This story was written long, long ago, but with DPB being who he is, it actually fits anywhere in the jag story line starting season 7.
Eve of truth
December 23rd 2004
JAG headquarters
“You’re nervous” He concluded surprised.
“Of course I am, Harm.”
“You don’t have to be, we’ll do this together..”
“I know, and still… I …what will people think?”
“You weren’t worried about that 6 months ago, now were you.”
“So what, I should have thought about it more? Is that what you are saying?!” She reacted angrily.
“No. NO!.. We both wanted this, and we talked about it long enough”
“But it didn’t turn out the way we planned did it?” She smiled and he returned it.
“No it didn’t..Are you sorry about THAT?” he questioned.
“No, but YOU aren’t the one who got all the staring and whispering behind your back. I’m sure the office pool is still taking bets..” She swallowed obviously bothered by it.
Harm stepped closer to her and took her hand.
“I also didn’t get any attention from our friends, any concern, any congratulations, cards…..”
She looked up to face him, his admission making her smile warmly at him.
“You feel left out.”
“Yeah, I guess. But that’s okay. I could see you were happy, and that’s what counted. Anyway…. It’ll all be over tonight.” He sighed.
***
Harm’s apartment
17:30 east.
“Where do you want this Commander?” Bud asked.
“Just put it on the counter. Where’s Harriet?”
“AJ had his first field trip today and they got stuck in traffic on the way back. And then Hope decided to throw juice on her dress, so…Anyway..Harriet sent me ahead with the food..”
“Oh…… Is that what it is like, most of the time?”
“Sir?”
“I mean..having kids, a family…is it about crisis management most of the time?” Harm asked in all innocence.
“On some days it feels like it sir. But it is all worth it..and I am just grateful to have Harriet.. I can’t imagine having to do it by myself, and now with a new one on the way……”
Harm stopped to think about what Bud said. He felt a little guilty, and stupid. But starting tonight he wouldn’t have to anymore, they would come clean.
***
Harms apartment
18:00 east.
“Hello darling!” Trish called out over the Christmas music while she threw her arms around her tall son.
“Hey mom, Frank. Glad you could make it.”
“Well, you’re throwing a Christmas party….we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see what caused that, now, could we.”
“Family and friends inspired, mom”
“I got the impression there was something special going on in your life.”
“Ah..Would you guys like something to drink?”
***
Harm’s apartment
18:10 east.
“Harriet, can you give me a hand?”
“Oh, Harm, let me…. There is a system in doing this”
Harm looked at Harriet’s round belly in fascination. She turned to him and smiled.
Taking one of his hands and placing it on her mound she said: “ This one’s a kicker”
“That’s not that bad, is it?”
“No, he’s just getting started.”
When Bud walked towards them, Harm pulled away his hand. “Another boy ey, Bud!”
***
Harm’s apartment
18:20
Harm kept looking at the door. ‘Late again’ he thought to himself.
He impatiently paced the room with his hands on his hips when, out of the corner of his eye he saw a small form copying his movements. He stopped. The form stopped. He started moving again, and sure enough the form followed. Harm deliberately started to make motions with his arms just to see how far the boy would go.
From the living room the others saw little AJ pat himself on the stomach, scratch his head, his six and pick his nose…Till the doorbell rang and Harm jumped to the door. The sight of the Admiral was enough to make AJ forget his game.
“Admiral, Gunny come in please.”
“Sir, this is my mother, Trish Burnet, and my step dad Frank Burnet.”
“Nice to meet you finally, we’ve talked on the phone before, times you had gotten yourself in trouble.”
“I’m hungry mommy!” AJ wined.
“Who are we waiting for?” Big AJ asked.
“Tiner and Mac, sir.” Harm answered.
***
Harm’s apartment
18:30
Harm was standing by the window, watching the snow and the road in hope of seeing Mac.
‘Surely he couldn’t do this without her.”
He sighed relieved when he saw her car pull up. He smiled and shook his head as he saw her struggle to get out of the corvette. He was going to suggest they’d switch cars for the time being. No matter how comfortable his SUV was, he still missed his little red car. And this might just be the perfect excuse.
She looked up and waved. Harm waved back.
“She here, sir?” Tiner asked.
“Yes, why don’t you fix yourself a drink.”
He turned towards the door so he could wait for her. Instead he bumped into his mother.
“You are nervous.” She stated. “What’s going on Harm?”
“I eh…I..We..I’ll explain later.”
He opened the door just before Mac could knock.
“Hey, sorry I’m late,” She whispered to Harm giving him a quick kiss on his cheek “I had some trouble getting access to my key witness.
Trish raised an eyebrow. “Mac!, You look fantastic darling.”
***
Harm’s apartment
19:00 east.
Everyone was sitting around the large dinner table, chatting happily. Most of them were done eating. Gunny, Mac and Harriet were still going strong.
“Marines and pregnant women.” AJ snorted while he filled up the other’s wine glasses.
“We just don’t believe in leftovers, sir.” Harriet countered. She tried to resume her conversation with Mac but found her mesmerized by Harm, who was sitting at the other end of the table feeding the 18 month old Hope.
Harm could feel her eyes on him and looked up. Their eyes locked for a minute or so which did not go unnoticed by several of the dinner guests. Harm broke the spell by giving her a full blast Rabb smile before winking at her.
Mac smiled back and blushed. Then she quickly turned back to Harriet and her plate. But Harm had seen her cheeks flush. He kept watching her as she and Harriet decided to share the last peace of chicken. A content smile appeared on his face. He couldn’t believe he could still make her blush like that.
***
Harm’s apartment
19:20 east.
Tiner and Gunny were starting the dishes as Mac and AJ cleared the table. Harm and Bud were putting Hope to bed in the cot they set up in Harm’s bedroom, and Harriet was changing little AJ into his PJ’s.
“Can I help at all?” Trish offered.
“Ah…yeah, could you put on some coffee?”
“Sure darling, as soon as I find out where Harm hides the filters.”
“Oh, hold on. I’ll get them for you.” Mac said as she opened a drawer and got the requested items out.
“Where does this go, ma’am?”
“Second cupboard on your left, bottom shelve, Tiner.”
“Wow, she sure knows her way around here, doesn’t she , Gunny?”
***
Harm’s apartment
19:45 east.
“Wow, it’s really getting white out there. “
“It’s going to be hell trying to scrape the snow and ice of our cars later, ma’m” Bud said as he took a bowl of pretzels to the living room.
“You don’t have to go home tonight, you can stay.” Harm whispered in her ear. He looked over his shoulder to check on the others. They were talking and laughing, not paying attention to the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the back of her neck. She took his hands and placed them on her belly. Then she relaxed back into his embrace as they watched the snow together.
***
Harm’s apartment
20:00 east.
“Our baby is going to be here real soon.” AJ stated.
“I know, sweetie. You excited about that?”
“Ahuh, it’s a brother.” AJ stated, like that should be enough reason to be excited.
“Open you mouth.”
“Can I do it?”
“Sure.” Mac handed him the tooth brush and supported his back so he wouldn’t fall into the sink he was sitting on.
Mac smiled as she saw AJ brush his teeth unsteadily.
“So, don’t you like your sister?. Spit first, honey”
AJ frowned as he pondered her question. “I like her, but she’s a girl.”
“I’m a girl.”
“You’re a marine.”
“Yes, that too.” Mac tried not to laugh. “A girl Marine.”
“First to go.”
“Yes!” Mac laughed out loud. “Where did you pick that up?”
“Where to?”
“I’m sorry?”
“Where do Marines go?”
“Oh…ah…Well…” A burst of laughter came to from the living room diverting AJ’s attention from the question at hand.
“Can I go back in with you guys for a little while?”
“Why don’t we finish doing those teeth and then ask your mom and dad.”
***
Harm’s apartment
20:10 east.
“So, Harriet. How far along are you?” Trish asked.
“We expect the baby just after new years. But I’m ready now!”
“No, Harriet you promised to go full term on this one, so we could do some last minute shopping together.” Mac joked.
“They’ve been shopping together for six months now!” Bud whispered to Frank.
“you still have plenty of time, don’t you Mac.”
“Two and a halve months.”
“Good god, when I was carrying Harm I looked like a whale right about then.”
“Sit down, Sarah.” Harm urged.
“Not this one!” Harriet continued “If the weather permitted she’d still be wearing a bikini and looking great in it!”
“Let me get a chair, here take my seat.” Frank offered.
“Thanks, but you don’t have to. I’ll sit with Harm.” She said while she softly slapped his legs, so he’d make room for her to sit between his them.
As she leaned back against his chest he whispered in her ear. “You WOULD look great in a bikini, maybe we could…”
“Stop that!” She hissed, scanning the room to see if anyone was watching. Trish was. Mac gave her a little smile.
***
Harm’s apartment
20:45 east.
The men decided it was time for some male bonding and the subject of cars was picked.
Frank was now telling a story about Harm’s driving lessons. Harm was sort of listening in, and only smiled as the others laughed at the embarrassing parts. He was getting more engrossed with the woman sitting with him. Her scent, the way she’d occasionally brush her hands against his arms, legs or hands, and the miracle growing inside of her.
“I can’t imagine having to go through this without Bud.”
“Lot’s of women have babies by them selves nowadays, don’t they Mac” Trish supported.
“Yeah, but Harriet is right though. It’s a lot easier if you can share it with someone.”
“Just like that Lamaze class you went to by yourself.” Harriet reminded Mac of a painful memory.
Mac lowered her eyes as she remembered. Sensing a change in her, Harm wrapped his arms around her and began to caress her belly while at the same time listening to the Gunny.
“I hadn’t thought of that, don’t you need a partner for that?” Trish asked.
“Of course I can do the breathing exercises by myself but it’s better to have someone with you.”
“I’m sure Bud wouldn’t mind, ma'm. I’ll ask him…”
“No, Harriet, you don’t have to, really.”
“You shouldn’t have to do this by yourself, Mac.” Trish said trying to figure out what she was seeing.
Harm was in his protective mode, with one hand on Mac’s belly and the other rubbing her arm softly. Trish even thought she’d seen him sneak a small kiss on her neck.
“I don’t, Harm is my coach.” She said softly.
This caught more attention than she had intended. Harm squeezed her arm reassuringly.
Harriet’s eyes were big as she assessed the situation. Trish held her eyes on Harm as he whispered something into Mac’s hair.
“Maybe this is the right moment.”
She turned in shock, her eyes telling him she wasn’t ready.
“You do it.” she pleaded.
“No, Sarah, this was our deal, remember.” He swallowed as he noticed his mother staring.
“You are a brave man Rabb.” AJ joked “Don’t you agree mister Roberts?”
Bud grinned, thinking of the Colonel’s temper. “Very, sir. And I would like to take this opportunity to say..’It was nice knowing you, Commander.’”
Everyone laughed at that except Harm.
“Hey, watch it, Lieutenant. You aren’t implying I’d cause bodily harm to this poor squid?”
Harm relaxed somewhat realizing she didn’t take it personally. She had had her moods, especially in the beginning of the pregnancy.
***
Harm’s apartment
21:30 east.
“Maybe we should get going before we get snowed in.”
“We can stay a bit longer, Bud. It’s not that bad, and I feel fine.”
“You guys can spend the night if it gets worse. I’ve been fixing up part of the loft next door. I’m thinking of expanding.” He explained. Mac stirred in his arms. She had fallen asleep ten minutes ago.
Harm had thought about waking her, if the guests left while she was sleeping, they still wouldn’t know. And Harm was about ready to shout it of the roof. But he just couldn’t do it. She looked so peaceful. It had taken so long for her to be able to relax again after Mic left. If she wasn’t ready to tell, he would wait.
“I can drive the Colonel home, sir. It’s on my way.”
“Thanks Gunny, but she’s staying here.” He just couldn’t help himself. “I don’t want to wake her.” He tried to salvage the slip with a seemingly logical explanation.
***
Harm’s apartment
21:45 east.
Harm adjusted his arms so he could pick her up and carry her to the bedroom.
Just as he was getting up, she woke up.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Everyone froze.
“Surely you’re not thinking of carrying me. Harm! Your back. Remember what happened last time?”
Harm looked at the stunned guests, then back at Sarah. He slowly let her slide down to her feet. He smiled as he saw realization hit her.
“That might have let the cat out of the bag. Don’t you think?”
“Yeah..I guess so.” She turned and smiled at her friends who were all waiting for an explanation or an excuse..something..
Harm wrapped his arms around her again. Claiming what was his.
“Well, ah…” She smiled nervously. “We,..ah…Harm and I, we…” She took a deep breath…
“Love each other !” Harm finished for her.
A quartet of jaws dropped to the floor.
Sarah now beamed. “Thank you” she whispered to Harm, followed by a light kiss on his lips.
“Always have, but we finally got it together two months ago.” She explained.
“We know all of you have wondered, and we consider you our friends. So we decided to share this with you tonight.”
Trish looked at her son with a look of disappointment.
“I’m sorry, mom. But there was so much we needed to figure out ourselves.”
“Oh, it’s not that, darling. I am really happy for you. I knew you two belonged together the first time I met her. It’s just…well..watching you tonight,..I just thought ….YOU were the father.”
“Me too!” piped Harriet.
Harm’s grin widened. “I AM !” He proclaimed proudly which made Mac giggle.
“Congratulations Commander!” AJ nodded his agreement. “It’s about__”
“DAMN TIME !” everyone finished in chorus.
As they all laughed and congratulated and hugged, Tiner was caught up in deep thought.
“Excuse me…Ma’am, sir…But. If you two got together in October, how did the Colonel get pregnant in June??”
“TINER !!!” AJ bellowed.
“Well, that’s kind of personal.” Harm said.
“We have to thank Bud and Harriet, actually.”
“What did we do?”
Mac looked at Harm. “You don’t mind?” He kissed her forehead. “Go ahead.”
“When AJ was born, Chloe had just left, Harm was about to leave, my life was a mess. I thought I’d never have the family I wanted. Then Harm made me a deal. If in five years time, neither one of us was in a relationship, we’d go halves on a kid.”
Trish gave Harm an incredulous look. AJ smiled and shook his head murmuring. “unbelievable”
“AJ turned five last May.” Harriet concluded. “You went ahead with it.”
Mac’s cheeks reddened. “Yes, we did. And we thought we had it all figured out. Put everything on paper so there wouldn’t be any confusion later on, like a contract. “
“Of course that contract kept us from admitting our true feelings even before we got pregnant. Each of us not wanting to show the other we had lost control and wanted, needed more, we suffered through the first months.”
“What got you together?” Harriet wanted to know. ‘this was so romantic, they finally got together after 8 years.’
“We didn’t find out I was pregnant until I was three months along. So by that time..” Her voice trailed of..”We ah…had spent a lot of time ‘together’.”
Harriet sighed. ‘natural conception’. She couldn’t believe this was going on right under her nose and she didn’t even notice!
“The ultra sound.” Harm said.
“HUH?”
“What got us together for real. The ultra sound. Seeing our baby for the first time, hearing the heartbeat.” Harm was full of wonder and pride as he was talking, never letting go of Mac.
“That baby was a part of us, a product of our love. We just couldn’t deny it any longer.”
Mac smiled. “He dropped to his knees right then and there and proposed!”
“And she said NO.”
“You what??!!” AJ yelled.
“Well, I thought it was just the atmosphere or something, you know, he had just seen his baby for the first time and I thought it typical of Harm to do the noble thing and try to make a honest woman out of me.”
Everyone just stared.
“I said yes the second time.” She said in a small apologetic voice. Harm kissed her cheek.
“And I thank God for that every day.” He whispered.
“So when is the big day?” Frank wanted to know.
“For now the BIG day is going to be the day I give birth, we’ll see after that.”
***
Harm’s apartment
22:30 east.
“Call us when you get home.”
“We will, ma’am.” Bud Hugged her. “And Ma’am, I’m really happy for you two.”
“Thanks Bud.”
“Harriet, take care.” She hugged her friend.
“You must be so excited.”
“Right now, I’m just tired.”
“Yeah, but a good kind of tired.”
“Yeah. I feel so relaxed knowing we don’t have to hide it anymore.”
“Do you know?”
“Know what?”
“If it’s a boy or a girl?”
Mac smiled warmly as she thought back to her last doctors appointment.
“Yes, we do. We’ll have to share when the baby is born. But as long as this baby in inside me, it is just ours to know..”
***
Harm’s apartment
23:00 east.
“You’re not angry that you only found out now?”
“No, I’m too happy for the both of you. But you will have to keep us informed from now on.”
“Frank and I got the couch-bed all ready. Ladies, sleep tight.” Harm hugged his mother and kissed the woman he loved.
As Trish saw them get lost in their kiss she decided to sleep on the couch.
“Where are you going?”
“I am leaving you two love birds alone. I’m off to sleep with mine.”
“I love you, mom.”
“Love you too, Harm, Sarah. Goodnight.”
Harm wrapped his arms around Mac once more. Kissing the back of her neck, her cheek and her shoulder. Mac turned around and snuggled against him.
“I love you Harm.” She whispered. Before softly kissing him.
“I love you too, both of you.” He ran his hands down the sides of her breasts until he rested them on her mound.
“She asleep?” He asked between kisses.
“If only.” Mac sighed. “There, did you feel that?”
“Yeah,” Harm grinned. “Kick boxer like her mommy.”
Harm slit down to kiss her round belly. “Goodnight ninja-girl.”
***the end***