Title: A Wonderful Life, An Excellent Christmas
Author: Hollyjp
Summary: A Jag Christmas story
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers (and Author’s Note): All episodes of JAG through Season 10 so far, spoilers and my own speculation are all mixed with my creativity. Sometimes I’m close to what airs and sometimes I’m not. Last year my speculation and creativity landed me pretty close, but it wasn’t intentional. Some of the comments were very angry saying I had ruined the show for them because what I wrote was to close to what aired. Again, I have no inside information - it’s just me playing with the characters I love and trying to create a story worthy of them. My suggestion to you is if you are afraid spoilers would ruin the show for you, do not read this until after JAG’s Christmas episode airs. If spoilers increase your enjoyment and anticipation, go for it!
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.
JOY TO THE WORLD
CHAPTER 1
Monday November 29, 2004
0745 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
“Good morning Bud. How was your Thanksgiving?” Commander Harmon Rabb asked as he stepped off the elevator and entered the bullpen as Lt. Commander Roberts was returning to his office with his coffee.
“Very good sir. And yours?”
“It was wonderful. I joined Mattie and Tom on Thursday in Blacksburg and then Friday drove up to Belleville, Pennsylvania to see my Grandmother. On the way home I saw the Admiral and he invited me to dinner yesterday.”
“How is the Admiral, Sir?”
“He’s enjoying his retirement, thrilled that the Red Sox pulled off a major upset in the American League Championships and went on to make history and won the World Series on top of that.”
“He did call it, didn’t he sir?” Bud shook his head in awe and wonderment as he recalled the retiring Admiral’s words to him.
“That he did Bud. Hey you have a good day and I’ll catch you later. I need some coffee.” Harm set his things in his office and headed for the kitchen. He was a little surprised that Mac wasn’t in her office yet. He had been touched by Sturgis’ effort to make peace when he arranged to have Harm moved back into the office he use to occupy - until Admiral Chegwidden had ordered Commander Turner to occupy it and make it his own space.
Taking a sip of his coffee he closed his eyes to savor the flavor and chuckled how his taste had changed. He use to have a hard time swallowing the extra strong brew Gunny and Mac had made, but over the years he had acquired a taste for it. Since the admiral had departed, the coffee was usually made by someone else, and although it had rich flavor it wasn’t the strong brew he had grown accustomed to over the years. This morning, it was extra strength again. He turned to see Major General Creswell waiting to get to the coffee pot.
“Sorry sir...I was just enjoying the coffee.”
“You like Marine issue coffee..Unusual for a Navy man.”
“Not around here, sir. Colonel Mackenzie and the gunny were often the ones fixing the coffee and it was either adapt or go without. The Admiral sometimes even complained their coffee was weak.” Harm explained.
“Admiral had been a Seal, correct?”
“Yes sir.”
“You admired him.”
“Yes and respected him.”
“Even when you didn’t agree with him?”
“Sometimes not at the moment, but eventually.”
“We haven’t had much chance to get to know one another, Commander, but you puzzle me.”
“How so sir?”
“Join me in my office.” The two men entered General Creswell’s office, and Harm took a seat as the General indicated. “I was reviewing your file. You are an interesting mix of down to earth guy next door, hero and rebel rolled into one. I’ve heard you claim the truth is everything.”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m going to be truthful with you Commander. I don’t like a lot of what I see in your files and I don’t like the fact that you have in the past put personal issues before duty without following proper channels. That said, I do value your work ethic, your drive to find the truth, your legal knowledge, your investigative skills, and your guts. I also respect your commitment to keep promises and do what’s right. I have a family, Commander. I would move heaven and earth for them. But I am also an officer and a Marine and in order to do for my family, I have to follow the proper channels. Can you promise me Commander Rabb that you will follow proper channels when personal issues arise so that I can support you on them or provide you with alternatives?”
Harm locked his gaze with the Major General and seriously thought about what he was saying. He tried to read what was behind those steely blue-gray eyes that were locked onto his own green-gray eyes. “Yes sir, I can.”
“How do you know that, Rabb?”
“Because I believe we share a common set of values and I see in your eyes, what you see in mine.”
“Very well, Commander. I hope we won’t have to test out any of this anytime soon. Staff meeting in twenty. Dismissed.”
“Yes sir.” Harm retreated with his cup and warmed the coffee in the kitchen before returning to his office. This time he saw Mac’s office was open and he poked his head in to say good-morning.
“Hey Harm. You were in early.”
“Yes. I just had an interesting conversation with our commanding officer.”
“Really? What was on his agenda?”
“I think I just promised not to take off to Russia, Paraguay, Chechyna. Or anyplace else, without his clearance.”
“Wow...were you planning to go anywhere soon?”
“No...but here’s the interesting part...he just made a promise to me not to leave me hanging high and dry.”
“That is interesting...”
“Mac are you still feeling nervous about his intent toward you?”
“Not really. He brought up Okinawa and said he assumed I had learned from my mistakes and he is not here to judge me. He also said that he thinks part of my problem is hanging around with too many Navy men.”
“He didn’t?”
“He did...but he said it’s curable.”
“And how does he intend to cure you?”
“That I don’t know about. I’m beginning to think the man does have a sense of humor and maybe even a heart.”
“Hey Mac, how was your weekend?”
“It was fun. I hadn’t had a chance to spend time with Chloe in a couple of years. It always seems like one of us is always busy. I think I talked her into coming down for a few days during her Christmas break. Her grandmother is all for it especially because her father is deployed again this year.”
“I’d love to get to know Chloe again...now I have a better understanding of teenagers.” Harm smiled at Mac and she returned the smile which gave him a glimmer of hope that Mac was healing emotionally.
“We’d better get ready for staff meeting,” Mac reminded him. Harm nodded and stepped into his own office next door. He gathered his notepad and pen in one hand a the coffee cup in the other and together, they entered the conference room. Bud and Sturgis were already seated, at either side of the head seat, so Harm and Mac sat across from one another, Harm sitting next to Bud and Mac next to Sturgis.
They had no more then settled into their seats then Major General Gordon Creswell entered the room and stopped at the head of the table.
“Commander Roberts, please change seats with Colonel Mackenzie. I have decided that we will run two senior teams for now. Commander Turner and Colonel Mackenzie, will head up the litigation portion of each team, while Commander Roberts and Commander Rabb will head up the investigative side of each team. There will be times you may want to defer to the other member of your team but that will be up to each of you to resolve on your own. You are my senior teams and you will each be getting a junior team to assist you as necessary. Jockeying for position to make yourself closer to me and the position of power, won’t work. It only makes you closer to the door in my eyes. Any questions?”
“Have the junior attorneys been selected as yet?” asked Lt. Commander Roberts.
“No. Do you have some ideas, Commander?”
“I believe Lt.(jg) Jason Tiner may be available. He use to be the Admiral’s yeoman before he completed law school and went to Naval Justice School.”
“Alright Commander Roberts, why don’t you see who is available and due for reassignment in the Navy and get their files to me by the end of the day. Colonel Mackenzie, if you would do the same with the Marine Corps.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Let me outline the rest of my plan for you. I’m not sure why we are so short staffed, but we will address it and by the end of this week, the plan will be ready to implement. As I said, we will be working in teams. One team will be comprised of mostly Navy and one mostly Marines. The reason for this as you may guess, is that sometimes we want people to open up and that tends to happen when they are dealing with someone that understands and knows what life is about from a similar perspective. At the same time, there are times when you want someone from a different perspective to review what’s going on.
“Cases will be assigned to teams by me. Team leaders will determine who and how the team will handle each case individually. Each team will have administrative and technical supports that they can utilize. That doesn’t mean we will bring in that many new people, but we will reassign people that are currently here to various teams.
“As it turns out, you have offices next to your partners and the junior teams will be assigned space with that concept in mind. Questions?...Commander Turner?”
“Sir, in the past, cases involving aircraft have usually gone to Commander Rabb; submarines to me...”
“Are you saying that colonel Mackenzie should only have cases involving women?”
“No sir.”
“Then what are you saying?”
“Will that still be taken into consideration?”
“Commander Turner, how you assign cases that go to your team is up to you. I will assign cases as I see fit. Commander Rabb, do you have a problem working with a bunch of Marines?”
“No sir.”
“Very well. Carry on.” As fast as Creswell arrived in the conference room, he departed leaving the staff a little bewildered.
“Sounds like we’d better get to work requesting our team. You ready Harm?”
“Yes Ma’am.”
By the end of the day, Mac and Harm had tracked down Major Michael McBurney, Captain Thomas Houghton, Lieutenant Beth Jacobs, and Gunnery Sargent Victor Galindez. They had also identified Petty Officer Carl Davis and Sargent Janice Cate from the bull pen as those they wanted to be on their administrative team. They were ready to make their requests to General Creswell.
When they reconvened, Lt. Commander Roberts presented their slate first. We located five attorneys for you to select from sir, Lt.(jg) Jason Tiner, Lt. Doug Nichols, Lt. Steven Marshall, Lt. Amy Bratton, and Lt. Rachel Wherton. We also thought Petty Officer Carl Davis and Petty Officer Sue Farnsworth would be good administrative supports.”
“I see. Of the five attorneys you brought to me for review, do you have two you think would fit your team best?”
“No sir. They all look good.”
“I see. Colonel Mackenzie?”
“We identified three sir and they are in order of preference: Major Michael McBurney, Captain Thomas Houghton, and Lieutenant Beth Jacobs. We also are familiar with Gunnery Sargent Victor Galindez and have worked with him before at JAG and on special ops. He would be an asset to our investigative team. He is due a promotion and reassignment sir. We also felt Petty Officer Carl Davis as well as Sargent Janice Cate would round out the team. However, we will concede Davis if we are able to add Gunny Galindez to the team.”
“Concise and ranked. I should be able to get back to you in the morning. Get a hold of Galindez and have him report here ASAP. Dismissed.”
Harm and Mac exchanged looks and left the conference room for the second time that day on a mission. They met in Mac’s office while she placed the call to the Gunny who was still in New Mexico visiting his sister Marie.
“Gunny, hold on I want to put you on the speaker...Can you hear me?”
“Loud and clear Colonel...would that be Commander Rabb with you?”
“Yes it is, Gunny. How are you?”
“Fine sir. What’s up?”
“Well as you may have heard, we have a new Commanding Officer, Major General Gordon Creswell.”
“Creswell? Tough Marine.”
“Yes he is. We know you are on leave but we are doing some reorganization and would love to have you on our team as one of our investigators.”
“Gunny, we’ve approached the general and he would like you here ASAP,” Harm told him.
“Will I still be a clerk?”
“Not in the plans Gunny. We need someone that knows how to work investigations, undercover operations, and stuff like that,” Mac told him. “And Gunny, you’d be on an almost completely Marine team. Harm’s the only Sailor so far.”
“You know Ma’am, if all those Navy guys were like Commander Rabb, then the Navy would be a better place.”
“So you’ll be here sometime this week?”
“Yes Ma’am. I’ll get a ticket as soon as we hang up. I’ll call to let you know when to expect me.”
“We’re looking forward to it, Gunny.” Mac disconnected the call and smiled up at Harm. This is going to be interesting.
CHAPTER 2
Friday 1514 Local
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
General Creswell had just finished introducing the newest members of the two teams. Joining Turner and Roberts, were , Lt.(jg) Jason Tiner and Lt. Amy Bratton, with administrative support from Petty Officer Carl Davis and Petty Officer Sue Farnsworth. Joining Mackenzie and Rabb were Major Michael McBurney, Lieutenant Beth Jacobs, Gunnery Sargent Victor Galindez and to provide administrative support, Sargent Janice Cate.
“Be ready to hit the ground running...Turner, your team takes call this weekend. Post the names of the individuals on call on the board and with dispatch. The rest of you may secure.”
“Marine team - my office for a moment before you secure,” Mac announced as they headed out the door. Once they were assembled, Mac began again. “I know this is short notice, but those of you that can make it are invited to join us at Commander Rabb’s tonight at eighteen hundred hours - civilian dress - pizza and conversation are on the agenda. Bring your significant other if you want to...”
“Yes Ma’am. Location?” asked McBurney.
Harm gave his address, which was located in the city, north of Union Station. After the others had departed, he turned to Mac.
“Remember how we use to get together after work at least once a week?”
“Yeah...that’s why I thought it was a great idea for our team. Thanks for offering your place.”
“Not a problem...but you keep them in control, Colonel.”
“I will. See you later...and Harm...I’m glad you got stuck with us Marines.”
“Me too Mac...me too.”
1720 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
“Mac - Wow! You look fantastic. Come on in...” Harm stepped back to let Mac in. She was dressed in a soft green pant suit with a pastel top in muted shades of swirling pink, peach, green, blue and white. She wore a lavender trench coat over it.
“Thank you. I thought I’d get here early to help...I forgot to ask if you were bringing anyone.”
“You are my partner Mac. There’s no one else I would have here with me.”
“Harm..”
“I’m not trying to rush you Mac...You can have all the time you need.”
“Thank you...now what needs to be done?”
“Well, I wasn’t sure how many to expect so I went with everyone. Mike, Beth, Gunny, and Janice plus each one may bring someone...We could have ten of us. I got the cooler set up with beer and soda and I have juice, water, and mixers in the refrigerator. I’m going to call in the pizza now. I thought I go with five large pizzas - one pepperoni, one pepperoni with mushroom, one veggie, one sausage, and one with the works. I’ve also got nachos, chips, veggies and dips that we can start setting out anytime.”
“Shall we put the food on the table or the island?”
“Munchies on the island and dinner on the table.”
“What about chairs?”
“Oh yeah, the extras are over at Jen and...just Jen’s. I’ll go get them if you want to get the munchies set out.” Harm quickly turned and started to walk away, when he felt Mac’s hand on his arm to stop him.
“Talk to me Harm.”
“I know I just spent time with her at Thanksgiving and she looked happy and its what needed to happen...its just that I miss having her here and planning meals for her...playing board games in the evening and having Jen and Mattie gang up on me over what is and isn’t a word. I didn’t think I’d miss her this much. I thought I’d feel some freedom...”
“I remember how lost I felt when Chloe left...and then you went back to flying...anyway, I found that between work and spending time with Harriet and the baby, it helped until I developed new habits and routines.”
“I know...but I don’t want to hang out with just anyone...”
“Would I do?”
“Mac you don’t have to feel sorry for me. I’m a big boy - I’ll be okay.”
“Harm...stop...Mattie helped tear down the walls you had built up keeping everyone out. Don’t rebuild them. You told me one time to talk to my friends. Now I’m going to give you the same advice. We are both at loose ends right now. We can help each other through the lonely times with no strings attached. We’re friends - partners - right?”
“I hear you Mac...it’s just I guess I’m at a place in my life where I want the strings attached.” Harm turned then and walked out of his apartment to borrow the chairs and ask Jen to join them if she were home. She had been on call over the weekend and had not been able to get away to Mattie’s for dinner.
Mac watched Harm walk away with a puzzled expression on her face. She had a feeling he was trying to tell her something, but she wasn’t sure what. She went to work getting the munchies out while Harm went after more chairs. He returned with two chairs and Jen, then announced he was going down stairs to get a third chair from the garage.
“Evening, Ma’am. Commander Rabb insisted that I join you guys...”
“Jen, we’re in civilian attire tonight and we are going to be relaxed and casual. Call me Mac...and I’m glad you came over. How are things going working with the General?”
“It’s different, Mac, but I like the fact that things are much clearer. He’s no nonsense and if I can keep my mouth shut long enough he spells it out for me. Don’t have to second guess him. I’m not sure if the Marine-Navy team division is going to work, or backfire...but it should be interesting.”
“I agree. Harm’s the odd man out on our team, but I think the fact that he’s been undercover as a Seal, Force Recon, and has held his own on the ground in battles, makes him the best choice,” Mac told her.
“He’s missing Mattie a lot, isn’t he?” Jen asked changing the subject.
“Yes, but you are too. I’m sorry you couldn’t get away to spend Thanksgiving with them. By the way I saw Chloe and she was asking for you.”
“Can I ask you something personal, Mac?”
“Go ahead...but I reserve the right not to answer.”
“Fair enough. Are you and the Commander dating?”
“No. Harm and I have been best friends and partners for years. We count on each other at times, even when we have been involved with others. I’m not sure there is anything more then that there, but at one time, Harm was sure there was. I told him we would never work out and I hurt him. We’ve just gotten back to the point where our friendship is solid. I’m not sure I’m ready to explore anything else, and while I treasure Harm’s friendship, I sense that he wants more...but I don’t trust it. I thought he wanted more once before - but I ended up out in the street looking up at this window and crying my eyes out in the rain.”
Personal conversations ended, as Harm returned with Mike McBurney and Beth Jacobs in tow.
“Look who I found. Guess we won’t need the extra chairs after all,” Harm announced.
“Hey Mike. Beth. Munchies are ready and the pizza is on its way.” Five minutes later, Gunny arrived along with Janice from the bull pen. Jen was introduced to everyone and the pizza arrived. One of the first things that Mac noticed, was that no one had shown up with a date. The second thing she noticed, was the team was evenly divided with men and women (if you didn’t count Jen as part of the team)...something that had come about on its own, without conscious planning. She also noticed that they were all singles without any apparent commitment to anyone.
Michael McBurney, who preferred being called Mike, turned out to be quite a character. He got them started on telling stories about each other and then something interesting about themselves. Gunny suggested a hand or two of cards which led to a few hands of poker. Mac chose to clean up the kitchen with Jen’s help instead of participate in the game. Jen made sure there was music playing in the background. It was obvious that she was comfortable in Harm’s apartment...probably even more comfortable then Mac at this point in their relationship. Mac fought a twinge of jealousy and refocused herself on the clean up project. Janice and Beth soon joined the women in the kitchen.
“Mac, how have you survived being alone with them?”
“I hold my own. Besides there’s Jen, and Harriet...she’s gone inactive reserve because she’s having twins, and she also has five and one year old sons.”
“I meant Marines more then the gender issue Mac,” clarified Beth.
“Gunny was stationed with us for a few years and when you get to know Harm better, you’ll understand.”
“Well he is good looking enough to forget about the uniform he wears,” commented Beth.
Mac bristled. “That will be all Lt. Jacobs. There is no place for that in this command. He is a senior officer and you are in his chain of command whether you like it or not and you will show respect and keep personal observations such as that to yourself. I thinks it time for you to leave.”
Harm hearing the disturbance jumped up and went to the kitchen. “Problem, Colonel?” he asked cautiously.
“I’m taking care of it. Lt. Jacobs needs to leave.”
“Oh...did you wear a coat?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll get it,” Jen announced, dashing up the stairs to the bedroom and retrieving the coat she deduced belonged to Lt. Beth Jacobs.
Mac’s steely glare at the young lieutenant didn’t get by Harm, nor did the young women’s nervous manner or rigid stance. Janice chose to get her coat and leave with Beth, but Jen stopped her by asking her if she wanted to see the apartment seeing as she was right there. Janice agreed and left with Jen to take a look at it. They had been discussing the possibilities of becoming roommates.
Mac tried to rejoin the poker game so they could have four players but her heart wasn’t in it and by eleven o’clock, the party broke up. Mac had moved to get her coat but Harm had stopped her by telling her that there was something her needed to discuss with her. After Victor and Mike had departed, Harm turned to Mac with arms folded across his chest and legs planted. He squinted at her for a few minutes before speaking.
“What’s going on Mac? What did Beth say to set you off like that?”
“Nothing much.”
“I’m not buying, Mac.”
“She made an inappropriate comment about how she regarded you and I told her that it wasn’t proper and to stop it immediately.”
“Are you kidding?”
“Harm, if the two of you even look at each other side ways and Creswell knows I’m aware of it, he’ll have my oak leaves if I don’t report it. I can’t believe you won’t take it seriously after I told you about what happened.”
“Mac, relaxed. I’m not interesting in Beth Jacobs in any way other then a part of our team.”
“Harm, I’m not kidding, he won’t put up with anything...”
“Mac, there’s nothing there for him to put up with. I am not in danger of being charged with fraternization. I don’t know what she said that has you so convinced, but I have no interest in her. Look Mac, can we change the topic?”
“Yes...”
“Good, because I’ve been thinking about something else you said.”
“What’s that?”
“That I should try to get out some. Want to help me?”
“Find a girlfriend?”
“No...go with me to a movie or to dinner...maybe even dance.”
“When?” Mac asked feeling a little breathless.
“I think we should start easy...maybe a movie...tomorrow evening?”
“What do you want to see?” Mac asked him.
“Something fun...Mattie wanted to see a foreign film with sub-titles last time we went.”
“Really?”
“Yes...I tried talking her into the Adam Sandler movie that was playing, but she informed me that was too young for her.”
“Is the new Shrek movie too young for you?” Mac asked with a grin.
“No...”
“Would you mind if I brought another young man with us?” Mac asked. Harm studied her through squinted eyes.
“What are thinking?”
“Well, I usually take our godson to the movies once a month and I thought if you didn’t mind, we could go to an early show and take him with us. After we take him home, maybe we could go get a bite to eat.”
“Sounds like just what I need. Thanks Mac.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll be babysitting AJ tomorrow, so pick me us up at my place around fifteen thirty. We can catch the second matinee show and get him home at a decent time.”
“We could probably take him to the first evening show...” Harm started to suggest until he saw Mac shaking her head ‘no’.
“He’ll be sound asleep in thirty minutes.”
“Okay, late matinee it is...Mac?”
“You’re not going to let this drop are you?”
“Yes, I am. I just wanted to say that I hope you trust me not to do something stupid. I might have been tempted in my younger days, but I know what I want now and after more then eight years, I think I’m pretty focused on my goal.”
“Still obsessing over things Harm?”
“No Mac, just biding my time until the planets align like they did for the Red Sox this year...only I hope I don’t have to wait eighty-six years before I get my miracle.”
Mac studied Harm thoughtfully as they stood close together between the dining room table and the living room area. It crossed Mac’s mind again that Harm had changed in some ways...but she was still too uncertain of her personal life to trust her own judgement or Harm’s.
“You going to be all right driving home, tonight?” Harm asked Mac.
“Yes...I didn’t drink you know.”
“I know that...I just meant you seem tired and its getting late.”
“Will you feel better, Harm, if I call you when I get home?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll call you. Thanks again for being the host.”
“You’re welcome.”
Harm went to the window to watch her drive away after the door closed between them. He sighed. It would take time for her to trust him but she was beginning to.
CHAPTER 3
Saturday, 1745 Local
Harm’s SUV
On the Road to the Roberts’ residence
“Uncle Harm, wasn’t that the coolest movie?”
“It was pretty cool AJ. Which Shrek movie did you like better?”
“This one! Didn’t you Aunt Mac?”
“It was cool...but I think I liked the other one better.”
“No way! Uncle Harm, ‘s’plain to Aunt Mac why this one was better!”
“Well AJ, only you can explain why you think this one was better. That’s an opinion and everyone can have their own opinion. It doesn’t make one person right and the other one wrong - they are just different.”
“Yes Uncle Harm. Aunt Mac, I’m glad you don’t keep teaching me lessons like Uncle Harm...”
“Takes the joy out of life sometimes, huh?” Mac asked her godson gently.
“No...he makes me think and Mommy and Daddy say he’s usually right.” Harm looked in the rearview mirror to see his five year old godson shaking his head sounding like he had life’s answers and they all were a bit disappointing.
“Sorry, AJ...I just take my duty as your godfather seriously. You know I love you and wouldn’t want anything to happen to you, right?”
“Yes.”
“Me too AJ,” Mac offered.
“I know. My friends at school say I’m lucky because its like I have two moms and two dads. They say they don’t have an Uncle Harm and Aunt Mac like I do. Mommy says my brother Jimmy didn’t even get an Uncle Harm and an Aunt Mac.” Harm and Mac exchanged a glance as the five year old rambled on trying to stay awake.
“I asked Mommy if the new baby would have you like I do and she said that she hadn’t talked with you about it. It’s okay with me if you want to be Uncle Harm and Aunt Mac with a new baby. I know it won’t change the way you love me.”
“You’re right AJ. And I think we would both be honored to be godparents to a new baby. It shows what a grown up young man you are now, willing to share us with a baby.” Mac praised him for his mature decision and when she didn’t hear any thing, she turned around to find him slumped over in his car seat, asleep.
Harm pulled the Lexus into the driveway as Mac announced he was asleep. Mac gathered up AJ’s bag while Harm lifted the sleeping boy out of his seat and carried him to the front door. Mac rang the door bell and a pregnant Harriet answered with a smile, covering her mouth with her hand when she spotted her sleeping son.
“When did he fall asleep, Ma’am, Sir?”
“About two minutes ago, Harriet.”
“Did he act out at all?”
“No he was very good. I think he enjoyed the movie and he seems very proud that he’s old enough to share his godparents now with a new baby.” Mac told Harriet.
“Come on in. Commander, would you mind carrying him into his bed. Just take his shoes off and Bud and I will get him into his PJ’s later. Do you guys want coffee or anything?”
“No thanks Harriet,” Mac answered as Harm carried the sleeping terror to his bedroom. As energetic and challenging as this child could be, Harm wouldn’t change a thing about him.
“Mac, I know you’ve been though a lot this past year, but Bud and I would like you and the Commander to be godparents again for both babies. As you know, I’m having twins. So far everything is going good...but if something should happen to me, I don’t think Bud would be able to handle four children. We’ve talked about it, and of everyone we know, it would be the Commander and you we would want raise the twins. Both of you are good with children. Anyway, there’s time, but would you think about it?”
“Of course Harriet. There’s not that much to think about...for me anyway...but nothing is going to happen because you are in our prayers.”
“Ready?” Harm asked Mac as he returned from putting AJ to bed.
“Yes...Harriet, call me tomorrow if you get a chance so we can plan to spend some time together, okay?”
“I will. And thank you...” Harriet saw them to the door.
Harm placed his hand on Mac’s back as he escorted her back to the car.
“Ready to eat some real food now, or are you stuffed from the junk food?” Harm asked Mac as he pulled the car back into the traffic.
“I would love some real food...steak, baked potato, chocolate cake...” Mac grinned at the pained expression on his face.
“What makes you think I won’t feed you real food?” Harm grinned back.
“You? The almost vegetarian?” Mac asked, still smiling.
“You exaggerate...and under estimate me Mac.”
“Do tell.”
“I made reservations for us at the new restaurant in Georgetown. You been there yet?”
“No I haven’t...you made reservations?”
“Yes.”
“But Harm, I’ve got jeans on. I just thought we’d grab take-out or go to one of the chains...”
“It’s okay...they have casual attire. Jeans are not a problem. I checked when I called.”
“You gave this a lot of thought didn’t you?”
“Yes...but if you would prefer to change, we have time. Our reservations aren’t until nineteen hundred.”
“Would you mind? I’m suddenly feeling like I’d prefer to be dresed up as an adult.”
“Then I’ll go change too,” Harm informed her.
Harm dropped Mac off and watched her enter her building safely, before heading home. He ran into his apartment and grabbed his tan suit from the closet along with his dark jade shirt with the matching tie that Mattie had given him for his birthday. Pulling off his boots and jeans after shedding his jacket, and shirt he quickly stepped into his suit pants, slipped into the shirt, buttoning it up and tucking it in with one motion. He added the matching tie and then donned the suit jacket. He debated between the brown dress shoes and the boots. The boots won out. Pulling them on again, he made sure he had his wallet and keys before securing his apartment and heading across town to pick up Mac. His heart raced with anticipation and excitement. He was looking at this portion of their evening as a date. He hoped she would too.
Mac met Harm at the door dressed in a simple brown skirt with a lime green sweater top. Her brown pumps and handbag completed the outfit. He held her tan all-seat coat while she slipped her arms into it and after shutting off the lights, she let Harm escort her back to the Lexus. They didn’t talk much at first each a little hesitant as to what to say. Mac broke the ice a little by talking about JAG and work.
“What do you think of being stuck with a bunch of Marines, Harm?”
“I can handle it. So far we have pretty good people on the team.”
“I still don’t trust Beth Jacobs.”
“Are you ever going to tell me what she said?” Harm asked her.
“She said that you were good looking enough to forget about the uniform you wear...” Mac told him.
“So what made you mad, Mac...that she thought I was good looking or that she was willing to ignore the fact I’m Navy?” Harm asked Mac.
“What about the fact that she was willing to ignore the fact you are a senior officer and make a move on you?”
“You really think so? I didn’t sense that from her.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“What’s that suppose to mean Mac?”
“Nothing. Forget I said anything.”
“No...if you are feeling something doesn’t seem right then it needs to be explored.”
“I don’t want to talk about this. AJ enjoyed the movie tonight,” Mac said diverting Harm from the topic she had brought up after promising herself she wouldn’t.
“Yes. Did you?”
“Of course.”
“Even when AJ insisted we sit together?” Harm querird.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
“So have you got your Christmas shopping finished Harm? Mac asked changing the subject yet again trying to find something that she would feel comfortable talking about.
“Finished? No...but I have been thinking about what to get some people and I’m hitting a brick wall.”
“Any one I know?” Mac asked, relaxing again.
“Actually yes...Mattie has me stumped. I had two things in mind and her father has already bought both of them for her.”
“What were you thinking about?”
“One was a book on women in aviation history and the other was a sweater she fell in love with at the mall.”
“Girls always like clothes, Harm.”
“But anyone can get her clothes. The sweater was special because she spotted it when we were shopping together and I knew she wanted it and it would have been a surprise because she never said a word to me about it.”
“Read her mind did you?”
“No her face...it lit up when she saw it and fell when she walked away after looking at the price tag. It was hand made and more then her budget would allow. She had already bought one sweater after teasing me for it because it was the perfect color.”
“And the book?”
“Well I had told her that I had seen it and she said it sounded really interesting. I told her that we could look for it next time we went to the mall, and a week later she has the book...she told Tom about it and he went right out and bought it for her.”
“Tell me about some of the things you and Mattie did together that seemed special...or interests that you shared - like planes,” Mac suggested as they settled into their seats at the restaurant.
“Well, Mattie and I went to the National Zoo one day together. She had never been before and so we went together. She was such a little girl that day...eyes shining at the animals, clinging to my hand in the reptile house...” Harm smiled remembering their day together.
“What else?” Mac softly prodded, enjoying the look on his face as he talked about the special times with Mattie.
“I think scrabble became one of our favorite games. Jen, Mattie and I played for hours sometimes...and then teaching her to cook...”he smiled at the memory. “First few things she attempted alone were a disaster...but she got it eventually. She just needed to turn the heat down a little or be moire exact with her measurements.”
“You taught her to cook?” Mac grinned.
“Yes...and she learned a lot. So are you getting any good ideas fromthis walk down my memory lane of Mattie?”
“Actually I am...what about a charm bracelet or necklace that commemorates some of those memories of you together? They have charms in a wide price range, from simple silver and gold-plated to diamond encrusted and everthing in between.”
“That’s a great idea Mac...thanks.”
They had ordered their food while they talked and the waiter brought out the salads. For the remainder of the evening their conversation flowed freely about many things, but work never entered into it once.
Harm finished the last bite of his chocolate cake and coffee and sat back to watch Mac finishing her last bite. He smiled thinking about the way she enjoyed her food without worrying about her weight. He rarely splurged on dessert, but tonight he wanted to just enjoy the meal and not think about anything else, so he had indulged. As Mac finished, she looked up and Harm and smiled.
“I think I’d better run an extra five miles tomorrow after that meal.” Mac admitted.
“Is that how you are able to eat what you want and stay so fit?” Harm asked.
“It helps...but I was also blessed with a fast metabolism I think...I suspect someday that will change.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well, when I saw my mother that time when my father died, I was shocked to see how heavy she was. I remembered her as being very thin when I was a child.”
“And you father?”
“He was a thin man, but I assumed it was because he was in the Marines and later because he tended to drink rather then eat.”
“Liquor can put on the weight Mac...maybe you’re more like him then her,” Harm stopped when he saw her face and cringed. “Mac, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it came out...”
“I know Harm...it’s okay...I know you didn’t. Forget it, okay?” Mac tried to brush it off.
“No Mac...it’s not okay that I hurt your feelings - even if it was unintentional. “ am so sorry.”
“Harm, its really okay...can we go now?” Mac asked.
“Of course.” Harm called for the check and helped her on with her coat. Together they returned to the car. He stopped her before she got in. “Mac, I’m sorry if I ruined the evening. How can I make it up to you?”
Mac studied Harm’s face. She saw genuine concern and regret for his inadvertent comment that had brought her discomfort. In that moment the pain she had felt at his words went away and before she could stop herself she had kissed his cheek and said, “Let’s go walk around at the mall and see if we can find some charms for Mattie.”
“You don’t have to do that, Mac...”
“I know...but I thought it would be fun to see the Christmas lights and the shoppers will be out but it shouldn’t be too packed tonight. You up to it?”
“Yeah...let’s go.”
Side by side they walked around the mall looking at jewelry. They looked in a few department stores but Harm didn’t see anything that grabbed his eye. They walked into a popular chain of jewelry stores and Harm’s eyes lit up. He spotted a charm that looked like his beloved Tomcat and another that looked like his Stearman.
“Mac, look...” He pointed her to where he was looking. The clerk came over and asked if there was something he could show them.
“What do you have for charm systems...necklaces, bracelets...probably in gold,” Mac suggested to the clerk at Harm’s nod.
“Well, we have the traditional bracelets but many people prefer this hoop they where on a chain around their necks, or this one that can be worn as a necklace or a pin.”
Harm and Mac, with heads together studied the items the clerk set out for them. Harm finally chose the hoop that could be work as a necklace or a charm in 14 carat gold. He had picked out ten charms to look at closer when Mac suddenly realized he was thinking of buying all the memories at once. She stopped him.
“Harm, what would be the three most important memories right now that you and Mattie share? Don’t try to get them all right now. Have the fun of the charms is getting a new one every now and then to add to the collection. Three is a good number to start with.”
“Okay...then I would have to go with the two planes and the heart.”
“We can engrave the heart if you would like sir - up to 14 letters to a line and that one will fit four lines I believe.”
Harm thought for a minute and then wrote down, “Fair winds and following seas. Love Always, Harm.”
Mac saw what he had written and she felt a tear come to her eye.
“Harm that’s beautiful.”
“I gave her a note with a set of my wings when she left. It was clipped to a piece of paper that had those words on it.”
“Well the paper may fade or get lost, but she’ll always have your words now. It’s perfect.”
“You really think so Mac?”
“Yeah...I do. Mattie’s one lucky kid to have had you in her life.”
“What about you Mac? Do you consider yourself lucky or cursed to have known me?”
“Lucky of course...”
“Good...I meant what I said on the Admiral’s porch that night.”
“That I made complicated things too simple?” Mac whispered, as their eyes locked.
“No...that you’ll always have someone that loves you and I don’t want to lose you.”
Mac smiled then as she slipped her hand into Harm’s. Arrangements for the charms were made and Harm would pick them up the following weekend to give them time to be engraved and boxed. Together, Harm and Mac returned to the mall and wandered among the shoppers, hands still clasped, enjoying the atmosphere together.
CHAPTER 4
Friday, December 10, 2004
1930 Local
McMurphy’s Bar and Grill
Falls Church, Virginia
Mac walked into McMurphy’s and looked around for the Marine team and Harm. She spotted them in the back corner and Harm waved to her pointing to the chair next to him.
“Saved you a place Mac. What would you like to drink?”
“The usual,” she replied to the waiter who nodded as he went to get her a tonic water with a splash of cranberry juice, a slice of lime and a twist of lemon, with a cherry on top on ice. “Thanks, Harm” she said as she slipped into the seat that he held out for her.
“How was your meeting with Creswell and Sturgis?”
“Very interesting. It appears that Sturgis is having trouble getting his new people up to speed. They are competing with each other rather then working as a team and trying to compete against us. Creswell was asking how we were building camaraderie and handling those issues and I told him. He said it was about what he expected from a bunch of Marines and a ‘Marine wanna be’ like you.” Mac laughed at the stricken look on his face. “Harm, he was just teasing...he really respects what you are doing and he wouldn’t be saying things like that if he really thought them.”
“You have certainly changed your tune about Creswell.”
“Yes...thanks to you convincing me that he could have changed. He has in some ways, but in others he’s still a hard ass.”
“And you’re alright with how our team is doing?”
“Yes. Harm...”
“Yes Mac...”
“Why don’t we order some food for our team?” Mac suggested.
After they had placed the order, Harm and Mac sat back and watched Gunny and Janice on the dance floor while Beth and Mike discussed something at the other end of the table.
“You know Mac, I’ve been on alert all week watching Beth to see if she did or said anything to me that would indicate inappropriate interest in me. I haven’t seen anything. Am I missing it or has her interests shifted?”
“You know I was thinking the same thing. Maybe I got through to her last weekend, because she’s been all over Mike all week,” Mac noted.
“I’m still curious why you got so angry last week...”
“Let’s just agree that I over reacted and leave that topic alone. Can you do that?”
“Yes. Hey Mac, are you busy tomorrow?”
“Not all day.”
“Want to do some more shopping with me. I’ve got my mother and grandmother to buy for still...and Mattie’s gift to pick up.”
“Sure. What time?”
“What’s good for you?”
“Any time after fifteen hundred.”
“Okay...how about we shop, do dinner and maybe catch an adult movie?”
“Adult?”
“Well as opposed to a kids movie?” Harm blushed as he realized hos suggestive his remark had sounded.
“Sounds like fun. When should I be ready?”
“Sixteen hundred?”
“Looking forward to it.”
“Care to dance?” Harm asked as the music on the old juke box started on an old familiar tune that Bud, Harm and Mac had all played one night about seven years ago.
“Thanks.”
Mac placed her hand in Harm’s and together they moved onto the dance floor. They were both enjoying the moment so neither of them spotted the look Beth Jacobs shot in their direction or heard the words she muttered to Mike McBurney.
“Those two think they are so perfect. She warned me about inappropriate behavior when I commented that he’s good looking, yet they’re so close you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins. I wonder what Creswell would think of this.”
“Beth, you aren’t going to start trouble are you?”
“Not me.” Beth smiled as she watched Harm and Mac move across the dance floor together.
Mike McBurney studied the young woman that he had been partnered with. There were times he respected her skills as a lawyer and other times he felt she was trouble and could not find it in himself to trust her.
On the dance floor, Harm guided Mac, around the floor to the music, enjoying the chance to hold her close to him. As the song drew to an end he looked down at her.
“Still think I think of you as a sister?”
“No...we’re friends...and you’ve said you don’t think of me as a sister.”
“So you’ve decided to believe me?”
“Yes.”
“Dance with me again, Mac. Give me a chance to remove all doubts from your mind.” Mac nodded and Harm pulled her close again. This time she felt his thighs brush hers and felt his lips against her hair. By the end of the dance, she thought she could feel his arousal pressed between them, but she didn’t want to assume something more then what was there, so she ignored it, not allowing herself to believe that her body had that effect on him.
As they turned to go back to the table after the song ended, Harm whispered to Mac, “You’d better walk right in front of me or we both might be embarrassed.” Again Mac did as she was asked, still not believing that he was really indicating what it sounded like.
They took their seats at the table and spent the next half hour or so chatting with Gunny, Janice, Beth and Mike. After that, Harm indicated that he needed to leave, and Mac agreed. They left the bar together and Harm offered to follow Mac home. She suggested they he come up for coffee and dessert before heading home. He agreed and Mac cut each of them a slice of moist yellow cake with a peanut butter frosting to go with the coffee.
After they had talked their way through the cake and coffee, Mac walked Harm to the door. They made plans to run together the next day and then to have dinner together on Saturday evening.
Harm stood looking down at Mac and before he could change his mind, he leaned down and kissed her. It wasn’t a long kiss, but it left a tingle on Mac’s lips as she watched him swagger down the hall of her apartment building, her fingers lightly touching her lips in amazement.
0100 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm turned over in bed again. He had been tossing and turning all night, not able to get Sarah Mackenzie out of his thoughts and as a result unable to relax and fall asleep. On one hand he had been encouraged by the fact that she had agreed to dance with him, but on the other he was getting frustrated that she either didn’t realize or didn’t care that he wanted so much more with her. He had discovered years ago that when she was hurting over something, he wanted to fix it and make it better. He had gone about his early attempts all wrong and had at times driven a wedge further between them. But after losing everything that matter in the spring of 2003, he hoped he would be able to learn from his mistakes and start doing things right.
He had bided his time for months after Clay’s death and Mac’s medical concerns. If she indicated she wanted space, he gave it to her. He took her at her word, but always let her know, ‘I’m doing this because you’ve asked and I’ll be here when you are ready,’ so that she would understand that he was listening to her and giving her the control. But it had been six months and now he felt the need to start letting her know in little non-threatening ways what he wanted. He would still give her the control, but he wanted her to know what her options were. Tonight he had taken a big gamble dancing with her the way he had and hinting that he was aroused from dancing with her. When she had not shown any particular reaction, he had decided to risk it and kiss her goodnight. At the last minute, he had decided to keep it light and make it a quick kiss. It hadn’t helped - he was still having trouble finding sleep. Perhaps the fact they were spending time together this weekend would help. He made up his mind then, to give in to the little urges - like taking her hand in his, dropping a kiss on her cheek or maybe even her lips once in awhile, and of course asking her to spend time with him not related to work.
0100 Local
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown
Mac sat by the window looking out at the street, her fingers still resting against her lips. Her long sleeve white cotton nightgown gave her an almost unreal image in the moonlight. She thought back over the past few weeks. Harm had changed or was changing. Professionally she knew he had matured and although he still went after the truth, he did it in a much more planned and thoughtful way. But it was the personal changes that had her feeling confused.
She and Harm had finally reestablished their friendship. It was hard not to when someone was there for you saying and doing the things you needed. Mattie going back to her father had given Mac a chance to be there for Harm after his quiet unwavering support through the fiasco with Webb and her medical issues. She thought back to the night of the Admiral’s Dining-out and their talk on yet again another porch.
While Harm had vowed that he would always be there for her and made the baby deal open ended for her if she wanted it, he had also not expressed his feelings for her. She knew he was the best friend she had ever had. At that time she still believed Webb to be dead, and wasn’t ready to even consider anything more with anyone, yet deep down the love she felt for Harm was still there. She had pushed it down and buried it because she didn’t think Harm would ever return it and so to protect herself she had ignored what she felt for him and convinced herself that it was someone else that she loved. There had been too much for her to deal with for her to allow herself to face the truth.
Lately she had begun to sense that there was more to what Harm felt for her then what she was seeing. So at time like this she thought about what Harm was doing and saying and what it might mean. She thought back to the dancing earlier this evening.
For some reason Harm still remembered her commented about dancing with his sister and was denying it. She knew he had been on duty that evening and it explained his distraction, but she had just hoped that he would be tempted by holding her in his arms and dancing close. Yet tonight, he had brought it up again. She thought back to the first dance. Nothing stood out in her mind, but during the second dance, he had held her closer, more intimately. She remembered wondering if what she was feeling was his arousal and dismissed it, but now thinking about it, the comment about walking in front of him to prevent embarrassment might indeed have been so his discomfort would not be visible to their team.
Mac shook her head and groaned as she spoke aloud to herself, “Of course you idiot. He had reacted physically to dancing close to you and he was embarrassed by it. You wouldn’t react to a friend like that and that’s why he didn’t want anyone to notice.”
“But what about that kiss at my door?” Mac asked herself then.
“That was just a light, goodnight kiss. Nothing special.” Mac had finally felt that she had figured out where Harm’s head was and decided to go to bed. At least she knew that Harm was her friend Harm. He wouldn’t purposely do anything to embarrass her and he would enjoy spending time with her like always. The least she could do was accept his friendship. It was better then nothing, after all. Once again she longed to have Harm state his intentions. She hated not being sure and guessing.
0830 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
Staring out the window at the falling snow and sleet, Harm checked the time to see if it was too early to call Mac. They had agreed to meet at Rock Creek Park to run not thinking about the time of year or having heard the pending forecast. Deciding that Mac wouldn’t strangle him for calling too early, he picked up his phone and hit the speed-dial button for her number. Mac asnswered on the second ring.
“Mackenzie.”
“Hey there...any sunshine at your house - besides your smile?” Harm grinned as he imagined the look on her face at his flowery question.
“No...but I have an idea...”
“What’ that?”
“We could go to the club and work out...the new one that I got the complimentary passes for. Want to give it a try?”
“Sure.”
“Great, I’ll meet you there in half an hour or so.”
“Mac, wait...the roads are really not good out there and the Corvette is not good on slippery roads. Let me pick you up in the SUV.”
“Thanks, Harm...”
“And Mac?”
“Yes?”
“Why don’t you pack a bag and come over here with me afterwards. We can grab a bite to eat and then walk over to the train station and go to the mall and do some shopping and then take the train back here. I’ll take you home after we eat if you want.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
“Okay...See you in when you get here...and drive carefully.”
1012 Local
Harvey’s Fitness Center
Georgetown
After trying each piece of equipment in the place, the circuit stations, and the boxing bags, Harm and Mac decided to run on the indoor track that was part of the center. A special hall with windows to outside and indoor areas had been built around the entire facility that dipped underground to create hills where it went under exits. Four laps were equal to one mile. They ran past indoor tennis, racquetball and handball courts, the indoor swimming pool, the weight room, circuit room, the cycling center, aerobic room, and the office and lobby area. By using a chip installed in a wrist, arm, or ankle band, their distance and time was tracked and a read out near the ‘finish line’ provided a digital read out on their progress. As many as four runners would show at a time on the four lane track. As they were approaching the end of the ten mile run, Mac suggested they run a few more miles to cool down. Harm agreed to her suggestion.
“You sure it won’t be too much for you, Harm? I mean you aren’t a young man anymore.”
“I can do it. I’m young at heart, Mac...that counts for a lot.”
“Maybe Harm...but if we’re going shopping I don’t want you to collapse after all this exercise and the walking we’ll do later.” Mac grinned as he shot her an indignant look.
“I’ll remind you Mac, I must be in top shape or the Navy wouldn’t have agreed to send me to qualify on F-18's.”
“No...they just need to boost the economy by making sure enough of those planes crash that it gives industry a boost. They figure you must be good for at least two or three more!”
“Mac! That’s not nice...” Harm slowed almost too a stop. “You wound me...”
“Harm, I’m just kidding...I didn’t mean it...really...you are a good pilot...” Mac rushed to reassure Harm. Too late she realized he had set her up and she had fallen for it. She caught his wide smile and twinkling eyes and retaliated by slapping his arm. They both laughed and returned to the steady pace they had set for the final couple of laps. That exchange seemed to set the tone for the day.
After cooling down they separated to hit the showers in the locker rooms and agreed to meet in the lobby. Harm was looking at the membership prices posted near the desk when Mac joined him.
“Ready?”
“This is a great facility. It might be good to join for the winter. You thinking about it?” Harm asked as they started walking toward Harm’s car.
“It is nice and the price for a single membership is steep.”
“True, but they have a partner’s membership - not quite a two for one deal but it would make it reasonable.”
“Really...I didn’t notice that. I guess I don’t focus on things for two anymore.”
Harm glanced at Mac a little sideways as they pulled out onto the street. The snow had stopped and the roads were clear.
“It doesn’t say what kind of partners Mac...and we are partners at work - right?”
“It’s kind of out of your way Harm....”
“Not if I go before or after work.”
“It might work...” Mac said thoughtfully.
“Hey I have an idea...the roads are better, what if we drive over to the mall and eat there and do our shopping now. You up for that?”
“See...I knew you wouldn’t be up to walking to the train station and shopping after doing those extra miles!” Mac grinned in triumph.
“That has nothing to do with it...I figured this way if we bought more then we could carry we could take it out to the car and then go back for more...”
“Sure you did...”
“I did...but if you want to limit yourself and take the train...”
“No that’s okay...your second idea had merit. Let’s go...and I’ll have steak for lunch by the way.”
“Deal. Steak house it is. They have great salads there and a broiled chicken that is mouth watering...” Harm happily drove them to the mall and found a parking spot just three spaces from the main door to the mall.
CHAPTER 5
1659 Local
Old Post Office Mall
Washington DC
After eating they had picked up the jewelry Harm had ordered the previous week for Mattie. They hit the toy store and each picked out gifts for AJ and Jimmy. Next on their lists were Bud and Harriet’s unborn babies. Mac convinced Harm to go with her into the Baby Gap store and together they picked out some appropriate baby gifts. Harm decided to get two baby books and Mac went for the matching Christening gowns. From there they had followed each other in and out of a variety of stores...sometimes buying and sometimes walking away with nothing.
At fourteen hundred, Harm had taken the first load of bags out to the car. Mac had opted to go into a men’s store and buy a gift for Harm while he was gone. She had noticed that he liked the matching shirt and tie look judging from the civilian clothes she had seen him wear. Mattie had also mentioned it one time in passing, and for some reason it stuck. Mac had picked out a shimmery shirt and tie that looked gray at first, but as the light caught it, it reflected a lot of subtle colors almost like a muted rainbow. It would go well with many colors and was as changeable as those beautiful green-blue-gray-brown eyes of his. She also spotted a tie tack that was plain, masculine and engraved with the words, ‘My Best Friend’. Mac added it to her purchases. Fearful of being discovered in the store, Mac rushed through the check out and into the store next door where she found the perfect gift for Chloe. She had just left that store when Harm caught up with her. He had obviously shopped on his way back in, as he was carrying a small bag as well.
They had continued shopping and Harm found gifts for his mother, Frank, his grandmother, his brother and sister-in-law, and a little something for Chloe as well.
They had covered the entire mall and were in the food court sipping coffee and deciding on their next action.
“So Harm, do you need to get anything more here tonight?”
“No...I think I’ve just about finished, thanks to your help. I need to worry about getting this stuff boxed and wrapped now.”
“I’ll tell you what...feed me dinner and I’ll even help you wrap presents.” Mac offered.
“You don’t have to do that Mac...”
“I know I don’t have to...I’d like to...I’ve had fun with you today.”
“Me too...what would you like to eat?”
“Pizza?”
“We can order when we get home and have it delivered.”
“Okay. Let’s go.”
Together they made their way back to the main door and out to the parking lot. Harm held the door open for Mac and shut it after she settled in the seat.
1730 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
After a heavily laden trip upstairs with all of their things, they ordered the pizza and then separated out their packages. Mac tucked the gift for Harm into her bag when he ran upstairs to his bedroom to get the Christmas paper out. She heard him rummaging around and talking to himself.
“Harm? Everything okay?”
“Yes...I must have taken the Christmas paper down to the garage. I’ll go get it,” he stated as he came down the steps just as the knock came on the door. Harm answered it and paid for their pizza.
“Let’s eat and then I’ll go down and get it.”
Mac agreed and they sat at the island to eat their pizza as the table was covered with gifts waiting to be wrapped. After they ate, Mac cleaned up while Harm went to the garage. He returned fifteen minutes later with a crestfallen look.
“It’s gone?”
“What’s gone, Harm?”
“The Christmas paper...I thought I had some and its gone.”
“Okay...I bought some, but its not enough for everything.”
“Want to go out again and get some wrapping stuff with me?”
“Sure.”
“Feel like walking?”
“Of course.”
“Good, there’s a store on the corner that we can walk to that should have what we need.”
Together they walked the four blocks to the store Harm had suggested. They bought festive tissue paper, decorative wrap, box assortments, clear tape, stickers, ribbon, bows, and tags.
The temperature had dropped while they were out and the sidewalks were beginning to ice over. By the time they got back to Harm’s building, it had started to sleet and the roads were getting bad.
“I guess we’d better wait to wrap the gifts, Mac. Roads are getting bad...unless you want to stay over...”
“Sure...I can do that. I have my bag with me...”
“You can take the bed...I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“Harm, that’s not necessary...I’ve slept on your couch before.”
“I know...I’m trying to be a gentleman.”
“I appreciate it...but I’ll be fine on your couch. Now let’s start wrapping.”
“Aye, aye, Ma’am!” Harm grinned at her.
When they were done, they had two piles of gifts. They carefully put Mac’s wrapped gifts back in the bags, while Harm’s were stacked on the end of his table.
“Too bad you didn’t have a tree. You could put everything under it.”
“I do...want to help me decorate?”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. I got an artificial tree - a really good one - about four years ago and I only put it up once. I saw it when I was downstairs before. Wait here and I’ll go get it.”
“Do you have decorations?”
“Yes.”
“Then let me come down with you and we’ll bring those up too.”
2328 Local
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm and Mac sat on the sofa sipping their hot apple cider, looking at the Christmas tree with its sparkling lights, silver and gold garland, silver and gold star on top, and an odd assortment of ornaments. Some were gifts and others were childhood mementos.
(FLASHBACK)
Harm picked up one ornament and tossed it aside. His reaction got Mac’s attention.
“What’s that one Harm?”
“Nothing...don’t want to put that one up.”
“Let me see it.” Harm reluctantly handed over the gold satin ball with the blue embroidery that showed the letters H and R in a heart shape.
“From Renee?”
“Yes.”
“Do you ever hear from her?”
“No...her mother sends me a note every now and then. I’ve never responded back.”
“Not even once?”
“Actually I did...I sent them a bond for each of the babies when they were born...but that’s all.”
“Harm’s its okay. Renee was a big part of your life for two years.”
“Yeah...and you’ve been a bigger part of my life for over eight.”
“And I drive you crazy, right?”
“In ways I can’t tell you...I’m sorry Mac...that didn’t come out very good...we’ve had fun today and I don’t want to ruin that.”
“Do you think sticking your foot in your mouth is going to ruin our friendship?”
“Maybe...I don’t want to risk it.”
Mac smiled and placed her hand on his arm. “You won’t. I’ve learned my lesson...I need your friendship Harm...I can admit that now.”
“Good.”
(End Flashback)
The gifts were under the tree adding to the perfect picture. Mac rested her head on Harm’s upper arm.
“Comfortable?” Harm spoke softly.
“Hmmm.”
“Tired?”
“Not on your life...”
“Do Marines ever sleep?”
“Don’t know...I do sometimes...”
“But you’re not tired tonight?”
“No...I’m content.”
“I’m glad.”
“Why?”
“It’s a good sign,” Harm murmured.
“Good for what?”
“I don’t know...us...our friendship...the future...”
“Oh.”
“You don’t think it’s a good start?”
“I do....”
“I since some hesitation in your voice, Mac.”
“Not about our friendship...I told you earlier...”
“You need my friendship...and it works both ways.”
“I guess that’s why I feel content...its like everything seems to be fitting into to place...and it seems like its been a long, long time since I’ve felt like things felt right.”
“But being here with me this evening - today - has felt right?” Harm asked hopefully.
“Yes.” Hearing her response, Harm started to move his arm and Mac sat up until Harm stopped her.
“Mac, wait...I just thought I’d take another risk...” He slid his arm around her and pulled her toward him. After a few seconds she relaxed again, resting her head more on his chest and shoulder while his arm wrapped around her and his hand rest against her side and hip. “How’s that?”
“Nice...you know I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”
“What’s that?”
“I think you look better now that you’re not a ‘stick-boy’ anymore.”
“Stick-boy!” Harm laughed, “You