Synopsis: Harm and Mac during season 10 are still trying to find their way to one another.

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.

1. After watching the entire Season One on DVD I realized that although I wasn’t a big Tracey Needham fan, there were some things about Meg and Harm as partners that I liked. Her spunk and how she handled Harm as her partner was one thing.

2. Now, for you shippers, remember, I am now and have always been a Harm and Mac shipper. That remains true in this story; however, I got to thinking what it would have been like if Mac and Meg had met and worked together at any point during the nine years it took for Harm and Mac to get on the same page together.

3. Meg’s character had a way of cutting to the chase and getting to the point. She was one of the few that could look Harm in the eye and tell him like she saw it. It wasn’t until the very end of season one in The Prisoner that you have an inking that Meg cares for Harm as anything more then a brother or partner. Even at that you don’t get the idea that either of them would act on it until Skeleton Crew when we see her reach out to touch him - maybe with the intent of something more sexual - or maybe just comfort as a friend.

4. Anyway, I started jotting down things Meg said in season one to help get her voice, which I’ve always struggled with when I’ve tried to write her into a story. Many of her lines I envisioned being said in different circumstances.

5. For those of you that follow the HBX challenge each month, you might want to think of this along those lines. I’m going to have Meg reuse lines, but in different ways! I also plan to keep some of the dialogue as it was in the show, but some I will need to change to fit what I did with the story. I think you’ll know it when you see it. Oh and you’ll see the August 2006 HBX challenge lines show up in a later chapter.

6. Naming this story was interesting. I started out with “Calling Austin” but then my focus wasn’t on calling Meg Austin at all. So then I tried several other titles. While reading Gibson’s story, “The Walls of Emerald City,” she used the line, “It hit a little too close to home.” BINGO! That’s it...not only did it fit most of my story, it was a delightful play on HAE’s new show, “Close to Home.” It made me think of the line Mac says in the season ten opener to Clayton Webb, about not wanting to be a ‘desperate house wife.’ Now I don’t know if that was Gibson’s intention when she used the line in her story, if it was, my hats off too you and I give you credit here for coming up with it first. But if not, then its just the kind of title I love to use...one that had hidden or underlying meanings.

7. Now again, I think I’ll be writing a story that shippers and non-shippers can enjoy...but as always, the ‘ship will prevail!” After all, this is a JAG fanfic written by Hollyjp!

“Colonel Mackenzie!” A dark haired Petty Officer First Class hurriedly moved through the corridors at JAG Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia calling to the Marine Lt. Colonel just getting on the elevator at the end of a long trying day in court.

Despite prevailing for her client, the case had been exhausting. That wasn’t unusual when she faced Commander Rabb in court, but their protege Lt. Commander Bud Roberts had turned out to be as difficult. The difference between the two situations was the adrenaline that pumped through her veins when she faced Rabb wasn’t there when she faced anyone else in court, hence her exhausted state.

Stepping out of the elevator once again she nodded to the once troubled wild child that had become a dedicated petty officer, another protege of Commander Rabb. In both cases she knew she had played a major role, but still she thought of them both as being Rabb’s projects.

“At ease Colonel...have a seat please. I know you’ve just completed a challenging case but I don’t have a lot of choice with Commander Rabb having to be out so much with his foster daughter.”

“I need you to catch a flight to Fort Worth Texas. From there you’ll meet up with your new temporary partner and continue on to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Together you’ll investigate and file your report to me. You will then return to JAG Headquarters together. Any questions?”

“A female weapons expert is being accused of attempting to sabotage a submarine with a faulty software program. You have knowledge of submarines, weapons, and strategic planning as well as the law. You partner knows weapons, computers and the law. Together I think you’ll be able to handle this quickly and get back here. Next question.”

“Yes sir...As you’ve already explained why I’m being tagged for this, there’s just one more thing...who is my new partner?”

“A Commander Meg Austin. She apparently worked here at JAG some time ago for about a year before moving on. Did you know her?”

“Good. The two of you should be able to compare notes or commiserate over the trials of working with the Commander.” Creswell shot her his smirk that passed for a grin when he was pleased with himself.

“If there is nothing else Colonel, I expect you to be in the air to Fort Worth within the hour. Coates has your travel vouchers ready. Dismissed.”

“Aye, Aye sir!” Mac spun on her heel and exited the General’s office, her heart pounding. From nerves, excitement or stress she couldn’t say.

“Thanks Coates. Look, I know Harm’s pushing us all away right now, but would you check on him and let him know where I’m heading...tell him I’ll call sometime tomorrow.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to meet Harm’s former partner,” Mac thought as she rested her head on the headrest as she flew through the now darkening late March sky.

She wondered if she would hit it off with Meg Austin. Harm never said much about her which made Mac curious; however, she had noticed that Harm did speak well of her when he did refer to her. She wondered if Meg knew who she was.

Meg Austin wore her peanut butter uniform for travel as she waited in her office to meet with her former partner’s partner. Meg and Harm had remained friends over the years. They had only seen each other twice in all that time. Their communications had been limited mostly to Christmas and birthday cards, other then the two length letters Meg had received from Harm. One had come after he had found his father. The second had come just a few months ago. Their topic of conversation seemed to come back to Mac each time.

Now, as Meg waited to meet Sarah Mackenzie for the first time, she wondered if the green-eyed monster would appear and give her away or make it impossible for Mac and Meg to work together. This was a test to determine if her feelings for the man in her life were real or an illusion. Going TAD to JAG Headquarters would be a test in more ways then one.

Meg gathered the information together that had just come in from Bremerton, Washington, made a copy for Colonel Mackenzie, packed her briefcase and laptop and headed to the hangar.

The COD would land and take on fuel and some supplies before heading to northwestern United States. She was to board while it was there for a brief stop. She was running late. She couldn’t miss this flight or delay it.

Mac looked up as the tall blonde female officer with her no sense stride approached her where she stood, stretching her legs.

“Colonel Mackenzie.” Meg noticed immediately the physical resemblance between Sarah Mackenzie and Diane Schonke. Harm had told her about it of course, but seeing it first hand gave her a chill.

“Commander Austin.” This stunning woman would certainly turn heads. She wondered how far Harm’s head had been turned by her.

They shook hands, each sizing the other up. “Please call me Meg. I feel like I should know you.”

“Don’t count on it, Commander, especially if you’re basing it on anything your former partner said about me.”

“Please, call me Mac. I’m sorry I jumped down your throat. It’s just...”

“You don’t have a clue what I’m like nor what Harm said about you. Your reaction is understandable given the circumstances...Mac.”

By the time the COD was in the air, the two women had set aside their personal issues and were deeply involved in reviewing their case. Mac was surprised to discover that she had Meg spoke the same language, with only one major difference. Meg was direct and to the point, but a cock-eyed optimism the likes of which Mac had never seen.

“Most of the time. My old partner taught me that when you weren’t sure, act as if you were and before you knew it, you would scare away the doubts allowing you to act on your instincts.”

“No...I find him to be a little lacking in the communications department most of the time...at least where words are concerned. His actions tend to speak louder then his words - unless he’s in court.”

“I never thought he was at a lost for words...as a matter of fact I’ve heard him referred to as a prolific writer even.”

“Oh he can talk about lots of things; just not the things that really matter. As for being a writer - are you sure we’re talking about the same man?”

“Sounds like the same one,” Mac laughed finding she enjoyed Meg Austin’s quick wit. “But I don’t think I’ve ever seen him pick up a pen to write unless it was a report or a list.”

“I can understand why that might have changed,” Meg thought drifting off to a time nine years ago when she had seen her partner cuffed and driven away to jail.

Meg had been so afraid of her growing feelings for him at the time and so afraid that her admission in China to Commander Krennick would be used against her. Not wanting to relive that nightmare at the moment, she snapped her attention back to Sarah Mackenzie, Mac, Harm’s partner? Friend? Lover? No...not lover.

Harm wouldn’t have been as frustrated about things the last time they spoke it they were lovers. Suddenly another piece of the puzzle that was Harmon Rabb Junior fell into place for Meg Austin.

“Meg, are you okay?” Mac asked as she saw her temporary partner’s mind drift to something else and then snap back to the moment.

“Because he...cared about someone once, a long time ago and he use to write to her all the time. She saved his letters. Those same letters were used to try and prove that he had motive to kill two people.”

“Yes...but Harm and Bud have both said we had very different personalities.”

“Well, that I couldn’t attest to...I never met her in person...but I was there when Harm found out she had been murdered...and saw the body without being prepared that it was her. He literally heard her name as the body bag was opened. He was shocked as I’m sure you can imagine.”

“Yes...I was with Harm when there was finally closure on Diane’s case...Bud Roberts was there too. He filled me in on some things.”

“He’s Lt. Commander Roberts now. He’s married, four children, a lawyer, and one of Harm and my best friends.”

“Good for Bud. Harm always said he thought he had the makings of a good lawyer and officer. It’s funny but I’ve never thought to ask about him.”

“Harm was right.” Mac exchanged a knowing smile with Meg. She thought about what it must have been like watching Harm and Meg together. He didn’t mention her that often but when he did it was usually to compare her to Mac...and make Mac mad. The question forming in Mac’s mind popped out of her mouth before she had totally formulated it in her brain - a very unlike Mac thing to do she admitted later.

“Did Harm ever compare you to anyone to make you mad with the idea of pushing you to do more?”

“Oh I didn’t get that too often...once I did,” admitted Mac thinking of the time she had been shot when they came across the poachers after they had mechanical problems with his plane. “Sometimes he would say things like, Meg had trouble with this...and when I would say I’m not Meg he’d just say, ‘We’ll see’ in that knowing way of his.”

“I take it you had to go on a submarine then.” At Mac’s nod she asked, “How did you make out?”

“Not my favorite thing, but I did okay...better then when I went up in a ‘Tomcat’ with him.”

“That’s funny...I hated the subs, but handled the sonic speeds fine. How do you handle him when he gets all arrogant and cocky...well more then usual?”

“I tend to act like my old drill Sargent I guess. I made sure he knew I could take him down and would do it if needed. What about you?”

“I had a habit of telling him to shut up...or asking him if he was showing off. Someone once referred to me as a ‘bold woman.’ I think it was because I grew up around cowboys. They’re not much different then fighter pilots. I can remember my mother getting in Dad’s face. It worked for her so I guess I used her techniques on Harm. Being a junior officer I sometimes had to apologize after, but that was one of the things I liked about Harm. I could speak my mind with him and he never held it against me.”

“Yes Ma’am. You can ask all the questions you want, but I’m under no obligation to give you an answer.”

“No, you’re not. I’m sorry if I offended you Meg. That was not my intention.”

“A little. I know that he’s waiting for you to decide if you want one with him or not.”

“Last October... I called to wish him a Happy Birthday...he sounded anything but happy. Look, I know that you two have danced around a relationship for years. He’s never told me any details, but there are signs. I read those sign pretty well most of the time.”

“I wish I could. Every time I think I’m reading him right, it blows up in my face and I’m shown just how wrong I am.” Mac had flashes in her head of the ferry in Sydney, standing in the rain watching him hold Renee, asking him what he’d be willing to give up for him and not getting an answer, and finding one woman after another at Harm’s apartment when she would stop by in the evening.

“Let me ask you this? Does he treat you more like a sister or flirt outrageously with you?”

“Well, when we first met, he flirted like crazy...then at some point I felt that I was like his sister...the girl next door. I use to cringe when we would have to go to formal affairs and we’d dance...as partners...I use to tell him he was dancing with me as if I was his sister...he use to deny it...but I know how it felt.”

“Look, you asked why I asked for a transfer. I’ll tell you so you can understand my reasoning. Harm had a partner before I came along. Did you know that?”

“Well she was only a Lt. (Jg) like me when they worked together...Harm was a Lieutenant. She got nabbed by State to work with them and I was her replacement. Anyway, after six months she ended up in Okinawa and we worked a couple of cases together while she was there. Harm would flirt like crazy with both of us. I knew from something that Kate had said that she and Harm had been together at least once. I also knew that Kate had moved on.”

“I know from my own experience with Kate that she wasn’t good at keeping her mouth shut.”

“True, but she wasn’t a malicious gossip. I think sometimes she just didn’t know how to handle real emotions. Keeping it light, having fun, being daring was more her style. Anyway, we also worked with Commander Allison Krennick.”

“Yes...it was just a few weeks before that I realized I wanted something more with Harm...l even thought about ways I could seduce him. Kate had gotten away with it...I thought maybe I could too.” Meg watched Mac to see what her reaction was. She nodded seeing that Mac understood what she was saying.

“It never went further then me thinking about it. Harm opened up to me when Diane was killed. He told me that when they had first met at the Academy they weren’t allowed to get involved with one another. He cared about her so much that he would never do anything to jeopardize her career, so he was careful not to act on his feelings. He treated her like a sister. They had a platonic relationship, but he had written to her all the time while she had been deployed and she had saved those letters. In them he had told her that he wanted to see her when she got home, because he thought they had a chance to have something more.”

“They were suppose to go to her parents cabin in Maine for the week and talk about where they wanted their relationship to go. I did know there were a lot of letters...but I thought most of them were ones she wrote to him.”

“Some of them. I had to in order to find proof that their relationship was platonic as he had claimed. It was hard, when he talked about wanting to hold her and see if their kisses would set him afire like they did in his dreams.”

“Oh God!” Mac thought about the kiss he had given her that night on the docks in Norfolk. It explained so much.

“Anyway I started to realize that there was a pattern. When Harm’s feeling are the most deeply involved, he treats the woman with the highest level of respect...like he would his mother or sister. When his feelings aren’t involved, he is the outrageous flirt...the cocky aviator.”

“You’re saying that the more platonic Harm treats a woman, the more non-platonic his feelings for her really are?”

“Nothing’s too crazy when you’re trying to figure him out, Ma’am. You see, Commander Rabb is kind of old fashion.”

“He’s a hypocrite, if he thinks he can bed women on a whim, but hold out for the pure and innocent for marriage! I shot and killed a man with screwed up morals like that!” Mac seethed as she let Meg’s words sink in. “Sorry I shouldn’t have said that...forget you heard it.”

“It’s not like that Ma’am. He doesn’t expect woman to be pure...its more just how he treats women when he does love them. That’s why I asked for a transfer. I knew that we would never be more then friends. We had fun together. We flirted with each other. If I had stayed, we may have taken it further. I didn’t want to risk my career over a relationship that wouldn’t fly...so I asked for the transfer.”

“I think I’m beginning to follow you Meg. Do you still think you love him?”

“No...I found someone to love and he loves me...and we both put our careers first for now, although we are thinking about getting married and starting a family now I’m stationed in Fort Worth and my Mom is around to help out.”

“Thank you, but its too soon for that. I haven’t decided to make the commitment yet...now about Harm.”

“He’s spending his time at Mattie’s bedside hoping she’ll survive and that if she does she’ll be able to live a quality life.”

“She was in an aircraft accident. As they were landing, another pilot was taxiing and they collided. Mattie wasn’t flying - her instructor was at the controls. He was killed. They said it was a miracle that Mattie lived.”

“He’s there every second he can spare. He won’t let anyone go with him...and frankly he’s leaving the rest of us so busy we don’t have time to sit with him.”

“No...as a matter of fact, this is a good thing. I’ll be honest. I was curious about you. So far, I like what I see and think we’ll work well together.”

“Thank you. Listen, I need to warn you, we’ve got this new guy at headquarters that drives me crazy. He’s worse then Harm ever was. The guy’s morals, values, integrity - non-existent from what I can see. I think I could enjoy watching you work with him.”

“Lt. Gregory Vukovich - wants to be called Vic. He’s a weasel and a womanizer.”

“Sometimes I like being senior officer,” Meg grinned at Mac. “This sounds like it will be entertaining at the very least.”

For the rest of the trip they chatted about their duty assignments and played a version of six degrees of separation as they tried to compare mutual acquaintances besides Bud and Harm.

Mac leaned over Meg’s shoulder and stared at the screen displaying the information Meg had managed to restore from the floppy they had found in the trash.

“You did it. That’s the smoking gun we needed. Excellent work Commander Austin.”

“Thank you Colonel Mackenzie.” Meg stood up a stretched smiling at her temporary partner. She could imagine Harm and Mac working together. They were both thorough and neither left a stone unturned. Meg respected their style.

“Meg, you didn’t sleep last night. Rest while I draft the report. I’ll wake you up and if it looks good to you we’ll send it and head out of here.”

Mac watched Meg leave the room they had been given for an office while conducting their investigation. They had decided on the plane to go right to the base when they arrived and start their investigation catching everyone by surprise. It had lead to dividends all the way around. People were rushing to cover their tracks and someone tossed out a floppy disk thinking that no one would bother to try to get information off the damaged item.

They hadn’t counted on Meg and Mac. Meg had taken the disk and by 0400 she had been at the computer working. Mac had gone to the rest on the cot in the next room. Three hours later she had brought in food for both of them and started following some of the other leads they had. Meg still worked on that computer disk knowing she had something, but not sure what is was until she pulled up that final table. Somehow it had sustained little damage to a chart that listed those involved, their assignments, and specialties.

Mac finished the report and the accompanying forms required just as Meg returned.

Meg read Mac’s report noticing that she was thorough and to the point at the same time. It was almost like reading her own reports. Meg nodded.

“Done. Now, let’s call Creswell.” Mac grabbed the phone on her desk, punched in the familiar number and was momentarily startled when General Creswell himself answered.

“Yes sir. We caught them by surprise and have what we need. Just wanted to alert you.”

“Good. Look, I need you and Austin to get back here. Get a commercial flight if necessary. I’ll have NCIS pick them up and file charges.”

Meg in the meantime called to check on military transport. There were two seats available on a flight out of here at 1800 that day.

Mac listened then picked up the phone to call for a commercial flight. After a few minutes of trying different things she booked two seats and turned with a flourish to Meg Austin.

“Let’s go. I got us a flight out of Bremerton Airport to Salt Lake City. From there we connect with our flight to Washington DC. If we make our connections we’ll be at Dulles by the time we would have left here.”

Mac opened her car so she and Meg could stow their bags. She grabbed her cell phone and called Harm’s number first, planning to let him know they were back. He answered on the first ring.

“And?” She knew from his voice that he wasn’t encouraged. She hoped that he would open up to her a little.

So much for him opening up to her. “I’m with my new temporary partner between Dulles and you. Can we stop for a few minutes?”

“Look, we won’t stay long, but I need to see for myself that you’re okay. Please humor me.”

Harm paced back and forth across the loft waiting for Mac and the mystery guest to arrive. He hadn’t slept much in the past few weeks due to Mac and Mattie. Mac because he wanted and needed her in his life so much it scared him and she was still resisting him. Mattie because of the accident and her slow recovery. She had been awake for two days now. But she had little or no ability to use her arms and legs.

Just thinking of Mattie laying in that hospital alone, scared, unable to move, not knowing what was going to happen to her, where her father was - it made Harm angry. He needed to process this with someone, but he didn’t want to unload on Mac. She was already picking up slack for him so he could have time off to spend with Mattie.

Still, he wasn’t in the mood to entertain company. At the same time it wasn’t that often that Mac called and asked to come over. Maybe it was a sign she was moving closer to him. He had already pushed her away once when she came to the hospital to see him last week. He needed to make up for that too. So he sucked it up, showered, shaved and dressed in clean jeans and a t-shirt before Mac and her guest arrived.

Her new temporary partner...images of Vukovich came to mind. He hoped to hell that she wasn’t saddled with another jerk like that one. As Chief of Staff, she had to assign cases to Vukovich, but she didn’t have to work with him on a regular basis. Still, Harm wondered who was about to arrive in his home. He was too tired and run down for entertaining, but for Mac he would make the effort.

“You ready for this?” At Meg’s nod, Mac knocked on the door. She stepped back so that when Harm opened his door he would see Meg and not her. She would however be able to see him and his reaction.

“Surprise!” Meg greeted standing in the doorway, smiling with her arms up waiting for him to accept her hug.

Mac watched Harm shift gears at the sight of his former partner as he processed what was before him.

“She is. Are you leaving us out here? ‘Cause if you are I’m not leaving you your pizza.”

“I’m sorry. Come in...” He accepted Meg’s hug then as his eyes met Mac’s. “Its good to see you.”

He turned to take the pizza from Mac which prevented him from hugging her. He had to stop himself from kissing her cheek as he leaned close to her. Instead he murmured, “I’ve missed you.”

“Nice place you’ve got here Harm. I knew you’d moved from 8^th Street...now I can see why...this looks like a real bachelor’s pad.”

“Harm did most of the work on this place himself.” Mac had fond memories of watching him work on it when they first met...picnics while sitting on his bed when she brought him food as a peace offering. It had been fun to watch his progress...and him. That had been when she had first started to fall for her partner. Shaking herself out of her memories, she joined Meg and Harm at the table...one sitting on each side of him at his place at the head of the table.

“In some ways....yeah. You can be gone from that place just a few weeks and feel like its some place new when you return a month later.”

“At times. Although Harm has been there over ten years; Bud and I’ve been there nine; Harriet had eight years.”

“You two should look for new assignments. You’re need to build your resume.”

“We have Meg. We’ve got stuff in our files that we hardly have the clearance to read. You on the other hand, are like a leap frog hopping all over the globe.”

“After this TAD, I plan to be at Fort Worth for as long as I can. I’m thinking I’m get out at the twenty year mark. You’ve been in twenty now, haven’t you Harm?”

“I’m with you Meg. I think I prefer to exit at twenty...at least right now that’s what I’m hoping for. We’ll see what happens between now and then.”

“I guess I did. Seems like every time I think I’ve got this thing figured out, the perimeters change.” Harm shook his head while Mac and Meg exchanged glances at his confusion.

They talked while they ate the pizza. Harm updated them on Mattie and explained that he had been ordered to return to JAG now that she was awake, although the General had agreed to shorten his workday.

“Look, I’m sure Mattie and Jen wouldn’t mind you bunking at their place. Better then a hotel room.”

“He does. I don’t like the idea of him driving back and forth between here and Blacksburg everyday, but I know that’s what he’s going to try to do.”

“Yeah. Mattie lives there with her Dad now...and that’s where she’s in the hospital.”

“She’s coming over to issue the invitation herself.” The knock on the door followed Harm’s statement. “Come in Jennifer.”

“At ease Jennifer. This is Commander Meg Austin, my former partner. Meg, Petty Officer First Class Jennifer Coates.”

“Nice to meet you Ma’am. You’re welcome to use the spare room in my apartment while you’re here.”

Meg followed Jennifer next door. When the door shut behind her, Harm turned to Mac.

“She’s great...witty, smart, easy to work with, and she doesn’t hesitate to put people in their place if they need it. She should have been a Marine.” Mac smiled at Harm so he would know she was teasing.

“That the two of you will gang up on me over something. Holding my own with either of you has always been a challenge...combined forces may be too much.”

“Sorry...couldn’t resist...how are you really Harm?” Mac studied him. He looked tired, stressed, worried, but relaxed at the moment.

“I told her that he was getting the house ready for her...she reminded me it’s the first time I’ve lied to her. Felt like scum.”

Mac had moved closer to him as they had worked around in the kitchen taking care of the leftovers and dishes. She wanted to rub his back...reach out to him somehow. Not wanting to upset him, or chance a rebuke, she hesitated until he turned his tortured eyes too her and she could see his need for her to comfort him in his eyes.

Mac opened her arms and he stepped into them. Despite the differences in their height, he buried his face in her neck and let the tears that had been threatening since her visit to the hospital fall.

Harm felt her arms surround him and her hands moving up and down his back, soothing and comforting him unlike anyone else he had ever known. His own arms were around her waist, locked above the swell of her six. He backed up and sat on one of the island stools, while Mac stepped between his legs to stay close. They had held each other and shared tears after Bud’s accident and before that, when baby Sarah had died minutes after her birth.

Before that, they had hugged each other when he had needed to live her in the desert with the Bedouin while he returned the black jet to the carrier and again when she joined them on the carrier, safely returned to him.

This is how he should have been there to comfort her when ‘Bug-me’ left her and returned to Australia. Its how he wanted to hold her when he found her in Paraguay and brought her home. It’s how he wanted to hold her for the rest of their lives, if she would only decide she was ready.

Meg let herself into Harm apartment and her face lit up at the sight that greeted her. Harm and Mac holding each other...finding comfort. Meg would have excused herself and left if they had been kissing. Instead she watched them hold each other and thought about her own reaction to seeing them like this.

Her smile grew as she realized that the green-eyed monster had not appeared watching these two people embrace. Meg considered that a good sign that she was over her crush on Harm. She may hero worship him at times; and she would never find him anything but sexy; however, she also knew that she would count him as a friend for life. Finally she cleared her throat.

“Sorry to intrude. I’m going to bunk at Jen’s. It sounds like Creswell will keep me busy enough that I won’t be hanging out that much anyway.”

“I’ll be fine now...things had built up and its gotten harder over the years to deal with those emotions. Good friends always help.” He smiled at Mac, brushing her arm with his hand.

Harm waited until Mac had unlocked her car door, before stopping her as she started to get into her car.

“Mac, I’m glad you brought Meg over tonight. It will be nice to catch up on the news with her in person for a change.”

“Fine...try long legged blonde for starters. I’m going home.” Mac slipped away from him, seated herself behind the wheel, closed the door and started the engine as if it was all one movement. Harm stepped back in time not to lose a toe when she took off, her tires squealing.

Harm watched Mac drive away, obviously upset. He wasn’t sure what had happened. They had connected tonight as they held each other and gave in to all the emotions they had bottled up. They had laughed with Meg as they ate pizza before they had that moment alone. Then things had changed. What had she said in explanation - long legged blonde.

“She’s jealous of my friendship with Meg,” he announced before looking around to see if anyone had heard him.

Meg heard the tired squealing and looked out the window of Harm’s apartment. He stood still in the dark watching the taillights of the red Corvette disappear around the corner. Harm had done or said something to upset Mac.

“Time to smarten that man up before he blows it permanently,” Meg chuckled to herself.

By the time Harm returned Meg was ready for him. As he opened the door she started in.

“I think you do. Think about it Harm. You’re a smart man...put the clues together.”

“All she said was ‘think long legs and blonde.’ She’s jealous of our friendship.”

“Harm...I’m not letting you off the hook. I have nothing at stake here. I know our friendship will last. I knew you before you built up all those walls. You let me in and I know things about you that Mac’s never had a chance to learn.”

Meg knew Harm wasn’t happy about this little impromptu sessions, but she also knew he was desperate enough to hear her out. “Like you use to be willing and able to put your thoughts into words - until it was used against you. Like you have a habit of treating the people you care about the most as if they were a relative...those you don’t have a connection with are fair game for flirting or more. You send mixed messages Harm.”

Meg waited for him to deny it or argue his case in opposition. He wasn’t looking at her, but she knew he was thinking about what she said. She watched his fists clenched at his sides and then still as he slowly relaxed them.

“If I was a betting woman, I’d say she isn’t sure. Those mixed messages you keep sending her way have her baffled.” Meg studied him a little more. “You can’t even say the words can you?”

“Harm, I’m going to say one more thing tonight before I go get some sleep. I had a crush on you years ago and it kept me from being sure I could commit to someone else. After watching you and Mac when neither of you knew I was here, I know that the two of you are meant to be together and I’m meant for someone else. I also know that if you and Mac can get it together, I can be friends to both of you.”

“I knew you’d have to know...but I’m not tellin’ until you convince Mac I’m not a threat to your relationship. Stop pretending that you don’t love her. Help her to trust you. Take away her doubts. Sleep on it. Oh, can I catch ride with you to HQ tomorrow?”

“I can go one better. Silver Lexus SUV parked out front...here’s the keys. I’ll be using my Corvette.”

“Morning Ma’am. General Creswell said for you to join him as soon as you can. He’d like to speak with you before Commander Austin joins you.”

“Very well Coates. The Commanders riding together this morning?” Mac asked, hoping she didn’t sound as jealous as she felt.

“No Ma’am. Commander Austin will be using one of Commander Rabb’s vehicles...and he’s already in his office.”

“Tell the general I’m on my way, petty officer.” Mac shook her head not sure what to think of this turn of events. Picking up her files and notepad, she made her way to the general’s office, waving to Harm on her way by his open door.

“I’ve been giving some thought to how we can give Rabb the time he needs with his daughter, and still keep JAG moving. I brought in some new blood, but you seemed to think they were creating more work for everyone. I’ve asked Commander Austin to join us for the next three months to help out. She has a reputation for being able to whip folks in to shape. What’s your take so far?”

“I haven’t spent that much time with her, but she’ll stand up to anyone. Claims she learned from her mother when she handled cowboys on the ranch.”

“Good. I’d like you to assign the lieutenants to her and give her free rein. If they can’t cut it with her, I’ll move them out. Also, feel free to have her share the load with Rabb or yourself. If you do that, it will serve to get Turner off my back.”

“At ease. Have a seat Commander. How does it feel to be back at Headquarters?”

Meg and Mac shared the results of their investigation with General Creswell who decided to have Vukovich prosecute while Roberts defended. He excused Mac and Meg to discuss Meg’s supervisory assignment on their own.

As they walked by Harm’s office, they peaked in and found him sound asleep at his desk. Mac looked at Meg, “Want to have some fun with him?”

“Not right now. I’m off to have some fun supervising this no-it-all, Vukovich...Mac, go easy on him.”

“I will.” She watched Meg move along before entering Harm’s office and closing the door. It clicked shut startling Harm awake. “Sorry...I really didn’t intend to wake you just yet.”

“Harm you can’t keep going on like this. What cases do you have that I can reassign?”

“Harm, you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Let us help while Creswell is willing.”

“Stop it Harm. You tell me I can lean on you but you won’t lean on me. Then you wonder why I don’t think we can make it work at times.”

“This isn’t about me leaning on you, Mac, its about whether you can trust me enough to give me a chance to make things work. I know you care about me and I know you know I care about you. I’ve told you I want to be a part of your life. All I need is a word from you...but you can’t give it, because you don’t trust me enough after all this time.”

“You trust me to let you down and to hurt you like others have done...like I’ve done in the past. You don’t trust me when I tell you that I’ve other women offer themselves to me and I’ve turned them away. All I have to offer is friendliness. I’m older...I know what I want. All I’m asking for is a chance.”

“I know Harm...I know.” Mac quietly left Harm’s office without looking back.

Harm gritted his teeth and slammed his fist into his hand as he watched Mac exit his office. He knew he didn’t always handle things as well as he could, but he was trying to gain Mac’s trust. He listened to what other women were telling him and trying to apply it. But when it came to Mac, it never seemed to work the way he thought it would.

Trying to focus on his work, he began to review the cases he had to see if there were any he could turn over for reassignment. Mac was right about him not doing justice to his clients when he was on overload. Setting aside five of the twelve cases he currently had open on his desk made him feel like he was at least trying to meet Mac half way.

“Thanks...you mind?” she asked as she indicated she wanted to close the door.

“Harm, why won’t you let Mac reassign some of your cases? Don’t you realize that your friends want to share the burden with you?”

“I just culled five from twelve actives I have. I was going to take them to Mac when you came in.”

“Good job. I knew you weren’t too old to learn some new tricks.” Meg flashed him a high wattage smile that rivaled one of his own thousand watt smiles.

“I’ll take these over to Mac for you...and make sure she’s knows I’m just the carrier pigeon.”

“I didn’t. He had already decided to do it and had them pulled out when I got there. He’s heading out to Blacksburg to spend time with Mattie tonight.”

“I know. He goes out there almost every night. If he’s really tired and they let him, he sleeps on a chair by her bed. Other wise he drives back after visiting hours are over.”

“I know. I’m afraid he’s going to fall asleep at the wheel. He’s been falling asleep at his desk lately.”

“What? You’ve got a plan. Spill it girlfriend.” Meg flashed her smile at Mac, sharing the enjoyment of a good conspiracy.

“Are you busy after we get out of here today?” Mac asked holding her breath to se if Meg would go along with the plan she had concocted.

“Will you go with me to Blacksburg? I want to see Mattie. Once we get there one of us can come back with Harm.”

“If we leave from here at six, we can be there by eight-thirty. Visiting hours end at ten.”

“Look, I’ll drive so you can ride back with Harm. You two really need some time alone together.”

“Is that what you really want...to fight with Harm?” Meg met Mac’s gaze and held it.

“Then you and I will talk more on the way to Blacksburg. Meet you here at eighteen hundred hours.”

“Shouldn’t be after the naps I took today.” They exchanged smiles. “Mac, thanks for reassigning those cases. I met with everyone on them today.”

“Me too...I’m just not sure if we’re at the same place to start out with.”

Harm nodded and made his exit. Mac’s words played over and over in his mind as he made the long drive to Blacksburg. Were they at the sam place? Did they really need to be as long as they were going in the same direction?

Harm sat and watched Mattie sleep. He was glad that the respirator that had been breathing for her was finally gone along with the other monitors that beeped and pinged and reminded him every second how fragile her hold on life was. Harm saw tear streaks on her face and knew that he had probably caused them.

Instead of coming directly to the hospital, he had gone looking for Tom Johnson. He found him this time at the house, but his condition was worse then before. He had tried to sober him up and talk some sense into him, but he wasn’t capable of hearing that his daughter was alive and awake. Mattie had been asking for him but so far he refused to go to the hospital to see her. Harm had tried one last ditch effort, but Tom Johnson was totally irrational.

Now Harm sat waiting for Mattie to wake up from her nap, this time wishing Mac was here so he could ask her advice on the situation and dreading having to tell Mattie her father couldn’t handle things.

“Harm...” the voice was weak but it was enough to get Harm’s attention and bring a smile to his face.

“I know...he can’t handle it Mattie.” Her tears broke his heart. “Hey, do you remember what I promised you.” Gently he moved to sit on the edge of her bed and hold her hand.

“That’s right. I’m going to file with the court for custody again Mattie. Your father’s not going to contest it. He knows he can’t help you right now.”

Mattie nodded while Harm gently dried her tears and brushed the hair off her face.

“I saw Mac today. She said to tell you she’ll be out to see you soon. She’s helping with my caseload so I can be here with you as much as possible.”

“Don’t you worry about that. There may be times I can’t make it, but if I can I’ll be here Mattie. I meant what I said.”

“I know...I worry about you...what happens if something happens to you?” Mattie asked, the tears sliding down her face again.

“Hey, hey...what’s this. Are you hurting?” Having experienced serious injuries himself, he knew how important it was to manage the pain and not let it get ahead of you; to control your thoughts and actions.

“No you haven’t....both my cars work great...there’s an elevator in my building...”

Mattie couldn’t keep back the smile at Harm’s foolish responses to her statement.

“Mattie, its still early in your recovery. I talked to Bud Roberts. Look at what he’s been able to do and he’s missing part of his leg. You’re not missing a thing. You’re just going to have to give yourself time to heal and then work really hard to teach your muscles to work again. The doctors have gone from not giving me any hope you would wake up, to telling me how pleased they are with your progress. I won’t give up on you and I’m not letting you give up either.”

Harm stayed where he was until a sound alerted him that someone was here. He quietly turned so as not to wake Mattie.

“Mac? Meg? What’s wrong?” Harm asked with a scowl as he untangled himself from Mattie and guided the two visitors out of the room to the bench outside the door where he had sat with Mac not that long ago.

“Relax...we just decided to take a ride out tonight before things get really hectic. Mattie asleep?”

“For now. She tends to nap frequently still, but sometimes only for fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. We’ve had a tough evening.”

Once they were sitting on the bench, Harm explained about Tom’s binge and inability to face Mattie.

“Harm, I don’t want to rain on your parade, but with Mattie’s injuries, they’re going to want to be sure there is a female around to provide her with the care she needs when she gets out of here.”

“You’re right...I hadn’t thought about that. It’s bad enough I’ve pulled Jennifer into this...I can’t ask her to do more.”

“You’re right Harm,” Meg spoke, straight forward as usual. “That whole situation with Coates could be construed as fraternization.”

“You didn’t ask her, Stupid...she offered,” Meg punched Harm’s arm to drive home her point.

Harm winced and then glared at Meg for a split second before he gave a hearty laugh. “You haven’t changed at all. I had a permanent bruise the whole year we were partnered. Mac’s always let me know she can lay me out - she’s never beat on me though.”

“I’ve wanted too a few times.” Mac couldn’t help by smile. “So, before we gang up on you, are you going to consider my offer?”

“Yes...we’ll have to look at the options, but I’d welcome any help I can get on Mattie’s behalf.”

“I’m right here Mattie. Look who showed up to see you.” Harm stepped aside to let Mac step past him while he and Meg stepped outside the room to talk.

“I am. Harm won’t let my school friends come visit unless he’s around...he scares them away.”

Mac was a little taken aback by how quietly Mattie spoke as well as the effort it took for her to get the words out. “Being a little protective, huh?”

Mac was pleased to see Mattie’s smile. “Mattie, look, I know we didn’t have a chance to get to know each other like we planned, but I still want to...as a matter of fact, I’d like to ask the court to share guardianship with Harm...so you can have a female advocate as well.”

“Mattie, I care about you because you matter to Harm and because that tells me you’re a good person. I also care about you because you remind me of me. The difference is someone stood up and took care of you when you needed it before you ended up in a lot of trouble. I’d like to think so of my own experiences could help you get through some of the tough times ahead. I’m not trying to replace your mother...but she’s not here and there are some things I might be able to do, talk to you about, that Harm and you would rather not deal with. I want to give you some options.”

Mattie watched Mac, her silence thoughtful. Finally she spoke. “Thank you Mac...I’d like that.”

“Not really...I mean usually I badger him into telling me things by accident.” Mattie couldn’t help but grin thinking about the time she got Harm to admit he loved the woman that was sitting here with her now.

“You know Mattie, we could have some fun joining forces against him.” Mac watched her words process in Mattie’s head. She knew when Mattie got the idea when she saw one eyebrow go up and a smile appear once again. She also realized that Mattie was struggling to keep her eyes open.

Mac noticed the way Mattie referred to Harm as ‘Dad’ and smiled to herself. “Yes. She’s working with me right now at JAG and helping out with some of the extra cases and training a few of the new lawyers.”

“I’ll go get her.” Mac patted Mattie’s h and as she stood to go find Harm and Meg.

“Why do you have to be the crusty, non-communicative jerk with her? You know you love her - now stop pretending you don’t.” Meg warned him.

“Meg, I do...but I’ve got to let her come to me. I give her openings every chance I get.”

“You can’t even say it.” Meg laughed and watched Harm squirm under her scrutiny.

“You’re really going to dump all of this on her? No wonder the two of you keep dancing around. She throws out hints letting you know she’s ready and you miss them. You throw out hints to let her know, she misses them. In the words of my boyfriend, ‘What the hell are you doing Harm’?”

“I’m trying to give her space and not pressure her. I’m trying to play surrogate father to a teenager whose own father can’t or won’t get out of a bottle; and I’m trying to keep my career in the Navy afloat. Wait a minute...in the words of your boyfriend...do I know him?”

“Yes, you introduced us once a long time ago. We didn’t start seeing each other right away however, and when we did we...he told me that at first he asked me out to make up for you stealing his girl.”

“I told him I wanted some time to think about it...but I’m going to say yes.”

“Seeing you and Mac together. I knew without a doubt that you and I would always be friends, but what you had with Mac and what I have with Jack...it’s special.”

“He’s in. He’s been doing some training in Fort Worth, but he’s thinking about retiring from the Navy. Thought he’d go into private business for himself and help my mother with the ranch.”

Mac smile of contentment was obvious as she watched them while Harm did the introductions and mentioned Meg’s relationship with Jack Keeter, his Academy roommate.

“Mattie, this is Meg, my partner before Mac came to JAG. She’s helping out and working with Mac so I can be here with you.”

“Did she also tell you that Meg is dating my old Academy roommate?” Harm smirked as he glanced at Mac.

“Keeter?” Mac asked. “Meg, you were holding out on me. How long have you been seeing him?”

“Well Harm introduced us in Cuba ten years ago, but I’d say we’ve been into a serious relationship for about three years.”

“Keeter never said anything to you Harm?” Mac asked as Mattie relaxed and let the adults provide her with the entertainment.

“No...its been awhile since I’ve seen him, although we have talked a few times...more recently. He must have an ulterior motive...that conniving, good-for-nothing...”

“So when he starts in on you I should let him go...he’s entitled too?” Meg asked with her bubbly smile.

“Look, I’m going to head out of here. Jack and I usually talk in the evenings, so I’ll talk to him while I drive back. You mind giving Mac a lift back Harm?”

“We’ll do it again sometime.” Harm smiled indulgently wanting to make things up to her.

“Mac, thanks for coming down here. I’m glad you’ll be riding back with Harm...he should come every day. It’s too far.”

“I’ll decide when its too far or whether or not I can make the trip. You get some rest and don’t worry about a thing.”

Mac watched Harm for his reaction and relaxed when she didn’t see him freeze up.

“It is going to be nice to have another adult I can discuss option with when I’m trying to figure out how to guide you along.”

Mattie’s yawn announced to the world she was tired and ready to sleep through the night.

“I love you Mattie. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know what time we’ll be here for a visit.”

“You don’t have too. Just call if you’re not going to make it here...I love you too Harm. Thanks Mac.”

Mac touched her lips to Mattie’s cheek and whispered, “Sleep well...sweet dreams.”

“That’s what my Mom use to say.” Mattie’s voice was slurred as if she was almost asleep already.

Harm took Mac’s hand and let her out of the hospital room, not stopping until they were outside the hospital and at his Corvette.

“I can do that.” Mac slid into the car while Harm held her door open for her. It seemed nice to have that little courtesy when it was something they normally didn’t take the time for when they were together. “Thanks Harm.”

Harm stifled another yawn as he drove, glad to have company, a luxury he hadn’t had on these all too familiar drives.

Harm never said a word, but Mac released a sigh of relief when he pulled out at the next rest area. Without a word they got out of the vintage Corvette and switched places. Mac adjusted the seat and mirrors to fit her smaller frame while Harm pushed his seat as far back as it would go on the passenger side.

Mac felt Harm’s hand brush her thigh as she put the car in gear. “Thanks Mac.”

“I’d rather watch you.” Harm’s voice was low and Mac wasn’t sure she heard him correctly, but she refrained from making a comment until she felt his eyes on her still after the first ten miles.

“I know I don’t tell you very often...can’t let myself or its all I’d say.”

“You fishing for compliments now?” Mac teased trying to lighten the mood and lessen whatever it was that seemed to be filling the car as she drove and he watched.

“How stupid and lax of me. I’ll find a way to make it up to you, if you’ll let me.”

“Treat you like the beautiful woman you are more often, instead of the Marine officer all the time for one thing.”

“Or no clothes...sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. So tired things just seem to keep popping out of my mouth as I think them.”

“Yeah, I like her no nonsense approach to things. She’d have made a great Marine.”

“She’s gone undercover as a Marine before. You know, she always has loved the cloak and dagger stuff. I should have known she and Keeter would hit it off.”

“I must have sensed something...I remember Jack saying he liked a bold woman when they met. Meg put him in his place about the same way you did when we met.”

“Sounds it. We’ll have to call Jack and see how he is some night...play dumb and see if he tells us anything.”

Mac was enjoying their quiet voices in the near dark, the only lights coming from passing cars and the interior dash board. It felt comfortable and cozy being with Harm like this.

She was glad to see the outskirts of Washington DC when she did. She was getting tired and she knew Harm had finally given into sleep. She had planned to stop and get her car, but she hated to wake Harm now he was asleep, so she kept going.

Harm had closed his eyes. He was almost asleep but not quite. He was aware of the traffic and knew they were coming into the city. “Where’s your car Mac?”

“You don’t mind?” Mac steered the Corvette toward her apartment in Georgetown. Now Harm was awake, she would let him go the rest of the way on his own...unless he wanted to crash at her place.

Mac pulled into her under ground parking space and shut off Harm’s car, handing him his keys.

She was almost giddy at the idea of Harm following her up to her apartment, carrying his bag, and knowing how tired he was. She always had enjoyed watching him sleep when they had shared a room.

Mac waited until they were in the apartment before she turned to Harm and offered him a better deal if he wanted it. “Harm, that couch isn’t the most comfortable for sleeping...my bed is big and there’s plenty of room if you want to share.”

Harm stared at her for a few moments. She could see his throat working as he swallowed and thought it through. Finally a smile came onto his face as he shook his head. “Damn, you finally invite me to your bed after all these years and I’m too damn tired to do anything about it.”

“Get your ass into bed and get some sleep Harm,” Mac came back at him with her own laughing head shake.

Mac heard the shower running while she got her uniform ready for morning. Harm had taken his bag with him into the bathroom, so she couldn’t take care of his uniform for him. Maybe it was a good thing, but it seemed too much like domestic bliss if she started doing wife things for him.

Mac heard the shower shut off as she gathered her sleep clothes together. She often slept in a leisure bra and panties although sometimes she preferred a more feminine night gown. Tonight it seemed prudent to wear a tank top and shorts like she wore when she was traveling on board ships but at the last second she grabbed a pale pink satin short pajama set instead.

Turning the lights off she set about securing the apartment, trying not to think about sleeping next to Harm. She wondered if he would wear a t-shirt of not and if he did how she could convince him to take it off. She loved to look at his chest. Of course, she knew she should not be thinking this way - not if she was going to sleep in the same bed and not attach his body. Still she thought about it.

Making sure the apartment was secure, she returned to the bedroom as Harm stepped from the bathroom in boxers and t-shirt. Mac was disappointed.

“I left you a hanger for your uniform. Take which ever side of the bed you prefer.”

“No problem...oh and Harm...it tends to be warm in here at night...loose the t-shirt if you’ll be more comfortable.” Mac didn’t wait to see his face or what he decided. She took her turn in the bathroom with a quick shower without washing her hair. She dried herself, applied a night moisture cream after drying herself then slipped into the pink satin tank and shorts set.

Taking a deep breath for good measure she opened the bathroom door and entered the bedroom. Harm’s light snore greeted her. He had the covers up over him so she couldn’t see if he had removed the t-shirt or not. Quietly she slipped into bed beside him and turned off the light. Just as she did, she realized that his t-shirt was on the chair over his bag.

Mac smiled and then turned toward the heat in her bed. She was glad he was sleeping, but she didn’t know if she could sleep with him here. She had always wanted to convince him to come to her bed...although for more then sleep. As she leaned her head on her hand she realized that he hadn’t slept on the top sheet with the blanket over him as he had in the past. He was really in bed with her. There could be some accidental touching going on by morning.

The thought of what that incidental contact could lead to kept Mac awake for two hours as she watched him sleep. Finally her eyes grew heavy and sleep won out.

Mac opened her eyes and stared at the clock on the bedside table. She had it set as always yet the thing rarely was used. Very few things forced her internal clock to shut down even temporarily. Still, none of them made a decent excuse for her commanding officer, so she always set it never willing to risk it failing. She could go back to sleep for another fifty minutes if she wanted to...or she could carefully roll over and watch Harm sleep. The latter option won out.

Mac could feel his body heat next to her and suspected he was closer then he had been when she fell asleep less then five hours ago. Still she turned to face him.

God, he was one beautiful man. This morning in the early morning light, she could see the growth of his overnight beard as he lay on his back. She could see him as the younger man he once was when they first met. By some miracle, he almost looked carefree in his sleep.

Mac had to stop herself from reaching out and touching him. She knew he would wake easily at a loud noise or a gentle touch. Funny, some women didn’t know that much about their new husbands when they shared a bed with them, yet Mac knew that about Harm just as he knew that she could program herself to wake up at will once she got to sleep.

Her head propped in her hand once again, she watched him sleep. He had definitely moved closer during the night, as his head was actually on her pillow now. His left arm was flopped opened away from his body while his right arm was bent at the elbow and his hand rested on his stomach. The covers had slid down, and Mac could see that massive chest of his with the silky hair covering that had mesmerized her the first time she had seen him without a shirt.

Harm was modest, more so then most men she had met. It didn’t seem to matter how hot it was, he rarely went with out some kind of shirt. Not that the exercise tank shirts, or muscle shirts he wore hid much, but now, seeing his chest, she felt she was getting a private glimpse of him again. It brought back memories of the first time Webb had faked his death.

Mac started to reach out her hand to caress that chest but froze just before she made contact.

Harm was laying on his back thinking about how he had ended up in Mac’s bed last night. He had been so exhausted that the idea of driving another fifteen minutes to his place had seemed impossible, so when Mac had invited him to stay, he had accepted.

Harm really had planned to sleep on her couch, but his ability to think rationally and to resist temptation was low last night. When she offered her bed, he took it. She had been right, it was comfortable and he had fallen asleep immediately upon laying down. He hadn’t been aware of Mac coming into bed.

Now it was nearly morning and the alarm would probably go off soon. Harm was rested and he was trying to resist temptation. He had been very aware of Mac sleeping next to him and knew he had moved closer to her during the night. He had felt her stir, and in a move to protect himself from any momentary lapse in common sense, he had bent his right elbow so that his hand rested on his own stomach. The hand furthest from Mac, he kept as far away as possible.

If he touched her without her permission, she could bloody his nose or blacken an eye, either of which could be difficult to explain to his CO. He saw her start to stir and realized that he was very vulnerable laying on his back this way. If she was to turn over, she would see how his body reacted to being closer to her. There was noting to hide it when he was practically naked and only the sheet and a light blanket were covering his lower half.

He closed his eyes willing himself to relax and for his morning erection to subside. All the while he lay there he swore he could feel her eyes on him. It was like they heated his face where her eyes rested. As time passed he thought he was in control and that his body wouldn’t give him away, but that was before the heat from her eyes seemed to be focused on his chest. He could feel his body tightening again and knew that his erection was beyond anything he could control with his mind.

He was still as he anticipated how he would wake up and not embarrass them both, when his chest, abdomen and lower tingled again. It was if she had her hand over him. His eyes popped open and in a second he took in the situation. Mac was reaching out to touch him, but had frozen in place when his eyes opened. She had the deer in the headlights look on her face, yet she didn’t take her hand back.

Harm decided he had once chance to salvage the situation, as he didn’t think she had noticed anything below his chest and stomach. He quickly turned on his side to face her, and caught her hand with his left one.

“Morning,” he whispered in a husky voice as he smiled and tucked her hand in his, kissing her fingers with his lips.

“Morning...sleep okay?” Mac hoped he had no idea how fast her heart was racing at the moment.

“I did. Thanks for letting me stay here. You know, we haven’t done this in awhile.”

“Yeah...we didn’t get much sleep that night - dodging air power and land mines.”

“True...Mac, why do you suppose we’re relaxed wrapped up together in the desert or hiding out on a mountain, but when its just you and me and a comfortable bed, we can’t handle it.”

“I don’t know Harm...I guess one if based in survival and the other is based in...”

“Well let me let you in on a secret. My body doesn’t know the difference and acts the same way in all those situations. What do you make of that?”

“Why? We’re both adults. We agreed to sleep here together last night. We’ve both had other relationships...woken up after a night with other people...so why is it so awkward for us this morning?”

“Hey that’s my line, and I’m trying like hell not to use it this time. No fair, Mac. Try again.” Harm’s smile flickered across his lips and Mac couldn’t stop focusing on them, in case they did it again.

So many options ran through Mac’s mind. She could caress him like she had wanted to before she got caught; or she could leave toward him, and capture that flicker of a smile with her lips; or she could reach him with her foot and run it up and down his leg; or maybe she should just tell him she was ready for the next step too finally.

Before Mac could make up her mind, Mac’s phone rang. They both groaned and Harm released her hand so she could answer the phone.

“Look, I’m not trying to be nosy, I just wondered if I need to be worried...about Harm. His car isn’t here.”

“Good. Then I’m sorry I bothered you...please tell me I didn’t interrupt anything.”

Mac laughed then, realizing how often someone or something had interrupted them in the past. “It’s okay Meg...we were just talking.”

“Something the matter with you woman. Jump that man’s bones and be done with it!”

“Jack called me this morning. He’s flying in for the weekend and he thought maybe all four of us could get together...if you want. And if its easier for Harm, we can come to Blacksburg.”

“Sure. Now go back to what you were doing...or better yet, follow my suggestion. Bye!”

“Yes. Keeter’s on his way to spend the weekend with her, and they want to get together with both of us.”

“A double date...a couples thing?” Harm asked remembering the last time he and Mac tried to double date - when they were part of different couples.

“Yes, I guess. Look Harm, Meg knows we’ll want to spend time with Mattie this weekend. She suggested that they could come to Blacksburg. I told her we’d confirm or not at the office.”

His eyes never left Mac’s as he hovered next to her on the bed. He waited, his body screaming for some kind of sign from her that this would happen soon.

Mac leaned closer and let her lips hover near his. She waited to see if he would take the offered kiss, before realizing that he expected her to make the next move. Almost wasn’t enough anymore. Mac slid her hand to his shoulder, leveraged herself closer and over Harm, before letting her lips tease his, her tongue caressed his lips asking them to open.

Harm fought to let her control this kiss...seduction...whatever it was turning out to be. Her tongue across his lips was more then he could take however, and he opened his mouth and captured her lips, letting his tongue duel with hers. His long arms surrounded her and pulled her against his chest.

Mac was lost in their embrace, in the kiss. She felt she was finally home and that maybe this time, finally they could get it right. She brought her leg up, sliding her foot up and down his leg, her arms around his neck pulled her closer, as she lay on top of him. Her body became aware of every pulsing ounce of flesh between them and answered with a pulse point of its own.

Neither was sure who stopped the kiss as they pulled apart and gazed into each other’s eyes.

“So we tell Meg and Jack we’d love to have dinner with them this weekend?”

“I want to call and check on Mattie. Why don’t you use the bathroom first and don’t worry about saving me hot water...I need a cold shower after that.”

Mac slid out of bed and mumbled, “Me too,” regarding the need for a cold shower. “I won’t be long.” She turned off the alarm, with thirty seconds to spare.

Harm called the hospital using his cell phone. Mattie had slept well and was eating breakfast as they spoke. His next call was to the hotel near the hospital where he had been getting a room when he stayed over. He decided to get two beds in the room to give them options. He also made reservations at the restaurant run by the culinary department at the technical college for Saturday night.

Harm didn’t want to set time lines for tonight, because he - they - needed to file for custody today and just in case the judge was available to make an emergency ruling this afternoon or evening he wanted to have the option. He padded barefoot in his tented boxers out to Mac’s kitchen to start the coffee while he waited for her to finish in the bathroom. After their kiss, at least if she noticed his condition he had something to blame it one other then her closeness.

As he returned to the bedroom, tent still erected, Mac stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around her. A flash in his mind reminded him of the hallucination he had one time after bumping his head. His beautiful dream had turned into a nightmare when he had ended up calling Renee, Mac. He stopped beside Mac and leaned down to steal a quick kiss as he passed. He noticed the coolness of her body and chuckled, knowing she too had taken a cold shower.

“Nothing. I started the coffee,” Harm called over his shoulder as he grabbed his bag and headed for the bathroom.

The cold shower and a little distance helped his condition, but he was glad he was still wearing dress blues. Summer whites and peanut butters didn’t hide his body’s betrayal well at all. Dress whites and the winter blues, were a good send when he was around Mac much. Evening dress didn’t allow for him to hide either. That’s when he had to keep his control in top shape so he wouldn’t be embarrassed to be in public. There was no cover to hide behind when you were inside dancing.

He finished dressing in Mac’s bedroom. He would need to go home later and repack his bag for the weekend. He would plan to pick her up here so she could leave her car at home. He thought about switching cars with Meg so they could take Mattie out for awhile if she was up to it. He knew it was wishful thinking on his part, so he set that aside and headed for the kitchen.

Mac handed him a cup of coffee. She noticed that he was making his coffee stronger these days, more like what she usually made.

“I don’t have anything much in the house for breakfast. Want to stop at the bakery on the way in?”

“Sure. I want to submit custody papers today Mac. Were you serious about want your name on their as well?”

“I guess you’d better use significant other for now.” Mac watched Harm’s crestfallen face and smiled. “Harm, it is a step further then we were yesterday at this time...right?”

“Yes...you’re right. Tell me, is the phase where you wore your ring from Mic on your right hand?”

“Kind of I guess. At least then I knew without a doubt where he wanted our future to go.”

The thunder cloud that crossed Harm’s features sent Mac scurrying to get her things.

“I’ll pick you up here before we go to Blacksburg - if you still want to go.”

General Creswell looked around the room at the crew he had assembled. They had been working hard, even the new kids he had brought in. Commander Austin was whipping them into shape. Lt. Tali Mayfield was blossoming under Austin’s encouragement. Vukovich complained twice a day about her interference in his work. Mackenzie was freed from dealing with him, and along with Rabb’s time in office, coupled with Austin’s help on the extras, they were plowing through cases and reviews with gusto.

Creswell loved the way this office was working, but the reality was, he was holding on to people that needed to move on and up. It was too early to tell them what he had done. He’d wait another week until he had answers, but if all went well, he would lose some good people to command positions. Granted this thing with the girl he cared for was putting a strain on Rabb right now, but his name was about to go to the Captain’s board. If he got approved, he would be the prime candidate to step into the command position in London. Eventually, Rabb could be the JAG if he wanted it, unless he screwed up big along the way, which he couldn’t see the man doing.

No, this weekend, he wouldn’t rock their world. He would put Mayfield and Vukovich on duty, with Commander Turner on call to consult. The rest of them could hopefully have a quiet weekend for a change. Next week, he would let them know about the changes that he had started to put in motion and that their world’s were about to be turned upside down.

“Commander Austin, I want to thank you for the excellent job you’re doing with Mayfield and Vukovich. I understand you have company arriving this weekend, so enjoy your time off. Commander Turner, you’re on call this weekend to consult with the lieutenants if they need it.”

“The rest of you, need a break. Take it this weekend. You never know what will happen in the days to come.

Those words would eventually haunt them all in one way or another. For now, they were glad to have the time off.

Following the meeting, Harm asked Mac to join him in his office. She followed him in and he shut the door.

“I have the custody papers I wanted you to look at before I submit them. Also, I’m going to call the judge and let her know what’s going on. Do you want to be here?”

Mac scanned them and smiled seeing their names linked in this endeavor. Harm reached for the phone punching in the number to reach the judge. It took a few tries and repetition of the situation, but she finally came on the line.

“Yes, your honor. Thank you for taking my call. I have Colonel Mackenzie in the office here with me, and I’m putting you on speaker phone.”

“So Mathilda is injured, her father’s drinking again and you too are applying jointly for custody this time. Am I close?”

“Its fine. We’ll call the hospital and I’ll talk to her nurse. They’ll tell her to sleep this afternoon to so she can stay awake to see us this evening.”

“Well, I’m learning...but I’ll be even better now I have you to discuss things with. Thanks Mac.”

“Hey we did okay with Bud...and Coates...even Chloe...I guess that was all practice for Mattie.”

“I wish we weren’t here in the office in uniform...I want to kiss you again.”

Harm’s look burned into her gaze and Mac swallowed at the passion in his voice. “I’d like that too. Later...we’ll save it for later.”

Bud, Meg, Harm and Mac enjoyed a lunch in the cafeteria, each one telling a story about another from the early days of their relationships. Mac had told Meg about the first time she met Bud and Harm at the Rose Garden after Harm had been given his first distinguished flying cross.

“First he stared at me like I was a ghost, having no idea that I really looked like one to him, and then we get to the limo and Bud is just standing there, so the admiral asks him if he knows protocol for entering and exiting a car.”

“Well I did!” Bud laughingly defended himself while Mac attempted to control her laughter and go on.

“Bud proceeds to recite the article verbatim and Harm had to remind him he was the junior officer.”

“Bud, I’m shocked. Here I thought you’d be a great replacement to assist Harm at JAG. Admiral Chegwidden must have been burning.”

“Actually he never held it against me. I owe him a lot.” Bud responded with a seriousness that seemed out of place in their boisterous story-telling luncheon.

“I wanted that duty, and how often does a shipboard JAG find themselves in hostile territory? It was meant to be and I’m doing fine.”

“Hard to believe somehow we’re the same young people we were back then. A lot has happened over the years.” Meg added as she picked up her things. “I guess we’d better get back to work.”

“Meg, I left directions with Coates for you and Jack so you know where to meet us tomorrow night.”

Mac had only been back in her office a few minutes when Harm came in holding a fax out to her.

“It seems that the social worker went to the house and found Tom. He was barely lucid and he signed consent for you and I to have custody. The paper was faxed to the judge; she signed it and they faxed it to us. Mattie’s ours Mac...unless there is a real change or Tom gets a lawyer, this is legal binding. We can request adoption after one year if we want.”

“She is...but I still want her to have a chance to spend time with her father if Tom gets help and cleans up again...and Mattie wants it. I won’t force the issue this time.”

“This is a good sign, isn’t it?” Mattie asked looking back and forth between the two of them.

“Well, if you like the idea that you’re ours now...its good.” Harm watched Mattie’s face as she processed what he was telling her.

“Probably wouldn’t have been rushed if you weren’t in the hospital or been there before...but they talked to Tom today and Mattie, he signed the papers so this could happen. He’s worried about you.”

Mac and Harm sat side by side talking to Mattie and making plans for the future. As they were getting ready to go when the visiting hours were nearly over, Mattie stopped them.

“Mac and I are going to talk about that with you this weekend. How’s that sound?”

“Not going to happen...come here...” Harm drew Mac into his arms for the hug they had promised each other earlier in the day. “Can I claim that kiss you owe me now too?”

Mac smiled as she reached up to take his face, his beautiful face, between her hands to hold him while she kissed him. “Mmmm, I could get use to doing that...ow!”

“Mac, what’s wrong?” Harm watched her bend over a little and hold her hands on her stomach.

“I think fate is stepping in again, Harm.” Mac spoke with clenched teeth as she slowly stood up. “I’ll be right back.”

Harm watched Mac take her over night bag into the bathroom with her, his concern evident on his face. He thought she had gotten the pain taking care of nearly a year ago...unless the endometriosis was getting worse again. He paced the length of the room and back repeatedly while waiting for Mac to re-emerge. When she did, he hurried to her side.

“Nothing that won’t go away in about four days...it just changes my plans for the weekend.”

“Oh?” Harm thought he knew now what was going on but thought he’d push a little too be sure. “Planning to seduce me, were you?”

“The thought had crossed my mind...gets it’s a good thing you got the two beds.”

“Mac, I intend to at least hold you tonight. If we don’t do anymore then hold each other, kiss a little and talk its more then we’ve done in the past. One bed is all we need, unless you don’t want me holding you.”

“Yes...I know most women figure they’re out of the action for six to seven days, but I guess being in top shape helps that too. I’m usually indisposed for only three to four days.”

“So I can assume that the ‘ow’ before wasn’t from us hugging and kissing?”

“Yes, that would be a safe assumption. I’m really sorry Harm...its one of the challenges of living with endometriosis...I never know for sure when or even if I’ll have a cycle each month. This is so stupid...I feel like the country song, ‘What About Me?’ should be playing in the background.”

At Harm puzzled look she laughed. “There’s a line in the song where the guy sings about how they always talk about the girl and sometimes he really wants to talk about himself instead of when she’ll start.”

“No dropping chaff...get ready for bed or not...I’m going to sleep.” Mac flounced off to the bed nearest the bathroom and climbed in.

Harm held up his hands and did as Mac suggested. When he returned to the bedroom, he made sure the door was secured, turned down the light and slid into bed behind Mac, wrapping his arm around her, let his large hand cover her lower abdomen where he suspected her cramps were keeping her in a fetal position.

Mac was nearly asleep, but the weight and warmth of Harm’s hand roused her enough to be aware that he was with her. His touch seemed to sooth her immediately.

Mac opened her eyes and turned her head to find Harm’s face against her hair, his hand splayed across her stomach and her cramps almost non-existent.

Mac smiled at the husky sleepy voice so near her ear. “Morning to you to Sailor.”

“Much better then I thought I would be...I think your intervention may have actually helped some.”

“I’ll refrain from explaining why I thought it might for fear of upsetting you.”

“No need Harm...you can tell me.” She heard him take a deep breath, sigh and then relax against her a little more before he talked.

“I think you’ll be surprised where I learned it...Diane use to ask me to hold her like this when she had cramps.”

“We didn’t...but we were close and we were talking about it the weekend she was killed.”

“No need...if you hadn’t you’d have said no...taking the fifth is as good as admitting guilt.”

“I know...Meg pointed out that the people you have long term relationships with get treated like sisters...or brothers. IF you treat the girls like girlfriends, they don’t last all that long.”

Mac growling stomach prompted them to hit the shower, dress and go out for breakfast. After that they planned to find Tom Johnson if they could before they went to see Mattie.

Mattie was sitting in a special chair when they arrived at the hospital. She greeted them with a huge smile.

“Mattie’s been anxiously waiting for you to get here. We started taking her out there yesterday to get her out of bed and give her a different view for a few hours each day,” explained the nurse as she changed the linens on Mattie’s bed.

Harm glanced at Mac and the wall to the left of Mattie’s room. “You mean right Mattie?”

Once they were by the nurse’s desk, Harm and Mac exchanged glances again in front of the storage room door. They turned right again and the short corridor brought them into a sun room. Three other people were in there with one or two family members. The view from the windows was lovely with the early spring gardens in bloom. Harm parked Mattie so she could see out the window.

Mac found the nurse that had been in Mattie’s room. “Excuse me, I’m Sarah Mackenzie, one of Mattie’s guardians. Has she had problems mixing up right and left before today?”

Mac told her about the messed up directions and asked her to let the doctor know about the situation. Once she was sure the nurse would relay their concerns to the doctor, she hurried back to the sun room with Harm and Mattie. Knowing she would need a plausible excuse for Mattie to explain her disappearance, she ducked into the restroom. Given the situation she decided it wouldn’t be a bad idea anyway.

When Mac returned to the sun room, she smiled at Mattie and listened in to the conversation she and Harm were having.

“I’m telling you Mattie, I am very impressed with your progress the last couple of days. Aren’t you?”

“Pressure...sometimes I feel like ice cold water is being poured over my feet.”

“Yeah...and then came the hot water...and then the itching...and then the movement.”

“Harm, I never realized how bad your accident was. You rarely talk about it.”

“I know Mac...and I wouldn’t now, but it might help Mattie to understand what’s happening and that some of this is usually a good sign.”

“I am Mattie...I needed to use the ladies room. It’s one of those days you know?”

“Yeah...” Mattie glanced at Harm and grinned in delight. “Hey Mac, did I ever tell you about the time I had to send Harm to the store for me?”

“You didn’t?” Mac laughed as Harm’s face became a rosy pink color, especially across his cheeks. “Didn’t he pawn it off on Jennifer?”

“I think he would of but she wasn’t home and I needed them so I could go to school.”

“We’ll exchange info on preferred brands and styles one of these times when we’re alone. We don’t want to put him into cardiac arrest dealing with female products.” Mac and Mattie exchanged smiles, each one delighted to have a partner in the ‘let’s make the Sailor blush’ game.

“Mattie, Mac and I stopped to talk to Tom today. We told him about the judges decision and suggested he might want to stop by and see you. We wanted to give him a reason to get clean again and take the pressure off of him at the same time.”

“I think he’s going to call his sponsor and ask for help,” Mac informed her.

“Mattie, if he cleans up...gets sober...will you at least talk to him...not to forgive him, but because he’s your father?”

“I guess...but from here on out, I’m going to consider you two my parents. Is that okay?”

“Okay, daughter...its time to get you back to your room. You need some sleep.”

“We’re meeting Jack and Meg for dinner tonight...but maybe we can stop by so you can see us dressed up for a change.” Harm promised as he pushed the chair back to her room.

Mattie had been thrilled to see Mac in the black halter neck dress with the black heels with the cut out toe and sling-back. Around her neck Mac had worn the gold rose necklace with the tiny diamond center that Harm had given her at Christmas.

Mattie studied Harm in his gray silk shirt, dark red tie and the black pants with the gray pin strip in them.

“Now Mattie, I can promise you with his suit jacket on or off he’ll be the best looking guy in the restaurant tonight.”

“Hey, I’m telling Keeter what you said.” Harm’s gleeful crowing had Mattie laughing as she waved good-bye to them. She knew they would be there as early on Sunday as they could be. Plus, she liked the idea of them dating and hoped soon Harm would ask Mac to marry him.

Harm, now wearing his suit jacket, guided Mac into the restaurant with his hand at the small of her back. Heads turned as they entered to see the beautiful couple as they gracefully moved through the crowd.

“Yes sir, the other two in your party are already seated. This way, please.”

Harm and Mac spotted Jack and Meg at the same time the other couple spotted them.

“Late as usual Rabb, but as long as you brought this beauty with you, I’ll forgive you,” Jack Keeter reached for Mac to hug her and whisper in her ear, “I knew I should have stolen you from him in the desert.”

“Nice to see you too Jack. Just remember if Meg and I gang up on you, you won’t stand a chance...so behave tonight.”

“You sit next to Meg, Mac...I don’t want Keeter any where near you.” Harm laughed as he pulled out a chair and held it for Mac.

“Meg if they get too bad, you and I can leave them and go shopping or something.”

The four of them exchanged stories stopping only to order their dinner and speak to the waiter. While they were eating their dinner, Mac noticed the diamond ring on Meg’s left hand.

“Yes...Jack’s been after me for awhile. Last night he asked again and I accepted. The ring fit perfect without having to have it sized.”

“Wow...I didn’t believe that you’d get your act together before me.” Harm shook Jack’s hand. “Just remember, if you ever hurt her, I’ll make you pay.”

“I’m working on it.” Harm picked up Mac’s hand, holding it against his own thigh under the cover of the table.

“Just remember Mac, my mother says cowboys are a little hard to tame, but the good ones are worth it.” Meg watched Harm and Mac squirm a little knowing they had pushed some buttons. “Oh yeah...I expect one of these days you’ll be calling me to tell me your news.”

After dinner they danced in the lounge area where there was a small dance floor. It was close to midnight when the two couples parted and returned to their respective accommodations.

“Do you think Harm will ask Mac soon?” Keeter asked Meg as they walked to Jack’s rental car he had insisted on.

“Yes...but I’m not sure if Mac’s ready to agree to it. She’s concerned whether Harm is over all the complications in his life. It’s holding her back from committing to him.”

“No...I knew they belonged together before I ever met Mac. Harm talked about her to me just once. When I met her, I was shocked how much she and Diane looked alike. But Diane didn’t have the connection with Harm that Mac has always had.”

“They loved each other in their own way...yes. But I think if Diane had lived and Harm had met Mac...he would have fallen for her over Diane...regardless of their relationship.”

“Oh yeah....those two have an unbelievable strong connection...almost as strong as ours.”

“I guess I always thought Keeter would be the last one of the four of us to marry. Luke was first and we knew he would be. We thought Sturgis would fall next...then me and finally Keeter.”

“So are you telling me you haven’t fallen yet?” Mac struggled to talk around the lump in her throat.

“I know I have to read your mind and guess what you mean with all your double talk.”

“Sure...let’s see...’I want to be a part of your life Mac.’ Remember me saying that almost a year ago? How about, ‘I’m right here. Nothings changed...I’m not going anywhere.’ That ring a bell? I’d say I’ve been coming out and saying things plain and clear for almost a year. I was hoping you’d have an answering response soon.”

“Why did you have to ruin the evening Harm? Things were wonderful tonight...and then you had to go and upset things.” Mac dashed at the tears streaming down her face with the back of her hand. She hated it when she gave into her emotions.

“Me? You’re the one telling me I’m double talking you!” He shook his head taken aback by the tears. Renee would use them to get her way when they dated. And Annie had cried about anything and everything. But his Mac didn’t cry very often and never like this. Feeling terrible about ruining what had been a fantastic evening, Harm quietly handed her his handkerchief. “I’m sorry Mac.”

Harm thought maybe Mac would get herself under control before they went to bed, but she had insisted he go first and when she was done in the bathroom, she crawled into the other bed, by herself.

“No...I’m already comfortable.” It was a lie. Mac was having cramps again tonight. They had started as soon as she got upset and now, by herself in her own bed, she wished Harm would just be himself and crawl into bed with her, once again working his magic on her cramps. By doing so, she would be where she really wanted to be...in his arms.

Harm waited in his bed thinking Mac would eventually give in and come to him. IN the dark he could hear her restless movements. He thought once he heard her moan a little bit, but then he didn’t hear anymore. He was really feeling low and ready to apologize again, planning to beg her to forgive him and come to bed, when he heard the sound again. He knew then her cramps were back. He had heard her make that sound for years when she was uncomfortable.

Harm also know without a doubt that his stubborn Marine would not come to him now because she would think it was a sign of weakness. He slid out of his bed and into hers without a word. Once he was beside her, he gathered her in his arms as he had the night before, one hand splayed over her cramping uterus. He felt her relax against him without a word. Soon after they were both sound asleep.

“No Harm you were right. I’m the one that can’t seem to commit. I should be apologizing to you.”

“You didn’t need to, Tiger.” Harm chuckled as he slid out of bed and whistled his way into the bathroom. “You better get a move on Marine. We’re meeting Jack and Meg for breakfast in less then thirty minutes downstairs.”

“I’ll be ready...just don’t hog the shower!” Mac shouted as Harm shut the bathroom door.

After a laughter filled breakfast with Jack telling more stories then anyone, Mac and Harm enjoyed more time with Mattie. Harm went out to get lunch for them which they ate together in the sun room. While Harm was gone, Mattie and Mac had a chance to talk in private.

“Mac, he looks more rested this weekend. Thank you for taking care of him for me.”

“Not a problem. He’s so stubborn...but when I tell him that he needs to do something so he can be ready if you need him, he at least listens...before he turns the tables on me.”

“What makes you ask that?” Mac was sure they were acting normal around Mattie.

“You’re both on edge, watching what you say and how the other one reacts.”

“No listen Mac. He had trouble saying it, but he’s doing so much better. He had trouble hugging me even at first. Now he can do that and he does tell me he loves me...but I had to say it first.”

“I know...but Mattie, you need to understand something...I need him to say it to me. It’s always been easy for me to say it because I wanted to hear it so bad. IN order to be different, he has to say it to me first. I know he cares deeply for me, but its like we both have to do things differently this time with each other in order for it to mean anything. Does that makes sense to you?”

“Trust me when I tell you we’re working on it and things are getting better.”

Harm returned then with their lunches. After they ate, they returned Mattie to her room and helped her settled into her bed. Before they left they caught her doctor.

“Yes. Is it cause for concern that she suddenly is having trouble with right and left?”

“No...its quite normal with her head injuries. She’ll be starting therapy tomorrow and that will be one of the things they work on with her. Things should bounce back and be normal within a couple of weeks.”

“Yes. Would you like the therapist to file a report and for me to call you later in the day tomorrow with an update of how she did?”

General Creswell had been on the phone with the Pentagon most of the day. He had finally gotten the word he was waiting for and had called the meeting with his staff. They hadn’t given him much time to transition his people out, but he had gotten the assignments he had hoped for. It was time for people to fish or cut bait in his estimation.

Mac sat in stunned silence as she heard the general inform her she had been given a command position and would be stationed in San Diego. How could this be happening? She and Harm were finally getting things worked out and they were to be torn apart and sent in opposite directions half way around the world from each other.

This was nothing she had asked for, at least not now in her life. It was bad enough she was being sent away from JAG, but so was Harm. Mattie! What’s going to happen to Mattie? She can’t be moved now.

Yorkshire pudding? No he couldn’t say it was a favorite of his at all. What to hell was going on here. Captain Rabb! Holy shit this wasn’t something he had seen coming! Not at all. Wait a minute...Mac was heading close to his home in San Diego, near where his mother and Frank lived, while he was going to Europe. Mattie! What’s going to happen to Mattie? She can’t be moved now.

Harm was aware of people slapping him on the back and shaking his hand. All he wanted to do was get Mac alone and talk to her. He wanted to talk to his detailer and see if there were any other options out there. If Mac was going to be in California, then he wanted to be a hell of a lot closer then London, England.

“I’m calling my detailer. I’m going to explain about Mattie, find out what role he played in this, and then see if there is anything else closer to you after my assignment is delayed due to Mattie’s condition.”

“You’re going to give up a command position and Captains bars? Are you crazy?”

Harm got thought to his detailer who told him he thought it was a move he would welcome.

“Maybe at one time...not now.” He told the man about Mattie and her recovery. He also told him about his relationship with Mac...without giving names.

“I don’t know Harm. I can probably get you a delay due to the family emergency situation but that will only be for two weeks at most. I think you’ll probably have to take the position for at least six months. By then you could retire with twenty years of service, or maybe something will open up on the west coast. I’m sorry I didn’t contact you directly. The general said he had spoken to you about this and was calling on your behalf.”

“Then let me see what I can do. I’ll get back to you when I know something.”

“They gave us seventy-two hours to pack, tie up loose ends, and report to our new duty stations.”

Harm and Mac secured their stations, removing their personal affects from their office when they left. They would have to report for a short period of time the next day, but then they would be going. On the third day they would be gone! Harm hoped like hell his detailer was able to finding something else for him. He hated to give up the promotion, but he would if that was the only way he could be here for Mattie and Mac.

Mac had started packing boxes and get her apartment ready for this sudden relocation. She still needed to serve the USMC another six years before she could retire with twenty years of service, unlike Harm who could retire in less then six months.

She really wanted this command position. She had been fast tracked before when she got Lt. Colonel. Full Colonel would have to wait a few more years, but this assignment could really further her career. On the other hand, it could ruin what she and Harm had been building toward. She hoped Harm would call or come by. Hearing his voice would be nice, but having him hold her would be even better.

“Your orders to London have been cancelled...but not your promotion to Captain. Congratulations.”

“Harm it’s not perfect, but I think you’ll accept the assignment because you’ll at least be closer to the west coast then London.”

“Wait Harm...calm down. You know the new Joint Forces Legal Services that the Navy and Marines are doing?”

“Well, Air Force caught wind of it and they wanted to form a partnership with the Army and have their JAGs play nice together. It seems they couldn’t get it approved without making it a real Joint Forces program. You my friend, will be using your legal expertise in Maritime law, and Rules of Engagement as you work with and train aviators in the army, navy, air force, coast guard and marines and establish a common interpretation of the US military code of justice.”

“Thought you might...one drawback maybe...you’ll need to spend six months in Indiana at the Naval Air Warfare Center. That will give them time to decide if they’ll eventually combine this with the San Diego Joint Service group, or locate it at Point Mugu.”

“You’re kidding right? It’s perfect. I’ll only be six to eight hours away from Mattie while she heals. Then we’ll be able to move her closer to us in California.”

“You’ll report to the Naval Air Warfare Center in one week, a week from today.”

“You won’t be flying and you won’t be in the court room much. You’ll be teaching, observing, riding a desk.”

“Alright then. I’ll call you with information on housing in both areas in a couple of days.”

Mac closed the door and motioned him to sit down, but Harm approached her and slid his hands up and down her arms.

“I couldn’t do it Mac...and I didn’t want to give up my career yet. It was looking like I would have to go to London for six months, but when I mentioned to Ron that I hadn’t heard a thing about this until Creswell dropped it on me as a done deal today, he changed his tune. He called me back and the orders to London have been cancelled.”

“Yes. For the next six months, beginning a week from today, I’ll be in Indianapolis at the Naval Air Warfare Center. After that, I’ll be heading up my own Joint Forces for aviators in all military branches. My duty station then will be at Point Mugu or in San Diego, he thinks, although it could still change...but they anticipate on the west coast at least...we’ll be in the same time zone then.”

“Oh Harm, you’ll be close enough to be here for Mattie and you can move her closer to you for her rehabilitation program.”

“Yes...and we’ll only be a few hours away by plane so we can see each other almost every weekend.”

“We haven’t been able to make this work living in the same town...how can we expect this to work living hours away from one another?”

“Are you sure? Because it wasn’t that long ago you said it would never work and there would never be an us.”

“Good, then we’ll find away. I think we should call Mattie and tell her what’s going on. Then I’ll help you pack if you want and I’ll go to San Diego with you and help you settle in.”

“I’ll pack my stuff and you go pack your stuff after we call Mattie. Then I think we need to decide how we’re going to make this work, not just assume it will.”

“Hey Dad!” Mattie laughed over the speaker phone they provided her with so she didn’t have to hold the phone to her ear or have someone do it for her.

“I will in about six months. They’re going to let me use the title and wear the bars early I guess. Mattie, things have been happening around here beyond our control, but we want you to know that you won’t have to worry about a thing. We’ll make sure you’re with at least one of us.”

“No Mattie...we’ve been given new assignments. Harm’s going to be in Indianapolis, about eight hours away by car and an hour or two by plane. I’m going to be in California.”

“Yes they can Mattie. It was worse...they were going to send me to London. I got my orders changed.”

“Look its not perfect, but its better then it might have been. I won’t be that far away and Mac can fly here to see us on weekends and when you’re better, we can fly out to see her and my parents.”

“I’m going to go with Mac to San Diego to help her get settled but we’ll be out to see you before we go.”

“Yes. I’m glad she’s feeling secure enough that this isn’t going to upset her too much.”

“Go pack your apartment Harm. We’ve got a lot to do and not much time to get it done.”

“I liked your proposal okay, Mac, but if you want a real one, stop by and see me.”

With that he closed the door leaving a Marine Lt. Colonel with her mouth hanging open as he closed the door and walked away. She hoped he meant that the way it sounded.

Mac stared at the closed door where Harm had just walked away from her with one of the most cryptic remarks she had ever heard from him. Didn’t he? Harm wasn’t about to make a real commitment to her was he. She thought about the words he had said - ‘I liked your proposal okay, Mac, but if you want a real one, stop by and see me.’

She dissected word by word as she packed boxes. ‘I’ was referring to himself...Harm. Okay no mystery there.

‘Liked’...could be a verb or an adjective...he added ‘ed’ to like so it must be a verb...it sounds like this is a preference...a choice.

‘Your’ shows possession or belonging...it was my proposal that he thought was ‘okay’...acceptable...satisfactory...positive.

He said ‘Mac’ so there is no doubt he was talking to me. She taped another box closed and set it on the stack to one side that needed to go in storage until she got permanent housing lined up.

‘But’ means he’s putting in a qualifier...there may be some circumstances that change things. ‘If’ is another prepositional phrase that sets the condition in this case ‘you’ meaning me...Mac...Sarah Mackenzie. ‘Want’ meaning to desire, crave, long for, or wish for something.

‘One’ means referring to something previously said...in this case...the proposal. ‘Real’ is actual instead of something fake or instead of.

‘Stop’ means don’t pass me... ‘stop by’ and see me...he’s telling me to come and see him if I want him to propose for real...Oh my God! Harm almost proposed to me...he’s really telling me he’s going to do this but I need to give him a sign first. My going to his home is the sign he needs.

But what do I need to know he means it...I always have asked my boyfriends to give up something for me. What has Harm ever given up for me? His naval career...he offered to give it up to find his father and his brother, but didn’t actually do it...for me he did it...and now, he’s made sure we won’t be half way around the world from each other by contacting his detailer and asking him to go to bat for him....for us. He tried to give up Renee for me, but as usual she screwed that up for him...but at least he would have tried. Harm’s already passed that test.

He’s shown how much he can love unconditionally, and Mattie’s not perfect or easy. He’s stood by me when I’ve pushed him away. He’s never given up on us...unlike me.

I really need him to say that he loves me and that he wants us to get married. If he does that, I can’t ask for anything more.

I can believe this is really happening. Mac taped up three more boxes and set them aside as well. She couldn’t wait to get to Harm’s and talk to him about this ‘real proposal’.

“I hope I’m right, cause if I’m not I’m going to look mighty bad,” Mac shook her head as she finished and set aside the last of the boxes she had packed in her living room. She moved onto her bedroom and then the kitchen and finally the bathroom. The contents of her closet were packed or thrown away as she worked.

As she packed she replayed Harm’s parting line, again and again, each time dissecting it to see if there was some other meaning that she was missing. Before she knew it the sun was rising on a new day and she hadn’t slept a wink. Her belongings however had been packed. In just over twenty-four hours, Verese would be moving in. Mac suspected Sturgis would move in with her.

Mac wondered what her housing would be like in San Diego. Should she buy a house or rent again? Should she rent a house or an apartment? Maybe there would be a condo that would work. She would use base housing when she first arrived until she had a chance to look around.

Mac put on a pot of coffee and grabbed a pen and paper. She wrote on one side of the paper, ‘must have items’ and on the other side, ‘wish list items.’

Quickly her lists grew. Must have items included things like: two bedrooms, handicap accessible, modern appliance for the kitchen, deep soaking tub, shower with great water pressure, garage, fireplace, deck or porch, back yard.

Mac then turned to the ‘wish list’ and it grew as well with things like: a third bedroom for visitors, second bathroom, dishwasher, spa jets in the tub, room for two in the shower, second bay, fence, dining room, eat in kitchen, lots of closets, washer and dryer.

Mac couldn’t wait any longer. It was time to grab her keys and go see Harm. She wanted to talk about what they had and where it might go...and what he considered a ‘real proposal to be.’

Harm had been awake most of the night. He wanted his stuff packed away so he could travel to San Diego with Mac. He expected her to show up anytime. His parting comment was too perfect and she wouldn’t be able to stand it. The suspense was driving him crazy. He wasn’t thinking, ‘Would she show up?” No Harm was focused on “When would she show up?”

Harm’s apartment door was opened as he worked so that Mac couldn’t get to the door and dart away as she had been known to do in the past. He was sealing the last of the boxes and stacking them so the movers could deliver them to storage until he was ready for them. A number of items were already packed into the Lexus which Meg had returned to him last night. She had been issued a Navy car until she returned to Texas.

“Hey.”

“Hey yourself. There's something so final about a packed suitcase.”

“Yeah, not to mention an entirely packed apartment. Oh, how about you? You packed?”

“Hmm..not completely.” Mac hesitated before continuing. “Let's talk about..uh..you and me.”

“Neither one of us. . .”

“Wants to be the first to say goodbye. Yeah I know the song. We've been singing it for years.”

“Mac, I don't think that I'll ever feel about anyone else the way I feel about you.” Harm turned around slowly, speaking resignedly.

“That's very flattering. One piece of advice, don't share that with your wife whoever she might be. She might not understand.”

“Do you understand?”

“Why we can't make it work? Why we've let fate decide our futures? No. No I don't.”

“Let me ask you a personal question. Of all the men in your life, what was it about them that attracted you?”

Mac’s sigh echoed around the packed apartment. “ Well they wanted me and they let me know it.”
“I wanted you, you knew that.” His hurt and confusion made his voice husky with emotion.

“Harm no woman wants to be a mind reader. And with you there was always complications. Another woman, work, searching for your father.”

“That's all past.”

“Is it?”

Harm took a deep breath a slowly exhaled as he reached for her hand. “Mac we have 12 hours.”

“We've had 9 years.”

“I guess maybe I just needed a deadline.”

“Well ya got one Sailor.” Mac smiled softly never taking her eyes of Harm. She watched his head move closer to hers until their lips met and they were kissing.

The years of control were gone now. Harm couldn’t stop kissing her. He wanted to devour her with kisses. He felt her hands holding his face.

“What are you proposing? And that's not a Freudian slip.”

Harm couldn’t stop kissing her and touching her while he still tried to talk. “I'm proposing. Let's get married.”

Harm was never sure if Mac took over the role of kisser, or if he just kept at it.

“At least London is out of the picture.”

“How about the Ventura area?”

“San Diego works for me...and your parents are there.”

Neither of them were really angry, but they knew this was going to be the first hurdle they had to clear if this was going to work for them.

“This has always been the 500 pound gorilla in the room.”

“If we get married one of us has to give up their Navy careers or do a hell of a lot of commuting.”

“Well we could wait until I retire.”

“Yeah what's another decade or so.”

Harm didn’t want to fight and he didn’t want to risk losing Mac before he was sure he even had her, so he did what any smart man in love would do - he kept kissing her.

“I love you Mac, but I don't want to give up my Navy career and you don't want to give up the Marine Corps.”

“So we're right back where we started?”

“Do you believe in fate?”

“Well it put us together sort of.”

“It could keep us together forever.”

The thought flickered in Mac’s mind as Harm went on kissing her and melting away any resistance she might have mustered, that he was going to suggest they sleep together until she got pregnant and then if it happened, they would be forced to make a decision.

It turned out that wasn’t what Harm had in mind at all. When he could finally break away from kissing her once more, he shared his idea with her.

“Mac, how do we handle all our tough decisions...Who gets the top bunk? Who’s lead counsel?”

“We flip a coin!”

“Right. What do you think?”

“It might work.”

“Wait...first, I think we should get married in San Diego...but then one of us will need to commute and be away from home during the week. We’ll flip a coin to decide if we’re going to live in northern or southern California.”

“Let’s have Bud flip the coin for us.” Mac suggested.

“Okay...and we should call Meg and tell her our news.”

“Harm, you call Bud about flipping the coin. I’ll call Meg Austin on my cell phone. Shall we all meet at McMurphy’s after the frocking ceremony?”

“Perfect.”

“Okay...I need to go home and shower and change...” Mac watched Harm approach her as she spoke with a look in his eye she had never seen before. It left her in no doubt that he wanted her.

“You can shower here...but we’re talking about getting married and I want to do more of that kissing thing we were doing...and more. So you call Meg while I call Bud and then I’ll meet you in the bedroom. Agreed?”

Mac had waited for this so long she wasn’t about to delay the inevitable any longer.

Stretching her body along his as she wrapped her arms around his neck, she pulled his head down and kissed him once again. “Agreed,” she whispered against his lips.

“Go call Meg before we don’t get it done.”

1000 Local

Roberts Home

“Hello?”

“Harriet, its Harm.”

“Hey Harm...ready for your big move?”

“Well yes...but there have been some changes since I spoke to Bud.”

“Really? You’re not going to London?”

“No..look Harriet, there’s a lot I want to tell you about. Can you and Bud meet us at McMurphy’s tonight around twenty-one hundred?”

“Are you going to give us a hint?”

“Can I talk to Bud?”

“Spoil-sport!” Harriet laughed. “You hold on and I’ll get him for you.”

“Thanks Harriet.”

“Bud! Grab the phone. It’s Harm.”

“Okay Sweetie...I’ve got it...Hello?”

“Hey Bud. I’ve got a favor to ask.”

“Sure. Just a minute sir...Harriet...hang up the phone.”

“You’re no fun Bud!”

Harm and Bud laughed when they heard Harriet’s line go dead.

“So what’s going on? I figured you’d be busy packing.”

“That’s about done. I’ll go into detail tonight, but you know that JAG button you got from the Admiral?”

“Yes.”

“Could you bring that and flip it for Mac and me? We’ve got to make some decisions and we decided to let fate control our destiny in the shape of a coin.”

“Are you getting together, sir?”

“Keep a secret Bud.”

“Yes sir.”

“Yeah. It’s just a question of which one of use will commute.”

“Holy cow! This is great.”

“I mean it Bud...we’ll tell everyone tonight what’s going on once we get to McMurphy’s...okay?”

“What do I tell Harriet when she asks?”

“That it’s a surprise.’

“Yes sir.”

Same Time

Harm’s Bedroom

“Meg, sorry to disturb you...its Mac.”

“You sound a lot more chipper then the last time we spoke.”

“I am.”

“Has something with you and Harm happened?”

“Yes.”

“He did it? He said the words?”

“He announced, ‘Let’s get married,’ and then after that he said, ‘I love you, Mac.’ Now most woman wouldn’t think it was romantic, but I know Harm...and this is more then I had hoped for.”

“How are you going to do this with him heading for London and you San Diego?”

“He’s not going to London.”

“No! He didn’t retire did he?”

“No...he called his detailer who did some research. He’s got a week before he needs to report to his six months billet in Indiana. After that he’ll be at Point Mugu and I’ll be in San Diego.”

“So how are you going to make a marriage work? Where will you live?”

“We’re going to flip a coin.”

“What? When?”

“Tonight...Bud’s going to do it at McMurphy’s.”

“I wish I could be there.”

“We do too. Harm’s going with me to San Diego to help me get settled and then he’ll report to Indianapolis. He’ll be close enough to Mattie to see her regularly. I’ll be able to fly in for the weekend to see Harm and Mattie. Harm agreed that we’ll get married in San Diego because his mother and Frank are there.”

“Have you set a date yet?”

“No...but soon I hope....Oh!” Mac gasped then laughed when Harm wrapped his arms around her from behind and started nibbling on her neck. “I got to go Meg.”

“Congratulations to both of you. Stay in touch.”

“We will.” Harm removed the phone from Mac’s hand and closed it and tossed it on the bedside table before lowering Mac to her back on his bed. Fully clothed, Mac wrapped her legs around his waist and held him too her while they kissed and mated with their mouths.

PART 9

1040 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Too many clothes...”

“What?”

Harm broke the kiss and looked at Mac, smiling his high wattage smile. “I said we have too many clothes on.”

“Let me up and I’ll remove some...I don’t want to risk you tearing this top..or anything else.”

Harm stood up and pulled Mac to her feet. “Race you to get naked!”

Mac looked up to see Harm already shirtless. She had unbuttoned his shirt while they kissed. While Mac removed her shoes and undid her pants, Harm had his off. He stood there in tented boxers while she still wore her panties, top and bra.

Licking her lips in appreciation of the delicious sexy figure he cut, she slowly lifted her top over her head and carefully folded it up laying it on the box nearby with her slacks.

“Mm-aa-ccc, you’re killing me here.”

“Harm, you’ve seen me in this state of undress before. It didn’t get to you then...either time.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Australia...Miami...I had little bitty bikinis on then and you didn’t act like this.”

“Like what?”

“Tongue hanging out...boxers tented...”

“Shows how little you know.”

“What was that?”

“I said, you drove me crazy then too...come here...I need another kiss.”

“I don’t think so,” Mac teased turning away. She unclipped her front hook bra and slid it off, before slipping off her panties.

Harm didn’t take his eyes off her beautiful firm, toned, naked body as he slipped off his boxers and stood naked, proudly displaying the evidence of her effect on him. Mac turned to face him, arms at her side.

She gasped at what had been hidden from her eyes and her touch for these long nine years.

“Make love to me Harm.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

1630 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Mac’s stomach growled as she lay in Harm’s arms, their naked bodies sated after a day of making love and forgetting about the world.

“Sounds like I’d better feed you. Can’t have a hungry Marine.”

“I must say, you’ve satisfied one of my appetites very well today.”

“Thank you...still think dress whites and gold wings are overrated?”

“Yes...but what was underneath yours isn’t bad at all.”

“Even though its been around over forty years?”

“I think you’ve aged well...like a fine wine.”

“Oh that’s not good.”

“Why?’

“Cause you can’t drink wine...and I want you tasting me like you did today again.”

“Harm...you’re a non-alcoholic wine...but just as addictive...I think you’re my addiction of choice.”

“Then that’s okay.”

“I’m going to get dressed and go home. I need to shower and get dressed for your ceremony tonight.” Mac got out of bed and started putting her clothes back on.

“I want to call Mattie with our news too.”

“What news is that?”

“That we’re getting married.”

“Oh...about that ‘proposal’...you know...I thought it was normal to ask a person instead of telling them.”

“You want the question?”

“Yes.”

“Mac...Sarah Mackenzie...will you marry me...please?”

Mac finished dressing while Harm asked his question. Stepping into her shoes, she leaned over Harm reclined against his pillows with the sheet draped over his hips. Kissing him lightly she smiled and gave her answer as she left him alone.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Mac! You can’t do that.”

“Meet you there later Harm.”

“McMurphy’s or the reception?”

“Reception...bye!”

Harm groaned when he heard the door shut. He couldn’t believe they had spent the past six hours making love over and over again. He never expected his body to recover so quickly in between. It certainly hadn’t with Renee!

Harm located his phone and made a few calls.

First he called Mattie’s doctor for an update.

“How soon would I be able to have her moved closer to where I’ll be living?”

“If she continues making progress the way she had been in the last couple of days...next week maybe. You have a place in mind?”

“Are you familiar with Hook Rehabilitation Center and Community Hospital in Indianapolis?”

“I am. It’s an excellent place.”

“Perfect. It’s not far from where I’ll be working.”

“Would you like me to call them and start the transfer process?”

“That would be perfect.”

“I’ll let you tell Mattie yourself. Hold on and we’ll transfer you to her room.”

“Thanks Doc.”

Harm waited until he heard Mattie greet him and announced, “I asked Mac to marry me.”

“You did?”

“Yes.”

“She said yes right?”

“Not yet...but I think she will.”

“Cool...and you told her you love her right?”

“I did.”

“She’s just doing a little pay back.”

“I know...hey I have more news. I talked to your doctor. He thinks we can move you in a week or so. We also know of a place not far from where I’ll be stationed...and he’s going to start the paperwork so they are ready for you when its time.”

“You mean you won’t have to drive three hours to see me anymore?”

“That’s the plan. He also said they are really happy with your recent progress.”

“It’s exhausting...but I can hold the phone to my ear now when they hand it to me.”

“That’s great. Hey Mattie...I won’t be out to see you for a few days. I’m going to go to San Diego with Mac so we can announce our news to my mother in person. I’ll call every day though.”

“Its okay. I’m going to see what else I can teach my body to do before I see you again.”

“That’s my girl. I love you Mattie...and Mac loves you too.”

“I know...and I love both of you.”

“Take care and be good.”

“I will.”

1945 Local

Reception

Frocking Ceremony

Harm wore his evening dress uniform with the short white jacket, like he had worn to the Admiral’s Dining Out. He wondered if Mac would attend in her formal uniform or civilian attire. He didn’t have long to wait, when Mac’s car pulled up and the valet got in to park it.

Harm smiled at her dressed in the sexiest red dress he had ever seen. She had a shawl clipped around her shoulders with shoes with the highest heel he had ever seen her wear. Her dress was slit to her thigh and now that he knew without a doubt what was under it, he wished for his dress whites or blue dress uniform more then ever.

The black pants helped hide him a little, but only if he held his breath and kept people in front of him! He could be in big trouble before the night was over.

Harm, with Mac on his arm circulated around visiting and shaking hands with the political movers and shakers. They spotted Jennifer Coates and Sturgis Turner who were both here at the urging of General Creswell. The dignitaries from the Pentagon, the House, Senate and even the various Foreign Embassies were evident. Harm had been invited to attend this function at their request. It had been too late to cancel the plans after his assignment change was put in place, so the ceremony was planned to be brief in comparison, which didn’t hurt Harm’s feelings at all. He just wanted to get his boards and get out of here. He would have all of his uniforms properly adjusted by the time he went back on duty in Indianapolis. In the mean time, the boards and the Captains’ eggs on for his cover, would suffice.

When the attention to orders was announced Harm stepped front and center to face Secretary of the Navy Sheffield and General Creswell. The ceremony began with Harm taking the Captain’s oath. General Creswell motioned Mac to step forward and replace Rabb’s shoulder boards. Once they were in place, General Creswell introduced Captain Rabb and Mac stepped forward to administer the traditional kiss.

This kiss was very different from the ones he had previously received when he was promoted. It didn’t last long, but it packed a wallop for both of them.

A few more hand shakes and congratulations and they were out of there. Waiting for the valet’s to bring the cars, Harm asked Mac if she had an answer to his question yet.

“What question would that be?”

“You know...will you marry me?”

Mac grinned. “I’m still thinking about it.”

“It might be nice to have an answer before we announced it to the others.”

“Did you ask the others to join us?”

“I asked Jennifer to get them here...but wouldn’t tell her why.”

“Sometimes you’re evil...but I still love you.”

“Well that’s good. You hadn’t told me that yet either.”

“Then it should keep you awhile longer. Go get seats for us when you get there. I’ll be right along.” Mac leaned against him for a split second, and then backed away with a flirtatious smile.

“I’ll wait for you.”

“Please go get seats...I want to make an entrance...okay? I promise you’ll like it.”

Harm gave her a look that conveyed his exasperation and good humor all at once. Mac knew he would cooperate.

2050 Local

McMurphy's

Harm strolled into their old haunt noting the changes and how it had stayed the same. He sat at the bar and watched the bartender approach knowing she would ask what he wanted.

“I’ll take a beer,” Harm informed her. He had thought about not having anything to alcoholic to drink, but Mac had always been okay with it and it was a celebration tonight. He smiled thinking how they had celebrated all day, knowing that Mac had to be at least sensitive if not sore after the work out they had shared.

“What put that smile on your face?” asked the bartender as she delivered his beer.

“Well I just got engaged. At least I think I did.”

“Don't you think you ought to find out?”

“That’s kind of why I'm here now.”

Harm looked up as Mac entered. She had removed the shawl from her shoulders and he could see how sexy Mac looked in the beautiful maroon gown. Just seeing her like this, knowing she had dressed for him, turned him on like hell.

“Hi,” Mac whispered as he stood to greet her. Harm’s voice didn’t sound like his own as he returned her greeting before exchanging a relatively chaste kiss.

Mac ordered her soda and cocked her head glancing at him when the bartender tells her, “It figures a guy like him would be with a girl like you.”

“We're still working on that.”

“So that makes you the almost fiancee?”

“That's the part we're working on.”

Harm listened to this exchange, not relaxing, not reassured that she would say yes after all this.

“I don't see a ring.”

“We're negotiating that.”

Harm berated himself for forgetting the ring. Was that why she was hesitating? If so, they would remedy that as soon as possible.

“Lucky You.”

Mac looked at Harm and smiled, “Yeah lucky me.”

Bud and Harriet’s arrival and subsequent greeting ended the conversation with the bartender. Harm and Mac were busy exchanging hugs and greetings with Bud and Harriet.

Harm thanked them for coming on such short notice and more drinks were ordered.

Harm lost the thread of the conversation while he ordered drinks for the younger couple. By the time he turned back, Jen and Sturgis, were joining them.

Jen turned to Commander Turner and reminds him that it's a surprise.

Harm welcomed them, and then asked what they wanted to drink. He wondered if anyone had noticed the unusual closeness between him and Mac. Harm had no more then handed Jen and Sturgis their drinks, when General Creswell arrived.

“Colonel I understand you're taking my petty officer to San Diego.”

“I haven't found the right moment to ask the Colonel sir.”

“I would love to take her sir.” Mac smiled please that Jen would be joining her team. Ever since she had decided to go see Harm, she hadn’t given another thought to her staff or JAG or her career...not really in any here and now kind of way.

“Well you may change your mind, Jen - that's if the Colonel is actually going to stay in San Diego.”

“You're not thinking of turning down the assignment?”

Harm held his breath as the others did until Mac leaned into him, looked him in the eye and whispered, “My answer is yes.” Harm knew that was his cue. They hadn’t discussed it but he could read it in her eyes.

Before Mac can assure the General that she’s not going to mess with his plans yet, Harm stood up and pulled her close against him. “Mac and I have announcement to make. We're getting married.”

“Outstanding! I knew you'd finally come around to the Marines.”

“We’re getting married in San Diego, but we’re not sure where we should live...and who should commute. In six months Harm will be stationed in Point Mugu , near Ventura, and I’ll probably still be in San Diego. One of us has to commute.”

“We thought for this marriage to be successful one of us would have to resign our
commission, but my detailer helped find another option, so that we’ll at least be in the same time zone after six months. We’ll want to settle down in one town or another.”
“And it's no surprise we couldn't decide which one.”

“So we're going to let fate decide.” Harm looks down at Mac, still in his arms. He was holding on to her for dear life...and she held him too. Bud?”

“When Adm. Chegwidden retired, he gave me his JAG coin and I thought this would be the perfect moment to use it.”

Every watched as Harm hugged Mac tighter once again.

“Here is the side with heads and this is the side with tails. The bride-to-be will call it.” Bud announced as he positioned the coin ready to make the toss.

Mac looked at Harm to make sure he’s ready for this. Mac went with her usual response. “Tails will be San Diego.”

Bud was like a giddy kid given a special treat, “I always wanted to do this at the Super Bowl.”

Everyone watched as the coin left his finger and climbed to its apex before tumbling down again. To those watching, it was moving in slow motion. As it came down, Bud reached out and captured it with his hand before slapping it on the back of the other hand, holding it out for all to see. They all looked over each other to see for themselves where fate would dictate they would live.

Harm grinned from ear to ear. “Looks like I’ve got a great reason to buy a new airplane!”

Everyone laughed as Mac threw her arms around Harm’s neck and kissed him. “You really won’t mind living in San Diego and commuting back and forth to Indianapolis?”

“I love you Mac. This makes a lot of sense to me. Given time, we’d probably come to the same conclusion ourselves.”

“Have you planned to buy the plane right along?”

“Nope...it was a moment of brilliance that came to me while that coin was climbing.”

Everyone laughed at their banter.

“I’d like to propose a toast,” announced Sturgis. He and Harm had shared an uneasy friendship for years. At times they got along and forgot their differences, as they had learned to do at the Academy, before they would step in and create tension between the friendly rivals.

Harm groaned. “Do you have to?”

“Yeah, Buddy, I do. I would say that if the entire nine years of your history is anything like the last four, you two are already married, and your marriage will just be making it legal. I’ve never seen two people as married to one another as the two of you have been.”

“Here! Here!” piped in General Creswell.

“I guess I never saw it,” Harriet chimed in. “I mean, in the early days I thought maybe, because you were good friends, but then when you both seemed happy with the other people in your lives...this whole thing has taken me by surprise!”

“Well I can assure you that Harm has reminded me on occasion, that we did not have a marriage.” Mac smiled as she looked into his face, his love for her shining there.

Harm could remember what had prompted that statement. They were below the arctic ice on the submarine doing an investigation. He had turned to Mac and told her, “You know, I'm starting to get the feeling this is more than just a bump in the road. You honestly resent me.”

Mac had responded, “And you have no faith in me.”

Harm had countered by asking, “How did we get to this place?”

Now, all these years later he took a deep breath and looked into Mac’s eyes. “We’ve had a long bumpy road to get here to where we are tonight. I don’t want you to ever resent me for having a career when you don’t...or for retiring to civilian life while you are still tied to your career. I can promise you that I have faith in us to come up with ways to make the tough decisions on our own, or by flipping a coin. I guess that means this really is a marriage, huh?”

“Looks that way. I love you Harm...and I can’t wait to marry you.” They exchanged a kiss in front of everyone. It was the first time. Previously they had hugged, but not kissed with an audience. The ‘ahs’ from the onlookers made them both blush.

PART 10

1320 Local

LaJolla, California

Harm and Mac stepped out of the rental car in front of the Burnett home. Her hand was enclosed by his larger one as they stood in front of the house, waiting to see if his mother would appear. Harm leaned in for another kiss, as they made their way to the front door. It opened just as they got there.

“Harmon! What a surprise! Mac...”

“Hello Mrs. Burnett. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Come in my dear...what brings you out to the west coast?”

“I’m going to be stationed in San Diego,” Mac told Harm’s mother as she was warmly welcomed into the Burnett home.

“You’re not going to be at JAG?”

“We’re both being transferred out, Mom.”

“Where are you going Harmon?”

“Indiana for six months, and then Point Mugu ....at least will be on the same coast.”

Trish wasn’t sure if her son meant mother and son would be on the same coast, or he and Mac would be on the same coast. She didn’t care. Her son would be closer and this delightful woman that he had loved so long would be nearby. “I see. How’s Mattie?”

“She’s doing better...we now have legal guardianship of her.”

“Together?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Please, call me Trish.”

“Thank you...Trish.”

“Mom, where’s Frank?”

“At a conference. He’ll be home tomorrow.”

“Let’s sit down shall we?”

“Harm, is there something wrong? You’re not telling me something are you?”

“Relax Mom...I think you’ll like what we’re going to tell you.”

Trish was afraid to hope...yet something was very different about the way these two stayed so close together.

“Mom, Mac and I are getting married.”

“Oh! When? You’re going to commute?”

“First, if Mac will agree, I’d like to marry her this week while I’m here, before I have to go back.”

“He hasn’t asked you yet?”

“Yes...but we didn’t set a date - only the location.”

“Think about it Mac. You have a little time now and then things are going to get busy. You told me once that you didn’t care about a big wedding. I just want to marry you. If we get married while I’m out here with you, we can always have a big reception for everyone later.”

“Can we really?”

“Yes...if you want.”

“Its perfect Harm. A trip to the mall for me and a trip to city hall for you to get the license...”

“And a few phone calls for me to get the minister.”

“Would you object to a Justice of the Peace?” Mac asked holding her breath.

“Not at all...makes it even easier. I take it you won’t be staying here this visit, Harm.”

“No...but I’d like to show Mac the patio. If she likes it we could get married there, if you don’t object Mom.”

“I’d love to host the wedding here.”

They talked for a little more then an hour, before Harm announced that he had to get Mac back to report in and to get her housing assignment. They agreed to the day after next for a sunset wedding.

2130 Local

Base Cottage

San Diego, California

Harm and Mac snuggled in bed after a hectic day after two nights with little sleep. Neither slept the first night wondering if they could make it work, followed by a night of making love before catching an early flight to San Diego. It may have been early on the west coast, but they were both still on east coast time and it was after midnight there.

Earlier they had called Mattie to say goodnight and told her about the plans for the wedding ceremony. She had been understandably upset at first. She fought back tears, which Harm and Mac could hear in her voice.

“But I want to see you exchange your vows. This isn’t fair!”

“Mattie, please understand that we would love you to be with us, but right now its not possible. What we can do is call and put you on a speaker phone so you can hear it and even participate in our wedding.”

“How can I do that?”

“Mattie, you know when they ask who agrees to give the bride in marriage?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m going to ask them to change the words a little bit and ask if you will consent to this marriage between your legal guardians...my father isn’t here to give me away, so I’d rather have you agree to accept me into the family you’ve made with Harm. Will you do that?”

“Yes...thanks Mac.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Mattie, we’re going to plan to have a reception later on. That way you won’t miss the party part.”

“Alright then...go ahead...but I want to see video and pictures later on.”

“I promise you’ll have all that and more when I see you at the end of the week. You ready to be transferred yet?” Harm held Mac’s hand and relaxed as he heard Mattie’s voice return to normal.

Mac’s quarters on base turned out to be a small two bedroom cottage. They would start looking for a house later after they settled into their new positions but this would work for when Harm made the trip to San Diego, even if Mattie came with him, until they found something more permanent.

Harm’s sleepy voice reached Mac’s ear, only because his lips were resting against her head.

“Thank you for coming up with a way to include Mattie in the wedding.”

“It just seems right. Your mother is quite the steamroller when she gets started isn’t she?”

“She can be.”

“You’re a lot like her.”

“You think? I use to assume I took after my father, but Gramma Rabb and Frank both pointed out all the ways I took after my mother as I grew up. It was an eye opener when it finally sunk in.”

“When was that Harm?”

“About a month ago...go to sleep. I’m giving you a break until morning so we can both get some sleep.”

“And what happens in the morning?”

“I’m going to start the honeymoon early.”

“Yeah, well in that case it’s probably okay with you that I threw away my birth control pills, huh?”

“You mean we’ll be working on that baby right away?”

“Unless you’ve changed your mind.”

“No way, Mac...I want to have a baby with you and the best way is letting nature take its course....of course if it doesn’t work then we’ll get the best scientific help we can get.”

“And if nothing happens...even then?”

“We’ll adopt and love them as if they were biologically ours...just like I do Mattie.”

“She’s easy to love Harm.”

“Yeah...so are you.”

“Good night...I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Thursday Evening

Burnett Home

LaJolla, California

Frank Burnett stood with a young man by the television screen on a table near where the bride and groom would stand shortly for the wedding. There were more tech people around then wedding guests, but Trish and he had discussed it and agreed that it was necessary.

“We ready to test this set up?” Frank asked the blond haired guy.

“Go ahead.”

“Mattie? This is Frank Burnett can you hear and see me okay?”

“Hi Mr. Burnett. It’s working here!”

“Good. You have your guests with you?”

“I do.”

“Ah yes...You must be Bud and Harriet Roberts.”

“That would be correct. Harm and Mac don’t know about this yet right?”

“We’re going to surprise them. Until then, we’re going to cover the television so Harm doesn’t freak out.”

“Talk to you soon.”

They hadn’t any more the covered the television when Frank heard voices coming onto the patio.

“You look wonderful son. Trish, shall we take our places?”

“Thanks Frank...for everything.”

“Don’t worry about a thing. Our tech people will make sure every thing is connected. You met the Justice of the Peace, Barbara McCurry?”

“I did. Mac and I met with her last night...ah, her she is now. Mrs. McCurry.”

“How’s the groom holding up?”

“I’m ready.”

“Good, I saw the bride and she’s ready to go. Shall we begin?”

Harm took his place at the designated spot and when the music began he turned to watch Mac approach. He didn’t see the cover come off the television which allowed them to see Mattie dressed in a pretty blouse and skirt, sitting up on a chair with Bud and Harriet standing behind her. On the monitor in the hospital they were looking at, they could see what ever the cameraman showed them. Right now they could see Harm in his Captain’s dress white uniform watching Mac dressed in an opal silk dress which shimmer with touches of subtle color from pink to lavender to pale blue. The crystal beads and pearls that were sewn into the bodice were subtle and gave the dress the elegant touch that made it the perfect wedding gown in a tea length. The shoes matched with their own crystal and bead design on each toe.

Mac wore her hair down and pulled back on each side with a clip with beads and pearls as well. She walked toward Harm, oblivious to any one or anything around them.

Harm smiled and reached for her hand. Once they were standing face to face in front of the Justice of the Peace, they were directed to look at the monitor to their left.

“Mattie, hi!” Harm smiled and squeezed Mac’s hand.

“Hi Mattie.. Is that Bud and Harriet with you?” Mac asked.

“Yes. I hope you don’t mind.”

“This makes things even more perfect. Frank, we have you to thank for this?”

“My pleasure. Let’s get on with the wedding.”

Justice McCurry began the service. “Who is giving approval of this marriage between Sarah MacKenzie and Harmon Rabb Junior?”

“I am, Mathilda Grace Johnson. They are my legal guardians and there marriage makes our family whole.”

“Thank you Mathilda.” Justice McCurry stayed with the more traditional vows after that. Mac and Harm’s voices were clear and strong as they exchanged vows and promised to forsake all others as they promised to love, honor, and cherish the other. Before long, Harm was instructed to kiss his bride and then they were presented to the audience, Trish and Frank there in LaJolla and Mattie, Bud and Harriet vis teleconference equipment in Virginia.

“You look great Mattie,” Harm and Mac told her immediately after the ceremony as they stepped closer to the television. They held their hands out to the camera so their guests could see their wedding bands.

“Congratulations you guys. We will be there in person for the reception,” Harriet informed them, wiping a tear from her eye.

“We’re counting on that. We love you Mattie.”

“Love you too.”

“See you in a couple of days Mathilda.”

“Okay Harmon.”

Everyone laughed and then the connection weakened and went out. Harm turned to Frank and hugged him. “Thank you Frank. Having Mattie in my life...well its help me understand how unfair I was to you as a kid.”

“You had a lot to deal with Harm. I knew and I accepted. I’m glad we’re able to see each other as family now, for whatever reason.”

“Me too. Mom, thank you.”

“I know you have plans and want to be off, but you have some papers to sign and we want you to have some food with us before you leave.”

“We will.” Harm assured his mother as he leaned in to kiss his wife once again. They were relatively chaste kisses in front of his parents, but he knew that Mac now knew what would come later.

“So am I going to learn where the honeymoon is before we get there?” Mac asked smiling up at her new husband.

“Yes...remember how excited you were when you thought Bud would be going with us to Alameda that time...when we found that book?”

“Yes...the ghost ship...Harm, we’re not going back there are we?”

“No, no...but you remember how excited you and Bud were and I reminded you we had a case to solve?”

“Yes...well, I’ve always felt bad about that, so I’ve arranged for us to stay at the Ritz-Carleton and other then that we can go anywhere you want. I wanted to give you a visit some place you would enjoy.”

“Harm, that’s so sweet of you. Thank you.”

“Harm, your mother and I have a gift for you and Mac as well, although I suspect you’ll use it the most. Open this.” Frank handed Harm an envelope. Carefully Harm opened it and withdrew two pages, one a picture and the other a list of stats.

“A Plane? For us? Frank this is too much.”

“No...its something you need now. It’s not brand new, of course, but I know its been well maintained. You can go considerable distances with it. It was the company plane but we discovered we really need something a little bigger. This will be fine for you and your family, and you can do most of the maintenance yourself I’m guessing.”

“Thank you Frank.”

“It’s ready for you to use to fly to San Francisco.”

“Wow...”

“Harm, will this go cross country and every thing?”

“Pretty much, although it will take longer then a commercial flight, but it will work and save money in the long run.”

“And its safe?”

“Safer then what I’ve piloted in the past, at least with you on board. It’s the size smaller then the one Keeter and I flew out of Cuba that time.”

“Okay...but you won’t mind if I still worry about you will you?”

“I let you,” Harm smiled and hugged his wife. They finished their meal and then excused themselves to make the flight to San Francisco.

The plane was in a hangar at Montgomery airfield waiting for them, already fueled and ready to roll. Skip Jackson, the mechanic that had worked for the Chrysler Company as long as Frank Burnett had worked there, had been more then glad to service the plane and have it ready and waiting for the newly weds when they arrived.

Harm looked it over, more excited than a kitten with a new catnip toy. Mac shook her head and watched her husband ready the plane. He caught her watching him once and he cast a sheepish smile and shrugged, “Can’t be too safe with my wife on board.”

Harm handed Mac into the plane. She sat up front with him, nervous yet unusually calm when flying with this man.

“How long with our flight take, Harm?”

“If we get a tail wind, about two hours. If not, it will be closer to four. Still beats the eight hour drive it would be in a car.”

“You’re right. This was nice of your parents.”

“I had mentioned to Frank that I would be looking for one, and to let me know if he heard of any. I figure he moves in circles with people that have boats and planes like most people have cars.”

“It was a good lead. Will he let you pay him for some of it at least?”

“No...I insulted him once by insisting on paying for a car he got for me. He paid me back and I learned my lesson with him. Thinking of it this way. If you bought something special for Chloe and she insisted on giving part of it back to you or paying you for it, how would you feel?”

“Like I had done or said something to make her feel she owed me...I wouldn’t like it.”

“Yeah, Frank did that to me. I got the message and after that I learned to just say thank you.”

Harm spoke into the radio headset and gave Mac a thumbs up. Before long they had clearance and they taxied down the runway and lifted off circling the field, before turning north to fly along the coast to San Francisco.

They spotted whales off the coast near Los Angeles and dolphins playing in the water along the shore near Santa Maria. The lights of San Francisco welcomed them as they made contact with the airport at Half Moon Bay.

They caught the last shuttle leaving for the evening and checked in at the Ritz-Carleton in San Francisco near midnight.

Their room, three floors below the top floor was lavish, with a king-sized bed and two person spa tub. The sheets were silk and Mac felt like the bride on her honeymoon that she was, especially when Harm had swept her off her feet and carried her over the threshold into their room.

Harm made sure that his Mac knew how much he loved her, as he gave special attention to every inch of her body on their wedding night. For years, Mac had waited for Harm to let go. On their wedding night he held nothing back, and they both cried from the intensity of their releases. Wrapped in each others arms they slept.

They visited the Chinatown and the Cable Car company that morning. They made their way to the Pier, Cannery, Underwater World, and Fisherman’s Wharf for the afternoon and evening. That evening, Harm surprise Mac by taking her to the theater.

They made love when they returned to their room, and twice more before morning. Over a casual breakfast, Mac noticed that Harm had become quiet, contemplative. She told herself not to fall into the old trap, but ask him...give him an opening to explain what he was thinking.

“Harm, is everything okay?”

“Fine...more coffee?”

“No thank you. Harm please...talk to me.”

“Sorry Mac...nothing is wrong...I promise.”

“But?”

“I’ve been thinking that I won’t fly myself to Indiana.”

“Why not?”

“For one thing, I’ve got to pick up my car and relocated to Indiana while Mattie’s being transported their. If I fly out to see you for the weekend, I don’t want to cut my trip short to fly back...I can fly nights on a commercial flight and have more time with you.”

“That’s what you’ve been quiet about...withdrawing from me over even?” Mac couldn’t believe her ears.

“Yeah...sorry.”

“No Harm...this is good news to me...for a different reason. I mean I want every minute I can get with you too, but I know I’ll worry with you flying yourself home.”

“When I’m flying between Point Mugu and San Diego, it won’t be bad at all...but while I’m in Indiana I think I’ll stick with commercial flights. So what shall we do besides the Japanese Tea Gardens today?”

“I’d like to revisit Alameda with you. Seeing as we have a rental car, why don’t we take a drive over there.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.” Mac got up and rounded the table, sliding into Harm’s lap, her arms around his neck. “So far you’re turning out to be a pretty decent husband.”

“And you are a wonderful wife.”

“No regrets?”

“No regrets. You know, when I’m with you, I feel like I’m home...it doesn’t matter where we are.”

“I feel the same way. Shall we get going?”

They checked out of the hotel, taking their bags with them, as they visited the Japanese Tea Garden and then making the drive over to Alameda in a rental car. They reminisced while they looked around at the area where Harm might be stationed in six months.

They drove down to check out Hayward Air Terminal and decided for future trips to the area to use that airport. They made their way back to Half-Moon Bay airfield and turned in the rental car. Neither mentioned the solemn mood that had infiltrated their honeymoon. They were both well aware that Harm would soon be leaving his wife to her new job to fly half way across the country, move Mattie and then start his own new job. Life had definitely changed and quickly.

PART 11

2230 Local

Mac’s Bungalow

San Diego, California

Harm had watched Mac get more quiet and withdrawn all the way home. They had hardly spoken as they got ready for bed. The flight to Montgomery Air Field had been uneventful. Harm had told the mechanic that it would be a few months probably before he would use the plane on a regular basis, but he’s call to give advance warning when he would be using it. They shook hands.

Harm turned to escort Mac to the car, but she had already climbed into the waiting car Frank had arranged. Mac’s own car and her possession were scheduled to be delivered the next day.

He had tried to talk to Mac, but she had kissed him, put her finger to his lips and then held his hand on the ride to the bungalow, her head on his shoulder. Mac slid out as soon as the car stopped in front of her quarters, and Harm made arrangements to have the driver pick him up at zero six hundred. He had already called and his flight would leave at zero seven forty. He also knew it would be easier if he left Mac at home and not at the airport.

“Honey, I know its been a short honeymoon and you’ve got to report tomorrow, but I was hoping we could make love again tonight,” Harm kissed her shoulder as he slid his arms around her waist from behind.

“You’re not sick of your wife yet?” she teased.

“Not at all. I can’t believe we waited this long.”

“I know...but we’re together now...married...and working on a baby...of course I want to make love with my sexy husband - all night long. Up for that Sailor?”

Harm pulled her against him, letting her feel just how up for it he was. Mac laughed and turned in his arms. Their kisses grew in intensity until they were both lost in the sensations of loving one another.

Some how they made it to the bedroom where they made love again. Harm fell asleep holding Mac close to him, and woke a short time later to her sobs. “Mac? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t want you to leave...I won’t be able to let you go and I’ll cry and be late for working ‘cause my make-up with run...”

“Whoa...Mac, I made arrangements to have the driver pick me up here in the morning. I was hoping you’d be a sleep and I could kiss you and walk away. As much as I want to see Mattie, we both know that I have to do this six month stint before I can move to California.”

“I know. I”m don’t know why its hitting me so hard. I thought we were getting good at saying good-bye.”

“That’s just it Mac...it’s not good-bye. We’re going to be a part for awhile, but we know now just what we’ll be missing.”

“Call me or email me every night?”

“Yes. I love you. We can do this.”

“I know. Harm, make love to me again and then hold me until you have to leave.”

“I’ll do my best.”

1440 Local

Blacksburg, Virginia

Harm had collected his luggage and found his Lexus, with minimal fuss at Dulles Airport. He had loaded his things in and headed for Blacksburg without glancing back at Washington DC and the place that had been home for over ten years. It was an uneventful trip and he was anxious to see Mattie by the time he pulled into the parking lot at the hospital.

Harm peeked into Mattie’s room with a grin on his face, but he burst into the room and wrapped his arms around his ‘daughter’ when he saw her sitting up on her own on the side of the bed.

“What have we here?”

“Harm! You made it. Tell me about your trip.” Mattie patted the bed beside her.

“It was a quick trip to San Francisco but we spent time at the Pier and Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cannery and China Town, Japanese Tea Gardens and we went to the theater. It’s a fun place to visit, and when I get stationed there, there will be a lot to do when you come for a visit.”

“How’s Mac?”

“She’s settling in.”

“Thanks for letting me be a part of your wedding.”

“I appreciated Frank thinking of a way to make it happen. It was a great surprise for Mac and me.”

“Harriet kept crying. Bud told her to stop or he’d think she was pregnant again.”

“What did Harriet do?”

“Ran from the room crying harder...and threw up.”

“Mattie...she’s not?”

“Nope...turns out she was coming down with something. They made them leave right away. They were going to start me on antibiotics just to be sure, but I told them I’d rather take Vitamin C and get extra rest. So far, I haven’t shown any signs of illness.”

“That’s good.”

“Yeah...cause they’re moving me tomorrow. Did you know that?”