Chapter 11

Friday
1702 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

A stack of files under one arm, Harriet crossed the bullpen towards Mac’s office. It was empty. Looking around for a moment, she turned and poked her head in her husband’s doorway.

“Bud, have you seen the Colonel?”

Engrossed in something on his computer, Bud didn’t appear to hear her.

“BUD,” Harriet tried again.

Finally he looked up at her. “What is it, sweetie?”

“Have you seen Colonel MacKenzie? She asked me to track down some information for a case and I want to make sure she gets it before lunch.”

“I think she and Commander Rabb just went out to grab something to eat.”

Harriet stared at him for a moment. Then, giving a furtive glance around, she hurried into the office, quickly shutting the door behind her. “Do you know how long ago they left?”

“No, I really couldn’t say,” Bud frowned in confusion.

“Any idea when they’ll be back? Or even where they went?”

“Honey, what’s with the twenty questions?”

“They’ve gone to lunch together for the last three days straight.”

“So?”

“So, Wednesday they were late for their 1300 meeting with the Admiral.”

Bud shrugged. “They probably just got sidetracked.”

“With the Colonel’s sense of timing? How likely is that?” Harriet questioned.

After thinking about it for a moment, Bud slowly nodded. His wife had a point.

“And,” she continued, “yesterday I caught the Commander pacing in front of Colonel MacKenzie’s office. He asked if I knew when the Colonel was going to be done with her interview because they were scheduled to go out for lunch and he ‘really needed to talk to her.’ Then when she finally showed up, she barely had time to drop her stuff before he whisked her away!”

“Harriet, I’m sure there’s a perfectly logical explanation,” Bud replied, shaking his head indulgently.

Quirking her eyebrows, Harriet put her hand on her hip and waited for him to elaborate.

“He’s probably just helping her on a case,” Bud blinked.

“And which case exactly would he be helping her with?”

“Well, what about…” Trailing off, he frowned. “Now that I think about it, the Colonel and Commander aren’t working jointly on anything right now. In fact, he’s opposing her on every one of his cases, which means they couldn’t be working together.” A worrisome idea suddenly occurred to him, and his eyes widened. “Harriet, you don’t think that one of them is leaving JAG, do you?”

“What?” Confusion crossed Harriet’s face for an instant, before she shook her head and leaned closer to him with a conspiratorial whisper. “No, Bud, I don’t think one of them is leaving JAG. I think the Colonel and the Commander have finally come to an… understanding.”

“An understanding?” His brow furrowed in puzzlement

“You know, an agreement,” Harriet tried again.

“An agreement? Harriet, I’m not quite sure I follow.”

“It seems to me that Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie have finally admitted their feelings for each other and are making up for lost time,” she said meaningfully.

Bud chuckled at what he saw as his wife’s naive enthusiasm. “Sweetie, you’ve been hoping for the Colonel and the Commander to get involved for years. What makes you think they’re anything more than good friends?”

“Tell you what,” challenged Harriet. “The next time you see them together, take a good look and THEN tell me you don’t think they’re in a relationship. I’m willing to bet you’ll change your mind.” A hopeful grin shone across her face as she straightened up and gestured to the files in her hands. “And in the meantime I’ll just go set these on the Colonel’s chair, where I know she’ll find them.”

Bud watched as she turned and sauntered out of his office. The Commander and the Colonel, dating? That’ll be the day. I know they feel strongly for one another, but I doubt either would ever admit it. Smiling to himself at the thought, he returned to the computer with a shake of his head.

* * * * * * * * * *

1847 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

“Face it, Mac, there’s no way your client is going to get anything less than ten years confinement.” Stepping out of the elevator with Mac close behind, Harm’s voice carried loudly down the hall towards JAG Ops.

For the third time in as many days, Harm and Mac had taken advantage of their lunch hour and headed for Mac’s apartment. Instead of satiating themselves with food, however, their lunches were spent feasting on each other. Generally, they spent the drive back to Falls Church returning their conversation towards more professional matters. This particular afternoon, though, what had begun as a civilized discussion had developed into a full-fledged argument by the time they’d passed through the security gatehouse outside JAG Ops.

“Five years and dishonorable discharge,” Mac countered as they rounded the corner into the bullpen. “That’s as high as I’m willing to go. Take it or leave it.”

Whipping around to face her, Harm opened his mouth to argue. At that moment, Jennifer Coates came rushing around the corner behind them. Her vision obscured by the giant box of documents in her arms, she didn’t see the pair until it was too late. Unable to slow down, Jennifer plowed into Mac’s turned back and pushed her headfirst into Harm’s reflexive embrace.

“Oh my—” Jen sputtered as she realized what had happened. “Ma’am, sir, I am SO sorry! Are you okay?”

Caught off guard by the sudden impact, Mac could only grip Harm’s arms while she struggled to regain her balance. In the aftermath of their lunchtime tryst, arguing over the case had certainly helped both revert back to a more professional distance. However, neither had counted on being thrust unexpectedly back into each other’s arms so soon after making love.

Harm recovered first. “What’s the rush, Petty Officer?” he asked with a smile.

“Commander Turner asked me to pull these records for him, sir. He wants them ASAP,” Jennifer hastily explained, embarrassed by the scene she had inadvertently caused.

Mac kept her expression as neutral as possible as she pushed herself up and away from Harm. “Excuse me,” she muttered to Jennifer before stalking off to her office, leaving the petty officer staring after her.

Bewildered by Mac’s uncharacteristic coldness, Jennifer looked up at Harm questioningly.

“Don’t worry about it,” he reassured her and turned to follow Mac.

Two people had watched the unfolding scene with interest: Harriet, from across the room, and Bud, from his office nearby. Closing Mac’s office door behind him, Harm saw Harriet glance furtively in their direction as she practically flew through her husband’s doorway.

“Uh-oh,” he sighed as he sat in one of the chairs facing Mac’s desk. “We may have a problem.”

“What’s that?” Struggling to maintain an air of normalcy, Mac busied herself by intently flipping through a nearby stack of paperwork.

“Harriet.”

“What about her?” Mac was afraid she already knew the answer.

“I think she’s onto us.”

“Really? How do you figure?”

“Well,” Harm began, stretching out his legs in front of him, “for starters, she witnessed the Admiral chewing out our sixes for being late on Wednesday. Then yesterday, before you came back from your interview, she found me waiting outside your office to go to lunch. And I’m willing to bet that when I saw her running into Bud’s office just now, it wasn’t to tell him about the wonderful beef stroganoff they had down in the cafeteria today.”

At that, Mac looked up. “She just ran into Bud’s office?”

“Yup.”

“I don’t want to tell her anything unless she asks one of us outright,” Mac finally sighed. “ We’ll need to be more careful next time.”

Harm nodded in agreement and gazed at her for a moment. “I guess I should get back to work. You’re coming over tonight, right?” he asked as he stood up.

A large smile spread across Mac’s face. “Wouldn’t miss it,” she replied saucily. “It takes a lot to wear out this Marine.”

“So I’m discovering. But I have all weekend to try,” he replied. Flashing her a sensually cocksure grin, he opened the door and headed back towards his own office.

Mac watched him go with a satisfied smile of her own. I’m looking forward to it.



Chapter 12

Saturday
0401 Zulu
Mattie and Jennifer’s Apartment
North of Union Station

A little over a week had passed since Harm and Mac’s last lunchtime venture. Fearing discovery by Harriet the previous Friday, they had eased up a bit from pursuing ‘Plan B’ upon returning to work Monday morning. Their respective caseloads had helped to keep the two attorneys separated during the days, and fortunately neither had detected suspicion on Harriet’s part throughout the rest of the week.

Now they sat next to each other on the futon as light from the black-and-white images on the television flickered throughout the darkened living room. Jennifer claimed the papasan chair and Mattie sat cross-legged on the floor. The four had spent the evening watching old Cary Grant movies, beginning with My Favorite Wife, starring Grant and Irene Dunne, and followed by the perennial classic An Affair to Remember with Deborah Kerr. Now all sat charmed by The Philadelphia Story, a comedy that also featured Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart in leading roles.

Mac hadn’t seen the film in years although she had at one time considered it a personal favorite. Sitting with his arm draped loosely around Mac’s shoulders, Harm felt rather than heard her quiet sniffle at the end of the movie. He squeezed her arm reassuringly.

As the credits began to roll, Mac rose and flipped on the overhead lights before heading off to the bathroom. Harm saw her surreptitiously wiping a stray tear off her cheek as she walked away. Knowing that she would be mortified if either Jennifer or Mattie noticed as well, he quickly moved to distract them.

“So what did you guys think?”

“Cool flicks. I can see why Cary Grant was such a heartthrob,” grinned Jennifer as she stood and stretched.

Grabbing the discarded pizza boxes, popcorn bowls, and glasses, Harm carried everything into the kitchen while the two young women tackled straightening up the living room.

“I liked them too,” Mattie agreed, “but they would have been better if we hadn’t had to keep pausing for potty breaks.” Her gaze drifted over towards the hallway where Mac had disappeared moments before. “Geez, I had more soda than she did.” Leaning over, she picked up the pillow she’d been sitting on and tossed it back on the couch. Harm chuckled.

A few minutes later Mac returned, perfectly composed. “Anything I can do to help?” she asked as she wandered into the kitchen, reaching for the nearest two-liter bottle.

“No, we’ve got it pretty much under control. You know, you really should cut back on the liquids, Marine,” Harm ribbed quietly as he rinsed out a glass and set it in the sink. “Between the three movies tonight you’ve been to the bathroom about five times.”

“Very funny, squid.” Realizing he had a point, though, she shifted directions and snatched a handful of popcorn. “Since when have you paid attention to how many times I use the ladies’ room?” she asked as she popped the snack into her mouth, eyebrow cocked and a small smile playing on her lips.

To her amusement, Harm actually blushed. “I’ve always paid attention where you’re concerned,” he mumbled. At the softening of Mac’s expression, he realized that he’d said the words out loud. He took a step towards her.

“Harm…” Raising her hand before he could close the distance between them, Mac briefly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Now’s not the time,” she whispered, gesturing her head towards where Mattie and Jennifer were busy folding a blanket only a few feet away. Then in a louder voice, she said, “I should head home. Walk me out to my car?”

“Sure.”

A few moments later Mac had exchanged farewells with the two young women. Holding the door for her as they left the apartment, Harm followed her silently towards the elevator.

“So, which movie did you like the best?” Mac’s voice echoed down the hallway.

“I hadn’t seen the last one before,” Harm began thoughtfully, “but I almost enjoyed it more than the first two. That scene with Jimmy Stewart singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’…”

They both chuckled.

“Yeah, and I love Tracy’s reaction when she realizes that she and Mike aren’t alone. ‘Hello, Dex. Hulloo, George,’” Mac imitated with a giggle as Harm held back the elevator’s safety gate for her. “I thought Hepburn and Stewart did a fantastic job playing drunk.”

“Didn’t Jimmy Stewart win an Oscar?”

“Best Actor, 1940,” she nodded. “And it was well deserved.”

“Do you have a favorite scene?”

“Maybe not one favorite,” Mac smiled thoughtfully, “but I love Tracy’s reaction at the end when she realizes that Dexter is proposing to her again. The way she grasps his hand for support when she’s telling the guests to hang tight is simply priceless.”

Nodding in understanding, Harm remembered Mac’s unexpected tear-filled reaction to the scene. They were silent for a few moments. Exiting the elevator on the ground floor, they walked quietly outside towards where Mac’s Corvette was parked.

“You know, Mac,” Harm began softly. “It occurs to me that the movie’s plot is sort of similar to our own lives.”

“How do you mean?” she asked, turning to face him.

“Well, Tracy was supposed to marry George, who was obviously beneath her, sort of like you were going to marry Brumby. Wait, let me rephrase that. George was plainly not the right guy for her, just like Mic turned out not to be the right man for you.”

Harm winced when he saw her scowl. Way to go, Rabb, he thought to himself. Open mouth, insert foot.

“Oh, really?” Mac questioned, folding her arms defiantly across her chest. “George broke up with Tracy because he mistakenly thought she’d had an affair with Mike. For the record, Mic didn’t break off our engagement because he’d thought I’d slept with someone else.”

“Then why did he call you at my place after he cancelled the wedding?”

She stared at him incredulously. “Mic did NOT think you and I were sleeping together.”

“So he just ran back to Australia because you and I were such good friends?”

“No, Mic realized that I didn’t love him the way that—”

The way that I loved you.

She caught herself before she could inadvertently say the words out loud. “Look, Harm, I’m not going to go into this with you right now.” Shaking her head, she turned away and strode towards her car, suddenly furious with Harm for his cloddish behavior and with herself for what she perceived as momentary weakness.

“The way that what, Mac?” he called after her through the darkness.

“Goodnight, Harm,” she growled as she yanked open the driver side door and slid into the car.

Instinctively knowing that any attempt to talk to her before she had cooled down would be pointless, Harm simply watched as she started the engine and drove away. Mulling over the scene that had just transpired, her words rang through his thoughts. Mic realized that I didn’t love him the way that…

What had she been about to say? Harm’s mind whirled with possibilities as he returned to the building, and a feeling of sudden optimism washed over him. After all, tomorrow was another day.



Chapter 13

Wednesday
0031 Zulu (1931 Local)
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Standing in the hallway outside Mac’s apartment, Harm raised his hand to knock again.

Where on earth is she? He had been waiting for her to answer the door for the last five minutes and was starting to worry. Just as he turned to reach for his cell phone, the deadbolt clicked open and the door swung inward.

“Sorry,” Mac apologized. “I was right in the middle of something. Come on in.”

She took a step backwards as he moved past her into the living room. Taking a closer look, Harm saw that her hair was pulled back in a bandana and that she held a feather duster in one hand. She also had a smudge of dirt on her nose.

“What were you doing?” he asked with a laugh, leaning over to clean her nose with his free hand.

“A little spring housecleaning.” Closing the door behind them, she took the paper bag from him and set it on the table before heading into the kitchen. “So what’s for dinner?”

“Takeout Lebanese,” he called, removing his jacket and draping it over the arm of a chair. Next to the window, behind the couch, stood a footstool and vacuum cleaner. “Isn’t it a bit late for spring cleaning? July is technically summertime, you know.”

“This coming from the world’s biggest clean freak? Puh-lease,” she replied as she returned with two water glasses and a tray of dishes, silverware and napkins.

“I didn’t hear the vacuum running.”

“The hose doesn’t reach as high as the molding above the window.”

“Ah, hence the feather duster.” Harm smiled in understanding as he joined her at the table.

“Yeah, well, it needed to be done.”

“What’s the occasion? And don’t tell me you invited me over just to watch you clean.”

Things between them had been somewhat strained in the aftermath of Saturday night’s squabble outside his building. Earlier today, however, Mac had extended an olive branch when she had come into his office and asked if he was free for dinner. One thing had led to another and before Harm knew what had happened, he’d been roped into bringing the food. Chuckling at the memory, he hadn’t realized until afterward just how well she’d wrapped him around her finger.

Mac pulled a carton from the bag and opened it. “I had to do something to keep myself busy while I waited for you,” she said nonchalantly, as if that explained everything.

Harm raised a questioning eyebrow as he spooned tabouli onto his plate. “And?”

“And… I was expecting to get my period yesterday.” She shrugged without looking at him. “I didn’t.”

Staring at her, Harm’s fork paused halfway to his mouth.

“Come again?”

Mac lifted her gaze to his. “My period is late.”

The expression on his face had her stifling a smile. While there had been times in their past that she’d been exasperated by his overt anxiety around their relationship, tonight she found it oddly endearing. For a man who has punched out of three different aircraft, played tag with a dirty nuclear warhead, and shot off an automatic weapon in the middle of court proceedings, you certainly do scare easily, she thought.

“Are you sure?” he asked finally, finding his voice.

“Harm, I’ve been regular since I was fourteen. Trust me, it’s late.”

“So what do we do now?”

“Well,” she paused to take a sip of water, “I stopped on the way home and picked up a pregnancy test.”

He gazed at her intently. “Have you taken it yet?” The suspense was killing him.

“No, that was why I was cleaning,” she admitted. “I thought you would want to be here. The busywork helped to keep me occupied while I waited.”

As her words registered, Harm closed his eyes momentarily before he looked at her.

“You’re right, I did want to be with you when you took the test. Thanks for waiting,” he told her softly, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Do you want to do it now, or would you rather put it off until after dinner?”

“Is now okay? I don’t think I could eat anything if I wanted to.”

For the first time, Harm noticed that Mac hadn’t touched any of the food other than to pull the cartons out of the bag. How could he have missed that? He nodded. “Let’s go for it. Where’s the test?”

“In the bathroom. It’s the kind where you have to pee on the stick,” Mac explained as they both rose. “Why don’t you stay here? The directions say that you have to wait at least five minutes before it will give clear results.”

“You peeked,” he teased, deliberately trying to lighten the mood.

“Well, I wanted to see how it worked. I’ll be right back.” Flashing him a shaky smile, she disappeared into the bedroom.

Too keyed up to sit, Harm began to pace back and forth next to the front door. After what felt like an eternity Mac emerged from the bedroom carrying a small white stick, which he presumed to be the test. She shook her head at his unvoiced question.

“Not yet – three more minutes.”

Sitting down next to each other on the couch, Mac set the test on the coffee table in front of them. For a moment they both stared at it anxiously.

“This is it,” Harm stated quietly as he reached for her hand. “No going back. You nervous?”

“Terrified. You?”

“About the same.” His fingers entwined with hers. “But I’m excited too. How much longer?”

“One minute, fifty-eight seconds,” came her automatic answer.

“Even after knowing you for more than eight years, I still have no clue how you do that.”

They both laughed, the levity helping to ease some of the tension in the room.

“And don’t expect me to tell you anytime soon,” Mac replied.

They lapsed back into silence for another few minutes. Wishing that she’d had the foresight to turn on some music, anything to break the stillness, Mac’s grip on Harm tightened as the remaining time passed. Finally, she reached for the test. Before she could read the results, however, Harm turned her head with his free hand and leaned in for a quick kiss.

“For good luck,” he told her softly.

Inhaling deeply, Mac returned her gaze to the window on the testing stick. For a moment she simply stared at the wand in her fingers.

“There are two lines,” she whispered. “Two lines.”

Harm stared at her blankly. “What does that mean, exactly?” he prompted.

Slowly, Mac brought her gaze up to meet his, her eyes filling. Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Two lines means it’s… positive.”

The vision of his face before her wavered as her tears spilled over, but it was obvious the moment that comprehension dawned. Harm’s eyes went wide and his grip on her hand tightened considerably. Incredible warmth flooded through Mac’s chest as she watched him absorb the significance of what she had just said.

“Positive?” he repeated in disbelief.

Nodding slightly, Mac smiled helplessly as her eyes remained locked on his. “Positive,” she confirmed. “We’re going to have a baby.”

Unexpectedly overwhelmed by his own emotions, Harm hauled her into his arms and embraced her tightly. I can’t believe this is happening, he thought. Sarah MacKenzie is carrying my child. Mac is carrying MY child. No, OUR child. We’re going to have a baby! He squeezed his eyes shut against the onslaught, but a lone tear escaped and ran stealthily down his cheek.

They held each other close for several long minutes. Finally pulling back, Mac was rendered momentarily speechless under Harm’s loving gaze.

“Don’t cry, flyboy,” she laughed softly, reaching up to wipe the moisture from beneath his eyes. “Are you all right?”

He returned the gesture, thumbs lingering gently along her cheekbones. The happiness in her eyes was mirrored in his heart. Harm whispered hoarsely, “I can honestly say I’ve never been better.”

“I know the feeling.”

Falling once again into silence, they sat for a while longer simply enjoying the poignancy of the moment and the comfort of the other’s presence. It wasn’t long, however, before Mac’s stomach started to growl audibly. The spell was broken.

“Hungry, Marine?” Harm asked with a grin.

“Well, I haven’t had anything to eat since lunch…”

“I take it that’s a yes?”

Letting him pull her up off the sofa, Mac flashed him a broad smile. “That’s a ‘hell yes.’ I’ve got first dibs on the baba ganoush, sailor.” Their mutual laughter echoed gaily through the apartment as they walked with joined hands over to the table.



Chapter 14

One Week Later
2325 Zulu
Just Outside Washington

“We certainly timed this well.”

From the driver’s seat of the Navy-issue sedan, Sturgis merely grunted at Mac’s derisive comment. The two officers had spent the afternoon at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis representing JAG at a summer seminar geared toward graduating midshipmen. Unfortunately, the program had ended just at the onset of D.C.’s evening rush hour. Mac stared out the window as the car ground to a halt, absently wondering what to do about dinner. Although she’d initially dreaded suffering from psychosomatic morning sickness, she fortunately had yet to experience any symptoms other than the constant need to urinate. Her first visit to the OB/GYN was scheduled for early the next morning; Harm would be going with her.

Sturgis glanced at the dashboard clock. “Do you mind if we stop somewhere and grab a quick bite? I don’t think we’re going to make it back to the office anytime soon.”

“Sure. Any place in particular?”

“There’s always Beltway Burger,” he offered.

“Works for me,” Mac grinned, grateful that Sturgis didn’t share Harm’s aversion to fast food. The vehicle inched forward as traffic began to move again.

Less than ten minutes later, they pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot. A line of cars had already queued up at the drive-through lane, and judging from the looks on the drivers’ faces the worker at the window wasn’t moving quickly enough.

“Let’s run in,” Mac suggested. “It’ll be faster.”

Sturgis pulled the sedan into a vacant parking spot, and the two officers were momentarily crossing the lot to the restaurant’s side entrance. Reaching the door first, Sturgis held the door open to let Mac pass. As she traversed the threshold into the open vestibule, however, a hot blast of hamburger-scented air hit her nostrils. Her stomach immediately rolled in a wave of acute nausea.

Having started to follow Mac into the restaurant, Sturgis was surprised when she whirled unexpectedly and darted past him back outdoors. Chasing after her, he was shocked to find her kneeling along the building’s brick wall, retching quietly behind the shrubbery. He rushed over to her side.

“Mac, are you all right?”

A few moments later the heaving began to subside. Rocking back onto her heels, Mac brushed her hair out of her face and took a deep breath.

“What happened?” Sturgis inquired, his brow furrowing in concern.

“I don’t know. The smell in there… it just didn’t agree with me, I guess. I’m fine, really,” she assured him. The air rushed out of her lungs as she exhaled with a shudder. “Why don’t you go back on in? I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Obviously alarmed by this sudden turn of events, he helped her to stand. “If you’re not feeling well—”

“I’m okay, Sturgis. Honest,” Mac told him as she straightened her uniform. To her dismay, he didn’t appear convinced.

“Why don’t you wait in the car while I get the food,” he advised. “Would you like anything?”

Hesitating, Mac finally nodded.

“Could you get me a Coke? And maybe a…” She gave some thought as to what sounded good. “A side salad. No dressing.”

“Does Beltway Burger even have salads?”

Giving him a wan smile, Mac shrugged. “I have no idea. Guess we’ll find out.”

“Okay, then. One Coke and a side salad coming right up.”

Handing her the keys, Sturgis flashed another worried look in her direction before heading back inside. Just perfect, Mac thought as she turned towards where they had parked. Looks like I’m not immune to morning sickness after all.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thursday
1430 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

The waiting room outside the obstetrician’s office had slowly filled with patients. Scattered throughout the room sat women in varying stages of pregnancy, some alone and others with their spouse or significant other seated patiently at their sides. Just as a doctor was paged across the hospital PA system, the door at one end of the waiting room opened. Holding the door for her, Harm paused until Mac had passed him before following her through the maze of chairs towards the hallway.

“Why didn’t you tell me you’ve had bouts of morning sickness?” he pressed as soon as they were out of earshot. “Mac, I can’t help you through this if you don’t let me in on what’s going on.” Hand cupping her elbow, he gently steered her clear of an oncoming patient.

“What exactly was I supposed to do, call you from the Beltway Burger drive-through?” She glanced at him, rolling her eyes. “There wasn’t anything you could have done, Harm. Anyway, calling you would have made Sturgis suspicious. “

Alarm crossed Harm’s face. “Sturgis was there? What did you tell him?”

“Nothing specific, only that I’d probably picked up a 24-hour bug.”

“He bought that?”

“Why wouldn’t he? He’d have no reason to think I’d lie to him.”

“Mac, how many people get the 24-hour stomach flu in the middle of July? Besides, you never get sick. That explanation is bound to make him more suspicious, not less.”

Stopping in front of the elevators, Harm pressed the button and turned to face her with a sigh.

“I guess we’ll deal with Sturgis if we have to. At least it happened in front of him and not Harriet. Do you want to tell me what happened?”

“There’s not much to tell. One minute I was fine, the next I was crouching behind a bush puking my guts out.”

“Just out of the blue?” Harm asked anxiously.

She nodded. “As soon as I walked into the restaurant.”

“What do you think triggered it?”

Mac hesitated before answering, fearing that she’d never hear the end of it if he knew she’d gotten sick at the smell of cooked beef. For years she and Harm had traded barbs about each other’s eating habits. Her love of ‘dead animal’, as he’d once so eloquently put it, was legendary. Harm, in stark contrast, had typically avoided red meat for as long as she’d know him.

“I really couldn’t say what it was exactly,” Mac hedged as the elevator doors slid open. They stepped into the cab in silence.

“We need to tell Admiral Chegwidden,” Harm reminded her as the doors closed and the elevator began to move.

“I know. Technically we have thirty days, but I don’t want to wait that long. He needs to know ASAP if he’s going to find a way for both of us to stay at JAG,” she said.

“I agree.” Harm paused. “Feel up to telling him today?”

Her eyes went wide as Mac stared at him in disbelief. “Today? I was hoping for a little more time. Like, say, until tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Is there any reason why you don’t want to break the bomb today?” he dared, shooting her a lopsided smile.

“Self-preservation?” came her weak reply.

Harm grinned. “C’mon, Marine. Where’s your sense of adventure?”

Hearing the challenge in his words, Mac straightened her shoulders and looked him squarely in the eye. “When do you plan to call your mother?” she countered.

He paled. “You’re right. We can tell the Admiral tomorrow.” The elevator doors opened onto the skywalk leading to the parking deck.

Mac shook her head and laughed openly at his quick change of heart. “That was way too easy. What ever happened to the cutthroat negotiator we all know and love?” she joked as she stepped out of the elevator ahead of him.

Harm eyed the back of her head with a questioning eyebrow. Immediately realizing that she’d meant the words as gentle teasing, and not to make him uncomfortable, he smiled as he caught up with her.

“But seriously,” Mac continued, oblivious of the thoughts racing through Harm’s mind, “eventually we will need to tell your mom and Frank. And Mattie…”

“What?” Harm asked as Mac’s voice trailed off.

“If we tell Mattie,” she frowned, “then we’ll have to tell Jennifer too. Aside from the Admiral, I’m not sure that I want everyone at the office to know until I’m a little farther along.”

He nodded in agreement. Although Jennifer excelled as their commanding officer’s yeoman, she had yet to prove she could keep a secret. In fact, she had quite spectacularly demonstrated her ability to the contrary just the year before. “The Admiral may have some suggestions as to how to handle Petty Officer Coates.”

“You really think asking him is a good idea?”

“Couldn’t hurt. After all, we’re trusting him to help keep us both under his command.”

“That’s true.”

Each was silent as they crossed the skywalk and entered the parking garage. Having driven separately to avoid arousing suspicion at JAG later on, the two friends had met in the lobby of the hospital before their scheduled doctor’s appointment. Always punctual, Mac had secured a parking space on the same level as the skywalk. The closest spot Harm could find, on the other hand, was two floors above.

Nearing her car, Mac stopped and turned to Harm. “Hey,” she began, “if I didn’t say so before, thanks for coming with me today.”

His face melted into an easy grin. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”

Smiling in return, a moment later Mac unexpectedly found herself wrapped in Harm’s warm embrace. What’s this for? she wondered in pleasant surprise. They stood motionless for several minutes, leaning into one another, before she finally pulled away.

“It’s nearly 1000. Do you need to get back?”

“I’ve got a deposition scheduled for 1030,” he nodded.

“And I promised the Admiral I’d have the Updike file on his desk by this afternoon.” Mac chuckled softly. “Besides, we wouldn’t want to give Harriet the wrong impression.”

“Or Sturgis,” Harm added. “See you back at the office. Drive safely, okay?”

“You too.”

Mac stood and watched as he walked towards the stairwell with a wave goodbye. Finally, once he’d disappeared beyond the doorway, she slid into the car and turned the ignition. Despite Harm’s reassurances, she continued to harbor reservations about their impending discussion with Admiral Chegwidden. After all he had put Harm and herself through the previous summer, would their CO really be inclined to help them both keep their positions at JAG Headquarters?

I guess that’s a chance we’ll have to take, she mused as she threw the Corvette into reverse.



Chapter 15

Friday
1405 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

The stack of paperwork sitting on Admiral Chegwidden’s desk was starting to give him a headache. One of the things he liked least about his job was the amount of bureaucratic red tape he had to deal with on a regular basis. Most of the time he could pass the grunt work off onto Petty Officer Coates, but inevitably something would come up that required the personal attention of the Judge Advocate General himself. Although there were definite perks that came with the rank of Rear Admiral, on days like this, he sometimes wished he were still just a SEAL.

Leaning forward onto his elbows, he pressed two fingers to his temples before snaking one hand toward the phone. He was about to page Coates when the intercom preemptively buzzed beneath his fingers.

“Excuse me, Admiral,” her voice crackled through the speaker. “Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie are requesting an audience with you, sir.”

“Fine, send them in. And Coates,” he added, “bring me some aspirin, please.”

“Aye, sir.”

The door to his office swung open as Harm and Mac entered, with Jennifer following closely behind. Judging by the uncertain look exchanged between his senior attorneys as they approached his desk, Chegwidden figured they had caught his last remark to his yeoman.

“Here you go, sir.” Handing him the requested medication, Jennifer waited for his dismissal before turning to leave. She scurried out of the room and closed the door quietly.

Tossing the pills into his mouth, the Admiral quickly swallowed them dry. Then he leaned back in his chair, arms folded across his chest, and looked up at the two officers expectantly as they stood at attention before him.

“At ease.”

Relaxing only marginally, Harm and Mac again looked at each other. They had agreed that Mac would do the talking, but she found herself frozen now that the time had come. The room remained silent for a few moments.

“You two wanted to see me about something?” their commanding officer prompted.

“Yes, sir.” Mac looked over at Harm, but didn’t continue further. Another minute passed before the Admiral’s already strained patience began to wane.

“Well, Colonel? Sometime today would be appreciated.”

“Sorry, sir,” she apologized as she returned her gaze to his. “Permission to speak freely?”

“By all means.”

Taking a deep breath, Mac came right to the point. “I don’t know exactly how to tell you this, sir, so I’m just going to say it. I’m pregnant.”

The Admiral blinked, momentarily speechless. “Are you certain?” he finally asked.

“Yes, sir. My doctor confirmed it yesterday morning.”

An involuntary grin spread across his face. “Then I guess congratulations are in order.” As he stood to reach across the desk and shake her hand, he could not help but notice Mac’s fleeting glance over at Harm. “When are you due?”

“Late March, sir.” Mac beamed as the Admiral settled back into his chair. “I’m almost six weeks along.”

Nodding, Chegwidden eyed her thoughtfully. Pregnancy agrees with her. She looks happier than I’ve seen her in a long time, he thought to himself. His gaze drifted over to Harm’s awkward smile. But Rabb looks nervous as hell…

“Commander, is there something I should know?”

The abrupt change in their CO’s voice had both officers inwardly cringing. Harm swallowed uneasily.

“Actually, Admiral, there is.” Squaring his shoulders, he met Chegwidden’s gaze directly. “The baby is mine, sir.”

Despite his outwardly stern demeanor, A.J. Chegwidden was, in fact, quite delighted that his two colleagues had finally stepped beyond the boundaries of friendship. Like others at JAG, he felt that Rabb and MacKenzie made a good team personally as well as professionally. However, as their commanding officer and mentor, he knew that his personal opinions were of little importance in the matter. Narrowing his eyes at them, he cleared his throat meaningfully.

“I see. And how exactly do you expect me to react to this news?”

“Well, sir, we didn’t know how you’d react,” Harm said, shifting uncomfortably.

“How in the hell did you think I’d react?!”

Mac’s gaze flew from Harm to the Admiral, who suddenly looked ready to explode.

“Do you know how much trouble this is going to cause me? To have two of my senior staff members, who face each other in court on a regular basis, suddenly involved with each other on an obviously personal level? To my knowledge you’re still both working together under my command, so if I were you I’d be grateful that I don’t bring you up on fraternization charges. As it is, I’m half-tempted to transfer BOTH of your sixes to the Aleutian Islands!”

“Sir, I—”

“But I won’t,” Chegwidden continued, his voice lowering into a more reasonable tone as he ignored Harm’s brief interruption. “Because as much as it would please me to do so, I’d be losing two of the finest attorneys I have on my staff.” Tossing his reading glasses onto his desk, he glared up at both of them. “Have you informed anyone else?”

“No, sir,” Mac interjected. “We’d like to hold off the public announcement until I’m past the first trimester.”

“Good,” he muttered. “That’ll give me time to figure out how to handle this mess. Now, if you don’t mind, I have paperwork to finish. Dismissed.” He picked up one of the reports in front of him and looked at it intently. The discussion was over.

“Aye, aye, sir.”

Each of them executing an about-face, Harm followed Mac out of the office. Glancing up at them as they left, Chegwidden waited until the door latched shut before letting himself relax.

“I wonder what brought them to their senses? It’s about time,” he chuckled aloud into the empty room.

* * * * * * * * * *

Closing the door leading into the anteroom outside the Admiral’s office, Harm turned to Mac. “That went well.”

“Yeah. He only threatened to send us TDY to Alaska,” she retorted, rolling her eyes. They strode out into the bullpen, Harm hard on Mac’s heels.

“Alaska might not be so bad.”

“If you’re a polar bear, maybe. I’d say we got off lucky.”

“Lucky? Did you see the expression on his face?” Harm questioned incredulously.

“I saw it.”

“Mac—” Realizing suddenly that the middle of JAG Ops was probably not the best place to be having this conversation, Harm grabbed her gently by the arm and drew her into her office, shutting the door heavily behind them.

“All I’m saying is that…”

Harm’s voice trailed off as he took a good look at her face. Rubbing her hand under her ribcage, Mac’s features had suddenly gone pale. “Are you all right?”

“Just a little queasy is all. It’ll pass.”

Gingerly, he sat her down in one of the chairs facing the desk. “Do you want me to get you something?”

“No, I’ll be okay.”

From outside in the bullpen, an openly curious Lieutenant Sims watched Harm take the seat opposite Mac. Mulling over the odd conversation she’d just witnessed, and the Colonel’s utterly un-Marine-like behavior, Harriet stared at them absently. After a few moments, however, she became conscious of Harm’s gaze on hers and turned back to her computer with a mild blush. So far, everything Harriet had seen over the last few weeks had further strengthened her conviction that the Commander and Colonel had changed their relationship. But one question continued to linger in her mind: exactly what kind of change had they made?

Chapter 16

Same Day
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm returned a short time later to find Mac seated behind her desk. “I brought you some tea,” he said quietly as he placed a steaming cup next to her hand. “It should help settle your stomach. How are you feeling?”

“Better,” she murmured, taking the cup and cautiously tasting its contents. “Too much excitement for one morning, I think.” Her lips curved upward appreciatively.

Stepping away with a chuckle, Harm moved slowly back towards the door.

“Yeah, I’d say getting chewed out by a two-star has probably caused a sour stomach or two. Hey, do you have any plans for tomorrow night?” he asked as he turned around, resting one hand casually on the doorjamb. A brief glance reassured him that no one in the bullpen behind him could overhear.

“Not that I’m aware of. Why do you ask?”

“If you’re feeling up to it, I thought we might go out and celebrate.”

“Celebrate?” Frowning in confusion, Mac looked up at him questioningly.

“You know…” He nodded meaningfully towards her abdomen.

Comprehension dawned. “Ah, you mean celebrate.”

“What do you say?”

“What did you have in mind?” she replied coyly.

Harm wagged a finger at her. “Uh-uh. It’s a surprise.”

“Can’t you give me just a little hint?” A playful pout crossed her face.

“Nope. I want it to be special.”

Heaving a sigh of resignation, she took another sip of tea. “What time?”

“I’ll pick you up at your place at 1830. Wear something nice.”

“As in country-club ‘nice’ or NATO ball ‘nice’?”

He shrugged. “Somewhere in between.”

“Wow, that’s helpful.”

“I’m sure you’ll look stunning in whatever you decide.” His earnestness inexplicably surprised her. However, this was neither the time nor the place for her to dwell on his intentions.

“No hints, huh?” she asked, giving it one last try.

“None,” he confirmed smugly.

“Fine.” Mac shook her head and smiled. “If that’s the way you’re going to be, then let me get back to work.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Flashing her one of his most charming grins, Harm gave a mock salute before stepping backward out of the office. Mac’s soft laugh lilted through the air behind him as he crossed the bullpen. He had a few phone calls to make.

* * * * * * * * * *

Saturday
0008 Zulu
Trattoria Genovesa
Washington D.C.

“I’ll give you another few minutes to look over the menu.”

Walking discreetly away, the server left Harm and Mac seated at the table in comfortable silence. A wave of subtle contentment washed over Harm as he turned his attention back towards the woman seated across from him.

So far everything was going better than he had dared to hope. First, he had surprised Mac by showing up on her doorstep a few minutes early, bearing a large bouquet of summer blooms. Then, in the car on the way to the restaurant, she had in turn surprised him by insisting that they not talk about anything work-related. Harm had immediately agreed, although with some trepidation. He didn’t want their roles at JAG to infringe upon their evening but was afraid that they might not be able to find other things to talk about. To his relief, the conversation flowed freely and easily, without any of the anxiety or awkwardness that had negatively affected their relationship over the last few years.

Reaching for his beer, he watched as Mac thoughtfully stirred the ice in her glass, staring at it absently with an expression of near wonder.

“Something wrong with your drink?” Harm asked in a low tone, lifting the bottle to his lips.

Lost in reverie, it took a moment for Mac to register the question. She glanced at him shyly. “No,” she admitted. “Just thinking is all.”

“Care to share?”

“Being an alcoholic…” she began tentatively, struggling to articulate her emotions into something he would understand. Her gaze fell back down to the glass on the table in front of her. “I’ve been ordering tonic with lime for years, but this is the first time that I haven’t felt embarrassed or ashamed because of it.”

Harm was floored. “Embarrassed? Mac, you have nothing to be ashamed of—”

“My head knows that,” she cut him off sharply. Twirling the plastic stirrer between her fingers, her voice softened. “But knowing that doesn’t stop me from feeling guilty or weak because I have to avoid alcohol. Whenever we all go out, everyone else is free to order whatever they want. I can’t, and it’s a constant reminder of my own failings. My own limitations.”

“Mac, you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. It takes a tremendous amount of strength and courage to overcome that kind of addiction. Staying dry should be a reminder of how strong and capable you are for having beaten your dependence.”

“Like I said, my head knows that. My heart needed a little more convincing.”

“So what’s changed?”

Mac eyed her glass reflectively before answering. “Tonight I’m not avoiding alcohol because of my own shortcomings.” She glanced up at him.

“Tonight you aren’t drinking because of the baby.” Finally understanding her logic, a small smile played across Harm’s lips.

“It’s not just about me anymore,” she told him, her expression suddenly radiant. “There’s a higher purpose at work here. Harm, for the first time in my life I’m proud to order something non-alcoholic. The shame, the embarrassment… they’re both gone.”

Their gazes locked. Catching her hand in his, Harm gave her fingers a quick squeeze.

“Excuse me, folks,” a voice abruptly interrupted. “Do you need more time?”

The moment broken, Mac pulled her hand out of Harm’s and looked at her menu briefly, grateful that she’d already decided on what to order.

“No, I think we’re ready,” Harm answered. “Go ahead, Mac.”

A few minutes later, the server repeated their selections back to them before gathering up the menus and heading off to the kitchen. Mac didn’t have to wait long for Harm’s questioning gaze. She’d seen him use that look on countless witnesses over the years, particularly when he didn’t believe his ears.

“Eggplant parmigiana? Mac, you do realize there’s no meat in that, right?”

Stifling the urge to squirm, she looked down at her drink and nodded. “I know.”

“But you ordered it anyway?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” He stared at her, confused.

She sucked in a deep breath and lifted her eyes to his. “Because in the last few days I’ve discovered that my digestive tract doesn’t seem to tolerate meat.”

There, her secret was out. Mac watched him pointedly, expecting to be teased, but to her astonishment his inquiring expression was replaced by one of concern.

“Morning sickness? Why didn’t you say something earlier?” Harm asked gently, realizing belatedly that he already knew the answer. “You were worried that I would make fun, weren’t you.”

A wave of discomfort washed over him with Mac’s small nod.

“Yeah, I guess I was.”

“Mac,” he said as he reached once again for her hand, clasping it lightly. “I’m sorry. I would never intentionally make you uncomfortable over this. That’s a promise.”

She nodded again, her eyes glistening brightly as she raised her head and forced a small smile. “Okay. I may need to mooch some recipes off you, though.”

“I can live with that.”

They both laughed. A few moments passed before Mac changed the subject. “Have you given any further thought as to when or what we ought to tell people?”

Harm looked thoughtful. “The more I think about it, the more I’d like to hold off on going public until we’re into the second trimester. As for what to tell everyone at work…” He shrugged.

“We have some time yet. Are you still okay with waiting to tell Mattie and Jennifer?”

“If you’re not comfortable telling them right away, then I’ll back you up one hundred percent.”

“I’m just not sure that I trust Jennifer to keep this to herself,” Mac admitted. “When the Admiral accidentally punched out last year she blabbed to the entire office despite being instructed to keep it quiet.”

“You’re just annoyed because you were the last to find out,” Harm snorted.

“True. But I still don’t want to take any chances.” Lifting her glass, Mac shot him a bemused glance. “Harriet and Bud are going to be disappointed enough that we didn’t tell them right away. I can’t imagine what they would say if they heard about it first from Jennifer.”

“Maybe we can let them know separately. Take them out to dinner or something,” Harm suggested. “I’d also like to wait to tell Mom and Frank.”

“How did I know you were going to say that?” Mac chuckled.

“I have my reasons,” he said sheepishly.

“I’m listening.”

“If we tell my mother, there’s always the possibility that she’ll let something slip to Mattie or Jennifer, which would defeat the purpose of waiting to tell them. And what do you think Mom’s reaction will be when she finds out there’s a grandchild on the way?”

“She’ll probably want to catch the first flight eastward, which might raise some eyebrows,” Mac conceded. Her attention shifted as she caught sight of their server approaching, carrying a tray laden with food. “Ooh, here comes dinner. I’m starving!”

Amused at how quickly her face lit up, Harm grinned. “What else is new?”

* * * * * * * * * *

Saturday
0140 Zulu
Trattoria Genovesa
Washington D.C.

Stepping out into the warm evening air, Mac waited while Harm handed the ticket to the valet. The sun was dropping behind the buildings to the west, casting a rosy glow over the crowded parking lot. Entranced by the sky as the vibrant pink deepened into sunset, she didn’t realize that Harm had moved up beside her until she felt his arm wrapping around her waist. After the briefest hesitation, she mirrored the move and extended her own arm around him.

“So there’s something else on the agenda for tonight, huh?” she asked, taking pleasure in the moment.

“There is.”

“And that would be?” She glanced up at him.

“A secret.”

Feeling the rumble of his silent mirth, Mac pulled away with a huff and lightly punched him on the arm. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you,” she accused playfully.

“Every minute.” The unabashed smirk on his face had her smiling despite herself.

“Not even a tiny clue?”

“No way. If I told you then it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it?”

“Fine,” she pouted mischievously. “Then I’m walking home.”

“Don’t overdo it,” he retorted. “Too much walking in those shoes wouldn’t be good for you. Or for Horace.”

A look of confusion crossed her face before understanding dawned. “Horace?! You’re calling our baby HORACE??!!” Her whole body shook with uncontrollable laughter.

“Hey, watch it, Jarhead. That’s my son’s name you’re criticizing,” Harm persisted.

“He’s OUR son, squid. And I will NEVER agree to the name Horace!”

The valet pulled Harm’s Corvette around just as he opened his mouth to respond. Instead of answering, he simply turned to open the passenger door for her.

“We can talk about this later,” he smiled charmingly as she slipped past him into the car.

“I am not calling our son Hor—”

Silencing her words with a firm kiss, Harm quickly shut the car door and handed the valet his tip before sliding behind the wheel and driving off.

The teenager looked down at the generous sum of cash in his hand as the Corvette’s taillights disappeared around the corner. “Wow,” he muttered to himself. “That guy must be feeling lucky tonight.”



Chapter 17

Sunday
0537 Zulu
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Locking the deadbolt, Mac leaned back against the door with a contented sigh. Whatever expectations she had harbored going into her ‘date’ with Harm had been blown away by reality. From the moment he had walked through her door behind a large spray of flowers, the night had been one giant whirlwind of continuous revelations. Closing her eyes, she replayed the evening over in her mind.

First, Harm had taken her to a fabulous Italian restaurant that had recently opened to rave reviews. She had found both the company and the meal immensely satisfying. The real shock, though, had come when he’d discovered her pregnancy-induced aversion to meat. The sensitivity and understanding he’d displayed had left Mac reeling in astonishment, not only because she’d expected him to tease her, but because it was a side of himself that he so rarely shared openly.

After dinner they had driven out to the Tidal Basin. There at the Jefferson Memorial, with the moonlight reflecting on the water behind them, they’d listened to selections of Bach played to an intimate audience by the Washington Symphony Orchestra’s string quintet. The music had literally moved Mac to tears, which Harm had gently dried for her with his handkerchief. Her heart had warmed under his tender caress.

Neither had been ready for the evening to end when the concert concluded over an hour later. Instead, hand in hand, they had taken a leisurely stroll among the cherry trees along the waterfront. For a while they’d walked in silence, simply enjoying each other’s companionship. Then, noticing the goosebumps on her arms, Harm had shrugged out of his sport coat and draped it softly over her shoulders.

The scent of his cologne brought Mac back to the present. Feeling the solidity of the door behind her and the warm weight of Harm’s jacket, she lost herself in the memory of only a few moments earlier, when he had escorted her up to her apartment. Neither had expected what had been intended as an innocent kiss ‘goodnight’ to explode into a firestorm of desire that had left both of them weak in the knees. A long, intense moment passed before Harm had finally broken away, gently nipping her lips one last time before closing the door between them. Now Mac stood thinking about how sweet and mysteriously romantic an evening it had been. Smiling softly to herself, she rubbed a hand absently over her lower abdomen and slipped silently through the darkened apartment towards her bedroom.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hearing the click of the deadbolt, Harm turned away from Mac’s apartment door. Still off-center from the kiss they had just shared, he walked in a daze towards the stairs, his mind wandering absently over the evening’s events: the way her hair had fluttered in the cool breeze as they’d strolled along the Tidal Basin, her expression of surprise when he’d kissed her outside the restaurant, how natural it had felt to hold her hand and soothe away the tears she’d wept during the performance.

As he stepped out onto the street outside Mac’s building and headed over to where he’d parked the car, Harm’s lips curved upward in an absent smile. Looking up, he watched as the light in her bedroom flipped on and the curtains slowly closed. A sudden mental image of her preparing for bed rose unbidden into his thoughts. He shook his head in a vain attempt to bring himself back to the present. Unlocking the door, he folded himself into the car before slowly driving away.

* * * * * * * * * *

Monday
1255 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

“Poor Bud. What did he do?” Mac set down her pen and leaned back in the chair, her chest quivering as she unsuccessfully tried to suppress a giggle. She and Harriet were seated in her office, chatting casually before the bustle of the workweek began.

“What do you think? He turned beet red and dragged A.J. out of the store. I must say, ma’am, having kids is nothing if not an adventure. Or at the very least it’s an exercise in public humiliation. You don’t know what you’re missing,” Harriet chuckled heartily. Wiping away her tears of laughter, she missed the smug expression that flashed across Mac’s face.

“Someday, Harriet, someday.” And sooner than you think.

A light knock sounded on the doorframe. Twisting her head, Harriet saw Harm standing behind her with his cover tucked underneath his arm, juggling two large cups from Starbucks. “Good morning, Commander.”

“Good morning, ladies,” Harm greeted as the two women composed themselves. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all,” Mac assured him. “Come on in. Is one of those for me?”

“If you want it,” he said amiably, crossing the room and handing her one of the cups. Leaning towards Mac, he lowered his voice. “Everything okay this morning?”

The softness of his tone piqued Harriet’s curiosity. Studying her superior officers intently, she immediately picked up on the tender look they exchanged.

Mac told Harm in a hushed voice, “I’m fine. Thanks for the tea.”

The secretive tone of the Colonel’s voice only intensified Harriet’s resolve to figure out what exactly was happening between her sons’ godparents. It was highly unusual for Mac to drink anything but the strongest coffee this early in the morning. Past experience told her that direct inquiry would prove fruitless, but the fine art of observation was something she had mastered long ago.

“I’ll let you get back to your conversation.” The confidence in Mac’s manner having set him at ease, Harm straightened up and glanced over towards Harriet. “See you at staff call.” Smiling at them both, he headed out into the bullpen and off to his own office.

Harriet watched him leave before turning back to Mac. “Are you not feeling well, ma’am?”

“No, I’m okay. I was a bit under the weather over the weekend, but it’s nothing a little rest won’t fix.” Mac popped the lid off her cup and dunked the steeping tea bag a few times.

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Not really. Is it common for kids A.J.’s age to embarrass their parents like that?” Mac asked, returning their conversation to a safer topic.

“Unfortunately.” Harriet recognized the tactic but played along. “It comes with the territory. The concept of discretion isn’t exactly easy for a five-year-old to grasp.”

Their chuckling was interrupted by another knock on the door.

“Excuse me, Colonel,” Jennifer apologized as she entered the office. “Ma’am, these faxes just came in for you. They’re marked urgent.”

“Thank you, Coates.”

“You’re welcome. Ma’am, I was wondering, how did your date with Commander Rabb go on Saturday?”

Mac froze, caught totally off guard. For an instant she could do nothing but look at Jennifer blankly. Then, realizing that Harriet was staring at her with wide eyes, the heat of mortification began to climb into her cheeks.

“It was fine.”

“Mattie said that he wanted to surprise you,” Coates continued, oblivious to the proverbial can-of-worms she had just opened. “Where did you go?”

“It wasn’t a date really, just dinner.” Mac chose her words carefully, trying to keep her voice neutral. She knew Harriet would already be reading too much into this conversation as it was.

“It had to have been nearly one o’clock in the morning when the Commander stopped by to say goodnight to Mattie. I was a little surprised when he showed up without a jacket,” Jennifer persisted.

Sighing, Mac set down her tea on the desk. There was no way she could get out of this without offering some kind of explanation. “After dinner we went to see a musical performance out at the Jefferson Memorial. It got a little chilly, so Harm loaned me his sport coat. It wasn’t a big deal.”

“He took you to see the string quintet affiliated with the WSO?” Harriet asked abruptly.

“Yes. Why?”

Suitably impressed, Harriet leaned forward in her chair. “Wow. That performance sold out weeks in advance because the seating was so limited. I even heard that several important dignitaries were turned away as a result. How on earth did the Commander manage to get tickets?”

“I don’t know. You’d have to ask him,” said Mac, surprised that Harm had gone to such lengths for their last-minute celebration.

Seeing the look of pleasure that rippled across her friend’s features, Harriet couldn’t stand it any more. “Did he kiss you goodnight?” she asked impulsively. To her immense satisfaction, the Colonel actually blushed.

“Harriet, I’m sorry to cut this short, but we’ve got staff call at 0830 and I need to answer these faxes,” dodged Mac, her expression instantly authoritative. By the tone of her voice, both Harriet and Jennifer knew that the discussion about the Colonel and Commander’s ‘date’ had been officially declared closed.

“I understand, ma’am,” Harriet said, satisfied for the moment. Rising, she and Jennifer excused themselves and proceeded out into the bullpen, closing Mac’s office door behind them.

“So what do you think?” Jennifer naively whispered. “Did they kiss or not?”

Giving a quick glance around to make sure no one else could hear, Harriet grinned back at her. “If they didn’t kiss goodnight, then I’m a monkey’s uncle.”



Chapter 18

1915 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harriet was sitting at her desk a few weeks later, working on her monthly reports, when the sound of wheels rolling across the linoleum caught her attention. Glancing up, she saw a petty officer with an industrial dolly steer several large file boxes across the bullpen to Colonel MacKenzie’s office. The door to Mac’s office was closed, and she had turned her chair so that she was facing out the window.

“Excuse me, Lieutenant,” the young man said, approaching Harriet’s desk. “Ma’am, I have the files Colonel MacKenzie requested from Records Retention, but it looks like she’s on the phone. Where do you want the boxes?”

“You can leave them here. I’ll see that the Colonel gets them.”

Signing for the delivery, Harriet turned back to her work as the courier efficiently stacked the boxes next to her chair.

* * * * * * * * * *

The door to Mac’s office opened a short time later. Heading in the direction of the ladies’ room, she only managed to take a few steps before Harriet called out to her.

“Excuse me, Colonel?”

“What is it, Harriet?”

“The records you requested came in while you were on the phone,” Harriet explained, gesturing to the stack of boxes to her left.

“Oh, thanks.”

Mac crossed over to Harriet’s desk and carefully eyed the packages. Using both hands, she shifted the top box slightly. Then, to Harriet’s surprise, she immediately stepped back, pausing.

“Give me just a moment,” she said evasively as she turned on her heel and walked out of the bullpen, leaving a confused Harriet staring in her wake. Several minutes passed before the Colonel returned to Ops, followed closely by Commander Rabb. Their paths diverged as they entered the bullpen, Mac veering towards her office while Harm continued on to Harriet’s desk.

“Hey, Harriet,” he smiled, hoisting a box into his arms and carrying it into Mac’s office, where she directed him to set it on the floor in the corner. He then proceeded to relocate all of the remaining file boxes before grinning at Mac and returning to his own office.

Watching in fascination, Harriet wondered why Mac hadn’t simply moved the boxes herself. After all, wasn’t the Colonel always reminding everyone of her independence as a Marine? She certainly hadn’t shied away from the boxes full of old files during the Imes fiasco late last year. Harriet reflected for another brief moment before returning to her reports with a slight shrug.

* * * * * * * * * *

2329 Zulu
Kinder-World Day Care
Falls Church, Virginia

Harriet turned off the engine, unfastened her seatbelt and got out of the minivan. With the Admiral heading out of town later on in the week, she’d had to stay longer than usual today to finish up the monthly reporting. Fortunately, the daycare ran extended hours so picking up A.J. and Jimmy a little late didn’t cause any problems.

As she locked the van and turned towards the building, she saw a very pregnant young woman balancing her purse and a large bag on one arm while trying to maneuver a large, cumbersome stroller onto the sidewalk with the other. Sensing the woman’s frustration, Harriet rushed forward.

“Here, let me help you with that,” she gushed, gently taking hold of the stroller’s handles.

The young woman looked up at her gratefully.

“Thanks. It’s getting too much for me to handle by myself.”

“I’ve been there myself. I’m Harriet.”

The young woman took the proffered hand and smiled. “Sandy. Nice to meet you.” Shifting the bag to her other shoulder, Sandy watched as Harriet easily pushed the stroller up over the curb. “Whoever designed that thing should have thought about extra storage space.”

“It was probably a man. Most men have no clue how much stuff you need to lug around with children,” Harriet laughed. “When are you due?”

“A little over two weeks. And I can’t wait.”

“I’ve been through three pregnancies myself. The last month is the longest.”

“Yes, it is,” the young woman agreed with a rueful sigh. “You know, I can handle most of it. Morning sickness, irritability, water retention—”

Remembering, Harriet chimed in. “Going to the bathroom all the time, the cravings—”

“Red meat,” Sandy added

“Red meat?”

Sandy’s nose wrinkled in disgust. “Normally I’m more of a vegetarian. I’ll eat seafood and poultry, but no red meat.”

Sounds like Commander Rabb. “For me it was McDonald’s french fries,” chuckled Harriet.

“And I’m a caffeine addict. Giving up coffee for decaf or tea was a major adjustment. I can’t wait to hit Starbucks again! You know what I’m looking forward to the most, though?” Sandy stopped and looked at Harriet, who shook her head. “Being able to pick up my three year old. It’s amazing how much I miss the simple act of carrying my own son.”

The woman continued to speak as she resumed walking, but Harriet’s feet had suddenly planted themselves firmly on the sidewalk and refused to move.

“Oh, my gosh,” she whispered aloud, her knuckles whitening on the handle of the stroller.

Immediately the pieces begin clicking into place. She didn’t lift the boxes this afternoon. She’s been drinking tea instead of coffee. She hasn’t been eating red meat, which everyone knows she loves… heck, even Bud noticed that she’s been using the bathroom more during court, and he never notices anything! Oh, my gosh, Colonel MacKenzie is PREGNANT!!!

Harriet’s grip on the stroller tightened further as her mind raced. But how can she possibly be pregnant? The Colonel would have said if she’s been dating anyone— Suddenly, Harriet remembered how Mac had played down her ‘date’ with Commander Rabb a few weeks before, and how she had gone straight to him for help moving the file boxes earlier that very afternoon.

“OH, MY GOSH!” Harriet’s eyes grew big as saucers.

“Is something wrong?”

Blinking rapidly, the concerned expression on her new friend’s face had Harriet dragging herself back to reality.

“No, everything’s fine.” She couldn’t help the amazed grin that threatened to split her cheeks. “It’s wonderful, actually.”

Reassured that there was nothing to be worried about, Sandy returned the smile and the two women made their way up the last few feet of sidewalk, where they disappeared into the building.

* * * * * * * * * *

1230 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

The next morning, Mac strode into the break room and headed straight for the coffee maker. Gratitude flowed through her as she spotted the freshly brewed pot sitting on the warmer. Over the last few weeks, she’d been finding it more and more difficult to get up in the mornings. It had gotten to the point where she had finally broken down and purchased a simple alarm clock to keep next to her bed — her internal alarm still functioned fine, but she didn’t want to run the risk of oversleeping. This morning alone she’d hit the snooze button for nearly forty-five minutes. Out of habit, one hand reached for the carafe while the other grabbed for a nearby cup.

“Didn’t you give up coffee, ma’am?”

From behind her, Harriet’s soft reminder resonated throughout the room. Mac froze, realizing she’d been about to pour herself a cup on autopilot alone. Her hand dropped to the counter and she turned around.

“I’ve noticed you’ve been drinking a lot more tea lately,” Harriet continued breezily as she stepped forward, holding up a small plastic grocery bag and ignoring Mac’s instantly wary expression. “I brought this for you.”

“Thanks, Harriet.” Mac reached for the bag cautiously. “What is it?” she asked, peering inside.

“A sampler of different decaffeinated teas. Chamomile, ginger peach, peppermint, plus a few others. There are some pretty good varieties. The chamomile and peppermint are good for calming an upset stomach.”

“Oh. Thanks.”

Harriet subdued a giggle at the ‘deer-in-headlights’ look that briefly flashed across Mac’s face. Good thing I didn’t get the soda crackers, too, she thought with a mental smirk. “You’re welcome,” she added aloud.

“What are you doing here so early?” Turning back to the coffee maker, Mac reached for a Styrofoam cup and filled it from the hot water spigot.

“I had a few things to take care of,” Harriet replied ambiguously. In actuality, she had come in early to give the Colonel the tea before the rest of the crew arrived for work, but she wasn’t about to admit that to the Colonel.

“Me too. Thanks for the tea.”

Laughing quietly, Harriet watched as Mac left the room, cup and bag in hand.



Chapter 19

1315 Zulu
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

The wide door swung open heavily as the registered nurse led Mac and Harm into the examination room. Walking over to a cabinet, she pulled out a simple white robe and set it on the exam table.

“You can leave your underwear on. The technician will be in shortly,” the nurse instructed Mac as she exited the room.

Mac’s eyes rested on the closed door for a second before she lifted her gaze to meet Harm’s. She was finally going to have her first ultrasound – the two of them had been nervously anticipating this appointment all week. Flashing a reassuring smile, she set her purse and cover on the chair in the corner.

“You have to get undressed for this?” Harm asked warily as she began to unbutton her uniform. “I thought they only needed access to, you know, certain body parts.”

“They do,” she chuckled, “but it’s easier to get to ‘those’ body parts when they’re not buried beneath layers of fabric. Besides, I don’t want to get the jelly all over my uniform. People might start asking questions.”

Shrugging out of her jacket, Mac laid it carefully over the back of the chair in the corner and deftly removed her tie. When her hands moved to the buttons of her blouse, Harm fought against the instinct to give her some privacy by turning his back. It’s not like you’ve never seen her naked before, he admonished himself sharply. Folding his arms across his chest, he leaned back against the wall with studied ease.

“The rumors would start flying, I’m sure. His voice turned pensive. “I bet some of the women who have kids might be able to figure it out if they thought about it long enough.”

“Harriet’s already onto us,” Mac said nonchalantly.

“What?” Staring as she eased the shirt off her shoulders and set it on the seat of the chair, Harm’s jaw went momentarily slack. “What do you mean, she’s ‘onto us’?”

“Exactly what you think I mean. She’s been dropping hints all over the place. Quite frankly, I’m surprised she hasn’t come right out and asked me to confirm or deny.”

Glancing over at him, Mac stepped out of her shoes with a teasing smile. When she reached for the waistband of her skirt, however, Harm’s gentlemanly nature kicked in and he involuntarily dropped his eyes to the floor.

“Have you given any thought to what you’d like to do?” he asked, carefully examining a spot on the linoleum next to his foot. The sound of fabric rustling echoed through the room. “Harriet can be pretty persistent.”

“You always were the master of understatement,” she laughed.

“Mac, be serious.”

“I’m perfectly serious.”

“What are we going to do about Harriet?” he repeated, purposely ignoring the teasing in her tone. He rubbed the spot on the floor with the toe of one shoe.

“Okay, okay.” Mac’s voice grew sober. “We may as well tell her and Bud, and get it over with.”

“Don’t sound so enthusiastic.”

“Hey, you asked!” Harm opened his mouth to reply, but she cut him off. “You can look now. I’m decent.”

His gaze slid up her body as she hoisted herself up onto the examining table. Taking in the light cotton robe that was cinched loosely around her waist, for a moment Harm could do nothing but look at her.

“Comfortable?” he finally asked.

“Very.”

One of her eyebrows cocked saucily at his intent expression. Returning the look, Harm didn’t speak when they were interrupted by the sound of a knock on the door.

“Colonel MacKenzie?” A young woman slipped through the doorway with an easy smile. “Good morning, ma’am, sir. My name is Nancy and I’ll be performing your sonogram today,” she greeted cheerfully. Setting the clipboard she carried atop the monitor next to the examination table, she extended her hand first to Mac and then Harm.

“A pleasure.”

“Ma’am, if you’ll lie back we can go ahead and get started.”

Complying, Mac scooted herself to the head of the table and laid down, while Harm stepped up next to her. Their hands came together reflexively as Nancy pulled a thin paper blanket up over Mac’s legs and gently untied the robe, exposing Mac’s abdomen.

“This might be a little cold,” the technician warned, reaching for a squirt bottle of clear gel. An instant later, the hiss of Mac’s sharp intake of breath resonated through the room.

“A little? Are you sure you don’t keep that stuff refrigerated?” Mac accused with a nervous smile. Her grip on Harm’s hand tightened.

“It’s room temperature, I swear,” Nancy chuckled as she picked up the ultrasound wand and used it to rub the gel into Mac’s skin. “But there is a twenty-six degree difference between room temperature and body temperature, which is why it feels like such a shock. Now, if you’ll just direct your attention to the monitor...”

Craning her neck, Mac’s eyes focused in on the black and white picture that had appeared on the screen to her right. The droning of the technician’s voice drifted into silence. A fleeting sense of panic washed over Mac as she struggled to make sense out of the grainy images. Then, unexpectedly, the rough lines began to transform into an identifiable likeness. Serenity and joy flooded into her heart, momentarily stilling her ever-present internal clock. An interminable amount of time passed before it resumed ticking, and sound once again began to filter through.

“... and this curve here is the fetus’ spinal column,” Nancy was saying, pointing towards a white line in the center of the monitor. She glanced over at the parents-to-be, who stared wordlessly at the image with identical expressions of wonder and awe.

Harm’s heart was in his throat. That’s our baby, he marveled. Not for the first time, he found himself astonished by the knowledge that Sarah MacKenzie was carrying his child. His hand squeezed hers gently.

“Would you like to hear the heartbeat?”

The words penetrated the haze of Harm’s thoughts. Ripping his eyes away from the monitor, he stared blankly at the technician for a moment before nodding slowly. From the table in front of him, Mac’s eyes met his with mutual understanding. Nancy’s lips curving upward with a knowing smile, she reached over and flipped the switch on the machine’s speakers.

Suddenly, the room was filled by the fast whooshing sound of blood being pumped through the baby’s cardiovascular system. Recognition dawning, slow grins spread across Harm and Mac’s features as they listened to the steady rhythm of their unborn child’s heartbeat. His eyes stayed focused on hers as Harm lifted Mac’s fingers to his lips for a soft, lingering kiss.



Chapter 20

Saturday
0023 Zulu
North of Union Station

Listening as the mellow notes of Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me, Mac stood at the kitchen island chopping fresh vegetables for the salad. Working her way through a red bell pepper, she glanced over towards where Harm was putting the finishing touches on the table.

“The napkins look fine where they are,” she teased, watching him frown at the piece of fabric he’d attempted to artfully display in one of the wine glasses. “Harm, it’s just Bud and Harriet. They’ll probably think we’ve gone to too much trouble as it is.”

“You’re right,” he conceded with a sigh. Folding the offending napkin, he placed it in the middle of the plate, as he’d done at the other three settings.

“I usually am.”

“Oh, really? I could name a few times when you’ve been wrong,” Harm countered jokingly. “But I’ll be kind and let you continue to think what you want.”

Mac smiled and turned her attention back to the task at hand. “Only a few? Considering how long we’ve known each other, flyboy, I’ll take that as a compliment.” Chuckling, she scooped the chunks of pepper into one hand and dropped them deftly into the salad bowl.

“There, all done.” He took a step back to review his handiwork.

“The table looks nice.”

Wiping her hands on a paper towel, Mac reached for the tongs. As she turned away from him, Harm slipped up behind her and wrapped his arms casually around her waist.

“So do you,” he murmured into her neck, placing a light kiss behind her ear. “Mmm, you smell good too.”

“What’s gotten into you?” Mac asked shyly, surprised at his sudden behavior but enjoying herself nonetheless. This playful flirting was a facet of Harm’s personality that he didn’t reveal regularly, at least not in public. A shiver went up her spine at the feel of his teeth gently nibbling on the sensitive skin.

“We should have Bud and Harriet over for dinner more often. I kind of like seeing your ‘domestic’ side.” His breath tickled her skin as his lips trailed a sensual path across the nape of her neck.

“And I like showing it,” her voice a breathless whisper.

Sliding one hand up to her collar while his other hand tightened on her waist, Harm’s tongue slipped out to tease the sensitive skin below her hairline

An instant later, his head snapped up at the sound of a knock on the front door. Heaving a sigh of resignation, he dropped his forehead momentarily onto Mac’s shoulder before releasing her.

“That would be Bud and Harriet.”

“Looks like I’m not the only one with perfect timing,” Mac commented wryly, stepping away and nervously straightening her blouse.

Lifting his eyebrows in agreement, Harm flashed her a look that he hoped implied to be continued before crossing to the door. Remaining at the counter, Mac picked up the forgotten tongs and started tossing the salad as Harm greeted their coworkers warmly.

“Sir, ma’am,” Harriet smiled as Bud followed her into the apartment.

“What’s this?” asked Harm, nodding to the bottle of bubbly Harriet carried.

“Sparkling grape juice.”

“Thanks, Harriet. Make yourselves at home.” Taking the proffered bottle, Harm gestured towards the living room. “Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Water’s fine for now, thanks. Wow, ma’am, something smells wonderful,” Bud observed, settling down on the couch next to his wife. Harriet echoed the sentiment.

“I was just telling her that myself, Bud.” Harm grinned over at Mac, who shot him a veiled look.

“I appreciate the compliment, but I can only take credit for the salad.”

“What are Mattie and Jennifer up to this evening?” Harriet inquired.

“They were heading to the mall and then to see a movie.” Depositing the bottle of juice in the refrigerator door, Harm moved to pour some water for their guests. “I didn’t ask which one.”

“I think they were going to the new ‘Princess Diaries’ sequel,” supplied Mac.

Harm and Bud looked at each other.

“Chick flick,” they commented simultaneously. All four friends burst out into laughter.

Handing water glasses to Harriet and Bud, Harm waited for Mac to join them. As she sat down in the chair adjacent to the sofa, he moved behind her.

“Did you have any problems finding a babysitter?” He asked as he laid a hand on Mac’s shoulder. The affection in the gesture was not lost on Harriet. “I know we pulled this together at the last minute.”

“No,” Bud shook his head. “The teenager next door was willing to put up with A.J. and Jimmy for the evening. Except she did insist on hazard pay.”

“Our godson is turning into quite the... adventurer, isn’t he.”

“Very diplomatically put, ma’am,” Bud chuckled.

“Thank you, Bud.”

“Speaking of godchildren,” Harm interrupted softly, “we have a favor to ask both of you.”

“Sir?” Bud’s puzzlement was obvious..

Giving Mac’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze Harm continued, “We were wondering...”

“If you’d be willing to serve as godparents to our son or daughter,” Mac finished, suddenly overwhelmed by happiness at finally being able to share their secret. Her face beamed with joy. “I’m due in March.”

His eyes going wide, Bud’s fingers clamped tightly around his water glass. Harriet, on the other hand, merely broke into a wide grin.

“Ma’am? Sir?” Bud stammered in disbelief.

“We’re having a baby,” Harm confirmed with a huge smile, Mac reaching up and placing her hand atop of his. “Together.”

“I knew it!” exclaimed Harriet gleefully. “I just KNEW it!”

All but leaping off the couch, she pulled Mac to her feet and enfolded her in a congratulatory hug. Mac’s arms lifted involuntarily to return the embrace. Stunned by the intensity of Harriet’s excitement, she exchanged a private look with Harm.

Rising as well, Bud gaped incredulously as the sound of laughter filled the apartment. “What? How? What?!”

“This is wonderful! Congratulations, sir!” Harriet laughed happily as she released Mac and turned to hug Harm.

“Ma’am? Sir? How... I mean, I know how, but when did this... I mean, isn’t it kind of sudden?” Bud babbled in apparent shock.

“Not really, Bud,” Harm informed him over Harriet’s shoulder with a brief glance towards Mac. “We’ve actually been planning to do this for a while.”

Pulling away, Harriet kept one hand on Harm’s shoulder as her gaze turned to Mac. “How long have the two of you been together?” she asked, voice filled with excitement.

The room fell silent.

“Um,” Mac’s eyes fell to the floor, “we’re not really together...”

“Not in the way you think,” emphasized Harm.

“I don’t understand,” Bud frowned.

“Well...” Harm took a deep breath, but Harriet interrupted.

“You mean you’re NOT getting married?”

“Not in the foreseeable future,” Mac confirmed gently.

Trying to hide her disappointment, Harriet released Harm with a smile and moved to embrace her husband.

“If you don’t mind my asking... if you’re not ‘together,’ why are you having a baby?” Bud asked, having regained a measure of composure.

Harm met Mac’s gaze, a light smile playing on his lips. “It’s a long story. Why don’t we tell you over dinner? I wouldn’t want to starve my Marine. The Colonel tends to get grumpy when she goes without food for any extended length of time,” he teased.

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

TBC…

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