Title: Changing the Status Quo

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: This story begins during season 8 after ‘When the Bough Breaks’. It touches on a few of the season 8 episodes before but for the most part departs into a world of my own making. I guess this is what they refer to as alternate universe. I have abandoned the timeline as we saw it on TV so that I could fit it in to the way I developed the story. Please don’t get all freaky about it...if you can’t suspend your timeline from TV then the story will drive you crazy.

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.

Changing the Status Quo

CHAPTER 1

Harm watched the activities on dock as the crowd gathered waiting for the USS Seahawk to dock and allow its occupants to reunite with their loved ones. During the two weeks that Mac had covered for Lt. Singer on board the Seahawk, Harm had missed her, realizing as well how much closer they had gotten.

There was so much he wanted to talk to her about. He was still haunted by doubts as to the father of Singer’s baby. Something told him that his half-brother Sergei Zhucov was the father of that baby. He had grown more and more frustrated with Loren’s refusals to name the father and her apparent disregard for the health of the unborn child.

With Mac away he hadn’t been able to talk to her about it. It wasn’t something he wanted to put in an email and their phone calls were short and dealt with business only. Still it had been good to hear her voice the two times he had a reason to call. He had emailed her that he would meet her when they docked and she had said it wasn’t necessary. He had told her she was right it wasn’t necessary but her really wanted too meet her and provide her with transportation back to Washington, D.C. unless she did not want him to. Her response had been a simple ‘thank you - see then.’

Now he stood in his worn jeans and gray sweater under the leather jacket, while leaning against his Corvette with his sneaker clad feet crossed at the ankles. He had been on-board ships when they docked several times and he had also flown off the deck of carriers prior to docking and landed at airfields. He hadn’t met the ship dressed as a civilian before.

It was a new experience to see how family members must feel waiting for their loved one to disembark. Seeing the ship come in with sailors lining the decks, waving and cheering trying to pick out their friends and family was a new look for Harm. They were still too far away and small to be sure who anyone was, although looking for a Marine uniform and a woman gave him a bit of an advantage.

Harm watched as sailors began to stream off the ship. Some had liberty right away, while others would remain on board to secure the ship and do repairs until a new shift came along to relieve them. Then they would get their liberty. Harm knew that as temporary JAG on board, Mac would be among those leaving the ship in the first wave.

Finally he spotted her as she walked down the ramp. He followed her with his eyes and heard some of the whistles that men in the crowd dished out. She ignored them and kept walking coming closer to him with every step. Finally he stood up and started walking toward her. He knew the second she spotted him, as her face lit up in a beautiful smile.

Neither of them said a word until she finally stopped walking when she was directly in front of him. Reacting instinctively, Mac reached her arms up as if she was going to hug him around the neck at the same time he reached his arms out for her. Their momentum carried her into his arms where he wrapped them around her waist while hers settled on his shoulders. They stood there just holding each other. Harm finally spoke the first words between them.

“Welcome Home, Mac,” Harm murmured. Slowly she slid from his embrace.

“Thanks...I wasn’t expecting to be greeted that way. How come?”

“It just felt right...besides, I thought you started it,” Harm told her.

“Maybe I did...I guess we’ve said good-bye more times then we’ve said hello.”

“Could be...You know...I found myself missing you when you were gone...more then I ever have before,” Harm confided in Mac.

“Really? That’s kind of nice to hear.”

“Did you miss me? I mean...you know...did it seem strange not having me around?”

“Fishing, Commander?” Mac teased.

“A little maybe...”

“Actually, I did find myself thinking, ‘I wonder if Harm would agree with me on this,’ or ‘I wish I could run this by Harm’ a few times.”

“Only a few times?” Harm asked as he nudged her shoulder.

“Yes...I’m not risking inflating your ego anymore then it already is,” Mac told him. Harm laughed.

“Let me take your bag, and we’ll get headed back. Okay?” suggested Harm.

“I can carry it..”

“I know you can, but let me do this for you...please?” Mac gave into Harm’s pleading and watched him stow her gear before climbing into the little vintage sports car.

The three plus hour drive from Norfolk to Washington D.C. on a good day could be tricky with the traffic. Today, with all the additional cars coming and going from the docks, it was going to be closer to a four hour drive if al went well.

The cozy confines of the restored Corvette with its custom gear-shift knob between them could have created an uncomfortable atmosphere mocking the newest step in their dance or it could enhance the new closeness they had been feeling since the JAG-a-thon last fall. The gentle smiles they cast at each other and the slightest brushing of his fingers against her leg heightened their awareness of each other. The two weeks apart had left them lonesome for the other. On this day in this car Harm and Mac reached a new level of comfort with each other that included just a hint of the physical relationship they could have with each other.

They had traveled for about half an hour when Harm pulled into a rest area on the highway.

“What are you doing Harm?” Mac asked looking at him with a puzzled frown on her face.

He reached into the back of the car and grabbed a plastic bag handing it to her.

“I thought that you would appreciate having some civilian clothes to travel in so I enlisted Harriet’s help and brought some things for you. Would you like to change?” Harm asked with a smile.

“Thank you...” Mac looked into the bag. “Jeans...sweater...sneakers...Oh Harm, this is wonderful...thank you!” Mac grabbed the things, jumped out of the car and jogged into the restrooms. She emerged a short time later looking and feeling more carefree then he had seen her in some time.

“Feel better,” he asked.

“Yes. Let’s go,” Mac smiled as she refastened her seat belt and tossed her uniform into the back.

Harm pulled out onto the highway again and they headed toward Washington DC in the mid-afternoon traffic. Before long they were entering the Chesapeake Bay tunnel. Harm knew that this was one of the toughest sections of the trip for Mac. He decided to get her thinking about other things as they drove to make the time go faster for her.

“Mac, you know how I got those calls you were suspicious about when I was on the Seahawk with you?”

“Yes...are you finally going to tell me what that was all about?”

“Yes...but I hope you don’t get mad at me.”

“Well, I won’t know until you tell me...so start talking, Mister.”

“I know you were investigating Singer...but I got to thinking about a couple of things and I wanted to check them out before I said anything. I called Tracy Manetti to do some leg work...but I didn’t tell her what I was looking for exactly. I just said that if she found it she’d probably know it.”

“And what did she find out?” Mac asked, her curiosity peaked.

“Loren was seen in Benzinger’s the night before she shipped out getting real cozy with an average looking sandy haired man and they were making eyes at each other.”

“So the father was someone she knew before she got on board the ship after all. Do you know who it was?”

Harm didn’t say anything right away and then said, “I confronted Loren about it on the way back. She would neither confirm or deny what I suspected.”

“So are you going to tell me or not, Harm?” Mac asked beginning to feel a little impatient as much from the tunnel as from Harm’s lack of sharing information.

“Mac, I don’t know...I mean Singer really wanted to keep the identity private. I don’t know if I should share my suspicions. Of course if you put two and two together....” Harm hinted hoping that she would make a guess. “I would tell you whether we were on the same page or not of course.”

“Harm...there are a lot of guys that match the description of average looking with sandy hair...your brother included...Oh Harm! You think Loren and Sergei....?”

“I don’t know Mac...but he was awfully taken with her. They had the opportunity the day of her send-off at JAG. Sergei came by to say good-bye to her because he knew he would be leaving and when he discovered she would soon be shipping out...they might have had their own little party. She’s the one he called to pick him up when I was running late. She took him to the airport instead of me.”

“So you think that Loren is carrying your niece or nephew?” Mac asked amazed at this turn of events.

“I don’t know...but I do know she is threatening to get an abortion. Harriet tried to make her rethink it. I tried talking to her. I told her that if it was Sergei’s and she didn’t want the baby, she could give it to me to raise.”

“You are kidding, aren’t you? Harm, what do you know about caring for a baby?” Mac demanded.

“Nothing much...but I can learn. Mac, if that baby belongs to Sergei he has a right to know.”

“Yes...”

“And if neither of them want it, then I do. I don’t want a Rabb child to grow up without a father or feeling lost.”

“Harm listen to yourself...”

“No Mac...listen to yourself...you’re sounding like Sturgis.”

“Ah, yes...Sturgis. Has he recovered yet from us arguing about who stayed and who headed home?”

“No Mac...I’m not sure Sturgis can recover from that. I don’t think he understands how we can be so stubborn with each other.”

“Sometimes I don’t understand it either Harm...” Mac told him. “Do you?”

“Yeah...I think I do but I’m not sure I can explain it to you.” His voice soft as he spoke, he glanced at her and smiled.

“Give it a try anyway,” Mac directed returning his smile. Before Harm could respond his attention was distracted by a car speeding by him and swerving in close in front of him in the narrow tunnel. Brakes squealing and horns blowing in the steady traffic flow as other drivers adjusted to the dangerous driver in their midst.

“That was close! You okay Mac?” Harm asked seeing how pale she was sitting beside him. “Hey...take a breath...we’ll be out of here soon.” Harm tried to reassure her and reached for her hand. It was ice cold in his. “Mac are you cold?”

“No...young hands, warm heart right?” Mac tried a feeble joke, her voice still shaky.

“If that’s the case Marine, you are about to self-combust. I think I can see the end up ahead...it won’t be long and I’ll pull over so you can get out if you want.”

“Harm, I’ll be fine. I just want to go home.”

“Your wish is my command.” Harm continued to hold her hand as long as he could. He felt her hand warm in his and relax. When he glanced over again, she was asleep. The rest of the trip to her apartment was made in silence as she slept. She sat up suddenly when he stopped the car in the parking space by her apartment.

“Home?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, I guess I was more tired then I realized,” Mac admitted as she unhitched her seat belt and climbed out of the car. Harm had already unfolded his length from the little car and reached into the back for her things by the time she got out. She picked up her purse from the floor beside her and took out her key.

“Harm, I can get this,” Mac started to protest.

“I know, but my guess is that you’re as hungry as I am - maybe more so - and I thought I’d join you for the pizza I ordered which is going to be delivered here in about five minutes.”

“When did you call?”

“While you were sleeping...”

“Thank you.” Mac smiled and headed for her apartment. It was going to feel good to be home.

Over pizza they talked more about Harm’s belief that Sergei was the father of Loren’s child.

“Harm, listen...you say that you don’t want a Rabb child growing up without his father. Loren is saying she’s going to have an abortion. That means no child,” Mac tried to get him to see the reality of the situation and the flaw in his thinking.

“How can she do that, Mac? Could you get rid of a baby like that?” Harm demanded visibly shaken at the idea of her intentionally getting rid of the baby.

“No, but I’m not in Loren’s situation. Maybe there’s more to it then she’s telling us. Maybe Sergei really isn’t the baby’s father. Maybe something happened and she feels that she could never love the baby because of her relationship with the father. We don’t know all the facts Harm, and you were right....Loren has a right to privacy,” Mac told him.

“You agree with her getting an abortion? Mac that surprises me. I guess I didn’t know you as well as I thought I did,” Harm stormed as he got up and grabbed his jacket.

“Harm! Where are you going?” Mac asked as he headed for the door.

“To see Loren...try and talk some sense into her...”

“Harm stop!”

“Don’t do this...not when you’re angry. Calm down and then I’ll go with you,” Mac told him as she wrapped her hands around his arm to halt his progress. She felt him stop and slowly relax under her hands.

“Okay...I think I need to go home...think about some of what you said...” He turned toward her then and smiled, bending down to kiss her cheek. “I’m glad you’re home.”

“Me too. Will I see you tomorrow?” Mac asked him as she relaxed her hold and caressed his arm instead. Before her TAD they had taken up running and working out together on weekends again as they had before her relationship with Brumby.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he smiled. “Meet you at Rock Creek Park at zero-eight hundred?”

“See you then...and thanks again for coming to get me and feeding me.” Mac smiled and watched him trot down her hallway before she shut the door and familiarized herself with her home and her tub again.

CHAPTER 2

Monday Morning

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

“Harm, give it up! I beat you fair and square yesterday,” Mac laughed as they stepped of the elevator together and approached JAG ops. Commander Sturgis Turner was near the copier and looked up as he heard the arguing and laughter coming from the hall to the elevator.

“Welcome back, Colonel Mackenzie. You seem in fine spirits this morning,” greeted Commander Turner.

“Thank you Sturgis, and yes, it’s a wonderful morning. Commander Rabb is still pouting however, because I beat him yesterday,” Mac informed Harm’s old squad mate.

“Maaaccc...” Harm protested. “Do you have to tell everyone?”

“Of course not Harm...just the ones that can help me rub it in a little,” Mac laughed.

“How did you manage to pull that off with Mr. Competitor, Colonel?” Sturgis asked getting into the fun Mac was having at Harm’s expense.

“She cheated,” Harm accused, although smiling.

“I did not.”

“You declared a race as soon as you saw me sprinting, Mac. That’s cheating!”

“Wouldn’t sprinting give you an advantage Harm?” asked Sturgis.

“Not when I was just slowing down to meet her. I’d already run four miles before I met up with her. She was just getting out of her car, stretching, running in place, and she starts jogging toward me watching me in an all out sprint - and she hollers race and takes off down the trail. I claim it was cheating.” Harm defended himself to Sturgis.

“Excuse me, Ma’am...sirs...the Admiral would like to see you right away,” Tiner told them effectively ending the latest round of the debate.

“Thanks Tiner,” Harm turned back to Mac, “We’re not done with this yet.”

Mac and Sturgis followed Harm to the Admiral’s office. Mac and Harm set their things on the table outside the Admiral’s door as Sturgis knocked.

‘Enter! At ease...have a seat,” Admiral AJ Chegwidden barked and directed them as he watched his senior team file into his office. “Good to have you back Colonel. I trust you suffered no ill effects from your stint as shipboard JAG.”

“No sir. I’m beginning to miss the relative peace and quiet already sir,” Mac smiled in a subtle attempt to needle Harm a little more.

“Yes, well, from th sounds of it when you got off the elevator this morning I can understand why you’re feeling that way. Commander Rabb,” the Admiral turned his attention to the tall naval officer.

“Yes sir.”

“You let a Marine pull a fast one on you like that?”

“Sir?”

“Need to be more alert and prepared for counter measured in the future, Commander. Excellent strategy Colonel.”

“Thank you sir.” Mac grinned in spite of her desire to keep a straight face. She kind of liked it when the Admiral jumped into the middle of one of their challenges.

“Well, with that settled, let’s get on to the business of the day, shall we?” Admiral Chegwidden directed them. “I have been notified that Bud will be landing at Andrews tomorrow morning at eleven hundred. I’ve spoken to Harriet, and she would welcome our company if anyone would like to join us to meet his transport.”

“Thank you sir...I’ll be there,’ Harm announced. Mac and Sturgis also indicated they wanted to be there.

“Very good. We can go together in my vehicle if you would like. Now I have a case for you. Sturgis I would like you to work with Commander Manetti to prosecute on this case. I’d you and Rabb to defend, Colonel.”

“Yes sir, Mac said as she took the folder the Admiral handed her. I take it the two of you can stop squabbling long enough to work together.”

“”Yes sir,” Harm spoke up knowing that their ‘squabble’ had just been in good fun and that it was easily set aside for the case.

“Very well, I don’t think I need to remind any of you that this case could either be a feather in our caps or blow up in our faces. That’s why I have the four of you on it together.”

“Yes sir.” All three of them chorused.

“Commander Turner, Manetti should be back tomorrow. She’s been part of the investigation on this case along with Rabb. Any questions? Very well, dismissed.”

They picked up their things as they left his office, and headed to their own offices.

“You want to grab some coffee and then get started on reviewing the facts of the case and seeing how we want to proceed with the defense?” Harm asked Mac as they reached his office.

“Sure. Want me to grab you a cup too?” Mac asked Harm.

“Thanks...See you in a few.”

Three hours later, Harm closed the file and leaned back in his chair.

“What do you think Mac?”

“I think that Sturgis and Tracy are going to give us a run for our money on this one.”

“Do you think we should try to deal?” Harm asked her.

“No...I think the Captain is innocent. I think he’s been set up by a master and I think that despite the damning evidence against him, we can still create reasonable doubt. We need to spend some time with Captain Girradi and do more interviews to see if we can’t find someone that saw something or someone that can provide him with an alibi.”

“Good, then we’re on the same page. I’ve really missed working with you, you know.” Harm told her.

Her smile was the only answer she gave.

Other then the trip to Andrews to welcome Bud home, Harm and Mac worked steadily on the case through out the day and into the evening. They selected the members on Thursday and were told that they would begin opening statements on the following Tuesday. As they left the courtroom on Thursday afternoon, they made their arrangements for the evening.

“Mac, look, we’ve had a long hectic week getting ready for this case. Why don’t we forget the working dinner tonight,” Harm suggested. They had worked at the office and ordered in one night, his apartment one evening and hers the next all week. Harm was getting tired of take out and was looking forward to a home cooked meal. The one thing he wasn’t tired of was the company. He knew the second he saw Mac’s face when she heard his comment, that he hadn’t made his intentions clear enough.

“Oh...okay...”Mac responded fighting to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

“Instead,” Harm continued, “why don’t you come over and relax and let me fix dinner for us.” He watched her face and the smile that flickered there, still very controlled.

“Harm, you don’t have to feed me tonight. I can fix my own dinner,” Mac protested mildly.

“I promise I won’t make meatless meatloaf or tofu burgers for you...I was thinking about grilled salmon, baked potato, tossed salad...real food Mac...what do you say?” Harm pleaded.

 “It does sound good, Harm, but you must be getting sick of me.”

“No way, Marine...I’m sick of working dinners, take-out food, but not the company I’ve enjoyed all week. Come on...I even have dessert planned,” he teased baiting the hook with a little more to entice her to relax with him.

“Well....”

“Brownie Sundaes with coffee ice cream and homemade fudge sauce...” Harm watched fighting his victory smile knowing he had her hooked and she would cave any second.

“You don’t play fair, Rabb...What time do you want me there?” Mac caved with a groan.

“Eighteen thirty work for you?” Harm asked. ‘Who ever said the way to a man’s heart is through their stomach had never met his Marine,’ Harm thought to himself feeling satisfied that he had managed to get her to agree to dinner in his home with him ‘just because’.

“Sounds good...Anything I can bring?” Mac asked letting herself relax again as she smiled up at her tall partner.

“Just yourself...and your appetite.”

“See you later,” Mac nodded as she went to her office to secure her space. Harm hurried to his own office to secure for the evening so he could stop and pick up the rest of the groceries for the dinner he had promised Mac.

After putting the coffee ice cream in the freezer when he arrived home, he got out of his uniform, throwing on sweats and a t-shirt. He made the brownies first so they could cool and put the potatoes into bake at the same time. He made his fudge sauce so that it would only have to be reheated later when they were ready for it. He put the salmon in to marinate while he chopped up the salad fixings.

By the time he took the brownies out to cool he was ready to set the table. He had picked up some flowers and a new pillar candle which he set on the table. Checking the time he decided he would shower and change into something more respectable then the sweat pants he was wearing. If he had realized how sexy they made him look and how irresistible Mac had found him when he had worn them in Russia several years ago, he might not have changed. But Harm wasn’t thinking that the evening would lead any further then the two of them just relaxing in each others company. He wasn’t even sure that Mac would want to explore that kind of relationship with him anymore. He, however, was hoping that tonight would be the first of many more ‘date like’ evenings between them.

Across town in her Georgetown apartment, Mac had showered and was standing in front of her closet in her bra and underpants trying to decide what to wear. There was something different about this evening with Harm. It was almost like he was asking her for a date...but then it was her friend Harm and she knew he liked to cook. Still, something told her that ragged jeans and a t-shirt would not be the thing to wear. Her eyes landed on a dress and then slid away.

What if Harm wasn’t looking at this as a date? That dress would be too much for a casual dinner between friends. She looked at some of her pant suits, and decided they were to formal...too business like...for the situation. It was autumn and so the evenings tended to be cool but the days were still warm. Today had been unseasonably warm and so Mac selected a sleeveless knit dress in a caramel color with a contrasting brown knit bolero jacket. After applying a light touch of makeup she dressed. She didn’t bother with pantyhose, but slipped her feet into tan mules that matched the dress. She added a simple pearl drop necklace as a final touch. Looking in the mirror she was satisfied with her appearance.

She knew that Harm wouldn’t think anything of her wearing a dress as she often opted for casual skirts and dresses for off-duty activities unless sit was really cold. If he did make any comments, she would simply remind him that after being away from her civilian clothes and wearing pants while on board ship for almost three weeks, she preferred more feminine attire now she was home. He would accept that explanation without question.

Grabbing her keys and purse, she secured her apartment and headed for Harm’s place. Depending on traffic the drive would take between twelve and twenty minutes. Tonight the traffic was average and the drive took seventeen minutes. Parking in the ally by Harm’s building, Mac checked her lipstick in the rearview mirror. She decided she looked fine and got out to secure her car. This wasn’t the best neighborhood in Washington DC but they were doing a lot to improve the situation. She had parked under the light as Harm had instructed her to do. Entering the building she took the elevator up to Harm’s floor.

Inside the apartment, Harm had checked the potatoes and taken them out of the oven, set the gauge to broil and put the salmon steaks in to cook. He knew Mac would arrive at any time and so he added ice to two glasses just as he heard her knock. He covered the distance between his kitchen and door quickly, pulling it open only to lose his breath when he saw Mac standing there looking like a chocolate covered caramel- soft, sweet, and good enough to eat.

“Mac...you look great...come on in,” Harm managed after taking a deep breath and telling himself to relax - it was only Mac...his friend and his partner.

“Hi...am I too early?” Mac asked as she crossed into the apartment and took in her host in his black jeans and rainbow pewter shirt that did amazing things to his eyes.

“Not at all. I just put the salmon into broil. Would you like sparkling cider or water to start?”

“The sparkling cider would be great...on ice?” Mac asked.

“Of course...ice is all in the glass. All I have to do is pour it.” Harm returned to the kitchen to pour the cider while Mac took in the candle lit table, the soft music and the flowers on the table. The loft smelled wonderful from the vanilla candle and the cooking dinner. Mac perched on the stool at the island and accepted the glass Harm offered her.

“Thank you...” Mac sipped, “Perfect...what’s the occasion, Harm?” Mac asked indicating the table with the flowers and candle.

“Spending time with you...welcoming you home...celebrating Bud’s return and recovery...take your pick...” Harm answered as he gazed into her eyes. “Too much?”

“No...it looks nice...I like it.”

“Good. I hoped you would.”

“Harm you don’t normally go to this extent when you have me here for dinner. Is something wrong?” Mac asked, still not convinced that there was more to it then what he had indicated.

“No, of course not. I’ve put flowers on the table before when you’ve been coming over...remember before we went for the Tribunal...” Harm reminded her.

“That’s true. It’s just....I don’t know...somehow it feels different tonight...does it to you?” Mac asked.

“Different good or different bad?” Harm asked trying to figure out if Mac was okay with this date-like atmosphere he had created.

“Good...I think,” Mac told him with a gentle smile. She watched Harm come around the island and stand in front of her as she perched on the stool. She saw his eyes glance to her outfit and linger on the three inch expanse of bare leg above her knee that was exposed as she sat her. She felt her face flush as Harm’s eyes met hers.

“I think, that maybe we were both hoping for the same thing this evening,” Harm told her.

“And what do you think that is?” Mac asked in a voice barely above a whisper. The sound of the timer going off prevented Harm from answering and gave them both an out.

“Dinner’s ready. Have a seat and I’ll bring it right in,” Harm instructed her. Mac took a deep breath and steady her racing heart as she moved from the island to the table taking her cider with her. Harm had already set the salad and baked potatoes on the table in bowls. Now he brought their plates with the salmon grilled to perfection in his broiler. “Hungry?” Harm asked.

“Wow...you even made a dill sauce for the salmon?” Mac asked always amazed at Harm’s culinary skills. The few things that he had made that didn’t taste good to Mac, were of course the ones she always reminded him of when she needed ammunition to tease him. This dinner looked and smelled superb. With the first bite, Mac knew it tasted even better.

They ate in silence for a few minutes before they began to talk about Bud.

“Harriet is so afraid that he’s going to push to hard to soon. What do you think Harm?” asked Mac.

“I think that Bud wants to come back and he’ll listen to his doctors and the therapists. Harriet tends to be over protective. She loves Bud for who he is and she doesn’t want him to feel he’s got to prove a thing to her or to anyone. While that’s good and a measure of how much she loves him, it may not be what Bud needs right now.”

“Is that because of what you went through after the ramp strike?” Mac asked. They had never discussed it in detail, but over the years he had mentioned things now and then that Mac had put together on her own.

“Yes...partly. Until I felt that I was needed and had a purpose, I didn’t put enough effort into my recovery program. I think Bud is like that too. If Harriet doesn’t act like she needs him to get better, then he’s not going to be able to face what he’s got to face and get through it.”

“Of course Harriet needs Bud to get better, Harm. What are you implying?” Mac was obviously upset by his words.

“I know that Mac...so do you and so does Harriet...but Bud is dealing with a lot of unknowns right now. When you don’t know how much you can take...when you don’t know if you can manage on your own...when you don’t know if you will ever be able to be function with a woman again...those are pretty scary things that you can’t talk to just anyone about. Harriet is a strong woman and she’ll keep things together and the house running for both little AJ and Bud. She can forget to let Bud know that its okay to share some of that with him...ask his advice...have him take on some of the lighter tasks from her to ease her load.”

“Okay...I think I understand more about what you are saying. Is that what happened to you...everyone tried to protect you and keep you from having to deal with real life and hardships?”Mac asked.

“My mother and Diane tried yes...but Grandma Rabb got it...she insisted that I come to the farm to recuperate. She gave me things to do to help her. Phone calls to make...checks to write...decisions to make...until she approached me about my fathers plane. She asked me to make a decision what we were going to do about it. I couldn’t give up my father’s plane, so I started working harder on my rehab so I could stand up for longer periods of time.

I needed to get the strength back in my arms...we still didn’t know if I could get my stamina back to where I could fly so I started taking courses and looking into law schools. Then as I got stronger and found out I could stay in the navy as a JAG, I had a purpose again. If someone had told me my options, I’m not sure I would have embraced them. And I certainly needed a reason to go through the intense therapy I needed to get on my feet again...but my father’s plane did that for me.”

Harm stopped talking and looked at his hand on the table. Mac’s hand was on top of his. He turned it over and closed it around her hand. They sat there smiling at each other forgetting about their meal for the moment. Slowly they began leaning towards each other, never breaking eye contact. When they had gone as far as they could without actually moving their positions, their lips were still six inches apart. As if on cue, they both sat up, broke eye contact and resumed eating.

They ate in silence again until Mac introduced another non-work related topic for them.

“Have you heard from Sergei?” Mac asked.

“Yes. I got a letter from him. Actually, after we eat I would like you to look at it. He always put some things in it in Russian for me to translate. This one has me stumped.”

“Sure. Did he find another job or go back into the military?”

“He’s got a job running a helicopter for a shuttle service. He’s happy and gets a decent paycheck, considering what most civilians make over there. Loren still hasn’t contacted him.”

“Harm, maybe he really isn’t the father...have you thought about that?” Mac asked him.

“Yes. I wonder what she decided to do.”

“Harriet said that she thinks Loren missed the cut-off date for the abortion and the doctor refused to give her one. She’s in California some where having the baby. I think she plans to give it up for adoption now.”

“I wish she would agree to a paternity test to rule out Sergei. If it is his and he doesn’t want it, then I’d be willing to adopt the baby...raise it myself,” Harm commented.

“You want a child that much, Harm?” Mac asked him. He thought a minute before he answered her.

“I want children Mac...yes...or I wouldn’t have made that deal with you. But this child is about being a Rabb - or not. If the baby has Rabb DNA then I want to raise him - or her. If not, then I hope she is able to find a good home for him if she doesn’t want to raise the baby herself.”

“I’d almost forgotten about our deal...well not forgotten, but I just realized that there’s only a little over a year to go on that deal,” Mac admitted to Harm.

“You know Mac...we never specified whether we’d have the kid by the end of that five years or we’d start working on one...maybe we should think about that,” Harm grinned not wanting to ruin the comfortable atmosphere, but also not wanting to lose the chance to introduce the idea that felt natural.

“Harm...are you sure that’s want you’ll want to do in another year or so?” Mac asked.

“Yes.”

“Can I think about it a bit before I give you an answer?” Mac asked.

“Of course. Mac, if you don’t want the same thing, I’ll understand...I’ll be disappointed of course, but I’ll understand.”

“Okay...hey, you promised me a Brownie Sundae just the way I like it...you didn’t forget did you?” Mac asked changing the subject to one a little less intense.

“Of course not. You done here?”

“Yeah...it was an excellent dinner Harm, and as much as it pains me to admit it, you are a good cook most of the time.” Mac smiled as Harm took her plate away.

“Coffee with your sundae Ma’am?” Harm asked.

“Yes...I’ll make the coffee while you make the sundaes, okay?” Mac asked joining Harm in the kitchen.

“Okay.” Together they fixed coffee and dessert before taking it into the living room to eat it while sitting side by side on the couch.

With her bowl empty, Mac set it on the coffee table and then leaned back with a groan. “I am so stuffed...I don’t think I can move.”

Harm put his dish down next to hers and turned slightly so he could look at Sarah Mackenzie. He watched her as she relaxed next to him, her eyes closed at the moment. She was the most beautiful woman he knew. Physically her beauty was obvious to everyone, but her kind and gentle nature, her competitiveness that matched his own, her sense of humor, her love for people and the little things she did for others, including him, just made her beauty even more breath-taking. Harm was staring at her and leaning closer to her again, when she opened her eyes.

This time, nothing separated them. Mac’s gazed lock with his and slowly he lowered his face toward hers. He saw her lips part and took that as an invitation. His lips met hers, lightly at first, touching...tasting...teasing...exploring texture and taste. He let his lips capture hers more firmly then, deepening the kiss and asking for a response from her. She gave it, deepening the kiss further. When their tongues touched and tantalized, exploring, tasting, and teasing he swore he could hear their hearts beating.

Mac felt the heat from Harm’s kiss spread from where he touched her lips to somewhere deep inside where it then radiated out from every pore in her body. Her hands reached for him, wrapping themselves around his neck. She shifted then, turning more fully toward Harm. She felt his hand on her knee begin to slide up the length of her leg to the hem of her dress, which was now pulled up with the movement of her arms and her stretched out position.

Mac’s internal clock seemed to stop as she lost herself in his kiss and in his touch. She could feel his hair under her hands and his strong arms around her. Heat radiated from his large body as well as her smaller one.

Harm could feel his body reacting to their kissing and touching. He slowly broke the kiss and turned her so that her back rested against his chest, his face against the top of her head.

“I think we’re moving a little too fast for us, Mac. I think we need to think this through.”

“I think you’re thinking to much...but you’re right.” Mac sighed as she leaned against him, playing with his hands that were locked over her stomach holding her against him.

“Mac...I didn’t plan this part of the evening...it just happened.”

“I know...I hope it happens again some time.”

“You do?” Harm asked, pleasantly surprised at her admission.

“Yes...don’t you?” Mac asked starting to sit up and pull away from Harm.

“Yes I do....I just didn’t want to push to far or too fast,” Harm admitted to her.

“Harm, its taken us seven years to get to this point...that’s the first kiss...” Mac trailed off. It wasn’t the first kiss between them...but it was the first kiss that meant something other then hello or good-bye.

“It wasn’t our first kiss Mac...” Harm stopped her.

“I know...but it’s the first time that we were both in a position to let it go where ever it might take us,” Mac admitted.

“And where do you want it to take us, Mac?”

“To a future together...” she admitted with a smile as she stood up knowing she needed to go home soon.

“Me too. Do you think it would be asking to much if I kissed you again?” Harm asked seductively as he stood with her holding her arm at the elbow.

Mac burst out laughing and wrapped her arms around his neck again holding her face up to kiss him again. “I thought you’d never ask,” she murmured against his lips.

Again they kissed. This time both of them allowed themselves the liberty of caressing the other. Mac lowered her arms and slipped them under his arms so that her hands rested on his back before wandering down to his six and drifting across his ribs. Harm’s hands rested low on her back, just above the curve of her hips. He ran his hands up her back urging her closer and then back down again to allow her the freedom to move. This time when they broke off the kiss Harm’s hand came up to caress her face and to run his thumb across her swollen lips.

“I need to go home and get some sleep,” Mac told him. “And don’t tell me I can stay here because we both know we’re not ready for that and neither of us would get any sleep - which we both need badly.”

“How did you know I was going to suggest that?” Harm asked.

“Lucky guess?”

“No...you just know me.”

“Yeah, well I should after all this time. I enjoyed dinner and the conversations and everything else about the evening,” Mac told Harm as she started for her jacket, purse and keys.

“Be careful.”

“I will.”

“Call when you get there so I know you made it home okay...please,” Harm pleaded before dropping another quick kiss on her lips.

“I’ll call you as soon as I get home...G’night,” Mac whispered as she kissed him once more before silently slipping out the door.

Suddenly Harm felt like things were finally heading in the right directions between them. They had many obstacles to overcome, but this was a start in the right direction. They were both doing the same dance...together. Things were definitely beginning to change between them...or at the very least they were admitting to what they had each felt or wanted for some time.

Twenty minutes later when the phone rang Harm was just slipping into his bed.

“Rabb.”

“I’m home. You can sleep without worrying about me,” Mac announced. Harm could hear her moving around while she talked.

“I’m glad. Have you thought anymore about the timeline on the deal we have?” Harm couldn’t seem to stop himself from asking although he didn’t expect an answer.

“Yes...I’ve thought about it some...Harm, there are so many things we need to work out in order for that to happen.”

“Like what?” Harm asked knowing many of them already but wanting an excuse to keep her on the phone.

“Like our careers...if we’re going to get married...arrangements...where we’d live...can we sustain a relationship without screwing things up...that’s just a few.”

“Mac, no one knows when they go into a marriage if they’ll keep it together or not...but I’d be willing to do whatever it takes to make our marriage work.”

“But no one should have to be a martyr in this and I don’t think either one of us really wants to give up our career at this point.”

“True...but I’m willing to look into something different. Mac, we’ve been fortunate that we haven’t been made to move around...that’s unusual. I’m willing to make a change...there are other options in the area...I just want us to be able to be together.” Harm heard her sigh. “Mac, where are you?”

“Home...”

“You know what I mean?”

“I just crawled in bed,” she admitted.

“Does this mean we’re in bed together?” Harm asked letting her know in his off beat way that he was in bed too.

“Harm! This isn’t going to turn into a kinky phone call is it?” Mac asked him half hoping he’d surprise her and indulge in a little ‘phone sex’. She couldn’t resist a smile thinking about her control freak partner letting go like that just yet. He’d probably be shocked to know that she and Mic had indulged in a few fantasies that way while they had been half a world away.

“Not tonight...I know you’re tired. Besides I’d like to try the real thing before we do that,” Harm’s voice was husky with desire as he spoke which Mac found amazingly sexy.

“Good night Harm.”

“Good night Mac.”

CHAPTER 3

Week Before Thanksgiving

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

The three weeks since their ‘date’ at Harm’s apartment had established a pattern. During the week, while they were in town, they had working dinners at one apartment or the other with take-outs in the office usually once or twice a week. They started going out together on Saturday evenings after spending the day on their own catching up on household chores. Sometimes they would meet to grocery shop together, but usually they put off seeing each other on Saturday until Harm would pick Mac up to go out on a date.

They went to different restaurants. Once they went to a movie, another time they went to a club and listened to music and danced a little. This past Saturday they had returned to Mac’s apartment after dinner and watched a movie they rented. By the end of it they were engaged in a full blown make-out session until Mac called a halt telling Harm it just wasn’t a good time to continue. He eventually understood what she was telling him.

Twice in the three week time period they had been sent out of town to investigate. Once they had traveled to Mayport Naval Air Station and the other time they had ended up at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Both trips had been relatively short and the cases turned over to local JAG officers to dispense with.

This week Mac had been on the bench hearing a case argued by Sturgis and Bud, while Harm had investigated charges against an officer at Pax River for dereliction of duty and negligence. They had agreed to meet at Mac’s for dinner and who ever got there first would get the salad ready to go with the chicken stew they had prepared together the night before and Mac had started in the crock pot before she left her apartment that morning.

Mac had gotten home first. Now the salad was chilling in the refrigerator while the dumplings were cooking. She had tried Harm’s cell phone but didn’t get an answer, so she decided to take a quick shower and wash off the days grime. After toweling off she had slipped into a tank with a built in bra, a pair of undies and her satin lounge pajamas. Her hair was still damp and her feet bare when she heard Harm enter the apartment.

“Mac? You home?” Harm called as he let himself in.

“Be right there,” she called as she fluffed her hair one last time before heading to the living room. “Hi...” she greeted reaching up to kiss his cheek as she went by him on her way to the kitchen. She spotted his bag on the floor by the chair. “Do you want to shower and change before you eat?”

“Would you mind? It seemed awfully warm for late November today.”

“No go ahead. I’ll have dinner ready when you are done.”

Mac set the table and served the meal just as Harm returned from his shower dressed in the infamous sweat pants and matching long sleeved t-shirt. Mac knew the second she saw him that her will power would be sorely tested this night. Fortunately she couldn’t see through her table top like you could Harm’s glass table so she would be able to at least enjoy her meal without being distracted by the form fitting sweat pants.

Harm finished that last bite and sat back watching Mac, finish her meal. He smiled as he watched her. Her appetite had always been a source of humor between them. He was one of the few people that knew how hard she worked out everyday so that she could enjoy eating the way she did at times. He also knew that she didn’t eat huge meals all the time, but when she was hungry she ate without worrying about calories.

“What?” Mac asked as she watched Harm watching her eat.

“Nothing...Actually I was just thinking about all the little things I know about you,” Harm confided in her.

“Really...well there’s a lot I know about you too.”

“Oh yeah...like what?” Harm challenged.

“Like you are competitive by nature but don’t hurt people intentionally...you are a softy when it comes to anyone in need...but especially when children are involved...you are practically a gourmet cook - self taught of course -except for a few of your failures,” Mac smiled.

“True...but I was thinking more about personal stuff...things that most people wouldn’t know...like how hard you work out...how your intuition works for you on cases...how your eyes get big when I say something that surprises you...that you aren’t as tough as you like people to think you are...” Harm trailed off as he saw her shaking her head as if she disagreed with him.

“Those things are no more personal then the things I listed Harm...not really. I don’t think we know that much about each other that is that personal.”

“Okay...you have things in your wardrobe that are complete contrasts...like a white lace nightgown and flannel pajamas with cowboys on them. Both items make you sexy as hell.” Harm challenged her with the most outrageous items that he could think of.

“Okay...I admit that you are one of the few that know about both of those things...” Mac saw his eyebrow go up as if he was questioning her. “Okay...you’re the only one...” she finally admitted.

“Yes...and I’m the one that you come to when things are not going well in your relationships...why is that Mac?”

“I don’t know...I guess because I trust you to keep a confidence.”

“Really? Why do you think you can talk to me about the other men in your life, but you can’t say things to me you wouldn’t hesitate to do or say with them?”

“I guess because I’ve listened to you remind me that we work together and I don’t want to work with anyone else but you if I don’t have to...although lately I feel like the Admiral is starting to split us up more and more.”

“I know...with us taking turns sitting on the bench...I really hope I don’t have to do that again for awhile,” Harm admitted.

“You really would rather investigate wouldn’t you?”

“Yes...or present a case...its more active I guess. So did Bud and Sturgis behave themselves today?” Harm asked changing the subject.

“More or less. Bud tried to act like you and kept pushing the limits,” Mac reluctantly shared her opinion with Harm.

“Me? Push limits? Now Mac...”

“Don’t even think of denying that!” Mac laughed as she got up from the table and started picking up things to take to the kitchen. Harm got up and helped to take care of their dinner items.

In the small kitchen, they worked around each other. Harm trying to ignore the silky pajamas she wore that slid sensuously against her skin as she moved. Mac on the other hand tried to ignore Harm’s physique as he moved around in the sweat pants and shirt that were like a second skin on him. They worked together taking care of food, dirty dishes and preparing an after dinner tea.

Twice, Harm reached his body along Mac’s as he stretched to get something or put something away in a cupboard above her head. She dropped a napkin the last time and Harm saw the long expanse of bare leg that was exposed when she bent down to pick it up again. He froze as he stared at her legs even when she straightened and turned toward him. He felt his body stir in response to the view of the delicate skin he had glimpsed as she leaned over to retrieve something off the floor. When she stood up and turned to toss the wayward napkin, she had caught him staring at her legs. While his eyes slowly began traveling up her body, her eyes were traveling down his.

‘Oh God!’ Mac thought as she noticed the evidence of his arousal that could not be hidden by the pants he wore. ‘He’s going to know I’ve noticed and then things are going to get awkward between us.’ Aloud she said, “That should about do it. Shall we go sit and enjoy our tea?”

“Yeah...sure...” Harm stammered before following her to the living room, carrying his cup with him.

“Do you want to watch a movie or see what’s on TV?” Mac asked as she took her corner of the couch and waited for Harm to sit next to her as he had been doing. To her surprise, he sat across the room in the chair.

“What ever you want,” Harm mumbled as he sat away from her tonight. He knew that his will power was limited and the more time they had spent together in the past few weeks, the harder it was keeping things to just kissing and caressing. He wanted Sarah Mackenzie. He wanted her to unleash her appetite on him while he drank his fill of her.

“Harm, what’s the matter? You can’t watch television from there.” Mac frowned concerned about the way he was physically distancing himself from her.

“Nothing’s the matter Mac...I just thought I’d sit here for a change.” Harm thought of a way to distract her and to change the subject. “Mac, what are you doing next week for Thanksgiving?”

“I’m pulling duty.”

“I am too, but you’ve still got to eat,” Harm reminded her.

“So what do you have in mind?” Mac asked with a sigh.

“Well, I thought I would fix a big dinner this weekend, and then after work Thursday, we could come back here and have our own Thanksgiving Dinner with all the fixings. What do you think?”

“So we eat Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday and then turn around and eat it again on Thursday?” Mac questioned.

“We don’t have to actually eat it on Sunday...just prepare it so we only have to warm it up on Thursday,” Harm explained.

“Harm, I have a better idea...I think.”

“Okay, tell me,” Harm challenged with a smile.

“It’s not that far from Headquarters to here. I’ll put the Turkey in the oven on low before I go in and then I’ll run home to baste it at lunch. We can secure at fifteen hundred so we can come back here and throw the potatoes in to bake and have a late dinner...freshly made. Doesn’t that sound better?” Mac grinned proud of her solution.

“Okay...I’ll still make up some pies and some rolls...Grandma Rabb’s best recipe,” Harm grinned.

“How is your grandmother, Harm? You haven’t mentioned her in a long time.”

“She’s doing good. She still lives on the farm by herself. She’s eighty-eight years old and still has a little garden patch every summer that she tends...the neighbor tills it and helps her with the heavy stuff. She cooks, cans and freezes stuff from her garden. You remind me of her, Mac.”

“Old?” Mac tried to hide her grin.

“No,” Harm tossed a pillow from his chair at her, “independent, strong, determined, adventurous and beautiful.”

“You think I’m all those things?”

“You doubt that?”

“Some times...I know you’ve said similar things before, but...”

“Sometimes you have trouble seeing the good in yourself still don’t you?” Harm asked.

“Yes,” Mac answered in a voice little more then a whisper.

“Do you doubt me?” Harm asked her.

“I trust you.” Mac assured him.

“That’s not what I asked. Do you doubt me?” Harm insisted that she answer his question.

“No, I don’t doubt you,” Mac said after a thoughtful pause.

“Then why are you having such a hard time believing me when I tell you that I’m ready to move our relationship to another level...and that if it doesn’t work out between us, I’ll still be there for you. Why Mac?” Harm asked, this time his voice intense but soft.

Mac could only shrug and look away as she felt the tears come to her eyes. Harm moved then from the chair to the sofa beside her.

“Sarah Mackenzie...look at me, please...I need you to look at me.”

“I am...” In fact Mac’s eyes had shifted toward him but were focused on his lap and not on his face. What she saw there took her breath away and she inhaled deeply as his fingers came under her chin and lifted her face so that he could look into her beautiful chocolate brown eyes.

“In the past few weeks, we’ve become more comfortable with each other physically. I like kissing you and touching you...but I want more...if you’re ready. Last week, before you stopped me, I thought we were ready, but now, I’m not so sure. I haven’t felt like I could touch you this week for a couple of reasons. Do you want to hear what they are?” Harm’s voice was husky giving it a rich sexy timber that heated Mac to the core. She could only nod in response.

“I thought at first that you weren’t ready yet...that you still weren’t feeling up to it...but then, I thought if I start kissing you and touching you again, and you want to stop, could I keep control. I don’t ever want to hurt you, Mac...and so until I get a clear signal that we are both ready, I’m holding back.”

Mac nodded as a smiled started to appear on her face. She turned and leaned into Harm hitching herself close to him. She could feel the heat radiating off his large body. She placed her hand on his thigh and slid her hand up higher. She heard his intake of air and her name whispered as he exhaled. His reaction made her bolder, willing to chance things again with her friend...her partner. Lifting herself to her knees and balancing herself by leaving her hand high on the inside of his thigh, she leaned toward him and in a whispery, sexy voice she asked him the question that had been weighing on her mind all evening.

“Do you have any idea how revealing those pants are on you?”

Harm couldn’t answered, but gulped and shook his head no as he waited for her next move. He didn’t have long to wait as her lips captured his earlobe and her tongue traced a wet line on it while her other hand caressed his chest. He allowed his hands to span her waist as he enjoyed her teasing touch. When he couldn’t stand anymore without participating, he turned his head to capture her lips with his own.

The silence in the apartment was broken only by the sound of their whispered words, moans of pleasure, quiet pleading to urge the other on to new heights, and the whisper of clothing be loosened and removed to reveal delicious skin beneath.

By the time they made it to their feet to move to the bedroom, Harm was so aroused it was painful to walk. He had watched Mac reach the heights of ecstasy from his mouth and his hand while limiting her access to him. Now he wanted to be able to take the final journey with her together before they snuggled into each others arms to sleep.

Mac set the alarm clock out of habit and turned down the lights as Harm pulled back the covers and slid into bed naked, he watched her naked body move close to him. Her hand reached out to touch him and he lay still giving her time to explore his body the way he had already explored hers. He closed his eyes when he felt her breath on his arousal as he waited to feel the moisture of her mouth. It didn’t come as he had expected and he jumped as he felt her tongue circle his naval while her hand gently cupped his testicles apply just enough pressure to create en erotic sensation like he had never experienced before.

Mac smiled as he groaned and she again looked at him in all his glory. He was a spectacular specimen of manhood, standing straight and tall, throbbing with his need for fulfillment. She could see the moisture glistening on the tip and she allowed her tongue to dart out and taste that tiny drop which signified how ready he was.

“Mmmm...you taste so good,” Mac murmured, unable to stop herself as she allowed her mouth to close over him. She felt his large hand cup the back of her head, but he didn’t pressure her. It was simply a caress.

“Mac...I need to be inside of you...please...” Harm pleaded with her. Mac nodded and lifted herself to straddle his hips. She slid back against his arousal and she could feel him against her butt cheeks as she wiggled and rubbed herself on him. She felt his hands at her hips lifting her and then she held him and guided him inside of her as he lowered her over his engorged penis. Her hips began to lift, rock, and rotate in a rhythm that would drive them both over the edge very soon.

Harm didn’t want it to end yet, and so he focused on Mac having another orgasm first. As she came apart riding him, he rolled them over, lifting himself on his arms and knees as he made sure she was positioned just so. He began thrusting, slowly at first with long strong strokes, before he rotated his hips and then began faster and shorter thrusts.

Mac urged him on before she cried out for him to come with her to this new place she had found. Harm obliged as his rhythm increased and his strokes became more powerful.

Not only did they both cry out as they found their release together, but they both cried with the beauty of what they had found in each others arms this night. Harm remembered kissing her temple and turning with her so that she was still wrapped in his arms as sleep claimed him. Mac sighed, wove her fingers through his and fell asleep completely sated and comfortable with their new relationship.

CHAPTER 4

Next Morning

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

“Excuse me Commander Rabb,” greeted Petty Officer Tiner.

“Yes Tiner?”

“The Admiral is waiting for you in his office with Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Turner. Can I take your things for you?” Tiner asked trying to be helpful but urging the Commander to get there quickly.

“Thanks Tiner...bad mood?” Harm asked trying to find out what the atmosphere was in the Admiral’s office.

“No sir...just pressured.”

Harm turned then and hurried to the inner office deciding to play it straight up this morning. He was running late because he had needed to go home to get a clean uniform this morning. They had made love again this morning and agreed that they needed to talk about a few things this evening. Although Mac had needed to hurry, she was able to make it to work on time. Harm was lucky he was only forty minutes late. It could have been much worse.

Harm knocked on the door and was greeted with the Admiral’s gruff command to enter.

“Sorry I’m late sir.”

“At ease Rabb. Have a seat. Commander Turner, I see no need to detain you any longer. You are dismissed.”

“Thank you sir,” Sturgis snapped a salute, clicked his heels, pivoted and turned with precision. After the door had closed, Admiral Chegwidden turned back to Harm and Mac with a chuckle.

“That is one squared away naval officer. Does he ever do anything that isn’t by the book and well within the bounds of good order and good taste?”

“I saw him slip one or twice in our younger days sir,” Harm offered.

“He’s organized, knowledgeable, and nothing is wrong with doing things by the book,” Mac defended the senior attorney that she had developed an odd friendship with of sorts since he had started here a little over a year ago.

“That’s true, Colonel...now, the reason I have the two of you in here...as you may have realized I have not been assigning you to work together very often. There is a reason for this. As you may know an audit of our activities was conducted by the SecNav’s office.”

“Yes, Commander Lindsey interviewed us with zeal,” Harm noted.

“You have the report sir?” Mac asked.

“Yes...and although with the help of Tracy Manetti no actions are being taken against us, I think you need to know that the relationship you two have or are perceived to have, came under close scrutiny. Commander Manetti spoke eloquently on behalf of both of you explaining that you conduct yourselves with the opposite sex with honor and decency. I believe those were the words she used...however...”

“Uh-oh...this doesn’t sound good,” Harm interrupted the Admiral to comment.

“Well it could have been worse. The SecNav has asked that I keep you two off the same cases unless there are exceptional circumstances that he preapproves. He does not feel that you have jeopardized any cases, however, as you are both ‘oh-five’ officers, he feels that you should be assigned to work with junior officers. He also does not want you assigned to the same cases...although he doesn’t mind if you consult with each other on a case. He doesn’t want you out of town together either,” announced Admiral Chegwidden.

“Sir,” Harm started before the Admiral held up a hand.

“This is the best I can do. If I do not abide by this directive, one or both of you will be moved out of my command. Is that understood?” asked the Admiral.

“Yes sir.”

“Aye-aye sir,” answered Harm at the same time Mac had responded.

“Mac, you’re being very quiet. Something you want to say?” asked the Admiral.

“Yes sir...does this mean that Harm and I would be able to pursue a personal relationship without us having to worry about fraternization or conduct unbecoming charges just because we are involved?” asked Mac.

“Are you telling me you are involved?” asked Chegwidden with deadly quiet in his voice.

“Yes sir,” answered Mac with a quick glance at Harm.

“Since when!” bellowed the Admiral.

“We’ve been seeing each other for a few weeks now on a regular basis...not just work related...but then last night...” Harm started to explain.

“Stop! I don’t want to know that much.” The Admiral sighed. “Look, as long as you conduct yourself on duty as two officers and not two lovers, then there shouldn’t be a problem. If you make it official...move in together; get engaged; or elope or something...then let me know because then I am sure one of you will have to transfer out.”

“Understood sir,” Harm snapped to attention.

“Dismissed...and Rabb?”

“Yes sir.”

“Don’t be late next time.”

“Aye-aye sir.”

They headed for the kitchen to get coffee before heading back to their own offices.

“Mac are you okay with this?” Harm asked.

“I guess we have to be. I do think we need to talk about this at home later...not here.” Mac sighed.

“Okay...your place or mine?” Harm asked.

“I’ll meet you at your place about eighteen hundred...how’s that?” Mac asked him.

“Sounds good. See you then.”

2010 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Harm sat sideways on the sofa and Mac sat between his legs leaning against his chest. They had eaten dinner, cleaned up the kitchen and then curled up together. They had been sitting for close to fifteen minutes but neither of them had said anything. Finally Harm decided to jump in with both feet to the one thing he had worried about the most all day.

“Mac, I want to apologize to you for something...I should have thought and discussed it with you last night before we made love, but I didn’t and I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry I didn’t ask you before or just taken care of things myself...”

“Harm what are you babbling about?” Mac finally stemmed his words by jumping in with her question as she turned to look up at him.

“Birth control Mac...”

“Oh!”

“Yeah...I’ve always been very careful about that and somehow last night I totally forgot...I was so into making things feel good I never thought about it. We had talked about doing things the right way and now maybe I’ve messed that up. I’m sorry Mac,” Harm watched and waited to see what she would say.

“Harm, its not the end of the world if I did get pregnant even if its not the way we would chose to have things happen...but the timing isn’t great for that...not that it couldn’t happen, but I think its unlikely.” Mac tried to assure him touched that it would bother him to this extent. She relaxed against him again to communicate silently that she was alright with their new closeness.

“You’ll let me know?” Harm asked his mouth near her ear.

“Yes...Will you stop worrying about everything?” Mac asked as she turned to capture his lips with her own. When the kiss ended, Harm tightened his arms around her just a little before grinning in contentment.

“You know, Mac...you kiss me like that and I may have to do something about it,” Harm warned in a playful tone.

“And what would that be?” Mac asked, her eyes twinkling as she tried to hide her smile.

“Well,” he drawled, “Maybe this...” he said as he lowered his head and began nibbling her neck with just her lips.

“Harm, that tickles!” Mac laughed.

“Then I guess we’ll try something else...how about this?” Harm queried as he captured her earlobe between his teeth and let his tongue play with the tender flesh he had captured.

“Oohh, Harm...” Mac gasped at the fire that burst deep inside her at his playful, but intimate act. Harm released that earlobe and moved his head to repeat it with the other one.

Without a sound, Mac turned into his arms again and pushed him back on the couch so that she was laying on top of him. She captured his mouth with hers as she teased and tantalized his tongue with her own. Harm couldn’t hold back the moan from deep inside him as she became the aggressor and demonstrated for him the moves she wanted him to make. He responded to each thrust of her tongue - each bite of her teeth - with one of his own. He reached his hands down to cup her six and pull her against his throbbing arousal as she lay atop him.

Mac acknowledged his need for her when he felt her smile against his lips and then shifted her hips to cause even more friction on the throbbing nerves protruding from his body. He groaned again and she swallowed the sound before pulling her red, wet, swollen lips away from his as she eased herself down his body, and pushed his shirt up to expose his muscular chest and firm tone stomach. She zeroed in on his nipples, teasing them with her mouth and tongue and then her fingers. She switched back and forth giving each equal attention before moving to his naval.

Using her fingernail she lightly traced the line of hair from his chest that tapered to his naval before continuing below his waist band.

“God, Mac...I’m on fire for you already...I’m not going to last much longer...” Harm practically begged for her to end the torture and let them both find release.

“Ssshhh, let me love you tonight...let me show you all the ways I”ve fantasized about touching you...kissing you...loving you...” Mac whispered before continuing with her exquisite torture of his senses.

Harm nodded and swallowed unable to speak further from the intense sensations he was experiencing. Sex had always been good for him with Renee and Jordan - and even Annie. But making love with Mac, was not something easily described or explained. Each touch awakened new feelings, new sensations, and aroused old ones practically forgotten. It went beyond anything he had experienced with any other lover reminding him over and over that what he and Mac had was something special and unique...something that would not be duplicated for him with anyone else. Never again would he be satisfied with anything less in a physical relationship then what he was experiencing here and now with Sarah Mackenzie.

Mac meanwhile had tired for the moment of exploring his navel with her finger. She felt his stomach muscles tense as she circled his navel with her tongue and continued to follow the line of hair below his waist. While she had been playing with his navel with one hand, she had unbuttoned and lowered the zipper on his pants with the other. Harm lifted his head a little to watch her.

When her nose nudged the elastic waistband of his knit boxer briefs out of her way, Harm threw his head back, closed his eyes and just let himself go enjoying the attention she was giving him. He felt the cool air on his heated arousal as she freed him from the confinement of the soft knit material. Once again he forced his eyes open and lifted his head so he could watch her.

Her gentle hands with their long gentle fingers were wrapped around him as she held his stiffened member in place and rubbed it against her flushed face. The silky head whispered against her soft skin; then brushed her dry lips. He watched as she licked her lips in anticipation of what was to come and then delicately traced the ridge under the mushroom like head, before starting a foray down the underside of his member, creating such intense sensations that he began to lift his hips, bucking under her gentle ministrations. He fought to maintain control as one of her hands slipped between his legs to support and caress the throbbing weight she found there. A groan ripped from his throat as she rapidly took his throbbing member into her mouth as she gently squeezed the weighty sac between his legs.

“Now! Please!” Harm begged, knowing that he would not hold out much longer under Mac’s attention.

Mac removed her mouth from its mission just long enough to respond in the most sultry voice that Harm had ever heard, “No Harm...this time its my turn to give you pleasure.”

“Can’t...take...much...more...” Harm stammered one word at a time, as Mac returned to her former task of driving him out of his mind with the most intense sexual and emotional demonstrate he had ever received. Harm’s head thrashed back and forth against the arm and back of the sofa, as Mac continued to stroke his heated flesh with her mouth and hands until he had exploded, draining him of every ounce in him. As he came down from the orgasmic high, his breathing slowly returned to normal along with his heart rate. Mac slid up his body and rested her head on his chest, her ear turned so she could hear his heart beat.

Harm was quiet and still. Mac was almost afraid to look at him. Part of her feared she had gone to far, and that her uninhibited sexual appetite had scared away her chance at finding something special with the tall naval officer that had been her partner for so many years. The longer he was quiet, the more nervous Mac became.

Twenty minutes had passed before Mac found the courage to look up and Harm’s face. When she did the most gentle sense of satisfaction filled her at the sight before her. Harmon Rabb Junior was asleep with the most satisfied smile on his face that she had ever seen. She couldn’t help smile in return as she rested her chin on her hands and watched him sleep. Three more minutes passed, before his eyes flickered and opened.

“Mac?”

“I’m right here Harm.”

“That was incredible...you are incredible...thank you.”

“You’re not put off or offended by what I did?” Mac asked still a little unsure.

“You’re serious aren’t you?” Harm asked amazed that this woman had any doubts about her ability to please and satisfy him.

“Yes...I mean...”

“Mac...stop...no one has ever done that for me before...I would never trust another woman to do what you did. You were so giving and loving...I’m not sure I’ll be able to do much to help you out with my - ah - equipment, but if you can be patient, I’ll give it a shot,” Harm promised.

“Harm...I wanted tonight to be about me giving you pleasure for a change.”

“Well you did that...but you see, I find great pleasure in giving you pleasure...so if you want me to find the ultimate pleasure tonight...let me take care of you now.” Mac nodded speechless, as she found herself laying on the sofa with Harm bracing himself over the top of her smiling into her eyes.

“There’s just one thing...I think we should finish getting undressed and move this party to my bedroom...what do you think?” Harm asked her.

She agreed to the idea and once in his bedroom he gave to her with his mouth and hands the way she had to him...until she was a mindless mass of sensations. Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore, Harm’s body reawakened and he completed her, entering her with a long slow stroke that built in speed and intensity until they both cried out in completion falling sleep this time in each others arms.

0500 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Mac’s hand reached out to shut off Harm’s alarm before it rang. She leaned over him as he slept and watched him for a few seconds before she kissed him awake.

“Mornin’...What time’s it?” Harm mumbled when she released his lips from hers.

“Just after five...Harm?”

“Yeah?”

“We were suppose to talk last night about our new rules at work.”

“Sorry...I got sidetracked...you see this gorgeous Marine Lieutenant Colonel started coming on to me and well...things just burned out of control,” Harm grinned up at Mac.

“Oh really? And does this happen often?” Mac teased back.

“No...but I wouldn’t mind if it did.”

“Harm, this is going to be a test for us to behave at work now isn’t it?” Mac asked suddenly serious.

“It could...but we’ve kept things under wraps and controlled for a long time. I think we just have to use our uniform and military training to our advantage and be the Colonel and the Commander until we get the uniforms off.”

“Does that mean I have to run around naked if I come to visit after work?” Mac teased again.

“Now that would be interesting,” Harm grinned.

“Jerk,” Mac mumbled.

“But I don’t think we have to go to that extreme...I just meant...”

“I know...and you’re right. We can do this, right?”Mac asked looking for reassurance from Harm that they would not let go of this new part of their relationship.

“Yes,” was his simple response.

CHAPTER 5

Day Before Thanksgiving

1145 Local

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

“Commander Rabb?”

“Yes Tiner,” responded Harm looking up from the computer as he entered information on a form regarding a client.

“Sir, Admiral Chegwidden would like to see you in his office.”

“On my way...” Harm saved the work he had started, made sure he had a pen with him, and headed for the Admiral’s office.

“Commander Rabb reporting as ordered sir.”

“At ease...have a seat and close the hatch Commander.” AJ waited while Harm got settled. “Harm, as you know Commander Lindsey has been making waves.”

“That’s why you wanted to make sure that Mac and I weren’t working together, right?”

“Yes, that was part of it...something else has been brought to my attention, however, that concerns you...and Lieutenant Singer.”

“Singer? You don’t mean that someone thinks I’ve been dating Singer, do they?” Harm’s face showed the shock he was feeling at his commanding officers words.

“Lindsey heard that the two of you had been seen having words both be