Title: Another Door Opens

Author: Hollyjp

Disclaimer: JAG is the property of Bellisario Productions, CBS, and Paramount. I have borrowed their characters for entertainment purposes only. No monetary gain will result from their appearance in my story.

Author’s Notes:

ANOTHER DOOR OPENS

2105 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Harm stood in front of Mac’s door and knocked twice. When he had gotten into his SUV at Andrews after landing on his return from California he had checked his voice mail on his cell phone. There had been two messages from Mac. The first one had shown her disappointment that their tentative plans had fallen through.

{Harm...it’s Mac...I thought maybe you’d be back by now. Guess we won’t be getting together for dinner tonight after all. Call when you get in...}

The second one had set his heart racing and sent him to her door.

{Hey, it’s me again. Harm, look...I really want to see you tonight...please stop by when you get home...if you want to...I mean if you still want to try a relationship...Oh hell!...} and then he heard the dial tone. He had chuckled at first and then her words slowly sunk in.

The door opened and Mac greeted him with a smile. “Hey...come on in. You got my messages I guess,” Mac started. Harm wasn’t sure why but he decided to play with her a little. He hadn’t done it in a while and hoped she would take it like she usually did.

“Messages? What messages?” Harm asked suddenly looking puzzled.

“Voice mail messages? If you didn’t get then, then why are you here?” Mac asked.

“Because I missed you...” Harm told her honestly.

“Oh really?”

“Really. I’ve been looking forward to spending time with you...I hope you don’t mind.”

“No...that’s great.”

“Did you miss me?”

“Why would you think that?” Mac asked suddenly not sure if she had been reading Harm right or not. She still doubted herself to some extent despite her work with Dr. McCool and the subtle changes in the way Harm and she had been communicating since Christmas Eve.

Harm couldn’t keep up the subterfuge any longer. It wasn’t fair to Mac. He needed to be honest and if he kept going it wouldn’t be teasing...it would be lying and he wouldn’t do that to her...to them.

“Because you left me two voice mail messages and said you wanted to see me...” Harm smiled but watched Mac’s face waiting to see her reaction. She actually blushed a little as she broke into a smile and muttered under her breath.

“I ought to deny it was me, you jerk!”

“What was that Mac? Did I just hear you retract your statement and call me a jerk?” he teased.

“Yes...Why do you do that to me?”

“Broke the tension didn’t it?” Harm asked.

“Yeah...it did. You know me so well.” Mac admitted.

“I’d like to know you even better Mac.” Harm admitted turning up the tension between them again.

“Harm, I’ve been thinking. I want to let you into my life...be a part of it like you use to be...and more...but I think I need a little help making the transition.” Mac told him as they sat on the sofa facing each other like they had on the porch at the Dining Out almost nine months ago.

“What kind of help Mac?” Harm asked giving her his full attention.

“I need us to do some ‘couple’ activities.”

“Go out on dates? I can do that.”

“No...not dates really...dates are where two people get to know each other. We know each other Harm...I mean I need us to do things that couples do together.”

Harms eyebrows went up and he couldn’t stop the smirk on his face. “Okay... Tonight?” Harm asked as his eye twitched at her.

“Not that! Well...at least not just yet.” Mac couldn’t stop the blush that crept into her cheeks. Her beauty set Harm’s heart pounding in his chest.

“Give me some examples of what you mean then.” Harm told her.

“We need to accept some invitations as a couple...and invite people to do things with us as a couple.”

“Like double dates?” Harm asked, still not sure he understood what she had in mind.

“Not really...Things like shopping together and picking out a gift together for Harriet and Buds twins; maybe go visit Mattie together - if you wouldn’t mind; maybe plan to go out to dinner with Bud and Harriet when she’s feeling up to it; we’ve been asked to attend a dinner party at the Creswell residence and I’d like to go with you so that people see we are together.” Mac paused waiting to see if Harm understood what she was asking for.

“And you see that as different from ‘dating’?” Harm asked.

“Yes.”

“Okay...Maybe I’m starting to understand what it is you are looking for...I think I can do that. How do you suggest we start this couple thing?” Harm asked her as a plan began to form in his head.

“I think we should start planning our personal time together...not that we have to be together all the time...but I think we should talk about what we want to do and decide what things we are going to do alone and together.”

“Okay, I was thinking of taking a trip to Blacksburg to see Mattie this weekend. Do you want to go with me? I know Mattie and Tom would both be happy to see you and I could have the best of everything...time with both you and Mattie.”

“When do you want to go?” Mac asked pleased that Harm was willing to do this.

“I had thought about going tomorrow morning...get there about eleven so I could take her out for pizza and she could show me around Grace Aviation. I was hoping to get back early enough to take you out to dinner tomorrow night.”

“Really?” Mac asked and when Harm nodded she said, “It would be a shame to rush back when I can spend the day with you and get to know Mattie better too.”

“Do you want to stay over and come back in the morning?” Harm asked. “Mattie and Tom certainly have enough room in that old house. I know they have room for us and they’ve asked me to stay before.”

“Maybe next time...this time I think making a day trip would be better. So you going to pick me up around eight?” Mac asked.

“Yes.” Harm picked up her hand and held it in his larger one.

“Good...and we can play dinner by ear.” Mac smiled at him again and took his breath away.

“I can do that...as long as we spend time together. I think you should think of something you’d like me to do with you.” Harm smiled feeling pleased with the way things were developing.

“Even if its shopping for something?”

“Yes.” Harm couldn’t stop smiling at her.

“I may hold you to that...and I promise I will think of something for us to do together too. Any plans for Sunday?”

“No. You?”

“Not yet. Usually I do housework and read and work on dinosaur fossils...but I don’t have anything definite. What about you?” she asked.

“Service my cars...go running...take care of laundry...grocery shop...fix dinner...” Harm named some of the things he did on weekends when he was alone.

“Do you ever invite people over for dinner or to visit?” Mac asked him.

“Not for some time...unless it’s a working dinner.”

“No dates?” Mac asked him knowing she could be treading on dangerous territory.

“Mac, I can’t say I have had a real date since Renee...and I doubted that any normal person would go three years...well anyway...it does happen.”

“What about Catherine Gayle? You ‘married’ her?” Mac reminded him.

“That was a pretend marriage and I told you- we never had a honeymoon.”

“But she came to your house.”

“Yes, she had news she wanted to share with me. We had become friends of sorts. I even suggested we try to have a relationship but she knew my heart wasn’t in it and turned me down.”

“And Alicia?”

“Business only.”

“Harm, I saw her at your apartment and you were alone...and you didn’t want me there. Are you telling me you never kissed her?” Mac asked not quite believing him yet knowing he wouldn’t lie to her.

“She kissed me - on the cheek.” Harm told her. Mac gave him a skeptical look. “ I swear to you Mac...Catherine Gayle is the only one that I have kissed since you and that was only because we were trying to convince her mother we were married.”

“You really expect me to believe that?” Mac asked. “Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you haven’t been kissed in all this time?”

“No...I’ve been kissed...but I haven’t done the kissing...except for Catherine. Can you say the same?....I’m sorry...forget I asked...I have no business going there.” Harm back pedaled afraid his mouth would cause their relationship to deteriorate before it had ever gotten off the ground.

“Are we having our first fight as a couple?” Mac asked as she realized how foolish they were starting to sound.

“Maybe...not our first fight though.”

“And probably not our last...I believe you Harm.”

“Thank you...just in case it ever comes up, the woman I won the million plus settlement for while I was in California kissed me too. I suppose I could have avoided it, but it kind of took me by surprise and I just stood there.”

Mac rolled her eyes and shook her head. She took a deep sigh and released it slowly. “I guess that I have to get use to women throwing themselves at you if we’re going to have a chance at making this work.”

“You really don’t trust me, do you Mac...to be faithful to you I mean?” Harm asked the hurt evident in his voice.

“I do trust you Harm. I trust you to be honest with me and if you make a promise I know you’ll keep it,” Mac assured him.

“Thank you...hey, it’s getting late... I should be going.”

“Yeah...see you in the morning?” Mac asked as they stood up and moved toward the door. Harm put on his coat and then reached for her hand.

“Yes. You know, this couple stuff is sounding better all the time, now I understand what you were getting at.” Harm bent his head and dropped a kiss on her lips before whispering goodnight and walking out the door.

Saturday

2105 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Mac opened her apartment door and Harm closed it behind them as he followed her into her apartment. Tossing her coat on the chair as she headed for the kitchen, she called over her shoulder, “Want some coffee? I’m fixing a pot.”

“Sure.” Harm hung up her coat for her and his own. He smiled to himself thinking that was something couples did for each other. He followed Mac into the kitchen and watched her slice an apple and some cheese while she waited for the coffee. “Thought a snack would be good,” she shrugged as she worked.

“Great...Mattie was pleased you came with me today.” Harm told Mac.

“She’s a great kid Harm. I enjoyed getting to know her better today. Tom seems to be doing well with the business. You were good for both of them Harm.” Mac’s praise made him feel good.

“Yeah, well, I owe Tom and you for giving me a chance to have Mattie in my life. It was something that was good for all of us I think,” Harm commented just as his cell phone rang. “Rabb.”

<Hey Buddy...how you doing?>

“Keeter?”

<None other. Hey you still hanging with that hot Marine?>

“Mac? Yes. Why?” Harm asked surprised by this out of the blue call from his old Academy roommate.

<Are you more then friends yet?>

“We’re working on it...What are you up to Jack?” Harm asked.

<I just got into town and thought we should get together for coffee or drinks or something.>

“Hang on...just a minute, alright? Hang on.” Harm covered the mouth piece on the phone. “It’s Jack Keeter...he wants to know if we want to get together for coffee or drinks tonight?”

“Coffee’s almost ready...let’s have him come over here,” Mac offered.

“You sure?”

“Ask him.”

“Jack, where are you?”

<I’m on Interstate sixty-six...Exit seventy-one.>

“I’m at Mac’s in Georgetown. We just made a pot of coffee. Why don’t you come over here?”

<Talk me in Rabb.>

“Get off Exit seventy-three and follow the signs on twenty-nine into Georgetown...” Harm continued to give Jack the directions until he recognized the area and thought he could find them.

<See you soon, buddy.>

“Jack’s up to something,” Harm muttered as he hung-up his cell phone and put it away.

“Why do you think that?”

“He’s subdued - for Jack- and he suggested coffee before drinks and he’s not as loud as normal...I think he’s got a woman with him.”

“Really? You think he’s serious about this woman?” Mac asked.

“Yeah...” Harm saw Mac’s eyebrow raise in question and he grinned, “It happens. Jack was such a scoundrel that I suspect when he fell, he fell hard and fast. This ought to be fun.” Harm dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Is this kind of what you were talking about with doing the couple stuff?”

“Yeah...kind of...you think she’s with him?”

“That’s my guess.”

It wasn’t long before they heard Keeter’s rhythmic knock on the door.

Harm answered the door with Mac beside him and Jack Keeter, in his larger then life way, gave Harm a bear hug and then swooped Mac up in his arms swinging her around. “Good to see you guys! I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Ruth Joyce. Ruth, Sarah Mackenzie and Harmon Rabb.”

“Come on in. Nice to meet you Ruth,” Mac greeted the stunning woman with coal black hair and brilliant blue eyes. She watched Harm as he took their coats and went to hang them up. “Are you hungry?” Mac asked trying to play hostess.

“No, thanks.”

“We were just going to have coffee. Would you like a cup?” Mac asked.

“Sounds great,” Ruth answered with a smile. “Can I help you get it?”

“Sure. Harm, why don’t you and Jack sit at the table and we’ll bring the coffee in?”

“Okay...Jack have a seat over here.” As soon as the women were in the kitchen, Harm and Jack each asked the burning question of the other.

“Is it serious with you two?”

“Yeah, we’re getting married next month,” Keeter told him.

“Wow! You are serious. That’s great Jack,” Harm answered, slapping his old ‘roomie’ on the back and shaking his hand again.

“So what about you and Mac? You still trying to pretend you are only friends?”

“No...but we haven’t taken the next step either...we’re thinking about it. We’re definitely a couple...we do things together...make decisions together...make plans together...it will happen eventually I think.” Harm told his friend. “So how did you and Ruth meet?”

“Grocery store...We both reached for the last bottle of gingerale at the same time. She won.” Jack grinned. “I was hooked immediately. It took me two years to get her to agree to go out on a date with me. That was six months ago. Now we’re getting married.”

Mac returned carrying the tray with the coffee and Ruth followed behind with a tray of fresh fruit and cheese.

“See, Jack, they eat healthy foods. You should try it.”

“I do Sweetheart...and I like it just fine. I just can’t be bothered to fuss with fixing it.” Jack told his fiancé as she pulled out the chair next to him and said down accepting her cup of coffee from Mac.

The two couples talked over coffee and fruit sharing stories and laughter with a lot of good natured ribbing going on between the two men, while the two women laughed at their antics and scolded them for others intermittently. It was almost midnight when Jack and Ruth finally said good-night and headed to her Arlington, Virginia condo, not far from where Webb had lived.

Ruth, it turned out ran a school for children with emotional disabilities. She had started out as a teacher and then turned to administration when the school had needed a director. Jack had found out that Ruth was looking for mentors for her boys and had signed up for the once a week program Jack had signed up to mentor one of the boys when she didn’t seem to take an interest in him. Slowly he had made a real connection with the child and she had given in and agreed to go out with him.

Harm and Mac told them about Mattie and were surprised to discover that Jack was familiar with Grace Aviation and Tom Johnson, although he had never met Mattie. Ruth had told Mac about the wedding plans when they had returned to the kitchen for refills at one point. It was going to be a small wedding on Valentine’s Day followed by a nice dinner at the Willard Hotel.

Jack was still working for the ‘Company’ testing equipment including planes but had his eye on a corporate position that was opening soon if the grapevine was reliable. He decided he was ready to work for a civilian company and that Ruth provided him with all the challenges in his life that he needed.

As they closed the door on the happy couple, they realized that they were standing with their arms around each others waist. Harm wanted to pull Mac close and kiss her senseless while Mac thought she should give Harm some space. He had been wonderful and attentive all day and all evening and she didn’t want to take advantage of this new couple status they were trying out.

Mac stepped back as Harm stepped forward unbalancing them both just slightly.

“Sorry Mac...”

“No I’m sorry...”

“I’d better get going...it’s getting late.”

“Drive carefully,” Mac cautioned.

“I will.”

“Call me when you get home?”

“I will...Goodnight...” Harm leaned down and kissed her this time...not one that lingered but enough to give her the idea that he liked kissing her.

Twenty minutes later the phone beside Mac’s bed rang.

“I’m home.”

“Thanks for calling, Harm...now maybe I can sleep.”

“Still having insomnia?” he asked in concern.

“Sometimes...but not as bad as it was.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“You already have. G’night.” Mac disconnected the call with a smile on her face.

The weekend set the pattern for the next few weeks. They shopped together for a present for the Roberts’ twins. They went another time to buy a gift for Jack and Ruth. They went to Jack and Ruth’s wedding. Took two more trips to Blacksburg and one to Pennsylvania to see his grandmother. They met his mother and stepfather for dinner in Baltimore one night which made his mother teary eyed. He knew that his mother understood how much he loved Sarah Mackenzie without him saying a word. They even attended Creswell’s dinner party as a couple, earning a frown and some raised eyebrows from their commanding officer.

The next day they were called into his office. “Have a seat Colonel Mackenzie; Commander Rabb. I would like you to explain to me what I am suppose to do now that two of my senior officers are personally involved.”

“Well sir,” began Mac, “I know that other senior officers that have served together have ended up in a relationship. One officer was assigned to another command.”

“And do you have any suggestions which of my senior attorneys I’m suppose to give up when we are already understaffed?” Creswell barked.

“Yes sir,” Harm spoke up. “Admiral Chegwidden had assigned Lt. Sims to the Inspector General’s Office and then borrowed her permanently to serve in this office. Commander Mattoni’s wife, was assigned to the Trial Service Office at Pax River. There are any number of options that you might be able to consider, sir.”

“Why would I want to? Why don’t I just turn you lose, Rabb?” Creswell pressed.

“Because JAG needs both of us, sir and we work well together.”

“Yes, I will give you that. Is there a wedding imminent?”

“We have not set a date sir, but I am hoping that the Colonel will agree to the plan eventually.” Harm grinned at Mac’s thunderstruck expression.

“Alright...I’ll look into the options. In the meantime, conduct yourself very conservatively at work. That’s an order.”

“Aye, aye sir. Sir, “ Mac ventured, “Have you had any complaints so far?”

“No...not with the two of you. See that I don’t,” the General growled pleased with the news. His wife had opened his eyes before she ever met them. After last night’s dinner party, she compared them to the way they had been when they had first started going out together. He had to admit that there was a bond between them.

1520 Local

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Harm and Mac were in the elevator returning from an investigation when Mac suggested that they see if Harriet and Bud would like to go out to dinner with them.

“Bud’s still here and I think we should see what he thinks,” Mac told Harm.

“Yeah, we could...but what if we had them come over for dinner instead and brought the kids?” Harm countered.

“Because Harriet won’t be able to relax at all. I know her mother is still visiting and I just thought before she left, it would give Harriet a chance to go out.”

“Okay, let’s run it by Bud.” Harm stepped off the elevator after Mac and headed for Bud’s office. “Hey Bud.”

“Oh Good afternoon Commander...Colonel. Can I help you?” Bud asked.

“Actually Bud, this is personal...we were wondering if you and Harriet would like to go out to dinner one evening with us.”

“I’ll check with Harriet...but I’m sure she’d love to have an evening out. Can I get back to you?”

“No problem...let us know when and where you’d like to go.”

“Sir? - I mean Harm, are you and the Colonel actually dating now?” Bud asked.

“I’m not sure we’re dating Bud....but we are a couple. Let us know what’s good for you and Harriet, okay?”

“Will do sir.”

Saturday

1945 Local

Geppetto’s Restaurant

Washington, D.C.

Harm and Mac had arrived at the restaurant and went in to get a table. Before they had been seated, Harriet and Bud arrived.

“Mac! Harm! It’s so good to see you.” Harriet glowed with happiness at seeing her friends.

“Hi Harriet,” Harm kissed her cheek. “Good to see you Bud...remember...”

“I know Harm...first names tonight.” Bud laughed as he shook his friend and mentors hand.

“Hi Harriet,” Mac hugged her friend, fighting back the knowledge that she night never have a chance to carry a baby the way Harriet had. “Hey Bud.”

“We were just going to be seated. Shall we?” Harm asked.

“Lead the way,” Harriet bubbled. The two casually dressed couples were relaxed and looking forward to the evening. Once they were seated at a table, candle lit in the center, and drinks ordered, they got to work discussing the menu.

“Why don’t we each order something different and then have some of everything since they serve family style here?” Bud asked the others.

“Bud, Harm doesn’t like the meat dishes...that won’t be fair to him,” Harriet scolded her husband, rolling her eyes.

“Harriet, it was an idea...if no one wants to do that, its fine with me. I just thought they have so many good dishes that it would be fun to try something new and not just settle for the same old thing.”

“You have a point, Sweetie. Sorry I jumped all over you for your idea.”

“It’s okay...what do you guys think?” Bud asked, noticing the looks Harm and Mac shared between them.

“I like the idea actually,” Harm offered. “What do you think Mac?”

“I’m willing to give it a try. As a matter of fact, I’d like to suggest we try their Scallop Linguini.”

“Mmmm...I’ve always wanted to try the Eggplant Parmesan here,” added Harriet.

“I would like to suggest the Ravioli,” chimed in Bud.

“Well you guys have all picked things I’ve had before and they are all very good. I’m going to try something I’ve never tried...they have a mixed Tortellini that sounds good.”

“Outstanding,” Mac smiled at the group feeling relaxed like she hadn’t felt in a long time. “I love their house dressing on salads and of course the bread sticks are to die for,” Mac enthused.

The waitress came over and they placed their order - family style. While they waited, Harriet didn’t waste time asking the question burning in her brain since Bud had called with the invitation.

“So are you two finally together?” Harriet asked.

“We’ve agreed to give it a try,” Mac explained evading the answer slightly. She felt Harm’s hand take hers under the table and her smile went up a few watts.

“I think that’s great. Can I ask you something, Mac?” Harriet ventured.

“Sure.”

“The day you were trying on your wedding dress...you seemed so concerned about Harm...more so then about the wedding or what Mic would think of your dress...were you having doubts then?”

“Yes, Harriet, I was...only I refused to admit it even to myself at that point.”

“Wow! And to think you’ve finally been able to turn back time and recapture what almost slipped away...” Harriet rambled on.

“That’s still to be determined, Harriet, but Harm has been great...and I’m feeling optimistic that we can make it work finally. So, tell me about the kids.” Mac effectively turned the subject off of herself and Harm and back on to the children.

Harriet and Bud took turned telling stories about the boys reactions to their new sisters. The twins were turning out to be ‘easy’ babies compared to AJ and Jimmy. Bud tried to convince Harriet it was because they knew what to expect by now with four children and Harriet claimed that these babies were less demanding and more content.

“I’m telling you, Mac, when you have your own children you’ll understand what I mean.”

Harm saw the look on Mac’s face and knew that this was one of those moments when talking about babies that she might never be able to have cut her to the quick. Harm jumped in to try to divert attention away from Mac and give her time to compose herself...he had seen the tears spring to her eyes and the effort she had made to control them. He also knew that tenderness toward her at that moment would not be accepted.

Harm told Bud and Harriet about Jack and Ruth showing up and their pending marriage. From that story, he had them all laughing by telling them about the antics Jack, Sturgis and Luke got into together at the Academy. By the second story Mac knew for sure that this was Harm’s way of rescuing her and she quietly rested her hand on his thigh. No one else saw it or knew why he briefly stumbled as he told his story. Mac knew. She has taken him by surprise and pleased him at the same time.

2235 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Mac held Harm’s hand from the time they left Bud and Harriet at the restaurant until she was seated in the car and he went around to his side to get in. She reached for his hand again after they were underway for the short distance to her apartment. He released her while they got out but they reached for each other again as they walked to her apartment.

“Mac...”

“Harm...”

They both laughed as they spoke at the same time.

“Go ahead Mac...”

“Please tell me you’re going to come in for awhile and not just run out of here.”

“I’ll come in for awhile if that’s what you want,” Harm assured her.

“Good.” Mac let go of his hand so she could open the door. When they were both inside and the door shut, Harm reached for her and placed a kiss on her lips while loosely holding her in his arms.

“Am I moving too fast?” Harm asked as he placed another kiss on her lips, not allowing himself to linger.

“Yes...” Harm started to release her immediately until he realized that Mac was moving closer... “Do that again in slow motion...” she commanded.

“I think I can do that,” Harm replied.

This time when his lips met hers they stayed there tasting and teasing. Mac responded by doing to him everything he did to her. The kisses were longer lasting and the heat between them was building.

“Mac...I don’t think we’re ready yet to let this get out of control, do you?”

“No...I guess not...but I enjoyed that.”

“Me too. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Harm placed one more kiss on her lips before opening her door and walking out.

2030 Local

Post Office Pavilion Mall

Washington DC

“Harm I can’t believe you agreed to come with me tonight. You must be desperate to win me over or very lonely,” Mac kidded with her favorite Commander, as they made they way to the entrance of the next store.

“Which is going to have more impact, Mac, desperation or loneliness?” Harm responded with one eyebrow raised.

“So you admit you are trying to get into my good graces?” Mac shot back laughing.

“I’m not sure I’d call it your ‘graces’ but yeah, I am trying to find a way to get closer to you. That shouldn’t come as a surprise,” Harm answered suddenly turning serious for a second.

Mac paused briefly before she chose to pounce on his innuendo and tease him about it. “Are you flirting with me, Harm? It sounds like you are flirting with me!”

“Maybe I am,” Harm admitted pleased that she was teasing and seemed to be enjoying their evening. “Are you going to hold it against me?”

“Depends what you mean by ‘it’,” Mac laughed as she moved away with another smile leaving Harm to shake his head as he walked behind her.

A man and women, laughing with their arms around one another, came out the door that Mac had just waltzed through. They nearly crashed into Harm as he followed a few steps back.

“Whoa! Watch it!” Harm called, startled by the couples movement.

“Harm?” asked the man. “Is that you?”

“Scott! How are you?” Harm smiled as he reached out his hand to shake hands with his old friend. They hadn’t seen each other or spoken since the plea bargain that left Commander Scott Webster a civilian.

“Still defending justice?”

“Trying... Lt. Winters?” Harm asked spotting Scott’s companion.

“Lt. Commander Webster now, sir,” the woman answered.

“You guys are married?” Harm asked looking back and forth between them.

“One year and three months ago,” Scott informed him.

“Congratulations! That’s great. Bill okay with this?” Harm asked referring to Scott Webster’s son.

“Yes. He’s even excited about having a baby sister or brother,” Scott told him as he placed his hand on Margie’s rounded stomach.

“Wow! Congratulations again.” Harm smiled pleased that his old friend seemed to have found happiness again.

“Harm?” Mac called from the doorway of the store.

“Oh, hey Mac...I’d like you to meet Scott Webster. We use to fly together. This is his wife, Margie. Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie,” Harm introduced them.

“Please, call me Mac,” she requested as they all shook hands.

“Nice to meet you, Mac. We need to be going as we’re trying to catch a movie, but we’ll have to try and get together soon. Harm, are you at the same number?” Scott asked.

“Yeah I am...give me a call so we can set something up.”

“I’ll do that. Night.”

Harm and Mac watched Scott and Margie walk away with their arms wrapped around each others waist.

“What’cha thinking about Sailor?” Mac asked Harm as he watched until he lost Scott and Margie in the crowd.

“That he was once a good friend and I threw it away not giving him the benefit of the doubt. He’d still be in the Navy now if I hadn’t interfered.”

“But would they have been together?”

“Probably not...I told him once that when one door closes, another door opens...they’re having a baby.”

“And you’re jealous, envious, or both?” Mac asked as she slipped her arm through his, as if they always walked arm in arm.

“Yeah, I probably am some of each...but not as much because they are having a baby as because of how comfortable they seem with each other. Sound crazy?”

“No...but maybe I can help the situation a little,” Mac suggested as she unlinked their elbows and slid her arm behind his back at his waist as Margie had done with Scott.

Harm smiled at the gesture as he did the same to her while asking, “Does this mean we’re officially a couple - not just friends?”

“Yeah, I think it does.” Mac sighed. “Harm? Do you think it will happen for us?”

“Getting married, having a baby, or both?” Harm asked as he smiled above her head.

“Either or both?” Mac asked.

“Stop answering questions with questions again Mac.” Harm thought for a second and then answered, “I’d like to think that both will happen but if that’s not what you want, then I’d settle for either.”

“Really?”

“I don’t want to lose you Mac, and I’ll take what ever I can get...as long as its with you.”

“I guess I wasn’t prepared for your answer,” Mac told Harm trying to be as candid with him as he was being with her.

“I tried telling you that last May Mac...but I knew it was too much too soon...I just needed to let you know that I hadn’t given up on us and I was willing to extend the date on our deal if that’s what it took to keep you in my life...but I’ve always wanted the whole ball of wax with you...and you were there when I told the General what my intentions were”

Mac was a little surprised by the emotions she was feeling and allowed herself to rest her head against his arm as they walked. She squeezed his waist just a little trying to adjust once again to the more mature and open man at her side. Feeling the need to change the subject and allow herself to adjust to this newest jump in their relationship, Mac brought up the couple Harm had just introduced her to.

“Harm, how do you know Scott and Margie?”

“Scott and I flew together in the same squad over the Gulf of Sidrah. We ran into each other every now and then over the years and then when he was assigned to Pax River I flew with him and for him at times. He was running a classified test project and sometimes he needed to be on the ground and so he sent me up with his RIO, Lt. Margie Winters.”

“Uh-oh...fraternization?” Mac asked.

“Almost...they didn’t act on anything until after Scott was out...remember when I drove back from Pax River that night to catch you in your pajamas?” Harm asked.

“That was Scott you were defending on the frat charge?”

Harm just looked down at her and raised an eyebrow letting her put two and two together. They had arrived at one of the restaurants in the mall. “Did you want to grab a bite to eat here, Mac?”

“Sure...I’m not into shopping right now after all,” Mac admitted as she realized they had walked by two of the stores she normally couldn’t wait to get into.

Once they were seated at the table and the waitress had taken their order, Harm and Mac continued their conversation.

“So it sounds like you and Scott have been out of touch.”

“Well it wasn’t long after that case that we were sent to Afghanistan and then Bud lost his leg, then their was the trial, Paraguay, and Mattie, so yeah, we lost touch. We parted under some stressful circumstances.”

“And you think you are beyond that now?”

“Yes...I think that Scott lost a lot and I caused it to happen when he didn’t open up. He was protecting his son...now I know I’d have done the same.” Harm admitted to Mac.

“He was married before?” Mac asked putting the pieces together.

“Yes. Helen, his first wife, died of cancer and it nearly destroyed him. Their son, Bill thought that Scott was being disloyal to his mother when he saw the friendship building between Margie and Scott not quite a year after Helen died.”

“He accepts her now?”

“Yes...so they told me. He’s a young man now...must be at least twenty.”

“Makes you feel older doesn’t it, when friends have grown children and you haven’t started your family yet,” Mac stated more then asked.

“Yet...that sounds like a more positive outlook, Mac. Are you thinking it might not be as hopeless after all?” Harm asked referring to her news that she might have problems getting pregnant.

“Well, even a couple of months ago I didn’t see us being a couple, so if that has happened...”

“And it has...” Harm smiled.

“...then maybe a baby can too.” Mac finished.

“And are you thinking you want to go the old-fashioned way or are you thinking medical intervention?” asked Harm amazed at the way they floated in and out of this conversation as if too much at one time was more then they could handle, yet neither of them could leave it alone for long.

“How old-fashion?” Mac asked Harm to get clarification.

“What?” Harm was totally confused at the moment.

“You asked if I wanted to go the old-fashion way and I was trying to clarify exactly what you meant by that.” Mac couldn’t hide the smile at her red-faced Sailor as he stammered trying to find a delicate way of saying what he meant. Mac took mercy on him and stepped in.

“Harm - do you mean get married first before we try or do you mean go on a date and see where it leads kind of try?”

Harm sighed grateful for Mac’s intervention. “Just tell me what you are comfortable with Mac.”

“Then I guess I want to see where our comfort zone is. I don’t think waiting to be married is necessary...we don’t even know if we’re a match that way.”

“You think we might not be?” Harm asked. He had just assumed that given all the unresolved sexual tension between them over the years, that when they finally gave in, it wouldn’t be a problem.

“I don’t know...I mean you have never shown much interest in me in that way...” Mac told Harm.

“Are you kidding me? I was afraid if I did, you’d drop kick me into the next time zone at least!” Harm admitted to her.

“After the way I humiliated myself in Sydney by throwing myself at you?”

“Ma-a-a-c,” Harm whined, not wanting to rehash that period in their lives. Brumby was gone and now Webb was gone. He wanted them to move on to each other now that they were both free.

“Relax Harm. I’m not going there...but you do seem to have amazing control around me.”

“Maybe because I’ve always been afraid that if I didn’t keep my attraction to you under tight control I would scare you away.” Mac saw how serious Harm was and what it was costing him to stay open with her right now. She reached across the table and slipped her hand into his. They both looked at their hands linked together.

“I’m not scared, Harm...I’m curious.”

Just then the waitress brought their meal. They kept the conversation light while they ate talking about the new salad dressing Mac had tried and the tender scallops Harm had ordered. They debated over dessert and decided to get a slice of lemon meringue pie and a slice of cake named ‘death by chocolate’ to take with them. Harm insisted on paying their bill which Mac protested against at first until he promised her he could take him out to eat another night. This started a conversation that kept them going until they got back to Mac’s apartment.

“Mac, I thought we agreed that we are a couple now.”

“Yes, we did.”

“Then why are you making such a big deal about me paying for dinner?” Harm asked.

“I’m not...well not much.”

“Not much! Mac, you wouldn’t let it go until I promised you could pay the next time we went out. That doesn’t feel like a couple to me.”

“What does it feel like then?” Mac asked.

“Like two friends taking turns paying for dinner when they eat out.”

“It is...and we are still friends...aren’t we?”

“Yes.”

“Then why can’t we take turns paying for dinner...it’s not the same as going ‘dutch’ where we split the bill evenly or each pay for their own meal.” Mac set forth her case with as much care as when she presented a case.

“True, but I want to be able to take you out on dates,” Harm insisted.

“Maybe I want to take you out on dates too,” Mac countered.

“Maaac...”

“Stop whining Harm. You know I’m going to win this one, so give in with good grace and agree with me,” Mac laughed as she backed Harm into a corner with logic and modern thinking that he couldn’t refute.

“You are so annoying when you do this. Why do you always find a way to do this to me, Mac?”

“What, make you see things my way?”

“Back me into a corner so I don’t have a choice.”

“Oh that...you’ve always got a choice. You’re suppose to be a hot shot lawyer. Why don’t you present an airtight case like I did?” Mac tried not to gloat over Harm’s obvious frustration with her logic.

“You know, Ms. Mackenzie, I think you just like yanking my chain.”

“Maybe...”Mac couldn’t keep the grin off her face.

“You’re acting awfully confident tonight, Mac. Are you up to something?”

“Now what would I be up to?”

“I’m not sure...but I have a feeling it could be interesting figuring out where you’re heading with this.”

“Kind of slow tonight aren’t you, Sailor?” Mac asked in her flirtiest voice.

“You just wait until we get out of this car, Mackenzie. You haven’t seen slow - yet,” Harm teased his voice thick with arousal from this seemingly innocent foreplay as he Harm warned her.

2218 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Their banter and laughter continued all the way back to Mac’s apartment. Mac opened the door and tossed her one shopping bag into the chair, while Harm set the desserts on the dining room table. After locking the door behind them, Mac headed for the kitchen calling over her shoulder, “Tea or coffee?”

“Ice water?” Harm asked as he expanded the menu.

“Coming up.” Mac got them each a glass of water and started the coffee pot just in case. She put their water and two forks on the table, sitting on the end to Harm’s left. Mac opened the chocolate cake, while Harm went for the lemon meringue pie. They each took a bite and then offered the other the next bite. Their eyes met and held each time they fed the other. They didn’t talk...they ate...and their awareness of each other increased with each bite and each sip of water. When they had finished the dessert, Harm followed Mac into the kitchen to dispose of the take-out containers, forks and glasses. After putting things in the dishwasher, Mac stood up and turned to find Harm right there. He was looking at her mouth and his eyes blazed with desire.

“Mac...you have some chocolate on your lip...let me get it for you.” His hands came up to frame her face and his head lowered and his tongue slowly extended to clean the spot of chocolate from her lips.

Mac felt her heart race as his head lowered closer to her. She saw his tongue yet it still surprised her and she opened her mouth slightly, just enough for Harm to tease her lips and slip his tongue slightly between them.

“Mmmmm, you taste like chocolate and lemon...” Harm whispered against her lips before his settled on to hers, licking, nibbling and finally kissing hers.

Somehow her arms found their way around his neck and his were around her waist, locking their bodies together. Their lips tasted and teased and their tongues dueled. Harm pulled back to make sure that he wasn’t over powering Mac, with his advances.

“Are you sure about this Mac? Am I scaring you?”

“Yes I’m sure...I’m not scared. Satisfy my curiosity Harm,” Mac pleaded as she kissed him again.

“Just your curiosity?” he asked her against her mouth.

“Satisfy me, Harm...” Mac implored.

Harm still held her close as he continued to kiss and caress her, easing her out of the kitchen. He stopped near the couch as his hands found their way under her ribbed top and he lifted it over her head, dropping it on the coffee table behind her. Her satin covered breasts slid against his sweater. He felt her hands slid up under his sweater and try to lift it over his head. He let go of her long enough to remove the sweater. This time her satin covered breasts, slid against his bare chest. He could feel her nipples harden through her bra. Knowing that he was having this effect on her, made his arousal more evident.

Mac could feel his reaction to her body rubbing against his. She let her hands caress his chest and her thumbs, rubbed against his nipples, wishing he would touch her. Finally, unable to stand it any longer she asked him to touch her. He obliged.

His large warm hands covered her full breasts still covered by satin. He found the front hook and opened it, letting her beautiful breasts spill out into his hands. He felt their weight, and rubbed her nipples as she had done to him. Finally he lowered his head to taste first one and then the other nipple. Finally he pulled her close, rubbing her naked breasts against his naked chest. His arousal grew as Mac purred deep in her throat.

“You are so beautiful, Sarah...I want you so much.” Harm lowered his head to kiss her lips again and to press her naked upper body against his. His arousal was trapped between them, and his jeans were growing uncomfortable.

Mac sat on the sofa behind her, and reached for the buttons on his fly. Her fingers seemed to be working in slow motion as she released first one then another button kissing each new area of flesh she uncovered on his abdomen. He could see her pink tongue dart out and flicker against his skin as she worked on freeing him. Finally she had unbuttoned all of the buttons, and his pants stayed on due to the tightness around his thighs. Mac reached behind him to squeeze his still jean covered six and to draw him closer to her mouth.

She could see the blue knit of his long legged briefs in the opening from his now unbuttoned jeans. She could also see the ridge that was his arousal. Slowly she peeled the jeans down his legs and then caressed him through the knit briefs. She heard him gasp as she traced the outline through the material and spotted the dark spot, another sign of how turned on he was.

After caressing his knit covered six one more time, she hooked her fingers into the waist band and began to peel the knit briefs down, finally freeing him to her eyes and to her touch. His erection was glorious and beautiful, standing proud with its tip glistening. Her tongue reached out and tasted him.

“Mmmmm, you taste good Harm. I want to taste more of you,” Mac whispered as she closed her mouth over his engorged member and wrapped her tongue around him, finding the nerves with her darting tongue and sending him higher, arousing him even more.

“Feels so good...” Harm murmured as Mac began to set a rhythm as her mouth slid up and sown his shaft. His hands tangled in her hair, guiding her head as he watched her and felt her hands caress his scrotum and support his testicles. “Aahhh, Mac...you need to stop, Honey...please...feels too good...not yet...” Harm finally managed to step back and stop Mac’s movements.

“I’m sorry...” Mac started to apologize, but Harm stopped her.

“Don’t you dare...that was wonderful...I’d like more of it...but I’m not going to last very long like that...and I want to be inside you the first time. Okay?” Harm made sure she made eye contact as he spoke, then he sat beside her on the couch and reached for her waist. “Let’s get these jeans off of you,” he suggested.

Together, they got her jeans and panties off of her. This time, Mac straddled his thighs. He could feel her heat and her wetness on his thighs as her hands caressed him. He licked and kissed her breasts while letting one hand slip under her bottom as his fingers slipped inside her warm wet center. He could feel her muscles try to close around his fingers and knew she was ready for him.

“Mac...Honey...do you want me to use a condom?” Harm asked her as his arousal throbbed between them.

“No...I want to take every chance for pregnancy I can,” Mac admitted as she raised herself up and he helped her lower herself onto him.

Once she had taken him into her body as far as he could go, Mac wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. As their tongues dueled, her hips began to rock and rotate while he lifted her hips and guided her as she slid up and down on his rock hard erection. Her breasts bounced against his chest as they increased the pace. Their lips parted as they panted and called out encouragement and pleasure as they rode each other through wave after wave of pleasure until they both found their release and collapsed in each others arms still sitting on the sofa naked, with their clothes scattered around them.

It was late when Harm dressed and left for home. He sensed that Mac wanted some time alone and he gave it to her, although he would have preferred to wrap his arms around her and sleep beside her all night in her bed.

0530 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

The ringing phone woke him out of a sound sleep. His heart racing in his chest he grabbed it up and barked “Rabb!” without worrying about who it was just wanting to know why.

{Harm...Sorry to wake you so early on a Sunday morning...}

“Are you alright Mac?”

{Yes...but I’ve been called away...General Creswell called me twenty minutes ago and I have to be at Andrews shortly to catch the transport to San Diego.}

“Is there time for me to come get you and drive you there?”

{Wish there was...actually the general’s sending a car for me. Should be here soon...Look I’ll email when I can and call when I get back.}

“How long?”

{No idea...could be a big case...I’ll tell you more as I can.}

“Mac?”

{Yes?}

“I’m going to miss you...”

{I’ll miss you too.}

“Be careful Marine.”

{And you behave while I’m gone.}

“You got it. I lo....”

{Harm don’t! Save it for when I get back...we need to be face to face...}

“Nose to nose?” Harm smiled.

{Something like that, yeah...See you soon...} Mac hung up not wanting to say good-bye but not wanting to prolong the phone conversation. They were definitely getting closer.

Their first sexual encounter had been breath-taking and Mac was looking forward to learning more about what Harm liked and what drove him wild. She knew it was only a matter of time before the walls tumbled on both of them and they admitted to each other the depth of their feelings. Mac wanted that to be in person.

1340 Local

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Mac had been gone over a week and a half when Harm’s world took an unforseen turn.

“Excuse me Commander,” Petty Officer Coates stepped into Harm’s doorway, her cheeks flushed and her eyes huge.

“What is it Coates?”

“The General wants you in his office ASAP, sir.”

“Alright...Is everything alright?” Harm asked as they returned to Creswell’s office and Jen’s desk in the outer entry.

“I don’t know sir. He got an overseas call and then he barked at me to get you in there immediately.” Harm nodded to the young woman before knocking on the door and announcing his arrival.

“At ease...close the hatch and have a seat,” Creswell told him.

“Commander, I have been asked to release you to serve on the Seahawk under Captain Ingles for an indefinite period of time. They still have a squadron of Tomcats and three of their pilots were injured during training on the F-18. He’s being asked to patrol a particular hot zone and wants you on his ship to help with both Rules of Engagement and to fly Tomcats for him. They also are willing to have you put some qualifying time in the F-18 as you are actually already trained and need to accumulate hours.”

“I’ll be serving double duty sir?” asked Harm.

“Is that a problem?”

“No sir.”

“Good. There is a shipboard JAG that should be able to handle the day to day legal affairs. You won’t be buried in that quagmire. He does want your expertise on the Bridge when you are not flying and he does need you in the air. He’s willing to give you a command which could be good for you when promotion boards come around. This is also voluntary. He’ll be calling back shortly to get your answer.”

“I understand sir. Sir, five years ago I gave up my these,” Harm said pointing to the gold symbol on his uniform worn by JAGs, “and put on line stars. How will this work sir...I don’t choose to leave JAG again, although I am willing to serve and take this billet.”

“Good question. I asked it myself. SecNav said that you will carry a duel designator in your jacket but will keep the JAG designator primary. While you may be TAD to Captain Ingles he is interested in having someone head up fleet JAG operations in the Middle East. It looks like that could be your billet and a promotion would come with it.”

“Yes sir.” The phone rang.

“General Creswell.”

{General...Captain Ingles...have you spoken to Rabb?}

“Yes, he’s here with me now. I’ll put you on the speaker.”

“Captain Ingles,” Harm greeted him at Creswell’s nod.

{What do you say Commander Rabb? Are you going to fly for me and help advise me on the Bridge?}

“It would be an honor, sir.”

{How soon can you get here, Rabb?}

“I’m just wrapping up a case now and most of the work that’s left can be taken over by co-counsel. I should be able to wrap things up by the end of the day and be there sometime tomorrow. Will that work, sir?” Harm asked looking at General Creswell as he spoke to Captain Ingles.

{I can live with that. General?}

“I’ll see what we can do to expedite matters, Captain. I hate to lose Rabb here but it has become very clear to me that much of his talent is being wasted here at Headquarters. The SecNav wants him to keep his primary designator as a JAG but he is willing to have him transferred to your command.”

{Thank you, sir. Rabb, give my best to Colonel Mackenzie and get here as soon as you can. We need you.}

“Yes sir.”

Creswell disconnected the call and turned to Harm. “I realize you will have a lot of loose ends to wrap up and we don’t know how long you’ll be deployed but this is a great opportunity for you. I meant what I told Captain Ingles. You are wasting some of your talents in this office and I think you need to exercise the Warrior part of you as much as the legal negotiator side. This will give that to you.”

“Thank you sir. Sir, I haven’t served in your command for long, but it has been a pleasure.”

“Get out of here, Commander,” Creswell growled as he turned back to the paperwork on his desk. “Oh Rabb...Colonel Mackenzie should be arriving at Andrews in one hour and twenty three minutes. I know you’ll want to tell her about this change in person. Dismissed.”

“Yes sir...thank you sir.” Harm headed to his office. It took him twenty seven minutes to complete and sign off on the files and forms requiring his signature. The other files he separated into two piles. One would go to Lt. Commander Bud Roberts as co-counsel and the rest would be turned over to General Creswell for reassignment. He spent another thirteen minutes collecting pictures and personal items while Jennifer Coates brought some cardboard boxes for him to pack things into. With her help his office was wiped clean of his personal items.

“Thanks Coates. Would you give the General these files for me for reassignment?”

“Yes sir...Sir?”

“Yes?”

“It’s not the same around here when you’re not here.”

“Why?”

“You draw us together. You help us and encourage us and kick our sixes when we need it but you make everyone feel like someone cares about them.”

“Then you do that for me. Jen, I’ve been in this office - in this billet- for ten years more or less. It’s time for me to move on, and this gives me the best opportunity. I didn’t want to get out of the Navy or stop being a lawyer; and I don’t want to give up flying. This lets me do both.”

“I understand sir. You aren’t being forced out?”

“No. It’s my choice...Jen listen; I don’t think it’s a secret that Colonel Mackenzie and I have something special.”

“No sir.”

“But we’ve not allowed it to become anything more because of the ramifications of being in the same chain of command. Now maybe we can move on to another level...I don’t know...but this is too good a chance to pass up and I want you to be happy for me not worry about me...okay?”

“Yes sir...I’ll try.”

“Good girl...Mattie’s going to need you around and so will Mac...even if she doesn’t admit it.”

“I’ll work on your flight plans sir and call your cell phone once I have things nailed down.”

“Thanks Jen. I’ll see you later before I go, I’m sure.” Harm watched Jen leave his office then walked to the door and removed his name tag. Tossing it on the top of one box, he lifted the two boxes, his brief case and the laptop assigned to him and with one last look around he quietly left JAG Headquarters. He knew he would return sometime some day for something and this time he hoped his decision was the right one for him and Mac.

1515 Local

Andrews Air Force Base

Maryland

Harm watched as the C-130 landed and taxied to a stop. Jeeps rolled out to pick up those that exited the aircraft. Harm spotted Mac immediately even from a considerable distance. He waited until he saw her climb out of the jeep and then walked forward to meet her.

“Harm! This is a surprise.”

“Pleasant one I hope.”

“Yes,” Mac watched him as she walked closer and he reached for her bag. Suddenly she knew. “What’s going on Harm?”

“We’ll talk in a few minutes...”

“No! We’ll talk now,” Mac informed him in her best command voice.

“Mac, I’d really rather talk in private...I promise you that what I have to say will be good for us.” Mac took in his smile and knew it seemed sad but there was something about his eyes that told her that there was truth to what he said.

They had just gotten in the car when his cell phone rang. “Rabb...yes Jen...You’re sure? Thank you Petty Officer...I do believe it is good news...Yes, I’ll tell her. Thank you.”

“What was that all about?” Mac asked puzzled.

“General Creswell wanted you to know that he will be unable to meet with you to hear your report until tomorrow morning at zero nine hundred.”

“So Jen called you instead of me with that message?”

“She had to call me about something else and passed the message along at the same time.”

“So you’re going TAD now that I’m home, right?” Mac asked thinking maybe that’s what Harm was trying to tell her.

“Yes...and no. Would you mind going with me to my place first, before I take you home?”

“No...that’s fine.” Mac relaxed a little as Harm drove them back to his place.

1614 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Once in his apartment they changed out of their uniforms into civilian attire. Harm did not want to have this discussion with her while they were bound by protocols that were hard to break.

“Come with me...” Harm said as he took her hand and led her to the sofa. “We need to talk.”

“Harm...I don’t think I’m going to like this.”

“That is a possibility and if that’s the case, I will apologize now...although I think that if you think it through you’ll come to the same conclusion that I did.”

“Just tell me Harm...”

“I’m being transferred...to the Seahawk.”

“You’re going back to flying? When did you ask for this change?”

“I didn’t ask for it Mac...and I’m only going to be flying temporarily.”

“I’m listening...”

“Captain Ingles is still flying a squad of Tomcats and right now he has three pilots down. He wants me to come fly with that squad as they are in a hot zone and still want the Tomcats active. His crew is being trained on the F-18's and that’s one reason he’s down three pilots...they had trouble on training missions. I have alright been trained and I just need to log hours now...I’ll be able to log hours on the F-18's as well as fly some F-14 missions.”

“How long?”

“Don’t know...but he also wants me on the Bridge helping with Rules of Engagement. His ship JAG is fine for day to day legal stuff, but when it comes to hot zones, some of the ship board JAGs are lost. The SecNav has decided that he is going to create a command and supervision position to oversee and train the JAG deployed in hot zones and especially in the Middle East. He feels I’m the guy...it will probably mean a promotion to Captain after all.”

“Captain Rabb...it sounds good sailor.”

“Thanks...but that’s not why I’m doing this.”

“Flying?”

“No...it takes away the last barrier our careers put in our way. Now it will only be you and me that can get in the way.”

“And the distance...”

“It will make it more difficult but I will also have to make frequent trips back to DC and you will be on assignment in the Middle East from time to time...it won’t be like we’ll never see each other. I’ll get leave every six months as well.”

“Will you promise to use the telephone and email this time?” Mac asked.

“Yes...I promise Mac...but I’m going to ask you to make me a promise too.”

“Okay...”

“Let us have tonight...and what ever future we can make with each other...I want to marry you...”

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“I’ll marry you tonight if you want.”

“Are you sure?” Harm asked, not quite daring to believe his ears.

“Yes...I had sometime to think while I was in California. I had made up my mind that it was time for us now.”

“Do you think we can do it?”

“When do you leave?”

“That’s why Jen called. I have to be at Andrews tomorrow morning at zero seven thirty.”

“So we should be able to get to City Hall, get a license and find a Justice of the Peace...” Mac looked down at her sweat pants and T–shirt. “I need to change. We can swing by my place first.”

“Wait...let’s call and make an appointment...find out the time. You can take my car and go change while I pack then we can have the rest of the night.”

“Harm?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

“”I love you too.” They stood in his living room grinning at each other, not daring to take the time to kiss just yet.

1800 Local

City Hall

Washington, DC

Sarah Mackenzie wore a simple pearl white long sleeve dress and heels while Harm stood at her side in his charcoal gray suit with a matching shirt and a pearl white satin tie. Harriet and Bud stood next to them as they faced the Justice of the Peace and exchanged vows. They were declared married by the power vested on the gentleman before them by the city of Washington, D.C.

They were asked to sign papers which included several forms as well as the marriage license and marriage certificate which was stamped and given to them in a simple white portfolio, much like a graduation diploma. Bud shook Harm’s hand and kissed Sarah Rabb’s cheek, while Harriet hugged and kissed them both.

“Congratulations you two!” Harriet gushed.

“Thanks for dropping everything to meet us here,” Harm told them.

“I know its not easy with four children Harriet. We owe you.” Mac told her matron of honor.

“No Ma’am! Bud and I never can repay both of you for being there with him when he was injured.”

“Still Harriet, Harm and I do appreciate this...it must have come as a bit of a shock.” Mac empathized with them and how they must feel with all the news that had quickly been unloaded on their friends.

The foursome made their way out of City Hall and after another round of hugs, parted company.

“Hey Mrs. Rabb...”

“Yes Mr. Rabb?”

“Any regrets?”

“Not yet...I know this isn’t going to be easy, but then living the way we were wasn’t working either.” Mac sighed as she reached for her new husband’s hand.

“I promise you that I won’t be reckless Mac...I wish I could promise you that I’ll come home safely...I can’t do that...there are too many variables.”

“I know. It helps knowing that you want to come back to me...before I was never sure.”

“And you are now?”

“Yes.”

“I won’t always be here...”

“But I’ll know basically where you are...there’s a huge difference.”

“And you know I’ll be home at least every six weeks...maybe more often...they’re still working on that piece.”

“And I can fly out to you and meet you if you have liberty along the way.”

“We’ll need to think about one of us moving...” Harm thought as they parked by his apartment.

“Why don’t we both move...into a house?”

“Really?”

“Want me to look around and see what I can find for when you come home next time?”

“That would be great...you can email me pictures and maybe we can even move in when I come home.”

“Have I mentioned that I love you Mr. Rabb?”

“Not for a few minutes...” Harm murmured as Mac launched herself into his arms as the elevator door closed carrying them to his floor.

“Sarah Rabb...I like the sound of that...it doesn’t even make me think of my grandmother...”

“Jerk!” Mac laughed as he again broke the intensity of their emotions with humor.

“I’m sorry, Mac...I should allow us our Hallmark moments considering its our wedding day...”

“No...its better this way. I want to enjoy the time we have together before you leave...I don’t want to be sad...I want to be hopeful.”

“Me too Mac...” Harm kissed her again.

“I was so afraid of us being separated yet its brining us closer.”

“I know. Come with me...I want to get closer,” Harm said as he led Sarah Rabb to their marriage bed.

They spent the night finding all the ways they could please each other with a touch or a kiss. They made love hard and fast then slow and lingering. They touched and tasted and took turns on top and side by side. It was if they couldn’t get enough of each other. Harm never expected that his forty-one year old body would keep up with the demands, but he was insatiable when it came to Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.

It was near dawn when they awoke after a short nap, both reaching for the other. This time there was a sense of desperation and an urgency that had been absent previously in their lovemaking. They knew that this would probably be the last time for weeks and maybe months that they would be together like this.

The intensity they felt was in every touch, every taste, every stroke and every move and sound they made. Everything about being together seemed more intense, more emotional, more breath-taking. When they finally cried out their release at the same moment, tears ran down both of their faces and they held each other with every ounce of love they felt for one another.

When Harm could find his voice he kissed Mac’s tear stained face and held it in his hands so she would look in his eyes as he spoke his heart to her once more before he left.

“I love you more then anything, Sarah. I will hope and pray and dream that I have given you the one miracle I know you want about all else...a child. And if not, then we’ll try again and again. But I want you to promise me something...I don’t ever want you to regret what we’ve had for ten years or last night or this morning. I’m more alive with you then without you. You are a strong, beautiful and intelligent woman and you never have to be in anyone’s shadow...especially mine. I’m proud of you for who you are...for what you have made of your life. I am honored that you would let me share whatever time we can together. I don’t want you to ever doubt my love for you or my commitment to this marriage. I love you, Sweetheart...so very much...”Harms emotions forced him to stop talking. He saw her nod her understanding and he wrapped her close to his heart again.

“I’m going to get ready now...Jen’s going to take me to Andrews...it’ll be easier this way.”

“No way Sailor...I get every minute with you I can...I don’t care if I do cry in uniform.” Mac informed him with a watery smile.

Together they showered and dressed. Harm wore his peanut-butters while Mac wore her usual office uniform. They had just finished eating breakfast when Jen knocked on the door.

“Sir...Ma’am...I hear Congratulations are in order,” Jen smiled at the newly married couple.

“Thank you Jen. I’ll take Harm to Andrews,” Mac informed her.

“With all due respect, Ma’am, there are many people that want to see Commander Rabb off. I’ll drive you both if you’d like.”

“Thanks Coates...we accept.” Harm smiled at the young Petty Officer.

They decided that Jen would drive the Lexus while Mac and Harm rode in the back seat. They sat with their hands entwined and Mac rested her head on his shoulder. Their training kept the tears at bay for now.

As they pulled into Andrews, Harm spotted the people lined up along the path he would take to his transport. A lump immediately formed in his throat. It was not something he had experienced before when he was about to deploy.

“You don’t have to say a thing sir. They just want to wish you well and God speed,” Jen told him.

Harm nodded. Jen and Mac each took one of Harm’s bags, while he carried the largest one. He shook hands, hugged and nodded to each person in turn as he walked down the line.

Chaplain Turner, Commander Sturgis Turner, Admiral Sebring, Bud and Harriet Roberts, Jack Keeter, Scott and Margie Webster, Tom Boone, Mattie and Tom Johnson, and Admiral AJ Chegwidden- retired. As they reached the end of the line Harm took Mac’s hand and turned to address his friends and well-wishers.

“Hey, would someone call my mother and tell her I got married last night,” Harm asked. Everyone burst out laughing. “Seriously, I forgot to call and tell her. Tom?”

“I’ll let her know what’s going on,” Tom agreed.

“Thank you for showing up here this morning to see me off. I’m still a JAG...and the flying is only a temporary gig...but I am looking forward to it. Seriously, though, I wasn’t kidding...Sarah Mackenzie and I were married last night...Bud and Harriet were our witnesses...I really do need you to tell her for me Tom.” As everyone realized that Harm wasn’t kidding, they called out Best Wishes and Congratulations and applauded.

“Please...I do need to go. I know this isn’t going to be easy on my bride...but I know she’s strong, independent and a Marine...but she needs your friendship and support while I’m gone....and I need to know she has it. I’ll be home every now and then - sometimes just a quick trip but they’ve told me I can take a week every three months or two weeks every six months. I’ve learned to email so I hope I’ll be able to stay in touch with everyone. Thank you.” Harm turned and hugged Jennifer Coates. Everyone else stepped back as Harm took Sarah Mackenzie in his arms and held her before kissing her one last time.

There wasn’t a dry eye around as he took all three of his bags, turned and walked away.

One Month Later

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Harm had been gone for three weeks when Mac had her first hint that something wasn’t right. She felt queasy that morning and then light headed twice later in the day. Looking at her calendar, she realized that she was probably experiencing some PMS and was a little late due to the emotional stress she had been under.

Harm, in typical Harm fashion, jumped right into the flying aspect of his assignment and was going up with both the F-14 and F-18 squads...sometimes five and six sorties a day. When he wasn’t in the air, he was on the Bridge and advising Captain Ingles when there were others in the air.

He went to his room to sleep when it was required of him. He had been good to his promise and made sure he emailed Mac at least once a day and sometimes more then that...if he thought she might be having a bad day. He called her on the cell phone at least once a week, sometimes twice if he could coordinate her home hours with his waking hours.

By the third day of feeling funny in the morning and light headed at times throughout the day, Mac began to think it was something more when she still hadn’t started her cycle. She decided to call Dr. Chen to see if this was a warning of some kind. They wanted to see her later that day and so she took a run to Bethesda that Friday afternoon during her lunch break.

After giving the usual urine sample and the nurse taking the blood sample, Mac was shown into the examination room and told to change into the gown left for her.

“Hello Colonel Mackenzie. I understand that you are feeling queasy and lightheaded and you were concerned about the fact your cycle was late.”

“Yes...actually, I’m married now...I’m going by Rabb.”

“Ah...I see...Go ahead and lay back and well see what we’ve got here.” Dr. Chen did her usual poking and prodding and asking questions as she worked. The nurse returned and handed the doctor the results from the lab work. “Colonel, do you remember me telling you that you had less then a five percent chance of having a child?”

“Yes.”

“Well, somehow you’ve won the lottery...”

“I’m pregnant?” Mac sat up and stared at the doctor. “You were wrong?”

“It appears that way...now. There could still be problems with the pregnancy and carrying to full term...but we can take precautions. I want you to start on these pre-natal vitamins immediately and schedule time to see me every month. We’ll do an ultrasound next month and see how things are progressing. You could have a little spotting because of the endometriosis, but unless its steady, I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“Thank you...I can’t wait to tell my husband.” Mac smiled, her face glowing with health and happiness.

Mac returned to her office and went to her desk to check her email. There was one waiting for her from Harm.

“Hi Honey...I can’t stop thinking of you today...I have this need to call you and I don’t know why. I hope everything is okay. I just got back from a flight and I’m going to hit the rack for a few hours and then I’ve got to be on the Bridge with Captain Ingles. As much as I miss you, I’ve got to admit that I’m enjoying the challenge and experience of working so closely with Ingles. Hope all is well. I’ll try to call later. I love you Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.”

“Oh Harm...I love you so much...Everything is fine but I really need to talk to you also. Please call as I won’t sleep until we’ve talked tonight...I just know it. I love you too.” Mac reread her email and then hit send.

She hadn’t been home long when the phone rang.

“Colonel Rabb.”

“I love you,” Harm said in his rich sexy voice.

“Harm! Oh honey you are not going to believe this...”

“What? Is everything okay?”

“Yes! Harm...remember what you wanted...what you told me that last morning before you deployed?”

“I meant every word I said.”

“I know...and it worked...Harm, we’re going to have a baby!” Mac waited and when she didn’t hear anything she called to Harm again, “Harm? Are you there?”

“Yes.”

“Did you hear me?”

“Yes...Oh Honey I’m speechless...I wish I was there with you right now...are you feeling okay?”

“Yes...I’ve been a little queasy in the morning and a little light headed later in the day, but the doctor said that the prenatal vitamins should help that. I’ll go back every month and they’re going to do an ultrasound next time.”

“I wish I was there with you...we should be sharing this together.”

“I know...and we are sharing this...just long distance.”

“It sucks...”

“Harm?”

“Yes.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” Harm smiled then and she heard it in his voice.

“I’m doing fine. Everyone is checking on me and making sure I’m not alone too much. Your replacement is like you were ten years ago...only he lacks any redeeming qualities that I’ve been able to discover.”

“Give him time Mac...”

“I know...he’ll grow up eventually I guess.”

They talked longer then normal still hardly able to believe that Mac had conceived almost effortlessly on their part. Mac found her hands cupping her stomach all the time, while Harm walked around with a foolish grin on his face. They had decided not to say much to their friends just yet. They would enjoy the reason for their happiness in secret for now.

Bridge

USS Seahawk

Arabian Sea

“Commander Rabb reporting as order, sir.”

“At ease Commander...I just got off the horn with SecNav. He wants you in Washington Monday morning for a meeting with the committee that’s proposing this Middle East JAG contingency. I need two Fourteens delivered to Pax River today. That means you and Fogarty will deliver the cats to Pax and you’ll then be on liberty until you pick up the Eighteens at Pax on Monday afternoon. You’ll be leaving from the Pentagon. A helo will shuttle you to Pax River after your meeting with the committee...and Rabb...weather forecast is clear.”

“Yes sir.”

“Meet Fogarty in the ready room in thirty minutes. Dismissed.”

“Aye-aye sir.”

He was going home! He did some quick calculations and started to grin. If luck was with him, he would be with Mac when they saw the first image of their child. He quickly signed on to check his email. There was one from Mac waiting for him.

“Hey, Sailor...We’re doing fine but I miss you like crazy. We’ll be going for our first ultrasound and I’m taking my pen-drive...the doctor said they can download the picture so I should be able to email you. Won’t be the same as seeing it together in person, but at least you’ll be able to see it for yourself. 2200 Zulu seems along way off right now, but that’s when they’ll be putting the goo on me and getting the first image of our baby. Think of me then if you can...I’ll be thinking of you, Daddy. Love you.”

“I’ll think of you so hard it will seem like I’m right there beside you...Mommy. I can’t wait to see the image but I’d rather see you right now. I miss you. Got to meet Fogarty in the ready room. More later. Love you, too.”

Harm didn’t want her to worry and so he didn’t tell her he planned to be there by her side. He grabbed his gear and headed for the ready room. Once there he was greeted by Lt. Commander Zach Fogarty.

“Ready for some R&R Commander?”

“You might say that. This little trip is coming at great time...no storms in sight...weekend looming...my wife isn’t away on an investigation...” Harm winked at Zach who happened to be one of the other newly married pilots.

“At least I had a honeymoon and I don’t have to worry about my wife being called away on duty when I am home. That’s got to be tough worry about all of that.”

“Hey, we’re aware of the possibilities but so far things are going our way. It’s been rough getting use to not seeing her everyday. We worked together for ten years before this transfer.”

“But you got married the night before you deployed?”

“No need to wait. We both needed to take away the doubt and make the commitment to each other before I left this time.” Harm smiled thinking about how different he approached things now he was married. Instead of taking the edge off and diminishing his skills, he was now even better at what he did. His emotions were in check and he was more thoughtful in his decisions.

Once dressed they went on deck and stowed their gear in the RIO’s seats before climbing into the cockpit. Pre-flight checks went off flawlessly and before long they were airborne and on their way to Patuxent River Air Base.

1655 Local

Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

Mac sat in the waiting room waiting to be called in to see her doctor. She heard the door open and close as someone entered the waiting room, but she didn’t lookup. She was busy thinking about Harm and his email she had read earlier in the day. It was true...she could almost smell his aftershave...feel his presence...hear his voice say her name...

“Hey Mac...” Harm sat beside her waiting for her to look at him. He watched as she slowly turned her head toward him and opened her eyes. Slowly he saw it sink in that she wasn’t imagining him. Her hand reached out first to touch his hand. Her eyes lit up and then glistened with tears as she whispered his name.

“Harm...”

“Surprised?”

“Oh Harm! You’re really here!”

“Yes...” was all he said before she launched herself at him. With her arms wrapped around him she kissed him and then touched his face. Her tears mingled with a smile that warmed him.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want you to worry because I knew it would be cutting close.”

“Oh Harm this is so perfect.”

“Excuse me, Colonel Rabb?” a nurse spoke from the doorway.

“Yes?”

“If you’ll come with me, we’ll get you ready for the doctor.”

“My husband made it...I want him with me.”

“Of course...Commander, follow us.”

They were led to a room and Mac’s vitals were taken. Her pulse was elevated but when they explained that Harm had just surprised her the nurse made a note on the chart for the doctor to check it again later.

“Put this gown on and have a seat on the table. The doctor will be with you soon.”

Mac stepped behind the room divider and changed into the gown. She started to laugh.

“What’s the joke, Marine?” Harm asked.

“You’ve heard of long underwear with trap doors?”

“Yes...even have a pair for when I ski.”

“Well...” Mac stepped around the divider and showed Harm the source of her humor. The hospital gown was made with a ‘trap door’ over the belly. “..check this out.”

They shared a laugh as Harm helped her to sit up on the table. He had dropped his things at his apartment and changed into jeans and a sweater before joining Mac at the hospital. He had taken the train and a taxi so he could ride back with her when he discovered she had already left Falls Church when he called.

The doctor joined them and together, hand in hand, Mac and Harmon Rabb saw the first images of their child together.

Dr. Chen pronounced them as doing well and let them hear the swooshing heartbeat sounds as they looked at the grainy image before them. Mac’s blood had been drawn at the clinic the day before and the report was on Dr. Chen’s file.

“Everything looks good, Colonel Rabb. The baby is developing normally and your tests show that you are adapting to pregnancy very well. Placenta appears to have attached itself to an area of the uterus that is not covered in scar tissue which is a very good sign. Have you had any spotting?”

“No.”

“Excellent. Then I would say this pregnancy has a significant chance of sustaining.”

“Can you explain ‘significant chance of sustaining’, please?” Harm asked.

“Of course. Sarah’s endometriosis makes the fact she even became pregnant a near miracle. Once it occurred, the scarring put her in a high bracket for miscarrying. I gave her about a ten percent chance at having a viable pregnancy at this point. Now, I can see that she is in fact a very lucky woman. At this point I would say she has close to a ninety percent chance of carrying this child close to full term.”

“How close?” Harm asked again.

“We calculated that the baby is due in late December or early January. I see no reason that she can’t carry the baby until at least late November or early December.”

“Why? Why not full term?”

“The endometriosis scarring weakens the uterus and sometimes the weight of the baby starts labor prematurely. As long as we can get her between thirty two and thirty six weeks, I won’t worry if the baby comes early.” Dr. Chen saw the change in her patient. She took in the information but remained calm. Her husband was asking the questions that she knew Sarah would want to know, but usually would have to think about and call later to get answers to. Everything Dr. Chen saw was encouraging her about this pregnancy.

Once assured that neither the baby nor Mac would be in danger during intercourse Dr. Chen was able to move on to her next patient and Mac dressed so they could go home.

“Where are we going?” Mac asked as Harm climbed into the passenger seat of her Corvette.

“How about we stop by my place so I can get my bag and then we go to your apartment?” Harm reached for her hand as they pulled out onto the street. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Letting me be there for that...for loving me...for having our baby...”

“Oh - your welcome...so how long you home for?” Mac asked.

“Quick trip...I go back Monday,” Harm told her.

“How did you pull it off?”

“Fogarty and I were asked to deliver two Tomcats to Pax River and bring back two Eighteens on Monday...after my meeting with the SecNav.”

“Promotion time?”

“I doubt it yet. But they do want to find out what I think about the way things are shaping up in the Middle East and I suspect they are going to present some problems for me to solve. Mac, I had hoped that I could request you and your language skills to help me over there...but I won’t do that now...not with the pregnancy.”

“I know Harm...its okay even if it means I can’t work with you.”

“Mac, what would you think about being stationed in Naples?” Harm asked her as they rode along.

“Naples, Italy?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a beautiful city.”

“Yes...”

“Is that where they are planning to station you when the flying part is done?”

“They have mentioned it.”

“I think it would be okay...I mean its safe enough for us to visit you there and although it’s a long flight, its not impossible.”

“Mac...what if you were stationed there too?”

“Are you serious?”

“I just want to know what you think of the idea. I heard some scuttlebutt and before I open my mouth I need to know how you feel about some things,” Harm explained.

“Tell me what you’ve heard.”

“I understand that a command position at JAG Naples is opening in the next year. I also understand that you are once again coming up on the promotion board as its been almost six years since we’ve been at rank. If I am serving under the Secretary of the Navy and stationed at Naples while I cover the Middle East and the shipboard JAGs, then it would be great if you got the command post at Naples and became a full Colonel.”

“But we would be able to live together...raise the baby together...right?”

“Yes.”

“Then I think we should go for it.”

“Good.”

“Harm...I think we should wait on buying a house in DC area then.”

“I guess you’re right. Although neither of our apartments is big enough for a family of three.”

“It would be okay for awhile at least...I mean its going to be months before the baby is born, and we may know something more in three or four months...right?”

“Yes...or sooner.”

“Then we’ll be okay.”

“Mac, I think we should make your apartment our home...use my place for storage. It’s the safest place for you to live.”

“I know, but you worked so hard on your place.”

“And it should bring a decent price when I sell it.”

“You could sublet it now...use the downstairs for storage and rent the apartment space - furnished.”

“Any ideas who?”

“Yeah...your replacement at JAG. He’s still at the visiting quarters and he gripes about it all the time.”

“Talk to him about it...I’ll get my clothes packed up and my other personal items stored this weekend and if he wants to move in he can.”

They decided together on the rent they would charge and agreed to set up an account for Mac to manage the transactions while Harm was gone as they returned to Georgetown.

Finally home and alone, Harm and Mac enjoyed the reunion they had both been looking forward to. After they made love the first time, Harm leaned up against the headboard with a pillow behind him. Mac sat between his legs and rested against him. His hands rested above their child.

“It’s so amazing to see images from inside your body and know our child is growing there,” Harm whispered as he pressed kisses against her temple.

“I know. Harm when Dr. Chen told me I had my miracle I don’t think she realized what this meant...I mean she hadn’t met you...but still, I don’t think she really understood what this means to us.” Mac reached up a caressed Harms face with one hand while covering the other large hand resting on her stomach.

“Mac, do you want to know if it’s a boy or girl before the baby is born?” Harm asked.

“It’s not a necessity, but yeah...I think I do. I want to know everything about this child as soon as I can...but if you want to wait...”

“No! Not at all...I want us to choose a name and start buying clothes and things the baby will need right away.”

“Harm.”

“Yes?”

“You need to call your mother about this one yourself.” They chuckled at how Tom Boone, the retired admiral got the job at their sudden marriage. “Have you talked to her since we got married?”

“Yes...and I emailed her about the baby already.”

“You did?”

“Yes...but I’ll call her this weekend. Right now I just want to hold you and be with you.”

“Oh really? Why’s that?” Mac asked smiling.

“I’m not sure but something tells me its because I love you.” Harm turned her so he could kiss her. The passion between them ignited and blazed brightly.

Monday

0735 Local

Rabb Residence

Georgetown

“Harm I wish I didn’t have to hurry off this morning. I don’t want this weekend to end.”

“I know...I don’t either. I’ll email you tonight with any news I get today...and I’ll call soon. Kiss me and wish me luck.” Mac stepped into his arms for one last kiss before she left.

“I love you Harm.”

“I love you too Mac.” Harm watched her walk away and wave as she stepped into the stairwell to the garage. Harm’s Lexus was parked next to hers, but he would take a taxi to the Pentagon. It should be hear soon. He made sure his things were together and then took out the teddy bear he had bought for the baby when they were shopping. He added the rose he had picked up at the store late last night when Mac needed him to pick up a few things for her at the last minute and the card. Inside he had written a special message to her and the baby.

Next time he came home she would probably be wearing maternity uniforms and having cravings. He couldn’t wait. The weekend had been perfect and they had done well not to let reality intrude and ruin beautiful moments. He loved being married to Mac.

The meeting at the Pentagon went well. Harm was slightly surprised when he was informed that his name had been put on the list for a promotion to Captain he would be returning to Washington in about a month for the official ceremony. At that time he would assume command of the Middle East shipboard JAGs and his office time would be split between Naples, Italy and the Seahawk.

“Sir, if I might inquire about some scuttlebutt I’ve heard?”

“Go ahead Rabb.”

“Sir, I understand that there are changes coming about at JAG Naples.”

“Yes. Captain Jacobs is taking command in Hawaii replacing Krennick. That will leave JAG Naples open. Do you want that command instead?”

“No sir...but if it is at all possible I would like my wife, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie Rabb, to be consider for that command post. We haven’t been married long and we are expecting our first child. It is important that I am there as much as possible.”

“Will it change your mind about accepting this command post, Commander Rabb?”

“I’d like to say no, sir, but it wouldn’t be honest. I’m not sure how long I could handle being deployed when my first and possibly only child is being born.”

“That’s being rather pessimistic isn’t it Commander?” asked the SecNav.

“No sir. My wife has a medical condition that makes getting pregnant nearly impossible. This baby is a miracle and they remind us frequently that it probably wouldn’t happen again.”

“I’ll see what we can do Rabb, but I can’t make any guarantees.”

“Thank you sir.”

That night back aboard the Seahawk, Harm emailed Mac with the information he had gained that morning. He hoped she checked her email before she left JAG. He thought one of these times he would get the hang of instant messaging so they could have a live chat. Bud and Harriet and found that better then just emails.

“Hey Mac...I’m back on ship. Wish I could take you up in an F-eighteen...I hate to admit how good the ride is compared to my Tomcats...Anyway it was an eventful morning at the Pentagon. I’ll be home in about a month to accept my promotion to Captain and assume my new command. I will be stationed in Naples. The Scuttlebutt was right...Naples JAG is opening. SecNav wouldn’t make guarantees but didn’t say it couldn’t happen. Probably putting in a request on your end would be a wise move. Anyway, I hope I’ll be home for the next appointment so I can see the baby again...I love you so much Mac...I miss you even more now then I did the first time I was here...didn’t think it was possible. I’ll be online for awhile longer as I have to send email to a few others - work related this time. Maybe if you get this you could start the instant messaging thing? Love you.”

Harm worked on an email to JAGs stationed around the region introducing himself and letting them know he was on the Seahawk and that they could expect an official announcement about his new position. He assured them he was there to assist them, not be a headhunter. He had just send the email to his group when he heard a sound and a message popped up on his screen.

[Harm? Are you there?]

“Mac! You got my email?”

[Yes...glad you’re back safely...wish you were here.]

“I know. What do you think about Naples?”

[I did some research today...I would love to make our home there]

“Me too.”

[I’m going to talk to Creswell tomorrow.]

“Think he’ll support your request?”

[Yes. Harm, if he doesn’t then I’m resigning my commission.]

“Mac no!”

[Why not?]

“You love what you do.”

[I love you more.]

“Wow...I should be the one to resign, Mac.”

[No...you did that once...you can’t support us crop dusting!]

“Point taken. I hope my return next month will work with your appointment.”

[Me too...although they don’t usually do an ultrasound every month.]

“Oh...well I still want to be there for you.”

[I love you Harm...I’m going to go so I can talk to Creswell. He’s still here.]

“Night. I love you.”

Harm sighed and sat back. When things change they change fast.

One Month Later

USS Seahawk

“Commander Rabb, it has been a pleasure having you under my command. Have a safe flight back...this is the last of our Tomcats and the crew is back and ready to assume their duties.”

“Thank you Captain Ingles.”

“Next time I see you, you’ll be a Captain as well.”

“Yes sir. It seems that way.”

“You’re a good officer Harm and a lucky man...Give the Colonel my best.”

“Yes sir...thank you sir.”

“Dismissed.”

Harm loaded his gear in the back seat of the last Tomcat from the Seahawk and did his pre-flight check. It wasn’t long before he was in the air and headed for Washington, D.C. He had a few days leave before he would report to the Pentagon for his promotion ceremony with Mac at his side. They still hadn’t heard anything more about her request for the Naples command, but no decision had been made regarding that post as yet.

2130 Local

Patuxent River NAS

Maryland

Mac stood by the Lexus watching for Harm’s tomcat. She had decided to drive down and surprise him by meeting him and with her news. She had checked with the tower and they had him on the scope and had estimated his arrival to be within about thirty minutes. She had chosen to wait outside and she knew she should be able to hear him or see him any second. And there he was. It was a picture perfect landing. She watched to see where he was heading and then returned to the building he would need to clear before he would be free to go. She waited until she saw him come through the door from the airfield and then she approached. He spotted her immediately and waved. His smile was the full wattage one that made her knees weak.

When he had finished with his post flight report, he grabbed his gear and headed her way.

“Mac! I didn’t expect you to drive down to meet me.”

“I know...I wanted to surprise you.”

“It worked,” he said as he bent to kiss her. Mac insisted on taking one of his bags. He relinquished the laptop only to her.

Once they had loaded his gear in the Lexus, Harm offered to drive.

“I don’t mind driving Harm. I had a nap earlier and you’ve been flying for hours.”

“True...if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t. I have lots of news for you Harm.”

“Really?”

“Yes...we’re going to Naples.”

“You got it!”

“Yes...Creswell called me in today and told me that the SecNav had approved my request with his blessing and that we will both get our promotions at the same time. I have been given two weeks leave to get things in order before I assume my new post.”

“Wow! Honey I am so proud of you,” Harm told her.

“It’s going to be a new life for us Harm...a new country...new jobs...new rank.”

“Are you sure you are alright with this...leaving your doctor and all?”

“Yes. We’ll tell doctor Chen when we go tomorrow. She may be able to refer me to someone in Naples.”

“We have a lot to do and not a lot of time to get it done...but I’m glad we’re going,” Harm told her as they held hands as they drove back to Georgetown.

By the time they got home, they had talked about all the things they needed to do and Harm had put the list in his personal data assistant - more often referred to as a PDA, but not to be confused with personal displays of affection. They had laughed about the double meaning behind the PDA tag. It was going to be a very busy few days.

Harm hadn’t eaten in hours and so they had stopped to eat on the way home. Mac had settled for Lemon Meringue pie while he had ordered a fresh salad and grilled chicken. After a second trip to the bathroom for Mac, they returned to the car and their journey back to Washington D.C.

The next day they started on their list of items. They emailed the current JAG in Naples and found out that Captain Jacobs had bought a house there and was interested in renting it but not selling it just yet. He had married a girl from Naples and would eventually return there. Arrangements were made for Harm and Mac to rent his house from him.

With housing not being an issue, they turned their attention to packing and shipping their things to Italy or putting them in storage. Harm had decided to store his vintage Corvette. Mac had decided to sell her newer one. The Lexus was six years old and had long been paid for, so Harm thought he would give it to Mattie.

Harm and Mac cleaned up before going to the doctor’s appointment. They filled Dr. Chen in on the pending move, who insisted on doing another ultrasound even though it hadn’t been scheduled. They could see how much the baby had grown in four weeks time. Dr. Chen was even more optimistic about the long term prognosis and gave Mac the names of three doctors she was familiar with in the Naples area. One was a civilian and the other two were both military doctors. They discussed how Mac’s records would be transferred and then made their exit.

The next day, Harm and Mac went to see Harriet, Bud and the children and told them all of their news. Mac had yet to start wearing maternity uniforms so they had not realized that she was pregnant. Harriet was thrilled for her friends but saddened by their imminent departure.

“Mac...Harm...what are we going to do without you?”

“Harriet, you’ve gone inactive already...and I’ve been gone from Jag now three months. We’ll stay in touch with emails and instant messages. And we both may have to make trips to Washington, DC from time to time. Distance will not hurt our friendship.”

“I know...but I’ll miss you both so much and so will the children,” Harriet sniffed back tears. Bud’s eyes glistened with unshed tears but he comforted his wife and secretly hoped that maybe one day they could join Harm and Mac overseas.

After leaving Bud and Harriet’s they made the trip to Blacksburg to see Mattie and Tom Johnson and to tell them Harm’s decision about the Lexus. It was late when they got home. They planned to make the trip to Pennsylvania the next day to talk to Harm’s grandmother. They wanted her to know about the baby in person and to tell her about the move and promotions.

It had been an emotional day but a good one. Harm admitted to Mac that he didn’t think he would ever see his grandmother again. She had failed so in the last few years and when she had pressed him for a decision about the farm, he had made it.

“Mac, I’m sorry I didn’t discuss it with you first, but when I saw your face I felt like you wouldn’t mind.”

“About promising your grandmother that when you retired from the Navy you would come spend time there at the farm before you decided what to do with it?”

“Yes.”

“Harm I don’t mind at all. I think it was the right thing to do. You read me well Sailor.”

“Thanks, Mac.”

“Are you okay with everything so far?”

“Yes I am. I think she wants to go now Mac. She knows I’m happy and she wants to go join Grandpa and Dad. I can’t begrudge her peace.” Harm’s voice broke a little and Mac took his hand as they made the journey home.

1500 Local

Chegwidden’s Residence

MacLean, Virginia

Harm and Mac walked hand in hand to the porch where they had admitted for the first time that they did love each other. The fact that it had been at Mac’s engagement party had kept them apart for awhile longer. Now they were here to update their former commanding officer, now retired.

“Good to see you too looking happy to be together,” AJ greeted them as he opened the door.

“Good to see you too sir,” Harm responded as they shook hands.

“AJ please...we’ve been more family and friends then anything for most of the past ten years. Looks like marriage is agreeing with both of you.”

“Yes,” Mac responded after hugging the father-figure in her life, “as well as the pregnancy.”

“You’re having a baby! That’s great...I know its something important to both of you.”

“It is.”

“Congratulations on the baby and on pending promotions.”

“Thank you, sir...AJ.”

“Tell me about the new assignments.”

“Well I’m taking over JAG command in Naples and will be promoted to full Colonel tomorrow in the SecNav’s office at the same time Harm becomes a Captain.”

“And you command Harm?”

“New position, sir. I’ll be stationed in Naples and on the Seahawk in an advisory and training capacity for shipboard and Middle East JAGs. They are really struggling with the rules of engagement over there sir and on the ships. Captain Ingles had me on the bridge with him advising when I was flying. Many of our ship JAGs have not had sufficient training in combat or experience in the field to handle more then the paperwork for personnel. I will be busy sir.”

“I’m sure you will. Well I have some news of my own. I may be seeing more of you in Naples...I’m moving over there again to spend more time with Francesca and my grandchildren.”

“Francesca had children?” Harm asked. “Sorry sir...that wasn’t meant to be rude.”

“It’s okay Harm...she got married in January and told me two weeks ago that the doctor says she will be having twins. Her husband is stationed in Naples and will be in your command, Mac.”

“Small world, sir.”

“It is at that. Anyway, I missed her growing up and I won’t miss my grandchildren. Now I’ll get to be around your child as well.”

“This is feeling more perfect all the time, sir,” Mac smiled at her husband and AJ.

Monday

1100 Local

Secretary of the Navy’s Office

Pentagon

Major General Creswell, Admiral Kly, and the Secretary of the Navy stood facing the crowd. In front of them in uniform, with their backs to the guests, stood Sarah Mackenzie and Harmon Rabb Junior side by side. Harm was sworn in first and presented his Captain’s bars. Sarah Mackenzie was sworn in as a full Colonel immediately after.

The ceremony was brief but the signing of papers and presentation of orders took a little longer. The Secretary of the Navy then invited Harm and Mac to join him for lunch along with Creswell and Kly. They agreed but were glad to finish the meal and take their leave. They still had a lot to do and would be assuming their new commands in about a week’s time.

Transport to Italy was being provided and they could chose from the flight leaving on Wednesday or Friday this week or the one scheduled for next Monday. They wanted to get settled before they started their jobs and so were going to try and be ready for the Wednesday transport.

2310 Local

Rabb Apartment

Georgetown

“Harm?”

“Yes, Honey?”

“I can’t believe its our last night in this apartment. Tomorrow night we’ll be in Italy.”

“I know. You still okay with everything.”

“Yes. Harm, remember how you’ve said when one door closes another one opens?”

“Yes.”

“I think we did good closing the door on us working together and opening another door that allows us to be together and work together doing what we love.”

“I would have to agree, Mac.”

“It was hard to leave something I’ve loved doing for ten years, but its what’s right for me and our family. I had to take the chance.”

“I know...and it opens so many more doors for us.” Mac turned and kissed her husband starting the love-making that would ensue that final night in the Georgetown apartment.

EPILOGUE

Thanksgiving

Rabb Residence

Naples, Italy

Francesca Perretti and her husband, Lt. Commander Marcus Angelino, AJ Chegwidden, Marcella - his ex-wife and Francesca’s mother, joined Harm and Mac in their home for a Thanksgiving feast. Both Francesca and Mac were large with their pregnancies but had enjoyed sharing their experiences together as their friendship blossomed. Francesca was due any day and Mac’s due date had been set for a month later, yet a sixth sense told her she would go sooner.

Harm and AJ had taken on kitchen duty to prepare the meal and Marcella and Marcus had agreed to clean up after dinner. The two new mothers were treated like royalty.

After everyone had left their home that evening, Harm and Mac sat snuggled on the couch together, ready to make a few calls home. They called Harriet and Bud and chatted for awhile before calling Harm’s mother and Frank. Trish and Frank told them they would be seeing them soon as they were about to take a trip to Europe. They also called Harm’s grandmother, Mattie and Chloe. Chloe had finally forgiven them for getting married without her there and then for moving to Italy.

Mac was restless and Harm asked her if she was alright.

“Yeah, I just can’t seem to get comfortable tonight. I guess I ate too much today.”

“Your back aching?”

“Some.”

“You want me to rub it?”

“That might help...but I don’t want to sit or lay down.”

“Okay...stand here in front of me...I can rub it like this.” Harm rested his head on her stomach and talked to the baby as he rubbed her back. He felt the ripple on his face when it happened. Mac didn’t say anything so he didn’t. It felt different then when the baby moved.

They had never found out if she was carrying a boy or a girl because each time, the baby was positioned in such away that the information wasn’t available to them. Mac told Harm that the baby was a prude like he tended to be and was to shy to let even the parents see. They had laughed about it several times.

The second time Harm felt the ripples against his face, he looked up and Mac. “Honey, are you sure you are alright?”

“Yes of course. Rubbing my back seems to be helping. Why?”

“It’s just I felt this ripple in your stomach...it was strange...and its happened more then once.”

“I think it was just the baby moving.”

“Maybe...I guess you would know more then me if everything was okay.”

“Yes...I am tired. I think I’ll go to bed.”

“I’m right behind you,” Harm assured her. Mac went ahead to get ready for bed while Harm closed up the house for the night.

“Harm?” Mac called from the bedroom.

“Be right there, Mac.”

“Harm I need you now!” Mac’s voice sent chills up Harm’s spine as he raced to their bedroom. Mac was standing in the middle of their bedroom holding the tall post on their four poster bed with one hand, and her stomach with the other.

“Mac?”

“Harm...my water broke...I feel like the baby is falling out of me and I don’t dare move.”

“Okay, Honey...let me call the doctor...”

“Harm, I don’t think there’s time,” Mac’s voice gave away the fear she was trying to control. Harm quickly grabbed some towels and put them on their bed. Then he helped Mac to stand near the bed and carefully removed her soaked slacks and underwear. He didn’t see any signs of blood which was encouraging for him at the moment. Carefully he lifted her up on the bed and told her to let him see. Mac was dilated at least ten centimeters and he could see the top of the baby’s head. Trying to stay calm, he called the doctor.

“It’s okay Mac...but you’re right. There’s no time to get you to the hospital for this...yes this is Captain Rabb, my wife Colonel Sarah Rabb is pregnant...yes sir, she looks fully dilated. Her water broke about five minutes ago...”

“Six minutes and thirty-three seconds...” Mac interjected.

“Almost seven minutes ago now...I think I can...Mac talk to the doctor while I get some things we’ll need.”

“Doctor...I had a backache most of the day and twenty minutes ago Harm said he felt my stomach ripple but I just thought it was the baby moving around...no, I haven’t felt like I needed to push but I felt like the baby was going to fall out...I don’t think so...Harm?”

“Right here Mac.”

“Is there any bleeding?”

“Nothing I can see.”

“He doesn’t see any, doctor...Harm, he wants to talk to you again.”

“I’m here...should I put you on speaker phone?...Just a minute...” Harm hit the button on the phone so the doctor could hear what was going on and Harm could have both hands free. “Can you hear us okay?”

{Very clear.}

“Okay, I have everything you told me to get.”

{Good, Mac, are you laying flat?}

“Yes.”

{Harm I want you to help her sit up and rest her back against the headboard or something if at all possible.}

“We can do that...here Mac let me help you...okay doctor she’s sort of sitting up.”

{Good, check and see if the head has progressed further into the birth canal.}

“A little maybe...I’m not sure.”

{I’ve got an ambulance on the way, but I want you to get that baby moving now, Mac...you’re going to have to push and it’s probably going to hurt like hell. Harm there will probably be some bleeding, but don’t worry about it for now. Mac are you ready?}

“Yes...”

{Then take a deep breath and start pushing. Harm, push against her knees if you can and watch for that baby to begin clearing the cervix...and get ready to catch it.}

“You can do this Mac...I see ripples on your stomach again...push now...push!”

“I am!” Mac gritted her teeth and pushed. Harm provided resistance against her knees and watched as the baby’s head cleared the cervix.

“I can see the head...”

{Guide the baby’s head and support the neck and shoulders as it continues. Mac, relax a minute and take a deep breath and push again.} The doctor coached from the speaker phone and Harm and Mac worked together pushing, guiding and breathing until finally, Harm held their child in his hands.

“It’s a boy! Mac we have a son...” Their tears and laughter mixed together as Harm followed the doctors instructions. Harm covered Mac with a blanket and handed her their son.

The ambulance arrived and transported all three of them to the hospital. Harm was not happy when they took their son away from them to check his vitals and do the procedures new born babies must endure. However, when they returned their son to them asleep in his basinet Harm relaxed and watched both his wife and son sleep. He looked up a short time later to see the other space in the room being occupied. It was Marcus and Francesca...and the twins.

“You too?” Harm asked Marcus. “She okay?”

“Yes, just exhausted. We have twin girls. You?”

“We have a son.”

“Congratulations.”

“To you also.”

The curtain was pulled between the two beds. Mac woke a short time later and nursed their son for the first time.

“You did good, Marine.”

“Ever thought of becoming a mid-wife?”

“No way! I was so afraid something would go wrong...but you were great Mac.”

“So were you...have you thought anymore about a name?”

“Yes...Matthew Mackenzie Rabb. What do you think?”

“I like it, but don’t you want to keep your name going?”

“I am...Rabb...not Harmon.”

“You sure?”

“Yes...you told me one Harmon Rabb in your life was enough...I don’t want to take any chances.”

“I promise I’ll keep you.” She smiled at her husband as he watched their son nurse.

“Thanks, but I like Matthew for a first name.”

“So do I.”

Matthew was a beautiful dark-haired, dark-eyed baby and he thrived. A year later, he was joined by a sister with green eyes and slightly lighter hair. They named her

Joy in honor of their life and what their two miracles had brought them.

THE END