Title: Fair Winds
Author: Hollyjp
Summary: After leaving JAG Headquarters in Washington DC Commander Harmon Rabb and Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie for their new assignment in opposite directions, they must learn to communicate in away they never did when they worked together. No more assuming the other would be there tomorrow and that there was time for things to develop. No more worries about what would happen if things didn’t work out. Now they had to find a way to build a relationship long distance.
Spoilers: Any episode, seasons one through ten, as well as any spoilers for any unaired episodes could be used to create a new unexplored world for these wonderful characters.
Disclaimer: JAG is the property of Bellisario Productions, CBS, and Paramount. I have borrowed their characters for entertainment purposes only. No monetary gain will result from their appearance in my story.
Author’s Notes: As season ten winds down, I find myself thinking about what will happen to our favorite Commander and our favorite Lt. Colonel as they go off on their new assignments. The idea for this wouldn’t leave me alone so I had to start getting them down. Episodes through 223 had aired when I started this project. By the time I was almost done some spoilers were revealed that would make my story an alternate universe much sooner then I had anticipated. There were too many major things that were different, so I left it as it was.
Also I am not an expert on military protocol, medical ‘stuff’, or the San Diego or London areas so please suspend belief and just go with the flow on how things were handled at times. I call it creative license...television calls it the ‘reel world’ and we live in the real world. This is fan fiction which is designed as an escape from the real world; a place to enjoy our make believe friends; and a place where we can make these wonderful characters we were given a chance to live and love for ever.
As for Feedback: The story is complete before I start posting so suggestions for changes won’t be applied to this story. However, people have told me about things that I have later used in other stories...this one included. Some of you may recognize some suggestions from the past that I used in this story. You know who you are and I appreciate the ideas you’ve shared with me. One of the things that I would really like some feedback on is the pace. I know a lot of you like my frequent postings...but I’m concerned that sometimes I spend to much time on one section and maybe not enough on another. So I would like you to let me know if a particular chapter dragged as you read it, seemed unnecessary to the story or gratuitous. I will tell you that I put in a lot of intimate and sexual scenes and situations in this for a purpose. I needed to in order to set the ‘standard’ so that I could show a contrast in the sequel. Yes I said sequel. This story will elude to situations that are not resolved here. Its laying the groundwork for the sequel. You’ll never guess the title....(Darn you figured it out!) Yes the sequel will be called “Following Seas.” Hope you enjoy them both.
FAIR WINDS
CHAPTER 1
May 9, 2005
0730 Zulu
Near NSLO BROFF
London, England
Commander Harmon Rabb Junior stepped off the tube at Bond Street and walked brusquely through the cool morning fog on his first morning in London on his way to his new office at 7 Audley Street. He had been here once before on a case, several years ago...with Mac. The baby that they had rescued would be nine years old now. It seemed unbelievable that time had passed so quickly. All that time they could have been together, raising a family...and now it was a lost dream...or practically.
The tall American naval commander shook off the dark thoughts and recalled the vows he had made to himself when he had left Washington DC. First, he would not loose contact with Sarah Mackenzie just because they had been reassigned. Although he had never been much of a letter writer - even in the best of times, he would be able to use email and even the telephone to stay in touch...and he would.
The second vow he had made was to use this assignment to prove something to himself...that he could handle a command post. He would leave the Navy after his one year assignment here in London. He wanted to do in a way that everyone would be proud of, including himself. He would serve with honor, dignity and humanity.
His third vow was to prove to himself and Sarah Mackenzie that regardless of the distance between them physically, emotionally they could grow closer and use this year apart to fix the things that had been wrong in their relationship...the reason they couldn’t stop dancing and get somewhere.
For now, Harm needed to meet his people and get up to speed on the happenings in his new office. He had spoken to retired Admirals AJ Chegwidden and Tom Boone before leaving the states and embarking on this assignment. They were both men he respected and had learned a great deal from. Their words of wisdom came back to him now.
“Son,” Tom Boone had said, “You’ve got to be yourself. Not just true to your values...you’ll do that anyway. But don’t try to be Chegwidden, Creswell, me, or any of the other commanders you’ve had. Find your style and be who you are...a man with integrity, that cares for people, and who goes the extra mile if that’s what is called for. You’ll be good a leader Harm.”
Chegwidden had shaken his head and they given him that hooded look before he started. “For what its worth, Rabb, you are a natural leader. You don’t even realize the effect you have on people and how your imprint stays with them long after you are gone. I’ve seen; I’ve fought with it; and I resigned myself to the fact that JAG became a family, not because of me, but because of you. You’ll take that with you where ever you go...including your own home if you and Mac ever get it right.”
Harm had chuckled remember how he and Mac had driven the Admiral crazy and yet never once while in his Command had they ever crossed the line. For that matter, they never crossed the line until they were both on leave getting ready to take their new assignments. Together they had packed up their possessions and cleared out their apartments.
Harm had shipped most of his things to La Jolla to store them while he was gone. He had suggested to Mac that they could ship things together and rent a storage unit together. It would cut costs and then she would have a place to keep things until she found a place of her own. She had agreed to the plan. He and Mac had shipped their Corvettes to La Jolla as well. He sold his Lexus and arranged for the new owner to pick it up just hours before he left for London.
They had stayed in a hotel near Dulles International Airport that last night as they were both flying out on Sunday. One traveling five hours east, the other five hours west. It had been a bittersweet time. They had laughed; they had cried; they had made plans; they had made love; and they had said good-bye. Each had walked away hoping that it would be the last time. Each one hoping they could beat the odds and make their plans happen.
Harm had packed light to come to London. He had shipped over some civilian clothes; his out of season uniforms; some reference books he refused to part with; a few pictures and photo albums; and some linens. He carried with his some uniforms, personal supplies, a lap top, briefcase, and lots of memories. On the flight he had made his three vows as he made sure he was squared away and ready for what the year may bring.
He had wished Mattie ‘Fair Winds and Following Seas’ when she had left to go back to her father. They had both hit a rough patch, but Harm knew that he was leaving his ward physically, but not spiritually. They had a bond that would last through the test of time. She was recuperating from her accident and the word was that if she worked hard she had a good chance of a complete recovery of her physical self and her dreams.
Mattie’s father had agreed to take care of Harm’s Stearman biplane until he returned and could make arrangements for it. For years, he had planned to settle in Pennsylvania at his grandmothers place and start a new life there. Now he was seriously considering returning to California especially since his grandmother’s death last fall and the fire that burned the old homestead this spring. He would make a decision this winter when he took leave and went home.
If home is where the heart is, then Harm’s home really was in the San Diego area now. He loved his mother and step-father and had built a decent relationship with them both in the last few years. But with Mac, in the San Diego area, he knew that his heart was there...and would be where ever Sarah Mackenzie was.
Somehow, Harm ended up where he was suppose to be and on time. He put away his thoughts of home and a certain brown haired, brown-eyed Marine, and focused on the job before him.
It was a huge task. He had no less then forty people in his command in this Naval Legal Service Branch Office or NLSO BROFF as it was called. He had four senior attorneys, six junior attorneys, four young investigators, his own yeoman, a public affairs officer (who turned out not to be anything like Harriet Sims Roberts) and several other clerks, security detail, and support staff. Not one face was familiar. He really was alone out here.
As he entered the operation area of the office, not unlike the ‘bull pen’ back at Headquarters, a young petty officer called out, “Attention on deck!”
“At ease people. I’m Commander Rabb and I will be your new CO. I have reviewed your files and know that I am fortunate to have an excellent staff here to work with. It will take us some time to find our stride, but I am confident that we will be able to do that and keep this office running efficiently. I will be holding staff call at zero eight thirty Zulu for all senior and junior attorneys and investigators available. Be prepared to bring me up to date on your current case loads. Dismissed.”
Harm watched as the people dispersed except a Petty Officer who approached him quietly.
“Petty Officer, you wouldn’t by chance be my yeoman would you?”
“Yes sir. Petty Officer Thomas Andrews, sir. Welcome to the London Branch Office of the Naval Legal Services. If there is anything I can get you, sir, please let me know.”
“Actually, PO Andrews, I would like you to give me a tour of the facility and then show me my office so I can get started.”
“Yes sir! Let me show you your office first so you can put your things away, sir.”
“Outstanding,” Harm commented when he saw his office. It was about the size of the office at JAG HQ and immediately off of it was the conference room. Beyond that was the library and beyond that to the right, a wing of offices. The office wing lead to another wing with restrooms, a cafeteria, and some smaller interview rooms which opened up back into the entrance of the operations area. The courtrooms were on the lower flower along with the notaries, and judges offices. There were two judges stationed here but other judges visited and used the two other offices available.
From this office Naval and Marine personnel and their families stationed through out Europe and southwest Asia would could for various kinds of legal help. He would also have to send his staff out to help in trouble spots, but those efforts would be coordinated as needed with JAG HQ.
Following the tour, Harm found he had a few minutes still before he needed to hold his first staff meeting. He booted up his computer and prepared an email to send to Mac. She might read it before she called it a night, and if not then it would be waiting for her in the morning.
From: hrabb@navy.mil
Date: May 9, 2005
Subject: Settling In
Hey Mac,
Waiting to have my first staff meeting. My yeoman, PO Thomas Andrews, just gave me a tour. This place is bigger then I remembered. Found the flat that I sublet. It will do but its not the loft. I hope you had a safe, uneventful flight out to San Diego. Good luck on your first day in command. I know you don’t really need luck...you have command presence and will do well. I on the other hand hear my people arriving for our first staff call. They seem to be good people from what I read in their files. Until later...
Yours, Harm
Harm send then email and checked the time. He wanted to walk into the conference room exactly on time and get things started. Harm entered the conference room from his office. The fourteen people assembled there jumped to their feet. Harm put them at ease as he took his seat.
“Good morning. As I call out your name, please give me a run-down on your current caseload. I can’t promise I’ll get your names all right on the first try, but I will give a good shot. Lt. Commander Mark Henderson.”
“Welcome to London Commander Rabb. I’m currently carrying three trial cases...one we are close to a plea bargain, one we are seating a jury and the third we are waiting for a decision from the members.”
“Thank you, Commander Henderson...now could you tell me what the cases are? Murder? Robbery?”
“Sorry sir. The plea bargain is on a case of disorderly conduct. I’m prosecuting. The members are deliberating on an assault charge and I prosecuted that one. We are sitting members for a dereliction of duty case...I’m prosecuting that one also.”
“When was the last time you defended Commander?” inquired Harm.
“About three, maybe four months ago.”
“Thank you...Lt. Commander Amy Silver?”
“Aye, aye sir. Each of the cases that you heard Commander Henderson present as prosecution you will find me listed as Defense Counsel.”
“And you haven’t prosecuted for three or four months correct?” Harm asked the fair-haired blue-eyed Lt. Commander sitting across from Henderson.
“You would be correct sir.”
“Let me guess...Lt. Commander Brian McMichaels and Lt. Commander Everett Reegar you share cases as well.” Harm stated and then squinting his eyes just a bit he looked at the two men and added, “McMichaels you defend while Reegar prosecutes?”
“Yes sir.” Both men responded.
“Lt. Inez Espinoza? Have you been marked for defense or prosecution?” Harm asked the petite woman with the raven hair and dark eyes.
“I wish sir...I do research, file papers, and sometimes get to sit second chair.”
“Do I detect dissatisfaction, Lieutenant?”
“Yes sir...no disrespect intended to the team or you sir,” apologized Lt. Espinoza.
“Understood. Look, I’m not sure why things have been done the way they were done, but it sounds to me that you are getting bored and our young lawyers are not have much opportunity to expand their skills. I’d like to institute some changes. I also want you to give me feedback, respectfully of course.” Harm smiled and looked around at the team. “Let me put the rest of the names and faces together. Lt. Sylvia Harwood? Lt. Mitch Gardner? Lt.(jg) Sam Marino? Lt.(jg) Rachel DesBarres? Lt.(jg)Thomas Kerr? Ensign Dale Kitchel? Ensign Kyle West? Ensign Andre’ Fleury? Ensign Paul Ortiz...I’ve reviewed your files and you all have wonderful skills you bring to the team. I want to utilize your skills but I also want you to try and educate your team members - who ever they might be - and help them to gain some of your skills.” Several of you are young and have had little experience outside of this office while some of you have done other things before entering the field of law. Lt. Silver?”
“Yes sir?”
“I see you were a helicopter pilot before joining JAG. Why chose the law?”
“Well sir, I was always asking questions and never satisfied with the obvious answers, so my family and my advisors insisted I go to law school. I agreed only if I could learn to fly a whirlybird. I took up law when I was expecting my first child.”
“It is suppose to be safer, isn’t it Commander?”
“Yes sir. So they tell me,” the young woman laughed. Her smile reminded him a little of Mac.
“Alright people...let’s get back to the caseloads...then I’ll hand out some new cases and I’d like to try some new teams.” Harm listened to their presentations. They were brief and to the point. They all carried three cases in similar states. Each investigator was working on one case. Harm made some notes as he listened to their reports. When they were done, he sat back and looked at his notes for a few seconds. They all watched him wondering what he was about to do. Everyone of them knew that life as they knew it was about to change.
Finally Commander Rabb was ready to shake things up. It wasn’t as drastic as shooting holes in the courtroom ceiling, but the looks on their faces was not so different as the incredulous looks he got from those in the courtroom that fateful day.
“Here are the team assignments...Henderson, Espinoza, Marino, Kitchel; next team... Silver, Gardner, Kerr, Fleury; next team...McMichaels, DesBarres, West; and finally Reegar, Harwood, and Ortiz. Ranking officer on each team is first chair, next level second chair, you each have help with research and investigative leg work. Henderson and Silver...for now you know each other’s play-book so you will continue to oppose each other. Silver I want you to prosecute the assault case - Henderson you’ll defend. McMichaels I’d like you to prosecute the misappropriation case while Reegar defends. Now, I’m also going to assign some minor cases to each team that can be assigned to the least experienced folks on your teams at the privilege of the team leaders. These vary from preparing codicils for wills; to disorderly conduct; DUI; and other similarly minor offenses both military and civil. I will make myself available to advise as needed. Keep me in the loop and let me know if you run into problems. I’ll meet with each team on Thursday morning for an update on cases. Petty Officer Andrews will notify you when you are scheduled to see me. Any questions?” Harm paused and looked around the room.
“Sir?”
“Commander Reegar...go ahead.”
“Sir, can we change our office assignments so that we can be closer to our team members?” Reegar asked with a sly smile on his face.
“Negative Commander...we’re not wasting time by moving every week or so to accommodate fluctuating team members. Sign-up for the conference rooms or space in the library if you need a place to meet with your team and your offices are too small to use them effectively.” Harm instructed swiftly and with purpose. “Dismissed.”
Harm returned to his office, not happy with what he had inherited but pleased with the teams acceptance of his changes.
Once in his office, he tackled the mountain of mail that had piled up on his desk in the two weeks between his predecessor’s departure and his arrival. Henderson had filled in but apparently only as needed; reviewing and responding to mail was not on his priorities list. Harm stretched and looked at his clock. It was already thirteen twenty Zulu. Harm decided to take a break and see if Mac had read and responded to the email he had sent.
To: hrabb@navy.mil
From: smackenzie@usmc.mil
Date: May 9, 2005
Subject: Re: Settling In
Hey Sailor,
I have had a long day but I’m finally settled in my temporary apartment...at least to get through the night. I miss my old apartment! Your mother and Frank have already called my cell phone and invited me to dinner. I agreed to go but not until this weekend. I need time to get a handle on what’s happening here. By now you’ve had a nights sleep and are hard at work. I’ve been up almost twenty-four hours and I’m ready for some sleep. Hey Harm...I miss you. Take care and keep the emails coming.
Fondly,
Mac
Harm sat back and smiled at the screen. He pictured Mac asleep in bed beside him and the pang of loss was almost too much to bear. He started a new email.
From:hrabb@navy.mil
Date: May 9, 2005
Subject: Good Morning!
Hope you had a wonderful night of sleep...I read your email and couldn’t help picture you sleeping beside me. These are not good thoughts to be having when I’m at work, on duty and in charge. My memories are too fresh. Tell mom and Frank I send my love.
Yours,
Harm
CHAPTER 2
May 9, 2005
1430 Zulu
San Diego, California
Mac had slept fairly well despite the previous days emotional farewell with Harm, cross-country flight, and late night getting settled in. She had been warmed by the email from Harm so soon, and had emailed him right away. While he had landed in London, found his apartment, caught a few hours sleep and then tackled his first day, Mac was traveling, settling, unpacking, talking to Harm’s parents, and thousands of others little things. Now, Harm’s first day at his new post would be winding down and hers was about to gear up.
Although dressed in uniform and ready to charge ahead for the new day, Mac decided to check and see if Harm had read her email and responded. She didn’t want to get her hopes to high. She had done that before over and over again just to have them dashed when Harm got to busy or had a chance to fly and those things took priority over their relationship. Harm had promised her that he would do better and that their relationship was a top priority to him. There was an email waiting for her. She read it and couldn’t stop the smile that lit up her face.
Mac expected to feel pressured when he said it to her over and over again and wrote it in his correspondence, yet to her pleasant surprise that was not what she felt. Instead she felt cared for, like she mattered, and that finally they were going to be able to get it right. Smiling she replied to his email.
From: smackenzie@usmc.mil
Date: May 9, 2005
Subject: Good Afternoon to you!
What a nice surprise to find your email waiting for me this morning. You must be about finished with your first day in command. How did that go? Have you met your Embassy liaison yet? Take care of yourself. You’re too far away for me to take care of you if you get sick. LOL! Seriously, enjoy London Harm. You need to know that city well enough to take me on a guided tour when I come over. I’ll give your parents your message. Got to run and face Vukovic and Mayfield. I can’t believe I ended up with both of those twits. Catch you later.
Fondly, Mac
Shutting down her computer, she headed for her new office and her first command. The only thing dimming her pleasure was the fact that she had ended up with Mayfield and Vukovic. Mayfield she liked and thought she had some potential. Vukovic she did not trust and had hoped that Creswell could be convinced to keep him in Washington, DC. That wasn’t to be and Mac was convinced that Commander Sturgis Turner was the reason behind it.
With the deployments, there were few cases involving the local personnel, however they often covered the troops in the Pacific as back up to the JAG office in Pearl Harbor. They would be called in to investigate and prosecute things that occurred on the various ships in the Pacific if things became too hectic for the Pearl office. Although Mac was considered to be in command, she still answered to General Creswell and was required to consult with him at least once a week. Harm would do the same thing from London.
Mac headed for her office greeting the people by name that she had met during the JAG conference held in San Diego. She was convinced that her innocent comment to General Creswell that night at dinner about a person being able to get use to the ocean breeze and mild temperatures had spurred him to decide on her for this assignment. She was still convinced that he had every intention of separating her and Harm from the beginning. He had done that exact thing eventually, but for an entirely different reason then Mac had thought.
She believed him when he told her that he did not hold her mistake against her from Okinawa. He respected her for the Marine and officer she had become and felt that her talents were being wasted at headquarters. He wanted her in the field, building her resume’ and influencing young attorneys. Surprisingly enough, it was the same reason he gave Harm for sending him away.
Petty Officer Hubert greeted Mac with a smart salute and she entered her private office.
“Good morning, Ma’am.”
“Good Morning Petty Officer. Have Mayfield and Vukovic arrived yet?” Mac asked.
“Lt. Mayfield is here, Ma’am, but Lt. Vukovic has not reported in as yet.”
“Thank you. Send Mayfield in now and Vukovic when he arrives.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie reviewed the list of open cases that had been prepared and left on her desk. These were the first ones she would assign. She immediately looked for an assignment she could give Lt. Vukovic that would get him out of her hair. There were two cases that needed to be tended to on board the USS Wake Island in the Pacific. She and Vukovic had been on board not long ago and the Captain knew what to expect from Vukovic. She set those aside for Lt. Greg Vukovic or “Vic” as he was often referred to.
For now Mac would handle some cases herself until one of the other attorneys had room to take on more cases. She selected cases that didn’t appear to be long or complicated in hopes of being able to reach plea bargains on most of them. For Lt. Mayfield, she had two cases, an assault case that would be tried in military court and a theft that needed to be tried in a civilian case. Mayfield would be able to handle both of these.
Mac had previously met two Lt. Commanders (Emerson and Yuan) and a Major (LaRosa) that would be under her command as well. Lt. Commander Yuan was up for promotion and if he got it would be transferring to Spain. Erin Emerson had only recently been promoted to Lt. Commander and was proving to be an excellent trial lawyer. Major LaRosa was a better investigator then lawyer, but held his own. Over all Mac was pleased with her team.
The week passed with at least two email a day from Harm that generally talked about some new challenge he had faced or how much he missed her. He hadn’t done any touring yet but hoped to over the weekend when he was off duty. Mac returned similar emails. In some ways nothing had changed yet they hinted at getting together and mentioned missing the other. They were still doing a dance of sorts.
Saturday May 14
2000 Zulu
Burnett Residence
La Jolla, California
“Mac! Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you Mrs. Burnett.”
“Trish, please. I’m so glad you agreed to change the plans and come to the house. There’s something I wanted to do that couldn’t be done in the restaurant,” the older woman explained. Mac looked puzzled but followed the woman who seemed ready to explode. “Frank, Mac’s here. Are we all set?”
“Hello Sarah...I know everyone calls you Mac, but you’re too beautiful for a man’s name.”
“Thank you Frank...and I don’t mind if you call me Sarah,” Mac smiled. “Oh before I forget, Harm emailed and said to tell you he sends his love.”
“Funny you should mention Harm,” Frank chuckled. “We’re going to call him on the speaker phone.”
“Is he expecting the call?” Mac asked thinking if he knew he would have mentioned it to her.
“No...we wanted to surprise you both.” Trish hugged her arm. Mac tried to smile but a sense of dread came over her. What if Harm wasn’t home? What if he was but wasn’t alone? Mac felt her nerves ratchet up and fought to not chew her bottom lip. She heard the line connecting and the phone ringing. Finally on the sixth ring they heard a breathless Harm answer the phone.
[Rabb.]
“Harm? It’s Mom, Frank and Mac...we have you on speaker phone,” Trish announced.
[Really?]
“We’re all here, son. You sound out of breath.”
[I heard the phone ringing so I ran up the stairs to catch it.] Harm explained. [Mac?]
“Right here Harm.”
[Good. Mom...Frank...what do you think of Mac?]
“I just told her I was calling her Sarah because she’s too beautiful to have a man’s name.”
[She is beautiful.]
“Were you just going out Harm, or coming in?” Mac asked.
[Coming in. I just played golf with three guys from the embassy.]
“Very good...how did you do?”
[I’m pretty rusty...but I came in second by one stroke.] Harm sounded satisfied.
“You’re good at what ever you put your mind to, aren’t you?” Mac teased.
[I give it my best shot,] Harm chuckled.
“Harm are you eating okay?”
[Yes Mom...no problem finding food.]
“Harm, your stuff arrived and everything is in storage. I’ll take Sarah out and show her where everything is after lunch.” Frank explained.
[Thanks Frank. Are you settling in okay Mac?]
“Better then I had imagined...but I miss everyone.”
[Even me?]
“Actually having two emails a day from you all week spoiled me. When I didn’t have you when I got up this morning I was disappointed,” Mac admitted.
{Sorry about that...I was running late for tee-time. I’ll make it up to you.] Mac heard the smile in his voice.
“I’ll look forward to that. Are you really adjusting to command?” Mac asked not wanting to get too personal even though Trish and Frank had walked out of the room but not wanting to let him go yet.
[Mac, can you pick up handset...take me off speaker for a minute...] Harm asked quietly. Mac picked it up.
“Okay...Frank and your mother are in the other room anyway.”
[I just need to tell you that I can’t stop thinking about our night together...are you okay?]
“Yes...I relive it in my dreams every night Harm.”
[A beautiful memory...but I’m greedy...I want more.]
“Me too...July seems so far away Harm.”
[I know...let me see if I can do anything sooner. I don’t know if I can’t wait for July. It’s over two months away.]
“You’ve begun to convince me we can make this work you know.”
[Really? What did it? My charming personality? My persistence? My sense of humor? My prowess in bed?]
“Give it a rest Rabb,” Mac laughed as each suggestion rang true to various parts of her. “You don’t need to get any more conceited.”
[No, I guess not...but I need a clue Mac.]
“It’s everything...its who you are and who you’ve become. It’s how you make me feel inside...” Mac closed her eyes as she held the phone, her back to his parents.
[I know...you do the same for me you know.] Harm sighed. [I’ll email you later...and look for a surprise soon.]
“You going to give me a clue this time?”
[No...you’ll know when you get it...and its to make it up to you for not emailing you this morning.]
“Harm you don’t have to do that...”
[I know. I want to.]
“Hey, let me get your Mom and Frank. They were pretty obvious about giving us some space, you know.”
[Yeah...I appreciate them more now then I did as a kid...maybe that’s natural...Hey Mac?]
“Yeah?”
[I miss you]
“I miss you too.” Mac opened the door. “Frank...Trish...want to say good-bye to Harm?”
“Be right there Dear,” Trish responded as Mac put the phone back on speaker.
“Harmon...we’ll take care of Mac, so you focus on taking care of you.”
[Yes Mom...Thanks for calling...Talk to you soon.]
“Bye son.” Frank put his arm around Trish and nodded to Mac who disconnected the call.
“Thanks for the surprise. I think Harm really appreciated it. I know I did.” Mac told the Burnett’s as they moved to the patio for their lunch.
Same Time
Harm’s Flat
London, England
Harm sat there looking at the phone. He felt so alone. It had been great to hear from family, but it made his new life in London seem further away and gave him a sense of isolation. He tried shaking it off. He went to his desk and found his PDA and located the phone number of the florist that he used to send flowers to his mother from time to time.
He called and ordered flowers to be delivered to Mac at his parents house right away. He grinned knowing she’d be embarrassed but touched by the gesture. It was a collection of pink lilies, peach carnations and lavender roses in a green vase. He had them put on the card, ‘Will this make up for no email this morning? Miss Harm. PS leave a rose for my Mom...thanks.’
Satisfied with his penance, Harm stripped down to take a shower after spending a very long day with the three guys from the embassy. Jim Winston was part of the public relations team and had been here the longest. He had set the plans in motion for the day. Walter ‘Walt’ Fiennes was part of the diplomatic corps and had been in the Navy for six years but found his new job much more to his liking. Saul ‘Rube’ Rubens was part of the security team and had only been in London for two months.
Jim and Walt were both married and their wives lived here in London as well. Jim and his wife had two children in college back in the states. Walt and his wife, Lisa, had one twelve year old daughter. Rube, as he preferred to be called, had a girlfriend back in the states but claimed that is was nothing serious. Harm of course had been grilled about his marital status.
“So, Rabb,” asked Walt, “Lisa’s going to want to know if she should dust off her matching making skills. I don’t see a wedding ring but some men don’t wear them. What’s your status?” Harm had smiled and spoke with quiet confidence.
“My heart belongs to a Marine Lt. Colonel running the JAG office in San Diego. She’s a gung-ho Marine that could kick the six of someone three times her size and then smile at you and knock you over with her beauty.”
“Ho Ho! Rabb’s got it bad. You married?” Jim queried knowing his wife wouldn’t let it rest if he wasn’t.
“Not yet. But tell the woman not to waste their time or energy on me. Sarah and I have been together for nine years. If we’re still together after all we’ve been through, it doesn’t seem likely that I’ll be interested in anyone else. I’ve explored some birds over the years, and there isn’t a one that can hold a candle to Sarah.”
“When do we get to meet this ‘Colonel Babe’?” asked Rube.
“July. She’s planning to come over for a few days then.” Harm smiled at the thought. After a little more good natured ribbing from his three golfing partners, they made it to the green and focused on trying to make parr at least. They had eaten breakfast; played eighteen holes; taken a lunch break; played eighteen more; and then all stopped at the Fiennes home for drinks. Harm had excused himself from dinner and returned home to find his phone ringing.
After his shower he fixed a cup of tea and sat down at the computer to email Mac.
From: hrabb@navy.mil
Date: May 14, 2005
Subject: Am I forgiven?
Hi Honey...I wish I was home...but I’m here in London and consoling myself with memories of last week, the phone call today and thoughts about how I can get to see you sooner then July. Birthday coming up soon, Marine...but you’re more beautiful now then you were when we first met. I bragged about you today. Walt, Jim and Rube all wanted to know if they should alert the match makers and I told them it would be a waste of time. We’ve been together for nine years and I can’t imagine anyone turning my head ever again. I met Walt’s wife and daughter. You’d like them. Lisa said she wants to have us over when you come in July. I suppose I’ll have to share you a little. Did you get your surprise? Hey Mac, we should try that real time chat thing like Bud and Harriet use to do. What do you think? Let me know a good time and I’ll sign on and see if we can link up. I miss you.
Harm
He sat back rereading what he had written. ‘Honey,’ he had called her ‘honey’ and it felt right. He grinned as he hit send, leaving the letter just like it was. H wished he could see her face when she read that one. He decided he hadn’t emailed Bud and Harriet and so his next note was to them.
From: hrabb@navy.mil
Date: May 14, 2005
Subject: Checking in
Hey Bud, Didn’t want to make the same mistakes I made last time I was away from JAG HQ. So thought I’d get an email off to you. Make sure you say hi to Harriet and the kids for me. Must seem strange with all the changes at HQ. Always remember you’re a good lawyer Bud and you have nothing to apologize for to anyone. Your clients are lucky to have you. Had a chance to talk to Mac on the phone while she was having lunch with my folks. Sounds like she’s settling in okay. The twins must be growing and keeping you both busy. AJ and Jimmy adjusting okay to the two new siblings? You’re a lucky man Bud...I hope someday I’ll find myself in your situation...before I’m too old to enjoy it. Take care. Harm
Looking over his message he went ahead and hit send. He was about to hit send when he realized that an email had come in for him. He opened it.
To: hrabb@navy.mil
From: robertsclan@internet.com
Date: May 14, 2005
Subject: Christening
Hope all is going well with you sir. We miss you around here. We are finally getting around to having the christening for the twins. We wondered if there was a chance you could make it home in three weeks for the christening. You see, we’d like you to be godfather again for the twins. If you can’t, we’ll understand. Please let us know. Sincerely, Bud and Harriet
From: hrabb@navy.mil
Date: May 14, 2005
Subject: RE: Christening
I would be honored. My email to you must have crossed paths. Guess if I knew how to use the real time messages I could have a chat with you...maybe someday you’ll have to come over and hook me up with one of those cameras so I can do video calls too. I’ll clear my calendar and make reservations. See you in three weeks! Harm
Before he hit send he realized that he had gotten another email.
From: smackenzie@usmc.mil
Date May 14, 2005
Subject: Christening in DC
Harm, Did you get the news about the Roberts twins being christened in three weeks? They asked me to be a godmother again. Are you going to be there? Did they ask you to be the godfather? Maybe we can get together before July after all. I can’t believe you called me honey...I liked it. I have instant messaging on my computer all ready. You probably do too, you just have to open the file and try it. I’ll be online for about half an hour still reading my email. Try it if you can. Look for Marine Mac for a screen name. Your honey, Mac.
Harm laughed out loud and then scrambled to fine the programs list on his computer. After clicking on a few icons he found it and within just a few minutes he had a text window popping up on his screen. He registered his screen name as Navy Harm and searched for Marine Mac. He was online.
Mac? It’s me. You there?
[Good job Flyboy! You got my email I take it.]
Yes. Technology is something isn’t it?
[Catching up with the times...good move.]
So we’re going to be godparents again.
[Yes. I was surprised they asked again given we are so far away now.]
I think its because we are so far away. It give us all a new tie - a reason to get together.
[I guess you’re right.]
Did you have a good time with Mom and Frank?
[Yes. They’re great Harm. And I got the flowers. Thank you.]
Did Mom freak out when she saw them?
[No. She was proud of you and when I gave her one of the roses and showed her the card she had tears in her eyes.]
I didn’t do it to make her cry.
[Happy tears Harm]
Oh yeah. What about you?
[I guess I’d better admit it because your Mom and Frank were witnesses. Yes I had happy tears too.]
I’m glad it made you happy.
[Harm I’ve got to go. Catch you tomorrow?]
Okay Honey...tomorrow.
Harm signed off and sat back with a tired sigh. In three weeks he would see Mac again.
CHAPTER 3
Thursday, June 2, 2005
1300 Zulu
NSLO BROFF
London, England
It was taking longer then Harm had hoped to reshuffle duties in the London office. The staff had become so entrenched in the way it had been done before that they had trouble functioning in new roles without a lot of encouragement and support for their wider expanded roles. Harm knew that he had also been entrenched in the culture of JAG headquarters so he was very careful not to make his expectations unreasonable and to stay patient with his people. Slowly he was starting to see them grasp his concepts and begin to embrace them as well. Lt. Commander Amy Silver was catching on fastest. She was organized, good with communication and thought well of by the rest of the staff. He had called her to his office when she got out of court.
<Knock-knock>
“Enter...”
“Lt. Commander Silver reporting as requested sir.”
“At ease Commander. Have a seat...As you know I’ve made some changes in this office since I arrived.”
“Yes sir.”
“You seem to have adapted or adjusted to them more easily then the others.”
“Thank you sir.”
“How would you feel about being left in charge while I’m away for a few days?”
“Sir?”
“Would you be comfortable to be left in charge?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. Then I’d like make you Chief of Staff and as such you will be in charge and make assignments or decisions in my absence.”
“May I inquire as to when you will be gone, sir?”
“You may. I’ll be catching a flight in about two hours for Washington DC via Iceland. I have to stop there to check on a few things and then I will be going on to Washington. I won’t be back in this office until Tuesday.”
“JAG business sir?”
“Partly...but mostly personal.”
“Sorry for asking sir.”
“Commander, I have found that when people who work closely together develop a friendship of sorts, it can make the good times better and the not so good times seem fewer. When I return I would like the Public Relations officer to have some ideas for team building prepared and on my desk. Could you arrange for that to happen while I’m gone?”
“Yes sir.”
“Very well then. This file had the notes you may need and phone numbers where I can be reached in an emergency or if you just need a second opinion. I’ll leave my office in your capable hands.”
“Aye-aye Sir.”
Harm picked up his briefcase, travel bag and cover and left with orders to PO Andrews to send a memo to the staff on his behalf announcing Lt. Commander Silver as Chief of Staff and in charge when he is out of the office.
Making his way out of the office into the warm June day he walked to the tube where he would proceed to the Airport and then on to Iceland and eventually to Washington DC where he would again be united with Mac.
1730 Zulu
NAS
Reykjavik, Iceland
“Commander Rabb. Thank you for stopping with this papers for us and for agreeing to consult on this case. General Creswell gave you high marks for dealing with these matters.”
“Thank you sir. Now based on the information you provided me with, I would suggest that you bring in representatives from both parties and try to do a face to face intervention. Sometimes when you get them together and point out the absurdities they cave in and you can make progress.”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow Commander.”
“Look, the fisherman is saying that the pilot buzzed his boat repeatedly to keep him from getting his quota. The pilot says that he was trying to warn him on the nearby whale and the fact that the fishing boat could be capsized.”
“Yes. It’s the pilots word against the fisherman’s word.”
“So you have other pilots and access to satellites photos. There were boats in the area as well. Can you find someone to back up any part of either ones story?”
“We haven’t tried.”
“I suggest you do. They bring them together and try to negotiate a deal between the two. Just because the pilot is in the Navy doesn’t mean the fisherman can take out his anger on the Navy nor does it mean it is an blanket excuse for his actions. But if you can support his actions with other neutral witnesses, then you make be able to get the fisherman to see reason. If you can’t then you can probably get the pilot to back off his stance and make an apology.”
“Thank you Commander. I know you have a flight to catch.”
1900 Zulu
Airplane
Somewhere over the Atlantic
Harm settled back into his seat. Over the past three weeks he and Mac had continued to email at least once a day. The anticipation of the christening was second to the chance to see one another again. Bud and Harriet had invited them both to stay at the house with them, but they had both declined saying that they wanted to take advantage of catching up with several people while they were there and didn’t want to disrupt the household to that extend. Mattie of course was top on their list.
Harm smiled. They had immediately made plans to get a hotel room together so they had no excuse not to spend every second they could together. Harm had expected to fly in on Friday but then General Creswell had asked him if he could come on Thursday and make a stop in Iceland. Creswell also wanted him to stop in to Headquarters on Monday before he returned to London. Harm thought it was a bit out of the ordinary, but he agreed to do it.
Harm let his mind wander to his pending visit with Mac. The first time they had been together - the only time they had been together - was the night before they had left Washington DC. This time he was enjoying the anticipation. He and Mac had emailed daily and then started instant messaging. In one of their sessions, they had discussed the hotel situation.
<Begin Flashback>
Mac: I think we should just get a room together and then see what happens.
Harm: Won’t that be awkward if we find we aren’t comfortable together or the magic is gone?
Mac: Maybe...do you think the magic’s gone?
Harm: No. Do you?
Mac: God I hope not...I don’t think I can get enough of you.
Harm: Really? I mean I feel that way about you...
Mac: Then I think we’ll be fine with one room.
Harm: I would be happy just being able to hold you and maybe stealing a kiss or two.
Mac: Can’t steal something that’s given to you.
Harm: Just thinking about it makes me need a cold shower you know.
Mac: Harm! I can’t believe you said that.
Harm: Why?
Mac: You don’t admit to needing or wanting anything.
Harm: I do when it comes to you.
Mac: I’m humbled
Harm: Honey, I’m not try to humble you
Mac: What are you trying to do Sailor?
Harm: Flirt with you?
Mac: It’s working...
Harm: It is?
Mac: Oh yeah...I may have to take a cold shower tonight too.
Harm: Just because I said I wanted to hold you and steal a couple of kisses?
Mac: No...because it makes me think of all the things I want to do to you.
Harm: Like what?
Mac: Harm, do you really want me to tell you?
Harm: Give me a hint.
Mac: Remember when I was playing with your earlobe...with my tongue?
Harm: Oh yeah..warm in here.
Mac: LOL I can think of other places I’d like to try that on you that might make you even warmer.
Harm: I can’t wait. Can’t I try it on you too?
Mac: That would be a great idea.
Harm: Mac I really need to take a shower now.
<End Flashback>
Harm groaned. He could use a shower just thinking about that dialogue. Mac would be landing in Washington DC tonight also. He could wait for her at the airport or go on to the hotel and meet her there. He had her flight number and would check her arrival time when he landed. He tried to settle down for a short nap as it had been a full day for him already and he hoped it would last for several more hours yet.
2340 Zulu
Dulles International Airport
Washington DC
Harm stepped from the plane with his briefcase and carry-on and checked the monitor. There is was - Flight 497 from San Diego arriving at gate 21 at 6:50 EST.
He had just enough time to get to the gate to meet her. He moved through the crowd watching for signs for her gate. When he spotted it, he could see people already filing out of the door. He watched and waited and then he spotted her. She looked around as she came through the door as if sensing he was there waiting for her. She looked beautiful he thought and when she spotted him he gave her his full wattage smile.
“Mac!” he called as he waved before moving further through the crowd.
“Harm!” Mac smiled back and moved toward him. They met with a hug and Harm lifted her off her feet as he hugged her to him.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Harm told her as he kissed her quickly before setting her down again, remembering they were both in uniform.
“I know. I’ve missed you too. I was going to change before I left but I just didn’t have time.”
“That’s okay. Is anyone expecting you this evening?” Harm asked.
“I’m afraid so...and you too.” Mac informed him.
“Who?” Harm asked not aware of any plans.
“Before I could get free today I spoke with the General and he extended an invitation for me to come to his home for dinner with his family tonight. I told him that I was meeting someone and he informed me I could bring my date.”
“Did you tell him it was me?”
“Actually he assumed.”
“How do you know?”
“He said, ‘Bring Harm with you,’ and then he said Dora, his wife insisted.”
“So I can’t have you alone yet?” Harm pouted.
“Well only for a few minutes. We can change into civilian attire before we go.” Mac informed him.
“I’ve reserved a car for us. We can drive to the hotel, drop off our things, change and then head for the General’s. Where does he live?” Harm asked.
“Montclair...” Mac said as a flash from the past came to her.
“That’s where Renee lived.” Harm murmured.
“I know.”
“When are they expecting us?” Harm asked thinking about the time it took to get there.
“We have time, Sailor. Let’s get our luggage and go.” Together they retrieved their bags from the luggage claim area and then picked up the rental car. It was a Chrysler made convertible in silver. Harm looked at the car then at Mac.
“It’s not the Corvette but it will do.”
“Let’s go. It looks good to me.” Mc told him as she toss her things in the trunk with his and then climbed in the seat and snapped her seat belt.
The drive to the hotel in Arlington didn’t take long as they hit the traffic lights perfectly after they got off the interstate. They checked in the hotel room and took their things up. They quickly hung up their clothes, each slipping into civilian attire for the evening. Harm chose a pair of light gray slacks and a silvery gray short sleeve knit shirt. Mac, slipped into a colorful sleeveless dress with a short sleeve bolero jacket over it. They were about to leave the room again when Harm stopped Mac by grabbing her hand and tugging her to him.
“I need one kiss before we go...please.” Mac nodded before raising her face to his. The kiss was slow, sweet and gentle yet it conveyed a dormant passion that Mac ached to unleash in her sailor again. She had tasted that passion a month ago and now she wanted more. It would have to wait however as Harm released her and stepped back.
“Lets do this so we can get back.” Mac nodded and this time captured Harm’s hand in hers as they left their room and climbed into the car again. This time Mac drove as she had been to the General’s home before.
It was almost nine o’clock when Harm and Mac arrived at General Creswell’s home. He had been watching for them as he stepped out on the front steps as they climbed from the car.
“Good to see you Colonel...Commander.”
“Thank you sir. I hope we aren’t too late. I tried to explain that we would be late.” Mac apologized.
“Not at all. I’ve only been home for an hour. It was nice to have some down time before we eat. Commander Rabb...it seems like London is suiting you.”
“Yes sir. I’ve made a few changes in procedures since I’ve been there, but over all things are going well.”
“Come on in....Dora? Sarah and Harm are here.”
“Good to see you both again. Would you like a drink before we eat? Or we can sit down...dinner is ready.”
“Dinner would be good,” Harm smiled. He really wanted to get the evening over so he could get back to the hotel and hold Mac in his arms and sleep. He was getting tired and knew that he probably wouldn’t be able to do much more then hold her tonight. He planned to make up for it in the morning...before they headed for Blacksburg to check on Mattie and Tom.
Surprisingly the evening spent with Dora and Gordon Creswell turned out to be more enjoyable then he had anticipated. Watching Mac laugh at the way the Creswell’s were with each other made him feel good. Mac was relaxed with him as well, and often touched him as she talked. She smiled at him across the table a couple of times that made his heart race. When they sat side by side on the sofa to have coffee after dinner, her hand rested on his leg above his knee a few times, and then out of self preservation he had captured it in his hand and held it. As they were getting ready to go, Creswell surprised him again.
“Harm, I did try to find a suitable assignment for you in California, but there just wasn’t anything at the time. There will be an opening at Point Mugu in about three months or if you can wait a year, I think you can get in at El Centro...not as a pilot mind you, but as legal consultant.”
“Harm, isn’t El Centro where the Blue Angels train?” Mac asked him.
“Yeah...it’s tempting, I’ll admit...but I’d like to see how things are going in say six months. By then I hope I’ll know better what my future plans need to be. Thank you for thinking of me sir.”
“You’re welcome. I think you have a lot more talent and ability then you’ve given yourself credit for in the last few years. You deserve to have some happiness as well.”
In the car on the drive back to the hotel, Harm was quiet thinking about this new piece of information. Point Mugu did not hold appeal for Harm. The duty there would be boring after a few weeks, although it would be closer to Mac then London. El Centre, where the Blue Angels trained, would be only a little over two hours from Mac, but if he was expected to travel with the team, then that wouldn’t work either. He would be gone much of the year and in all honesty, that duty could get boring too. No, he still thought he might be thinking retirement after London.
“Harm, you okay?” Mac asked after he had been silent for over half the ride to the hotel.
“I’m fine Mac...although a little weary. I’m afraid I won’t be good for much by the time we get back and have time alone.”
“That’s okay...being close is cool...and we can make up for it in the morning.”
“It’s a deal...” He reached over and encased her small hand in his. It never ceased to amaze him how fulfilling it was to hold her hand. It was as if the electric currents inside each of them built up causing the sparks to fly and the tension to build, yet the simple act of holding hands allowed that electric to flow from one to the other and back again, taking away the tension and the sparks. It left in its wake a warm, loving glow that wrapped itself around them, binding them together in all ways possible.
Mac closed her eyes for a few seconds to allow herself to focus on the warm, strong, gentle hand surrounding hers. Instead of feeling restricted or trapped, she felt free to be who she was and to face any challenge that came her way. Opening her eyes again she watched Harm. He had to be tired. She could see dark circles under his eyes and his face seemed lined tonight more then she’d seen it in quite some time.
“Harm, is everything alright?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“Well, you just seem...I don’t know...like there is a lot more on your mind then you’re letting on.”
“I do have things on my mind, Mac...but nothing that won’t work out with a little time and patience,” Harm assured her.
“Do you want to talk about anything?” Mac offered.
“Not tonight...I just want to crawl into bed, with you in my arms and get some sleep.”
“I can do that.” Mac smiled his way at the same time she realized that they were pulling in to the hotel parking lot.
Together they returned to their room and stripped out of their clothes. Mac sent Harm to the bathroom first. He returned stripped to his boxers and crawled into bed as Mac took her turn. She came out and slipped into the bed next to him, turning on her side so that her back was to him. Mac felt the weight of his arm snaking around her waist and settling her against him.
“Do you mind?” Harm asked as he snuggled his face against her head.
“Not at all. Good-night.”
“‘Night.”
CHAPTER 4
0640 Local
Arlington Hotel
Arlington, Virginia
Harm had opened his eyes to the dimly lit room and realized that hit hadn’t been a dream. He was holding Mac in his arms again. He smiled as he place a kiss on her hair. He realized that she had woven her fingers with his and they were still that way as she slept. A surge of desire for this woman consumed him and he began placing kisses on her ear and neck. His right arm was under him, but from the elbow to the hand he was able to move it. He used it to brush her hair from her face and give him more access to her as she slept.
Mac felt the nibbling kisses and the moist tongue tasting her neck. She tried not to wiggle but his attention was tickling her. She shifted back a little and turned her head to capture his lips with her own.
Harm responded immediately as he explored her mouth with his own while his body hardened at her taste. His left arm, draped across her waist, now began to wander and she felt his large gentle hand caress her breast; his thumb rub across her nipple; while his tongue mated with hers.
Rolling more so that he could have complete access to her body, Mac became aware of the pulsing hardness against her hip. She allowed one hand to slip lower and caress the ridge beneath his boxers. She felt his intake of breath at her touch.
“Mac,” he groaned as she closed her hand around him again briefly and then repeated this attention to the heavy weight beneath the hardness. Harm’s hand continued to caress her breasts, rolling her nipples between his thumb and forefinger. He slid lower, moving his own delicate parts from her eager grasp, but allowing him to reach her breasts with his mouth.
This time it was Mac that groaned and the warm, wet tug, on her breast shot heat through to her core, creating a flood at her very center.
“Oh Harm! I need you...”
“I know, Honey...I need you too...but let’s take our time and savor every moment we’re together....please...” Harm begged for her understanding and willingness to take this slow and make it last. As he had on their first night together - before they had left for their new assignments - Harm touched, tasted, and caressed every inch of her inside and out that he could reach bringing her to the fevered pitch over and over again, before he would allow himself to be satisfied. His boxers and her nightgown were removed in the process.
“Please Harm...I need you inside me now...I need to know you’re feeling pleasure too,” Mac had begged after he rang a fourth release from her in a row. “Let me pleasure you.”
“You do. Watching you reach that place at my hand means a lot to me.”
“I know...it’s just...I need to give you pleasure too Harm.” Their eyes met and locked and as the sun rose outside their bedroom window, Harm finally gave up control to Mac. His body was already alive and singing at every nerve ending, but he lay on his back, hands behind his head, and smiled as he whispered, “I’m all yours.”
Mac returned his smile as she started by kissing his chin and then neck. She gave attention to his nipples and then followed the line of hair to his navel and then lower. She caressed his thighs, sliding her hands between their bodies. She cupped the heavy sacks resting on his thighs below his throbbing erection. She saw he had closed his eyes as he managed to regain a little control so that he could enjoy her attention longer yet. She felt his hips shifting and knew that he was fighting to hold still to let her have her way with him, they way he had enjoyed her body and loss of control before.
Harm opened his eyes just in time to watch her tongue lift the drop gathered at the head of his erection. She smiled and licked her lips before lowering her mouth over his hardness, wrapping her tongue around him to stimulate the nerves on the under side of the ridge of hard flesh. She heard the air hiss into his lungs as she took him deeper into her mouth and then slowly released him as he exhaled again. She repeated the action over and over varying the rhythm and suction as she staked her claim.
“Now...take me inside you now..” Harm moaned as Mac nodded and released his arousal while lifting herself onto her knees and straddling him. She felt his arousal at her moist core and slid onto him, rocking her hips and then rotating them.
“Oh Yes...Harm...help me go faster,” Mac pleaded. Harm spanned her waist with his hands and helped her to lift herself up to increase the pace. He could feel her tighten around him and saw her throw her head back as she begged for him to help her move faster on his shaft. She was panting from her efforts, sweat running in rivulets between her breasts and they bounced above his face.
Harm was close to finding his release at last as well, so he rolled her beneath him and lifted her legs over his shoulders so that he could get the leverage he needed to satisfy them both. His thrusts became hard and fast, and although he didn’t want to hurt her he knew that they both needed to feel the power of their sexual frustrations unleashed at least this one time.
Sliding one finger inside her along side where he filled her, he gathered enough moisture to lubricated the now throbbing bud hidden in her folds. With one arm to support him, and one hand on her bud, he lowered his mouth to her rigid nipple and suckled her breast as he rode the final journey with her as they flew into the sky shattering into a million pieces before slowly coming down off a orgasmic high unlike either had ever experienced.
Harm tried not to collapse directly on her, but to one side, pulling her against him once again. He heard her breathing as rough and ragged as his own.
“You okay?” Harm ventured after awhile.
“Mmmmm...You?” Mac practically purred.
“Oh yeah...don’t think I could run too far at the moment...you drained me Mac.” Harm smiled against her hair again.
“I know...next time you get to have multiple orgasms...I’m exhausted and exhilarated at the same time because of you.” Mac smiled reaching for his hand again.
“Do you want to go back to sleep or go take a shower?” Harm asked her.
“Let’s go take a shower. We need to get going so we can spend some time with Mattie.” Mac slipped out of bed, totally naked now as was Harm. He watched her walk away, admiring her firm toned body.
“Harm!”
“Sorry...I can’t help watching you...you are so beautiful.” Harm slid out of bed and walked toward her. He watched her look him up and down knowing this was suppose to be ‘payback’ for him checking her backside out.
“Not bad...for an older guy!” Mac laughed as she dodged away from his hand and into the bathroom.
“Older guy? What’s that crack suppose to mean? I didn’t hear you complaining awhile ago.” Harm pretended to be hurt by her comment as he waited for her to vacate the commode and turn her attention to the shower.
“True...but I decided that’s why you wanted it slow...so you could hold off...At your age you probably can’t recuperate as quickly as a younger man and were afraid you wouldn’t be able to satisfy me,” Mac teased as she turned the water on and adjusted the shower head and spray.
“You underestimate your power over me Ms. Mackenzie...” Harm taunted, a flirtatious grin on his face. While Mac had been adjusting the shower, Harm had relieved himself. He stepped into the tub behind her and while the water flowed over them he had washed her hair and then his own. They had washed each other’s backs and then turned their attention to the rest of the other person. Soap, water, and skin - slippery and sensual - plus a few kisses and the heat was on high again for both of them. Harm’s arousal pressed into her hip as she turned under the shower spray.
“Still think my recovery period is lacking?” Harm asked Mac as she saw the evidence of his arousal.
“Must be you snuck a little blue pill or something,” Mac teased as she stepped closer, sliding her body against his.
“No pills...this is all your effect on me.” Harm smiled as he kissed her again, lifting her up against him.
“Now Harm.” Mac commanded as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Leaning up against the shower wall, Harm braced her back as he slid her onto his now throbbing erection as he kissed and thrust into her. He felt her clench around him as they both reached that magic place that only they could take each other to.
After rinsing off again, they shut the now cold shower water off and stepped out of the tub, each grabbing a fluffy bath towel to dry off and wrap up in.
Somehow they managed to keep enough distance between themselves so they were able to get dressed and ready to leave for Blacksburg.
1128 Local
Grace Aviation
Blacksburg, Virginia
Mattie sat in her wheelchair in the office looking at the records. It had become her job to do the bookkeeping and scheduling once she had come home. It gave her something to do between therapy sessions. She was regaining the use of her legs and could get a round for short periods of time with a cane. She was trying to save her energy for when Harm and Mac arrived. She had been so excited when she had learned that they were coming together. It seemed to be an indication that they were finally getting things straightened out between them, despite being so far away from each other.
Mattie looked at the clock again. She had thought they would be here before this. She watched her father stand up and stretch as he worked on one of their planes. He turned toward the office and smiled. She waved back. Her father had come so close to being lost to her forever after her accident. He had gone on a four day binge before Harm had found him and given him a good talking to. Some how Harm had gotten through to him even though he was falling down drunk. When Tom had woken up the next morning, he had showered, shaved, managed to get some breakfast into him and returned to the hospital.
The hospital had a small detox unit and by the time Tom had been in to see Mattie, he was shaking pretty bad. He had entered the program willingly with Harm’s support. He managed to find a local sponsor to the AA meetings and by the time Mattie had come around, Tom was able to spend time with her. Once again Tom Johnson and Mattie owed Harm a debt of gratitude.
Finally Mattie spotted the sports car that drove in and she wheeled herself to the door where she had left her cane earlier. Carefully she got to her feet and with the cane she moved out the door just as Harm and Mac stepped from their rented car.
Harm sprinted to Mattie’s side and scooped her up in a big bear hug. “I’ve missed you so much, young lady. How are you?” Harm asked.
“I’m good. Put me down so I can show you.”
Harm carefully set Mattie down making sure she had her balance before he let go. With her cane she turned and took four slow steps toward Sarah Mackenzie. The two women in Harm’s life greeted each other with hugs and smiles.
“You look fantastic Mattie.”
“Thanks Mac. You look happy,” Mattie told her with a smile.
“I am...thank you. How’s your dad doing?”
“He’s doing okay. He goes for counseling and AA meetings when I’m in therapy and then afterwards we go out to eat and talk about what are next goal or challenge is that we have to face. We’re good though.” Mattie smiled at Harm and Mac. “You two are really together now, aren’t you?”
“What makes you say that?” Harm asked Mattie.
“You both have this look about you...and you both seem happier then I’ve seen either of you.”
“You’re pretty wise, aren’t you young lady?”
“Of course...I picked you to help me didn’t I?” Mattie shot back at Harm.
“Yes you did...and I’ll owe you for that forever. Yes, to answer your question, Mac and I are together...in a way.”
“In a way?” Mattie raised her eyebrows and looked from Harm to Mac and back again.
“Mattie, Harm and I admit that we have something special. We’re exploring what it is and talking about where we’ll go from here. With us stationed so far away, it makes having anything more permanent very difficult to do.” Mac gently explained.
“Just don’t give up on each other. Harm, you stick by her the way you stuck by me, okay?” Mattie scolded.
“He has Mattie,” Mac assured the teenager. “You must be getting tired standing here. Let’s get you to a chair.”
“My chairs just inside the door. I can make it though.” Mattie carefully made her way back inside Grace Aviation. Tom Johnson joined them as Mattie eased herself into the chair.
“Harm...Mac...good to see you.”
“Same here Tom. How are you doing?” Harm asked.
“I’m okay. We take it a day at a time and try to celebrate all the milestones. Mattie is having more then me right now, but that’s good and makes my challenges easier.” Tom assured them.
With Mattie in her chair, she and Tom showed Harm and Mac the work they were doing at Grace Aviation. She also showed them the work she was having to do to catch up on her high school classes.
“They’re sending a tutor out for two hours each week to go over the assignments with me and to pick up completed assignments for the teachers. I only have a little more to do and they said I will get all my credits for this school year. I should be able to enter my senior year on time and on my feet. Annapolis is still ify though. Are you disappointed, Harm?”
“No Mattie...I’m very proud of you. I know it hasn’t been easy but you’ve shown determination and grit. I think that you’ll be able to pass the fitness test and then you’re a shoe in.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Just take it a day at a time...or an hour at a time if you need to. Give yourself time to heal and then go for it.”
“Thanks Harm.”
“For what?”
“Just being you,” Mattie told him. “Reduce elevation, Commander...” Mattie smiled.
Harm bent at the waist so his face was near hers. She leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you to Mattie.”
“Have you told Mac that yet?” she whispered in his ear.
“No...”
“Harm! What are you waiting for? Tell her...don’t put it off.”
“I will Mattie...when the time is right.”
“It’s right, Harm. Please don’t wait.” Mattie looked into Harm’s eyes and he saw the silent plea there.
“Why is it so important to you that I do this now, Mattie?” Harm implored of her.
“Because I need to know you’re going to be okay without me. I need to know that you’ve been able to heal from your childhood.”
“Alright...you want me to say it now right here in front of you and Tom?” Harm asked.
“Yes...but its probably not fair to Mac...so you can wait until you’re alone if you promise me.”
“Alright...Mac?” Harm called to her as she walked ahead with Tom.
“Yes?”
“Could you wait for us a second? I have something I need to tell you,” Harm explained.
“What is it?” Mac asked somewhat alarmed.
Harm approached her and took her hands in his. She looked up into his eyes and smiled at him.
“Mac, I know this isn’t the most romantic way to do this, but it means a lot to Mattie that I tell you something right now. She said I could wait until we were alone, but I think it means enough to her that we need to give her this.”
“Go ahead.” Mac gulped a little nervous about what Harm was about to say.
“I told Mattie last year that I had not dealt with some things from my past and as a result, I hadn’t been able to say the thing to you that you needed to hear the most. I told her that she has helped me heal and I think she needs to see for herself that its true. You see Mac...I love you...I couldn’t say the words before, but Mattie has helped me to heal old wounds and to trust my feelings. I admitted to her a while ago that I was in love with you but that I couldn’t seem to tell you that. Now I can. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Oh Harm...that was a beautiful way to tell me you loved me. I love you too.” Mac smiled at him with tears glistening in her eyes. They reached for each other then and embraced. Harm kissed Mac in front of Tom and Mattie and left no doubt in anyone’s mind that he loved the woman in his arms. Slowly he released her lips and with his arms still around her, he looked at Mattie and smiled.
“See what you made me do?” he grinned at the teenager.
“I did not make you do that! Mac, watch him...he’ll turn everything you say and use it against you if he has a chance,” Mattie giggled as Harm pretended to glare at her.
Tom, Mac and Mattie all laughed with him. Together they closed up Grace Aviation for the day and headed back to the house for lunch. They had a great day together; doing Mattie’s exercises with her; laughing and teasing each other; watching Tom relax and just enjoying life with his daughter again.
2012 Local
Arlington Hotel
Arlington, Virginia
Harm and Mac had left Mattie and Tom around four o’clock that afternoon and headed back to their hotel room. They had stopped at a little restaurant on the way back for dinner where they had lingered, holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes. Back in the car they had made good time getting back to the hotel.
The light on the phone indicating they had a message was blinking. Mac checked in to see who had called. It was Harriet.
“Mac? Harm? Hope you got in okay...well you must have because they said you had registered. I know you were planning to see Mattie and some other people while you were home...here...but could you give me a call when you get this message. Thanks.”
“I’ll call her and see what’s up,” Mac offered as Harm returned from the bathroom and stretched out across the bed on his back.
“Okay. She’s just probably worried that I backed out or something,” Harm joked.
Mac gave him a funny look as she dialed Harriet and Bud’s phone number.
“Hello.”
“Harriet? It’s Mac.”
“Oh good...you got my message?”
“Yes. Harm and I went out to Blacksburg to see Mattie today and had dinner with General Creswell and his wife last night. Sorry we didn’t check in.”
“Not a problem...it’s just, we’d like to have you join us for breakfast in the morning before we go to church. Afterward, we’re having some people back her for lunch. Bud and I just wanted to be able to spend some time with both of you and the kids without the whole gang. We really miss you guys.”
“I know Harriet. We miss you guys too. What time would you like us there?”
“Is nine too early?”
“Not at all. We’ll see you then.”
Mac hung up the phone and then lay on the bed beside Harm, her head on his shoulder, her body on her side, turned toward him, and her hand resting on his stomach. She felt his hand cover hers and they relaxed together that way just enjoying the closeness. Harm finally broke the quiet.
“You okay?”
“Mmm...this is nice.”
“It is. Mac?”
“Yes?”
“About today...”
“It’s been a great day Harm...” Mac propped her head on her arm as she looked down into his beautiful face. She could see clearly the love for her in his face and smiled back, hoping he could see it in her face as well. “When you told me you loved me in front of Tom and Mattie, you said it wasn’t romantic, but you were wrong.”
“How was that romantic?” Harm asked with a bit of a frown.
“Harm, most people can tell someone they love someone in private, but it takes a lot more courage to say it with witnesses. I know how much Mattie means to you, and the fact you could expose your feelings about me like that...it took my breath away.”
“You didn’t think it was the equivalent of announcing it on the scoreboard at a big game?”
“No. That would be tacky,” she laughed. “But Mattie and Tom are family and I didn’t mind a bit. I wouldn’t mind hearing it again though,” she added.
Harm smiled as he slid his hand up her arm and cupped her face with his palm. “I love you Sarah Mackenzie...I am so in love with you that I can’t get enough of you.”
“I’m all yours Harm...I love you the same way...make love to me?” Mac whispered her voice full of emotion.
“Always,” Harm murmured as he took her lips with his and began another night of passionate with the woman he loved.
CHAPTER 5
0855 Local
Robert’s Residence
Rosslyn, Virginia
“You’re here!” Harriet greeted them as they waited on the porch.
“Hi Harriet,” Mac hugged her friend as she stepped into the beautiful home. Harm leaned done and buzzed Harriet’s cheek with his lips as he passed her.
“Good to see you Harriet.”
“You too sir...Harm,” Harriet caught herself and beamed a smile at her favorite confidante. Whenever she had trouble dealing with Bud, she had always been able to goto Harm and talk. She knew that Bud had often sought out counsel with Mac. Instead of it leaving either of them with feelings of jealousy, it seemed to create a deeper bond between the four officers and friends.
Just then a little blond whirlwind launched himself at Harm’s legs, while another smaller version landed against Mac.
“Hi boys!” Harm laughed. Kneeling down he shook hands with AJ. “How’s it going sailor?”
“Okay. Jimmy can play with me now some but he still knocks down the blocks when I try to build anything,” the five year old AJ complained.
“Well, be patient with him AJ, he’s still pretty little. Someday you two will be good friends.”
“We will?”
“I hope so. I have a younger brother you know.” Harm told the little boy.
“You do?”
“Yes. He lives far away but we talk on the phone and we email each other. I don’t want anything bad to happen to him and we are always happy when something good happens to one of us. We didn’t know each other until we were both all grown up...so you and Jimmy are lucky because you can grow-up together.”
“Cool! What about the new babies?”
“In a couple of years, you and Jimmy will probably start liking them too.”
“Even our sister?”
“Even your sister.”
“Wow! Come on Jimmy...we got plans to make,” called AJ as he headed off to the play room with Jimmy following behind him.
“Nice job Harm,” Harriet smiled. “Bud and I have been trying to get him to understand that for weeks now. You managed to get through to him. Thanks.”
“I don’t think I didn’t anything special Harriet.” Mac and Harriet exchanged knowing smiles and then Mac surprised Harriet when she threaded her arm through Harm’s and rested her chin on him as she looked up smiling.
“You my love are too humble. Yo don’t realize the impact you have on us mere mortals.”
“Maac...” Harm whined as he blushed. Harriet watched the exchange between the two. She had always known they were close and she knew they were seeing each other...or had been pretty sure of it...but watching them like this gave new meaning to ‘crazy in love’ as far as Harriet was concerned.
“Come on...let’s rescue Bud. He’s in the kitchen with both babies and checking on our breakfast in the oven.” Harriet led the way to the cheerful kitchen where Bud had just removed a casserole dish from the oven. “Helps arrived,” Harriet announced.
“We’re all under control. Good morning, Ma’am...Sir.”
“Bud!” Mac, Harm and even Harriet chastised Bud immediately for his formal address.
“Sorry...Mac and Harm.”
“That’s better, Bud. How are you?” Harm asked as he stepped forward to shake the younger man’s hand.
“Fine sir. Let me introduce you to the twins. This is Nikki...short for Nicole Sarah,” Bud said as he scooped up his baby daughter and handed her to Mac, “and this is Tommy...short for Thomas Harmon.” Bud handed Harmon his namesake. “We hope you don’t mind we used your name as his middle name.”
“Not at all...that’s quite an honor considering its not a real popular name.” Harm smiled as he looked at the baby boy he held in his arms. He looked up and Mac at that moment and her gaze met his. He knew they were both imagining what it would be like to hold their own child. They were filled with hope and dread at the same moment. Hope that they could have a miracle and Mac would be able to conceive and carry a child of his and dread at the realization that it might never happen.
Bud and Harriet watched the private exchange between the two and recognized it as a private moment. Harriet linked her arm through Buds and waited for it to end. When it did, Mac looked at her and smiled, pretending the moistness in her eyes wasn’t really there. The Roberts’ let her have her privacy. Returning the babies to their carriers, the adults sat down at the table to eat.
“Jimmy and AJ joining us?” Mac asked.
“Oh no...they couldn’t wait. They were eating two hours ago.” Harriet smiled as she served the breakfast.
The adults chatted over breakfast, with Harm and Mac each telling stories about their new duty stations. Finally, Harriet had to ask.
“Things have changed with you two haven’t they?”
“Yes. Things have gotten better.” Mac told her.
“She didn’t even deck me when I told her in front of Mattie and Tom yesterday that I’m in love with her,” Harm grinned.
“Wow! That’s great Harm,” grinned Bud.
“And I told him I loved him too,” Mac beamed.
“We’ve always thought there was something there, but if you didn’t see it, then we weren’t about to tell you,” Harriet shared.
“Maybe if you had we wouldn’t have been so stubborn about telling each other and no one would have gone through so much with us when we were faking it with other people,” Mac admitted.
“I think you had to realize it on your own. Bud and I certainly had to figure it out for ourselves.”
“Yeah, but it didn’t take you nine years!” Harm laughed.
“True...and we also weren’t in the same chain of command all that time. That had to make it more difficult.”
“It did...but its no excuse. Now we’ve found each other and we’re stationed so far apart...but we’ll find a way to make it work somehow.” Harm told them.
After enjoying a second cup of coffee and chatting it was time to get everyone ready for the church service and christening. Mac and Harm helped with the children, from bathroom and diaper duty to changing clothes and strapping them in the car seats. At one point, Harm looked at Mac and grinned as he wiggled his eyebrows at her.
“Kind of fun isn’t it?”
“Yes...and you’re good at this.”
“You too Mac.” Harm saw the shadow in her eyes and reached for her hand. He led her to the back of the van and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry...I shouldn’t have brought it up again.”
“No...its okay. I mean we might be able to adopt if we don’t get our miracle.”
“You do realize that we haven’t taken any precautions again.” Harm reminded her.
“I know. A part of me is hoping that it will happen...but I try not to think about it.”
“I love you whether you can have a baby or not...you know that right?”
“Yes...and I love you even more because of it. Thank you.”
Bud and Harriet joined them then with the babies. Soon they were loaded in and everyone was headed for the church service.
Harm and Mac were the center of attention as people arrived. With AJ standing proudly next to Harm while Jimmy sat beside Mac’s feet, they were greeted by Jennifer Coates, Mike Roberts, Big Bud Roberts, Jason Tiner and Retired Admiral AJ Chegwidden. There were many other familiar faces from their days at JAG as well.
During the ceremony, Mac and Harm stood next to Bud and Harriet as they held the babies for the blessing. Then, the babies were placed in the arms of Harm and Mac as they vowed to be there for these two innocent lives to help guide them in life.
Following the church service and christening, everyone was congregating at the Robert’s home for a buffet lunch. Every one pitched in to help with food preparation, child care, and keeping the conversation and laughter going. At one point, Harm, Mac and AJ Chegwidden found themselves on the back porch together watching AJ and Jimmy run and race in the back yard.
“You two seem to be getting along better,” Chegwidden observed.
“We are.” Harm smiled at his old CO and reached for Mac’s hand. “Did you ever think we’d work it out?”
“I kept hoping you would so we’d have peace in the office, while hoping you wouldn’t so I wouldn’t have to give one of you up.” AJ chuckled.
“Well, when we got our orders that we would be separated, we had been rebuilding our friendship yet again...but before we left, we finally had the talk...I’ve tried to mend my ways.” Harm smiled.
“He’s doing rather well, too sir.” Mac added.
“I gathered. Should we be watching for wedding announcements?” AJ asked them.
Harm and Mac exchanged glances before Mac answered. “We haven’t discussed that yet, but I wouldn’t rule anything out at this point.”
Harm squeezed her hand in his assuring her she was saying the right thing. He knew that’s where they were headed...or at least hoped they were...but he didn’t want to rush her into anything either. He hoped that they would be able to enjoy each phase of their relationship...but keeping it moving along.
At Bud and Harriet’s insistence Harm and Mac stayed for dinner and then helped get the children to bed. It was almost nine o’clock before they got back to their hotel room.
Harm was looking out the window when Mac came out of the bathroom. She slid her arms around his waist and rested her face against his back.
“What you thinking about?”
“How lucky Harriet and Bud are...despite the challenges they’ve faced.”
“Having home and family is really important to you now isn’t it?”
“Yes...I mean it was always in my long term goals...but now...I enjoy it when I get to be a part of family...like we were today.”
“I know...Bud and Harriet have always been good about sharing their family with us.” Mac tightened her arms around Harm for a second.
“I know.” Harm turned and brought Mac around in front of him. “Mac, thank you for this weekend. I needed to see you...spend time with you...and you’ve made it very special.”
“How have I done that?” Mac asked.
“Just being here...sharing each moment with me...I had a feeling that we’d be good together in bed...but the time with Mattie and Tom and the time with the Robert’s family...having you there...I don’t know...it just made it better...happier...like a glimpse into what we could have together.” Harm rubbed his hands up and down her arms as he pulled her hips toward his. Mac could feel his desire for her building already.
“Harm, tomorrow when we leave here, we’ll be in uniform. We won’t be able to hold hands or cuddle or kiss...I’m going to miss that.”
“Me too Mac.”
“Can we spend the rest of our time tonight doing just that?” Mac asked.
“You wish is my command,” Harm smiled as he lowered his head to kiss her.
0430 Local
Hotel Room
Arlington, Virginia
Mac had been awake for twenty minutes watching and listening to Harm sleep in the nearly dark room. A candle still glimmer softly on the bureau casting a small amount of light so that she was able to just barley make out Harm’s features. Even relaxed in sleep, the man was beautiful. Mac thought about their special night. They had started out just kissing each other. Then, Mac had decided to take Harm up on his statement, ‘your wish is my command.’ She had ‘commanded’ him to do a whole variety of things...from singing to her, dancing with her, giving her a back rub, to letting her have control as she touched, caressed and kissed him every way she knew how and a few that she thought up on her own.
It was no wonder he was exhausted and sleeping so peacefully considering what her demands on his body had been like. She had held off her own pleasure last night while she had ensured that Harm had been thoroughly satisfied not once, but twice.
By the time Mac had granted Harm equal participation in their love making, he had been drained. Their touching and caressing had continued until they had both fallen asleep. Mac had slept only a couple of hours when she awoke craving the satisfaction she had denied herself earlier. She had touched her own breasts and gasped at their sensitivity. She had felt wicked and daring as she slid her fingers between her own legs and found the nub swollen and demanding attention. She thought of her vibrator back home and smiled at how shocked Harm would be to learn of its existence.
Carefully Mac eased the covers off of Harm so she could see all of him. She studied his beautiful body in the glow of the candlelight. She could see he was partially aroused in his sleep and she wondered if he was dreaming of her. She let her hand drift over to him and smiled as she ran a finger up and down his member watching it stir more fully to life. His hips bucked just a little and then he parted his legs.
Mac began drawing patterns on his inner thigh lightly with her fingernail. She thought she heard Harm groan her name. At that moment she wanted him inside her so much that she had to fight not to become to aggressive. She returned her attention to herself - caressing her breasts and slipping her fingers through her folds until she found the nerves that were singing for attention.
Mac tried to stay quiet and as still as she could, as she rubbed herself this time. With her eyes shut, she did not see Harm open his and lay there watching her a first. She only knew when he joined her in her efforts. His mouth closed over one nipple as she fingers replaced her. She opened her eyes and saw his mouth move and thought she heard him whisper, “Let me.”
Harm gave back all the love, tenderness and passion that she had shed on him hours earlier. Over and over again he took her to the magic place that she only went to with him. By his hand, his mouth and his rock hard erection, she reached knew heights each time. This time he held back, making sure she was satisfied. They tried a variety of positions - with her on her knees, on her side, on her back, on his lap, with her legs around his neck, his shoulders and his waist.
Each time she cried out her release, he became harder still until he could hardly move. This time, he buried himself deep inside her and as he thrust into her he told her all that she meant to him. He declared his love, his need, his lust, and his desire to have her with him in every way possible. As he found his release with her, they both reached an emotional pinnacle that left them crying in each other’s arms. With tenderness and whispered words they soothed, comforted, and fell into an exhausted sleep.
Too soon the alarm went off signaling the end of their idyllic weekend, and the beginning of their work week.
They were all business as they showered, and dressed. They had breakfast delivered to their room with coffee to go. With their bags packed and uniforms in place, they prepared to leave the hotel. One more time Harm took Mac in his arms and kissed her.
“I love you so much Honey...Its going to seem like forever until you come to London.”
“I know...it’s only next month. I love you too and as long as we keep writing and emailing and focus on our jobs, the time will pass and we’ll be together again.”
“Tell me again,” Harm pleaded.
“I love you and I’ll be spending a week with you in London in July.”
“Thank you.”
They picked up their things and checked out of the hotel. While they might not be back in this hotel ever again, but the memories they made would be with them forever.
It felt like old times returning to JAG ops together. The first person they ran into was non-other then Commander Sturgis Turner.
“Well, well...what are you two doing back here? Come to stir up more trouble?”
“Can it Sturgis. Colonel Mackenzie is here to check on some files and sign off on some paperwork with Petty Officer Coates before she leaves, and I’m here at General Creswell’s direction.”
“So you say.”
“I’m not going to do this with you anymore Turner. Get over it.” Harm walked away then, as did Mac, leaving a bitter Commander Turner in their wake.”
“Good morning, Ma’am...Sir, I’ll let the General know you’re here...he says to go on in.”
“Commander Rabb reporting as ordered, sir.”
“At ease Commander...have a seat. I trust you had a good weekend.”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. I’ve spoken to Lieutenant Commander Silver this morning. I take it this is the person you left in charge while you were gone.”
“Yes sir.”
“Good choice...Commander. The Sec Nav and I have been talking. We want you to groom her to take over when you leave London at the end of your tour.”
“Sir, Friday night we spoke about some options for me. It is very important to me that I be able to return stateside as soon as possible. If Lt. Colonel Mackenzie is going to be stationed long term at San Diego, then I would like to be stationed at least on the west coast. We are beginning to talk about marriage and family sir.”
“I see. Check the duty rosters and if you see something of interest, let me know. I’ll do what I can Commander, but I would plan on being in London until at least November.”
“Understood sir.”
“And it is my belief that Lt. Colonel Mackenzie will be in San Diego for some time...unless she requests a transfer or resigns.”
“Aye-aye, sir.”
“Now, for the reason I asked you to stop by this morning...I reviewed your personnel file Commander and as I’m sure you know it makes for fascinating reading. I have spoken to the SecNav about expunging a few things from your record in light of the job you have done since I’ve been here. The SecNav is inclined to agree with me that it would be a shame to have someone’s career cut short for doing their job. Unfortunately the incident with the gun in court and shooting the ceiling will have to remain. However, it did not damage your record when you were promoted to Commander. Your threats to resign in order to do things your way was of concern to me at first. I’ve watched you...and I’ve watched the Colonel. In light of what you shared with me this morning it only confirms my belief that you resorted to resignation only when there was no other course of action left open to you. Had I been in command, I would not have approved the joint effort and if I had, there would have been a back-up plan in place. You acted like any good marine or Seal and went after a member of your team.
“Perhaps Admiral Chegwidden felt that his hands were tied once he approved the operation, or perhaps he took it out on you for doing what he could not or would not do himself. He did welcome you back to JAG and made a note in your file that you had been gone to participate in a variety of CIA activities.
“I reached the conclusion that it would be better that the incident be expunged from your record as classified. The SecNav has approved that action. That should leave your way clear to be considered for promotion by the Captain’s board when it comes up. I intend to nominate you for that position.”
“Thank you sir.”
“You’ve earned that right Commander. What time do you leave for London?”
Harm checked his watch. “MY flight leaves in two hours, sir.”
“Good luck Commander...dismissed.”
“Aye-aye sir!”
Harm left the General’s office and stopped to visit with Petty Officer Coates.
“Mac signed those papers yet?” Harm asked.
“Yes sir. She said she would wait for you in the library.”
“Thanks Coates.”
Harm made his way to the library and stopping inside the door to watch Mac as she concentrated on her reading. He knew it was going to be hard to leave her at the airport.
“Hey...how long you been standing there watching me?” Mac asked as she looked up and caught him watching her.
“Not long. You ready?”
“Yes. How did things go with the General?” Mac picked up her things and together they left JAG and started for the airport in the rental car.
“Quite well actually. He’s arranged to have Paraguay and the six months with the CIA made classified. He’s also nominating me for Captain’s board.” Harm smiled at Mac.
“Congratulations! Did you talk to him about where you are hoping to be stationed next?”
“Yes...I told him that its important to us to be stationed at least on the same coast if at all possible. He suggested I watch the duty roster and if something opens up to let him know. He also said I shouldn’t count on a new assignment until at least November or December.”
“When are the Captain’s boards?”
“Usually in late November.”
“It’s a good sign, Harm.”
“I know. Mac, this morning when we said ‘good-bye’ in the hotel room, I thought it wouldn’t bother me to get on a plane and fly away in the opposite direction knowing we’d see each other in about four more weeks...but the closer we get to the airport, the worse it is. I’m not sure I can do this,” Harm admitted to her.
“Yes you can...we can. We’ll walk into the airport, and then I’ll go in to the ladies room while you get in line. Then I’ll go find my terminal and get in line. When you get home you email me and I’ll email you. We have beautiful memories of this weekend to get us through.”
“You’re right...but I have one request...I need to kiss you once more before we get out of the car.”
“That would be nice.”
Harm parked the car at the rental return drop off and turned to Mac. “Sarah Mackenzie, I love you...” and he took her in his arms and kissed her one more time before releasing her and sliding out of the car. Mac got out and met him at the trunk.
“I love you Harmon Rabb.”
CHAPTER 6
July 8, 2005
1130 Local
Heathrow Airport
London, England
Harm had taken the day off to get things ready for Mac’s visit. He had planned a quiet day for the two of them at his flat. He knew she would be tired after having traveled for more then fourteen hours. She had left San Diego on Thursday afternoon (Pacific time) and would be arriving on Friday morning, London time. Her flight had stopped over in Chicago, before coming on to London. He hoped that she had been able to get some sleep on the flight as it would make the time difference and stress of flying more manageable.
As he waited for her at the terminal, he noted that her flight was on time and had landed. He knew it would take time for them to deplane. Mac had shipped a box of clothes to Harm’s apartment which had arrived three days ago. He had unpacked it for her and hung clothes in his closet and even put some things in a drawer for her. By doing this, she could have a larger clothes selection with her and not have to carry or check as much luggage.
Harm finally spotted her walking toward him. He knew the minute she saw him as she picked up her pace. It wasn’t long before she was in his arms, held tight against that broad chest. She placed her hands on each side of his face and then started kissing him.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she told him as they laughed and talked and kissed at the same time.
“I’ve missed you too. Did you check any luggage?”
“Nothing...just brought my carry-on and purse.”
“Let me take your luggage,” Harm offered. Mac handed him the shoulder bag, which he slung over one shoulder. “We use the tube here as much as possible. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Just hold my hand and let’s go,” Mac told Harm. He did just that. They changed trains twice before they were at Harm’s stop. On the walk to his apartment - or flat as they called them in London- they passed a sidewalk café and the smell of the food made Mac’s stomach growl. They laughed, but Harm offered, “I thought we could eat at my place, but would you rather eat here. It’s a great place.”
“Actually I would...do you mind.”
“Not a bit.” Harm signal the waiter and they were shown a seat on the sidewalk under an umbrella. They placed their order and Harm sat back in his chair just watching Mac.
“Why are you staring at me?”
“I’m not...staring...I just can’t take my eyes off you. I need to record every second, every expression in my mind to get through until our next visit.” Harm sighed feeling sad for a split second that she would be leaving.
“Harm, I made arrangements to be her for two weeks...don’t spoil it by moping already,” Mac pleaded as she leaned forward to take his hand.
“I won’t...but I still like looking at you.”
“Can I look back?”
“Yes...if you want to.”
“Oh I want to...among other things,” Mac flirted.
“Did you get any sleep on the flight over?”
“Yes.”
“Good...I made plans for us.”
“I thought you said we were going to have a quiet night at your home.”
“I did...but its up to you how quiet you want to be,” Harm chuckled.
They enjoyed their lunch at the café. Harm paid the bill and with is arm around her and hers around his waist, they walked together to the flat he had sublet while he was in London. There were only a few touches of his own in the apartment...a few pictures and his guitar.
Harm showed Mac where he had put her things and together they added the rest of her possessions to the closet and drawer. When her carry-on was stored in the bottom of the closet, Harm pulled her into his arms and kissed her like he had been waiting to do. They spent the rest of the afternoon making love and catching up on news.
Together they made dinner and then Harm played the guitar for her and sang a few songs. This would set the pattern for many quiet evenings together during Mac’s visit. She would listen and sometimes sing along and then take his guitar from him and as she slid into his lap she would whisper, “Play me now, Harm.” They would make love until they fell asleep.
On Saturday, Harm rented a car and they took off on a driving tour of England heading north toward Liverpool, across to Manchester, down to Nottingham and then south to Southend-on-Sea before returning on Monday to Harm’s flat. They shopped in little markets and took walks in the country as they stayed at bed-and-breakfasts along the way.
Tuesday, Harm dressed in uniform and took Mac to his London office with him as he had to go in for a few hours. He introduced Mac to his Chief of Staff, Lt. Commander Amy Silver. While he tended to business in his office, Amy invited Mac to stay and visit with her.
“I’m glad to have a chance to meet you, Colonel.”
“Please, call me Mac...I’m on vacation, out of uniform, and enjoying just being Harm’s girlfriend at the moment.”
“Alright, Mac. Did you enjoy your tour?”
“Yes I did. Harm said you gave him the idea.”
“Yes, my husband and I had a huge fight, and we needed to get away together to work things out. It turned out to be such a romantic trip that every year on our anniversary we plan to do it again.”
“That’s really nice.”
“So are you going to do the train to France while you’re here?”
“I’m not sure what he’s got planned. We wanted to play it by ear as much as we could and not be tied down to a schedule.”
“Oh isn’t it great not to be a slave to schedules when you’re on leave?”
“It is.”
“Of course, now I have the baby we’re on a schedule all the time.”
“How long you been married?”
“Six years. Danny and I tried for three years before I got pregnant. He’s a good father, but he’s pretty helpless handling the baby. He’ll get things for me but he’s really nervous about carrying the baby in his arms. I’ve put the ‘snuggli’ on him a few times and put the baby in there and he does much better.”
“How old is your baby?”
“Andy’s seven months old now. I have a nanny that stays with us and takes care of her if one or both of us gets called out of town. I’ll miss that if I ever have to leave London.”
“You like it here.”
“Yes...Danny grew up just outside London so his family is here. I was orphaned so I have no one and no ties elsewhere. I was thrilled when I found out that I’m being groomed to take over for Harm when he leaves here. We’ll miss him, but maybe you guys could come visit sometimes.”
“That would be nice. What does Danny do?”
“He’s in the Royal Navy...it’s nice not having to worry about chain of command.”
“I’ll bet...Harm and I dealt with that for years...as a matter of fact we couldn’t get it together until after we learned of our transfers. We were so afraid of being separated, yet it was the best thing for our relationship.”
“He’s certainly proud of you.”
“He is?”
“Oh yes...he often will refer to something you’ve said or done,” Amy smiled at Mac, enjoying her commanding officer’s girlfriend.
“Please tell me you haven’t been ratting me out with my Chief of Staff, Mac,” Harm teased as he poked his head into Amy’s office.
“Not at all.”
“You ready?”
“If you are,” Mac agreed. “Thanks Amy...it was nice visiting with you.”
“Same here. Next time you’ll have to tell me other stories....the one’s he’s worried about,” Amy laughed.
Harm rolled his eyes and held out his arm for Mac. They returned to the apartment for Harm to change and have lunch. After that they started sight seeing around London.
They played tourist on Wednesday and Thursday and then Harm had to go to work on Friday. Mac stayed at the apartment planning to read and rest until he got home.
Saturday was Mac’s birthday. Harm made her breakfast in bed complete with a red rose on her tray. He also gave her a beautiful silver bracelet he had found in one of the markets they had shopped in on the tour around England. They joined Harm’s golfing friends and their wives at the Country Club for golf and lunch during the day. Afterwards, they returned to the apartment for ‘tea’, then showered and dressed-up to go to the theater and to a late dinner on the Thames. It was a beautiful, romantic evening. They had walked from the theater to the restaurant arm in arm enjoying the perfect weather.
The meal was served on the deck with candlelight and was perfect. They had just finished dessert, when Harm reached for Mac’s hand. His thumb caressed the back of her hand as he held it in his and gazed into her eyes.
“I love having you here with me like this.”
“I love being here with you Harm.”
“Enough to think about making it permanent?” Harm asked.
“What exactly are you asking me Harm?”
Harm stood up and moved beside her and then knelt down next to her, still holding her hand. “I’m asking you if you would be willing to be my wife. I love you, Sarah. I want to know that we have a future together. Will you marry me?” Harm held his breath as he watched the emotions flicker across her face. Her eyes glistened in the candlelight. He wanted for an answer. Before he heard her answer, he saw her smile and her head nod.
“Yes...I love you and would be so happy to be your wife. Are you sure you really want me Harm? I mean, I can’t give you children, and I get cranky and I have issues I’m still working on...”
Harm stopped her the only way he could think of...he kissed her. He drew back then and smiled. “Should I ask again?” Mac nodded.
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes...Oh yes!” This time Mac flew into his arms. Harm kissed her and then set her back in her chair as he reached into his pocket. He showed her an antique platinum rose shaped setting with a beautiful round diamond in the center. She looked at him with tears in her eyes as she held on her hand. He slipped the ring on the correct finger of her left hand and kissed it.
“Thank you...you’ve just made me a very happy man.”
“Take me home now?” Mac asked. Harm paid the bill and escorted Mac back to his place, where she showed him how happy he had made her.
Sunday, Harm and Mac went to church and then for a walk in the park while they talked about their wedding.
“I don’t want a long engagement Harm,” Mac told him.
“There are no guarantees when I’ll get transferred closer.”
“I know...but we can still get married. You said you were going to be able to take leave in September. Why don’t we plan to get married then?”
“Is that enough time to plan everything?”
“Harm I don’t want a huge wedding. Something private...maybe on your mother’s patio?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes...unless you want to get married at Annapolis in the chapel there...”
“No...that’s not what’s important to me. My mom would love to help plan this with you.”
“I thought maybe I could get her to help me.”
“You make the plans...tell me what I need to do and when and where to show up. I want this to be what you want.”
“Can I ask your opinion on things?”
“Of course...but if you need to make a decision without me, just do it. Don’t worry about it.”
“I wish I didn’t have to work this week.”
“Yes, but if you didn’t you would only have one week you could take in September.”
“I have an idea. Let’s take a week for the honeymoon, and then come back and find a house and just spend time being husband and wife before I have to return to London.”
“Alright...where shall we go on our honeymoon?”
“Give me some ideas of what you’d like, then I’ll take it from there.”
“Okay...I’ve often pictured my honeymoon in the tropics...beaches...cruise ships...or in a secluded cabin somewhere...on a lake maybe.”
“I can work with that.” Mac smiled up at him and he dropped a kiss on her lips before they wandered around the park and then headed back to his apartment to make love yet again.
Monday while Harm was at the office, Mac headed into the city to shop. She was determined to find a wedding dress and she did. The shop had a branch in Los Angeles and so they agreed to send it to that shop for Mac to have her final fitting and to pick it up. When she returned to the apartment, she started writing out plans and her to do list. She put it away in time to get dinner ready for Harm. After dinner they called Harm’s mother to tell her of the engagement.
Tuesday Mac spent the rainy day inside doing internet searches and emailing people to set up the wedding plans. By the time Harm got home Tuesday night, Mac knew when and where the wedding would be and what kind of flowers would decorate the cake and her bouquet. Trish Burnett was contacting the minister for them.
Wednesday and Thursday Mac did some sight seeing on her own, did her laundry and boxed up the things she wouldn’t need and shipped them back home. Friday she went to the office to watch Harm at work. He was doing a training for the JAG’s stationed around Europe and southwest Asia. Mac sat in the audience, always mesmerized when Harm took center stage to deliver a message. He secured the office then and they left to spend the last few hours together until Mac would fly home. They would not see each other again until two days before their wedding.
Their lovemaking Saturday night was intense. They knew that Sunday morning, Harm would kiss her and watch her walk away to board a plane. They cried in each others arms, not wanting to say good-bye but knowing they must. Each time it was getting more and more difficult. Early Sunday morning, as they lay with arms and legs entwined, Mac sniffled as she spoke.
“I said once we were getting to good at saying good-bye. Right now I wish I had a little of that stiff upper lip and Marine stoicism...but for the life of me I can’t find it.”
Harm held her unable to keep back his own tears as they held each other as long as they could. Eventually, they had to move. They were quiet as they got things ready to go. Harm called for a taxi to take them out to the airport, so they could focus on each other for every possible second. They just held on to each other as they rode in the taxi. Once there, Harm got out first, and held her hand as she climbed out beside him. He carried her bag for her until they got to the checkpoint where he had to let her go on alone.
Holding her in his arms he whispered in her ear between kisses. “I love you so much...I don’t want to let you go.”
“I know...you’re making me cry...please Harm...I hate crying in public...Kiss me and then let me go...I’ll call you when I get home...I love you.”
Harm nodded as he took her in his arms once more and then let her move away. He forced a smile to his face as she did and then they each turned and walked away. It would be a long time until September.
CHAPTER 7
September 8, 2005
2021 PST
San Diego International Airport
San Diego, California
Harm felt the wheels touch down on the tarmac. It had been a long summer without Mac. They had talked on the phone once a week, and exchanged email at least twice a day. They usually managed to do instant messaging at least twice a week as well.
Trish and Mac had bonded as they planned the wedding. For Trish, it was like having a daughter. For Mac, it felt good to have the motherly advice that Trish enjoyed imparting. They both loved Harm and that was reason enough for them to bond, but they had become friends as well.
Frank had treated Mac like a daughter and had insisted on paying to have the reception catered. Mac didn’t know however, that Frank had insisted on paying for most of the honeymoon as well. Harm knew about the honeymoon as a gift, but not the caterers. Frank figured that it wouldn’t matter when the time came if the truth came out. It was something he wanted to do for them both.
Harm stood up and moved to the front of the plane with the crowd. His ticket had been upgraded to business class, and Harm suspected that Frank had a hand in that, but he didn’t have proof. Ducking out the doorway he made his way down the ramp and along the enclosed walkway leading to the terminal. He made his way through the crowd toward the area where people could meet with family and friends. He spotted Mac watching for him and picked up his pace.
They moved into each others’ arms without hesitation and kissed long and deep followed by several short quick kisses.
“I’ve missed you so much...I hope you don’t plan on being out of my sight until I have to leave,” Harm informed her.
“Sorry Sailor...you’ll have to go almost twenty-four hours without seeing me just before the wedding.”
“Maacc...that’s not fair...”
“No...its tradition. Don’t worry...Frank will keep you busy. He’s under orders from your mother and me.”
“No bachelor party.”
“It’s okay Harm...you’ll love it. You, Frank, the Admiral and Tom Boone are playing golf and going sailing. You’ll get back to the house about an hour before the wedding so you have time to shower and get dressed before the ceremony.”
“So I have to spend tomorrow night with those guys on Franks yacht?”
“Yes.”
“Do I have to spend tonight without you too?” Harm asked giving her his best pleading look.
“No...tonight its just you and me at my place.”
“Good...then I’ll cooperate with the plans.”
“I’m suppose to have you at your mother’s by nine o’clock tomorrow morning,” Mac warned Harm as he pulled her against his side and began walking toward the parking lot.
“Then I’m making the most of every second I have with you tonight.” Mac reached up and kissed him letting him know that she was prepared for just that to happen.
They climbed into Mac’s Corvette after Harm tossed his carry-on bag in the back.
“Did the box of clothes arrive?”
“Finally. They didn’t get here until this morning. Your dress whites arrived at your mother’s two days ago and we have them ready and waiting for you.”
“Good.” Harm reached over and took her hand. “I’m sorry I made you cry in public when you left London this summer.”
“Oh Harm...I would have cried anyway probably...its just seeing you that emotional really got to me...it took me by surprise I guess.”
“Me too. I’ve never had trouble walking away...you know that...but you my love, are under my skin.”
“Well it works both ways.” Mac smiled at her fiancé as they drove into San Diego to her apartment. She had stayed in Officer housing near the beach until she got back from London. Then she had looked for a place off the base and stumbled onto a little two bedroom cottage in the middle of the city with a great view of the ocean and a park nearby. She and Harm would have privacy but it was close enough to make the commute comfortable to her office or to Harm’s parents’ home in La Jolla. Her furniture had fit into the cottage as if it had been designed for it. She hadn’t needed to paint even one wall or change a carpet in any room in the cottage.
The spare bedroom doubled as her office. The dining room was part of the living room as it had been in her apartment. The bathroom was between the two bedrooms, with doors on each side. The front porch looked over the ocean view while the park was accessible from the back door.
Harm looked the cottage over as they entered. It felt like Mac’s place and it was more then just the familiar furniture. It was warm and cozy and reminded him of a nest.
Harm unpacked his carry on and re-packed it for his over night on the yacht with Frank and the other men. He laid out his clothes for golf at the same time. Next he sat Mac on the edge of the bed and told her it was time she knew what the honeymoon would entail so she could plan accordingly and they could pack their luggage.
“You’re going to tell me?”
“Yes...I won’t even make you guess.”
“So?”
“After the wedding we’ll head for the airport and catch our flight to Honolulu, Hawaii. When we get there we’ll be boarding the Norwegian cruise ship, ‘Pride of Aloha’. We’ll be on board for seven nights and visit four of the islands. Is that okay with you?”
“Oh Harm, thank you...that’s so perfect.” Mac threw her arms around his neck and began kissing him from his forehead to his eyes, down his nose to his cheeks and his chin...but not his mouth, as she teased him.
“Mac! Kiss me...” Harm growled as he laughed along with her.
They took out her bright red suitcases and attached the correct tags as required for their flight and cruise. They packed two suits for Harm, one tan and the other charcoal gray. They packed three pairs of dress slacks and five dress shirts with an assortment of ties. For Mac, they packed two cocktail dresses, one in basic black and one in deep red. She also packed three skirts and tops as well as two sun dresses. They put in three bathing suits a piece and Mac added matching wraps for her and shirts for Harm. They tossed in a pair of jeans for each, a couple of t-shirts, and an assortment of athletic shoes, sandals, and dress shoes to cover every possibility. They then added enough underwear for the trip.
Next they packed the items that would be put into their carry-on bags at the last minute after the wedding when they changed into their travel clothes before they departed. Harm would wear a pair of white slacks with an aqua sports shirt, while Mac wore a flowered sun dress with a white bolero short sleeve jacket and wedge sandals.
By the time they were situated, Harm pulled Mac into his arms and made sweet love to his fiancé leaving her no doubts that he loved her more then anything else in this life.
0859 Local
Burnett Residence
La Jolla, California
Harm and Mac were almost to the door of his parents home, when the door opened and his mother hugged them both in greeting.
“Come in...Harm its so good to see you. I wish we had more time to talk, but you and Frank have to get going if you aren’t going to be late.”
“Mom...”
“No arguments Harm...give Mac a kiss and then you go out and get in Frank’s car.”
“You heard my mother, Mac...”
“Yeah...I love you...see you tomorrow morning.”
“Count on it.” He kissed her long and deeply making sure she knew what to expect on their honeymoon. Grinning he jogged out to the garage where Frank was just putting in his carry-on. The golf clubs were already in the car.
“Hey Frank.”
“Harm...right on time. We need to pick Tom and AJ up at the hotel on the way to the country club. Afterwards we’ll take the yacht out. I have it moored at the Marina.”
“Frank, you do realize that you will have three sailors on your yacht, don’t you?”
“Think it could be a problem?”
“As long as you listen to their advise, you should be okay. We’ve never had a problem sailing.” Harm reminded Frank.
“True...that was the one thing that I was able to do with you that we enjoyed together and you didn’t compare me with your father.” Frank smiled at the memory.
“I was never very forgiving or tolerant of you Frank...I’m sorry. You were a good father to me.” Harm felt better just saying the words that had haunted him for years.
“Thank you Harm...it means a lot to me. You by the way, have chosen well for a wife.”
“I think so...it seems like it took us forever to get here.”
“Don’t let regrets eat away at you and destroy what you have now,” advised Frank as they pulled into the hotel. AJ Chegwidden and Tom Boone were waiting for them.
Harm got out to shake their hands in welcome and to help put their clubs in the trunk along with their bags.
Over the next twenty four hours, Harm withstood a great deal of good natured ribbing from his father’s ex-wingman and his old mentor and CO. The told Frank stories about the early days of Harm and Mac...from the rose garden and AJ’s warning not to get too friendly, to Tom Boone’s experience of being interviewed by then Major Mackenzie in full Marine mode, to Harm resigning to go get her in Paraguay and many stories in between. It started in the car, continued on the golf course, back in the car and onto the yacht. By the time they docked Saturday morning and loaded up the car, Harm couldn’t wait to get away from his well intentioned friends.
Once at the house on the cliffs in La Jolla, Harm was shown to his old bedroom and AJ and Tom to other rooms near-by. Harm had figured out that Mac was in the guest house and was about to go find her when he was stopped by his mother.
“Don’t even think about it Harmon Rabb Junior...you will see her in less then an hour. You got get ready.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” He had to laugh at the way he was being kept from Mac by his mother. He sighed. It wouldn’t be long now before they would be married. He put their wedding rings in his pocket and headed to the patio for the wedding to begin.
In his dress white summer uniform, with his gold wings shining in the sunlight, he was the picture of an officer and a gentleman. Against all odds, his mother had raised him right.
He was aware of people coming in and taking their seats. Tom Boone in a dark suit stood next to him and accepted the rings that Harm held in his hand.
“You ready for this son?”
“Yes. I love her so much Tom.”
“I know...I think you love her even more then your father loved your mother.”
“He cheated on her sometimes, didn’t he Tom.”
“I don’t think so Harm...I use to think he would, but I don’t think he did...not really.”
“I don’t want to ever give Mac cause to doubt me or my love for her.”
“Then you won’t...you’re a good man, Harm...you Dad would be proud of you.”
“Thanks Tom...and thanks for standing up with me as my best man.”
“You’re welcome son.”
Harm heard the music and turned to see his mother and Frank walking in to take a seat up front. Next came Harriet as Mac’s Matron of Honor dresses in a pale blue gown and carrying a single red rose. Harm looked around and spotted Bud in the chairs with AJ at his side. He also spotted Jack Keeter, Sturgis Turner, Josh and Annie Pendry, a large woman he didn’t recognize, Mattie and Tom Johnson, Jennifer Coates, Chloe Madison, Victor Galindez, and Clayton Webb. He couldn’t believe the people from their past that were in attendance today in his mother’s home.
As the music changed, he spotted Mac walking toward him on AJ Chegwidden’s arm wearing the most beautiful dress he had seen. It was a silvery white silk gown, strapless, with a pearl and glass beaded bodice that was fitted to her tiny waist and then flowed to the floor with just a small built in train. Her hair was up with tiny white roses woven in the crown like a halo. She carried a bouquet of while roses and baby’s breath with curling ribbons cascading down the front of her dress. She took his breath away.
They exchanged vows in front of God, family and friends. After the ceremony they escaped through the crowd into the great room where there was space for dancing, another space for eating, and an area where the cake stood waiting for its’ moment in the spotlight. They stood in front of the stone fireplace where bouquets of white roses, carnations, and calla lilies were lined on the hearth and mantel, along with vanilla scented candles.
The photographer took pictures of them together, and then with the wedding party. It was when they called for family to step forward that Mac spotted the heavy-set woman in the crowd. She cried out as she grabbed Harm’s arm and tears filled her eyes. Everyone stopped and watched as Mac moved toward the woman, a quivering smile on her face. Harm stayed behind her, holding her hand as he followed her toward the unknown woman.
The crowd was hushed when Mac’s voice was finally heard barely above a whisper, “Mom?”
“Hello Sarah.”
“Oh Mom...you really came for my wedding?” Mac let the silent tears fall as she embraced the women in the navy blue dress.
“I couldn’t believe it when I got the invitation. Thank you for including me, Baby.”
“Harm?”
“I’m right here,” Harm spoke quietly as he stepped closer. “You okay?”
“Yes...Harm, this is my mother, Deanna Mackenzie...my husband Harm.”
“Nice to meet you Ms. Mackenzie.”
“Please call me Deanna...thank you for including me in your wedding.”
“I can’t claim responsibility for that, but as long as Sarah is happy, I have no problem with you being here. This is my mother and step-father, Trish and Frank Burnett,” Harm introduced them.
“Nice to meet you Deanna. Why don’t we get on with the pictures so we can get the food out. I know Harm and Mac have a schedule to keep today.”
“We’ll catch up later, Mom...come take family pictures with us,” Mac encouraged.
Harm, still at Mac’s side, escorted her back to the fireplace where they were joined by Frank, Trish and Deanna. They took pictures with just Harm, Mac and Deanna, and then Trish, Deanna, Harm and Mac. Finally they took one of Frank and Trish with the happy couple.
AJ Chegwidden stepped forward and offered to escort Mac’s mother to the table. “I’m retired now, but use to be their commanding officer,” he told Deanna Mackenzie as they walked away.
“Mac?” Harm asked his new wife. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes...Oh Harm I wasn’t even sure she had gotten my invitation. I sent it to the last address I had for her up in Washington. I didn’t say anything because I was afraid to hope she would show up. This just means so much to me.”
“I’m glad. We’ll make sure you have time to talk to her before we have to leave,” Harm assured her.
“Thank you.”
Following the pictures they ate and circulated around to talk to the guests. Mac and her mother took a few minutes by themselves in the den.
“Thank you for coming.”
“I know I wasn’t there for you when I should have been. I guess that’s why I was so surprised to get your invitation.”
“I just had to do it. Harm will say you don’t know until you try, so I took a chance they would forward it if you moved.”
“Actually I just moved back to the area. I left for awhile after your father died, but last spring I moved back to the same area. Are you still in Washington DC?”
“No...I’m stationed in San Diego...Harm’s in London, but he should be transferred out this way in the next few months.”
“Are you planning to have a family?” Deanna asked not knowing she was getting into a difficult subject for her to daughter to discuss.
“I have endometriosis and the doctor’s say it is highly unlikely that I can have children...but there is a very small chance. Harm and I are hoping for a miracle.”
“That’s what the doctor’s told me too...but I had you.”
“Really?”
“Yes...I was younger then you of course when you were born, but I had tried for years before I conceived you.”
“Thank you...you’re coming and sharing that with me means a lot...gives me even more hope,” Mac confided in her mother.
“Will you write to me when you get back from your honeymoon? Maybe I can plan to come down again and get to know you and your new husband a little better.”
“I’d like that Mom.” Mac picked up a paper and pen and wrote her mailing address and phone number down for her mother. “You can call me or write to me too you know.”
“I think I will. Shall we join the party?” Deanna suggested. Mac hugged her Mother close. She didn’t tell her she loved her. Deanna would have to earn that from her daughter again over time. The door was at least open for them to reconnect at some level, and Mac felt complete because she had blood family at her wedding after all.
Harm and Mac were toasted and then they danced together. Trish danced with Harm while Frank danced with Mac and then Harm danced with Deanna while Mac danced with AJ Chegwidden and then Tom Boone. Tom insisted that he had spent more time with Harm’s father then even Trish had and it was his right to dance with the bride. Everyone chimed in with good natured teasing about what a rascal Tom Boone had always been with the women as a young man.
After the ceremonial dances, Harm and Mac cut the cake and with gentleness fed the other a bite. They had made a pack not to ‘sand-bag’ each other during the ritual. The suspense it created among the guests as they watched their twinkling eyes dance, was as good as if they had messed each other up.
They spent some time chatting with Chloe, Mattie, Harriet, Bud and Little AJ, but the time finally came when they need to get ready to leave. Together they went up the stairs to catcalls and whistles. Harm blushed as much as Mac did at the ribald comments of some of their guests. With assistance, Mac changed into her traveling clothes. As she finished removing the flowers from her hair, Harm hung up his dress white uniform and donned his travel clothes. They took the time for one kiss before they returned to the guests to say good-bye.
Their things were in the Corvette already as they headed for the airport with ‘JUST MARRIED’ on a cardboard placard tied to the back bumper along with streamers and a few tin cans. Harm waited until he was out of sight of the house before he pulled over and removed the cans and streamers. He left the sign in place. Mattie and Chloe had worked diligently on it making it just perfect, so he didn’t have the heart to remove it yet. The airport parking lot would be soon enough.
Thirty minutes later they parked the car in the secured area and hopped on the shuttle with their luggage to go to the airport terminal. Their luggage checked and first class tickets in hand, they made their way through the metal detectors and security check points. Once on the airplane, they relaxed in their seat and cuddled together talking quietly until they began to taxi. Before long they were airborne for Hawaii, where they would board the Cruise ship for seven nights of tropical paradise.
Hours later as the steward showed them to their stateroom, Harm whistled softly. “What’s the matter Harm?” asked Mac.
“Not a thing...I knew there was a chance for an upgrade, but I wasn’t expecting this much of an upgrade!” Harm looked around at their ‘suite’ with the king-sized bed, sitting area, private balcony and luxury bathroom. He had gone for a upper mid-value booking with a queen bed hoping to be upgraded to the king-sized bed, but there was no way he had expected a suite. It suddenly dawned on him home this had happened.
“Frank strikes again,” Harm muttered with a grin on his face.
“What Honey?” asked Mac.
“I think my stepfather is behind our luxury accommodations. Do you mind?” Harm asked afraid she would be upset that Harm hadn’t arranged this himself.
“I think it was very sweet of him. One thing I’ve learned about your parents Harm, if they get it in their head they are going to do something to make things better for someone, they are just going to do it. I think I understand where you get that from. You do the same thing at times.”
“I do?” Harm asked feigning innocence.
“Yes yo do,” Mac said as she approached her husband not stopping until her body was against his.
“Mac?”
“Yes?”
“Are you trying to tell me that I’m neglecting my husbandly duties?” Harm grinned into his wife’s seductively smiling face.
“You catch on quick, Mister Rabb. Make love to me.” Before the cruise ship had ever left its moorings, Harm and Sarah Rabb consummated their marriage. Afterwards they slipped into their clothes and stood wrapped in each others arms on the balcony as the ship pulled out of the harbor for its first night at sea. The cruise was symbolic of Harm and Mac’s life together. They had an idea where they were going but no idea of exactly what images, adventures and challenges lay ahead waiting for them. They just knew they would face them together.
CHAPTER 8
Monday, September 19, 2005
Mac’s Cottage
San Diego, California
Tan and rested, Mac and Harm had returned from their idyllic honeymoon cruise. From swimming in secluded waterfall pools to dancing on their private balcony in the moonlight followed by midnight buffets every minute was precious for the newly weds. They talked about there dreams and hopes for their future including how they wanted to approach the issue of Mac’s fertility.
They didn’t dwell on anything, but found time to talk things through and make plans. They laughed and teased and loved each other openly as they had always wanted to be able to do. One morning Harm came out of the shower to see Mac dressed in a bikini top and matching wrap skirt over her bikini bottoms. It was a white, purple and gold print top with a striped skirt in matching colors. He was wearing an orange shirt over his trunks and it brought to mind a memory he had at one time.
“What? Don’t you like this set?” Mac asked when she saw the expression on his face.
“I like it very much. It just made me remember something...about a year and a half ago I tried to image what would happen if I took a chance with you...told you what I wanted and how I was feeling...I got to daydreaming about us. It all started over when we celebrated Coates’ promotion and went to that Chinese Restaurant...anyway I got to thinking and in one of my day dreams you were wearing that exact outfit.”
“Really?” Mac smiled up to her husband and reached out to unbutton his shirt. She loved caressing his chest and found the amount of chest hair he had just perfect for her. It was soft and fussy, not harsh and course as some men had. She loved playing with the strands and knew that it did things to him when she buried her nose against it or rubbed her face on it, not to mention when she smoothed her hands over his chest enjoying the texture on her palms.
“Mac...” he groaned feeling himself begin to pulse with desire for her again. He knew without a doubt he could never get enough of this woman. They had made love again before going to the pool that morning.
Now they were back at Mac’s cottage and they had a little less then a week to enjoy life together as husband and wife before Harm would have to return to London. He vowed not to ruin their time together dwelling on it, so he suggested several things that they could do that would focus them on their future...when he would be with her all the time.
“Mac, what would you think about looking for a house we could buy?”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I thought that since we both seem to be enjoying this area, my mother lives here and Creswell tells me that he’s not playing on sending you anywhere else for years to come, that we should settle here. Even if I’m stationed away from here when I return in a few months, I should be able to get home on most weekends. What do you think?”
“I think it would be fun to look around. Shall we do an internet search and see what’s there before we contact the relator?” Mac asked.
“Let’s do it.”
So three hours later they had found five places that they wanted to see and called a relator to make arrangements for viewing. They set it up for the next day, leaving them the rest of the day to do other things...like grocery shop as the cupboards were pretty bare after having been gone over a week.
Harm and Mac also called Frank and Trish to let them know they had made it home and would be out to see them in a couple of days with some pictures. They stopped to see the photographer from their wedding and had been given a digital display album to look at and keep so they could select the photos they wanted made up. Harm selected two that he asked to have made up so he could take them back with him when he returned to London. One was of just him and Mac and the other was with Deanna, Frank, and Trish standing beside them. Their family, battered and bruised at it had been, was once again coming together.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
0930 Local
Relator’s Office
San Diego
“Mr. and Mrs. Rabb?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Jerry Horton. I spoke with you on the phone yesterday about seeing the properties you picked out.”
“Nice to meet you Mr. Horton.” Harm shook the man’s hand.
“Please, call me Jerry.”
“Alright Jerry. I’m Harm...”
“I’m Mac,” added Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.
“Mac?”
“My maiden name is Mackenzie and I’m a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps...I got tagged with the nickname ‘Mac’ so I could be one of the guys and it stuck.”
“Nice to meet you Mac. Well, one of the properties you asked about sold, but there was another place in the same vicinity that just became available so I set up a visit there instead. I have appointments for the others, so we can go if you’d like. We can go in my car and I’ll take you to see them.”
Mac and Harm agreed and climbed into the front seat of his pick-up truck with him. The first house was way out in Santee, California, just under and hour from North Island and Mac’s office in San Diego. It did however have a private airstrip near-by as well as a golf course. The house itself was nothing special with its three bedrooms, den, living room, diningroom and kitchen and two and a half bathrooms, but the price was great. It would also given Harm a nearby place to keep his Stearman when he brought it out. If he was stationed too far away, he might want to consider a plane for commuting.
The next place they looked at was only a half hour from Mac’s office. It was near the University and so there were many students in the area as well as staff from the University. The house was nice but again nothing that caught their attention as a keeper. They crossed this one off their list.
The next place took them to Chula Vista, south of the base. Harm and Mac looked over the house that appeared quite run down. It outside of the stucco home was weathered looking, the garden and lawns overgrown, the pool in need of major repair work, the three bathrooms were outdated and in need of new lighting and fixtures; the tile floors were cracked and needed repairs; the walls needed resurfacing and painting - most were in a stucco material as well, yet the four bedroom, three bath house had something about it that even run down was appealing. There was a view of the ocean that was breath taking and the Marina was near by. Despite the sad shape of the house, neither of them wanted to cross it off their list which surprised the relator.
Next they headed north of the city, to the sunset cliffs area to a house the realtor found to replace the one that had sold in this area. Here they looked at a house that overlooked the ocean. The house was modern and in mint condition. As picture perfect as it was, neither Harm nor Mac, were really excited about it. Harm said he felt like he would be living in his mother’s house as it was a slightly smaller version of the Burnett residence. Mac thought it was too formal for her tastes.
With that, and an exasperated relator behind the wheel, they headed to the last house on the list further north. It was on the Carmel Mountain road and the last house on a rural road. There were three acres of land, a fenced in yard, a pool, a two car garage, four bedrooms, three and three quarters bathrooms, a family room in the basement, with a living room, dining room, kitchen, and den on the main floor, central vacuum, a laundry room upstairs off one of the bathrooms, a deck and a front porch. It was an older home that had seen better days although it had been updated and modernized to some extent. Harm and Mac wandered from room to room and talked about how their furniture would fit in some of the rooms, and what colors they could imagine painting the walls to freshen them up. The hardwood floors had seen better days, but Harm felt they had potential.
“Harm I love this place.”
“You won’t feel lonely out here by yourself when I have to be gone?” Harm asked as he put his arm around her.
“I’ll be lonely without you no matter where I am when you’re gone,” Mac told him as she wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him placing a kiss on his chin.
“It’s going to take some work,” he cautioned.
“But its surface stuff and we can work on it a little at a time,” Mac argued.
“It’s a big house Mac,” Harm reminded her.
“Well, you’re a big man and if we are going to adopt children, this is big enough to accommodate that large family we talked about...two boys and two girls I think you suggested,” Mac reminded him.
“You want to make an offer, Marine?”
“Yes, please.”
“Jerry, my wife and I would like to write an offer on this place.” The stunned relator smiled never anticipating this urban looking military couple would go for this place in the country that had been on the market for awhile.
They returned to his office and wrote it up. Jerry, knowing the owners were anxious to sell the house, called them up and told them about the offer. They accepted it before Jerry Horton hung up the phone and Harm and Mac left the relator’s office with the news that they had bought a house...or were at least on their way to doing that.
Harm had written a check for the deposit on the house on the joint account that he and Mac had opened before the wedding. They had both been accumulated a considerable savings over the past few years and had put an equal amount into the account when they opened it for joint expenses, including their wedding. They had each transferred more in yesterday when they knew they would be house hunting. The best part was they used about a third less for the deposit then they had anticipated. Harm had originally applied for pre-approved status when he had house hunted in the DC area. Now it was a matter of calling in with updated information. Once that was done they would have an answer in twelve to twenty-four hours.
Harm and Mac went home to fix dinner together before working on the list of things they needed to take care of this week. They tried not to think in terms of ‘before Harm left’ to help then focus on the present. There were many details to take care of. They wanted to have the house inspected and some work done before they closed and moved in. They were hoping to include a home improvement loan with the mortgage which would guarantee certain things would be done before they took possession of the house.
“Harm, when do you think we should apply for adoption?” Mac asked as they relaxed in each others arms on the couch listening to music.
“After I’m stateside I guess. Besides, I thought we were going to still try for one of our own.”
“Of course...but I was reading an article a few weeks ago about several couples that had adopted and soon after found out they were pregnant.”
“So you thought if we adopted right away it would increase your chances of getting pregnant,” Harm stated understanding right away what she was thinking. “Honey, either way, raising children with you and making a family together is what’s important to me. Mattie and Chloe are already part of our family as far as I’m concerned.”
“I know...I feel the same way. Those two are so precocious and precious at the same time,” Mac giggled thinking about the way they had decorated Mac’s corvette at the wedding.
“That they are. Suppose the retired admirals got home with out beaning each other?” Harm chuckled remembering the heated discussions the two men could get into at times.
“I’m sure they did. I think most of that is to get your attention, Harm.”
“Really?”
“Yes...they both want to claim you as ‘the son they never had’ and so they compete over you.”
“Do you think our competition days are over Mac?”
“God, I hope not!” Mac laughed.
“Really?”
“I love competing with you...you make me better at what ever I do...but I don’t like fighting with you...or hurting you. I think we have gotten past that.”
Harm leaned over to kiss his wife. He turned her and laid her back on her couch as he stretched his long lean body over her prone figure, barely brushing himself against her body. His hand caressed her from thigh to breast and back again as she wound her arms around his neck, urging him closer.
“Make love to me...I need you,” Mac implored her husband. He didn’t need a lot of urging as he peeled her clothes from her body, kissing and tasting every inch of her flesh until she was quivering with desire that burned hotter then she had yet to experience. All of the things Harm had learned about his wife in previous love-making sessions he put to use now. His heart soared as she cried out her release over and over again until he entered her as her body quaked in spasms from her most recent release. Before her body had finished cresting, he sent her soaring again as he thrust into her over and over again until he found his release.
They lay in a tangle of arms and legs on the couch until Harm regained his breathing ability. Then he stood up and lifted her into his arms. She circled his neck with her arms as he lifted her up and carried her to bed. Mac was too tired to object or ask for more as she snuggled into his rock hard warm body, soothed by the sound of his steady heart beat.
Harm pressed a kiss to her forehead before they slept in each other’s arms until daylight.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Country Club
La Jolla, California
Frank, Trish, Harm and Mac met at the golf course Wednesday morning to play golf. It was the first time Harm had played with Mac in over a year and the first time he had ever played golf with his mother. Trish and Mac decided to team up against Frank and Harm for laughs. Each time the women met par for a hole, the men had to given them a free stroke on the next hole. If the men went over par on a hole, then they owed the women a free stroke and a flower (which would be collected after they left the golf course).
The rules of engagement made for a lively game of golf. Mac and Trish played well enough so that one of them usually made par and the other was only a stoke over...until the fifth hole. Both Mac and Trish made the par four in four while both Frank and Harm ended up in trouble. Frank ended up in the water and Harm in the sand on the back side of the hole.
The laughter and good natured kidding gave them all a warm feeling of family. From that hole on, Mac and Trish were making par - thanks to the free strokes they had earned. The men realized that they had been ambushed with their innocent suggestion. When they had finished the eighteenth, the four chose to go to the Burnett residence to clean up and change for a lunch on the patio. They had pictures and videos to look at from the wedding, plus Harm and Mac had brought some pictures back from the cruise.
On the short ride to the Burnett home, Mac dozed off on Harm’s shoulder. “Mac, you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine...you just wore me out last night, husband.”
“I’m sorry you’re tired but I’m not sorry for loving you so thoroughly.”
“Good...I’m not either. You’ve done an amazing job on my insomnia.”
“Glad to help, Ma’am.” Harm touched his finger to his forehead in a mock salute.
“You’re impossible,” Mac laughed as her flirty husband hammed it up for her,
That afternoon, sitting around the table looking at pictures, Mac yawned several times. Harm blushed a deep red when his mother scolded him and suggested that he let his wife get some sleep each night.
“Mom!”
“Well, look at the poor girl. She can hardly stay awake. Mac, dear, go lay down if you want...Harm go run on the beach and leave her a lone for half an hour,” his mother chided.
“No I’m fine...I think it’s the fresh air and good food,” Mac said to explain away her unusual tiredness. “Why don’t I help you get the drinks?” Mac offered as Trish prepared to refill their glasses.
While Mac was it the kitchen with Trish, Harm turned to Frank. “Frank, could you give me a hand with something on Saturday afternoon?”
“Sure son, what do you need?”
“Could you take me to the airport and not tell Mac what we are up to?”
“What? I thought you were going back Sunday?”
“That’s what I told Mac...but I cant stand to say good-bye at the airport. It tears my heart out to see her cry and I don’t want to break down either. I thought if you could get Mom to take her shopping for the afternoon...or ask me to help you with something, we could get away and then I’ll be on my way before we have to do another teary good-bye at the airport,” Harm explained to his step-father.
“That bad, huh?”
“Oh yeah...and its going to be worse now we’re married.”
“What about your luggage?”
“That’s the easy part. I only have to take a carry on bag with me and I use the same bag to go work out sometimes.”
“Your mother will catch on and spill the beans if she knows what you’re up to. Why don’t we tell them that I need you to help me on the yacht for an hour or two?”
“Thanks Frank...I knew I could count on you.” Just then they heard the women returning.
When Mac was still fighting tiredness an hour later, Harm made their excuses and they left, claiming they had house business to take care of. It wasn’t a lie, they hoped to hear about the loan and a possible closing date when they got home. Mac fell asleep within minutes of leaving the Burnett home. Harm frowned when he saw her asleep, her head resting against the window. This wasn’t like Mac. She functioned on very little sleep, yet she slept soundly until he woke her up after he parked in the driveway.
“Mac. Honey? Come on...we’re home...” Harm touched her shoulder and she sat up with a start.
“Oh...I must have dozed off.”
“Yeah...you were asleep before we’d been three miles. Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe my mother is right...I’m being too demanding on you...you should have said something to me...”
“Harm you aren’t being demanding on me...now don’t let your mother get you all upset over nothing.”
“It’s not nothing if you’re this exhausted,” Harm insisted.
“Harm, please...maybe I’m just not use to the routine of married life...actually its getting close to that time of the month and I’m often more tired then..a PMS symptom you could call it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes...sometimes my cycle really throws off my sleeping pattern, and this is probably one of my tired cycles.”
“Alright...but if it doesn’t change after your cycle, then I want you to promise me you’ll go see the doctor.”
“I promise...but you know what else?”
“What?” Harm asked as they got out of the car finally and walked toward the door.
“I suffer from another symptom just before my cycle starts too.”
“What’s that?” Harm asked a little concerned at what it could be.
Mac leaned into him as they entered the living room and shut the door. Her hand cupped him as she said in her most sultry voice. “I can’t get enough of this.”
Harm gulped as she massaged him and leaned into his body further. She reached up and used her tongue to tickle his ear lobe, knowing that it would get to him. “Mac...”
“Yes Harm?”
“I thought you were going to take a nap?”
“Oh what a good idea...why don’t you take me to bed...”
“Mac you’re exhausted,” Harm reminded her.
“No, Harm...I slept on the way home...now I need you...I want to make love to you...afternoon delight...” Mac purred in his ear as she ran her hands over him, loosening his clothes as they moved to the bedroom and Harm and Mac once again satisfied each others desires.
CHAPTER 9
Saturday September 24, 2005
1210 Local
Mac’s Cottage
San Diego, California
“Frank! Nice to see you,” Mac greeted Frank as she opened the door to his knock.
“Hi Mac...sorry to bother you but I was down at the Marina and realized that I’m going to need some help on a couple of things. Would you mind if I stole Harm for an hour or two?”
“No problem...you want me to help too?”
“No much about engines?”
“Sorry...I’ll stay here and make brownies for when you return. How’s that?” mac laughed. “Harm? Frank’s here...he needs to steal you for awhile.” Mac listened and didn’t hear a thing. “That’s funny...I thought he was in the kitchen...Harm?” Mac heard the kitchen door shut then.
“Yeah, Honey....I’m right here.”
“Frank’s here....where’d you disappear to?”
“Took the trash out to the bin.”
“Oh thanks...”Mac looked at him puzzled. She thought she remembered him doing that before she went in to take her shower this morning. She decided it must have been one of her vision things that she had once in awhile. “Frank needs your help on the yacht. I told him I’d stay here and make brownies while you help him out.”
“Sure Frank...no problem. Let me grab my jacket and I’ll be right with you.” Harm stepped into the bedroom and left a note a Mac’s pillow and slipped into his jacket before rejoining them in the living room. It was really the first time he had gone somewhere without him since the wedding, so she didn’t think much of it when Harm took her in his arms and kissed her in front of Frank before he left with him. After stealing one more quick kiss Harm followed Frank to the car and got in.
“Your bag?”
“In the backseat...I snuck out when you were coming in and put it in here.”
“You sure about this?”
“Yeah...let’s just go.” Harm swallowed. It wasn’t that much easier for him except for he didn’t have her pain to deal with at the same time. He had his cell phone with him and just before he had to turn it off, he planned to call her and admit what he had done.
Frank pulled up at the terminal and Harm thanked him before he got out. “Why don’t I go tell Mac the truth, Harm...I think it will be easier for her if she hears the whole story.”
Harm nodded. “Thank you for everything Frank,” he added before he walked toward the boarding gate.
Mac had just put the brownies in the oven when natured called. She headed for the bathroom via the bedroom and spotted the envelope on the pillow. Curious, she went over and saw her name in Harm’s bold handwriting on the back. She opened it up and started to read.
[I’m sorry Honey...I remember what we went through saying good-bye at the airport in London and I couldn’t do it again...I could stand to see the sadness in your face so I took the coward’s way out. Frank didn’t need me to help with the boat...he’s taking me to catch my flight to London today...not tomorrow like I let you believe. Please don’t be mad at me. I love you and I can’t wait to come home to you for good. We have a beautiful house we’ll be moving into when I get back...and I saw something that’s opening in November at Miramar that’s right up my alley...so I’ll be able to be home every night. And if I don’t get it, then just maybe it will be time to reserve my commission and hang out a shingle. I love you so much. I’ll call you later...please don’t hate me. Love, Harm]
Mac read the letter and the tears streamed down her face. She wiped them away with the back of her hand. She heard the oven timer and went to take out the batch of brownies that she no longer cared about. She heard a car door and looked out to see Frank coming up the steps. She opened the door to him and he knew right away that she knew.
“Mac, I’m sorry...he insisted this would be better,” Frank began as he held Mac in his arms and let her cry.
“It is,” she mumbled against his shirt.
“You agree with him?”
“Yes...we’d have both made a scene at the airport...we almost did in London...thank you Frank for doing this for us.”
“You’re aren’t mad at him for lying to you?”
“He didn’t...he said when he got home Sunday...I knew that he would have to leave here on Saturday to do that...I just didn’t know what time. I wouldn’t let myself think about it because I didn’t want to know.”
“You two are something, you know that?”
“I know...we deserve each other, don’t we?” Mac tried to laugh with Frank. “His mother might want to kill him for this.”
“No doubt,” Frank laughed. “And me for going along with it.”
“I’ll defend you...don’t worry.”
Just then the phone rang. Mac picked it up and after she said hello she heard, “I’m sorry...”
“I love you Harm...have a safe flight.”
“I will...you’re not angry?”
“No...I’ll email you...talk to you later.”
“I love you too.”
Mac hung up the phone and turned to Frank. “Thanks again...why don’t you go break the news to Trish. I have some brownies to take care of.”
Once Frank had left, Mac took the letter and went to lay on the bed and hug Harm’s pillow. She cried herself to sleep.
Sunday September 25, 2005
1255 Zulu
Harm’s Flat
London, England
Harm was exhausted from the trip. He immediately went online to read the email Mac had promised to send. She’d be asleep now, so he didn’t want to call yet. He would plan to call in a few hours to talk to her, but for now he wanted to see what she wrote.
To: hrabb@navy.mil
From: smackenzie@usmc.mil
Date: September 25, 2005
Subject: Love you
Hello Darling...I can’t believe you pulled this off...but it was a good thing to do. Not knowing for sure, I didn’t waste time thinking about it...but I had a feeling you were going to do something like this...I just refused to think about it. Your mother was the most upset, but Frank got her to calm down and I backed him up. Please call me when you get in...I’ll be up. I fell asleep after you called and slept for seven hours...so I know I’ll be up earlier then usual...so call. I need to hear your voice. By the way...don’t you even think the honeymoon is over...I can’t wait to attack your body when we’re alone together again! Maybe we should try internet or phone sex...what do you say Commander? LOL I can imagine your shocked face. I love you. Take care of you for me...Your loving wife.
Harm read and reread her message before he signed off and reached for the phone. She answered it on the first ring.
“Harm?”
“I love you Honey...do I start breathing hard now?”
“You nut!” Mac laughed at his question. “Did I shock you?”
“No...I want you just as much you know...I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of the feel of your lips on my body.”
“Mmmm...when you gentle cover my breast with your hand, I swear it swells just to make sure there is more surface for you to touch.”
“And that tongue of yours...you tie me in knots with the things you do to me.”
“I’m getting so turned on...”
“Me too...I think I’d better get the cold shower running.”
“Or you could touch your self and I could talk you through it,” Mac suggested. She could hear him swallow over the phone. She knew he wasn’t comfortable with the idea so she let it drop...for now. “Maybe next time, Darling...I’ll let you go...email me.”
“I will...I love you.”
“I love you too. Have a good day.”
Harm listened to the dial tone for a few seconds before he set the receiver down. He missed his wife.
He went back on line and found the Navy site so he could see what duty stations were opening on the west coast. He found the ones that Creswell had mentioned to him before, and then he spotted a new listing in San Diego at the Naval Justice School. They needed some one to teach courses on International and maritime law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and to serve as mentor and advisor to new young lawyers preparing to serve with JAG.
Harm grinned from ear to ear as this had his name written all over it. Harm immediately downloaded the forms he would need and got them filled out. He would fax them in first thing in the morning when he arrived at his office. They needed the person as soon as possible. His heart thumped in his chest as he thought of the possibilities. Until he knew something he didn’t want to get Mac’s hopes up along with his own. It would truly be cruel if he did not get this assignment. He decided to email General Creswell to put in a good word for him. He hoped that this would work.
Monday September 26, 2005
1130 Zulu
London England
Harm faxed his forms to the designated recipient and then stepped back with satisfaction as he waited for a response. He turned to enter his office with a fresh cup of coffee when the phone rang. He heard the Petty Officer answer the call and then tell him that it was General Creswell for him.
“Good morning General.”
“So you think you’ve found the perfect assignment for yourself.”
“I’m hope so sir.”
“You do realize that there would be times the JAG on Sturtevant Street could tag you to help out when they are over burdened in their office.” Creswell made it a statement.
“Yes sir.”
“And you could be called to fill in with the Judiciary as well.”
“I understand sir.”
“You do know that this will require an immediate transfer if they take you.”
“Yes sir I do know that.” Harm was trying not to grin as he listened to Creswell trying to be stern.
“I’ll speak to the SecNav and the Commandant of NJS-San Diego, Captain Simoneau, and tell them to expect your paperwork.”
“I’ve already faxed it in sir.”
“I think it’s a good choice for you, Commander...I mean Captain.”
“Captain? I’ve been approved?”
“Don’t sound so shocked, Rabb. They met last week and I just got the list on my desk this morning. I believe the ceremony will take place in November.”
“Yes sir. Thank you.”
“You deserve a break Commander. You’ve lived nine lives already in airplanes, ground battles, and dealing with wackos. I’d like to see you and your new wife have some good luck for a change...Congratulations by the way.”
“Thank you sir. I’ll look forward to an answer. I believe that Commander Silver will be able to handle this post with ease.”
“You’ve prepared her well and taught her the fine points. Makes me believe that the Navy and Marine Corps could do much worse then having you training their future JAGs. I’ll be in touch.”
In a few hours Harm would call Mac and let her know what was happening.
1145 Zulu
0300 Local
Mac’s Cottage
San Diego, California
Mac was pacing the floor again. She had felt nauseous when she had gone to bed last night and had chalked it up to being tired. Her sleep patterns were off now. Since Harm had returned to London, she had slept during the day and then been awake at night, so yesterday she had forced herself to stay awake by going running and working out until late evening so that she wouldn’t go to sleep too soon. She decided that being tired and overdoing was making her feel ill, so she went to sleep hoping to feel better in the morning.
She had woken up three hours later feeling crampy, but as yet hadn’t started her period. She hadn’t been using the pill for awhile now, so she wasn’t surprised that her periods were getting harder again. That was not unusual with endometriosis. Walking seem to ease the cramps some which were not steady but came and went in waves. Now she was getting shaky and her skin was clammy. She doubled over in pain and cried out at the intensity of discomfort.
Part of her wanted to call Harm and have him sooth her, but she knew he would be frantic with worry so she waited.
Two hours later, she was getting worse. By now she had started to bleed and it was heavy. She was due to report back to duty today, but there was no way she was going to be able to do that. She called in and let them know she wasn’t feeling well and that she would be reporting to her doctor as soon as she could get a hold of someone. They offered to send a car to take her to the emergency room, and she accepted. The pain and bleeding were both getting worse.
1435 Zulu
Naval Medical Center
San Diego, California
“Lt. Colonel Rabb? I’m Dr. Jacobson. Can you tell me what your symptoms are?”
“Yes...cramping, bleeding...but its worse then usual when I have my cycle...I was diagnosed with endometriosis but I stopped taking the pills because I wanted to see if I could get pregnant...Oh God! I’m having a miscarriage aren’t I?”
“We’re not sure yet...we’re going to run some tests and do a physical exam...lets not jump to conclusions shall we. Is your husband waiting for you?”
“He’s in London...I’m here alone...I need to know what’s happening before I call him.”
“Alright...the first tests shouldn’t take long to run. Shall we get started?”
Mac nodded her permission.
1520 Zulu
Harm’s Office
London, England
Harm hung up the phone. He had tried to call Mac at home and there had been no answer. He had called her at the office and was told she would not be in today. The wheels were turning in his head and as a last resort, he called his mother.
“Mom...have you heard from Mac today?”
“Harm...is something wrong?”
“I don’t know...Mac’s not answering the phone but she called in that she wouldn’t be in today. She didn’t answer her cell phone either. Something isn’t right.”
“Do you want us to drive down and check on her?”
“Would you mind?”
“Not at all, Dear...Frank and I will go investigate right away. We’ll talk to you later.”
“Thanks Mom.”
Same Time
Naval Medical Center
San Diego
“I’m sorry Colonel Rabb...you were pregnant but the pregnancy wasn’t viable and your body has aborted the fetus.”
“How far along was I?”
“From what you told me about your cycle, the size of the mass, and the hormone levels, I would say about eight weeks. The good news is, I don’t feel this miscarriage was connected in any way to the endometriosis. I would say that in six to eight weeks if you wanted to try again, you should go ahead.”
“Why did I lose this baby?”
“It’s hard to say, but I’m guessing that the fetus was not developing properly and your body recognized it and tried to eliminate it.”
“My body just did it...didn’t like it and expelled it?”
“No...it sensed that something wasn’t right. In many of the cases where we save an early pregnancy, the child is born later with significant problems or are lost later in the pregnancy anyway...many don’t survive birth.”
“But you think it will be save to try again.”
“Yes I do. Now is there someone you’d like us to call.”
“My mother-in-law, please.” Mac gave them Trish Burnett’s phone number and waited.
1600 Zulu
Burnett Residence
La Jolla, California
“Mrs. Burnett please?”
“Speaking.”
“This is Dr. Jacobson at the Naval Medical Center.”
“Oh dear God...it must be Sarah...is Mac okay?”
“Sarah Rabb asked me to call you...”
“Is Mac okay?”
“Who’s Mac?”
“My daughter-in-law...Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.”
“Oh...yes...she’s doing fine. She asked me to call you and have you come down.”
“What’s wrong?”
“She will be fine but need s some bed rest for a few days...she’ll tell you what she wants you to know.”
Frank and Trish Burnett immediately left for the hospital. At least they knew Mac was dying somewhere, but they still were worried about her. Trish rushed into the room where she was resting now that the miscarriage was over and she was cleaned up.
“Sarah...Darling what’s wrong?” asked the kindly Mrs. Burnett. As her arms closed around the younger woman, she felt her shale with her tears.
“I lost my baby...didn’t even know...I was pregnant...Harm will be heart broken....”
“Harm will be worried about you. You didn’t know dear?”
“No...”
“I wondered when you were so tired at the house, but I didn’t feel it was my place to say anything. Do they know what went wrong?”
“Not exactly...they think the baby wasn’t developing properly and my body rejected it.”
“Oh my...what about other pregnancies?”
“Dr. Jacobson said we can try again in a few weeks.”
“What are we going to tell Harm?” Trish asked.
“The truth...but not right away. I’ll just let him think I had a hard period for now.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Yes...until he’s at home and we can deal with this together.”
“Alright...but he’s already called and is worried about you not being home.”
“I’ll call him when I get home. Can you take me?”
“Of course dear...let me know when you are ready.”
Dr. Jacobson sent Mac home with orders for two days of bed rest before returning to duty. Although Trish insisted that Mac stayed with them, Sarah Mackenzie Rabb was just as insistent that she was going to go home. The doctor assured her that getting up to use the bathroom and prepare light meals for herself wouldn’t be unduly stressful, but suggested that perhaps Trish could check in on her instead. Once that was settled, Mac was taken home.
After Trish left, Mac called Harm. She hoped that he was home from work. He wasn’t and so she didn’t leave a message, planning to call him in an hour or so after she took a nap.
1820 Zulu
Harm’s Office
London, England
“Commander Rabb speaking.”
“Yes Commander, this is Captain Simoneau at the NJS in San Diego. I understand that you are interested in coming here to work with our young legal minds.”
“Yes sir.”
“I’ve spoken to the SecNav and General Creswell. They’ve assured me that you are soon to be made Captain yourself.”
“Yes sir, that’s what I’ve been told.”
“I am hoping to retire soon, as my wife is not well. I am currently covering the classes myself as we haven’t been able to find anyone that is interested enough to take on this position permanently. How soon can you be here?”
“Forty-eight hours sir would allow me to tie up loose ends here and make the return flight.”
“You’ll need to get settled when you get here, pick up the materials, and develop your own lessons, so why don’t we say you report to me Thursday morning for orientation and then take over my classes next week.”
“Yes sir.”
“I’ll have your orders cut and you should have them on your desk first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Yes sir. I’ll see you on Thursday morning.”
Harm hung up the phone. He was going home.
CHAPTER 10
1905 Zulu
Harm’s Flat
London, England
As soon as Harm walked in the door of the apartment he tossed his keys on the table near the door and reached for the phone. He wished he could see Mac’s face when she told him the news. He hoped that his mother had checked on her and found her out in the garden or something. He was still worried that he hadn’t been able to reach her earlier and that she had called in sick. On the second ring, Trish Burnett answered the phone.
‘Hello.”
“Mom?”
“Oh Harm...I’m so glad you called.”
“What is it? Mac okay?”
“She hasn’t called you yet?”
“Mom is she okay?” Harm insisted that she answer his question.
“Harm I think you need to talk to Mac...she’s okay...probably just resting now...”
“Is she still exhausted all the time? Did she go to the doctor?”
“Yes...Look I think you need to talk to Mac. She can answer your questions better then I can.”
“Alright Mom...I’ll call.”
“Talk to you later son.”
Harm hung up and looked at the phone with a scowl. Then he dialed Mac’s number and waited for her to answer. The answering machine picked up.
[You have reached Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie Rabb. I am unable to come to the phone so leave your name, number and a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks.]
“Mac? Honey are you there?...please call me on my cell phone as soon as you get this. I talked to my mother and they said you called in sick...”
“Harm I’m here...hang-on.” Mac clicked off the answering machine and then took a deep breath before she spoke again. His call had woken her up as she lay on the couch.
“Honey are you okay?” she heard him ask again before she could speak.
“Yes...I’ll be fine. I need to rest for a couple of days but I’ll be fine.”
“What’s wrong? Did you get hurt? Are you sick?”
“Harm, I really don’t want to talk about it on the phone right now...I’ll write you a letter explaining everything okay?”
“No Mac...it’s not okay. I’m going out of my mind here worrying about you...and I’ve got news to tell you too...so don’t mail me a letter.”
“Harm, that just made no sense at all. What’s your news?”
“I’m coming home.”
“Not over this!”
“No Mac...I’ve got a new assignment. I report Thursday for orientation and then I start next week.”
“What...where...you serious?” Mac felt light hearted for the first time in hours.
“Ever hear of Naval Justice School?” Harm couldn’t keep the grin out of his voice.
“Yes...in San Diego?”
“Yes. I spoke to Captain Simoneau today and he wants to retire soon. He has been teach some course because he hasn’t had anyone that he felt was up to teaching International and Maritime Law, or the UCMJ. He wants me to advise and mentor some young lawyers. Creswell said that I could be used TAD to your office or with Judiciary at times...oh and I made Captain.” Harm tagged on as if it didn’t mean much to him.
“Oh Harm! I’m so proud of you...and don’t you even think about pulling rank on me mister - at least not at home,” Mac added.
Harm had relaxed as they talked because Mac was sounding more like her old self. “Thanks, Honey...look if you need me call me on the cell phone. I’m packing up everything and getting ready to get my flight out of here. My orders are suppose to be on my desk in the morning and once I have them, I will cut the orders for Commander Silver to take over for me. I’m going to try to find a flight out of here tomorrow night that will put in San Diego Wednesday morning. I’ll let you know what I find out...and I’ll have Frank pick me up.”
“I can come and get you...”
“Not until I hear the whole story.”
“Harm...” Mac started to warn him for being so macho and then thought better of it. “Alright...go ahead...I’d rather fight you over bigger battles.”
“So you want to fight?” Harm kidded her.
“Not at the moment, but I know you have what it takes to change that.”
“Whoa...make note to self...watched out for disgruntled Marine. I love you Honey and I’ll see you soon.”
“I love you too...I can’t wait to have you here holding me.” Mac felt her self tear up and hoped Harm didn’t hear it in her voice. No such luck.
“Mac, you’re crying...what’s wrong...please tell me Honey.”
“Harm I’m fine. I will tell you but there’s nothing you can do about it so I’ll fill you in when you get home.”
“Alright...I’ll make flight arrangements and the coordinate pick up with Frank.”
Harm hung up the phone excited to know that he’d be heading home soon. He found a flight out of Heathrow that would depart at 12:10PM and arrive in San Diego at 6:43 PM. It would be tight, but he felt that he could make it. If not, another flight left at 4:15 PM that got in at 11:04 PM. He booked the first flight and then called his mother and Frank.
“Frank? Harm...I’m coming home!”
“Permanently?”
“I hope so. I’ve been given a new billet at Naval Justice School in San Diego. I have orientation on Thursday and start next week.”
“Did you talk to Mac?”
“Yes, she’s thrilled of course.”
“I see. Did you need a ride from the airport?”
“That would be great if you can do it. I should be landing around 6:43 PM.”
“Harm, I’ll have to send the driver from the office. I have an appointment I can’t get out of, but it won’t be a problem. You know the car,” Frank evaded Harm without leaving him stranded. He was feeling pleased with himself.
“Thanks Frank. Tell Mom, and I’ll see you soon.”
Frank hung up the call and looked at Trish. “Mac didn’t tell him.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah...I am and he’s going to fall apart when she does tell him. I couldn’t face seeing him so I’m sending a car and driver to pick him up and take him home.
“That was a wise move. You know what a bulldog he can be and we promised to let Mac tell him in her own way.”
Harm was up most of the night packing boxes and preparing to ship his things home. He contacted the guy he was subletting from so he would know that he was leaving. The guy had a waiting list for the apartment so it wasn’t a problem that Harm was leaving early.
0630 Zulu
NSLO BROFF
London, England
Harm strode into the office that had been his for the better part of five months. He looked around and packed up the few personal items he had brought to the office. They fit in his briefcase easily. On the desk were his new orders and those of Commander Amy Silver. They were signed and he placed Amy’s on her desk. He called the shipping office and made arrangements for them to meet him at the flat to ship his belongings back home. He looked around the office one time and bade good-bye to those that would care that he had moved on.
With that, he left the Embassy-attached office and headed back to the flat. He had just arrived when they came to pick up the boxes for shipping. He tipped the guy and then looked around the flat, changed into travel clothes and packed his uniform. With one suitcase to check, his briefcase and carry-on, he was ready to go. He locked the door, slipped the key into the envelope and mailed it to the owner of the flat, before he caught a taxi for the airport.
He was able to get a bulkhead seat which gave him ample leg room for the long trip. One they were in the air, Harm put his seat back, closed his eyes and tried to get the sleep he had missed getting ready to go home. The flight attendant woke him to have him put his seat in an upright position as they landed in Newark, New Jersey. Most of the passengers got off the plane. Harm would be staying on.
He used the time on the ground to call Mac and let her know he was on his way and would be home between nineteen thirty and twenty hundred local time. She hadn’t answered so he left a message.
Same Time
Mac’s Cottage
San Diego, California
Mac was sobbing uncontrollably again when the phone rang. She heard the message and knowing it was Harm she couldn’t answer it. He would hear the sobs in her voice and she did not want to tell him until he was holding her. Dr. Jacobson had told her that her hormone levels would make her tired and make her cry easily. It would get better in a day or two he had said. She was tired of crying.
Mac wanted to have dinner ready for Harm and she wanted to look her best. She had taken her time making dinner in stages. A chicken was in the crockpot slowly cooking to perfection. A fresh salad was ready to be served. The rice maker was set to come on so the rice would be ready and hot when he got home. There was ice cream in the freezer that would have to do for dessert...she wasn’t ready for him to make her the dessert as he had during their honeymoon.
Once things were under control with their dinner, she rested for awhile before taking a shower and getting dressed. She wanted to look a little less scarey when he came home. The thought crossed her mind that neither of them may want to eat dinner after she told her story, so she vowed to make him eat his dinner first. She lit the candles on the table as she heard the car pull up.
1938 Local
Rabb Cottage
San Diego, California
Harm thanked the driver who had refused the tip. He took his things and walked to the front door. He had left his key home, so he rang the door bell. Mac opened it giving him a smile. He was so happy to be home, that he dropped his luggage and wrapped his arms around his wife, kissing her slowly. Mac responded.
“Come on...let’s have some dinner. I’ve waited for you.”
“Mac, wait...you’ve been upset or sick or something. Talk to me.”
“I will after we eat. I’m really hungry, Harm.”
He went along with her pleas and let her delay telling him why she looked so pale and weak. Once dinner was over, he led her by her hand to the couch and sat down with her in his arms.
“No more delays Honey...tell me what’s wrong.”
“First, I really am okay...I mean I am not going to die and I don’t have a terrible disease...so relax...but yes, something was wrong and I did end up in the hospital for a few hours.”
“Mac? You’re scaring me.”
Mac turned and took Harm’s hands in her own. She knew it was going to be difficult to tell him, but she didn’t realize how difficult. She looked into his eyes and her heart broke all over again for their loss. The tears welled up and spilled over from her eyes. Harm gathered her close to his chest, holding and rocking her.
“Hey, hey...take it easy...take a breath...just give me a clue for now, okay?” Harm asked gently as he rubbed her arms a little.
“Harm..the reason I was so tired...” she stopped until Harm encouraged her to keep going... “I was pregnant...I lost our baby Harm...” she finished quickly as the tears flowed heavily once again.
Harm sat quietly trying to process what it was she had just said. He got the words ‘pregnant,’ ‘lost,’ and ‘baby.’ Suddenly it hit him. He pulled her into his arms and rocked her trying to relieve the rush of pain that he felt, knowing she was feeling it too.
“Ssshhhh...I know...it hurts doesn’t it...even though we didn’t know...it hurts anyway,” harm mumbled as he dealt with the news.
“I didn’t want to tell you over the phone...but I didn’t want to wait either.” Mac sobbed into his shoulder.
“I know...Did my mother know?”
“Yes...that’s the only thing that kept me together. I wanted you home but knew you couldn’t come...I never expected you to come home this soon.”
“ I know...can you tell me more...like how far along were you? Do they know why? Do they think this will happen again?”
“I asked the same things. Dr. Jacobson said I was about eight weeks pregnant...that last night in London maybe?” Mac suggested to Harm. He nodded his agreement.
“They think that the fetus was not developing normally and my body rejected it. They said many women have these miscarriages, and then have a perfectly normal pregnancy.”
“The endometriosis?”
“Not a factor in this case he said...he actually said that it was a good sign that I did get pregnant.”
“If it happened once it will happen again?” he asked.
“Something like that.” Mac smiled a little easier this time. Sharing the news with him was making it less painful. “Harm, you know what really bites?”
“What’s that?” he asked with a smile at her terminology as he held her even more firmly in his long arms.
“I never had the chance to be excited about being pregnant. I never got to share the good news with you that we were going to have a baby. In one breath I was pregnant and then not pregnant anymore. You wouldn’t think it would hurt this much, would you?” Mac asked as she snuggled closer into his arms.
“Did the doctor tell you what to expect in regards to grieving over the baby?”
“A little, but I went online and did some research. A couple of women said that they found the process much easier to deal with when they talked about it and I’ve got to admit that since I’ve told you it’s made it easier to cope with. I don’t feel like I’m going to burst into tears every second like I was doing before you got home.”
“I’m so sorry that I wasn’t here for you, Honey.” Harm yawned then. The five hours sleep on the plane, the only sleep he had gotten in almost forty eight hours, was catching up with him. “I think I need to go to bed.”
“Just hold me tonight?”
“You’ve got it.”
Wednesday September 28
Rabb Cottage
San Diego, California
Mac had left like her old self when she got up that morning. She slipped out of bed at daylight and started the coffee. She had called in to tell them she would return to work on Thursday, but they could call her cell phone if they needed her. She picked up the home decorating books and was looking them over when Harm joined her an hour later.
Bending down to place a kiss on the back of her neck, Harm wished her a good-morning.
“You were up early.”
“I’ve been up about an hour. I’m not going in today but I told them I’ll be available by cell phone.”
“Good. How are you feeling?”
“Like me again...having you home is so great...although we’ll be tripping over each other in this place. I think we need to move the timetable up on getting into the house now.”
“You’re right...want some coffee? Smells great.”
“Thanks...there’s bagels if you want one.”
“Maybe later...” Harm returned with their coffee and joined her at the table looking at paint chips and fabric swatches. “Explain to me what we’re doing here.”
“We need to select paint colors for each of the rooms as well as carpeting for some and window treatments. I have a map for the contractor and he said if we write the paint chip number we want in each room, then he’ll get it done for us.”
“I should probably do more of the work now that I’m home. It will save us some money.”
“Yes but you need to get use to your new job and I thought we could have them do the base coat and then we can do any special treatments and stuff ourselves.”
“Good thinking Marine.”
Together they decided on base colors for all the rooms. Then, they picked out window treatments they liked which would set the pallet for the way they finished off each room. Harm suggested that they have the house resided and chose a natural looking vinyl siding with shutters. When they were done, their home on the mountain road would probably look more like it belonged in the country of New England or the northern Atlantic region, then in southern California, but it was what they liked and wanted. It would fit the setting they were in.
They went to visit the Burnett’s and assured them that Mac was doing fine. They talked openly about the miscarriage, and although they were all sad, no one burst into tears. Mac’s hormones were coming back under control. Trish was thrilled that her son was home and that his home was not far from her this time.
Harm mentioned that he thought it was time to get another car, as he had not replaced the Lexus and his corvette wasn’t going to hold up with every day use. Besides, he missed the larger vehicle. He didn’t think a four wheel drive was necessary and he didn’t want to go with a mini-van yet. He had some ideas of the kind of vehicle he would prefer but he wanted Mac to be comfortable with it as well. Frank suggested several popular vehicles that Chrysler made and they listened with interest. Before they knew it, they were at the nearby dealership so they could test drive some of the models.
Harm looked at the Sebring Convertible, but wasn’t entirely pleased with the vehicle for cargo space. It didn’t give him that much of a difference over their Corvette’s. He gravitated toward a silver Pacifica that was on the lot. It was front wheel drive, had a sun roof, cargo options, and when he sat in it, he felt that he was in a car designed like a cock-pit...convenient, functional, something where you could see and control your vehicle. Harm was sold before he ever turned the key in the ignition. The ratings on the vehicle were good and Mac approved when she got in, too. They drove away in two vehicles...Mac’s Corvette and the new Pacifica.
CHAPTER 11
October 23, 2005
Carmel Mountain Road
San Diego, California
The house was ready for occupancy, the official closing had been on Thursday; the movers had loaded up the furniture at the cottage and from storage on Friday and placed it in the house; and today, after spending the night at the Burnett’s, Sarah and Harmon Rabb were moving in. Today they would unpack and make beds after they picked up groceries before going to the new house. Trish and Frank would join them at lunch time to help if it was needed.
“Harm, what are we going to do about the lawn?” Mac asked as she realized that she had never given a thought to lawn and garden care. She hoped that Harm had.
“Well, we can either hire someone to take care of it, or we can get the equipment to do it ourselves. What would you rather we do?” Harm asked.
“I think we should have someone do the lawns and garden at first until we are really settled and then we can see if we have time to do it ourselves later. I’m going to need to learn what needs to be done and whether its something I enjoy or not.”
“I agree. We can afford it and I want us to enjoy our home...although I think I might like doing lawn care eventually.”
“Harm, are you telling me you’d rather mow lawns then to play a round of golf on a Saturday morning?”
“You’ve got a point...we can decide that later.” Harm kissed his wife and went back to working on unpacking the kitchen, setting things up as he went along.
They had found that Harm’s way of setting up a kitchen worked for both of them, and Mac’s way of organizing a bathroom and linen closet was best. They worked together in the office, each setting up their own area. That’s where they were when Frank and Trish arrived with Chinese take-out for lunch.
They ate in the kitchen at the glass topped table before taking a tour of the house together. Trish thought they had used a great color pallet for their home. Harm rolled his eyes. His mother always saw the artistry in the things she looked at. He wasn’t surprised when Frank and his mother gave them a painting for the wall in the living room as a house warming gift. It was one that Mac had admired and told Harm about after she had seen it at Trish’s gallery when they met for lunch one day. After the painting was hung in place and admired, Frank and Trish hugged the younger couple and took their leave.
Bit by bit they got their clothes hung in the large closets and the house in order. Tired but satisfied with their days work, Harm and Mac walked through the large house arm in arm with the clip board to check off completed projects and to list things not thought of previously. Everything looked perfect on the main floor. Just the right amount of furniture in each room. The new covers on the furniture giving the sofas and chairs an updated and cohesive look. The built in work stations in the den gave them maximum usage of the space, while allowing their old desks to take on new roles. Harm’s desk became a writing table in their bedroom, while her desk was now in one of the guest rooms.
Once upstairs, they encountered two empty rooms. The smallest one, next to their room they hoped would eventually become a nursery. Although they no longer mentioned it everyday, they still thought of the child they lost when they saw the room. Harm slid his arms around Mac, placing his hands over her stomach where the baby would have been growing. They shared a moments sadness before they turned and walked from the room into the larger empty room. They added a day bed to the list, a bureau, lamp and end table.
“Harm...what would you think of moving the bed we have now in here and getting a new bed for us...maybe a king size one.”
“You want that much space to get away from me at night,” he joked, eyebrows raised.
“No...I just thought it would give us more room...be longer for you.”
“We can look into it...but I think the queen size bed is fine. Do you want a new bedroom set...a matching one maybe?” Harm offered.
“I’m not sure. Let’s look and see if anything catches our interest, but not make it a priority. We need another bed so I’ll just add bed set to the list.”
“And lawn furniture and a grill,” Harm suggested.
They returned down stairs to look at the front porch and the deck area and then went down to the family room. Harm’s weight set was set up along with a kickboxing bag, a stationary bike that Mac had kept in storage, and a treadmill. They agreed that this room would need reworking eventually but it served a purpose for now.
They went into the kitchen to start preparing dinner as they discussed the plans for the next day.
“We should go look at the furniture warehouse first and see what we can find there,” Harm told Mac as they chopped vegetables for a salad.
“Have you ever been there?”
“No, but I was talking to Commander Walters the other day about his new house. They had to furnish the whole place because they had rented a place that came with furniture. When they moved in they only had their clothes, linens and a few appliances and plants. Anyway, he said they went over there and found almost everything they needed. He said it was good quality furniture and the blemishes on things they found were very minor and didn’t effect the items at all. They even got appliances there.”
“Really...what about fabrics and covers? Were they really out of style?” Mac questioned him.
“He didn’t say...but for the items we need, I can’t see that as an issue.” Harm reached for the block of cheese and started cubing it to toss into their salad at the same time Mac reached for the boiled eggs. “This is looking really good. Do you want some chicken or a burger with your salad?”
“No...I’m too tired to cook it or eat it tonight. I’ll be happy with my salad and a hot fudge sundae later,” she grinned up at him.
“Sounds good to me...can I fix my sundae the way I want it?” he asked with a devilish grin on his face.
“Don’t even think about it, Mr. Rabb!” Mac shrieked realizing what Harm was thinking about. She thought back to the night on their honeymoon that he had put a spoonful of ice cream on her stomach, dribbled fudge sauce over it and then licked it off. While it had been a sensual experience, Mac had not cared for the cold ice cream on her belly.
They were just sitting down to eat when the phone rang. Mac got up to answer it.
“Hello...Rabb Residence.”
“Hi Mac!”
“Chloe! How are you Sweetie?”
“Good. You moved into your house?”
“Yes. Tonight will be our first night here.”
“Cool...so when can I come visit? You got room for me?”
“We do. When do you want to come out?”
“During my Christmas break?”
“Harm and I will talk it over and get back to you okay?”
“Okay...you know, you really sound like a married couple when you say stuff like that.”
“You think?” Mac laughed at the lively teenager.
“Can Mattie come out too? She was way cool at your wedding.”
“I’ll...”
“...talk it over with Harm. Yeah, I know.” Chloe finished Mac’s response.
“Don’t be a smart-aleck,” Mac warned.
“Sorry Mac...I was just kidding.”
“I know...but sometimes you can be a little rude with that tone of yours. So, how’s school going?”
“I get my report card in two weeks. I didn’t get any failing warnings, so that’s a good sign. Did I tell you that they have me taking to Advanced Placement classes this year?”
“No you didn’t. That’s wonderful. I’m very proud of you.”
“They said I was challenging myself.”
“Were you?”
“Probably not. Mac, when I come out there can we go look at some colleges if I set up appointments and stuff?”
“Sure...but if you come over the holidays you won’t get a good picture of campus life will you?”
“I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Talk to your guidance counselor and see if they will give you time off of school to do visits during the times school is in session. Sometimes they do that.”
“Can you believe I’m a senior and I’m going to graduate this year?”
“You’ve been growing up despite everything haven’t you?”
“Yeah...but sometimes I still feel like a little girl and other times I feel like an independent adult.”
“Give me some examples.”
“When I have to make big decisions sometimes I want someone to do it for me. Other times, when I’m planning my time or things I want to do, I feel like an adult.” Chloe explained.
“Well, Chloe...sometimes I feel the same way...but I use to get mad at people when they doubted my abilities...including myself!”
“So I’m not messed up or anything?”
“No...sorry, but I don’t think so.”
“So you and Mr. Bodacious still happy?” Chloe asked Mac with a laugh figuring they had talked about her long enough.
“Yes we are.”
“Does he like his new job as teacher?” Chloe asked.
“Would you like to talk to him? He’s right here.”
“Sure.”
“Harm...Chloe wants to ask you something?”
“Hi Chloe. Ask away.”
“Do you like teaching?”
“I do...I like challenging them and making them think outside the box once in awhile. Captain Simoneau seems to think I’m doing a good job and considering that I’m taking over for him and he doesn’t want just anyone teaching those classes, I guess it’s a good sigh.”
“So how can I take a class with you as the teacher?”
“Go to law school; join the Navy or Marines; get accepted at Naval Justice School and stationed at San Diego.”
“Piece of cake!” Chloe laughed.
“I thought you’d say that. So you come out to see us?”
“Mac said that she needed to talk to you first, but yeah, I want to...can Mattie come at the same time?”
“You two got along good, I take it.”
“Yeah, she’s a lot of fun.”
“I’ll talk to her Dad and we’ll see what we can do. Mac and I’ll talk it over and decide if we can handle both of you together.”
“Thanks Harm. Tell Mac I love you guys, but I got to go.”
“We love you too. Talk to you soon.” Harm hung up and bend down as he passed Mac to drop a kiss on her cheek. “Miss Impulsive had to go. She said to tell you she loves you.”
“She’s growing up.”
“But she’s still Chloe...outspoken and pushing the limits as usual.”
“I know...a lot like someone else I know.”
“Who, me?” Harm feigned innocence and looked around for someone else to blame it on.
“Think we can handle the two of them together?”
“I think it would be good for them. I heard you mention the Christmas break, though.”
“Yeah. Chloe mentioned it, but I know you said something about getting away for a few days then.”
“Well we had talked about going up to the mountains skiing...I thought maybe we could even fly to Vermont and ski up there and stop and see Chloe...maybe have her come skiing with us for a day or two.”
“That would be nice...but Mattie couldn’t really join us for skiing could she?”
“I’m not sure...she’s come along way and she said that she carries a collapsible cane with her just in case, but hasn’t used it for two weeks at school. She’s getting stronger and maybe cross country skiing would be good for her. I can check with Tom and her therapist.”
“I think that would be nice. Once we have children, we won’t be able to take off at Christmas the same for several years. They’ll want to be home for Santa.” Mac theorized.
“Or at least their parents will want to experience that,” Harm admitted.
Cleaning up after dinner was quick and easy. The uneaten salad was refrigerated for future use. Dishes were loaded in the dishwasher. The table wiped down.
It was a beautiful October evening so Harm and Mac decided to take a walk around their three acres of land. It included a small wooded area that at least one walking trail running through it. Hand in hand they strolled through the lush field beyond their mowed yard area and into the woods. The trail took them along the back side of the wooded lot, around beside the narrow stip of land that ran between the woods and the road, and then along the driveway to the house. It didn’t take that long, but it was almost dark by the time they returned to the house.
“Want a cup of tea, Honey?” Harm asked as they entered the house.
“Sounds great. I think I’ll go put my pajamas on...I feel like watching a movie. How about you?”
“Great. Meet you on the sofa...hey- what do you want me to put in?”
“You pick. I could get into about anything we have tonight.”
Harm thought about the options. They had recently picked up a few new ones on sale plus had started using one of the ‘pay ahead and get rentals in the mail’ companies. While the water boiled for tea, Harm looked at the choices. He finally decided on ‘Bruce Almighty,’ a comedy with a story. The kind of blended movie they usually really enjoyed. With the tea steeping, Harm settled on the sofa and looked around the living room at their new home, while he waited for his wife.
Harm felt good about the way they had been able to settle into life together. Mac seldom had to go out of town and when she did it was not for long. He had adapted to teaching more easily then he had even hoped. Twice he had been asked to consult on cases with JAG and once he was asked to cover on the bench. All were brief stints. He enjoyed it, but found he would rather spend the time working as an advisor or mentor.
Soon Harm would be promoted to Captain. They had gotten the announcement that the ceremony would take place on November 11 - Veteran’s Day. IT was an honor to be promoted once again, but even more of an honor that the Navy had chosen to present him publicly with that honor on a day that honored war veteran’s. He knew that the fact his father had been MIA and was now officially listed as KIA, had played a part in their decision. It was a point of pride for Harm that the day would mark important memories of father and son together.
Captain Simoneau had asked Harm to consider taking over for him when he retired in January. He felt that the ability to connect with the young lawyers and investigators would make Captain Rabb the perfect choice to be in charge of the Naval Justice School. Captain Simoneau had already discussed his choice with the appropriate board. They had started to interview people about Commander Rabb and drop by to visit his classes. So far, no one had any complaints. There was still time for them to change their minds.
“Hey you sleeping on me?” Mac asked as she joined Harm.
“No...just thinking.”
“About what?” Mac asked as she smoothed her hand over his forehead and down the side of his face.
“The promotion...my chances of taking over for Simoneau...nothing that important.”
“Yes it is. Anything that worries you is important. Want to talk about it?”
“Nope...I’ll take a kiss though,” Harm flashed her a smile.
“You can have a kiss...turn down that damn charm, will ya? A girl’s deserve some chance to maintain control.”
“You mean I’m not too old to attract a gorgeous woman like you?” Harm continued the flirtatious behavior.
“No...you still have a few attractive qualities.”
“Gonna tell me about them?”
“You’re fishing...not good...better play the movie,” Mac chided him.
Harm pulled her across his lap and settled her against him before reaching for the remote and starting the movie. Occasionally Mac would nibble on his neck or kiss his cheek. Other times, he would still a kiss or caress her body. They made it about half way through the movie before Harm carried her up the stairs to their new room and lay her on the bed as he removed his clothes.
Leaning over her he kissed her lips before moving to her neck. He kissed each inch of skin he exposed as he unbuttoned her pajama top. His kisses sent shivers of desire through her body as he left a trail of fire with his lips between her breasts, down her stomach and across her navel. He watched her breasts with eyes heavily hooded from desire. The heat that touched her there was a physical caress and her breasts responded as if he had laid his hands and mouth directly on her skin.
Gently slipping his fingers under the waist band of her pajama bottoms, Harm began to ease them down. She arched her back and braced her legs lifting her butt off the bed so he could remove the offending garment. Once they were gone, he kneeled between her legs and lifted her upper body to remove the top. While he had her elevated, he placed kisses on each breast, one at a time, before burying his face in the creamy valley there and as he licked and sucked her engorged nipples.
When he let her rest back on the bed, he lower his head to her stomach and placed kisses there. Mac wasn’t sure, but she thought she heard him say a prayer. She hoped he would tell her what it was about later, but for now she wanted him to make love to her.
Once Mac was writhing on the bed from his ministrations with is mouth on her body, she convinced him to enter her. Buried deep in her body, he felt himself harden further as he moved inside her, feeling her muscles pulse around him.
“Now, Harm,” she urged, but he wouldn’t be hurried. He loved her with long slow strokes until she wrapped her legs around his back and lifted herself against him, forcing him to increase his pace. Together they reached the heights of passion and returned to this world, wrapped in each other’s arms. Whispered words of love and promises to always be there were murmured as they fell asleep.
CHAPTER 12
November 11, 2005
Rabb Residence
San Diego, California
“Harm, we’ve got to go now or we’ll be late,” Mac insisted.
“How does this look?” Harm asked her as he came down the stairs with his dress white uniform on.
“Perfect...my knees are weak looking at you.” Mac flashed him a grin.
“Maaacccc...”
“Harm you look fantastic. I’ve got your new cover; they’ll give you the shoulder boards; I promise you I won’t ravage you in front of the crowd...”
“Cute Marine. Let’s go.”
They arrived at the Parade grounds in plenty of time. Harm escorted Mac, who had chosen not to wear her uniform today after getting special permission from the Marine Commandant. She wanted to be Mrs. Rabb and be able to kiss her husband or hold his hand as they celebrated this special day. Dressed in a navy blue sleeveless sheath dress with a bolero jacket over it in the same color, along with the matching heels, Mac still had command presence.
They were shown to the seating area on stage. Harm was greeted by Captain Simoneau who had finally been introduced to Mac officially two weeks previously at the Captain’s reception. Mrs. Simoneau had made a brief appearance, but had to leave early due to her health. Several other dignitaries were shown to the seating on the stage.
Before long the ceremony began. The festivities started off with a parade. The Navy Band entered first and performed for the crowd. Platoons of Sailors and Marines marched in and took their places in the bleachers. In between the various squads, some of the military issue vehicles with dignitaries drove by. Next came the Marine Corps band with their performance. Finally they were all seated and the first of the speeches to commemorate the day began.
“Good afternoon. I am Admiral Kly. It is my privilege to remind everyone what Veteran’s Day is all about. Our government set aside this day to celebrate and honor veterans of the United States armed forces and those killed in battle. Originally called Armistice Day, it began as a commemoration of the ending of World War I on November 11, 1918. After World War II it was recognized as a day to pay tribute to all service members, and in 1954 it was designated as Veterans Day. In keeping with tradition, you have already enjoyed our parade and performances from our Navy and Marine Corps Bands.
I have started the round of speeches and there will be more to follow. We have some remembrances to make and some people to celebrate. When we finish here, there will be many smaller ceremonies going on through out the area to honor the fallen in cemeteries and at schools. We hope you have or will honor the dead with flowers placed on military graves and memorials.
It is my pleasure now to introduce Congressman Moore who would like to say a few words.”
Admiral Kly stepped back and Congressman Moore stepped up to say a few words about veterans he knew first hand and to thank his fallen comrades for giving their lives in duty to their country.
The Senator spoke next about his father, a World War I veteran and told his story of how he had died after years of pain and illness from wounds received in battle.
General Rodriguez stepped up to the microphone and spoke of his father’s death during World War II in the skies over France.
Colonel Hildegarde’s father had served in Korea and he read a letter that his father had mailed home just hours before he had been killed in action. Next he introduced retired Admiral Thomas Boone.
Harm and Mac spun around in time to see Tom come out from behind the stands and join them on stage. He approached the microphone and when the applause died down he spoke with his usual dry wit.
“I had the pleasure of flying with one of the best damn pilots I’ve ever seen, Lt. Harmon Rabb. Hammer, as we called him, would push the envelope and found a way to get the job done. I’m not sure if people loved Hammer because of what he did or who he was...or just because they knew he loved them just as much. That was the kind of guy he was. I flew as his wingman in Vietnam and I was there with him on Christmas Eve when he was shot down. He was missing in action for many years. His name appears on the wall in Washington DC. His name and his memory also lives on.” Boone paused as a squad of F-14 flew over in the missing man formation.
“I told you I had the pleasure of flying with one of the best pilots in Hammer, but several years later my life was saved by another pilot...another Harmon Rabb...his son. Then Lt. Harmon Rabb, Junior, the spitting image of his old man, hopped off the COD and strolled big as life to the bridge to inform us he was a JAG and there to do an investigation. He was investigating top brass that had served with his old man.
Now for those of you that are confused by what I’ve just told you, let me tell you more about Hammer’s son. He was a cocky young pilot in Desert Storm, pushing the envelop like his old man. He was landing on a carrier during a storm when he crashed. His RIO was killed. He was cleared and he gave up his wings because he was told that he had night blindness and would not be allowed to fly at night. He worked hard to rehabilitate himself and instead of taking disability and living a civilian life, the young lieutenant fought to get himself healed and back in shape. Then he went to law school and stayed in the Navy with a second career as a JAG lawyer.
He never lost his love of flying and he never lost the belief that his father was out there somewhere. The dogged determination that he had inherited from his father took him to Vietnam at sixteen looking for his father. It also took him to Russia a few years ago where he discovered that not only had his father been alive for years as a prisoner of war, but he had died after escaping in an attempt to defend a farm woman’s life.
He was truly a hero for his time and his son had followed in his footsteps. I can’t begin to tell you some of the things that this man has done - they are classified. But let me assure you, that with men like Harmon Rabb Junior defending our country and training our men and women - setting examples for our youth - our country will be in good hands in the years to come.
Oh yes, and the night blindness was a missed diagnoses. He had an infection that left scarring which has since been removed and he has returned to flying. He drove Tomcats, and now when he can convince someone to let him, he’ll drive F-18's from time to time.
He is a highly decorated Naval Aviator who has served his country well in Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq...a child of six lost his father but not his father’s ideals. He would be proud of you son, for all you’ve done for your country, but even more for the man you’ve become.”
Tom turned then and walked over to salute Harm who stood to meet and salute Boone with tears glistening in his eyes, where they would stay until he and Mac were home alone.
Captain Simoneau approached the microphone and announced the call to orders. All military personnel stood at attention.
“Commander Harmon Rabb Junior, front and center.” Harm moved forward and snapped to attention in front of Captain Simoneau. “Could I also have Admiral AJ Chegwidden - retired and Mrs. Rabb stepped forward? AJ and Mac met on the stage and stood side by side facing the crowd to Harm’s right and Simoneau’s left. With them standing as witnesses, Harm was sworn in to up hold the duties of Captain in the United States Navy. Admiral Chegwidden replaced Harm’s shoulder boards. Next, Mac removed Harm’s cover and kissed him as was the custom, before placing the Captain’s cover on his head. They exchanged smiles before she stepped back.
Captain Simoneau and Captain Rabb saluted each other. Admiral Chegwidden and Mac took their seats and then Captain Simoneau began to speak.
“Captain Rabb, please stay here. I have another announcement to make. I have served the Navy for many years. I have thought about retiring for some time but I couldn’t do it because I wasn’t happy to turn over the Naval Justice School to just anybody. Captain Rabb has come to us just in time. My wife’s health is not good, and the time has come for me to pass the torch. Last night it was decided by the NJS board, that Captain Harmon Rabb Junior is the man to lead the Naval Justice School. Not only can he teach, he is an advisor and mentor of top quality and he understands the law having served as both an investigator and a lawyer with JAG.
“Captain Rabb, I will be available to help transfer the reins of command to you over the next few weeks. I know you will serve with distinction. Congratulations.”
Harm stepped up to the microphone not having expected this announcement today.
“Thank you. I am honored to be given this opportunity to not only serve our country but to serve the law. The one message that I hope to impart to everyone going through the NJS, is the truth is everything. That should always be the goal...getting to the truth.
“I am humbled by what I have heard hear today about so many veterans of war. To be considered and spoken in the same context as those men, is indeed a humbling experience. I wish to thank my family and friends for being here today to share this time with me and for their continued support. I also would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to share my life with Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.
“She chose not to appear here today in uniform so she could support me as my wife, but I want you to know that I am proud of her and you should be too. You see she is also a veteran of war. She is an expert marksman and an outstanding lawyer. I bring this up not only because she is my wife, but because not much has been said here today about the woman that are veterans and should be remembered as well.
“Again, I thank you again for being here today and honoring our veterans.” Harm looked up in time to see the Blue Angels fly over in formation and wave their wings at the crowd below.
The bands played as people milled around. Tom Boone and AJ Chegwidden hugged Harm and Mac. Trish and Frank Burnett joined them and invited everyone back to their home for lunch.
When they were in their car headed for his parents home, Mac turned to her husband to thank him for his words.
“I’m proud of you for not only remembering but remarking about the women that have served our country.”
“I hoped it wasn’t really an oversight on their part, considering that not that many women served in the earlier wars...but the nurses that served in the war and the women working in the factories all played a role and should be recognized for their contributions. I couldn’t let the moment pass.”
“Well it just go to show what a perfect man they’ve picked to head NJS-San Diego....Did you have any idea he was going to make that announcement today?”
“No...and I almost missed it. I was fighting so hard to keep my emotions in check after hearing what Tom said about my father and me that his announcement almost didn’t register. I hope I reacted appropriately.”
Mac took his hand, “You did Sweetheart...I just can’t believe how much has changed in our lives in the past six months.”
“I know. It’s been a roller coaster ride but you know what?”
“Uh-uh...tell me.”
“Well, ‘I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,’” Harm sang from a song he had heard on the radio, the phrase just really hitting home for him.
“Me neither, Captain...I regret many things in my life, but not the things that led us to be together...to have the life I’ve dreamed about.”
“That reminds me...I know we are still hoping to have a child of our own, but do you think we should think about applying with the adoption agencies soon. We’ve both agreed that we would like a large family and so even if we have a baby, we were thinking about adopting some children too. What do you think?”
“I think you read my mind. Yeah, I think next week we should call for an appointment and get the ball rolling. Something else I thought about...I want to invite my mother down for a visit soon.”
“Of course. I’m glad that she came to our wedding and that she’s been writing to you.”
“I know. We don’t discuss the time when she left and someday we’re going to have to face it. On the other hand, she is my mother and I love her and I’d rather our children at least got to know her. Maybe she’ll enjoy being a grandmother.”
“I’m sure she will Mac...and I know she enjoys the fact she had you for a daughter...because you have a heart big enough to let her in again,” he explained at her raised eye-brows. Mac smiled in return.
Glancing in the rear view mirror, Harm noticed that Tom and AJ were riding together in a car behind them.
“Did you know that AJ and Tom were going to be there today?” Harm asked.
“Actually I did.”
“Oh really? Are there more surprises in store for me today?” Harm asked.
“Maybe,” Mac answered with an evasive shrug and grin.
“Fess up Marine,” Harm coaxed trying to find out what lay ahead. He was already emotionally spent today and concerned that he would have a melt down before he got back to the privacy of their mountain road home.
“You’ll be fine,” she assured him. Harm gave her a sideways look and she just smiled.
1540 Local
Burnett Residence
La Jolla, California
AJ Chegwidden, Tom Boone, Trish, Frank, Mac and Harm enjoyed a quiet lunch on the patio when they returned to the house. Tom and AJ kept the festivities going by telling Frank and Trish about some of their earlier exploits with the father and son duo.
“I never had the pleasure of meeting you father, but I have a feeling if all Tom is saying is true, he would have needed you to become a lawyer just to bale him out,” AJ told him shaking his head.
“You know, AJ,” Trish jumped in. “I think that Harm would have been a lawyer no matter what his father had done...even when he was a little kid he had to keep digging until he was sure there was no more information that he needed. Oh, excuse me,” she said as the phone rang. “Burnett Residence....yes he is...One moment please...Harm, its for you.” Trish handed her son the portable phone. He never her saw her nod to Mac or the wink.
“Hello?”
[How are you my brother, the Cap-I-tan?]
“Sergei?”
[You have more then one Russian brother?]
“No of course not...its good to hear from you. Did Mac set this up?”
[No...it was Mr. And Mrs. Burnett...they’ve been very good to me - to us...Galina and me.]
“Are you planning to come to the states soon?”
[Not for awhile. You see, you are about to be an uncle and we do not want to travel until after the baby is older.]
“Congratulations! That’s wonderful, Sergei.”
[Are you and Mac going to start your family soon?]
“We hope so. We just settled into a house last month. We have plenty of room if you decide to come over and stay with us awhile.”
[Thank you...maybe next year when we have vacation. I have a good job now and Galina is on maternity leave. She won’t be able to take time off until next year.]
“Let’s try to plan something. Maybe next summer Mac and I can make it to Russia for a short visit.”
[That would be good. I wanted to tell you good luck as Cap-I-tan.]
“Thanks Sergei. I love you brother.” Harm disconnected the call and looked around at his mother and Frank. He had known that Mac understood his need to keep a connection with his brother, but this meant that his mother and step-father understood it too. He took a deep breath to maintain his composure. He felt Mac squeeze his hand under the table to convey her silent support. It was exactly what he needed at that moment. Looking around his eyes bright he grinned at his family and friends.
“So...are you two going to stay around long enough for us to get in a round of golf?” Harm asked Tom and AJ. “We have plenty of room at our place.”
“Can we get tee time tomorrow?” asked Boone.
“Yes. Mac and I have gone the last couple of Saturdays. All we have to do is be there by zero-seven hundred tomorrow.”
“You sure you want us both at your house?” AJ asked.
“We have two guest rooms all made up,” Mac assured the men.
“Sounds good to me. What do you say Mac? Shall you and I take on the two pilots tomorrow?” asked AJ.
1845 Local
Rabb Residence
San Diego
The four friends sat around the table enjoying Harm’s lasagna, salad and garlic bread. The reminiscing they had started that afternoon continued as they recalled other friends from JAG - like Bud, Harriet, Tiner, Gunny, Skates and even Webb.
“Remember the time Tiner loaded that screen saver on your computer Admiral and was convinced you were getting transmissions from outer space?” Harm asked.
“Oh yeah...Webb ended up getting off of there for me. The man did have his uses.” AJ added.
“There were times I considered him a good friend...and if I saw him right now, I could probably shake his hand and be civil to the man. But I’m not sure if I can ever totally forgive him for what he put Mac through,” Harm admitted with his jaw somewhat clenched.
“Honey, you need to let go of that,” Mac urged him.
“I know, Mac...but when it comes to you and your safety, I get a little crazy.”
“At least you’ve finally comes to terms with that and have started handling it better. There was a while there I didn’t know what to do with either of you. Hell, I could handle gung-ho Marines and Naval Lawyers shooting holes in the courtroom ceilings. But when I had to figure out how to handle the two of you when neither of you would admit to what we all saw between you...” AJ shook his head...”I lost control and you finally pushed me over the edge. Problem was I still thought a lot of both of you...you were family. I tried tough love with Harm and that didn’t work cause everyone else fell apart around me without Harm’s influence. I’m glad we were able to get beyond that.”
“You can get upset with family, but you’re still there for them because they are family,” Mac smiled. “I’m glad you’re both here. I know how much it means to Harm to have you share today with him...and I know he also has trouble saying that kind of stuff, so I’m saying it for him.”
“And I agree with her. Its good to have you here...look, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go downstairs and work out for a little while...I need some time to process all that’s happened today. Excuse me,” Harm rose as the other men nodded. Mac watched him leave and listened for the music to come on.
“I was actually surprised when he invited you to come and stay here tonight...but it’s a good sign that he’s getting more and more comfortable learning to deal with his feelings about his father and his own life. He often will go downstairs and work out when he’s had a stressful day or if we have a disagreement over something. It clears his head and helps him put things in perspective.” Mac explained.
“Mac, I’ve got to ask...are things good between you or are you putting on an act for me?” Tom Boone asked.
“Things are good Tom...great even. He loves the job at Naval Justice School and he flies caps out of Miramar one weekend a month. He’s making arrangements to get his Stearman out here, too.”
“He really doesn’t miss JAG?” AJ asked.
“I thought he would. When he was in London, he had a taste of administration. He did a good job and he enjoyed training the lawyers that were there. The previous CO had really narrowed the focus of what each one did and he did nothing to teach them to be better. Harm gave them the confidence to try new things and then he taught them the importance of going after the truth and making that the focus. They all became better because of it.”
“So how did he find out about the job at NJS?” Tom asked.
“After our honeymoon, when he had to leave me and go back, he was not at all happy. He said it was killing hi to be over there and have me here. So he started looking on the duty rosters to see where there were needs. He spotted the opening at NJS, and it clicked for him that it would be a perfect match for him. He submitted the paperwork and he was approved later the same day. His orders were cut the next day and he headed home.
“I’ve needed him at JAG a couple of times and he’s been there filling in and he works in most of his stints helping us with teaching his students. Today’s news was a bit of a surprise...he hadn’t expected it this soon.”
“Pretty heady stuff today,” AJ admitted.
“He had no idea you two were going to be there, or that his father would be honored to that extent. He’s been keeping a lot of emotions in check all day. He needed to release them and working out will take the edge off.”
“You two have always had a connection that couldn’t be explained. Even when you were fighting you couldn’t leave each other alone.” AJ shook his head.
Harm rejoined them for coffee an hour later after his shower. He apologized for taking off on them and they just brushed it off.
2235 Local
Rabb Bedroom
San Diego
“Sorry I took off and left you with AJ and Tom like that.”
“Its okay...I was surprised you invited them knowing how you were feeling emotionally drained. You okay now?”
“I guess...”
“Come here, Harm...let me hold you tonight,” Mac offered as she turned to him in bed.
“I’d rather lose myself in you instead,” he whispered as he began placing kisses on her neck.
“That would work too...”Mac murmured giving in to the sensations he had already stirred in her.
CHAPTER 13
Wednesday November 23, 2005
Bus Station
San Diego
Harm and Mac waited side by side in uniform for Deanna Mackenzie to step off the bus that had just pulled up at the terminal. Mac had been a wreck worrying about whether or not her mother would actually get on the bus and make the trip to spend Thanksgiving with them in their home. Even now they weren’t sure she had made the trip. She felt Harm touch her shoulder and she looked at where he was pointing.
“She came...Oh Harm...she really made the trip.”
“Let’s go meet her. She looks like she’s struggling with some of her luggage,” Harm urged Mac forward, always the gentlemen coming to the rescue.
“Deanna? Let me help you with that.” Harm greeted his mother-in-law.
“Hi Mom...”
“Sarah...thank you for doing this for me.”
“You’re welcome.” The sounds from the bag she handed to Harm got their attention. “Mom...what’s in the bag?”
“Well I know how much you’ve always loved animals and when we talked about Ruggles and how my taking him with me had effected you, I thought I would make a gesture to replace him...if you want her...I can always take her home with me if you don’t want her...”
“Mom?” Harm was unzipping the bag and a scruffy white and tan face popped out of the bag. “It’s a dog?” Mac exclaimed.
“A puppy actually. She’s just a mutt but she reminded me of Ruggles when he was a puppy. I thought now you have a house, you might like to have her.” Deanna explained, her nervousness clearly visible.
“Oh what a cutie! Harm she looks just like Ruggles....do you mind?” Mac leaned close to the puppy poking her head out of the now opened carry case.
“No, Honey...I don’t mind at all. This was a lovely thought Deanna. Shall we get out of here...I’m sure this little fur ball would love to get out and run around after being cooped up in here.” Harm smiled indulgently at his wife and her mother.
Mac hugged her mother and walked arm in arm with her to the car while Harm followed with the puppy and the luggage. He shook his head and smiled in amazement. It certainly was turning into an interesting day.
By the time Mac had picked him up to go to the bus station they were pushed for time. He hadn’t had a chance to tell her about his news and now felt that tonight when they turned into for the night would be the best time. He had big news to give her. He thought back to his morning.
<Flashback>
“Captain Rabb?” Harm looked up at the voice in his office doorway. His clerk had gone for her lunch break and he was alone in the office reading some papers while he ate his salad.
“Ensign Price...come in. What can I do for you?” Harm asked pointing to the chair in front of his desk.
“Sir, I know you’re no longer my advisor, now you’re in charge and all...but I didn’t know who else to go to and when I saw you and Colonel Rabb on the list I decided to take a chance and come see you myself.” The young Ensign was obviously nervous about something.
“Heather, take a breath and relax and then just tell me what this is all about.”
“Sir, I made a big mistake last summer and I discovered that I’m pregnant. I thought about getting an abortion but I couldn’t do it. I decided I would look into giving my baby up for adoption...I had one stipulation sir...I wanted to meet the prospective adoptive parents. I want them to know my story so they can tell my child the truth about everything...when the time is right. Anyway, I saw your name on the list and well I wanted to talk to you and see if you would be willing to adopt my baby.” Finally she stopped and raised watery eyes to his astounded face.
“Heather...”
“Please sir...I won’t try to take the baby back someday...when I put this baby in your arms or your wives, its your to keep. I have insurance sir...I don’t need anything from you financially. I need peace of mind. I know you and your wife will be good role models and you’ll love this baby and raise it to be respectful and caring and honest.”
“Ensign Price...you’ve obviously given it a lot of thought about what you want for your child. And its true, my wife and I are considering adoption but we are also hoping to have a child of our own. Would you object to your child be a part of a family made of both adopted and natural children?”
“No sir. I like the idea that the baby will have siblings. I never did.”
“Were you adopted?”
“No sir. I was an only child.”
“You understand that I’ll need to talk this over with my wife?”
“Of course sir.”
“And the father will need to terminate his rights as well.”
“Not a problem sir. He’s already signed over his parental rights to the child...I have the paperwork and its filed.”
“And we’ll want to know his name and a medical history...for the child’s sake. It can be in a sealed envelope that we turn over to the doctor for the medical files,” Harm raised the bar higher. He had to make sure this girl wouldn’t change her mind.
“The medical history is with the copy of the termination of paternal rights.”
“Sounds like a lawyer...” Harm muttered.
“Yeah, Vic’s a lawyer.”
“Vic? As in Gregory Vukovic?”
“Yes sir...do you know him?” asked Ensign Price.
“Our paths have crossed. When are you due Ensign?”
“April, sir. I’m four months along.”
“If the Colonel and I agree to do this...we’ll want to be at all the medical exams and have you stay with us the last month of the pregnancy. We’d like to be there for the delivery as well.”
“Yes sir...I’ll share as much of the pregnancy with you both as I can.”
“Very well. I’ll discuss this with my wife over the Thanksgiving break and I’ll tell you our answer when we come back on Monday.”
“Thank you sir.”
“No promises, Ensign Price.”
“I know sir.”
<End flashback>
“Harm? Harm! Where’d you go?” Mac laughed as she shook his arm.
“Sorry...daydreaming I guess.” He unlocked the car and they got in and made their way back to the house in the hills. Harm smiled listening to Mac and her mother reminiscing about their old dog Ruggles and comparing him to this little fur ball. As usual nothing ever happened for them like it would have for most people. Today in itself was another perfect example.
Most people try having a child for months even years before they decide to adopt. Harm and Mac lost a baby before they even knew they were pregnant, decide to get on an adoption list, have someone see their names (so much for confidentiality), and offer them a baby, and don’t forget the gift of a puppy.
Deanna had brought enough food for a few days, some toys and a leash. They opted to head home right away and let the puppy play in the fenced in yard and get some exercise. Mac and her mother were already talking about suitable names for the mutt with little luck.
When they got home, Mac set the puppy on the ground and called to her to follow. The puppy ran and jumped but followed Mac all over the front lawn. Mac brought her to an area of bushes and instructed the puppy to do her business. She responded right away to Mac’s delight.
Once in the house, the puppy made a game of sliding on the wood floors as she followed Deanna and Mac on a tour around the house. They had gone down stairs first and then up to the bedrooms. Harm had already put the bags in Deanna’s room. He then headed down to get dinner ready for them.
Deanna and Mac were planning to make Thanksgiving Dinner together tomorrow. His mother and Frank would be joining them. It would be the first Thanksgiving dinner in years he had shared with his mother and not his grandmother, Sarah Rabb. Her health had deteriorated in the past year, and she didn’t feel up to traveling.
2315 Local
Harm and Mac’s Bedroom
Rabb Residence
“Harm, what’s wrong? You’ve been distracted all evening.”
“Sorry Honey...I have something I want to talk to you about but I needed to wait until we were alone.”
“I’m listening now.”
“I know...I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.”
“Try the beginning.”
“Cute Marine...okay...one of the Ensign’s I advised before I changed my role at NJS, came to see me today. She’s four months pregnant and she wants to give the baby up for adoption. She saw our names on a list and decided we were perfect for her baby. The father had already signed over his parental rights...and provided a medical history. Mac...we know the father.”
“We do?”
“Vic.”
“Vukovic? And she’s only an ensign? I’ll have his ass!”
“Honey, calm down...let’s think about this rationally. Does he really seem like father material to you?”
“No.”
“Then isn’t it better for the baby that he not pretend to care?”
“You’re right...I think I’ll put a bug in someone’s ear just the same.”
“Alright...but do you want to take this baby that’s being offered to us?”
“Will she let us be at the exams and the birth?”
“Yes. And she says she won’t change her mind.”
Mac wrapped her arms around her husband and squeezed his waist. “Yes...I want to adopt her baby.”
“Me too.” Harm grinned and said, “Now we not only have to think of a name for the dog but one for a baby as well.”
“What about muffin - as in rag-a-muffin?” Harm asked.
“For a baby!”
“Mac!” Mac burst out laughing at his shocked expression.
“Actually I like it...Muffin...Muffy...Muff...yup - good answer, Sailor.”
“You’re enjoying having your mother here aren’t you?”
“I am. I was nervous she wouldn’t show...but now she’s here it does feel good.”
Harm kissed her forehead and then each eye, the tip of her nose, and finally her lips. “I love you Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.”
“Good thing, Sailor...I love you too.”
0840 Local
Thanksgiving Day
Rabb Kitchen
Rabb Residence
Muffin was out in the fenced yard running around while Mac and Deanna worked in the kitchen. They had started two and a half hours ago with food preparation and now, with the turkey in the oven they were sitting down to enjoy breakfast with fresh breakfast rolls and coffee. They called Harm from the den where he was reading papers written by his NJS students for International Law.
“Muffin out in the yard still?” asked Harm as he relaxed in his chair to finish his coffee.
“Yes. I found that old volleyball and tossed it into the yard for her to play with. She’s been playing with it ever sense,” Mac told him.
“She’ll be exhausted. How old do you think she is?” Harm asked.
“At the kennel they thought she was about six or seven months old. She’s been spayed already and had her shots.”
“She’s still got some growing to do. She’ll be a nice size dog...although she’ll out grow that carrier soon,” Harm chuckled.
“I know...but they thought it would be more for her to be secure and it would be easier to handle on the bus and all,” Deanna exclaimed.
“True...I’m just thinking that we should get a travel crate for her and maybe it could double for her bed at night. Putting her in the bathroom is okay, but it doesn’t give her a nice cozy bed.”
“Softy,” Mac winked at him.
“Am not,” Harm retorted with a grin. They looked at each other knowing where this exchanged was about to go later when they were alone. They both blushed hoping that Deanna hadn’t picked up on it. The fact that two married people their ages would blush was pretty telling.
“Well ladies, breakfast was delicious but I think I’ll go bring Muffin in and let her take a nap while I read more of these papers.”
“Harm?”
“Yes, Mac?”
“We’re going to watch the parades...are you going to join us?”
“Maybe in a little while...do you mind?”
“That’s fine...you are going to watch football with us later though right?”
“That’s why I want to get these papers read now. Football later, a walk to work off dinner, shopping tomorrow, Sea World on Saturday...” Harm smiled and waved as he strolled away.
“Sarah, can I ask you something?”
“Sure Mom.”
“Why doesn’t he ever call you Sarah?”
“He does sometimes...its just he’s known me as Mac for so long...it helped us to keep a distance between us when we worked together and couldn’t get involved...as more then friends. I think its become such a habit that its hard to break now. Why?”
“It’s just I always thought your name was so beautiful and it breaks my heart that he uses a masculine name for my beautiful, feminine daughter.”
“I’m sorry Mom...but for a long time, when Harm called me Sarah, it made me feel special...almost like an endearment. He certainly couldn’t call me Honey, or Dear in public when we were on duty...and I think because his grandmother is Sarah also it was less confusing at times.”
“Well I’m sure you have your reasons, but in front of me I wish he wouldn’t call you Mac.”
“I’ll talk to him about it, Mom.” Mac looked at her mother. She could understand in a way what her mother was saying, but her mother also didn’t understand how a nickname could help a person to fit in. She knew she’d talk it over with Harm, but she also knew that she still liked people calling her Mac...its who she was - especially in uniform.
Deanna and Sarah made pumpkin pie and apple pie. They made homemade rolls, and prepared the potatoes to go in the oven. She was glad that Harm had insisted on updating the kitchen and getting the larger stove with the multiple oven units. She wouldn’t have bothered for herself, but now that she had them, she was glad.
“So Sarah, have you and Harm talked about having children again?” Deanna asked.
“Yes Mom, we have. We’ve decided that we are going to let nature take its course. If I get pregnant again...”
“You were pregnant?” Deanna exclaimed.
“Yes, but I didn’t know it until I lost the baby.”
“Anyway, if I get pregnant again, then we will be very happy. But we aren’t getting any younger and so we are going to adopt children as well. As a matter of fact, we may get our first child in April.”
“Really. And you’ll be happy bringing up someone else’s children?” Deanna asked with a frown.
“Yes...because we’ll do it together. We’ll love the child for the person they are...not based on the child’s parents. This is something we’ve wanted for a long time now.”
“Well I suppose...I don’t know if I’ll be able to really thinking of them as grandchildren, but I’ll try.”
“Thank you Mom...it would mean a lot to me if you could be a regular part of their lives.”
1500 Local
Rabb Residence
San Diego
The phone rang as they came inside after their after dinner walk. Harm grabbed the phone as he passed.
“Hello?”
[Happy Thanksgiving Harm.]
“Mattie! Happy Thanksgiving to you. How are you?”
[Good. I just talked to Chloe. She said that she might be coming out there during the holidays.]
“Well, she asked us about it, but we have other plans. How are you coming on your rehab?”
[Fine. Harm did you just change the subject on me?]
“Yes.”
[Well stop it. I want to talk to you about coming for a visit too.]
“So do I...just not at the Christmas break.”
[Are you just being difficult?...Cause if you are I can figure this out...]
“No Mattie its nothing like that. Actually, Mac and I were planning to go to Vermont on a ski trip over the holidays and we were going to have you and Chloe join us for a few days while we are there. It was going to be part of your Christmas surprise.”
[Oh.]
“You don’t sound enthusiastic about it.”
[I can’t ski.]
“Can you drink cocoa?”
[Yes]
“And sit by the fire? Sing songs? Listened to bands play? Make a snowman?”
[Yes...yes...yes...yes]
“Then you can have some fun at the lodge with us.”
[Oh]
“Mattie, I wouldn’t ask you to do something that would set you back, but I got the impression you were doing good and that a ski trip wouldn’t hurt you. The doctor even said you could snowshoe or cross country ski. He does want you to avoid speed skiing or downhill...but thought both snowshoes and cross country would be good.”
[Thank you Harm]
“Listen, Chloe doesn’t know yet....so don’‘t talk about it with her until she mentions it to you. Got it?”
[Does this mean I get a different surprise now?]
“No it doesn’t” Harm said all the while knowing that it was exactly what would happen.
[Can I talk to Mac?]
“Yes. How’s your Dad?”
[He’s doing good. He’s had a few rough days but we got a hold of his sponsor and her was able to keep it together.]
“That’s good. Here’ Mac.”
“Hi Mattie.”
[Mac, I have no idea what to get for Harm for Christmas. Can you email me some ideas?]
“Sure. Let me think about it.”
[Okay. See you around Christmas I guess.]
“Yes we will. We love you Mattie.”
[I love you guys too.]
After hanging up the phone, Mac turned to Harm. “I think I’ll call Chloe before she can this time.” Just then the phone rang again. “Guess I’m too late...Hi Chloe.”
[How’d you know that was me...oh caller ID.]
“No. No caller ID - at least on this phone.”
[Mattie?]
“Yes. I just hung up the phone and was going to call you when it rang.” Mac chuckled. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
[Thanks...Happy Thanksgiving to you guys too.]
“Look Chloe...Harm and I aren’t going to be home for Christmas this year. We’re going away. You can come out and spend another Christmas here.”
[Oh...I just told Mattie...]
“I know...she told us. We told her the same thing.”
[So can I come out maybe during my winter break in February?]
“Sure...you weren’t able to arrange anything for college tours?”
[No. But if I come in February I can visit them then I guess.]
“Sure you can. I’m sure Mattie would love to check them out in case she can’t get into Annapolis.”
[She said she’s doing well enough in her rehab that her doctors are telling her it’s a realistic goal. That’s really good.]
“It is.” Mac waited because she knew Chloe wasn’t done with the Christmas issue. It was a matter of time before she asked where Mac and Harm were going. Chloe didn’t disappoint her.
[So, where are you and Mr. Bodacious going on honeymoon two?]
“Chloe!”
[Sorry, Mac...he’s just so cute!]
“Actually we’re going skiing. We’ve got reservation at a ski lodge and we’re just going to get away.”
[Where?]
“Vermont...I think Stowe.”
[Really?!? You’re coming here? Can I come visit for a couple of days? Maybe ski with you one day and you can go shopping with me another day? Harm could give you up for a couple of days couldn’t he?]
“He could...but he won’t have to.”
[Oh...okay...]
“Because Mattie’s going to come stay with us too for a few days.”
[Really?]
“Really. Oh course now you two know what you’re Christmas surprise was going to be, there won’t be much under the tree.”
[That’s okay. This is going to be so cool!] Mac laughed as Chloe’s usual exuberance came right back. [I really hate you being so far away you know.]
“I know honey...but maybe if you end up going to college out here we’ll be able to spend more time together...Muffin stop.” Mac scolded the puppy who was tugging on her jean pant leg.
[Who’s Muffin?]
“Our puppy. We just got her. I think she needs to go out...or she could be jealous I’m talking on the phone.”
[Where’s Harm?]
“Watching football with my mother right here.”
[I forgot you said she was coming. How’s that going?]
“Great...look, we’ll be in touch with more details in a week or two. I’ll talk to you then.”
[Okay Mac...I love you.]
“Love you too Chloe.”
“She okay with the change of plans, Mac?” Harm asked.
“Very okay with it.”
Later that night when they were gong to bed, Harm wrapped Mac in his arms and kissed her. She shifted her hips against his acknowledging his arousal. He whispered to her, “I told you I wasn’t a softy.”
Once again he showed her how much pleasure his hardness could give when matched up to her softness.
CHAPTER 14
1625 Local
December 2, 2005
Naval Medical Center
San Diego
Harm walked with his hand on the small of Mac’s back as he guided her into the social services office at the hospital. Ensign Heather Price was there ahead of them.
“This is Ensign Heather Price. Heather, my wife, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.”
“Nice to meet you Ensign Price.”
“Thank you for coming Ma’am...Sir...please call me Heather...this is too personal a situation and I would feel better if you would call me Heather...if you don’t mind.”
Harm and Mac exchanged glances. “Why don’t we all use first names when we aren’t in uniform or when off duty?” Mac suggested. “Most people call me Mac, even though my mother doesn’t like it.”
“Okay Mac...Sir...I’d rather just call you Captain if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. And you must be Commander Reiner,” Harm said turning to the woman behind the desk watching the exchanges between the young woman and the more mature couple.
“Yes I am. If you have a seat, we’ll begin...Heather tells me that she has approached you about adopting her baby and that you are interested in doing that. Would you explain to me why you are considering adoption?”
Harm held Mac’s hand for courage knowing it was going to be rough on her rehashing this all again. He also knew he couldn’t tell her story for her.
“I have endometriosis. There is a chance I could get pregnant...but my last pregnancy ended in a miscarriage before we even realized I was pregnant. Harm and I have always wanted to raise a family together. We also both have teenagers we’ve played a significant role in raising along with their families. We love those two girls as much as if they were our own daughters. As much as I want to go through the experience of pregnancy myself, there is no guarantee that can happen. If it does, then we would still want to adopt. We have the capacity to love a large family. Harm grew up an only child and so did I. We both want something different for our children.”
“Thank you. I know this isn’t easy for you to share personal information and decisions with strangers. However, if you move forward with this, Heather will be exposing herself and a very private and personal experience with you both. She is willing to do that for the sake of her child.”
“We understand. We will also be sensitive to that,” Harm reassured them.