inside.

“Articles 112 and 89?”

“Drunk on duty and disrespect towards a superior commissioned officer,” Mac elaborated. “Petty Officer 2nd Class Philip Maxwell was selected for random drug-testing while on duty aboard the Seahawk last month. When the saliva analysis showed positive for alcohol, he proceeded to verbally insult the medic, Captain Johnson, the SecNav and even the President. Seems he’d smuggled a bottle of $200 cognac on board and got pretty loud in his diatribe against Naval SOP. He should be thankful the convening authority decided not to add Article 88 to the charges.”

Kate tossed the folder atop the stack of files that had accumulated on the adjacent chair and looked up, her gaze zeroing in on the Colonel. Ever since dinner last night she’d been dying of curiosity, and finally couldn’t take it anymore. “How did you do it, Mac?”

“Do what?”

“Sleep with Harm.” Bemused, Kate’s eyebrow arched as she stared at her colleague. “And then go back to business as usual, like nothing happened.”

“You did the same thing.”

“That was different. I was never in love with him,” Kate pointed out.

“Do you have the Grafton file?” Mac asked, changing the subject. Although she and Harm had finally opened up to one another about their feelings, neither wanted to broadcast the new direction their relationship was taking until they had a better handle on it themselves. It was bad enough that Kate had figured it out for herself.

At the shake of Kate’s head, Mac pushed back from her desk and awkwardly heaved herself out of the chair, massaging her throbbing lower back as she crossed the office to the set of file cabinets in the corner.

A small, knowing smile crept over Kate’s lips as she watched Mac waddle past. “I’d avoid playing poker if I were you.”

Mac wrenched one of the top drawers open and turned to look back with barely masked irritation. “Just what exactly is that suppo—”

Stopping abruptly in mid-sentence, her eyes widened as her low, guttural moan echoed through the office.

“Are you okay?” asked Kate, immediately concerned.

“Uh… no!” Grimacing as the sharp wave of pain ripped through her abdomen, Mac doubled over next to the file cabinet, one hand on the open drawer for support while the other clutched at the fabric of her maternity uniform.

Kate jumped to her feet and rushed over. When she reached Mac’s side, however, she paused, unsure of what to do.

“I thought you weren’t due for another two weeks.”

“I’m not,” Mac gasped, her eyes defocusing as she concentrated on getting past the contraction. “But when I saw the doctor on Friday she said the baby had dropped and I could go at any time.”

“What can I do?”

Mac glanced up at her colleague from under furrowed brows. “Find Harm.”

“Okay, but let’s get you to a chair first.”

Nodding as the tightening in her belly eased, Mac forced herself to let go of the cabinet and take hold of Commander Pike’s extended hand. Together, the two women hobbled over to the chair where Kate had been sitting a few moments before. Helping lower Mac into the seat, Kate rubbed her friend’s shoulder soothingly.

“I’ll be right back, okay?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Mac assured her wanly

* * * * * * * * * *

Across the bullpen in Admiral Chegwidden’s anteroom, Harm had stopped to find out when the Admiral would be back and had gotten caught up in conversation with Petty Officer Coates. Leaning against the doorframe, he folded his arms across his chest and flashed Jennifer an easy grin.

“So tell me again how you met this guy?”

“He’s in the study group for one of my classes, sir,” Jen chuckled, eyes glittering mischievously. “We were preparing for an exam a few weeks back and…”

She trailed off as Commander Pike appeared behind Commander Rabb.

“Excuse me,” Kate interrupted hurriedly as she stepped into the doorway. “Harm, can I see you for a second?”

Nodding, he smiled apologetically at Jennifer and turned to look at Kate. His heart dropped as he caught the look of worry in her eyes. “Is everything all right?”

She leaned close, keeping her voice low. “I’m pretty sure Mac just went into labor.”

“What?! But she’s not due for another—”

Kate shrugged. “She’s asking for you.”

“Where is she?” he questioned, his gaze darting over the faces in the bullpen and landing on the door to Mac’s office. From where he stood he could just make out a figure in Marine green sitting hunched over in front of her desk.

Not waiting for Kate’s reply, Harm all but sprinted across the linoleum floor. Moments later he was flying through Mac’s doorway.

“Hi stranger,” she greeted with a pained smile.

Crouching down beside her, Harm’s eyes searched her face intently. “How are you feeling?”

“A little surprised, but so far so good,” she laughed breathily, reaching out her hand for his. “But you might want to ask me again in a few hours.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Lifting his free hand to her cheek, Harm couldn’t help the grin that split his face as their gazes locked and held. Awash with excitement and terrified nervousness, they simply sat for a moment and stared at one another. The moment of truth was finally in sight. Filled with anticipation at their impending parenthood, Mac gave Harm’s fingers a firm squeeze and smiled.

Then the intimate moment was broken. The sound of hurried footsteps preceded Harriet as she rushed into the room. Knowing better than anyone what it was like to go into labor in front of your coworkers, she dropped down in front of Mac and took hold of her free hand.

“How are you doing, ma’am?” she asked sympathetically.

“Not too bad, considering,” Mac quipped.

“Have you been timing the contractions?”

“No.” Frowning, Mac glanced uncertainly between Harriet and Harm. “Aside from the one I really haven’t had any— ohhh!” Her eyes fluttering shut, she tightened her grip on Harm and Harriet’s hands as the next spasm hit unexpectedly.

“Easy, tiger,” Harm murmured. “Just breathe through it.”

After what seemed like an eternity, the discomfort began to ebb away. Mac exhaled slowly, as she’d learned in Lamaze. She opened her eyes and gave a faint smile.

“Eight minutes, fifteen seconds from one to the next. This one lasted just under forty-three seconds.” She paused. “I think.”

“You think?” Harm questioned. “What happened to your impeccable sense of timing?”

“It doesn’t work too well when I’m in pain.”

Harm lifted Mac’s knuckles to his lips. “Will you be okay for a few minutes while I go pull the van around?”

“I’ll stay with her, sir,” Harriet offered.

At Mac’s nod, Harm pushed upwards, dropping a light kiss on her forehead as he straightened. Just as he was walking out the door, however, she called out to him.

“Harm, wait! Do me a favor?”

“What’s that?” he asked, one hand on the doorjamb.

“Steer clear of the elevator.”

“Yes ma’am!” Grinning, Harm turned and trotted off towards his office to grab his cover, coat and keys.



Chapter 43

Same Day
2241 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

Harm waited until Mac had been admitted and was settled into her room before heading outside to make a few calls on his cell phone. When he returned to the maternity ward a short time later, Mac’s door had been closed and no sounds could be heard from the other side. Turning the knob, he pushed the heavy door open a few inches and peered inside. The room appeared empty except for Mac, who lay in bed with her head resting back comfortably against the pillow. Her eyes were closed.

Not wanting to disturb her, Harm tried to be quiet as he entered. The door had other plans, however, and he winced as the squeal of hinges broke the silence. Opening her eyes, Mac blinked a few times before greeting him softly. She sat up a little as he stepped into the room.

“Did you reach them?” she asked.

Harm nodded, latching the door shut behind him. “They’re going to take the first flight out in the morning. Mom says ‘Hi’ and to keep your chin up.”

“What a mess,” Mac sighed. “I hope this doesn’t cost them too much, coming out a week earlier than they planned.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. From the sound of things, Frank was able to exchange their original tickets, and Mom’s partner is going to keep an eye on the gallery.” Moving a chair closer to her bedside, Harm sat and leaned over to take her hand, giving her fingers a gentle reassuring squeeze. “How’s my Marine doing, anyway?”

“Just trying to conserve energy while I still can,” she smiled, letting her head drop back gently. “So I’m YOUR Marine now, huh?”

“Maybe.”

A retort on her tongue, Mac abruptly tensed as she felt the next contraction welling within. “Hold on to that thought,” she managed to say, sucking in a breath.

They rode it out together. Stroking the back of her hand as the spasm passed, Harm tried to soothe her as best he could. He was relieved when Mac’s grip on his fingers loosened.

“That was stronger than the last one,” she commented, a hint of awe creeping into her tone.

“Does it hurt much?”

Mac looked at him. “Yes and no. The first one hurt like hell, but mostly because it caught me totally off guard. Now that I’m expecting them, they’re not so bad. They do seem to be getting more intense.”

“Do you still want to try this without pain meds?” he asked quietly.

She nodded. “Dr. Alexander stopped in while you were downstairs. There’ll be an anesthesiologist on stand-by if I change my mind. But in the meantime,” Mac smiled, “I’m under strict orders to sleep as much as possible. The next few hours are probably going to get a little rough.”

* * * * * * * * * *

2305 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

Knowing that the Commander and Colonel were otherwise occupied, Jennifer Coates offered to pick Mattie up from practice and take her home. When the teenager heard that Mac had gone into labor, though, she had immediately insisted on heading to the hospital. Jennifer reluctantly agreed and redirected the car towards Bethesda. After they’d popped in to wish Mac luck, Harm joined them in the hallway outside her room for a few moments.

“Tell you what,” he suggested, “since Mac and I will be here for a while, why don’t you two go back to the house and I’ll call you when—”

Mattie instantly bristled. “Why can’t I wait here?”

“It’s a school night,” Harm reminded her.

“I can do my homework while I wait. My backpack is out in Jen’s car.” Placing her hands on her hips, she tilted her head back and smirked at her guardian as if daring him to challenge her logic.

“Mattie, I can’t stay with Mac and be out in the waiting room at the same time. You’d be by yourself.”

“This is my little brother or sister we’re talking about, Harm. Don’t worry about me. I’ll have plenty to keep myself busy.”

“I can stay with her, sir.” Jennifer winked at her former roommate.

Harm’s eyes narrowed as he looked at his ward. “You just want an excuse to miss school tomorrow. I’m not going to cave, young lady.”

“I may be young, but I’m not naive,” Mattie grinned. “So how about it, Harm? Can I stay?”

* * * * * * * * * *

2322 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

Stepping out onto the skywalk towards the parking garage, Jennifer looked over at Mattie. The two of them made a good tag-team, especially when it came to handling the Commander.

“After we get your backpack, do you want to stop for a bite to eat on our way back upstairs?”

“Sure.” Grinning, Mattie pulled out her cell phone. “Just let me give Susan a quick call. I need to see if she can get tomorrow’s assignments for me since I doubt I’ll be in school.”

* * * * * * * * * *

0137 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

Jaw clenched in concentration, Mac held on tightly to Harm’s hand while he coached her through the contraction’s peak. Absorbed in what they were doing, neither noticed when Harriet slipped quietly into the room, waiting patiently off to the side until Mac relaxed. Happy to see her friend, Mac beckoned Harriet to come closer.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” Harriet said as she stepped around the bed. “The boys were acting up and I didn’t want to leave until everything was under control.”

“Don’t apologize, Harriet. Your family comes first,” Harm told her.

“Besides, from what the nurse tells me, this baby’s taking its time and won’t be making an appearance anytime soon.” With a sigh, Mac glanced over at the medical technician standing unobtrusively off to one side of the room. “Thanks for coming.”

“You’re welcome, ma’am,” Harriet said warmly, patting Mac’s leg.

“It seems fitting that you be here, considering how Harm and I were with you when you had A.J.”

“It will be a little like old times, won’t it?” Chuckling as he remembered the almost-comedic moments leading up to the birth of Bud and Harriet’s first child, Harm grinned at Mac. “The three of us are together and Bud’s off dealing with unforeseen complications. The only person we’re missing is the Admiral.”

“Oh God, he was out of the office today. Did anyone call him?” Mac asked suddenly.

“I was so concerned about getting in touch with Mom and Frank that I didn’t even think about letting the Admiral know,” Harm admitted.

“I didn’t call him either,” said Harriet. “Hopefully Jennifer remembered, but I’ll go ask just in case. She and Mattie have made themselves at home outside in the waiting room.”

“That would be great, Harriet. If she didn’t, would you mind contacting him for us?”

“Not a problem, sir.” She smiled and headed for the door. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks.”

As Harriet left the room, Harm returned his attention to Mac, gracing her with a megawatt grin. Leaning her head back against the pillow, she squeezed his hand gently before closing her eyes. Her next contraction would be upon them soon and Mac couldn’t afford to waste the opportunity to get some rest. A long evening was looming before her.

Chapter 44

0331 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

“All right, Sarah. Let’s see how much progress you’re making, shall we?” Dr. Alexander smiled, expertly pulling on a pair of latex gloves.

Tearing his eyes away as the doctor disappeared from view between Mac’s raised knees, Harm tried to divert his thoughts from what exactly the physician was doing by picking up Mac’s hand and gently stroking his thumb across her palm. When Mac glanced over at him with a smile, he leaned up and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

A moment later, the doctor straightened.

“Everything looks good,” she informed them, “but the cervix isn’t dilating quite as fast as I’d like. You’re only at about three centimeters.”

“Three? She’s been in labor for over six hours!” Harm protested.

“That’s not uncommon with first babies, Commander,” Harriet shrugged, sitting next to Mac on the other side of the bed.

“Harriet, you had your first baby so fast that we couldn’t even get you out of Ops,” Harm reminded her.

“Little A.J. was the exception, sir, not the rule.”

“Breaking Sarah’s water will help to speed things up a bit,” Dr. Alexander nodded. Selecting an instrument from the tray beside her, she once again maneuvered herself between Mac’s knees. “Just try to relax.”

A moment later, Mac sucked in a quick breath at the gush of warm fluid. She tensed briefly, but Harm knew it wasn’t from a contraction.

“You okay?” he asked, his hold on her fingers tightening.

Glancing up at him, her lips quirked up to form an amused smile. Yeah. Talk about a weird sensation, though.”

* * * * * * * * * *

0557 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

Within moments of her water breaking, Mac’s contractions began to noticeably increase in strength and frequency. At Dr. Alexander’s recommendation, she and Harm walked around the ward in an effort to speed up the process of dilation. Side-by-side they meandered through the hallways, pausing every so often to weather each contraction as it came. When they stopped by the waiting room, Mac invited Mattie to come back with them so that Jennifer could go home and get some rest before work. Mattie eagerly accepted, and the three of them returned to Mac’s room.

For the last hour, Mattie had been alternating between watching Mac and working on her pre-calc homework. At the moment she was occupied with the latter, while Harm helped Mac ride out the latest powerful spasm that rippled across her belly.

“How are you doing, tiger?”

He hadn’t left Mac’s side since Mattie had so easily convinced him to let her stay at the hospital instead of going home. As Mac clutched his hand forcefully, he was yet again weighed down by the belief that he wasn’t doing enough to help her get through this. The soothing words and gentle caresses seemed somehow inadequate, despite the knowledge that he was doing everything a man could do under the circumstances. Taking a washcloth from the bedside table, he dabbed at the beads of perspiration that had appeared on Mac’s forehead.

“I’m fine. Stop asking me, will you?” she told him irritably, her head lolling backwards as the contraction passed. Letting her eyes drift closed, she focused on how nice the cool cloth felt against her skin.

Harm’s response was interrupted by the sound of the door opening behind him.

“I hope you don’t mind chips and water, sir. The cafeteria didn’t have much besides hamburgers and pizza,” Harriet said quietly as she stepped up next to him. “How’s she doing?”

“Good so far.” Taking the bag and bottle, he opened the cellophane bag and popped a chip in his mouth.

“You don’t have to talk about me like I’m not here,” Mac said without opening her eyes. “My ears work fine, thanks.”

“Sorry, ma’am.” Harriet made her way around the bed. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Mac sighed. “I know. I’m just not feeling like myself right now.”

“Perfectly understandable,” Harriet told her.

The door opened again to reveal Dr. Alexander flipping through the pages on the clipboard in her hand. “How are you feeling, Sarah? Everything still under control?”

This time, Mac did open her eyes. “If one more person asks me that…” she glared.

Dr. Alexander chuckled. “You wouldn’t be the first woman in labor to wish bodily harm on everyone in the room.”

Mac relaxed back against the pillow, her expression softening. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re having a baby, Mac. No one here is begrudging you for having a short temper,” Harm said sympathetically.

“Commander Rabb is right, Sarah. Have you changed your mind about getting an epidural? You’ve got time.”

“No.” Shaking her head, Mac’s gaze met Harm’s. She lifted his hand to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to his skin. “I don’t care how bad it gets, I’m not changing my mind. I want to do this naturally.”

Harm gave a slight nod, his lips curling upward as his heart filled with pride and love.

* * * * * * * * * *

0850 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

“Sarah, you’re at ten centimeters,” the doctor told her with a bright smile. “When the next contraction comes, I want you to start pushing. Okay?”

Mac nodded mutely. Her contractions were now coming only a couple of minutes apart, and the excitement in the room was starting to escalate. To her right stood Harm, one hand on her shoulder and the other clutched firmly in hers. Harriet held a similar station to Mac’s left, while Mattie stood close by taking it all in.

“Hang in there, Mac. You’re doing fine,” Harm encouraged, squeezing her hand.

Taking a deep breath, Mac smiled up at him briefly before she felt the next contraction start to grow. Immediately her attention began to focus inward on the tension that was growing in her abdomen. She exhaled fully before again filling her lungs, her entire body tensing.

“Okay, here we go,” Dr. Alexander ordered. “Push, Sarah! To the count of ten: one, two, three, four…”

Bearing down with all her strength, Mac gritted her teeth as everyone counted, Harm, Harriet, Mattie and the doctor all chanting simultaneously to help spur her on. When the count finally reached ten, she exhaled forcefully.

“Again!”

Taking another deep breath, Mac once again forced herself to push downward. She focused on the thought of her baby, the son or daughter she and Harm would shortly be welcoming into the world. You can do this, Marine, she encouraged inwardly, concentrating her efforts on the task at hand. Get over this last hurdle and you’ll finally be a mother.

“…eight, nine, ten!” they counted, watching as she endured the potency of the contraction. Panting from the exertion, the spasm finally began to ease up a few moments later. Mac blinked as she glanced up at Harm. She was exhausted. How much longer was this going to take?



Chapter 45

0917 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

Her breath coming in short, shallow gasps, Mac clenched Harm’s hand tightly. She’d been pushing for nearly a half hour but so far didn’t feel like she was making any progress. Now resting between contractions, she turned her head slightly to look at him, her expression earnest.

“You take over for a while. I need a quick nap,” she told him.

“Mac… you’re doing great, honey. We’re almost there.”

“No,” she protested. “I’ve had enough pushing. It’s your turn.”

Her breath suddenly hitched, the next contraction rising.

“Here we go again, folks,” Dr. Alexander instructed. As with previous contractions, both Harm and Harriet assisted in supporting Mac’s knees, curling her body to help give more force to each push. “On my count, Sarah.”

Shaking her head, Mac shot Harm a pleading look.

“Whatever happened to, ‘I’m a Marine, I can do it myself?’ Suck it up, MacKenzie! Didn’t you get through worse on Parris Island?” he asked, deliberately goading her. “Or is my tough-as-nails jarhead finally admitting that she needs the Navy’s help when the going gets rough? It’s always like a Marine to wimp out—”

“All right, SQUID. I get the point!” Mac cut him off with a snarl, gritting her teeth against the fresh wave of pain rolling over her.

“The baby’s crowning. Push, Sarah!” the doctor’s voice boomed.

Refocusing on the task at hand, Mac inhaled deeply and held her breath as she bore down with as much power as she could muster. Voices bombarded her from all sides. After what felt like an eternity, the count reached ten and she exhaled forcibly, breathless from the exertion.

“You’re not done yet,” Dr. Alexander suddenly announced. “The head is out. Sarah, I know you’re pushing as hard as you can but I need you to give me more, all right? Once we’re past the shoulders it won’t take much. Now PUSH!”

Taking in yet another deep breath, Mac concentrated on the doctor’s head and began to push once more. A low growl issued from her throat, the cords in her neck growing taut from her efforts.

Just as her companions reached the count of seven, the high-pitched sound of a baby’s cry filled the room.

* * * * * * * * * *

Instantly everyone stopped counting, the piercing wail echoing that much louder as the room fell into silence.

To Mac’s surprise, the searing pain of the contraction abruptly dissipated, taking the urge to push along with it. She relaxed marginally. A moment later, however, her breath caught yet again as her ears registered the cries of her first child.

Dr. Alexander’s head lifted to reveal a broad, elated grin.

“Congratulations, Mom and Dad,” she said warmly. “It’s a girl!”

The flood of happiness that burst through their hearts was overwhelming. Closing her eyes against a deluge of tears, Mac found herself unable to contain the sob of joy and elation that escaped her as the biggest smile she’d ever experienced broke uncontrollably across her face. Then, almost immediately, her eyes fluttered open, her watery gaze lifting upwards to seek out Harm’s.

Equally engulfed by a mixture of awe, wonder, and indescribable joy, Harm returned her smile before bending forward and placing a lingering kiss on her forehead. Resting his lips softly against her dampened skin, he squeezed her hand and murmured quietly. “You did it, Mac.”

“We did it, Harm,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper. Her free hand slipped up into his hair, and she tilted her head so that they were once again looking at each other. “I love you.”

“I love you more,” Harm smiled back. Their lips met in a delicate kiss.

“Congratulations, ma’am, sir!” Unable to control her delight, Harriet beamed happily at her two friends before wrapping an arm around Mattie’s shoulder.

“I’m so happy for you,” the teenager agreed. She brushed away her tears with the back of her fingers. “Thanks for making me a big sister.”

“I hate to interrupt, but we’re not quite done yet.” At the foot of the bed, with the nurse’s assistance, Dr. Alexander lifted the squalling infant and placed her tenderly on Mac’s tummy. “Commander, would you like to cut the umbilical cord?”

Giving Mac’s hand one last squeeze, Harm pulled back and turned to take the surgical scissors the doctor offered. As she instructed him on where to cut, his eyes couldn’t help but settle on the tiny figure that lay kicking in front of him. His daughter. My daughter. Mac and I have a daughter. Sarah MacKenzie and I…

The reality of their new parenthood suddenly washed over him. A fresh wave of tears threatened and finally spilled, two trails of liquid joy falling down his cheeks. I’m a father!

* * * * * * * * * *

Barely ten minutes had gone by before the nurse was placing the still-crying baby girl into her waiting mother’s arms. As soon as she felt Mac’s presence, however, the infant immediately quieted and fell asleep. She’d been cleaned up and wrapped in a feathery soft blanket, her tiny face flushed red and swollen with the traumatic transition she’d just been forced to endure. Still unable to believe that she was truly, finally, a mother, Mac cradled the baby in the crook of her arm and ran the pad of her finger over her daughter’s cheek.

“Hi, sweetie,” she whispered with a smile, before turning back to look at Harm with a bright, happy grin.

“Have you decided on a name?” the doctor asked as she finished attending to Mac’s needs.

Mac and Harm smiled at each other before Mac answered. “Allison Patricia Rabb.”

“Isn’t ‘Patricia’ your mother’s name, sir?” Harriet asked.

Harm nodded. “Since I was named after my dad, naming the baby after Mom seemed fitting. If she’d been a boy, her middle name would have been ‘Patrick.’”

“Is there significance behind the name Allison?”

Mac glanced up at her friend and smiled. “Not really, other than wanting the baby to have his or her own unique identity.”

“Actually, it was the only name we could agree on that worked with the middle name ‘Patricia’,” supplied Harm. They all chuckled.

“What was your choice for a boy’s name?” Mattie asked.

“Aaron,” Mac said. She looked at Harm with an unspoken question gleaming in her eyes.

He stared at her for a moment before nodding. Nervously stepping forward, he tentatively took the fragile bundle from Mac’s outstretched arms. With the nurse’s help, a moment later young Allison Rabb was comfortably settled into her daddy’s embrace. An expression of awe and wonder overcame his features as he gazed rapturously at his newborn daughter.

“She looks like you, Harm,” Mattie observed wryly. “I think it’s the hairstyle.”

Indeed, a patch of dark, fine hair capped the top of the baby’s teensy head. The hairline was a miniature replica of her father’s.

“Well, that was the deal… I promised that if we had a girl, she’d have her father’s looks and her mother’s brains. Right, Mac?”

“Absolutely,” Mac grinned. “And as we all know Harm, you never make a promise you can’t keep.”

“I haven’t yet,” he agreed smugly.



Chapter 46

Saturday
0019 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

From the moment she was first placed in his arms, it was apparent that Allison Patricia Rabb was her daddy’s little girl. Mac was thrilled by how much Harm doted on their daughter. The man who had once kept his feelings hidden so tightly beneath the cocky, confident surface, now was freely sharing of himself. She had always known he would make a wonderful father, but this transformation had defied nearly all of her expectations.

Nearly three weeks had passed since they’d brought baby Allie home from the hospital. While Trish, Frank and Mattie helped clean up after dinner, Mac took Allie upstairs to the baby’s room, where they’d set up a rocking chair so she could nurse in private. The infant was on the verge of falling asleep at her mother’s breast when Harm knocked lightly on the door.

“Hi,” Mac greeted with a tender smile. “We were just finishing up.”

Treading softly across the carpeted floor, he bent over and planted a kiss atop Mac’s head. “Why don’t you go down and visit for a while? I’ll put her to bed,” he offered.

“Thanks.”

Mac gingerly lifted Allie into Harm’s waiting arms. Then, watching as he gently patted the sated infant’s back, she refastened her clothing while he silently moved out into the hallway. She followed a few moments later, but didn’t immediately head for the staircase. Instead, she found herself drawn to the sound of Harm’s murmuring from the master bedroom.

“Good girl!” he cooed softly. “That was a big one!”

Pausing outside the door, Mac saw Harm give the sleeping baby a kiss before carefully lowering her into the bassinette. The tender way he cradled his daughter’s head caught Mac’s attention and she suddenly found herself overwhelmed by the realization that they were at long last a family – Harm was her family. Overcome with affection and happiness, she quietly descended the stairs.

Rather than immediately rejoining everyone in the kitchen, Mac instead headed out onto the front porch for a few minutes of solitude. Leaning her forearms on the railing, she gazed out into the twilight, simply enjoying the mild spring evening while it lasted. Eventually, however, the silence was broken by the sound of the front door opening and closing behind her.

“Here, put this on.” Approaching, Harm draped her jacket over her shoulders. “It’s a little chilly out.”

“Thanks,” Mac said absently. Staring unseeingly out into the darkness, she moved over to give Harm some room as he stepped up beside her. They stood together at the railing, shoulders close but not touching.

“Nice evening,” he remarked.

“Very.” Laughing softly at nothing in particular, Mac looked down at her hands.

“You all right?”

“I’m fine. Just thinking is all”

“Penny for your thoughts,” he prompted.

Straightening, she took hold of the railing with both hands and looked away, her lips twitching upward. “I was just thinking about how at this time a year ago we were barely on speaking terms.”

“And now…” His uneasiness evaporating, Harm couldn’t help but admire the way her hair fluttered in the light breeze. You’re mine, he added silently to himself, fighting the impulse to take her into his arms.

“Funny, isn’t it? Who would’ve thought we’d end up together after all we’ve put each other through,” she mused.

For a moment they stood in companionable silence, Harm watching Mac as her eyes drifted over the front lawn.

“Do you remember a conversation we had a few years ago?” he finally asked her.

Mac snorted. “We’ve had a LOT of conversations over the years. Want to narrow it down for me?”

“This was shortly after A.J. was born.”

“You mean our little conversation about ‘going halves on a kid?’”

He pondered that for a moment. “No, but it’s kind of related.”

“Oh.” She frowned, nothing immediately coming to mind. “Can I at least get a hint?”

“You had wondered what it would be like to be as happy as Bud and Harriet.”

Mac smiled as she recalled the conversation to which he was referring. They’d been walking together down a residential street in Rosslyn a few days before young A.J.’s christening.

“And you couldn’t understand how they could be that happy, what with working long hours and being up all night with the baby,” she remembered aloud.

“Your exact words were, ‘They don’t have to find the time, they just are.’ At the time I didn’t really understand what you meant.” Shifting, Harm looked over at her. “But I’m beginning to.”

Mac looked at him thoughtfully, her tone growing serious. “I know… I can see it in your eyes when you look at Allie. In all the time we’ve known each other, I’ve never seen you this happy, Harm. You were born to be a father.”

“That’s only part of it.” Shaking his head, he turned to face her. “I’m happy because it’s you and me, Mac. Having Allie was definitely the catalyst, but it’s always been about you and me.”

Her pulse quickened. “What do you mean?”

“The baby deal wasn’t just about the two of us having a child together. It was a way for me to ensure that you would always be in my life. I wasn’t ready to admit it in so many words, but I knew that I wanted you close to me. God, Mac, I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. You’re my family. You always have been and always will be. I was going to wait until later tonight, but…”

“But what, Harm?”

He took a deep breath, gathering his courage. “You always said you wanted three basic things out of life, right? Well, you’ve got the great career and an entire closet full of comfortable shoes.”

“Lots and lots of them,” she smiled tentatively.

“All that’s missing is the good man,” Harm whispered, pulling the small black box out of his pants pocket and flipping it open. “Will you marry me?”

Stunned to the core, Mac couldn’t stifle the gasp that escaped as she laid eyes on the ring he held before her: a teardrop-cut emerald, surrounded by diamonds, set on a simple white gold band. They’d been moving slowly towards this point in their relationship but never in her wildest dreams had she expected him to propose so soon. Her eyes filling with joyous, hopeful tears, she stared at the ring for an instant before looking up and meeting his eyes.

“When did you…”

“Get this?”

She nodded, and Harm couldn’t help his anxious chuckle. It was a rare day when he rendered his Marine speechless.

“My mom gave it to me on Christmas Eve. It was the ring my dad gave her when he asked her to marry him,” he explained nervously as Mac focused once again on the ring. She still hadn’t answered his question.

“It’s beautiful…” Mac’s fingers trembled as she reached out to tentatively trace the stones.

“Is that a yes?”

Unable to speak, she lifted her eyes to his and nodded.

* * * * * * * * * *

Harm’s heart raced with excitement as he concentrated on getting the ring out of its velvet anchoring. When it was finally free, he reached for Mac’s left hand and slid the band onto her trembling finger.

They were in each other’s embrace the moment the ring was securely in place. Giving Harm a brief yet heartfelt kiss, Mac’s jacket fell unnoticed to the ground as she wound her arms tightly around his neck in a joyful hug. Holding her equally close, Harm squeezed his eyes shut and burst out into excited laughter.

“I love you, Mac.”

“I love you too, Harm.”

Rubbing her hand across his shoulder blades, Mac pulled back until their faces were mere centimeters apart. Her gaze searched his for the briefest of moments before their lips brushed together, melding into their first true kiss as a betrothed couple. Before it could grow out of control, however, Harm eased back and grinned happily against her mouth.

“What do you say we head inside? I’d like to introduce our family to my fiancée. Besides,” he murmured as Mac pulled him in for another quick kiss, “it’s starting to get cold out here.”

“Is it? I hadn’t noticed,” she said huskily, but loosened her hold nonetheless, dropping her hands to his shoulders as she opened her eyes and smiled. “You know, we seem to be developing an affinity for front porches.”

Harm’s hands lingered on her spine as she bent to pick up her jacket. “It certainly seems that way, doesn’t it?” he agreed with a chuckle.

Waiting patiently for him to open the door, Mac smiled as she walked past him towards the voices echoing from the kitchen. As Harm closed the door behind them, the porch was once again plunged into the darkness of the descending night.



Chapter 47

Sunday
2338 Zulu
Harm and Mac’s Home
Falls Church, Virginia

It was nearly dinnertime when Mattie let herself into the house, dropping her backpack by the door. The unfamiliar SUV in the driveway meant that Harm or Mac must have invited someone over for supper, but try as she might Mattie couldn’t figure out whom. Hanging her jacket in the closet, she carefully made her way down the hall towards the voices emanating out of the family room.

As she approached, three distinct tones emerged from beyond the doorway: Mac’s, Harm’s, and a deeper male voice that filled the teenager’s heart with trepidation. The first time she’d met her guardian’s commanding officer she’d called him a ‘bald jerk’ practically to his face. In retrospect, insulting a two-star Admiral probably hadn’t been a very good idea, especially for a young woman who had since set her sights on entering the U.S. Naval Academy. What was done was done, however, so Mattie braced herself for an awkward evening and stepped into the room.

“Well, aren’t you just a precious little sweetheart!”

Rear Admiral A.J. Chegwidden was sitting on the couch murmuring softly to the tiny baby in his arms, while Mac perched nearby on a chair. To Mattie’s astonishment, the Admiral’s normally rather stern expression was twisted into the goofy, sentimental grin worn by adults in the presence of the very young. Weren’t admirals and former Navy SEALs supposed to be, well, tough?

“Hey, kiddo! You’re back early.”

Started out of her thoughts, Mattie glanced towards where Harm was standing in the kitchen to her right. Suddenly realizing that all three adults were looking at her expectantly, she felt the heat of embarrassment flush her cheeks.

“Yeah, it didn’t take us as long as we thought so Michelle’s mom gave me a ride home.”

“Do you feel ready for the test tomorrow?”

Mattie shrugged. “I guess so.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll do fine,” Harm assured her as he wiped his hands on a dishtowel. “Why don’t you go add another place setting to the table? Dinner’s almost ready.”

* * * * * * * * * *

A short time later everyone moved into the dining room. Sitting across from Mattie with Allie at her side, Mac passed the salad to Mattie while the Admiral reached for the vegetable lasagna.

“This looks terrific, Commander,” he complemented, helping himself to a generous portion of pasta. “It’s not often these days that I get a home-cooked meal. Wow, you even made it with green noodles. I’m impressed.”

Harm smiled. “Thank you, sir.”

“They’re made with spinach. Only Harm would make sure even the pasta’s healthy,” Mac teased. Taking a sip of water, she asked, “How have things been around the office with me on leave, sir? Has Harm been behaving himself?”

“There’s never a dull moment at JAG, although it’s always quieter around the bullpen without the two of you arguing day in and day out. Hand me the salt, would you please?”

As Mac passed the requested condiment, she shot a sidelong glance over at Harm. They had mutually agreed to tell the Admiral about their impending nuptials before making the announcement to the rest of JAG, which was the main reason they’d invited him over for dinner.

However, despite the special dispensation the SecNav had already granted them for just this event, Harm still found himself hesitating. Returning Mac’s tentative smile, he took a deep breath and plunged ahead.

“About that, sir… There’s something we wanted to tell you before we go public—”

“Let me guess,” Chegwidden cut him short. “You finally decided to tie the knot.”

His gaze darted between his senior attorneys, inwardly chuckling at the abruptly anxious looks in their eyes. He knew they hadn’t been expecting him to figure it out as soon as he had, but the ring on Mac’s finger was a dead giveaway. Keeping his laughter firmly in check, he shrugged. “Most of us figured that it would happen sooner or later. Just keep it out of my office.”

“You’re okay with this?” Harm asked with uncharacteristic uncertainty.

Amused at the reaction he’d elicited, A.J. decided to let them off the hook. An enormous grin spread across his face. “Hell, son, I’m surprised it took you this long!”

* * * * * * * * * *

Monday
1645 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Maneuvering the awkward bulk of the baby carrier through the glass doors leading into the bullpen, Mac supposed it would only be a matter of minutes before someone noticed her arrival. This was the first time she’d been back to JAG Ops since Allie’s birth and the ever-present bustle of phones ringing and people talking welcomed her back into the familiar environment.

Looking around, she spotted Harriet chatting pleasantly with Kate Pike near the file cabinets in front of Mac’s own office, which Kate had been using in her absence. Sure enough, the two women spotted Mac at roughly the same time.

Harriet’s face lit up as they hurried over to greet her.

“Colonel, I didn’t know you were coming in today. And you brought the baby!” she exclaimed, coming to a halt at her friend’s side.

Standing at Mac’s other shoulder, Kate peered over into the carrier to look at the sleeping infant. “She’s adorable, Mac.”

“I can’t believe she’s three weeks old already,” the new mother beamed, exchanging a knowing smile with Harriet.

“The time goes by fast, doesn’t it, ma’am?”

“You can say that again, Harriet.” Chuckling, Mac gazed down at her daughter.

“Are you here to see Harm?” asked Kate.

Mac nodded. “As soon as he’s done with his hearing we’re going out to lunch. I tried his cell from the parking lot but his voicemail picked up.”

“I’m glad you stopped by. Why don’t we head into my office so you can set her down while we wait?” Kate suggested.

Silently agreeing, the three women together began to move slowly along the side of the bullpen.

“Are you enjoying your time off?” Kate asked.

“It’s been wonderful, although I’ll admit that it’s nice to get out of the house.”

Hitching the diaper bag higher up on her arm, Mac shifted the weight of the carrier to her right hand. As she reached up with her left to adjust the baby’s blanket, Allie’s godmother caught sight of the jewels adorning Mac’s finger.

“What a lovely ring, ma’am. Is it new?” Harriet inquired.

“Harm gave it to me Saturday night.” Mac couldn’t help the smugly satisfied tone that crept into her voice. Her internal clock had been silently counting out the seconds until her friend’s eagle eyes spotted the engagement ring.

Never one to disappoint, Harriet came to a stop just outside the office door and reached for Mac’s hand, lifting it to better inspect the object in question.

“Really? How sweet,” she commented casually, tilting Mac’s fingers so that the stones sparkled brightly. “What was the occasion?”

The blasé reaction was so unlike Harriet that Mac found herself momentarily taken aback. It took an instant before she realized that Harriet didn’t understand the implication behind the gift. After all, most men gave diamonds instead of emeralds when asking for a woman’s hand in marriage! Harm was not most men, however, and Mac thought the ring he had given her was perfect – she’d seen enough diamonds to last a lifetime as a result of her experiences in Paraguay. Opening her mouth to reply, she hesitated when a well-known presence drew up behind her.

“Hello, ladies,” Harm greeted cheerfully as he joined the group, briefcase in hand. Peering over Mac’s shoulder, he took in the sight of Harriet and Kate both admiring his fiancée’s ring. “What, no congratulations for the groom?”

“Groom?” Kate asked, fleetingly confused.

The Commander’s words registering, Harriet’s eyes widened. Her reaction was immediate. “Oh my God, YOU’RE ENGAGED?!!!”

Heads all over the bullpen shot up as her squeal echoed through the room, an expression of stunned excitement creeping over her features.

Mac nodded gleefully as Harm put an affectionate arm around her.

“I asked her Saturday evening,” he confirmed with a broad grin. “Fortunately for me she didn’t insist on wearing it on her right hand first.”

“Harm!” Mac admonished, pulling her hand free from Harriet’s grasp and giving him a solid thwack across the chest. “Be nice!”

“I am nice. That’s why you’re marrying me.” Laughing softly, he leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. “Let me go drop this stuff in my office before we go. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“’Kay,” she murmured, smiling as he turned away and headed towards the hallway.

“I’m so happy for you, ma’am! How did he propose?!” Harriet begged once Harm had disappeared from sight. “I want details!”

“And don’t leave out the good parts,” added Kate.

Instantly aware that they were standing in the middle of the bullpen and had the attention of everyone around them, Mac smiled.

“Harm won’t be back for a few minutes so I’ll tell you what I can,” she said, stepping into the office. “I’m sure he’ll know where to find us.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Seven Weeks Later
Saturday
1710 Zulu
Roberts’ Family Residence

For the second year in a row, the day of A.J. Roberts’s birthday party proved clear and bright. Carrying a plate of raw beef patties in one hand and a package of American cheese in the other, Harm allowed the screen door to swing shut behind him as he stepped out onto the porch and down the stairs into the back yard.

On the far side of the enclosure a handful of soon-to-be first graders were playing noisily with the tire swing, their cheerful voices and happy laughter echoing merrily throughout the yard. Weaving his way around the piles of toys littering the grassy lawn, Harm chuckled at the children’s antics and approached where his friend was standing at the grill.

“Thank you, sir.” Taking the plate, Bud methodically began placing the meat over the flames.

“I brought some Boca burgers, too,” Harm said, turning to scan the backyard. “Harriet said she’d bring them out in a few minutes. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I think we’ve got it under control, sir.” Grinning, Bud picked up the bottle of barbeque sauce he’d set to one side and began basting the burgers. “Do either you or the Colonel want cheese?”

“None for me, but I can’t speak for Mac. Let me go check.”

Giving the younger man a pat on the shoulder, Harm spotted Mac sitting quietly at the picnic table, gently rocking their baby daughter back and forth. As he neared, the contentment radiating from her countenance and the sound of her soft singing caused a wave of tenderness to wash over his heart and his chest to fill with love’s warmth. In less than a month she would become Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Jr., and then their lives would at long last be united forever both emotionally and legally. The corners of his lips played upwards in a secret smile.

Harm stopped a few paces away, just watching his fiancée as she cradled baby Allison in her arms. Standing idly lost in his own thoughts, he started when Mac finally looked up and saw him.

“Hi,” she said quietly, eyes sparkling in welcome as he crossed the last few steps to take a seat beside her. “Everything all right?”

“Merely enjoying the view.” His arm snaked around her waist and they leaned in together for a light kiss. “How are my two favorite ladies?”

“We’re fine, thank you,” Mac smiled.

“Is she getting ready for her bottle?” Reaching over with his free hand, Harm ran the backs of his knuckles along Allie’s smooth cheek.

“In a few minutes. Any idea when lunch will be ready?”

The eager look on Mac’s face had him laughing openly.

“How like my Marine, always thinking with her stomach,” Harm teased. “The food will probably be a little while yet. Bud wants to know if you want cheese on your burger.”

“Do you really have to ask?” After seven months of pregnancy-induced vegetarianism, Mac had regained her stomach for ‘dead cow’ and was now speedily making up for lost time.

Any response Harm might have made, however, was cut short by the clomping of feet as six-year-old A.J. rushed up to them.

“Hey Aunt Mac!” the youngster said breathlessly, his face flushed with the exuberance of a child who was clearly enjoying himself. “Want to come play Pin the Tail on the Donkey?”

“I’d love to, sweetie.” Rising, Mac passed Allie to her father and put her hand on her eldest godson’s shoulder. “C’mon, tough guy. Lead the way.”

Settling the tiny infant into the crook of his elbow, Harm watched as Mac and A.J. crossed the yard and joined the rest of the children. Not for the first time he marveled at how natural Mac was with Bud and Harriet’s boys, and how that comfort was already evident in her interactions with their own little girl. Looking down at their daughter, Harm was surprised to find her tiny eyes, so similar to his own, staring up at him contemplatively.

The expression in her gaze suggested wisdom beyond her years, and it was with sudden clarity that Harm realized his spur-of-the-moment promise to Mac on that fateful day six years earlier had turned out to be nothing short of prophetic: a little girl whose looks matched her father’s and whose intellect would no doubt equal her mother’s. Who would’ve thought? he wondered happily. Life can’t get any more perfect than this.

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~ FIN ~

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