Title: Following Seas (The Sequel to Fair Winds)

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: Captain and Lt. Colonel Rabb are making a life for them and their new family in San Diego.

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:

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 live and love for ever.

Anything that doesn’t seem accurate, chalk up to creative license. I do research to a point...but some things have to be a certain way to work for my story...so I make it so.

FOLLOWING SEAS

CHAPTER 1

March 30, 2006

0830 Local

Dr. Melissa Bevins Office

Healthy Beginnings

San Diego, California

“How is everyone doing?” Dr. Bevins asked as Harm and Mac brought Heath and Tori Rabb in for their two week check-up.

“A little more tired then we anticipated, but we’re doing good.” Harm smiled.

“Harm has been a tremendous help as have our mothers.” Mac added with a tired smile.

“But it doesn’t help much when you’re the one that is producing the nutrients for these two. Are you pumping?”

“Yes. Harm always takes at least one shift alone during the night so that we can each get at least four hours of uninterrupted sleep. Last night I actually go six hours.”

“That’s very good. Are you eating enough or are you finding that you are losing weight?”

“I haven’t weighted myself. I’m certainly eating...I mean I’ve always had a big appetite, but there are days I can’t seem to get enough food.”

“Are you tired most of the time?”

“Yes, but with the schedule we have, I’m not surprised I’m tired.” Mac affirmed.

“Is the nursing too much for her?” asked Harm, only concerned about her welfare.

“For now I think Mac needs to make the call on that. What do you think?”

“I think as long as the babies are doing well and Harm keeps cooking me such wonderful meals, I’ll be fine.”

“If it gets too much will you tell us?” pressed Dr. Bevins.

“Yes.” Mac caught the glance Harm gave her and had to chuckle. “I promise Harm.”

“Hang on to this guy, Colonel...he’s a keeper by the sounds.”

“Yeah, he is.” Mac smiled at Harm.

“Well, let’s take a look at Tori first, shall we?” Dr. Bevins suggested.

Mac reached down and picked up her daughter who was awake, unlike her sleeping brother, Heath.

“I’m going to ask you to strip her down including her diaper so we can weigh her, then you can put her diaper back on.” Dr. Bevins instructed. Together Harm and Mac undressed their little girl, who was not at all happy about being disrobed and passed over to the doctor. Her loud angry cry brought a smile from the doctor.

“Good lungs. I take it she’s not crazy about being undressed.”

“Not at all.” Mac smiled.

“Okay Tori, let’s get you weighed and at least start the dressing process again.” Dr. Bevins lay the child on the scales which had a soft cloth liner in it. “Very good. She is certainly thriving Colonel. Ssshhh, Tori...here comes your diaper.” Tori was returned to Mac who quickly re-diapered her daughter and handed her back to the doctor.

“Okay, we’ll be quick...if you could each help hold her, I’ll measure her length. I don’t anticipate much change yet...well a quarter of an inch is great.” They watched Dr. Bevins move Tori’s limbs and look at her eyes that they had noticed seemed to be taking on a distinct green color instead of the newborn blue they had been. Her dark brown hair was wispy but beginning to thicken a little on top.

Tori continued to fuss and express her dislike of the exam. When Dr. Bevins done, she handed her back to Harm. He began dressing his daughter and her cries quieted right away. Mac in the meantime was undressing Heath after waking him up.

She loosened the diaper but did not remove it. Dr. Bevins gave her a questioning look.

“I would suggest for the sake of dryness, you leave his diaper on or at least over him...when the air hits him, he pees,” Mac explained with a chuckle.

“Not unusual. We’ll just leave it here for now,” the doctor smiled as she lifted Heath and put him in the scale. Carefully removing the diaper, she held it over him as she checked the scales. “Excellent progress.” She dropped the diaper over him as she picked him up and put him on the examining table. She removed the diaper then to make sure he had healed properly and there were no signed of infection. Dr. Bevins was pleased to see that he in fact was fine. She just managed to get the diaper over him when the water works went off. They all laughed as they grabbed a dry diaper and put it on.

Dr. Bevins continued her examination and pronounced that both babies were definitely thriving. She instructed them to schedule a follow up appointment in two weeks and left them to finish dressing Heath so they could leave.

Harm and Mac returned to the car and reattached the carriers to the car seat bases. Mac drove as she would drop Harm off at his office while she returned home.

“Mac, are you heading straight home?” Harm asked as they drove the short distance back to his office at the Naval Justice School in San Diego.

“Actually I was going to stop by and see my mother for a few minutes and see if she wanted to come home with me for a little while. I can bring her back when I come back for you later.”

“Look, why don’t I just have Frank bring me home. He wanted to play golf today anyway.” Harm suggested.

“Will you be late?”

“No. He was going to meet me at fourteen hundred to tee off at the Naval Station Golf Course.”

“So you’re only going to play nine?”

“I think so. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. Maybe I’ll just go home and call my mother. I forget she got her driver’s license. Maybe she can drive out to see us instead,” Mac decided. She pulled up and stopped in front of NJS to let Harm out.

“I love you....see you later.”

“Count on it.”

Harm headed to his office. He saw a young brown haired ensign waiting by his office door. “Ensign Price. Are you waiting for me?”

“Yes sir. Could I speak with you in private sir?”

“Of course. Come on in. Petty Officer Hurley, please hold any calls while I’m with Ensign Price,” Harm instructed his office assistant. She certainly was nothing like Coates. There were times he missed having some of the old JAG crew around. She was taking college courses and trying to complete her degree in psychology. Harm was proud of the changes she had made in her life.

“Have a seat Ensign...what can I do for you,” Harm asked as he shut the door to his office.

“Well, it’s been two weeks and I know you had an appointment for the twins. How are they doing?”

“Dr. Bevins announced that they are thriving.”

“Good.”

“Heather, do you need to see the babies?”

“No sir...but I know if they are thriving that I can stop pumping and have the shot so that I not longer produce milk for them.”

“I’m sorry, Heather. We should have let you know. I guess we forgot with all the excitement to keep you posted. You know you can call anytime.”

“Yes sir. I have spoken to Deanna and it sounded like it was going well. I’m seeing the doctor later, so I wanted to check with you first. I’m glad its going well...and I would love to see a picture sir.”

“Heather...are you having any regrets?”

“No sir. It was the right thing to do for everyone. I need to be on my way now.”

“Very well. You’re dismissed...Ensign?”

“Yes?”

“Can I expect you back in the classroom next week?”

“Yes sir.”

“Very good.”

1400 Local

First Tee

Naval Air Station Golf Course

“Harm. Glad you could make it.”

“Thanks Frank. Mac and I talked it over and decided that a little fresh air would do me good. Would you mind giving me a ride home after? Mac brought me in this morning so we could all make the doctor’s appointment for the babies.”

“No problem...can I come in and see them?”

“Of course, Grampa.” Harm smiled. He was glad that their support network was so strong. “Do you think you and Gramma would be able to watch them for a few hours Saturday night?”

“Sure. Business of pleasure?”

“Pleasure...Mac seems very tired and she’s not use to being tied to home the way she is now. I wanted to take her out to dinner and maybe let her get a good nights sleep for a change.”

“Good for you son. You’re mother and I are very proud of you - the way you pitch in and help and the way you do little extras for her.”

“That means a lot. I guess you and Mom raised me to think about the little things a husband should do for his wife...his partner. I wasn’t really good about it when I was single and trying to build relationships, but with Mac, it just comes naturally - feels right.”

“Are you enjoying parenthood?”

“Yeah...dirty diapers, no sleep, no time for us, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world, Frank.” Harm and Frank relaxed and chatted throughout the nine holes of golf. They were loading up Frank’s car when the subject of family cars came up.

“Mac still running her Corvette or are you using it and letting her use the Pacifica?”

“I usually use the Corvette, but its being serviced and we’ve got to wait for a part to come in.”

“We just got a new shipment of vehicles in...is it getting time for two family cars?” Frank asked Harm half kiddingly.

“It could be Frank. What you got in mind?”

“Well you know the new mini-vans are pretty popular,” Frank stated.

“A mom car...”

“What?”

“That’s what I told her a minivan was once...just before she ended up with the Corvette.”

“Talk to her about it Harm. I can get you a great deal on the newest model.”

“You know what Frank. The Corvette is paid for and with my promotion I think we can handle another car payment. Why don’t you see what you can do me and I’ll surprise her.”

“What color do you think she’s like?”

“She’s partial to red...what else looks sporty?”

“We could do one with detailing and really jazz it up.”

“Sounds good. Let me know when its ready.”

1845 Local

Rabb Residence

San Diego

“I think Heath finally caved in. He was wound tonight. Muffin is standing guard on the nursery again,” Harm told her as he slid his arms around Mac’s waist from behind and nuzzled her neck. “Mmmm you smell good.”

“Baby powder or garlic?” Mac asked as she rested against his strong body.

“What?”

“Do you prefer the smell of baby powder or garlic? That’s the only thing I can think of that you could smell?”

“No...you smell like you...warm, sexy...” Harm turned her so he could kiss her lips.

“Harm...”

“You’re not really in the mood are you?”

“I’m sorry...”

“Don’t apologize. Can I at least hold you tonight?” Harm asked as he nuzzled her ear again.

“Of course. Harm I don’t know what’s wrong with me. It’s like I have no interest in sex right now.”

“You’re tired.”

“It’s more then that,” Mac tried to explain.

“What if my mother and Frank watch the twins for us Saturday night so I can take you out to dinner and we can have some time alone. Think that would help?”

“It might...if I’m not too tired.”

“Honey, I’ll be home all day Saturday. You can take a nap and I’ll take care of the twins. I’ll take them over to my folks house and then go get them later...what do you say?”

“I say I’m a very lucky woman to have you for a husband. When did you learn to be so thoughtful?”

“When I grew up?” Harm grinned. “Come on...dinner smells fantastic. Let’s enjoy it while we can.”

Heath and Tori slept through dinner and Mac pumped her milk and then took a bath while Harm cleaned up the kitchen. When he was done, he checked the bottle supply and went to get the new milk she had just pumped and put it up for her. They had quite a bit in the freezer but this was important as Harm tried to give them bottles at night as often as he could. Sometimes Mac would nurse one baby while he bottle fed the other. The next time they would switch.

He went back upstairs to check on Mac to find her wrapped in a towel sitting on the side of the bed and crying.

“Mac, Honey, what’s wrong?” Harm asked as he sat next to her and pulled her against him, letting her head rest in the hollow of his shoulder.

“I’m sorry...You’re so good to me and I can’t even find the energy to make love anymore...and when we do, I’m afraid I’m going to be so sore that I won’t enjoy you touching my breasts anymore and I’ve always loved the way your hands feel on my body...on my breasts...” she hiccoughed as she cried harder.

Harm rubbed her back lightly and just let her cry while he tried to sooth her with words of love.

“Honey it’s okay...we’re okay...your life has really changed-more then mine. When we make love, it had to be right for both of us.”

“I know Harm...but I hate feeling like this...tired...weepy...and yet I love being a mother. I absolutely love taking care of the babies...but I want to feel like a woman too.”

“And you don’t?”

“No...yes...I mean...yes I feel like a motherly woman, but not a sexy turn your husband on with a look kind of woman.”

“Trust me Mac, you turn me on...”

“And I have no interest in doing a thing about it right now! That’s the part I hate. I use to get turned on knowing I was turning you on. Now, its like, I hope he’s tired tonight because I don’t want to tell him no...but I don’t want sex.” Mac hid her face against him and let the tears come again.

“Ssshhhh it’s okay...we’ll get through this. Did you talk to anyone about it?”

“Oh so now you think its in my head? Great!” Mac jumped up and paced still wrapped in her towel.

“That’s not what I meant. Did you talk to the doctor about this?”

“Oh...no not yet. I thought you meant a shrink.”

“I know and that’s not what I was referring to at all.”

“See, I’m jumpy too...and no!”

“What Mac?”

“Look at me...I pumped my breasts just before I took my bath and I’m already leaking.” She gestured to the towels that were showing the tell tale circular wet patterns.

“Honey, how many times a day are you pumping?” Harm asked.

“At least six times during the day.”

“And nursing?”

“I nurse both babies about every three to four hours and I always pump once in between.”

“Oh...I thought you were only pumping in the morning and a couple of times in the evening. Mac, that seems like a lot.”

“I know, but it just keeps coming.”

“I think you should call the doctor.”

“No! He might make me stop nursing.” Mac cried desperately.

“Okay...relax...maybe it will quiet down soon. But Mac, its no wonder you’re tired and sore. Does it hurt to nurse?”

“Sometimes...but usually its okay.”

“Why don’t you get dressed in something comfortable and come curl up and watch a movie with me...maybe something funny?”

“Okay...I’m really sorry about falling apart tonight.”

“It’s good you are talking to me Marine. We’ll get through this.”

CHAPTER 2

1349 Local

Friday

Captain Rabb’s Office

NJS

“Yes Dr. Dillard...thank you for returning my call.”

[What can I do for you?]

“I need some information. I discovered last night that my wife is producing an awful lot of breast milk. She nurses both twins every three to four hours all day and has to pump in between. She pumped last night and within less then two hours, she was leaking. She’s exhausted and sore.” Harm explained tot he doctor.

“We can give her a shot that will reduce her lactating,” suggested Dr. Dillard.

“She’s afraid you’ll make her stop nursing.”

“Not necessarily, but she should be checked out. Can you get her in here today?”

“I’ll see what I can do. I’ll tell my nurse to fit her in whenever she gets here.”

“Thank you.”

Harm hung up the phone and dialed his house. Mac answered on the second ring and he could hear a baby fussing in the background.

“Hey Mac...you sound busy.”

“Not bad...Tori wants her food.”

“Well I won’t keep you...but I wanted you to know that Dr. Dillard wants to see you.”

“Did you call him?”

“Yes I did. I told him that you did not want to stop nursing. He wants you to come in to his office today. He’ll fit you in.”

“Alright. I’ll get my mother to watch the twins. Harm...thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

1650 Local

Dr. Dillard’s Office

Naval Medical Center

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Colonel Mackenzie.”

“That’s alright... Thank you for fitting me in.”

“I understand that you’re plumbing is working over time.”

“If you mean my breast milk, then yes.”

“Slip your top off so I can examine you, please. I’ll be right back.” Dr. Dillard stepped out of the room and Mac removed her shirt and bra and slipped the hospital gown on to cover herself. Dr. Dillard was back immediately. “Let’s see what we’re dealing with.” He carefully slid the gown down her arms until he could see both breasts. “Lay back please...and raise one arm over your head, tucking your hand behind your head...as if you were going to do a breast exam.”

Mac did as she was instructed. He felt her breasts and the pressure of his hands alone, had milk oozing from her nipples. She had always been large breasted and her nipples had always been larger then most, but being full of milk, and breast feeding and pumping had made then extremely larger and Mac was self conscious of how her body looked with the large oozing nipples and the full, flabby appearance of her breasts. She had so far hidden them from Harm. Gone were the large but perky breasts that turned her husband on and in their place the equivalent of a singled teat udder...only she had two of them! She burst into tears then as the doctor examined her, completing her humiliation.

“Relax Mrs. Rabb. This is something we can take care of I think. I understand that you do not want to stop nursing.”

“That’s true.”

“Have you had a period since you started the hormone treatments and nursing?”

“No.”

“Then I want you to start taking these pills. They are a low dose of birth control. Now I know you are trying to have a baby of your own, but we need to get your cycle regulated again. The chemicals have messed up your system and we need to use the chemicals to get it to get back into a more normal pattern.”

“How long will I have to stay on them?”

“Give it a month or two. I think then you’re body will reprogram itself and you can stop taking them once it does. With twins, you should be able to produce enough milk for them to thrive and by pumping in the morning, you should have enough milk to tie you over until the next day. Once this slows down you should feel less tired and you should have more interest in other things. Go ahead and get dressed and then you can get this prescription filled. I would start it right away.”

“Thank you Dr. Dillard.”

At Mac’s request, Harm postponed their plans for Saturday night. Instead she told him she would rather wait until she was feeling up to going out with him...and tormenting him with what she was or wasn’t wearing under her dress. That in itself was enough to put Harm in an uncomfortable state that evening. The anticipation of what she might do and the anticipation of the actual night out, had him very uncomfortable.

By Sunday night Harm was in the worse mood she had seen him in. After getting the babies settled for the night, while the loyal dog Muffin once again taking her place at the nursery door, Mac turned her attention to Harm. Although she was not prepared or interested in her own sexual release, she had become aware of Harm’s needs and had made up her mind that it was time to explore some alternatives so that he could find a release. She had also spoken to Harriet who had told her about a few things she had learned herself.

“Harm...maybe tonight we could...try.”

“Try?”

“I want to try making love tonight.”

“Mac, we don’t need to force anything...I’d rather wait and just let it happen, like we usually do.”

“I know...but you’ve been out of sorts for the last few days and I thought maybe if you could at least have some release it would help...besides, you’ve always said my tongue was lethal,” Mac was going for light and teasing.

Harm tensed when he heard her words. She was trying to hard. She was trying to satisfy him, and he was about mutual gratification. Her willingness to sacrifice her own needs to ‘keep him happy’ upset him. That’s not what he wanted for them.

“I don’t think so Mac..”

“But why,” Mac cupped him with one hand as she slid the other across his chest.

“Mac, stop!”

“I’m trying to do something nice for you and you push me away. It figures!” Mac stormed as she turned and headed up the stairs. “You might as well sleep down here then!” Mac hollered over her shoulder.

Harm turned the lights off and pulled the blanket on the couch over him as he laid down. For the first time since they had been married, they were going to bed upset with each other. Harm didn’t sleep much even though he was comfortable on the couch.

Upstairs, Mac climbed into bed and cried into Harm’s pillow. She was still awake when she heard Heath cry. Getting up she went to him and picked him up in her arms. “Ssshhh sweet boy. Let’s get you into dry clothes. It doesn’t feel very comfy does it. Now let’s quiet down before you wake your sister.” Once she had him in dry clothes and nursing, he settled down and filled his tummy. She rocked him quietly as he drank his fill. His little hand resting on her breast was so delicate she had to touch it. He stopped eating and watched her face as she talked. She lifted him to get out any gas bubbles as she patted his back. When he did burp, he ended up spitting up a little on her shoulder.

“Okay, Heath...I think you’ve had enough. Let’s give your sister a chance.” Mac put him back in his crib and turned off the soft music before waking up Tori. She squirmed a little as Mac lifted her, but was in a full voice cry by the time Mac had changed her diaper. Rocking her didn’t settle the little girl down, so she tried walking her and singing to her. Nothing was helping. Tears of frustration filled her eyes as she kissed her daughter and begged her to calm down so she could eat.

Downstairs, Harm heard the crying and knew Tori was awake and unhappy. He usually took this feeding. Tori was turning into a creature of habit and he wasn’t there. It was likely she was upset because this was a break in routine. Harm quietly stood up and walked upstairs. He paused in the doorway of the nursery. Muffin laying next to Heath’s crib, while Mac sat in the chair holding Tori and trying to get her to settle down. He watched as Mac failed to make Tori comfortable.

“Here, let me try.” Harm’s quiet voice startled Mac. He took the crying infant from her arms, and almost immediately, she settled down. “Do you want to nurse her or have me give her the bottle?”

“I’d rather nurse her if she’ll take the nipple.”

Harm settled Tori in her mother’s arms and talked to her quietly until he was sure she was eating her fill. Mac looked up at him.

“Thank you.”

“Your welcome.”

“Are you coming to bed?”

“Do you want me to?”

“It’s up to you,” Mac informed him obviously still somewhat upset with him.

“Mac, I appreciate what you were trying to do...I really do...I’m sorry if I seemed ungrateful.

“You didn’t seem ungrateful Harm...just pigheaded as usual. I don’t want to discuss this now - while I’m nursing. I’m having enough trouble getting Tori to accept me at times.”

“You are?”

“You haven’t noticed?”

“I guess not.”

“I think the twins have favorite parents...at least Tori does. Heath seems happy most of the time. But with Tori, if she’s out of sorts, you are usually the one that can comfort her...not me.” Harm heard the sad dejected note in Mac’s voice as she spoke softly, her eyes never leaving the little girl at her breast.

“What can I do?”

“I guess nothing...she’s a girl and you’re you...I should be use to it by now.”

A light came on in Harm’s brain. Mac was feeling inadequate in many ways and his need to satisfy her first before he allowed himself to be satisfied, was complicating matters. Every time she had ever had to deal with someone else being interested in him, she had basically done the same thing...played it cool. A tenderness came over him at that moment. He loved this woman so much and he did not want her to feel inadequate. He could see her offer in a new way now and it changed his reaction.

“I’ll be back in a minute,” he told her.

Mac looked up and watched him walk away. She hoped she hadn’t driven him further away...that he would decide to return to their bed, even if he didn’t want what she had offered.

Harm went downstairs and put the blanket away. He made sure the house was secure and returned to their bedroom. He stripped off his clothes and slipped his robe on before returning to the nursery. Mac had just finished feeding Tori and burping her. Harm took the tiny baby and placed her gently in her crib. He felt Mac standing next to him and he slipped his arm around her shoulder.

“You are a fantastic mother Mac...and wife. I on the other hand am a bit of a dud as a husband - at times,” he grinned as he looked down to her. “Can I have another chance to do this evening over?”

“You mean to come to bed?”

“Yes...and more...if you still want to.”

“You mean it?”

“Yes.”

Harm felt her arms slide around her waist and her lips find his chest in the vee of his robe. Her hands slid lower over his six and squeezed him lightly. His body reacted immediately.

“What changed?” Mac asked.

“Let’s go to our room first.” Once in the bedroom with the door closed, Harm turned to Mac again. “I guess I finally understood what you were saying and I realized how you were reading my reaction. We were both doing what we use to do...assuming and not listening. Tori helped me to get it.”

“How?”

“Doesn’t matter now...I just need you...aaahhhh yes Mac...” Harm lost his train of thought as Mac opened his robe and reached for him. The gentle touch of her hand heated his blood and made his knees buckle. He backed up to the bed, sat down and then reclined while Mac made sure he knew that while her body wasn’t ready to accept his, it didn’t change how she felt about his body. He gave Mac control and power in her life again that night and she set about giving him memories and sensations that would warm his blood whenever he recalled this night.

CHAPTER 3

1030 Local

Tuesday April 2, 2006

Rabb Residence

San Diego

“Harriet! I’m so glad you called. How are you?” Mac was pleased to hear her friend on the phone.

[I just got everyone settled for afternoon naps and decided to spend a few minutes doing something for me. Calling you was the first thing I thought of.] Harriet Sims Roberts was the epitome of motherhood and friend as far as Mac was concerned. Over the years she had found that she could talk to Harriet about most anything. Since Harriet was no longer active duty, personal discussions were frequent.

“And I got my crew fed, bathed, diapered and asleep for the morning nap. Good timing,” Mac’s smile carried over the phone lines to Harriet’s ears.

[You sound more chipper then the last time we spoke. Things better?] Harriet asked.

“Yes, I guess...in some ways at least. Harm being Harm wasn’t too opened to my suggestion at first. We got in a fight and he spent the first part of the night on the couch and I cried into his empty pillow.” Mac admitted.

[Mac, I’m so sorry...you said at first...he give in?]

“Thanks to another female...”

[What!]

“Relax Harriet,” Mac smiled. “Tori was being fussy and uncooperative and Dad heard her. As usual she settled down for him. I made one of my usual comments...about girls falling over themselves for him...I guess it got him thinking and he let me know that if I was still willing, he was more open to the possibilities.”

[Harm’s smart...I figured he could figure it out. It took Bud a while too...and you were the one that helped us figure it out...remember?]

“Harriet why is it we can see it and solve it when its someone else but haven’t a clue when we’re in the middle of it ourselves?”

[Human nature I guess. So do you have a happy Captain again?]

“Yes...at least a more relaxed one.”

[But you’re still not back to normal are you?]

“No...Harriet my sex drive has always been...well let’s just say that’s not been a problem for me...or maybe it has when you think of some of the decisions I made as a result...but now...I can’t explain it. I like kissing Harm and it feels good to have him hold me, but I don’t crave it. Nothing he did even raised my pulse a tiny bit...and he has been known to have me pleading with him after just a look.”

[Wow! No wonder you are missing it and worried so much. Did you talk to the doctor?]

“Yeah...I’m not producing milk as much and he said it would take a few days to get my body back on track. I haven’t felt as much like crying the last two days at least. That’s an improvement.”

[Just don’t let your worrying about it effect you. Stay open and one of these times you’re interest in sex will return. My certainly has every time.]

“Thanks Harriet. It does help to talk to you about some of these things. Are you guys still planning to come for a visit?” Mac asked remember the plans they had made while Bud had stayed with them during a west coast assignment.

[We sure are. You said you have space for all of us.]

“We do. Harm converted the basement into three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchenette and living room and we still have our exercise room down there.”

[Won’t Chloe and Mattie be staying in the apartment?]

“No...they’ll use the rooms upstairs at least to start with.”

[I saw Mattie the other day. She looked great. She says she’s going to Anapolis in the fall.]

“Yes. She came so close to losing that dream. I swear her determination and Harm’s positive thinking worked a miracle.”

[She claimed your support was important too. Said knowing you were taking care of him, allowed her to focus on what she needed to do.]

“Thanks Harriet...I didn’t know she felt that way. It will be nice to have Chloe and Mattie here together for awhile.”

[You miss work don’t you?]

“Not as much as I thought I would. I’ve given some thought to taken terminal leave...but I hate to loose my retirement benefits.”

[I know. You could go on reserves and work part time.]

“I could...its one more thing to think about.”

[Don’t over think Mac. Take time to enjoy the babies and being a full time Mom...and that hunky husband of yours.]

“Harriet! Not you too?”

[Mac...I may love my husband to distraction and we obviously have no problems in the bedroom...but I also can appreciate just how gorgeous your husband is.] Harriet laughed.

“Uh-oh...one of mine is not happy about something. I guess I’d better go. Thanks for calling Harriet.”

[Take care Mac...and just remember to act as if everything is fine and one say it will be again.]

1235 Local

Harm’s Office

NJS

Harm absent-mindedly answered the phone as he reviewed the latest batch of position papers from his class.

“Captain Rabb.”

[Hello son. Still interested in the mini-van we talked about?]

“Yes.”

[Good. I have it ready for delivery today. Can you meet me on your way home from work. Your mother has added to the surprise and wants to be there when Mac sees it. What if we meet you at the underpass at five-thirty?]

“Will you stay for dinner?”

[You sure?]

“Yes...It will be take out...at least that’s my plan.”

[See you then. I’ll drive the van, your mother will following her car and then you won’t have to take me home.]

“Thanks Frank.”

[See you later.]

Harm hung up the phone and called his home number. Mac picked up on the third ring. Before she spoke he could hear from the background noise that both twins were unhappy.

[Hello?]

“Hi Honey...rough day?”

[Actually no. It’s been a fairly calm day. The morning went well. I thought I’d try out that swing that we were given for them. They were content in that until I dropped a pan just before the phone rang. Then they started crying because the noise startled them. They’ll settle down soon. What’s up?]

“Are you working on dinner?”

[Not really...I was craving brownies and decided to make a batch. Did you have something in mind?]

“Yeah...I Frank and my mother are coming over this evening, and I thought I’d bring take out. Any requests?”

[Sure. Chinese?]

“Okay.”

[Look the new place delivers. Why don’t I call and order a variety and we can all try some of everything if we want.]

“You don’t mind?”

[Not at all.]

“See you around seventeen thirty...oh and we have a surprise for you.”

[Harm...Harm? You hung up on me.]

Mac hung up the phone. ‘What is that man up to now?’ she asked no one in particular.

She would find out in a few hours. The babies had quieted again and she went back to making her brownies.

1745 Local

Rabb Residence

San Diego

Harm had been thrilled with the appearance of the new mini-van he had bought for Mac along with Frank and his mother. They had insisted that it be a gift to Mac from all of them. Frank had insisted on one with all the bells and whistles, which included integrated child safety seats while Trish had bought a second set of infant seat bases so that they wouldn’t have to remove the bases when they used one vehicle or another.

Frank also insisted on the jazzed up pin-striping that really did make the mini-van special and not at all like a ‘mom’ car as Harm had called it years before. The little caravan pulled into the driveway. Frank parked the Pacifica to one side and Trish parked behind him. Harm parked the mini-van, which he had to admit had some zip to it that he hadn’t expected, so that Mac could see it from the house.

“Harm? What’s this?” Mac called as she came out the door, one baby in the snuggli on her chest and the other in her arms.

“Surprise Honey...it’s a little something Frank, Mom and I thought you could use. You like it?”

“Really? I get my own ‘mom’ car?” Mac grinned as she approached them where they stood looking at the car.

“Yes...Here let me take Heath,” Harm offered. Mac had discovered that Tori was more content in the snuggli then in her arms and Heath tended to be upset if he was in the snuggli for very long.

“Oh, let me see my grandbabies,” Trish cooed as she came around the van to join them.

“Hi Trish...would you like to take Tori from me?” Mac offered her the little one snuggled against her chest. Trish accepted her and immediately placed a kiss on the baby’s forehead.

Frank showed Harm and Mac the features of the new minivan. Mac got in and adjusted the seat and looked around the interior. From a DVD player, to CD player, built in cell phone, which Frank had programmed for her with Harm’s help, to the automatic seat and mirror adjustments, this machine was designed for comfort and practicality.

Mac got out to look at the seats and smiled appreciatively at the second set of bases for the car seats. Frank showed her the integrated seats for when the babies were older and the remote controlled side doors.

“Do you like it?” Harm asked her.

“I love it Harm. Thank you!” Mac said as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him with all she was worth.

“The best thing is, you get to keep the Corvette.”

“Wow! Why?”

“I thought with Chloe being here, we’d need an extra vehicle anyway...one that could be used to transport the children. Frank I talked about it when we played golf last week and he put it together. Mom insisted on the second set of bases and made sure those were in before delivery. They also insisted on paying the down payment and for the decorative paint work.”

“Frank...Trish...thank you.” Mac hugged each one and kissed the babies. “I’ve got a Chinese buffet set out inside. Anyone hungry?”

They all agreed and headed for the house. Frank had since taken Heath from Harm and informed him that he need some grandpa time.

2235 Local

Harm and Mac’s Bedroom

San Diego

Harm was reading in bed when Mac slipped in beside him. She had put on one of his favorite nightgowns, a pale pink satin short nightgown that shimmered in the light and teased his senses. It did it’s job immediately when he looked up and saw her gracefully getting into their bed next to him.

He leaned over to kiss her and was surprised when she began caressing him without warning. He dropped his magazine and pulled her into his arms. He let his hands slide over her warm body as he deepened the kiss. He could see her nipples beneath the fabric and gently touched them. The look in her eyes told him that she had liked the way it made her feel tonight.

They kissed and touched, much like they had the first time they had allowed themselves the privilege of exploration. Harm was aroused immediately, but took his time with her hoping that she would finally be ale to enjoy lovemaking again. He let her touch him as much as she wanted too. He tried not to feel guilty that he was getting more out of the physical part of their relationship these days and keep his focus on the emotional and psychological benefit it gave Mac.

Harm watched Mac as she teased and tantalized him moving her lips from his neck to his wide chest, finding his nipples and playing with them, like he use to play with hers. She was doing all the little things to him that she loved him doing to her. He remembered how she would whimper or moan when something he did felt good to her so he relaxed so that he would be free to make sounds for her, encouraging her attentions.

As her mouth moved lower on his body, he felt himself stir and his arousal increase in anticipation. Her hands tickled and teased his inner thighs as they moved higher and higher lightly brushing against the sensitive area that was waiting and hoping to feel her touch...her mouth. She didn’t disappoint him. She had positioned herself so that his hand was able to easily slide up her legs to her inner thighs while she tasted him. He let his hand wander from her legs to her six and he cupped her buttocks and lightly teased the sensitive areas with his hands. He slid his hands between her legs and caressed her.

While it didn’t drive her wild like it use to, she didn’t stop him or push him away. She even opened her legs to him a little more. He took that as a sign of encouragement and continued to caress her.

Mac could feel Harm’s hands on her rear-end and between her legs. He would discover for himself that although it felt nice, she was not aroused. That pooling heat in her core that she had always felt when he touched her like this, was not there. She wanted him to keep touching her. She hoped that eventually his touch would turn her on. If not, what kind of marriage would they have? She didn’t want to think about it - not now. Right now she wanted to see Harm come unglued under her ministrations. She began to stoke him in earnest now, knowing he was ready for her to be more aggressive in the way she touched him.

Harm felt Mac’s hand tighten around him and he felt her increase the pace of her stokes. The friction between her skin and his was beginning to burn...and it wasn’t a pleasant sensation. He was about to say something, when he felt something cool against his heated arousal. The friction burning stopped, and her hand took on the feel of her body when his arousal stroked inside of her and her muscles clenched around him. He had continued to play with her, caressing her as long as he could until her stroking had him writhing beneath her hand. He felt her mouth hot and moist as she lathed him below where her mouth worked its magic. The last thing he remembered was calling out her name as he found his release.

Harm had no idea how long he slept after his release. He woke expecting to find himself with an uncomfortable mess, but Mac had apparently taken care of that before she had slid into bed beside him and curled against his body. She was sleeping peacefully in his arms. He lay in the dark beside her, thinking about how frustrating it must be not to be turned on, not to be able to experience the release like she had given him. Harm needed to talk to someone about this situation...but who? How much longer could he handle the fact that he could not excite his wife anymore? There had to be something he could do.

Harm was still awake when the babies woke to be fed. He slid out of bed, still naked, and pulled on his bathrobe, before going into pick up Tori and take her with him while he fixed their bottles. She rested comfortably against his chest in the snuggli while he prepared the bottles, changed Heath’s diaper and then fed and burped him. Once he was back in bed, he repeated the process with Tori and settled her in with a song. Removing the snuggli, he returned to the bedroom he shared with Mac, slipped off his robe and back into bed. He curled his naked body against his wife and watched her sleep. His hand brushed her breast and he saw her nipples respond to his touch. He got an idea.

Harm continued to lightly caress Mac’s breasts. He could feel her nipples moisten, and he wondered what they would taste like damp from mother’s milk. He touched one, with is finger and sucked the moisture from his finger. It wasn’t a bad taste at all. He relaxed and realized that he had been a little concerned whether of not he would find her flavor distasteful with the changes her body underwent. He knew that the taste of her milk was not a turn off to him at least.

He lightly trailed his hand down her body and between her legs. She shifted slightly which gave him better access. He spotted the tube of cream she had used to lubricate her hand when she was stroking him and put a drop on his own finger before rubbing it against the nerve bundle hidden in her folds. The heat from her body and his hand, made it easier for him to explore her folds. Although it was unusual that Mac wasn’t aroused enough to provide their lubrication, the cream was working wonders.

Harm watched her face as she began to smile in her sleep while he rolled her bud between his thumb and forefinger. He watched as she brought her own hands to her breasts and lifted the weighty globes, squeezing them lightly together. Her fingers rubbed her own nipples. Harm leaned toward her and kissed her breasts; his tongue lathed her nipples very lightly, all the while he rubbed and caressed the tender areas between her legs. He added more of the cream lubricant as he slipped first one then two fingers inside her. He heard her moan.

Careful not to wake her, Harm concentrated on the areas that she responded to with kisses and gentle strokes. He was gentle in his touching. Somewhat fearful that she would wake up and be upset with him he was on guard. Before long she began to writhe in her sleep. Her legs opened wider to him and he focused his touches in an attempt to bring her pleasure. Her hips began to lift in a pulsing motion and her head roll from side to side.

While he worked the sensitive area between her legs, he also returned his focus to her breasts. She murmured his name as he increased the tempo a little more. Suddenly her eyes opened and she lifted her head questioning him, “Harm?”

“Ssshhh, lay back and enjoy...your body seems to like what I’m doing.”

“Me too....ooohhh yes....uh..uh...faster...yes...yes...” Mac started to make her usual noises when in the throes of passion and although she was half asleep, it was obvious her body liked what was happening to it. She cried out and then collapsed again in their bed, against his body. Harm wrapped his arm around her as he spooned around her body. He placed a kiss on her cheek and settled in for some sleep.

0730 Local

Rabb Residence

San Diego

Mac awoke feeling refreshed and alive as she thought about the amazing dream she had the night before. She may not be able to get turned on during lovemaking these days, but she could still have erotic dreams that were almost as good. They even made her body feel as if it had soared and found release during her sleep. She opened her eyes and realized that her sense of time was off again. She jumped out of bed, noticing that she was pretty sticky and messy.

“Must have been a good dream,” Mac chuckled to herself as she rushed to take a quick shower and get dressed before Heath and Tori made their demands known. She was dressed and on her way to the nursery when she spotted the note on the bedside table.

“Good morning, my beautiful wife. I didn’t have the heart to wake you to nurse, so they were bottle fed at zero two hundred and zero six hundred this morning, so hopefully you will be able to sleep in a little. I hope you enjoyed last night as much as I did. I love you. Harm.”

Mac headed for the nursery. Tori was awake so Mac picked her up and settled her at her breast first. Tori ate hungrily and cooed her contentment as her tummy filled. She was an easy baby to burp. Actually she was a pretty easy going baby unless her routine was broken. She seemed to like the crowded conditions when Mac put her in the snuggli and then held Heath to nurse him. It was almost if having been crowded in the womb, similar conditions were comforting.

Once downstairs, Mac settled the two babies in the swing together while she listened to soft music and prepared her own breakfast. She had thought about going out for a run with the stroller today, but her breasts seemed a little more tender this morning then they had been the last few days. She thought it might be wise to postpone running for a day or two, so maybe they would go for a walk instead.

As Mac ate her thoughts turned to the strange note that Harm had left for her. She took it out of her pocket and reread it. Tears welled up in her eyes for a moment until she forced them back. “I am not going to let his sarcasm get to me! Just because I can’t respond to him right now, he’s getting all childish and pouty. Damn him! At least he didn’t take it out on the twins.”

She thought about him letting her sleep in. Normally this would have seemed like such a sweet considerate thing for him to do, but with his sarcastic dig, ‘hoping she enjoyed last night as much as he did,’ she saw it for what it was. He let her sleep in to avoid her. Well if that’s what he wanted then that’s what he’s get. She pushed away her half eaten breakfast and started making plans for the day.

1215 Local

Captain Rabb’s Office

NJS

The phone rang and eventually the answering machine picked up. “Mac? Pick up if you’re there...okay must be you’re taking advantage of the beautiful day and have gone out for awhile. I’ll see you when I get home. I love you.” Harm hung up the phone and took out his lunch. He would be meeting with a student over lunch today...one that was questioning whether they were cut out to serve with JAG.

After the meeting with the student, Harm tried calling Mac again. Still no answer. So he headed for his afternoon classes. Once those were over, he packed up his briefcase and drove home.

1725 Local

Rabb Residence

“Mac? I’m home! Honey, where are you?” Harm called when he got home. In the kitchen on the counter he found a note. He picked it up and read it as Muffin waited for him to notice her.

<Harm, The twins and I have gone out for the afternoon. We’re going to get my mother and go out to dinner. I haven’t spent much time with her lately. Don’t know what time I’ll get home. Don’t wait up for us. I’m sure you’re tired. Mac. >

He tossed the note back on the counter. He was glad that Mac was feeling energized enough to spend some time with Deanna. He knew Mac’s mother was trying hard to get to know her daughter again and at times they had some very emotional discussions. For the most part they lived in the moment. His own mother had invited Deanna to lunch and introduced her to some friends.

Although Deanna wasn’t comfortable with most of Deanna’s friends, she and Trish enjoyed sharing time together as grandmother’s and talking about their children and grandchildren. Frank had invited Deanna to join they for some of the family day events that his company hosted and she had gone and gotten to know some people there. Harm was glad that Deanna seemed to be making a life for herself in the area. It took the pressure off of Mac so she didn’t need to be her mother’s sole focus.

Harm changed and went for a longer run that evening as he was home alone. He loved the way he was able to escape inside himself and work out anything bothering him when he ran. One of the instructors at NJS had found out that he ran and preferred endurance runs and suggested that he enter one of the local marathons. There was one coming up and he was seriously considering it.

After his sixteen mile run up and down the hills of San Diego, under freeways and through loops within housing developments he got home, hot, tired and very sweaty to a still empty house. He showered and fixed a salad with left over chicken for his dinner and then went to the den to read some papers, Muffin at his side. He had trouble concentrating. Something was wrong.

CHAPTER 4

2255 Local

Rabb Residence

San Diego

It was getting late and Mac and the twins were still not home. Harm worried about them. It was after dark and this was not like Mac. He left the den and returned to the kitchen where he had left the note. Something about the note bothered him...a lot. He read it over several times before he realized that she had not said anything about loving him in it. No ‘I love you,’ or even ‘Love, Mac.’ He looked at the clock and almost passed out. It was almost eleven o’clock.

Harm and Mac were usually in bed by this time. He looked at her note and reread, ‘Don’t wait up for us.’ He relaxed a little then realizing that she must have planned to be out this late. He left the outside light on and a light in the kitchen and headed up stairs to go to bed. He knew he wouldn’t sleep but at least she couldn’t fault him for trying. He’d give it another hour before he started making calls.

2340 Local

Rabb Residence

San Diego

Sarah Mackenzie Rabb was exhausted and kicking herself for pulling such a foolish stunt. It was going for midnight and she was exhausted; her mother confused and probably worried as to why she was reluctant to go home; Tori was in an uproar now because her schedule and routine had changed; Harm would probably be in her face about where she had gone and why she had stayed out so late; unless he just didn’t care anymore. Only Heath seemed to be unaffected by her foolishness at the moment.

Hauling herself out of the minivan, she unhitched and removed the carriers holding the twins. She left the shopping bags where they were on the floor of the van and made her way into the house. The jostling had finally been the last straw for Heath. As she entered the house, both babies crying loudly, she wasn’t surprised to find Harm racing down the stairs to rescue the twins from her.

“Mac! Are you okay? What happened?”

“Not now Harm. Help me get them settled.” She handed him one carrier and he took the other one from her as well.

“I’ve got them. You look exhausted. Why don’t you go on up and I’ll settle them. Do they need bottles?”

“No. I nursed them both before I left my mothers.”

“What time was that?” Harm asked just to be sure they had the same time frame.

“Checking up on me now, Harm?”

“No...go on up. I’ll be fine with them.” Harm settled the crying infants fairly easily. Heath was the first one to settle in his bed. Tori on the other hand expected her night time cuddling with Dad. Harm went through his routine with her as if it was seven or eight o’clock instead of the middle of the night. She then relaxed and allowed herself to go to sleep.

Harm went down stairs and locked up, turning off the lights. He returned to their room and Mac was already in bed and appeared to be asleep. Mac placed a kiss on her brow and slid into bed beside her. Listening to her breathing he wasn’t sure she was asleep, but he let her pretend. Something had her upset and he would find out what it was. But for now, he let it go. She obviously wasn’t ready to talk to him.

Harm was still awake at two when the babies were hungry. He crawled out of bed and let Mac sleep. After they had been fed and diapered, both went back to sleep quickly. Harm hoped he would this time as well.

Harm did fall asleep and slept soundly for almost three and a half hours before the twins woke him. There were just two bottles left, so he fixed them and took them up for the babies. They both seemed to be studying his face tonight while they ate, more then he had noticed them doing before. For the time it took him to tend to the twins, he felt peaceful and like he was doing the right thing.

After they were both sleeping again, he returned to bed. He watched Mac sleep for awhile, wondering what had happened that she didn’t want to talk about. He had learned over the years not to push her. When she was ready she would talk to him. He needed to be patient and let her know he was ready and willing to listen when she felt like talking.

He finally fell asleep. When he woke up it was almost eight o’clock. He had over slept. He jumped out of bed, rushed through his morning routine, and into his uniform. He could hear Mac in the nursery with the babies. He ran in and kissed her cheek as he wished her a good day.

“Got to run. I over slept. Have a good day and I’ll see you tonight.”

“Sorry, they were both needing to be nursed so I didn’t take the time to call you.” Mac told him.

“It’s okay. I love you,” he called as he raced down the stairs and headed for the office. There was no answering response from Mac he realized when he was finally in the car and on his way.

1210 Local

Captain Rabb’s Office

NJS

Harm had spent a hectic morning trying to catch up with himself. He hated the feeling of rushing and the aftermath that it brought. Taking a deep breath and forcing himself to relax and focus, he groaned when the phone rang.

“Captain Rabb.”

[Harm, its Deanna. What’s going on?]

“What are you talking about?”

[Sarah shows up here yesterday, late afternoon with the twins, insisting that we need to spend some time together. She insisted on taking me out to eat and then had to go shopping until the stores closed. We get back to my place and its obvious she’s so tired she can hardly think, but she insists she feels great. She makes a big deal of looking over the things I bought and then decides she needs to nurse the twins.

Those babies were so good all afternoon and evening. Anyway, it was well after eleven before she loaded them up and headed home. She made no mention of you at all and then when I asked if you had a fight, she suddenly had to get home and didn’t have time to talk. I’ve dealt with the flight syndrome for my whole life Harm. I thought my daughter had avoided it. I’m not going to let her do to your family what I did to mine. So what’s going on?] Deanna demanded.

“I wish I knew Deanna. We did have a little disagreement about a week ago and I spent part of the night on the couch, but we worked it out before morning. I thought things were fine until I got home yesterday and found a note from her. We always express our love in notes and phone messages...I did in the one I left her yesterday morning. She didn’t. When she got home she went to bed and pretended to be asleep when I came in after getting the twins settled. This morning, she got up and let me over sleep. I agree with you Deanna, something’s not right, but I don’t have a clue what it is.”

[So what are we going to do about it?]

“Confront her?”

[Harm, what does she do when confronted and she’s not ready to deal?]

“She runs...or fights.”

[Exactly. Who else might she talk to?]

“Harriet! Our friend from Washington DC...they’ve been friends since they first met and I know she’s talk to Harriet recently. Thanks Deanna...I’ll keep you posted. Right now, I need to call Harriet.”

[Talk to you later then.]

Harm finally had a plan. He checked the time and placed the call to Harriet. She answered right away.

[Good afternoon.]

“Hi Harriet.”

[Harm! To what do I owe this pleasure?]

“I’m not sure this is a pleasure Harriet...I need your help.”

[What is it?]

“Something has Mac upset. She won’t talk to me...she’s avoiding me. I know you two talk about personal things and I was hoping she had clued you in on what’s bothering her. Can you give me a hint what I’ve done?”

[Harm I have no idea. The last time I talked to Mac was Tuesday and she seemed to be feeling better about things. She was looking forward to working on the intimacy issues with you...] Harriet paused a little uncomfortable talking to Harm about the personal stuff. Harm put her at ease.

“It’s okay Harriet. I’m glad she has you. I know there are things we still have trouble talking about at times, but I thought we were on the right track. I’ve loosened up- a lot - about some things, and Tuesday night I even tried some things on her. She seemed to like it...but then yesterday happened. I don’t know what I did wrong.”

[Harm...never mind...I’ll call her...I need to talk about our trip out this summer anyway. Just don’t say anything to her about talking to me. If I find out anything, I’ll call you at work...or have Bud call you at home.]

“Thanks Harriet. What would we do without you?”

[Figure it out yourselves eventually. But your welcome.]

1230 Local

Rabb Residence

Mac had finished pumping and stored the two bottles in the refrigerator. The freezer supply was out and so she had decided it was time to start restocking. It was a little harder now that she wasn’t producing as much milk to stay ahead of the demand. She had decided to pump after each feeding for the next couple of days so that she could restock and perhaps it would force her to produce a little more milk as the doctor had instructed.

When the phone rang, she grabbed it before she thought what she would say or do if it turned out to be her husband.

“Hello.”

[Mac? Its Harriet...you sound funny.]

“I’m fine. Just distracted I guess. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

[Actually I was calling about the trip, but now I want to know what’s wrong. Are things up in the air with you and Harm again?]

“Oh Harriet, its awful! Tuesday night I followed your suggestion to act as if I wanted to make love again. He seemed to love the attention I gave him and well he fell asleep immediately afterwards. I felt good that I could please him to that extent without...intercourse. I went to sleep and had this great dream , but then I woke up and found this sarcastic note from Harm beside my bed. He made this snide comment about ‘hope I had as much fun as he did.’

Anyway, he had left for work without waking me because he didn’t want to talk to me. He was pouting. So last night I took off before he got home from work and the twins and I spent some time with my mother. We didn’t get home very early and you know Harm...he jumped right in and took over with the twins. I went to bed...and pretended I was asleep. I just couldn’t talk to him Harriet.”

[Why not? Are you sure he was ‘taking over?’ It kind of sounds like he was just helping you out?]

“What are you saying? That I over reacted?”

[I don’t know...maybe. Do you still have the note he left you?]

“Yes.”

[Read it to me...without using the tone you hear when you read it.] Mac read the note to Harriet. She thought a minute and then responded. [Mac, you said you had a dream?]

“Yes...it almost seemed real.”

[What if it was?]

“Harm wouldn’t do that...it had to be a dream.”

[What if it wasn’t? Wouldn’t that put a different twist on the note he left you?]

“Yeah...I suppose...but Harm’s a bit of a prude. He has this thing about mutual satisfaction and he wouldn’t just do that...without my full consent.”

[But Mac, what if he did? What if he realized that one way to help you was to try some of your own tactics on you? Think about it...what do you do to him that he seems to like. Were any of the things in this dream you had, imitations of what you do to him? Did yo feel sore or tender?] Harriet was insistent.

“Yes...they seemed very real...I was going to try running with the jogging stroller, but my breasts were too tender...do you really think...If you’re right, I’ve been a real ass. What am I going to do?

[Would you like me to have Bud call him? Bud’s pretty good at subtle interrogations.]

“Please. I let him oversleep this morning so he’d have to hurry and couldn’t take time to try and talk to me.”

[I’ll get Bud on it. You may have to hang in there a couple of days...just try not to make it worse.]

After hanging up the phone Mac sank onto the couch with the note from Harm in her hands. It certainly took the sarcasm out of the note he left and made her feel like a giant heel.

1830 EST

Robert’s Residence

Virginia

“Bud, Harm and Mac need our help and I need you to talk to Harm about sex.”

“What?!? Harriet, I can’t just discuss sex with him...”

“Why not?”

“Because he’s a Captain; because...because...that’s personal!”

“Oh Bud! He knows I’m going to ask you to call him back. I’ll even tell you what I need you to find out and he asked for us to help him. I talked to Mac today and I’ve got a pretty good idea of what happened.”

“Are you sure?” Bud asked still feeling a little uncomfortable with the topic.

“Yes.”

“Alright...what do you want me to ask him?”

“First, tell him that I talked to Mac...and I think I know what happened. Then tell him that I asked you to ask him these three questions. Ready?”

“What are they?”

“Did he arouse her while she was sleeping? Bud stop making faces and write this down. Did she wake up or seem dreamy? Would anything that he did have made her breasts more tender the next morning?”

“Harriet he’s going to kill me.”

“No he’s not. Go call him...he’ll still be at work.”

“Harriet...”

“I’ll call...you talk.” Harriet said and Bud knew that she meant business.

1600 Local

Captain Rabb’s Office

NJS

“Captain Rabb.”

[Harm, its Bud.]

“Thanks for calling. Did Harriet find out anything?”

[Yes...but she wants me to ask you some questions...personal questions...sir...very personal questions.]

“It’s alright Bud. What does she need to know?”

[Sorry sir...] Harm had to smile. The questions must be hum-dingers to have Bud this nervous. [She wants to know if you aroused her while she was sleeping?]

“Tell her yes, Bud.”

[Did she wake up or seem dreamy?]

“I thought she woke up...she mumbled a little...smiled...encouraged me to continue...”

[Harriet also wanted me to ask you if anything you did would have made her...] Harm heard Bud swallow and had to stifle his chuckle. He would be worse then Bud if their roles were reversed about now. Finally Bud continued.

[...her breasts more tender the next morning?]

“I don’t think so...wait...it wasn’t anything I did...but yes...she might have been.”

[I’m really sorry sir...Harriet wants to talk to you now.]

“It’s okay Bud...thanks. Harriet?”

[Harm, I’m sorry to have to get such personal information but I think I know what happened. She was still asleep and thought she dreamed what happened. When you put in your note about it being as enjoyable for her as for you...she thought you were being sarcastic because she was sure it was a dream. You left for work before she got up the next morning and thought you were avoiding her. She turned the tables and tried to avoid you.]

“Oh Harriet...what do I do?”

[Be honest with her Harm...call if you need me to intervene.]

“Thanks Harriet...I think you’d better go revive Bud. He was having a tough time getting the information you needed.”

[I know...but I thought it would be easier for you hearing the questions from him instead of me.]

“You’re probably right. Thanks again.”

Harm called Deanna back. “I think I’ve got it figured out. If I’m right, things will be okay soon.”

[I hope so.]

“They will. Hang in there. Have you heard from her today?”

[No. Should I call?]

“Yeah...I’m heading home early to surprise her. See if you can keep her on the phone until I get there.”

[I’ll try]

1625 Local

Rabb Residence

Mac was folding the last load of laundry. She figured she had about an hour before Harm would be home. She knew going to her mother’s today wouldn’t work, so she thought she would see if maybe a surprise visit to the Burnett’s claiming that Harm was working late would suffice. Even if she didn’t stay as late...the ringing phone interrupted her planning session.

“Hello.”

[Hi Honey...it’s Mom. How are you today?]

“Good Mom. What’s up?”

[I just got home and thought I’d call and see if you were planning any surprise visits today.]

“No...”

Deanna chatted on about lots of nothing. Mac was moving around getting the babies’ things together so that as soon as she hung up the phone she could take off. She didn’t want to see Harm tonight until Harriet had checked things out...she didn’t want to make things worse. But her mother thought of lots of things to say. She heard a car pull in and looked out.

“Harm’s here Mom...I’ve got to go.”

[Okay, Honey. Talk to you soon.] Mac hung up the phone and turned as if she was going to grab the babies in their carriers and bolt. Harm came running through the door and stopped at the panicked look on her face. She froze staring back at him.

“You and I need to talk.” Harm slowly walked up to his wife and reached for her hands. The babies’ lay in the carriers as if they were going on an excursion. He smiled at her as he tried to find just the right words to make things right. He sat her down on the couch never releasing her hands.

“First, I’m sorry I upset you...I was very serious about what I put in that note.”

“Harriet called you?”

“Yes...and I called her...and Bud called me...and your mother called me...I’m home to try to fix things.”

“Harm, I...”

“Sssshhh hear me out...Tuesday night when we went to bed...you did things to me that were very powerful and intense...I think I was rendered unconscious after my release. Anyway...when I woke up I needed to touch you. I knew you were asleep, but I still wanted to touch you...I love the way your skill feels...and I was curious...I notice that your breasts were moist and I touched one nipple so I could learn your new taste...I liked it...and I thought you did too.

“I began touching your body and caressing you like you had done to me. You started to say things and encourage me to do more. I knew your breasts had been tender so I was focusing on the lower half of your body but you started caressing your own breasts and squeezing them together. I knew at that point you were still asleep but you were also letting me know you wanted my touch.

“You opened your legs for me and I continued to caress you, touch you. I realized that you were dry and so I saw the lubricant you used on me and I used it on you too. I thought you woke up then and when you collapsed after your release, I thought you had felt the same kind of intensity that I had. I wanted to let you sleep. You were so relaxed and looked happy. I couldn’t stay home with you so I did the next best thing...tried to give you time to sleep in.” He looked up from their hands and saw her tears.

“I’m so sorry...I thought I dreamed it...I thought you were being sarcastic...I worried you for nothing...I upset the babies’ routines for nothing...” Mac just sat quietly and cried. Harm opened her arms to him and eventually she moved into his embrace.

“I love you, Honey...please don’t cry anymore...” Harm tried kissing her tears away until she buried her face in his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I’m so sorry...I doubted you and I shouldn’t have...I just never thought you’d really do something that you’ve been uncomfortable with...when Harriet made me realize that it might not have been a dream...I felt terrible...”

“I thought you knew...I didn’t think it would be that unreal for you...” He kissed her face over and over again and she was trying to do the same to him. They both started laughing as they just held onto each other.

“Are we okay?” Harm asked.

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

“So where were you heading tonight?”

“Your mother...”

“I’ll remember that next time we have a problem...” Harm grinned at her.

“You think we’ll have another problem?” Mac asked him.

“Count on it...but we’ll work it out eventually. I love you Mac.”

“I love you too Harm.”

“That’s what panicked me the most...when you left me the note and didn’t tell me you loved me.”

“I do...I’ve loved you so long...I gave up on you so many times...I should know better by now.”

They both looked over as the twins started to object to being ignored. Together, each one holding a baby, they fixed their dinner and chatted, enjoying each other again.

“Poor Bud...” Harm commented later after they had eaten and cleaned up in the kitchen. They had talked a little about Harriet’s involvement in working things out. “He was so upset that Harriet wanted him to ask me personal questions. I’m not sure if it was really the questions or the fact that it was personal about you too.”

“I have a hard time picturing you handling the questions very well.”

“It was important to me, okay...I was not about to take a chance on losing you.”

“I know...hey Heath and Tori are asleep...what do you say I pump and then we go to bed.”

“Are you still producing a lot of milk?”

“Not like I was. But they just ate and I have a couple of bottles ahead...I’d just feel more comfortable pumping before I went to bed...and then I think we should make up for real...while we’re both awake.” Mac smiled to take any harshness from his words.

“I think I’ll go take a shower...or maybe a bath?” Harm hinted.

“A bath would be lovely...I might come join you.”

“I’m counting on it.” Harm smiled as he went up stairs thinking about the night to come.

CHAPTER 5

May 15, 2006

0700 Local

Rabb Residence

San Diego, CA

“Harm, are you sure you’re okay with this?” Mac asked for the third time that morning as she touched the flowers in the arrangements she had gotten for Mother’s Day. A beautiful arrangement of lilies and roses in a vase had come from Chloe with a note that said, “For you on Mother’s Day even though you aren’t my mother.” Mattie had sent flowers too - a small wild rose bush covered with tiny pink roses with a note that said, “For my chosen Mom. Love Mattie.”

“Yes, Mac...it’s time for you to go back to work. Deanna will be here later in time for me to get to class. I’ll be fine...the babies will be fine.” Harm looked at his son that he was holding and saw the smile start. “Look Mom...he’s smiling again.” Heath had started really smiling a week ago about two days before Tori. Before that they had smiled but it was random, not intentional and as a reaction to things they saw, heard or felt like now. They had been playing with the babies on the couch a week ago Sunday when Heath had given his first real smile. They had seen the early signs that smiles were coming but they still looked to be gas bubbles, until that one. The smile had been quickly followed by bubbles. The more he smiled, the more Mom and Dad laughed. He caught on fast that this was a good thing to be doing.

Tori got her share of attention then as they tried to coax a real smile out of her next. It was Tuesday morning as they fixed breakfast together that Tori rewarded them. She was snuggled against her father’s chest as he held her in one arm while working in the kitchen. He was singing silly songs as he worked in the kitchen. When Mac came up behind him and put her cold hands on his waist under his shirt, he jumped. Glancing down to make sure that Tori hadn’t been startled, he found her smiling at him.

“Mom...look. Tori’s not going to let Heath get too far ahead of her.” Mac had kissed her daughter and coaxed a second smile from her just to be sure.

“Harm, I really don’t think I can do this,” Mac finally admitted.

“Mac, you can. You know as much as you love these two, you need to go back to work. You’re good at it and from the sounds, they need you.”

“I know. Commander Marshall tried to fill in and he held his own until Creswell sent Vukovic out here on that case. I swear that guy is one of the sleaziest people I’ve ever dealt with. And the fact that he thinks he another you drives me crazy!”

“Mac...calm down.”

“I know..but Harm, the day he told me that he thought I liked him because he reminded me of you, I almost clocked him. You were never sleazy or dishonest. Did you walk on the wild side sometimes? Sure...but when push came to shove, you did the right thing. He doesn’t. He really thinks that he can pull this crap and get away with it.”

“Mac...you need to relax and get going. Don’t let him ruin your return to work. Now go. Give me Heath...I love you,” he said as he kissed her and nodded toward the door. With a baby in each arm he couldn’t wave but he watched her get in the Corvette and drive away.

“Okay you two. Dads in charge this morning. What shall we do? Oh what’s that you say...you want a bath before grammy gets here. Well that can be arranged. Your Dad is good with baths...even Mommy thinks so.” He chuckled as he talked to the twins as he got them undressed. The little twin tub they had found was a big hit. It sat on the counter and the twins could be placed on each end facing each other. A divider with wash cloths and soap and shampoo divided the two halves. Harm had already started the water and now as he undressed them he put first one then the other into the warm water. They kicked their feet and splashed their hands as Harm bathed each one in turn. He had the carriers set so as he took each one out he had a place to put them.

With bath time over, and Harm almost as wet as the babies had been, he dressed them and got them ready for a morning with Grammy. Mac’s mother adored her grandbabies and was thrilled to have a chance at child care. For the next month or so, Deanna was going to help with child care so Mac could return to work. Chloe and Mattie would arrive June 18 and take over child care duties together at first. Until then, Harm was going to work shorter hours as part of his paternal leave that he was entitled to. The classes for this term were almost over and then Harm would stay home all day for a few weeks until the new NJS arrivals began to roll in. Classes would begin for the new groups in August.

“Good morning Harm. Am I late?” Deanna asked as she let herself in.

“Oh hi Deanna. You’re right on time. Giggles and Grins have been bathed and dressed and could probably handle a bottle anytime. After they eat they’ll probably sleep for two or three hours. Heath tends to sleep for shorter periods during the day right now. And longer periods at night. Tori seems to still be on a three hour rotation.”

“Very good. Mac said they are both smiling now.”

“Oh yes...that’s why I called them ‘Giggles and Grins’. You two be good for Grammy. Daddy’s got to get his uniform on and go to work for a few hours.”

“Harm, take your time getting back. I know you’re class goes until noon, and that you sometimes meet with students. I don’t have anything special to get back to today.”

“Thanks Deanna. Harm dropped a kiss on her cheek. This means a lot to us you know.”

“I know...now go.”

“Aye-aye Ma’am.” Harm took the stairs two at a time to get into his uniform. He grabbed his keys and kissed the babies on his way by as he headed out the door.

Deanna watched him go. He was a good man. He and Sarah had hit a rough patch a month or so ago. She never found out all the details, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to. She just knew that whatever had happened had helped them to renew their dedication to each other and their family. Sarah had seemed so much happier and when her mother had questioned her all she would say was she had a new perspective on life since Harm’s therapeutic bathing session. She suspected that being tired, nursing, and having the responsibility of two babies had taken its toll on Sarah’s psyche and their love life. Harm had some how made it all better. She was very glad that her daughter had found someone like Harmon Rabb...although she didn’t think there could be too many men like him around.

1100 Local

JAG Office

San Diego

“Lt. Vukovic! What part of my instruction did you not understand?” Mac barked in her command voice.

“I understood you Ma’am...I chose not to take it seriously.”

“Lock it up, Lieutenant. NOW!” Mac managed to put something in her voice that time that got his attention. “Gunny,” Mac called to Gunnery Sargent Bryant standing guard outside of her office. He opened the door on full alert.

“Yes Ma’am?”

“Would you get Commander Marshall and Lt. Mayfield for me?”

“Right away Ma’am.”

“Lt. Mayfield, reporting as requested,” the young woman responded almost before Gunny had closed the door.

“That was fast Lieutenant. At ease Mayfield.”

“Yes Ma’am I was just going by your door when the Gunny told me you wanted me ASAP.”

“ Lt. Mayfield, I would like you to place Lt. Vukovic under arrest, read him his rights and prepare charges against him for disobeying a direct order, behavior unbecoming an officer, dereliction of duty and sexual harassment. Maybe he will soon learn that there are limits and protocols that will be abided by in the military. He gives us a bad name.”

<Knock-knock>

“Colonel Rabb? You sent for me.”

“Commander Marshall...I will be with you momentarily. Gunny, please assist Lt. Mayfield in escorting Lt. Vukovic to the base brig.” Mac watched them leave and almost felt bad for Vukovic as the reality of the situation was sinking in. She took a deep breath and turned to Commander Marshall. “Commander Marshall...can you tell me what the proper response is when you are called in to your commanding officers office?”

“Ma’am?”

“Commander Marshall, you report as ordered and stand at attention until told otherwise. You seem to be very lax about this and I’m afraid your laid back approach has put this office in a difficult position. While Lt. Vukovic is being charged and will in all likelihood face a courts martial, you will be given a letter of reprimand which will be placed in your file detailing your inability to run an office and command respect from your people. Is that understood?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

“No Ma’am.”

“Commander, you are a fine litigator. Your investigations appear to be thorough. I need someone in this office with me that I can trust to keep things going when I have to be away. I am planning to replace you as Chief of Staff.”

“Thank you Ma’am. It’s not a duty I enjoy.”

“Dismissed Marshall.”

Mac collapsed in her seat and placed a call to General Creswell. “Petty Officer Coates...how are you?”

“Colonel Mackenzie- I mean Rabb...its good to hear from you.”

“Thanks Coates. Is the General in?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Colonel Rabb. How are things going your first day back?”

“Well General I believe things might have been better had I been able to return before Vukovic got here.”

“Tell me what’s happened.”

Mac described the charges she was filing against Gregory Vukovic, the accusations, his lack of respect for all officers, and especially women. Then she requested that she be given some new help in her office.

“General, I can’t run this joint staff office without reliable people. I need a Chief of Staff I can count on. I need more then Lt. Mayfield and Lt. Graves doing the bulk of the cases. Commander Marshall is an adequate investigator and a good litigator, but he has no interest in taking command. I also need to request that Vukovic be transferred out of here and tried without using my staff.”

“Well Colonel, I can help out with some of that, but not all. I will authorize you to select two ‘newbies’ out of the Naval Justice School as soon as they finish their program, as long as they haven’t already established a billet with their detailer. I will also send someone to defend and to prosecute that isn’t normally in your office, but the trial stays there.”

“Sir, may I request someone to help out who might also be able to prosecute this case?”

“ Go ahead.”

“I believe Commander Meg Austin might be available. I understand her billet is up and she had yet to make a decision as to her next location.”

“You do know that Commander Austin once worked with your husband?”

“Yes sir. That’s one reason I’m requesting her. I know that she has what it takes to assist me with this job.”

“Alright Colonel. Go ahead and contact her. If she wants it, its hers. I will not assign her there against her will.”

“Understood sir.”

“And Colonel, expect Lt. Commander Roberts to defend Vukovic.”

“Thank you sir.”

1755 Local

Rabb Residence

Mac parked her Corvette and climbed out, hardly able to put one foot ahead of the other. She had pumped once today and her breasts were full and she needed to feed the babies or pump again soon. Harm opened the door and kissed her as she walked through the door.

“You look beat. What can I do for you?” Harm asked her.

“You might be sorry you asked,” she warned.

“Go ahead.”

“Help me to the couch, take my shoes off, and bring me the babies to nurse...my breasts are ready to explode.” Harm did as she asked very matter-of-factly. While she held Tori and nursed, he held Heath to her other breast. He could see some of the tension leave her face as the pressure was relieved in her breasts. The babies went onto their swing after eating so they Harm and Mac could eat.

Harm had grabbed a t-shirt for her out of the laundry basket. When she was done nursing, he helped her to slip on the t-shirt instead of her uniform blouse and bra.

“You want to talk about your day?” he offered.

“Later...right now I want to eat if possible.”

“Ready and waiting. Come on.”

2030 Local

Rabb Residence

The babies were settled into their cribs after having some play time with Mom and Dad following their evening meal and some cuddling. Now it was time for Mom and Dad to have some time alone...to cuddle or talk as they needed.

“Ready to tell me about the first day back?” Harm asked as he settled her against him, his arm around her shoulders.

“Yes. Thanks for not pushing me on this when I got home.”

“Hey, I’ve learned a few things about being an advisor with this job. Seems like I can apply it for my wife as well.”

“Cute.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“Harm....be serious for a few minutes.”

“I’m sorry. I’m listening.” Harm did listen to her as she recounted the day.

“Harm I think he’s been harassing more then Mayfield and Graves. I think he tried it with Coates and I know he’s tried it with me.” Mac waited for the explosion. She felt him tense...her his sharp intake of air...and heard the controlled anger in his voice when he spoke.

“You’ve done the right thing Mac. I wish it wasn’t Bud defending him, but I promise I won’t hold it against him. I also think you were smart asking for Meg. Have you ever met her?”

“No. But you and Bud have always spoken highly of her and even Kate Pike did. I spotted her name on a list and decided to go for it.”

“Have you spoken to her yet?”

“No. Creswell told me I could contact her but she was out when I tried to call today.”

“Do you have her number?”

“In my PDA.”

“Let’s call her now.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Won’t this be considered undue command influence?”

“No...if she doesn’t know I’ve been promoted I won’t tell her yet.” Harm waited until Mac had dialed the number and then listened to the ringing phone. He didn’t have long to wait.

[Hello Commander Austin speaking.]

“Harmon Rabb here.”

[Harm! How are you?]

“I’m good Meg. I hear your billet’s up and you haven’t decided on a new station yet.”

[What are you up to Harm?]

“Not a thing...but I know someone that is looking for a Chief of Staff.”

[Who? Where?]

“I’ll let you two talk. Commander Austin...say hello to Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.”

[Colonel Rabb?]

“Hello Commander...Meg. I’ve heard a lot about you and Harm’s right...I need someone with your skills and your ethics to help me run the San Diego office.”

[You’re the Marine they paired Harm with when I rotated out, aren’t you?]

“Yes. And I’m now his wife. Is that a problem for you?”

[Not at all. I was just trying to place why your name was familiar. I saw Kate a few years ago and she mentioned she had met you. Tell me more about the billet.]

“I was transferred here a year ago to run the JAG office in San Diego. I’ve been working with a skeleton crew, and recently I took child care leave. I returned to the office today to find things a mess. No order or discipline. I have two young Lieutenants one that is an investigator and the other that is a decent litigator, although she’s new. Commander Marshall is a good litigator but has no command presence. They sent me a rookie to help out who had sexually harassed my female staff and refuses to take orders from me...thinks everything is a joke and compares himself to a young Harmon Rabb. Trust me...they are nothing alike. The rookie is up on charges and I need someone to prosecute. I also need an experienced person to assist in the office. There will be plenty of opportunities to work as a team and to build a solid reputation as a commanding officer. You interested?”

[Yes. When do you need me?]

“This morning...but I’ll take you as soon as you can be here.”

[I should be able to report for duty by Wednesday. Will that do?]

“Outstanding. And Meg, plan on joining us for dinner Wednesday night. I know Harm and you have a lot of news to catch up on.”

[Thank you. Would I be imposing if I had brought someone-my boyfriend- with me too Colonel Rabb?]

“Please, call me Mac. We’re the same rank and I hope we are able to be friends as well. And please do bring your friend.”

[I’m looking forward to this, Mac. Your reputation proceeds you and if you can handle that man you married, then you must be something special.]

“See you Wednesday Meg.”

“She’s taking it?” Harm asked having listened to half the conversation.

“Yes. She’s bringing her boyfriend with her Wednesday night. I invited her to come for dinner. You cooking?”

“You are so cute Marine.”

“I know...that’s why you love me.”

“Maybe...And yes I suppose I can cook dinner...but it sounds like its going to be a dead animal meal for sure with you and Meg at the table.”

“What about surf and turf?”

“Sounds good. Now can we talk about something else?”

“In a minute. I have a little more business to discuss with you first Captain.”

“Business, huh? Go ahead.”

“Creswell told me I can take two of the new NJS graduates and bring them on board. I’d like one Marine and one Sailor. Do you have any without billets that you’d recommend?”

“Several. Why don’t I send over a list tomorrow morning and then you can call in the ones you want for interviews?”

“Something else on your mind tonight Captain?”

“Yeah...my wife.”

“Well in that case, tell me about it.”

“I’d rather show you.” Harm pulled her into his arms and kissed her, letting his tongue slip between her lips as he slid his hands under the t-shirt she still wore.

“Love me Harm...” Mac pleaded as his kisses intensified and his hands wandered over her body.

CHAPTER 6

1800 Local

Wednesday Evening

Rabb Residence

Commander Meg Austin and Lt. Colonel Sarah ‘Mac’ Rabb clicked immediately. As Mac showed Meg around and introduced her to the staff she was impressed at the way Meg watched, listened and learned while establishing herself as a command presence. Creswell had wanted this office to be a Joint Staff team and she was doing everything in her power to make it so. Bringing Meg Austin on board was looking like a smart move.

During lunch, Meg mentioned that her boyfriend was now her fiancé and then let it slip who her fiancé was. Mac grinned at the idea that someone else from Harm’s past was about to reappear. She gave Meg the directions to their home and warned her that the house could be somewhat crazy.

“We have two month old twins at home and a rag mop of a dog that thinks its her job to guard them both. Don’t be surprised, Meg, if things get a little crazy for awhile until we get them settled in.”

“You had twins two months ago and look like that! How’d you get your figure back so fast? My sister’s been working on dropping her baby weight for six months.”

“Actually we adopted these two. We still hope to have our own someday, but we had a chance to adopt and we took it. Turns out we got two - a boy and a girl.”

“I can’t wait to see Daddy Harm. He all thumbs with diapers?”

“No. Actually he’s a natural. You’ll see for yourself tonight...He’s also cooking our dinner.”

“Good Lord - not tofu?” Meg squawked making a face at the idea.

“No surf and turf actually,” Mac laughed. This was going to be a fun evening.

Mac had gotten home in time to nurse the twins and change into a pair of jeans, tank top and over blouse before Meg and her fiancé drove up. Harm was just setting the table when she came down stairs.

“They’re here, Harm.”

“Perfect timing. Hey...can I have a kiss before we play host and hostess?” Harm asked as she walked by him.

Stopping she looked up at him and smiled. “I guess I can spare one.” Their lips met and lingered only a few seconds. Slipping her hand into his, she led him to the door as the buzzer rang. Mac opened it and stood back to watch the reunion as soon as she greeted Meg.

“Welcome to our home Meg...”

“Keeter! What are you...Meg you didn’t hook up with him did you?” Harm asked as he shook hands and hugged his ex partner and old roommate all at the same time.

“Yeah, I did. Remember when we met in Cuba?” Meg asked him. That had been quite a case.

“Oh yeah...although I’ve tried to forget it.”

“Come on in you two...dinner’s almost ready. Drinks?” Mac asked as she drew them into the house.

“So you settled for Harm, huh Mac?” Jack asked.

“I don’t consider it settling, Jack.”

“Sure it is,” Jack laughed.

“And you wonder why it took me so long to agree to hook up with you Jackson Keeter,” Meg scolded.

Mac and Harm brought them into the dining room where the babies were in their swing. The proud father made the introductions. “This is our son Heath and our daughter Tori...two months old tomorrow.” Harm laughed as Muffin tried to stay between the babies and everyone else. “And the guard mop is our dog Muffin.”

“Very adorable.” Meg commented as she threaded her arm through Keeter’s.

“So Mac, you’ve got three kids to take care of. No wonder you need Meg to help run the office.” Jack chuckled.

“Actually Jack, Harm is a great dad. He changes diapers - even the dirty ones. He feeds them, rocks them, sings to them...anything they need done, he’s right there doing it.”

“Good for you Buddy.” Jack inhaled deeply through his nose and grinned. “Something smells great.” Jack commented.

“That’s dinner. If you have a seat, we’ll bring it right in,” Harm instructed their guests.

Meg and Jack sat down and watched Harm and Mac leave to bring back their dinner. Meg turned to Jack and gave him an earful. “You listen to me Jack...you are being an idiot. I can see you’re acting all jealous and you’re making a fool of yourself. Harm was a good partner and he was a friend...a big brother at times. There was never more between us then that. You behave yourself, you hear me?”

“Yes Ma’am. I guess I need to tone down the insults huh?”

“That would be a start.”

The two couples chatted over dinner. Heath and Tori slept in their swing always under the watchful eyes of their parents and Muffin. Harm and Mac took turns recounting the past year of their lives. The upheaval of being sent away from Jag and being without each other and how that separation allowed them to finally admit to what they had fought against for years was retold. They told them about the wedding and Harm’s change of billet after just five months. When they got to the part about the promotion, both Jack and Meg sat with their mouths opened.

“Hey guys, close your mouths. It was a bit of a shock to us too. However, I think the move from instructor to head of Naval Justice School was an even greater surprise.” Harm felt proud of his accomplishments but blushed a little when Meg and Jack expressed pride in him as well.

“Well Harm, I think you deserve it. I’m proud of you.” Meg told him.

“Me too Buddy.” Jack said offering Harm a slap on the back and a handshake.

The men cleaned up after dinner while Mac and Meg put the babies to bed after their bottles. Meg fed Heath while Mac tried to keep Tori’s routine as close to typical as possible.

Harm was showing Jack around the house and they arrived at the nursery in time for him to sing to the babies and rock Tori for a few minutes before tucking her into bed.

They returned to the living room with coffee and for more conversation. Jack explained that he was still flying for the CIA at times, but was working at Miramar running some test flights and training new test pilots. He also was involved with the NASA program and went on alert whenever their was a scheduled space flight. It was his job to escort the shuttles back when they landed at Miramar.

“So how did you two hook up,” Harm finally asked looking back and forth between the two of them.

“Go again Jack,” Meg nodded.

“No, you should tell him, Meg.”

“You’ve known him longer,” she countered.

“Yeah, but you’re a woman and he won’t hurt you.”

“So you are finally admitting that I can whip your ass, Keeter,” Harm laughed.

“Alright boys!” Mac jumped into the fray. “We could always play twenty questions of you can each tell part of the story. What’s it going to be?”

“Ladies first,” Jack insisted.

“Well, seeing as you’re using your manners, I’ll agree to it,” Meg laughed. “Well, you introduced us Harm..when we were in Cuba. Remember?”

“And you’ve been dating since then?” Harm asked his voice and eyebrows both rising.

“No. It was several years later that we actually went on a date.” Meg informed him. “After we left Cuba, Krennick told me to monitor Jack’s movements. I’m not sure if she was trying to catch him and put Harm on the spot, or if she was hoping to get something on Harm as a result. Anyway, I found out he was stationed in Spain at the time so when I transferred out of JAG I headed to Spain. Problem was the one and only time we saw each other, he was heading to Washington DC for a new assignment. We talked briefly and each went our own way.” Meg paused and Jack took up the story.

“I thought she was a cute little thing, but I was sure she couldn’t live up to Maria Elena Carmelita Gutierez. Remember her Harm?” Jack laughed as Harm squirmed. Taken pity on him, Jack continued, “She was long before you came into the picture Mac.”

“I should hope so. He steal her from you?” Mac asked winking at Harm.

“He tried.”

“Hey, it got rid of Krennick!” Harm laughed.

“Krennick?” Jack scratched his head. “That barracuda that was with you in Cuba?”

“That’s the one. Yeah, she kept trying to put the make on me and use it to control me. I wasn’t playing. She wasn’t very happy when she found Maria in a towel in my bedroom.” Harm laughed at the memory.

“Alright...I want to hear this story,” Mac redirected the rowdy guys.

“Well, I was working with Webb on the stealth project after Spain and that’s when I met you Mac. I couldn’t believe Harm’s luck. First he works with Kate Pike, then he gets paired with a cute little number like Meg, and then he winds up with you, Mac. As soon as I saw the two of you together, I knew that nothing I did or said, would come between the two of you...so after we got back, I decided that I wouldn’t be poaching on Harm’s territory if I looked Meg up.”

“You thought Meg and I were involved?” Harm asked.

“No...not after I saw you with Mac. Anyway, About four years ago we both ended up at Pearl. I was there TAD for Webb, and Meg had just transfer from Spain. We started going out and talking about you and other people we both knew. Then I was transferred to NASA and Miramar. I missed her but I’m not real good with long distance relationships. Meg kept writing and I’d write back. Then I called her and she was getting ready to take leave in Texas. I flew down and spent sometime with her. She was as much fun as always.”

“Yeah, I was so mad at him that I took off without saying good-bye.”

“Yeah, get this Harm...she told me later I was too much of a gentleman and she was sick and tired of being treated like everyone’s little sister!”

“You were being a gentleman? You must have had it bad, Keeter.” Harm chuckled as he reached for Mac’s hand.

“When I got back to Pearl, I wouldn’t write to him or take his calls. It bothered him.”

“Maybe a little....Oh, Okay...a lot. I called her and told her on the phone what I had wanted to do to her but was afraid she’s slap me. You know what she did?”

“Hung up on you?” asked Harm.

“No...she laughed. Thought it was a riot. I knew then that I was a goner.”

“I started logging miles to Hawaii at least once a month. Then she tells me that her billet is up and she’s not sure what she wants to do next. We agreed that if something opened up in this area, it would be perfect...but nothing was opening.”

“That’s when you called Mac. I called to tell him and he proposed.” Meg grinned at the big man next to her.

“Long distance phone call to propose...that sounds like a naval aviator.” Mac chuckled.

“How did Harm propose Mac?” Meg asked.

“He dazzled me with the most amazingly romantic evening...we went to the theater and a late night candle lit restaurant on the Thames...it was so beautiful...” Mac looked at her husband remembering that night as if it was yesterday. She lifted her face to accept his kiss on her lips.

“He has you beat Jack,” Meg teased.

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me,” Jack chuckled.

“So have you set a date?” Harm asked.

“Not yet. But she promised me she would set it soon.”

“We’ll expect an invitation,”“ Harm told his old friend.

“We didn’t get one from you though...did we?”Jack asked at the last minute.

“No. We had a small but nice wedding at Harm’s parents’ house,” Mac jumped into the conversation.

“Do you have pictures?” Meg asked hoping there would be pictures of familiar faces.

Harm and Mac got out their wedding pictures to show Meg and Jack.

“Boone and Chegwidden! Rabb you really are crazy aren’t you?” Keeter laughed seeing the two retired admirals in the pictures.

“They were well behaved,” Harm told them, chuckling at the potential scene either of them could have caused.

“Now who are these girls?” Meg asked spotting the two teenagers that each lay claim to them.

“The one with the wild hair is Mattie, Harm’s ward. The other one is Chloe, my ‘little sister.’” Mac filled Meg in.

“I’ve thought of getting involved with that mentoring program- I just never took the time.” Meg said thoughtfully.

“Chloe was a handful at first. She told everyone I was her mother. She embarrassed me in front of Harm all the time...but I adore her and when she moved away...well let’s just say Harm found a unique way to try to comfort me,” Mac grinned at her husband remembering the long ago deal they had made about having children.

“Sounds interesting,” Meg hinted as she looked up as the two men were laughing about something. “What’s so funny?”

“Bud...you remember him?” Jack asked Meg.

“Yes. I had recommended him for Harm’s assistant at JAG before I transferred out. You still in touch with him?” Meg asked.

“Oh yeah...he and his wife and their four children are coming out for a week this summer.” Harm told them.

“He had said once he was going to go to law school. Did he?” Meg asked.

“Oh yeah...first case he whipped Harm’s butt,” Mac laughed.

“Good for Bud. I can’t picture him married with four children though.” Meg pondered.

“There would have been five but their second child died right after she was born. Jimmy and the twins were born after he recovered from losing his leg.” Mac informed Meg.

“Oh Dear God! How did that happen?” asked a shocked Meg.

“Stepped on a landmine when he went on a goodwill mission for the grand opening of a school we rebuilt after we accidently destroyed there’s in a bombing run.” He died once and they got him back...he worked hard to get reinstated...Admiral Chegwidden fought just as hard and managed to get him promoted to Lt. Commander just before he left for his retirement. Hard to believe that was two years ago now. A lots changed since then,” Mac said as she exchanged glances with her husband.

The two couples shared a few more stories about scrapes one or the other of them got themselves into before calling it a night. Harm and Mac watched their car drive away before turning to go upstairs arm in arm. They had enjoyed the evening and could see themselves spending social time with these two in the future.

CHAPTER 7

May 22, 2006

Monday 1320 Local

Mac’s Office

San Diego JAG

“Lt. Commander Roberts, reporting for duty, Ma’am.”

“At ease Commander. Good to see you Bud.” Mac smiled a warm greeting. “I think you know Commander Austin.”

“Yes Ma’am. Good to see you again Commander Austin.” Bud smiled as he shook hands with the tall blonde.

“Congratulations Commander Roberts...I hear you’ve come a long way since the days I knew you.”

“Some, Ma’am.”

“Shall we get down to business, people,”Mac asked as she redirected the two Commanders. When they were seated she reviewed the situation. “As you know I have charged Lt. Gregory Vukovic with a number of charges. Commander Austin will be prosecuting this case while you defend Commander Roberts. Because I filed charges, I will recuse myself from further involvement in this case. I trust the two of you will be able to work together. If you need advise I suggest you call General Creswell. Any questions?”

“No Ma’am.”

“Very well. Meg, please show Bud the visitors office and have PO Frank assigned to assist him.”

“Very well. Come on Bud.”

Mac watched as two of the officers from Harm’s past reconnected. She shook her head and smiled. Later today she was meeting with some of the new graduates from Naval Justice School. As a result of that assignment, there were many more potential quality JAG lawyers and investigators that would benefit from tutelage under Harmon Rabb Junior. Mac was glad she was going to be able to add two of them to her staff.

Wednesday

1540 Local

Mac’s Office

She had just replaced the receiver and sat back in her chair with a smile on her face. Judge Helfman had called to tell her that the hearing had just concluded on Vukovic and that she had made the decision that the evidence did warrant going forward to a courts martial. She expected to see either one or both of the Commanders assigned to the case shortly. She thought about how she would feel if they presented her with a plea bargain. Just then Meg Austin arrived.

“Come on in Meg. Judge Helfman called me. Nice job.”

“Thank you, Colonel. Commander Roberts has already asked me if we would consider a plea bargain. He presented something he felt his client would agree to and I told him I would discuss it with you.”

“Very well. Let’s hear their offer.”

“Lt. Vukovic stays in Navy; takes a cut in pay while in grade; attends sensitivity training; and writes letters of apology to you, Mayfield, Graves, and Coates.”

Mac thought about the offer and then thought about the two babies in her home. How would they feel someday if they ever learned about their biological father? Of course she didn’t think either Meg or Bud knew about that. On one hand she wanted the screws put to the brash, arrogant, cheating, manipulating, womanizing lieutenant. On the other hand she didn’t want her children to learn someday what a jerk their paternal heritage was. Yet, was this factor clouding her judgement? Mac wanted time to think and to talk to Harm.

“Colonel?” Meg prompted.

“Yes, Commander...I need some time to think about it. Can you give me about half an hour?”

“No problem. I’m going to my office to start my paperwork on the case. Call me when you’re ready.”

“Thanks Meg.” Mac watched her leave and then called Harm. He answered right away. “Hey Sailor...you got a minute?”

“For you always. What’s up?”

“I’ve been asked to accept a plea bargain on Vukovic.”

“And you’re struggling with the future impact on Heath and Tori?”

“Yeah. How much weight should I give to my concern about the impact on them if they ever find out, Harm?”

“I think you need to look at this without considering the twins first. What do you want?”

“I want his ass in the brig and then I want him out of the Navy.” Mac’s voice carried her disgust without a doubt.

“And what is the offer on the table?” Harm asked her.

“Lt. Vukovic stays in Navy; takes a cut in pay while in grade; attends sensitivity training; and writes letters of apology to Mayfield, Graves, Coates and me.”

“Well, what’s the main issue in your eyes?” Harm asked.

“I guess there are two main issues for me...one I do not feel he had the ethics called for to be a JAG attorney or investigator and his behavior is not up to the standards of either navy or marine officers.”

“Be innovative Mac...where do people learn those skills...the brig?”

“No...Officer Candidate School and Naval Justice School.”

“So he needs to redo those two programs if he’s to stay in the Navy. Maybe he’ll get it the second time around.” Harm offered as a suggestion.

“You are a genius. Thank you Harm.”

“Not a problem. See you later?”

“Count on it Sailor,” Mac purred in her most seductive voice. She laughed hearing his groan before she disconnected the call. She then called Meg. “I’ve got a counter proposal.”

Meg came in and listened as Mac outlined what she wanted and what she could live with. “I’ll leave it to you work it out within those parameters, Commander.”

“Thank you, Colonel...this has the Rabb trademark written all over it, Ma’am.”

“Yes well, sometimes even I utilize his brains.” Mac smiled.

“May I ask why the concern over this Ma’am?” Meg Austin asked.

“I can’t go into complete detail, Commander, but it has to do with the children we adopted...their mother was at NJS...that’s how we met her. She had a relationship with Lt. Vukovic which resulted in pregnancy. He signed away his rights to them. I do not believe he knows that we have adopted those children - in fact I’m sure they are just a vague memory in his head if he gives them a thought at all.

“Still someday the twins may want to know about their biological father. If I can do something to make him someone they can take pride in, then I can live with him having made mistakes and having blemishes in his record...those we all have and over came them...we’re human...but to not get it...to not understand ethics and human decency...I can’t handle that.” Mac took a deep breath.

“This is confidential Ma’am...however I may just let him know that his signature is on documents that are out there and that one could find out that he’s acted less then honorably with out a lot of effort.”

“I’ll trust you to deal with this. Dismissed.”

“Aye-aye Ma’am.” Meg left Mac’s office with a plan in mind. “She headed to see Commander Roberts and discovered Lt. Vukovic in his office with him. “Good, I’ve got you together.”

“Is this about the plea bargain?” Bud asked.

“Yes sir. We have a counter proposal. First, let me inform you that Colonel Mackenzie originally was pushing for brig time and a dishonorable discharge. She has now reconsidered and this is the best we can do. If you don’t take this deal, we’ll go to courts martial...where I will bring in every witness and every shred of evidence I can find to support that you are unethical and have repeatedly demonstrated behavior unbecoming an officer. Keep that in mind and think about what could come out, Lieutenant,” Meg said as she drilled the cocky young man with a look that would wither most people.

“The offer Commander Austin?” Roberts prompted.

“You take a demotion until you have retaken the Officer Candidate training program; you attend sensitivity training for dealing with women in the workplace; you repeat Naval Justice School or a letter will go to the ethics board and you will loose your license to practice law; you take a cut in pay commiserate with your rank until all parts of the deal are satisfactorily completed. And finally you have a permanent letter in your file.”

“No brig time?”

“No.”

“Stays in the Navy?”

“Yes.”

“Its not a bad deal Vic.”

“It stinks Commander,” snarled Vukovic.

“You’d rather take a chance on brig time and dishonorable discharge? Now before you answer that, I suggest you think about how you would feel if the people effected most by the release of rights paper you signed a few months ago ever find out about this.”

“What are you talking about Commander?” asked Bud Roberts.

“Your client knows. I’m not willing to release that information because it could effect innocent young lives...but if I go to court martial with this case, it will be shared with the members.” Meg knew she was getting through when Vukovic went pale and started twisting in his seat.

“I believe fraternization charges could also be issued if that information came out,” Meg added for good measure. It worked.

“I’ll take the deal.”

“Are you sure? We can fight to block information.”

“I’m not sure we could block that much information sir. I have no choice if I’m going to have any kind of future,” Gregory Vukovic acquiesced.

“Commander Austin, could you give me a few minutes with my client?” Bud asked.

“Certainly, Commander Roberts. I’ll wait outside. Let me know when you’re ready to continue this discussion.”

Bud waited until the door closed before turning to his client. “Vic, if I”m going to advise you, you need to tell me what you’re trying to hide...what would come out.”

“I understand sir...I’m not sure where to begin.”

“The beginning is usually a good place.”

“Yes I know...there are several things...I could be charged with fraternization if it came out that a young woman I was involved with was only an ensign...assigned to my squad.”

“Same chain of command, junior officer...you could be right...but did you break it off?”

“Yes...but then she told me she was pregnant.”

“What did you do?”

“Told her I didn’t want the responsibility of children and that the best thing I could give a kid was a chance for a different father,” Vukovic stated looking directly into Bud Roberts’ eyes.

“You gave away your baby! What kind of man are you?” Roberts stood up as quickly as his prosthesis would allow and began to pace. “How could you give anyway your rights to an innocent baby?”

“Why should I be held responsible? She could have had an abortion and she didn’t. Instead she ended up having twins and giving them both away. How is what she did any different then what I did...I signed away my rights as a father because I don’t want to be a father and probably wouldn’t be very good at it...but the way they put the spin on things...not only would it prove I fraternized they could use it against me for the unbecoming charges.”

“Where were you based when this took place?” Bud asked...a glimmer of something bugging him.

“I was TAD in San Diego at the time.”

“The woman?”

“Still here. She should be about finishing Naval Justice School this month...unless she quit because of the pregnancy...but I doubt Heather would do that.”

“Heather?”

“Yeah...Ensign Heather Price. You know her?” asked Vic at seeing the expression on Bud’s face.

“No...I don’t believe we ever met.” Bud responded. What he didn’t admit to, is that he knew who had adopted the twins that his client had fathered.

“Alright I have no choice but to agree to this deal if you are sure you want to accept it.”

“I do.”

“Then I’ll go get Commander Austin and we’ll wrap this up.” Bud shook his head fighting off the daze. He fully planned to speak to Mac before he headed home.

1630 Local

Mac’s Office

JAG San Diego

“Excuse me Colonel?”

“Oh Hi Bud...Come on in and shut the hatch.”

“Colonel...I need to ask you something.”

“Go ahead.”

“Does the biological father of your twins no you are the adoptive parents?” Bud’s face was almost comical in his intense look.

“No. I don’t believe he does.” Mac answered.

“Ma’am...I have to ask...”

“You want to know if that had any effect on the charges I filed on him...or the fact that I filed charges at all.”

“Yes...that’s what I need to know.”

“Bud...I wrestled with it and the only reason I backed off from brig time, is that someday those children may want to know about their father. I would not be able to look them in the face and say, ‘I put your father in the brig and made sure he didn’t have a career to return to.’...but I will be able to look them in the eyes and say, ‘Your Dad was very immature and made some mistakes...but I saw to it that he had a chance to learn from those mistakes and regain his career’...so yeah Bud...knowing what I know did influence my decisions...but I believe I came to a fair offer.”

“I would concur, Colonel...I didn’t mean to pry into your personal life, Ma’am...but I needed to protect my client.”

“Understood, Commander Roberts. Are you returning home tonight?” Mac asked.

“Yes. I have a flight out in about an hour that will get me into Andrews before late tonight.”

“Have a safe trip and give Harriet and the kids our love. We’ll see you soon, right?”

“We’re looking forward to it.”

“So are we Bud.” Mac watched her office door close and she leaned back in her chair.

The phone rang and she groaned before reaching to pick it up. Her sixth sense told her it was General Creswell. She was correct.

“Colonel Rabb...I understand that you negotiated a very unusual settlement.”

“I offered one sir.”

“It was inventive, unusual but probably the most beneficial in the long run.”

“I hope so sir...I know you had a lot of faith in Lt. Vukovic.”

“Which you didn’t share...Colonel, did your dislike for him influence your charges?”

“No sir. But they did influence my offer initially...and then I decided that there must be something redeeming about him and if the problem was maturity then giving him more time to grow up would give him a chance to prove you right.”

“I can’t argue with your logic, Colonel...but it smacks of a Navy...you consult with your husband on this?” Mac could swear she could hear the General grinning.

“Yes sir...and he helped me see outside the box.”

“Good job. You two were a hell of team at JAG and I’m glad to see you’ve found a way to keep that team work going.”

“Thank you sir.” Mac hung up the phone and smiled.

1828 Local

Rabb Residence

Mac walked into the house dropping her things as she moved toward the living room where Harm was laying on the floor with the babies who were awake and watching the mobile floor unit they had gotten for them. Sliding onto the floor beside him she leaned over to kiss him.

“Mmmm...I needed that.”

“Rough day?”

“Yeah. I want to forget it for now and play with my children.”

“They haven’t eaten yet if you want to nurse,” Harm told her.

“In a few minutes...” Mac reached out a hand and caressed first one little body and then the other. She touched their cheeks one at a time. They both smiled at her as she did. “You know what I’m looking forward to?”

“Tell me.”

“Hearing them call us Mama and Dada.”

“We’ve got a while to wait for that don’t we?”

“Yes we do...so I guess I’ll settle for the hungry little gazes they give me for now.”

“You want to nurse both this time?”

“Yes...what are we doing for dinner?”

“It’s in the oven,” Harm told her.

“Want to hold one on one breast while I hold the other?” Mac asked.

“Sure...need some help getting that uniform top off?”

“Sure...you just can’t wait to get me out of my clothes, can you?” Mac grinned at her husband as she undid her tie and started undoing her buttons.

“Well it does give me ideas...” Harm grinned. Once she had her top off, Harm handed her Tori and while Mac settled her at one breast, Harm scooped up Heath and then settled Mac against his chest. He sat slightly angled and held Heath up against Mac’s body while his arms circled and supported both babies. Heath found his mother’s nipple on his own, and fed greedily. Harm kissed the side of her face and whispered in her ear.

“I love you...each and every one of you...you’re my family.” Harm’s head rested against Mac’s. This was one of those private moments that they shared that they both knew intensified their intimacy with each other at night when they were alone.

CHAPTER 8

June 18, 2006

Sunday, 1308 Local

International Airport

San Diego, California

“Harm can you see them yet?” Mac asked for the third time.

“Not yet, Honey...but they’ll show up any second. Tori still asleep?” Harm asked looking at the baby girl in pink snuggled against her mother’s chest in the ‘snuggli pack’ Mac wore. Heath was in the one Harm wore. Heath was also wide awake trying to figure out the sights and sounds around him. The babies were three months old now and when they were awake, they were fascinated by everything.

“Yes...but she’ll wake up when Chloe starts squealing about her...How did you luck out with a quiet teenager...by comparison at least?” Mac asked shaking her head thinking about their two teenagers.

“Mattie’s the strong silent type like me, I guess.”

“Oh really?” Mac’s eyebrows went up. “You weren’t that quiet last night.”

Harm blushed slightly much to Mac’s amusement. “You are a wild woman at times...but you know it and love it don’t you?”

“So do you.”

“I would agree with that...and here they come.” Harm warned as he spotted the wild haired red-head and the floppy hat wearer coming their way. Mattie hugged Harm and focused her attention on Heath.

“Oh he’s gorgeous! Hi Heath...I’m Mattie...You are a very handsome young man. Can I hold him?”

“Without even a ‘Hi Harm...Hi Mac...’ and all you can think of is holding my son.”

“Hey its not everyday you get to meet your baby brother...and sister,” Mattie added as she glanced at Mac and then leaned over to kiss her cheek.

While Mattie had been greeting Heath, Chloe had hugged Mac with her free arm and quietly gazed at the adorable baby resting on Mac. “She’s beautiful Mac.”

“Thanks Chloe...for being quiet and not waking her just yet.” That was when Mattie had leaned over to kiss Mac’s cheek.

“Hey Harm...OH! Heath’s awake. Hey Heath...you are really into studying the world aren’t you little guy.”

“Shall we go collect your luggage?” Mac asked.

“Let’s do it. Did my boxes get here yet,” Chloe asked.

“Yes, they did. They are in your room waiting for you.” Mac hugged Chloe with one arm again.

“Mattie, let me help you put this on you so you can carry Heath. I’ll carry your luggage.” Harm transferred his son to Mattie and then led them all to the baggage claim area. “You okay?”

“Yes. Let’s go!”

Once they got the luggage into the minivan and everyone loaded in, they headed back to the house. Chloe and Mattie chatted all the way taking turns telling about their graduation from high school.

Once they got to the house they insisted on a tour from top to bottom with Muffin following behind. Harm suggested they get settled into the guest room before they joined them downstairs for lunch. Mac was preparing it while Harm made sure the girls had their things upstairs. Heath and Tori were in their swing, both sleeping now.

“Mac this house is cool. I love that apartment area downstairs.” Chloe enthused.

“It’s great,” agreed Mattie.

“Bud and Harriet and their family will be staying down their when they get here. We’re going to have a full house for a couple of weeks. You two won’t mind watching AJ and Jimmy for Harriet will you?” asked Mac.

“No.” Mattie answered quietly.

“It’ll be great,” added Chloe.

“Mattie, what aren’t you saying?” Harm asked noticing her flickering frown.

“It’s nothing...” Mattie tried to deflect his concern.

“Mattie?”

“What if I can’t keep up with them?” Mattie finally admitted fighting tears.

“Have you had a set back?” Harm asked. “Were you overdoing?”

“No...its just I still get a little tired when I do too much lifting or running.”

“Are you afraid of getting hurt?” Harm asked gently.

“No! It’s not that...”

“Tell me what it is then.”

“I don’t want to get hurt and then not be able to go to the Academy.”

“I can understand that. But you’re running again, right?”

“Yes...I’m up to twelve miles once a week and six every other day.” Mattie admitted.

“Mattie, you should run with Harm in the half-marathon coming up.” Mac suggested.

“Can I?” Mattie asked gazing up at Harm with adoration and hope.

“I’d love it. Why don’t we plan to run together while we’re getting ready for it?” When she nodded her face glowing with excitement, he turned to Chloe, “Do you want to join us?”

“DO you run with him Mac?” Chloe asked with a tinge of desperation in her voice.

“Sometimes...for fun...but if you don’t think running is fun, training for a half marathon is no way to start.”

“No thanks then. I’ll pass...I’d rather cheer you on.” Chloe decided that she wouldn’t be left out and no one would tease her for declining. Maybe at some point she would ask Mac to let her start running with her on shorter runs.

They enjoyed soup and sandwiches for a late lunch. Afterward, both babies were awake and got to meet their ‘big sisters’. Heath and Tori accepted Chloe and Mattie with no problem.

“They are so sweet,” Chloe said for about the hundredth time.

“Let’s see if you still think so when they are both crying and you aren’t sure why,” Mac teased.

“Do they do that often?” Chloe asked her eyes big.

“Not really...but once in a while it does happen and we just try to stay calm and figure it out.” Mac assured her.

“Once time,” Harm began, “Tori was crying and we couldn’t figure out why. She had been fed, her diapers changed, Mac rocked her, and had sung to them, we read a story, everything we did and she cried louder. I was rocking her for the second time and Mac had gone to let Muffin in. As soon as Muff settled herself on the floor where she stands guard when they go to bed Tori stopped crying.”

“Really?” asked Mattie and Chloe simultaneously.

“We didn’t realize that Tori was that observant, but we did know that she doesn’t like to have her routine changed. Since then we’ve made sure the dog was in before we settle them down at night.” Harm continued.

“Wow...I’ve got a lot to learn about these two before I’m going to be very good at taking care of them for you guys,” Chloe worried aloud.

“You’ll be fine Chloe...and having Mattie here to help to start with will make it even easier.”

“So Tori is really set in her ways, huh?” Chloe asked.

“She tries. We try to do the same things but not always in the same order. She’s actually not as bad about routines as she was when she first came home.” Mac smiled looking at her babies.

“You know...I know they are adopted, but there is something about them...they almost look like you two.” Mattie noticed and told Harm and Mac. Tori started to fuss a little about the same time.

“What’s the matter little angel?” asked Chloe.

“Time to be fed,” Mac announced. “And they are probably getting tired. They’ve been awake a lot today.

“Can we feed them?” Chloe asked.

“Sorry, not this time...I need to nurse. We do have bottles for them, and I’ll need to pump after they nurse so that we’ll have bottles for later.” Mac tried to make light of it, but Harm knew that something was bothering her.

“Okay...I guess I’ll go unpack while you nurse them. Mattie, are you coming?” Mattie nodded and started to stand up. “Let us know when we can come back down.”

Mac and Harm exchanged glances and then Mac said, “You don’t have to leave while I nurse if you don’t want to...unless it will bother you. I don’t generally nurse in public, but you guys are family...its up to you.”

“You sure you don’t mind?” Chloe asked setting back down.

“Not at all.”

Mattie and Chloe exchanged smiles and then watched as Harm handed Tori to Mac who positioned the baby and discreetly opened her blouse and bra. Harm fought to keep the tears at bay as he watched Mattie cuddling Heath while Mac nursed. His family was here and he was proud of everyone of them.

2245 Local

Harm and Mac’s Bedroom

Rabb Residence

“Mac, what was wrong this afternoon...before your nursed Tori...you seemed a little concerned. With the girls I didn’t have a chance to ask you before.” Harm asked as they undressed for bed.

“It may be nothing...but I’ve noticed that I’m not producing as much milk anymore...before I was so productive and then it was adjusted...but now its like I’m never sure there is going to be enough.”

“When do you see the doctor again?” Harm asked.

“Tomorrow...and I’m thinking we may need to start introducing them to formula. It will be easier for Chloe and Mattie to deal with this summer, and the twins are past that critical point...they’ve started their immunizations. We’ve bonded...and I’ve experienced nursing. I guess there really isn’t the need to continue the same anymore.” Mac admitted a little disheartened.

“Come here.” Harm reached for her and she cuddled into him, resting her head on his shoulder. She always felt so loved and protected when he wrapped his long arms around her and held her against his massive chest, her head nestled under his chin. When ever something was bothering her and he held her this way, nothing seemed as big or overwhelming.

Harm felt her sigh as she rested against him. “Is there anything I can do?”

“You’re doing it.” Mac relaxed in his embrace and looked up into his face. The love they had for each other just seemed to grow with each passing day.

Harm lowered his head then to kiss her. As her worry about her ability to nurse faded, her passion for her husband soared. In the year since they had first allowed themselves to acknowledge their love for one another - at least in the physical sense - each time they made love only got better.

As their tentativeness with one another lessened, their knowledge of what each one liked grew. They had reached a point where their trust in one another had allowed them the freedom to be bold and try knew things...and to reject the ones that they didn’t enjoy while embracing the excitement of the things they did enjoy. Making love for them was a celebration at times and a chance to sooth or heal at other times. Both reveled in the fact that they had found the unique bond with each other that they had never shared with anyone else before.

Tonight their lovemaking began as a comforting gesture...with the simple act of being held. But it grew and bloomed into a hunger that was hot and needy and in the end so very, very satisfying.

0815 Local

Rabb Residence

San Diego

Harm had been up early with the twins, when Mattie had joined him in the kitchen dressed to go running. “I was hoping I’d catch you before you went,” Mattie told him.

“That you did. As you can see feeding Tori and Heath first is a necessity,” Harm smiled as he prepared morning bottles. Mac had fed them during the night so he used the bottles that had been prepared for that purpose this morning to give Mac time to sleep in.

“Can I give one a bottle?” Mattie asked with a hopeful smile on her face.

“Sure. Have a seat...This is Heath...he’s pretty easy going.” Harm settled Heath in Mattie’s arms and then handed her the bottle. “That’s it...see..he’s hungry...that’s all there is to it.”

Harm then settled in another chair with Tori, just as Chloe joined them.

“Oh can I feed her?” Chloe asked, her eyes hopeful.

“Sure...sometimes she isn’t as happy with the bottle,” Harm warned her. “But don’t give up and she’ll take it.”

Chloe sat down and held up her arms to take the baby. Harm settled Tori in Chloe’s arms and then held the bottle until he was sure Tori would take it. He slowly backed up and let his hand drift from his daughter’s head. She kept eating and watching Chloe’s face. Smiling he said, “When the bottle is about half gone, they’ll probably need to be burped. I’m going to change and I’ll try to be back by then. Heath will burp with a few pats but Tori prefers to have her back rubbed.”

“Got it Harm. Go change.” Chloe dismissed him. “Isn’t this just so cool seeing them as parents?” said Chloe.

“I knew he’d be good...he was doing great taking me on and I was harder...I was already a teenager.” Mattie smiled as she remembered a few times when Harm tackled tough things with her. He’s take a deep breath and jump in. She often would bail him out when he got tongue tied. His attempt to talk to her about the birds and the bees came to mind.

“Sometimes I think its so weird how much we have in common and how close we are tied to those two,” Chloe mused.

“How so?”

“Well, we both were pretty much alone in the world until they came along...they each helped us to have at least one biological parent in our life...our father’s...we both needed Mac’s maternal love and Harm was our hero.” Chloe grinned as she drew the parallels for Mattie.

“He’d tell you he isn’t a hero,” Mattie reminded Chloe.

“I know...that’s why I know that is exactly what he is. He will always step aside to do what’s right for someone else. I didn’t think he and Mac would ever get it right because of it.”

“Chloe, he had to learn that it was okay not to be perfect and that his best effort was enough sometimes.”

“And you showed him that, didn’t you?” Chloe asked stopping to burp Tori and grinning when she succeeded on the first try. Mattie then tried it with Heath and her grin matched Chloe’s at her own success.

“I guess. I just wouldn’t let him off the hook because he didn’t let me off the hook.” Mattie shrugged as she settled Heath in for the rest of his bottle.

Upstairs, Harm was quietly changing into his running clothes when Mac woke up.

“Hey...the babies...?”

“Being fed by the girls and eating up the attention,” Harm grinned over his shoulder at Mac and then leaned over to give her a kiss when he finished tying his shoe. “Mattie wants to run with me this morning. You mind?”

“Not at all. I”m glad we both took today off to be with the girls.”

“Me too.”

“What time is the appointment with the doctor?”

“Ten.”

“Okay...I’ll make it a short run so I can be back and get changed.”

“Why don’t I have Chloe go with me? You and Mattie really need some time together.”

“Yeah we do. If you’re sure.”

“I am. I need some time with Chloe as well.”

“I’ll make sure the babies are settled before Mattie and I take off. I’ll also let Chloe know to get ready. What time are you planning to leave?”

“As soon as we’re ready...I thought Chloe and I would go out to breakfast.”

“Okay...love you.”

“Love you too.”

0955 Local

Carmel Mountain Road

San Diego

Harm and Mattie ran side by side as they started on the last mile of their six mile run. Harm had been impressed with the way Mattie had kept up with his longer stride. He hadn’t pushed it, but he hadn’t dogged it either. A few times he would surged ahead and Mattie quickly adjusted. He listened to her breathing and was pleased she was doing as well.

“When you scheduled to run your next long stretch?” Harm asked her.

“Not until Saturday.”

“Good...I try to run in the morning because its cooler, but a lot depends on what time I have to be at work and how cooperative the babies are.” Harm told her.

“I can help in the mornings before we run.”

“I know...what I was going to say is if we don’t get in a morning run we can go in the evening.”

“Harm...I really need to get into the schedule that I’ll have at the Academy...oh did I tell you they want me to come early for a special orientation.”

“When?”

“The others have to report August 20...they want me there August 5.”

“Did they say why?”

“I think because of the physical fitness test. They’re going to put me through a special program along with some others that are questionable. We have two weeks to show we can do it or we are out.”

“You’ll be fine Mattie. Look at it this way...they’ll get to know you sooner and see the grit and determination you have. They’ll find out how smart you really are and you’ll get their attention right away. You won’t have to fight to be noticed in the pack of midshipmen.”

“You think?”

“I do. I think its great.” They began to slow up so they could cool down before they returned to the house. They had completed the six mile run at about an eight minute mile pace. They walked the last half mile to the house.

Meanwhile, Chloe and Mac had gone out to eat and were taking the babies in for their check up each bringing a carry-seat. Mac introduced Chloe to the doctor as her ‘little sister’ and soon to be ‘nanny’ for the babies. Chloe puffed up with pride.

During the examine and weigh in Mac brought up the issue of introducing formula.

“I think I’m beginning to lose my milk...Dr. Dillard warned me it could happen. Can you tell me what I need to do about switching them on to formula?” Mac asked.

“Sure. There are several formulas that are very good and close to breast milk. In another month or two you will be adding cereal to their diet as well so this is a good time to make the change.” The doctor mentioned several brands and said that was a personal choice, but indicated the three that most mothers went with. “I would use the same bottles you’ve been using and start by you giving them a bottle at a time they might normally have a bottle someone else would feed them. I would also nurse them before bed at night if you can. Use the bottles during the night. You should probably talk to Dr. Dillard. Chloe and the babies can wait here if you’d like to check in with him now.”

“Thank you.” Mac left and stopped at Dr. Dillard’s office. He was in and had time to see her.

“What’s up Mac?”

“I think my milk is drying up.”

He asked her some questions and then agreed with her assessment. “It sometimes happens quite quickly like this. I would say that if you go to night feedings only and stop pumping you won’t be able to nurse within about two weeks.”

“Thank you. Anything I should watch for?”

“Swelling is the concern. You’ll have some leaking of course but that should stop soon.”

Mac returned to collect Chloe and the twins and head to the store.

“Well Chloe, looks like I won’t be nursing much longer. We’ll have to learn to use formula for them together.” Mac told her as they drove to the store.

“How long do most women nurse their babies?” Chloe asked.

“Well, I had hoped to nurse for about a year, but many women only nurse for the first three or four months anyway. I guess I just need to consider myself lucky I had this experience at all considering we adopted. Not everyone is able to do this.” Mac calmly explained.

“I think it’s cool you were able to do that. Its kind of a miracle what a woman’s body can do, isn’t it Mac?”

“Yes it is, Chloe. Honey, I know when you start classes and you meet guys that are more experienced then you are...just try not to let them trick you into anything. I want you to have it all someday - and not have to go what I’ve been through to get it...or wait as long.”

“Do you really think that Mattie and I will find our own ‘Harms’ some day?”

“I hope so. Its worth waiting for,” she smiled with a raised eyebrow.

Together they looked over the formulas that the pediatrician had suggested. They decided on one because it seemed to be easier to prepare and three women stopped and bought the brand while they were researching. Next they bought diapers and stocked up on groceries before heading home to fix lunch and meet up with Harm and Mattie.

After lunch they were going to go visit the grandparents. First stop was to see Mac’s mom again. They had met briefly at the wedding. Then they were invited to have dinner with Trish and Frank Burnett. Chloe was going to drive the van under their direction as she would need to be able to drive when she was taking care of the babies on her own.

Mattie would take her turn another day, but with both Harm and Mac scheduled to return to work the next day, they felt that Chloe needed to be able to find her way around.

The afternoon was a series of learning experiences for Chloe and Mattie both. From attaching and detaching the carrying part of the car seats; to diapering a wiggling baby; preparing the new formulas; dressing a baby not to mention driving in San Diego traffic.

Deanna was impressed with the two teenagers that meant so much to Mac and Harm. In some ways she felt like getting to know the two young women would give her a taste of the part of Sarah’s life that she had missed. They spent an hour with Deanna before loading up the van to head to La Jolla.

Frank and Trish were waiting for them when they drove up.

“Nice job Chloe. I think you’ll do fine getting around,” Harm was telling her as he opened his door. He had sat in the passenger seat to give directions while Mattie and Mac had sat way in the back, the babies in the middle seat.

“I agree Chloe. I have every confidence that you’ll be fine to drive around by yourself in this city.” Mac reinforced Harm’s words of praise before adding, “Mattie, we’ll make sure you get a chance too. I’m sure you’ll be fine as well. I know you’ve driven in DC traffic on your own already. Chloe hadn’t had that opportunity.”

“Yeah but I’ve driven in Burlington and the roads there can be really crazy and crowded. My grandma said that after driving in Burlington, Boston and New York City were a breeze.”

“Well, there must be something to it Chloe. You certainly handed San Diego with ease.” Harm chuckled as he released one baby seat. Chloe had released the other. Mac and Mattie joined then and headed for Frank and Trish eager to welcome them.

“Hey Mom,” Harm said as he kissed her cheek. “Frank.”

“Well, we’ve got the whole family practically, let’s go on in so I can see those grandbabies,” Frank smiled.

Together they chatted while they finished the meal preparation. Frank and Trish asked Mattie and Chloe about their plans. They praised Mattie for her hard work in recovering from the plane accident that had nearly killed her and spiritually their son.

“So its off to Annapolis in August?” Frank asked.

“Yes sir.”

“That’s great. If anything happens, and it doesn’t work out, you get yourself back out here. There are many college opportunities here and you have a large family that can support you if you need it.”

“Thank you.”

“She’ll be fine Frank. Mattie knows that no matter what she has a home with us if she ever needs it...just like Chloe does.” Harm added as he slid an arm around each teenager.

They in turn each stretched up to kiss his cheek and when they couldn’t reach, Mattie hit him with the words that would make the difference, “Reduce altitude Captain!”

“Yes Ma’am!” he laughed as they kissed his cheeks at the same time. Trish managed to snap a picture at the right moment. All three of them groaned. It would become one of Mac’s favorite pictures.

CHAPTER 9

June 30 Friday

1820 Local

International Airport

Harm waited and watched for the passenger to wind there way off the Jumbo Jet that had landed from Washington DC. Harriet, Bud, AJ, Jimmy, Nikki, and Andy would be deplaning anytime now. He had brought the minivan so he would have room for everyone and the luggage. Finally he saw them and rushed forward to help relieve some of their burden. Jimmy, only three, had fallen asleep and wanted to be carried along with the twins who were now eighteen months old. Young AJ, now seven was trying to help by carrying bags, while Harriet carried Jimmy and a carry-on and Bud carried two sleeping babies and a carry-on bag.

“Here, let me help,” Harm called as he swooped in to join them.

“Uncle Harm! Where’s Aunt Mac?” asked the boy.

“She is home with our twins - Heath and Tori. They are still really little. But guess who else is at the house?”

“Who?”

“Chloe and Mattie.”

“Awesome!” called the little man he’s eyes sparkling.

“Rough flight guys?” Harm asked.

“Actually it was good,” Harriet smiled. They were awake and content and then all three of the little ones fell asleep about ten minutes before they started landing. They are so out of it I’m not sure I can wake them up until morning. I’m afraid they are on east coast time and they will be awake about four AM.”

“Come on...Let’s go to the car and then Bud and I can come back for the luggage.” Harm suggested.

They got the two youngest into the built-in car seats, with AJ between them. Harriet sat in the back with Jimmy on the seat for now. His booster seat was with the luggage and she would wake him up and get him on that when the men returned.

In addition to the four suitcases, there was a double stroller, a child seat backpack, and a booster seat. They opened the stroller and loaded on as much as they could. Bud pushed that while Harm carried the rest. It took them close to thirty minutes to return to the mini-van.

1908 Local

Rabb Residence

“Why aren’t they here yet?” Chloe asked for the third time. Mattie rolled her eyes and exchanged a grin with Mac.

“They’ll be here. Relax,” Mac told her.

“Easy for you to say.” Chloe mumbled. Mattie laughed out loud then.

“What? You two laughing at me?” asked Chloe, hands on her hips.

“Maybe a little,” Mattie admitted.

“There here!” Chloe called as she ran for the door, Mattie right behind her.

Mac looked at the twins in their swing and shook her head. “Your big sisters are still little girls excited about having company. Don’t worry though...they both adore the two of you.”

Slipping Tori in the carrier on her chest, and holding Heath in her arms, she went to greet their guests as well.

“Mac they are gorgeous,” called Harriet rushing to hug Mac and see the twins.

Mattie and Chloe were hugging AJ and helping Jimmy to get out while Bud and Harm were lifting the still sleepy but awake twins from the car seats. Mattie and Chloe each took a twin and headed for the house while Bud and Harm unloaded the luggage.

Mac hugged Bud with one arm, and then knelt down to introduce AJ and Jimmy to Heath and Tori. Standing she showed Nikki and Andy who seemed amazed that they were the littlest anymore.

They showed the Roberts clan to the downstairs apartment and got their luggage down there too. Jimmy and AJ would sleep in one room. Portable cribs were set up in another room for Nikki and Andy. Harriet was amazed with the space.

“This is wonderful! I could imagine that you would have enough space without us really inconveniencing you, but Bud kept telling me it was perfect. You guys were right.” Harriet admitted looking around.

“Now you are welcome to spend as much time upstairs with us as you want, but if you need quiet family time or something, you have the space for that as well.” Mac told Harriet as she hugged her again.

“Thank you. You have no idea how much this get away means to me.”

“Feeling a little shut up?” Mac asked.

“Not really...just bored with the routine. A change of scenery is perfect. Now will you have any time off while we’re here?” asked Harriet.

“Yes. We both have all of next week off. We plan to show you the sights. Chloe and Mattie have already agreed to watch the kids in the evening so we can go out if we want to. Harm’s mother has invited us all over for dinner one night. We have tickets to a ball game this weekend, and Frank, Trish and my mother are coming over to watch the kids...except for AJ. We thought he was old enough to enjoy the game and of course Mattie and Chloe are looking forward to seeing the cute guys in tight uniforms.”

“The girls aren’t the only ones that enjoy the view at the ball game,” Harriet said fanning herself.

“Harriet! You’re awful,” laughed Mac.

“Just ‘cause I’m married doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the view.” Harriet giggled.

Mac sighed. She was really looking forward to sharing this time with Harriet and Bud. They had been friends for a long time and yet Mac had always been a little envious of Harriet. She and Bud had few complications in their way as they fell and love and married. They had faced plenty of challenges along the road they took together, but grew stronger from each one and stronger in their love for each other. They had a beautiful family that included four children to show for it.

Mac thought of her own family. In away, she had the same thing. Mattie and Chloe were older, but Harm and Mac had played a role in helping them become the amazing young women they were today. They had added to babies through adoption that they loved completely. So the age difference was greater and the way they had become part of the family was different, but the love they shared was as deep and as real as what Harriet’s family had. For the first time she didn’t feel envious of Harriet and it felt good.

Saturday the eight of them visited the San Diego zoo. They made a day of it, enjoying a picnic in the park. With two double strollers and the back-pack seat available for Jimmy when he got tired they managed fine. At one point, Harm saw Bud rub his thigh and he realized that the walking they were doing could be causing pain for his friend.

“Bud, do you need a break?”

“I’m fine Harm. You saw me rub my thigh, huh?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll admit it aches a little sometimes, but a quick massage helps. Tonight I’ll soak it and tomorrow I’ll need to go easy, but the day after I’ll be good as new.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive. The kids are having a blast aren’t they?”

“Yes...do you think our wives are having any less fun?” Harm asked.

“No...They could be having even more fun then the little ones. Mattie and Chloe are really good with AJ and Jimmy. Thanks for letting them ride heard on our boys.”

“You’re welcome.”

When they returned to Carmel Mountain Road that evening, Harm and Bud got the grill going while Mac and Harriet made salads for their dinner on the patio. Chloe and Mattie supervised the children playing in the back yard while the twins slept in their swing nearby.

Harm paused at one point to look around. The family atmosphere shared with friends caused an emotional response in him that took him by surprise. He actually felt his eyes tear up. Mac, coming out of the house noticed.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah, a puff of smoke from the grill found my eyes. I’m fine.”

“Uh-huh...if you say so.” Mac trailed her hand across his chest as she returned to the house for more things. He knew she would bring this up again when they were alone. He would tell her then how intense this feeling of being a family had become for him and he would thank her for giving him this chance.

Sunday morning Deanna, Frank and Trish all arrived about the same time to join them for a breakfast buffet, just as Harm and Mattie were returning from their early morning run. They had done the twelve mile loop this morning despite Harm’s concerns that Mattie would be over doing after the six mile run they had done the day before followed by walking around the zoo. She had assured him she could do it and she had, with ease.

After breakfast, the grandparent brigade took over with the five youngest children, while AJ joined Mattie, Chloe and the parents for a day at the ball park. That evening they had a Chinese take-out buffet as they game had gone into extra innings. Instead of the average two and a half hour game, the game lasted almost four hours. The Washington DC Nationals had beaten the San Diego Padres. Bud had given a gleeful shout at the outcome, despite Harm and Mac’s kidding him that he should be careful cheering for the enemy.

Monday Harm and Bud opted to stay home with the kids so that Harriet, Mac, Chloe and Mattie could have a day of it together. They headed to La Jolla to check out Trish Burnett’s art gallery; stopped by the University of California in La Jolla and in San Diego to see where Chloe would begin classes in August; they took the Old Town Trolley Tour; and then finally headed for Seaport Village. They were exhausted by the time they got home but they brought pizza for dinner so they were forgiven for being gone all day. Chloe and Mattie offered to babysit so the adults to go out to dinner together. Harriet and Mac declined asking for a rain check. They felt they needed to spend some time with their babies that evening. Bud and Harm happily indulged them.

Tuesday was the Fourth of July. They were having a family day at the North Island Air Station which would wrap up with fireworks that evening. As they were getting ready to go, Harm stopped Mac and studied her face.

“What’s going on? And don’t tell me nothing. You’ve been on edge all morning.”

“I had a dream last night about today...I think we’ve got trouble brewing.” Mac admitted with a sigh.

“What kind of trouble?” Harm asked knowing her premonitions were based on facts but that interpretation could be tricky at times.

“I’m not sure...something with the babies I think...forget it Harm...its just me being a worry wart after being away so much of the day Sunday and Monday.”

“I take you seriously Mac. If there is something going on you keep me informed.”

“I will,” she promised.

They arrived at NAS in the two vehicles. Harm knew that many of his colleagues from Naval Justice School would be here today as well as Meg and Jack. He couldn’t wait to see Bud’s face when he spotted the two of them. They had decided to keep that a surprise from Bud until today. They were meeting at the grandstands.

Once again they moved together as a group to the stands. The morning would start with a parade, followed by a variety of field events including a six mile run for charity. Harm, Mac, and Mattie were all running in that event. Chloe and Harriet were going to try the three legged race despite Bud’s insistence that he and Harriet were the most likely pairing for that event. Bud was also competing in the swimming event later. The Blue Angels were scheduled to do a performance. There was to be an evening barbeque followed by a concert with the fire works to end the day.

The day went smoothly from the minute Bud spotted Keeter and Meg who joined up with them for the day. Meg was also running in the six mile event. Keeter had passed on the events until Harm shamed him into joining them on the run.

They were getting ready for the barbeque when they came face to face with Mac’s dream.

First, Ensign Heather Price walked right into the group before and was admiring the two sets of twins before she realized that she was admiring her own babies. Tears of recognition, pride, joy and loss all swamped her at once.

“Heather...how are you?” asked Harm.

“I’m find sir. How’s your family Captain?”

“Growing well as you can see. Ensign, I’d like you to me my friends...Commander Austin, Commander Keeter, Lt. Commander Roberts and Mrs. Roberts, Chloe and Mattie, AJ, Jimmy, Nikki and Andy. You know my wife and Heath and Tori.”

“Thank you sir. It’s good to meet you...and see you and your family. I can tell they are happy babies and doing well.” Heather Price smiled, tears still shining in her eyes, but sincerity filled her voice. She was just turning to go when the real trouble began. “Vic!” her voice tremble as the once Lt. Gregory Vukovic approached her looking from her to the twins to Harm and Mac with an enlightened smile on his face.

Mac’s heart sunk as she reached for Harm’s hand and spoke to the man in question.

“What are you doing here? I thought you’d be at Oceania.”

“No...they decided to send me here to Coronado instead. Today is the first time I’ve had liberty since I arrived. And I must say this is a very liberating moment.”

“Why’s that?” Mac asked, a bitter bile rising in the back of her throat.

“Well, I stumble in to my old girlfriend and realize that the reason she can’t take her eyes off those babies...is she is the biological mother...making me the biological father. Tsk-tsk Colonel...too bad after all that you chose a man that shot blanks.” Vukovic looked from Mac to the twins to Harm making his meaning clear.

“Haven’t you learned anything, Vukovic?” Mac asked her heart racing. While she didn’t want to address her own inadequacies, she certainly had no intention of having Harm made the scapegoat. “Assumptions can get you in trouble.”

“Oh I don’t think this one will.”

“As your former attorney, Vic, I would advise you to stand down,” Bud told his former client. He thought he knew the truth but had not shared it with anyone. He hoped he would be able to keep a lid on things to protect his friends’ privacy.

“So Heather, I saw your expression when you looked at these two babies...and it would appear to me that its more then just wistfulness on your face. Did you give birth to those babies?” Vukovic asked as he stepped between her and then, pulling himself up to his full height.

“Vic...not here...not now.” Heather pleaded.

“Oh yes I think here and now is the perfect time.” He paused, glanced at the babies now almost four months old. “Did you give birth to the twins that Colonel and Captain Rabb are raising as their own?” His voice grew more steely with each word.

Heather tried to fight her response, but couldn’t. She cringed and whispered, “Yes.”

“So those are my children you’re raising Colonel. Ironic isn’t it? I knew I should have pushed you the night we walked up to the lighthouse.”

“Lighthouse? What are you talking about?” asked Harm.

“Harm, relax...nothing happened. Remember the night you called me to talk about Mattie and we were just going into dinner?”

“Yes.”

“The night before Graves, Mayfield, Vukovic, and I walked out to the beach. He showed me a lighthouse and I walked up to the top with him. He tried to invade my space and I let him know it wasn’t acceptable and I wasn’t interested.” Mac explained watching Harm’s face. She knew he believed her as he visibly relaxed and squeezed her hand.

“Vic, listen...you were lucky to get a second chance at the Navy. Don’t screw it up now...over this.” Bud tried again to talk his client down from his posturing and threats.

“Commander Roberts, I know you think you are helping the situation here, but you could be giving me the exact fuel I need to get my case reopened. You are friends with the woman that filed those charges...and you supported my agreeing to them.”

“No I didn’t...I tried to talk you out of it and you were the one that insisted that the deal was the best you could get because if other information came out, you would certainly look even worse. It’s all in the records. You won’t get an appeal based on my handling of the case.” Bud calmly explained. “Now I suggest you go along and enjoy the rest of your evening. Other wise, I won’t be surprised if the MP’s are called over and you are escorted out of here. Is that really the direction you want to go?”

They all watched as Gregory Vukovic processed the information handed out by Bud Roberts. Something changed in his demeanor as he turned once more to look at the babies with dark hair. He knew they were his children, but in that instance he also knew that he had given up any rights to them and that he needed to be content with the knowledge that they would have a good life. His anger left in that instant and he turned and walked away with a softly muttered apology.

Mac stepped into Harm’s embrace and allowed herself to be swallowed by his long arms and large body as he held her. Her arms were around his waist holding him as tightly.

Harriet had watched the whole thing and now spoke up. “What was that all about?”

Heather Price spoke up, “I was involved with Vic last summer. When I ended up pregnant, I told him and he refused to take any responsibility. I decided to have the baby and put it up for adoption. I had just met Captain Rabb at NJS and accidently found out that he and the Colonel were applying to adopt. So I went to him and asked him if they would consider adopting my baby. At the time we didn’t know I was carrying twins. Anyway, I knew that keeping the baby would ruin my career. I have lofty goals,” she smiled taking a deep breath.

“As I got to know Mac and Captain Rabb, I knew that they would give my baby the kind of home I would want to provide if I could. Vic signed off his rights without any debate. We even double checked and had him sign a second time when we found out it was twins. There were a few times I thought about changing my mind, but I knew it was not best for the babies. I do think of them...and someday I want them to know me and be proud of me. I love them, but I can’t provide for them. I’m still glad I made the choice I made...but I am sorry for the pain that Vic is trying to cause.”

“Heather, he is not your responsibility.” Harm reminded her.

“I know...still, if I hadn’t come over here, he wouldn’t have figured it out.”

“Well I’m glad you came to see us. Will you join us for dinner?” Mac asked Heather.

“Thank you, but I think I’m going to leave. I’m not really into the social stuff this evening after all.” Heather nodded and walked off.

Slowly Harm released Mac and then watched the twins sleeping in their stroller, oblivious to what had been happening around them. Mac grinned then and looked back at Harriet and Bud and the group. She just had to clarify one point.

“By the way, we adopted because I was diagnosed with endometriosis and there is no guarantee that I can conceive or carry a baby full term. I’ve already had one miscarriage...so Harm isn’t ‘shooting blanks’ as Vukovic assumed.” Every one chuckled and before long they were relaxed and enjoying the evening once again.

They were getting ready for the concert to begin when a small group of guys passed by, laughing and talking about something. One of them stopped and turned back to the group.

“Harm?” asked the tall slender blond with wavy hair.

“Yes. Josh?” Harm asked getting quickly to his feet. “Josh Pendry?”

“Yes sir.”

“How are you son?”

“I’m fine. Are you stationed out here now?”

“Yes. I made Captain and am in charge of the Naval Justice School.”

“Wow! That’s a ways from being a pilot huh?”

“Yes Josh, it is...but I love what I do. You remember Colonel Mackenzie?”

“Yes...Hi.”

“Well she’s now my wife...”

“Congratulations sir...Ma’am. I never knew why one minute you were in our lives and the next minute gone. I tried to talk to my Mom about it but she wouldn’t answer any of my questions.”

“I did something really stupid Josh. I lied to your mother about the Tiger Cruise I took you on...and didn’t realize the message I was sending to you. My penalty was losing you as a result. So why are you here?” Harm asked.

“I convinced her to let me go to prep school out here for my last year of high school. I got involved with ROTC and now I’m on my way to Annapolis. I turned eighteen in May and now she can’t stop me. I’m going for jets Harm.”

“Good for you. Hey, let me introduce you to the rest of the family. You remember Bud and Harriet Roberts?”

“Good to see you again sir...Ma’am.”

“Do you remember Jack Keeter? Commander Keeter and Commander Meg Austin both knew your dad.”

“I recognize the name Keeter...nice to meet you both.”

“And this is Chloe Madison...she’s attending UC San Diego this fall. And this, is my ward, Mathilda Grace Johnson...aka Mattie...who is also starting Annapolis this fall. Chloe, Mattie this is Josh Pendry...the son of one of my best friends.”

“Hello...these are three of the guys in my ROTC squad. Ty Winters is attending UCSD this fall also. Zane Taylor and Gene Jacobs will both be at the Air Force Academy.”

“Congratulations to all of you. Would like to join us?” Mac asked. She had noticed the interest between Mattie and Josh as well as Chloe and Ty. The girls had worked hard helping with the little ones and she wanted them to have some fun. She knew Harm would have a fit but she would help him to see reason.

“Sorry, we can’t...we promised Ty’s parents we’d be right back. They’re going to be worrying about us as it is.”

“Alright. I just thought Chloe and Mattie would enjoy a little company their own age.” Mac went on. She could feel Harm’s eyes drilling into her back. She hid her smile.

“We’re just over there a little ways...why don’t you walk over with us so my parents can meet you and then we’ll let them know we’re coming back here with you.” Ty offered smiling at Chloe.

“Mac? Harm?” Chloe and Mattie asked at the same time.

“Go ahead.” Harm smiled and grinned back at Mac. “Thought I’d have a fit didn’t you?”

“A little one at least. What’s up?” Mac asked knowing there was more to the story.

“Ty’s father teaches at NJS for me. I know they’ll be okay.” Harm responded with his flyboy grin.

The rest of the gang laughed and welcomed Josh and Ty to the group when they returned with Chloe and Mattie. Zane and Gene had hooked up with other friends and had not returned with Josh and Ty.

It was a tired but happy crew that returned tot he house on the mountain road that evening.

Wednesday

0810 Local

Rabb Residence

“I can’t believe the week is almost over,” Harriet told Mac as they sipped coffee after feeding the children breakfast that morning.

“I wish you guys lived out here.” Mac admitted.

“I know...there are times I’ve thought about it. Bud is doing so much better, but I guess I’m an east coast girl.”

“Well will you come visit again?” Mac asked.

“Of course. And will you come for a visit soon too?” Harriet asked.

“Yes. We are thinking that we’ll take a trip around Christmas. Chloe will want to see her dad and gram in Vermont; Mattie will only have a short break; maybe we’ll come out then if that works for you.”

“It would be fantastic. So what do we have left?” Harriet asked.

“Well Harm and I thought we’d take you on the Wild Animal Park Safari today because you drive through it. Then tonight the girls are going to babysit and we’re going to have our night out...a cruise on a dinner yacht and then dancing.” Mac told her.

“And we’ll go to Sea World tomorrow, right?” Harriet asked.

“Yes. And then Friday you go home...I’m really going to miss you guys,” Mac said as she reached to give Harriet a hug.

CHAPTER 10

July 8, 2006

1105 Local

Rabb Residence

“That’s eighteen miles, Mattie...how are you doing?” Harm asked as they ran together.

“I’m good Harm...let’s keep going.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah...I feel better now then I did at thirteen,” she grinned up at him reassuringly.

They continued running side by side and Harm was impressed with two things. First, Mattie not only was keeping stride with him, she would sometimes pick up the pace and actually push him a little. Second, the changes in her running and endurance in the short time she had been running with him almost every day showed that she was ready for the longer endurance runs.

The sound of their breathing and their footsteps mingled with the sounds from the trees and the occasional traffic which increased as they got closer tot he city. This part of the route Mattie hadn’t run with him before but she had driven it. She was alert and negotiate the traffic like a pro. He was so proud of her.

Every few miles Harm had checked in with her but she was staying with him, grinning from ear to ear. They turned to make the final push- all uphill. Their pace slowed, but didn’t falter. Finally, they could see the mail box ahead and Harm slowed them to a walk.

“That was twenty-six miles at that post back there,” he pointed. “We walk the rest of the way to cool down...make sure you hydrate yourself good too.”

“I’m almost out of water...but we’re almost home. Harm thanks...for letting me try this with you. I’m sure I slowed you down...”

“No. You didn’t at all Mattie. There were times you actually pushed me today.”

“Really?”

“Yes...but don’t spread it around, alright?” he winked at her.

“I promise...right now I’m ready for a shower.”

“I know what you mean. What the hell?” he hollered as he heard the scream coming from the house and took off at a sprint with Mattie right behind him to find out what was going on. They raced to the house practically pulling the door off the hinges as they went through. “What’s wrong?” Harm asked as he came to a stop at Chloe jumping up and down hugging Mac in the kitchen.

“Ty called and wants me to go to a movie with him tonight!” Chloe laughed and danced around the kitchen.

“That was why you screamed?” asked Mattie as she studied Harm’s suddenly quiet body. “You scared us Chloe! Man, you are something! I’m hitting the shower.” Mattie turned on her heel to leave when Chloe added.

“Josh wants you to come too.” Chloe watched Mattie stop and slowly turn and ask with her eyes if she heard her friend correctly. Chloe nodded grinning.

“Cool. I still need to take a shower.” Mattie stayed composed as she walked off and climbed the stairs. Harm and Mac exchanged a look and then when the bedroom door shut, they heard the muffled scream that Chloe had cut loose without a pillow for a muffler.

Harm, Mac, and Chloe all laughed. Heath and Tori watch their laughing family and laughed along with them. Despite being sweaty, Harm scooped up Heath and did the airplane thing with him. He loved it and laughed louder. Tori liked watching Heath fly but wasn’t fond of it herself.

“So Mac...do you mind if we go out with Josh and Ty tonight?” Chloe asked.

“I don’t mind. Harm?”

“I think its fine. But I would like you in at a reasonable hour.” Harm told her.

“What’s reasonable?” Chloe asked.

“What do you think would be reasonable for a first date?” Harm countered.

“Midnight?”

“Okay...if you are going to be much later then that please call so we don’t worry.” Harm smiled as he kissed his son.

“That’s it?” Chloe asked as she glanced from Harm to Mac.

“You’re eighteen Chloe. We trust you to have good judgement and to take care of our children when we are at work...why shouldn’t we trust you to use the same good judgement about dating?” Mac asked her.

“Thank you...we won’t let you down.” Chloe kissed Mac’s cheek and patted Harm’s arm as she headed upstairs to fill Mattie in and pick out what she would wear for their date.

“Nice job Harm. I was sure you’d freak out over it,” Mac confided in him as she stepped closer to him.

“I’m wounded. My own wife thinks I’d freak out over her little sister and my ward dating eighteen year old guys...why would you think that?” Harm asked.

“Because you use to be an eighteen year old guy before you grew up and became a father.”

“You’re right...I’m trying very hard to convince myself that they will use the good sense that they have and that Josh knowing me wouldn’t let things get out of hand.”

“Just think about this, Husband...while the girls are out tonight we won’t have to be as careful about noises we might make...”

“I like how you think Colonel...” Harm grinned as he handed her Heath, kissed her cheek and went to take his shower.

1800 Local

Rabb residence

Josh Pendry and Ty Winters presented themselves promptly at the Rabb residence and thanked Harm and Mac for letting the girls go out with them. Harm, contrary to his threat to Mattie that her boyfriends would have to face his weaponry when they came to call, was carrying Tori in his arms when he answered the door and invited the young men in. The fact that Ty’s father worked for him and had played golf with him a few times also worked to his advantage.

“Good evening Captain Rabb.”

“Good evening Ty...Josh...the girls will be right down. Have a seat.”

“Thank you sir.” Josh said as he moved to sit on the sofa. Ty stopped as he passed Harm and spoke to the wide eyed baby in pink that Harm held in the curve of his arm.

“Hello Bright Eyes...I promise we won’t keep your sisters out too late.” Ty then looked at Harm as if to see if he had said the right thing. Tori smiled at him as if she understood his every word.

“If you’re going to be much later then midnight, please call so that we don’t worry.” Harm spoke quietly and calmly but Ty and Josh seemed to have gotten the message loud and clear.

“Hi guys!” Chloe called from the top of the stairs. Chloe dressed in hip-hugger jeans and an orange top that came just to the belt on her jeans wore one of her infamous hats. Mattie, quietly descending the stairs behind her wore black jeans and a lime green top with black stripes. He remembered seeing Mac wear that top one time...a time he wanted to forget. Mattie’s hair was held back with a head band.

Mac followed behind them carrying Heath in her arms.

“You have fun and enjoy yourselves. You can tell us all about the movie in the morning. You have the cell phones?” Mac asked.

“Yes. We’re all set.” Chloe kissed Mac’s cheek and then Harm’s while he sat on the arm of the sofa. Mattie did the same.

“Be wise,” was his only parting words, but Mattie and Chloe knew what he meant. He was reminding them that he trusted them to make good decisions and they were not about to let Mac and Harm down.

Ty drove and Chloe sat in front with him, while Josh and Mattie sat in the back. They all clicked on their seat belts as they headed out. Josh started talking to Mattie right away.

“So Harm is your guardian?” Josh asked.

“Yes.”

“How did you meet him?”

“He keeps his plane Sarah at my families’ hangar. He’s wants to fly it out here, but doesn’t have the time to go get it right now.” Mattie filled him in.

“And you’re going to Annapolis?” asked Josh.

“Yes. And you are too.” She made it a statement not a question.

“So we won’t be able to date or anything while we’re there will we?” Josh asked.

“I don’t know. I think we can date...or at least be friends...but marriage isn’t allowed for midshipmen.”

“Good...I’m not ready for that step yet.”

“Me either, Josh. I’m just hoping I’m ready for the demands of Annapolis.” Mattie confided.

“The physical stuff the problem?” he asked.

“No...my mouth...I can be pretty smart-mouthed at times...although Harm’s helped me to improve on that.”

“How so?”

“He showed me a few tricks he learned so that he could lock it up and not have something to say.” Mattie shared.

“Yeah, I guess my dad and Harm sometimes got themselves into hot water.”

“Well Harm does have a way of saying the wrong thing sometimes...but I think he’s doing better.” Mattie smiled. Josh liked her smile...a lot.

Back at the Rabb Residence, Mac and Harm, each holding a baby held each other with one arm. Without saying a word, they were thinking how fast the years would go by and how it wouldn’t be long before they were watching Heath and Tori going out on dates.

“What you think about Mac?” Harm asked his head resting against hers.

“That these two are growing so fast and the next thing we know they’ll be going on dates too.”

“Well we have a little time yet...they aren’t talking or walking yet.”

“I know but Harm, they are almost four months old...they are starting to teeth. I’m not nursing any more...maybe we should start trying to have one of our own.”

“Are you sure?” Harm asked.

“I’m sure that I want to try. I’m not sure if we’ll be able to have one of our own...but I did get pregnant once.”

“Yes we did.”

“We? What’s with this we?” Mac asked as she kissed Harm’s cheek.

“Well I did have a part in that pregnancy.”

“True.”

“So then ‘we’ were pregnant.”

“And are we both doing through hard labor when the time comes?” Mac asked.

“I’ll be right there at your side, doing anything I can to make it better.” Harm kissed her back. “Let’s get these two settled and have some dinner...then we can go practice if you want.”

“I want.” Mac raised her eyebrows and bit her lip a sign that she was waiting to ravage his body. The thought turned them both on.

2130 Local

Harm and Mac’s Room

“They both asleep?” Mac asked as Harm joined her in their bedroom.

“Now they are...three songs later.”

“So are you going to sing to me tonight, Harm?” asked Mac as she stretch, thrusting her unbound breasts against the thin cloth that covered them.

“No...but I think I can make you sing...” he responded.

“Is that a challenge, Sailor?”

“No...an observation.”

“Then show me...” Mac whispered as she opened her arms to him.

His hot open mouth kisses covered her face as his hands pulled her to him. He could hear her moan and whimpered from the impact of his kisses, which intensified his desire for her. He emitted a long groan from deep in his chest as her hands clasped his face and she met him kiss for kiss, their tongues dueling as they imitated the movements that other parts of their bodies were craving already.

“I want you so much Mac...” Harm stripped off her night shirt and gazed at her beautiful breasts. They were no longer tender from nursing and pumping and he allowed himself to lathe his tongue over her nipples while his hands kneaded the plump flesh in his hands. He buried his face between her breasts then, letting his tongue caress the milky soft skin in the valley there.

“I want you too, Harm...now...”

“Not yet, Honey...too soon...let me..love you...make...your...body...sing.” Harm managed to say between kisses and licks as he moved from her breasts to her stomach and lower. He felt her body heat rise as he stimulated her with his mouth and tongue, drinking of her sweet nectar. He felt her hips lift off the bed and her voice begging him to enter her now...he slipped his fingers inside and found the spot that sent her over the edge crying out his name over and over again.

He denied his own hardness as he pleasured her with his mouth and hands. Finally her pleas for him to fill her could be denied no longer. He entered her a little at a time until she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him inside her waiting heat. He paused to get his composure before setting the rhythm and pace that would eventually have them singing out each other’s names. As he felt his seed spill into her and the spasm wring him dry, he buried his face in her neck and kissed her tenderly.

“I love you Mac.”

“I love you too, Harm.”

“Do you think we created a new life tonight?”

“I hope so...but you know the chances aren’t great...”

“Sshhh...the chances of us getting together weren’t great either - but we did it. The chances that I would get custody of Mattie weren’t great at first either...but you helped make that happen. The chances of us finding two beautiful babies to adopt so quickly wasn’t great - but it happened.”

“Okay, okay! I give in...” Mac laughed as she kissed him again. “There is a chance...is that better?”

“Yes...thank you...of course if your aren’t...we’ll have to do this again and again won’t we?”

“Yes...” Mac then started driving him crazy all over again as only she could do.

CHAPTER 11

August 5, 2006

Rabb Residence

1330 Local

The summer had flown by. Chloe and Mattie had spent their weekdays helping Mac and Harm take care of Heath and Tori, who continued to grow and develop at a rate that had them caught up from the original ‘premie’ status noted at birth. At almost five months old, they would certainly miss Mattie when she left for Annapolis on Sunday.

Josh and Ty became almost permanent fixtures around the Rabb house on weekends and spending as much time with Mac and Harm during the day as Chloe and Mattie did. They loved talking to Harm and Mac about law and the military. On those occasions that they could spark the Navy versus Marine debate, Harm and Mac treated them to a show of their old competitive streak. Of course, Harm enjoyed reminding them all that he had been able to pass himself off as a Marine on a number of occasions unlike Mac. They knew that at least once she had dressed as a ‘squid’ and had ended up saving Harm from himself. That story was not shared with the teenager however.

Harm and Mac had decided to have a send-off party for Mattie. She needed to report to Annapolis early even though they had documented that she was up to the physical challenge that lay ahead of her. Mattie and Harm had run two full marathons since the Fourth of July. They ran one in San Diego and then traveled to Arizona to run one there two weeks after that. Despite Mattie placing well in both marathons, they needed her there early to evaluate the rest of her fitness. More then one recruit had washed out due to lack of coordination or lack of upper body strength.

The send-off was for the young people, but their parents were invited as well as any siblings. It was going to be a back yard barbeque ending with a bond fire and a sing-a-long led by Harm with his guitar and harmonica. Deanna, Trish and Frank were all there helping with setting up, cooking, and watching the twins.

Harm saw Mattie standing alone in the den with the door partially closed. He quietly joined her shutting the door behind him.

“Mathilda Grace? Are you okay?”

“Hi Dad....I mean Harm...” Mattie looked at him and then looked away.

“You know you can call me Dad anytime you want. What’s going on?”

“I tried not to call you Dad in front of Chloe...but there have been a few times this summer when I just wanted to call you Dad and have you hug me and tell me I’d do fine. Now I’m going to be leaving...I want to go but...”

“Come here...” Harm opened his arms to the young woman who quickly moved into his embrace. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I know that I can do the classes...but what if I get hurt again? What if my patched up body lets me down?” Mattie looked up at Harm with teary eyes.

“I can’t promise you won’t get hurt Mattie...but I can’t promise that you won’t get hurt if you stayed right here with us. I can promise you that when you need to talk, all you have to go is call...or email...Josh is a good guy, Mattie...talk to him...and listen to him when he needs an ear. Don’t be like Mac and me and shut out everyone. It will hurt you more in the long run. We’re lucky we had one last shot to make it right...and we were ready and waiting for that chance.”

“Yeah...Josh has become a good friend. His mom is suppose to be coming today too you know?”

“I didn’t know...did you tell Mac?”

“Yes.”

“What did she say?”

“Not much. She kind of said okay and then went around chewing her bottom lip for awhile. Does Mac know Josh’s mom?”

“Yes. I was the best man at Luke and Annie’s wedding. After Luke was killed, I wanted to be there for Josh...and I decided that if I fell in love with Annie, I would be there for Josh and maybe he wouldn’t miss his Dad as much like I had.”

“Uh-oh...and Mac was jealous?”

“I didn’t realize it at the time, but yeah, she was. I wasn’t ready to settle down and I was more interested in being cool in Josh’s eyes then his Mom and I made a bad judgement call. Annie broke things off with me and told me I would never be allowed to see Josh again...and I didn’t until we ran into him at the Fourth of July picnic.”

“You aren’t carrying a torch for his Mom still are you?” Mattie asked Harm.

“No! You know I love Mac. And obviously his mother has mellowed because he is going to Annapolis like he wanted to go. She’s probably remarried now.”

“No. I don’t think so. She’s working for a bank and loan company in Baltimore he said.”

“Yeah...she was back then too. So, do you feel better?”

“I guess...I guess I just needed a hug from you.” Mattie admitted.

“Anytime. You ready to go out there and meet your guests and have some fun?”

“Sure am Dad.”

“Let’s go.” Harm held the door open for her as they returned to party that was gather in the back yard.

“Honey?”

“Oh hi Mac...”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah....Mattie just needed a little hug from Dad and I guess some reassurance that she wouldn’t be forgotten when she went away.” Harm pulled Mac to him for a hug and a quick kiss as they walked toward the back yard. “So Mattie tells me that Annie is coming today and you knew about it.”

“Yes I did. It will be interesting to see how she handles being here with us military types.”

“And you’re going to be watching me to make sure I’m over her, right?” Harm asked grinning at Mac.

“Well are you?”

“Yes. Mac, do you really doubt I love you?” Harm asked shocked.

“No...Yes...Sometimes when I’m having a weak moment.” Mac admitted.

“Do you want to leave the party so I can reassure you that I love you with everything I have and everything I am?” Harm asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Harm! We can’t leave the party like that...” Mac smiled. “But it makes me feel better knowing if I said yes you’d do it.”

“Go ahead and say yes Mac,” Harm encouraged her.

“No...no need. You’re too willing.” Mac smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.

“I love you Mac.”

“I love you too Harm...now let’s go play host and hostess.” They circulated around the growing number of people that had joined them to wish the young folks well as they prepared to embark on a new adventure. Josh and Mattie to Anapolis, Chloe and Ty to University of California at San Diego; and Zane and Gene, their other two friends, that were leaving for the Air Force Academy. They were all the Rabb residence along with their families.

Harm and Mac had spoken to all the other parents attending except Annie, when they looked up and found her watching them. Mac slipped her hand into Harms and led the way to where she was standing.

“Hello Annie,” Mac greeted the womanly warmly.

“Mac...Harm...this is quite a gathering,” Annie greeted each and searched for words to say.

“We’re glad you could make it Annie. I know it means a lot to Josh,” Harm spoke quietly and confidently to the woman that he had entertained thoughts of marrying at one time, for the sake of Josh.

“You’ve always understood my son better then I have Harm. I still don’t want him going but he’s eighteen and does not need my permission to go. He made it very clear that this was the road he wanted to take, and if I blocked it then he would find another way to achieve his goal...flying jets.” Annie blinked back tears as she watched her son organize his friends for a game of volleyball.

“This girl...Mattie...she’s seems nice. Have you known her long?”

“Mattie is like a daughter to us...she became Harm’s ward when she was fourteen. Although she went back to live with her father, Mattie is as much a part of our family as a blood relative would be...maybe more.” Mac had answered Annie while Harm had stood by searching for the right words.

“And you’ve welcomed Josh into your lives also, haven’t you?” Annie accused.

“Annie, its not like that,” Harm protested.

“Not like what? Not like you’ve still managed to steal my only child away from me? You think I don’t know that what we had was based on your need to have Josh in your life?” Annie’s voice climbed louder as she questioned Harm.

“Annie, please,” Harm was ready to beg her to stop. He didn’t want Mac stressed out over this nor did he want the day ruined for any of the kids. In fact, today really would be the last day they would be kids in some ways.

“Annie, you and I should go inside and talk,” Mac offered.

“No I don’t think so. I don’t want to take a chance that Harm will steal my last tie to my son away from me,” Annie was crying now as she spoke.

“Annie, Harm and I are not stealing your son away from you. Harm has tried to help you keep your son close. He knows from experience the damage of denying a child’s interest and feelings. They get stronger all on their own. Children rebel. If you want to keep Josh close to you...embrace his choices as being right for him. You don’t have to agree but you do need to support him or he will grow to resent you and then he will break away from you.” Mac calmly tried to make the woman see reason where her son and his dreams were.

“I don’t need this! Josh! Josh, come on...we need to go,” Annie called out to her son as he set up for a shot in volleyball.

“Not now Mom.” Josh called back. He took the shot just as Annie screamed at him.

“NOW JOSH!”

Quietly walking away from the game and his friends, he walked up the back steps and put his hands gently on his mother’s arms, leaned toward her and kissed her cheek. “Bye Mom. Thanks for coming.”

“Josh? You’re going with me.”

“No, Mom, I’m not.”

“Josh..”

“No...I’m standing here. My friends understand what my dreams mean to me. They all have dreams of their own. You’ve never understood that have you Mom...dreams. You have been so hung up on holding on to the life you had with Dad that you’ve never tried to find a new dream and you’ve never accepted my dreams...because they were like Dads.”

“That’s not true Josh. I have dreams of you having a safe job and a wife and children...I have dreams of seeing you watch my grandchildren grow up...”

“Mom, you have dreams for me. They are not my dreams. Were you and Dad happy together?”

“Yes of course. What kind of question is that?”

“Did you understand Dad’s dream of being a pilot?”

“Yes.”

“Then why can’t you understand that it is mine too?”

“Josh...”

“I’m sorry Mom. I’m going to enjoy the day with my friends. We’re going to enjoy our dreams together. I wish you would find a new dream of your own. I want you to be happy and I can’t do that for you. Bye Mom.” Josh kissed her cheek again and walked away.

The tears streamed down Annie’s cheeks and Mac led her back into the house, handed her a tissue and waited for her to compose herself. Harm had gone to join the kids in the back yard and see if they were okay.

“Annie,” Mac finally spoke. “You drove a wedge between you and Josh. Harm tried to tell you that years ago. If you want your son back, you need to think about what he said. Are you going to be okay to drive?”

“Yes. I should thank you, Mac...you and Harm...for being good to him...understanding him...”

“You don’t have to thank us for a thing. You need to be thankful you have a healthy smart son with a good head on his shoulders, a goal in life and a heart of gold. Accept him as he is - don’t try to change him - and he’ll be your son forever.” Mac spoke softly yet firmly trying to get Annie to understand what she had if only she could let go of her fears and accept her son for the man he was becoming.

Annie nodded at Mac’s words, picked up her coat and left. Mac watched her walk away and felt bad for the woman.

“Annie leave?” asked Harm as he came up behind her and slid his arms around her middle pulling her back against him for a moment as he placed a kiss on her hair.

‘Yes...I tried to get her to understand Harm...but I don’t think I got through.”

“You tried...I’ve tried...Josh has tried...there’s not much left we can do.” Harm sighed thinking of his own strained relationship with his mother and step-father for so many years.

“You’re thinking of your relationship with Frank and your Mom aren’t you?” Mac asked.

“Yes...you know, you may have said you don’t want to read my mind, but you do it all the time. No more using that for an excuse Marine,” Harm chuckled as he turned her to face him and planted a kiss on her lips as he did so. She slid her hands up his chest and around his neck enjoying the quiet moment they had stolen. She wasn’t sure she would ever get her fill of moments like this with Harm.

“You two at it again?” asked Mattie coming through the back door.

Harm and Mac looked up at her, but didn’t separate.

“Thought you wanted me to marry Mac...and be happy. Change your mind?” Harm asked the young woman who had helped him find his way to Mac by helping him to open his heart and speak about his feelings.

“Of course not...just like to bust you once in awhile,” Mattie laughed before getting serious. “Did Mrs. Pendry leave?”

“Yes.” Mac and Harm answered together.

“I feel bad for him. He’s nervous about going and he needs to know that he can handle what’s ahead...Dad...can you talk to him...you too Mom...I mean Mac...” Mattie corrected herself as she glanced nervously from Harm to Mac and back again.

Mac sucked in her breath and stepped toward Harm’s ward. She would turn eighteen in November and then be officially a legal adult...but in some way she would always be Harm’s daughter...and to have her consider Mac as her maternal figure made Mac feel wonderful.

“Thank you Mattie...I know I’ll never replace your real Mom...but I’m happy to have you think of me like a mom...and if you want to refer to me as ‘Mom’ anytime its okay with me.”

“Thanks...won’t Chloe get upset...I mean I know that she wanted you to be her Mom for years.”

“Yeah, but I settled for a big sister.” They all turned to look at Chloe joining them.

“It wouldn’t bother you?” Mattie asked Chloe directly.

“No...I figure if she’s your mother and I’m her sister that makes me your aunt...and I can boss you around more then I could if we were sisters!” Chloe grinned at them all proud of her silly logic. They all stood looking at each other in stunned silence before the all burst out laughing and decided it was time to return to their party and their guests.

2200 Local

Rabb Residence

They had played volleyball, touch football, lawn darts, and even croquet through out the afternoon and evening. They had eaten cold salads, tossed salads, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, shrimp and steak from the grill. As dusk settled they made s’mores - that camping staple consisting of toasted marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Josh and Ty ate the ones Mattie and Chloe made breaking off pieces to feed them as well.

Mac and Harm had gone into to make sure the babies were settled in bed for the night. He sang lullabies to them and then headed out to keep an eye on the teenagers while Mac waited for Heath to fall asleep. She rejoined them in time to get one of the sticky sweet treats for herself.

Harm waited until they seemed to be getting full of the sweet treats and then brought out his guitar and harmonica. He started strumming a few chords on the guitar and he the parents and kids alike come settle around the camp fire. He started with a silly little song about a toy that was an unknown object that went bop when it stopped and whirred when it stood still and although he’d never know just what it was he would always remember it.

From that song he sang the classic camp song about ‘Cindy as sweet as an apple hanging on a tree’ before he added the harmonica and got everyone singing along with ‘She’ll be Coming Around the Mountain.’ They sang one song after another as they made suggestions and Harm would pick up and run with the songs. He seemed to know them all. Someone suggested ‘This Land is Your Land’ which started a round of patriotic songs including Battle Hymn of the Republic, Anchors Away, Here we Go into the Wild Blue Yonder, America the Beautiful and My Country Tis of Thee. It was getting late and everyone was getting tired so Harm decided to say a few words to wrap up the party.

“You know, I came into the parent thing late in Mattie’s life...and all too briefly in Josh’s life when he was younger...but to have them both here today getting ready to follow in my footsteps so to speak is a pretty overwhelming feeling. Zane and Gene...I’m sure your parents feel the same about you going to the Air Force Academy. Ty, I’m sure your parents are as proud of you as Mac and I are of Chloe for forging ahead to college.

“You see each one of these young people have goals and dreams. They know what they want in life and they are prepared to go for it. We as parents get to know that somewhere we’ve gone something right to see them become responsible young adults. It doesn’t however make it any easier to let them go...to give them the opportunity to face life’s challenges and learn from their own mistakes.

“Yet here we are...proud of them...knowing they are ready...afraid to let them go...I’d like to sing this next song as a dedication to them...for who they are...for who they will become...and to us as parents for having gotten to the point in life where we suddenly can appreciate all that our parents have given us.” Harm strummed a few chords before his voice filled the air with the words...”To Every thing there is a season, turn, turn, turn....For every thing there is a reason...”

As the last guitar chord and his voice carried into the night air the people around the bond fire huddled together, not a dry eye among them. With his arm around Mac, he spoke once again to their guests.

“You are welcomed to stay and watch the bond fire as long as you wish...but I hope you’ll excuse me and my family. We need a little time alone together this evening and we’ll take our leave now.” Quietly they moved into the house. Mattie followed next with Josh after saying goodnight to Ty and the others. Chloe said a quick good night and excuse herself hoping Ty would understand that she needed to be with the family at this time.

Once they were gathered in the den, Harm had more difficulty speaking. Mac recognized that he was struggling to contain his emotions and stepped in.

“Mattie, you’re going to be the first tomorrow of the group to spread your wings and take flight from us. You need to know that no matter what...no matter when...this will always be your home. We are your family. We are very proud of you and although we are all a little teary tonight...tomorrow we will celebrate your journey.”

“Mac...Mom,” Mattie smiled wiping her eyes. “You are as bad as Dad! I hate it when I get all weepy and stuff...so let’s stop okay...I don’t want to cry myself to sleep tonight...I know you love all of us and I am so lucky to be part of that. If the truth is told...I’m exhausted and am ready for bed...and I expect a great breakfast in the morning before we leave!” Every one started to lighten up a little.

“Okay Mattie...breakfast it is. Josh, are you heading home tonight or are you going to stay in one of the rooms downstairs?” Harm asked.

“Ty’s waiting for me...and I need to check on my mother.”

“Good man. Just remember she loves you...she’s just having trouble letting go.” Harm added.

“I know...and thanks for everything.”

Mattie walked Josh to the door and gave him a hug. “See you in two weeks, Midshipmen Pendry?”

“Yes Ma’am...Midshipman Johnson. You’ll do good, Mattie.” Josh hugged her again and slipped out the door. Mattie locked the door and turned to go upstairs where Chloe, Mac and Harm had already gone.

Harm’s real melt down wouldn’t come until tomorrow night after sending Mattie on her journey to adulthood.

CHAPTER 12

September 2006

Rabb Residence

Life at the Rabb house changed almost daily. First Mattie left and then Josh was no longer around as he joined her at Annapolis. Gene and Zane had left as well and then Chloe and Ty began their courses at college. Chloe had five classes. One met twice a week from four to six. On those days, Deanna watched the twins who were becoming more active, eating cereals and teething like crazy at six months old.

Chloe’s other classes were Monday through Thursday nights, three hours each from seven to ten. Weekends were consumed with studying and Ty, but every day she took care of the twins fascinated with each new stage of development they reached.

Harm and Mac’s first wedding anniversary was approaching and Harm had arranged to take Mac on a surprise long weekend get-a-way with help from his parents. He didn’t want Chloe to lose her weekend, so his parents had agreed to take the twins from Friday night until Monday morning. Harm and Mac would take them over before they left and Chloe would pick them up Monday morning and settle them at home. Harm and Mac would fly away on Friday and return home on Monday. They each arrange to have Friday and Monday off. Mac had no idea where Harm was taking her, but was touched that he wanted to do something special for her on their anniversary.

Thursday 2230 Local

Rabb Residence

“Harm, do you have any idea how hard it is for me to pack when I don’t know what you are planning?” Mac asked hands on hips stomping her foot in the middle of their bedroom.

“Okay...wear something comfortable and casual for traveling on Friday and Monday. Pack a bathing suit...jeans...and two sun dresses.” Harm grinned.

“And a short or long sleeve top for the jeans?” Mac asked sweetly.

“Oh...I thought you’d go topless...” Harm laughed when the pillow off the bed sailed through the air hitting him in the face.

“You are so bad!”

“And you love it.” Harm grinned at her.

“I love you.” She stepped toward him and held her face up for a kiss.

“Do you really want to know where we are going?” Harm asked knowing he would tell her if she wanted to know.

“No...I like it when you surprise me.”

“Good. I wanted to find someplace where we could be alone with each other and not feel we had to do anything but someplace that had things to do if we wanted to.”

“And you found this romantic hideaway?”

“Yeah...I did.” Harm hugged her close again for a few minutes.

“Okay...I know what to pack I think.” Mac set about getting things ready while Harm set his suitcase by the door. He sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard and watched her move about the room.

“You know Mac, sometimes when I look at you it hits me how beautiful you are and how you take my breath away at times.”

“Harm...you really are being the romantic.”

“Just trying to tell you how I feel. I don’t want you to have to read my mind...even though I know you can,” he grinned.

“Damn you! Another ‘Hallmark’ moment shot to pieces.”

“Awww, Mac...I’m sorry for being a jerk.”

“You’re not a jerk...a tease at times...but you have given me many special moments this year...and I treasure each and every one.”

“What moment sticks out in your mind from this past year?” Harm asked.

“There have been many...but when you were so patient with me with everything I went through to have a chance to breast feed...you were right there for me...supporting me...loving me...helping me.” Mac smiled at him as she settled into his lap. “What’s your special moment from our first year together as husband and wife?”

“There are so many...but the night of Mattie’s party...when you talked about her belonging to us...being part of our family...and that Josh was a part of our family...I realized that our love for each other is so great that its spilling over and drawing in others. Thank you...” Harm kissed her making sure she had no doubts about the love he felt for her.

“Any regrets?” Mac whispered when he ended the kiss.

“No. You?” Harm waited and when Mac didn’t respond he asked again, “Do you have any regrets?”

“Yes...”

“”Tell me...” Harm’s heart seemed to stop and he had to squeeze the words out passed his tight throat.

“I regret that I didn’t have the chance to know I was pregnant until it was over.”

“There’s still a chance it can happen Mac.” Harm reminded her.

“I know...and I’m lucky for what I have. If I don’t get pregnant again I’ll never forget how lucky I am to have Heath and Tori. You know, at times I forget that they are not ours biologically.”

“I know...but I have to admit I’m hoping to see what you look like with a round pregnant tummy...I bet you’ll look cute.”

“I’ll look fat...but I don’t care.”

“Remember when you wore that pregnancy belly before you left for Paraguay?”

“Yes...I’ve dreamed over and over that you were really pregnant with our baby.”

“Oh Harm...I hope that we can make that dream come true.”

Friday

1345 Local

Sedona, Arizona

“Harm this is fantastic!” Mac declared as they rode along in the rental convertible looking at the towering red rock formations surrounding them as they descended the winding mountain road into the valley below. Mac took pictures along the way as Harm drove. He parked in front of the resort where he had been able to make reservations. He carried their suitcases inside and was met by the bellhop offering to take care of the luggage for them.

“Good afternoon Mr and Mrs. Rabb...I trust you had a good flight.”

“Yes...any uneventful flight is a good one in my wife’s eyes,” Harm told the man at the desk.

“Here you go...the elevators are over there...your room is on the third floor toward the back. You have a balcony on both sides of your room so that you can enjoy beautiful sunrises on one side and equally as stunning sunsets on the other side.”

“Thank you.”

“If there’s anything you need, just ring the desk.”

Harm nodded and took Mac’s hand in his as they found their room. It was a beautiful room, in muted colors so that it wouldn’t distract from the views in the windows. There was a large Jacuzzi tub and a shower in the bathroom.

“So...do you want to change into jeans and go exploring or strip down and try out that tub?” Harm asked Mac after the bellhop left and they had looked around the room.

“I vote for stripping down...” Mac grinned at him as she whipped off her top and let it drop before reaching for the front clasp on her bra. With a flick it fell open, spilling her breasts, the nipples already hard and showing her arousal.

Harm gulped. He didn’t think he would ever get over her beauty...inside and out. He removed his own shirt and tossed it on the chair before he reached for his wife and slid the bra from her shoulders and dropping it on the floor as he lowered his head to taste her breasts. His hands sought her hips while hers began running over his arms and chest.

Like two kids in the early stages of their passion they explored and tasted each other teasing and tantalizing as they undressed each other the rest of the way. They came together with an intense passion that left them spent drifting toward sleep on the giant bed in the cool hotel room in the middle of the Arizona Red Rock Country.

The next morning, they were dressed in jeans riding in a jeep touring the back country when Mac pointed out one of the red rock obelisks and whispered in his ear. His face turned red and she laughed in gleeful delight as she let her hand drift across his thigh, high and inside. He squirmed a little and Mac wasn’t sure if it was because he was uncomfortable physically or because of her public displays of affection.

Harm closed his eyes and willed his body to behave until they returned to their hotel room. At the rate Mac was going he’d be lucky he’d survive their second honeymoon. Harm knew that he had satisfied Mac each and every time they came together the night before, but each time she seemed to want and need him even more. She had been doing little things to keep reminding him of her wants and needs all morning. Here they were an hour from the hotel and all he could think about was getting back so he could claim her again and again.

The jeep finally stopped and the tour guide showed them some trails that were safe to explore. Hand in hand Mac pulled Harm along the trail until she found an opening in one of the rock formations. The trail went inside and Mac pulled Harm along until they were in the darkness. Once there she stopped him and reached for his pants trying to unzip them.

“Mac what are you doing?” Harm asked slightly shocked.

“I want you now...please Harm...take me now?” Mac whispered as she slipped the jeans down her legs along with her panties.

Harm groaned but couldn’t resist her wanton request. Opening his pants to free himself, he saw Mac turn and lean her hands against the wall bending over for him to enter her from behind. “Please Harm...take me now.” Harm grabbed her hips and thrust into her. Fear of being caught and raging testosterone made for a quick release for both of them. Giggling Mac pulled up her pants as Harm did the same and then kissed him.

“Thank you...”

“You are a wild woman this weekend, Mac...and I’m not complaining,” he grinned as they continued on the trail that would eventually loop back and return them to their guide and the jeep.

“Would you like to continue further in country or call it a day?” their guide asked.

“I think we’ll call it a day, thank you,” Harm told the young man. The guide had noticed how hot this guys wife was and wasn’t surprised by their decision to return to the resort.

Harm and Mac opted for room service and staying in for the remainder of the weekend. They indulged themselves in lovemaking and sex from every angle and position they could come up with. They loved hard and fast, slow and tender and weird and wild.

Monday morning arrived and they drove back to Flagstaff where they caught their flight to San Diego. It had been a wonderful second honeymoon and one they would both remember the rest of their lives.

Monday

1535 Local

Rabb Residence

The after glow of love making stayed with Harm and Mac on their trip home. Holding hands they made their way into the house, each carrying a suitcase.

“Chloe! We’re home,” called Mac as Harm opened the door.

“Hey guys...we’re in the living room,” Chloe called back. Chloe was sitting on the floor between Heath and Tori in their scooter seats. “Look who’s home guys,” she said to them. “It’s Mom and Dad...say hi Mom...hi Dad.” Chloe coaxed.

“There’s my babies,” Mac called as she kneeled down and kissed first Tori and then Heath. “Did you miss us Tori? What about you Heath?” Both babies reached out their arms to Mac and Harm. Mac reached for Tori as Harm leaned down to pick up Heath.

“Hey little man...have you been a good boy?” Harm asked.

“Da!” Heath responded bouncing in Harm’s arms. Chloe grinned waiting for Harm and Mac to react to Heath’s newest accomplishment and waiting for Tori to add her two cents. Harm looked at Heath and then to Mac and then back at Heath.

“Mac, did you hear that?” Harm asked.

“Did he just say Dad?” Mac asked amazed.

“Yup! He’s been saying Da every time he sees something of Harm’s.” Chloe told them.

“Can you say it again?” Harm asked the baby. “Who’s got you,, huh?”

“Da! Da!” was followed by the most adorable baby laugh Harm or Mac had heard.

“Who’s that?” Harm asked Heath pointing to Mac. “Can you say Ma?” Tori looked at her father and then back to her mother before she chimed in.

“Mamamamama.”

“Harm listen!” Mac smiled, tears coming to her eyes.

“Ma!”

Chloe started laughing as Tori got warmed up with her ‘m’ sounds that ran together sounding very much like ‘Ma.’ Knowing that Heath wasn’t going to be outdone, she waited for the ‘d’ sounds to get rolling next. He didn’t disappoint her.

“D-d-d-d-d-d!”

Harm and Mac laughed hugging both babies.

“Smart kids, one says Mom; the other Dad. They’re not about to let either parent down. Are you guys?” Chloe asked kissing them each on the cheek. “Glad you’re home, but I’ve got to get ready for class...oh and Mattie called.”

“How is she?”

“She’s doing great...she called to wish you two a happy anniversary. She won’t get to call again until next weekend...but she said she would email you.”

“Thanks Chloe,” Mac called suddenly feeling sad. “I can’t believe we missed her call.”

“I know. I’ll go turn on the computer so we can check email. Come on Heath...help your old man.”

Mac followed with Tori still in her arms babbling and repeating the ‘m’ sounds she had learned.

The email from Mattie was waiting for them. <Sorry I missed you guys, I wanted to wish you a Happy Anniversary. Chloe said you got away on a second honeymoon. You two are so good together. I miss everyone...had my first session of being homesick last night...I’m okay during the day when I’m busy...but at night sometimes is gets to me. I guess because I’m tired and I miss you. Hug Heath, Tori and Chloe for me then hug each other. Maybe I can catch you next weekend. Love, Mattie PS Josh says hi.>

“Oh...she’s homesick...did you go through that?” Mac asked Harm.

“Not until my junior year...Keeter wouldn’t let me bail though.”

“Speaking of Keeter... we haven’t had Meg and Keeter out for awhile. We should try to get together soon...see when they are going to set the big date.” Mac grinned as she rubbed Tori’s back, now snuggled against her, sucking her fist. Heath had leaned back against Harm and his eyes were getting drowsy.

“Looks like these two are ready for naps.” Mac hinted.

“Yeah...me too...someone tired me out this weekend.”

“You loved every second of it.”

“I did...and now I’m loving every minute of being a family man. Let’s go cuddle with these two on our bed for awhile.” Harm suggested as he stood up and moved away from the computer. They went up stairs and put the two babies in the middle of the bed. Harm relaxed on one side of the bed. Mac did the same on the other side, facing Mac. They held hands as they framed the two babies between them. About an hour later Harm got up and took Heath into the nursery changing him and tucking him into his crib. He went back and lifted Tori up letting Mac sleep. After putting Tori down, he returned to the den and emailed Mattie.

“Hey Midshipmen Johnson...we miss you too. I know how you are feeling, Mattie. I went through it my junior year...and almost quit. Keeter wouldn’t let me. The feeling faded and well the rest is history. It’s okay to feel scared and overwhelmed and lost at times. Just remember, we love you and restricted calls won’t last forever. I won’t leave the house Saturday until we hear from you. Heath is now making the ‘d’ sound over and over so I’m pretending he’s saying ‘dad’ and Tori started off with the ‘m’ sound so Mac can claim she’s saying ‘Mama’ and we love it. I think Chloe’s been working on them. Take care. Love Harm and Mac...your other Dad and Mom.”

“Hey Sailor...you really think you could sneak away from me?” Mac asked as she slid her arms around Harm’s neck from behind him.

“You’re awake...you were sleeping so peacefully I didn’t have the heart to wake you. I emailed Mattie.”

“Good for you. You know, I’ve always felt you would be a good Dad...you’ve shown that with Mattie and now with the twins...”

“Mac are you worrying about not being able to have a baby again? Please tell me you aren’t worrying about it.” Harm spoke softly pulling her onto his lap and nuzzling her neck.

“I know...I try not to...its just something I’ve wanted so much for so long...its hard to let go of a dream - you know?”

“Yeah...I know...but if I had to choose between you or your babies...I would choose you. You know that right?” Harm asked.

“I do...in my head...but then my heart wants a baby so much it interferes with how I think an feel.”

“Do you want to start proceedings to adopt again?” Harm asked. Mac stilled in his arms.

“No...I want to have a baby that’s part me and part you, Harm...I want our baby...just like we planned.”

“Then that’s what we’ll set for a goal.”

“What do you mean?” Mac asked at the look of determination on Harm’s face.

“I mean, that we should call the doctor and both of us get checked out. We need to be evaluated to clear any obstacles then we need to have the doctor tell us the best to go about having a baby of our own...and do what he says.”

“I’ll call now.” Mac kissed him before going to find the number her doctor had given her for a fertility specialist. “Yes, Dr. Dillard gave me this number and said that Dr. Bellstrom was taking new patients right now. I’d like to set up an appointment for my husband and I to be evaluated...Oh I see...alright...September 29 will work fine for me..sixteen hundred...Sarah Mackenzie Rabb...Lt. Colonel...Captain Harmon Rabb...thank you...’bye.”

“Well..?.”

“They need to see me first before they check you out. They had a cancellation and can see me September 29 at sixteen hundred.”

“We’re going to have us a baby...I just know it.” Harm grinned from ear to ear as he stood her on her feet and kissed her stomach where their baby would hopefully grow someday.

“Uh-oh! Someone’s awake and hungry,” Harm announced. “Okay Mom...let’s start the feeding brigade.”

CHAPTER 13

September 29, 2006

1600 Local

Balboa Naval Medical Center

San Diego, California

“Sarah Rabb to see Dr. Bellstrom.” Mac informed the receptionist.

“Yes, come this way and the nurse will get you ready.”

Mac followed her into a small examining room and the nurse asked her several questions.

“When did you start your last cycle?”

“Last week of August.”

“Have you ever been pregnant?”

“Yes...but it ended in a miscarriage about eight weeks in.”

“Have you ever been on hormone replacement therapy?”

“No...Yes...I’m not sure. Is that what they call it when they give you stuff so that you can nurse adopted children?” asked Mac.

“Sometimes...I’ll just make a note on your chart.”

“Have you ever been diagnosed with unusual pap tests?”

“No.”

“Any indication of breast cancer?”

“No...but I have been diagnosis with endometriosis and have been told my chances of conceiving are low.”

“Was this before or after the miscarriage.”

“Before.”

“Are you pregnant now?”

“Not that I’m aware of?”

“Thank you. If you would give me a urine sample in this cup on the bathroom sink in there, completely undress from your waist down and then put on this gown, the doctor will be in shortly.”

“Okay...” Mac watched the nurse leave. Suddenly she was nervous and wished she had asked Harm to meet her here. Deciding she was being foolish, she did as the nurse asked. She didn’t have long to wait before the doctor entered.

“Sarah Rabb?” asked the tall Swedish looking woman peering through the doorway. At Mac’s nod, “I’m Karen Bellstrom,” she introduced herself coming into the room.

“Please call me Mac...maiden name was Mackenzie and the nickname Mac has stuck.”

“Nice to meet you Mac. I received your records from Bethesda and also looked at the information that Dr. Dillard sent over. What I’m doing today may be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. We’ve recently been working with some new technology that has been effective in opening closed ducts by removing scar tissue. I know you’ve had one procedure done and in comparison that was complicated and outdated.”

“Really? I thought that was the most they could do for me.”

Dr. Bellstrom smiled. “Are you aware that the fact that you did get pregnant once and have a miscarriage is actually a good thing?”

“How was that good?”

“Well, losing a baby is never good...I didn’t mean it that way.” Dr. Bellstrom apologetic tone touched Mac and she relaxed. “Because of the miscarriage, the scarred uterine wall, would have been removed naturally. Now its been about a year, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then nothing should hold us up...accept the lab work. I’ve run a pregnancy test before we start just in case...standard operating procedure. Now, I understand you are a Lt. Colonel at JAG. Is that correct?”

“Yes. My husband is Captain Rabb and he now runs the Naval Justice School. We met in Washington DC at JAG headquarters and worked together nine years before we could figure out our relationship...the one thing we knew early on, is we wanted to have children together.”

“And then you discovered you had endometriosis?”

“Yes. It almost destroyed me but Harm said as long as we raised children together we could do foster care or adopt. He had already been a legal guardian for a teenager...and I had been part of the Big Sister,Little Sister program. Those two girls are still an important part of our lives. We ended up adopting twins...they were born in March. I got to nurse them...just in case...” Mac stopped as the nurse returned with the lab report.

Dr. Bellstrom looked at it and then back at Mac. A smile spread across her face as the nurse quietly left the room. “Well Mac...it looks like you won’t be having to go through the rest of the tests that I had planned today.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you are already pregnant.”

“I am?” Mac asked setting up straight her hand covering her abdomen. “You’re sure?”

“Yes. They ran the test three times...that’s why the wait. Congratulations Mrs. Rabb you don’t need me after all. Go ahead and get dressed and stop by my office. I think it might be wise to follow you however, because of your history. We’ll see if we can figure out when in the office.”

Dr. Bellstrom left the room and Mac just sat there in a daze for a few minutes before she dressed. Smiling from ear to ear she found Dr. Bellstrom’s office.

“Have a seat.” They discussed her cycle and determined that she was newly pregnant...so new that it was amazing her hormone levels were elevated enough to tell. They scheduled a follow-up appointment in three weeks, and Dr. Bellstrom prescribed some prenatal vitamins for her to start taking right away. Until they noted any concerns, Dr. Bellstrom told Mac that she did not have to restrict her activities.

Once back in the Corvette, Mac couldn’t stop smiling. She wanted to find Harm to tell him right away...but he was in a meeting and wouldn’t be home until later. She stopped at one of her favorite baby stores and went in to look around. As she was looking at the tiny little clothes and thinking about the life inside her, she spotted the section with maternity clothes.

Mac went over to the aisle and began looking at some of the tops. Many of them were very fashionable - almost sheik. Her eyes fell on one that looked like a t-shirt. On the front was a cartoon picture with a crooked oven. On the rack inside the oven was a coffee bun made popular by a chain of donut stores. Mac laughed and wondered if her husband would figure it out.

She bought the t-shirt and had to keep from running and jumping in glee as she left the store. This was going to be so good watching him figure it out. Now to stay calm and not tell anyone else until Harm got home- that was the next challenge she faced.

Chloe greeted Mac when she pulled into the drive. “Hey Mac! You’re home early.”

“A little I guess. You guys have a nice walk?” Mac leaned down to kiss and snuggle with Tori and Heath - one at a time. Hands and feet going in their excitement to see their mother, Heath managed to hit himself in the nose and gulped in a breath before letting go with tears and noise. “Oh my...let’s see your nose...there it is...Mommy will kiss it and make it better okay?” She kissed his little nose and tickled him making him forget his tears and smile again. “Come on big boy...let’s go inside and find something to eat. Chloe, are you eating at home tonight or are you and Ty going out?”

“Ty’s picking me up about six. You don’t mind do you?” Chloe asked as she lifted Tori out of the stroller and followed Mac into the house.

“Of course not...how serious are you two getting?” Mac asked her little sister with a nudge and a grin.

“Not as serious as you and Harm,” Chloe raised her eyebrows giving Mac a pointed look.

“We’re married...that’s very serious.” Mac answered smiling and blushing just a touch.

“You two act like horny teenagers more then us teenagers do,” Chloe insisted with a teasing nudge back.

“They say you’re as young as you feel, Chloe...I guess in that way Harm and I are still young and very much in love.”

“Well I’m happy for you. I’ve always wanted you to be happy...but I didn’t think it would really happen there for awhile.” Chloe admitted.

“I know...I told him there could never be an ‘us’ one time...but Harm cooled off and then he tried to make me see that he wanted us to happen enough that he changed - a lot.”

“Well I think you two are good together and I hope that I’m as happy when I get married and as much in love as you two are.”

“Thanks Chloe.”

“Wow...times flies...I should get ready unless you need some help.”

“I’m good. You go ahead and have fun.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow.”

2155 Local

Rabb Residence

Mac had put the twins down for the night twenty minutes before. She had taken a shower and toweled off. She slipped on a pair of panties and then pulled the new shirt over her head. It came down to mid-thigh. Setting the lights on low in the bedroom, she grabbed a robe just in case, and headed down stairs with a book to read. She turned off some soft music and curled up on the couch to read while she waited for her husband to come home.

When she heard his car pull into the driveway she willed herself to stay calm and quiet. Before long she heard his footsteps on the stairs and the door open.

“Mac?”

“In here Honey...have you eaten?” Mac called back.

“Yeah..they fed us.” Harm leaned over and dropped a kiss on her lips, lingering just a bit. “Cute shirt...new?”

“Yes.”

“How did your appointment go today?”

“Good.”

“Were the tests rough?”

“No...couldn’t have been easier.” Mac fought back a grin.

“What is that on your shirt - a cartoon?” Harm asked tipping his head one way then the other as he tried to figure it out.

“There’s a hidden message...bet you can’t figure it out.” Mac grinned.

“Okay...stove...with a cow pie in it? Gross!” Harm wrinkled his nose.

“It’s not a cow pie...come on Sailor...you’re not stupid...you should be able to do this.”

“Stove with a roll inside?”

“No...Harm...what part of the stove is being highlighted?” Mac asked trying to direct him.

“The working part?”

“Smart ass!” Mac folded her arms across her chest as he continued.

“Okay...hot stove with a donut inside?”

“No! Come on Harm...” Mac coaxed.

“Okay...its an oven, right?”

“Yes. Now what’s in it?”

“Roll?”

“No?”

“Pastry?”

“No.”

“Croissant?”

“No! Come on Harm....think about it...another name for a donut like roll....”

“I can’t think of anything. Give me a hint.”

“Your mother makes the best cinnamon...?”

“Hhhmmmmm.”

“Oh you! Hot Cross what?”

“Buns?”

“Yes...now do you get it?” Mac asked holding her shirt up for him to see again.

“Hot Cross Buns?”

“OOOOOhhhhhhh...Harm....stop being so dense...think about the clues...” Mac told him impatiently.

“I am Mac...oven and a bun...”

“Turn your word around..play with them...you can do this, Harm.” Mac waited and watched his face.

“Bun oven...Oven with a bun in it...Bun in the oven...” Harm tried different combinations. Mac raised her brows giving Harm the ‘duh’ look and waited. Slowly she saw the light come on in his face as realization dawned. He dropped on his knees beside her and put his hand over her lower stomach. “Bun in the oven...” He looked at Mac who just nodded to him.

“A bun in the oven...you’re pregnant?” Harm asked in absolute wonder. Mac couldn’t speak at first as her eyes welled up with tears. Harm reached for her and pulled her into his warm embrace. “When?”

“When am I due or when did I get pregnant?” Mac asked as she cuddled into his chest.

“Both.”

“As close as we can tell, I’m due in early June...and I’m pretty sure it happened on our second honeymoon.” Mac told him.

“That was a pretty clever way to tell me...should we use it to tell everyone else?” Harm asked.

“I don’t know...what did you have in mind?”

“I thought we could take a picture of you in that shirt - with jeans on! - email it to Mattie. We’ll just tell her it’s a coded message and its her job to figure it out before she calls this weekend.”

“And Chloe?”

“We can put a picture in an envelope and tell her to solve the riddle before Mattie does.”

“Okay...get the camera...what about your Mom and Frank...and my Mom?” Mac asked as she headed up stairs to slip into a pair of jeans.

“We can email Frank and my mother...and you can stop by to show your Mother the whole shirt...with you in it...and see if she gets it...before someone spills the beans.” Harm called after her as he headed for the den to get the digital camera.

Half and hour later the pictures had been distributed except for Deanna’s. It was too late this evening to hand deliver it so they would get it to her the next day. Chloe’s picture was in an envelope and they taped it to her door. Mattie and the one for the Burnett’s had been emailed. At the last minute they sent one to Harriet and Bud as well.

“You know Mac...that was smart putting that last line in there...’no calls before seven hundred Saturday’...absolutely ingenious....” he grinned as he caressed her arms and pulled her closer to him.

“I thought so...now what are we going to do with our privacy?” Mac teased.

“I think we should go check the babies and then go to bed. You need your rest now Mac,” Harm smiled tenderly.

“After we check on Heath and Tori, I have a much better use of our privacy.”

“Are you going to tell me what you have in mind Marine?” Harm asked.

“No...but I have faith that you’ll catch on quick.”

Hand in hand they went to the nursery and watched Heath and Tori sleeping peacefully. They would wake-up around one for a diaper change and maybe a bottle, but then would sleep until five or six when they would be ready to stay up for awhile. Harm and Mac held each other at they watched the two beautiful babies that were now legally theirs. The final adoption papers and birth certificates had been received a week ago. They hadn’t needed the papers to feel the bond and love they had with the two little lives they had been entrusted with. And now, if the fates kept smiling on them, they would be giving them a little brother or sister. They sighed together...life at the Rabb household was certainly good.

Harm led Mac to their bedroom and after shutting the door, he slowly guided her to him, where he lowered his head and opened his mouth to consume her. Mac always melted at those hot open mouth kisses he was so good at. Their tongues glided together, teasing and tasting before they would pull back, rest their foreheads against the others and nibble at each others lips.

Harm lifted Mac in his arms and carefully lowered her onto the bed as he kissed her once again, consuming every inch of her face a little at a time before moving down her neck to her collarbone and throat. His hands slid under the ‘bun in the oven’ t-shirt and slid it up and off if her body. Careful as not to hurt her sensitive breasts, he gently caressed each one, kissing them lightly before moving down her stomach and sliding his hands inside her jeans.

Together they removed the jeans and panties from her. She lay naked on the bed and he worshiped her body from head to toe. Mac writhed on the bed wanting him, wanting more, but willing to let him take his time and make her feel as only he could. Slowly Mac worked at his clothes...loosening them...removing them...but not disturbing Harm from his objective. Eventually, Harm’s clothes did join hers on the floor. He slowly positioned himself to join them and to relive the act that had created their latest miracle...the tiny baby that grew inside her.

Their joining was one of love, commitment, and celebration as intense and as meaningful to each of them as any and all of their previous couplings. This time they climbed to the heights together and shared the joy of their release crying out each other’s names.

“Harm?”

“Mmmm,” Harm responded kissing her temple.

“You know how you made the wish for Mattie...the same one our friends made for us?”

“Fair winds and following seas?”

“Yeah...that’s the one. I understand fair winds...I mean in order to move through the water you have to have a wind blowing in the right direction...but I don’t understand the following seas...” Mac told him.

“Well, let’s look at Mattie...when I wished her fair winds I wanted things to go well for her- I wanted her to be able to move toward her goals with few obstacles and to feel good about herself and how far she’s come...I guess that would be the following seas...to be able to look back and see that she’s overcome the odds and that she was stronger for it and that much closer to her goals. Does that make any sense?” Harm asked looking at the woman curled against him in his arms.

“Yeah...”

“What prompted that?”

“We were wished the same thing...and I’m trying to figure out if their wishes came true...for us.”

“And have you reached a decision?”

“Yeah...I guess Dr. McCool was right when she said she’d take the returns on a four percent investment...when I accepted that I needed to make the investment to start things rolling...it all fell in to place. We had a lot of storms in our way Harm...but once we got together...look what’s come our way.” Mac looked at him with awe and wonder.

“I have you...and that is the single most important thing to me...to my happiness. Because of you I also have Mattie, Chloe, Heath, and Tori in my life. I was able to put so much behind me and open myself to accept new things in my life. And now we have our very own baby on the way. Its all because of you Mac.”

“You had a role in all of this Harm. Without you nothing would have any meaning.”

“I guess the baby represents our following seas,” Harm smiled putting his hand over the place the baby grew. “I love you Mac. Thank you for giving me all of this.”

“Thank you for loving me and making this all possible...and I love you too.”

“Who do you think will get it first?” Harm asked Mac thinking about the pictures.

“Well, Chloe should be getting home soon and Mattie should be getting up soon after...she did say she’s been getting up at zero-four-hundred to check her email before she starts her day...my money would be on your mother.”

“Don’t forget Harriet...”

“I’m not...but she doesn’t usually look at her email until later in the day.”

“Do you think your mother will figure it out or have to be told?”

“She’ll figure it out...I wish she would learn to use email...she might even get it faster then your mother.”

“Are you suggesting a competition...your mother vs mine?” Harm asked.

“Not at all...because they won’t get the information at the same time,” Mac countered.

“You and Deanna have been able to reconnect some haven’t you?” Harm asked.

“Yes...I’m not sure I can ever forgive her for leaving me with my father...but I think the chances of that are better now then they were.”

“Knowing what her life became, do you think you would have been better off if she had taken you with her?”

“No...it probably would have been worse. I’m just glad that she’s gotten herself help and she is able to have a life here nearby me now...to be a grandmother to our children...including Chloe and Mattie.”

They talked quietly for hours. They heard Chloe come home and shortly after got up together to tend to the babies. When they went back to bed, they fell asleep until the phone rang at 0700.

CHAPTER 14

Saturday Morning

0700 Local

Rabb Residence

“Hello,” Harm answered the ringing phone, his voice still husky with sleep.

“Oh Harm...is it true? Is Mac pregnant?”

“Yes Mom...Mac said you’d figure it out before the girls.”

“Where ever did she find that shirt?” Trish laughed.

“I don’t know...but that’s how she told me last night...so we decided to have some fun with it,” Harm explained to his mother.

“When is the baby due?” Trish asked.

“June...we think. Mac went to see a fertility specialist so we could get pregnant and they do a pregnancy test before they do anything else...and Mac was already pregnant...just barely. We’ll know more after she goes back in a couple of weeks.”

“Well I’ll let you go. You let us know what we can do to help. You’ll have three of them in diapers for awhile probably.”

“Thanks Mom...I’ll let Mac know.”

Mac stirred when Harm hung up the phone. “Your Mom?”

“Yes...a very happy grandmother offering to do anything she can to help.”

“We didn’t get much sleep last night, huh?” Mac asked as she ran her hand over his chest.

“No...why don’t you sleep in. I’ll get Heath and Tori up...take with in the stroller when I go running - short run today - and then you can sleep.” Harm offered knowing she would want her sleep and needed it.

“That’s okay...I’m hungry and Chloe and Mattie will probably be calling before long. I want to go tell my mother this morning too.” Mac sighed as she started to get out of bed.

“Then I’ll wait to go for my run.”

They got up and dressed in jeans and t-shirts before they heard the babies wake up. Together they went in to do the morning routine together which made Heath and Tori two happy babies. They had new seats to be fed from which were less bulky then their old carrier car seats. The new seats didn’t double for car seats and had a permanent spot in the kitchen. Both babies were starting to make several sounds, reach for things and laugh when they were successful. Their personalities were really starting to develop. Tori was the stubborn one of the two, while Heath found humor in many things no one else did. Both were happy healthy babies adored by their parents and extended family.

Chloe joined Harm and Mac as they sat sipping their orange juice and feeding the babies.

“Morning...what’s with this picture - the riddle thing you left me,” Chloe asked.

“It’s a test to see how clever you are,” Harm answered with his eyebrows raised.

“Cute...no really..it’s a cartoon...Is it from that Disney movie...Beauty and the Beast. They had talking kitchen stuff in there.”

“No...we sent one to Mattie too...and Trish and Harriet...you have to figure out the message on my shirt,” Mac tried to explain without giving it away.

“Oh...”

“My money’s on Mattie figuring it out first,” Harm told them with a wink at Mac.

“Give me a minute...”Chloe started muttering out loud what she saw in the picture, much like Harm had.

She was getting closer and closer when the phone rang. Mac answered it.

“Good morning.”

“Mac, is it true?” Mattie asked all breathless as if she’d been running.

“Is what true, Mattie?”

“Do you have a bun in the oven...are you pregnant?”

“Yes.”

“Oh my God! Does Chloe know?”

“She hasn’t quite got it figured out yet, but she’s close.”

“Give her a hint...please?” Mattie begged.

“Harm, Mattie wants us to give Chloe a hint...what do you think?” Mac asked.

“Cheating. She’s almost got it.”

“Oven...bun...Ovenbun...bun oven...”

“Add some words Chloe...” suggested Mac.

“Bun in oven...Oh! You’re pregnant?” Chloe finally asked.

“She got it Mattie.” Mac laughed.

Later that day Harm, Mac and the twins went to see Deanna. She took one look at the picture and knew. She hugged Mac and offered to help like Trish had.

When they got home there was a message from Harriet congratulating them on the news and their clever way of sharing the news with everyone.

The months passed one by one. Harm and Mac took the twins back east to see everyone. Mattie had gotten away for a few days from Annapolis to spend Christmas day with them. Chloe joined them after two days with her grandmother so Mattie and Chloe were able to reconnect.

Harm and Mac had elected not to find out if she was having a boy or a girl. They wanted to experience the surprise factor. She had experienced a little nausea and morning sickness, but for two weeks Harm had experienced the nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness in her place.

They had discussed names. Mac liked Rose and Matthew, but Harm preferred Sarah and Luke. So they tried to come up with a contest to solve the name issue as February gave way to March and the twins first birthday party was held. They emailed everyone to send them ideas, including Deanna who had been given a computer and lessons to operate it for Christmas from her grandchildren. They got a lot of ideas but none helped them to decide as April gave way to May.

The twins had started walking shortly after their first birthday, with Tori taking off first and practically potty training herself within a month of talking her first steps. Heath started walking a few days later, not wanting his sister to get away from him. He was a little slower to potty train. He picked up words a bit faster then Tori though. Heath was the talker and Tori was the doer of the dynamic duo.

Mac went into labor on her way home from work on June 15, 2007. It started with a back ache and by the time she got home her first real contraction hit. She felt shaky and held on to anything she could to steady herself on the way to the house. Harm would be home soon. The second contraction was at least twenty minutes later which helped Mac to relax. It didn’t look like she would have to worry about having the baby at home.

Chloe watched Heath and Tori as they went from one thing to another playing as only toddlers do. The rest waited for Harm to get home, while Chloe tracked the contractions.

“Have you guys come up with a name yet?” Chloe asked.

“No...we’re going to trust that fate will help us out when the time comes,” Mac shrugged with a smile.

“Honey, I’m home...” Harm called as he came through the door.

“We’re in the living room. Harm...want to get my things in the car...”

“Are you in labor?” Harm asked going into a panic.

“Yes, but relax for now. We’ve got awhile yet.” Mac tried to reassure him.

He went to get their things as they had planned and prepared and put them in the Pacifica. Chloe had already changed her plans so she’d be there for the twins.

Mac had Harm eat dinner with Chloe and the twins, although she chosen not to eat. It was after the twins had gone to bed that Mac felt like they should leave for the hospital. Her contractions were getting stronger and were about ten minutes apart. After promising to keep Chloe posted so she could let the others know, they were on their way.

It was twenty-three fifty three when Mac’s water broke. She had just arrived at the hospital. Her labor got harder as the night wore on. Harm was there by her side coaching her through each contraction, feeding her ice chips, and rubbing her back helping her to relax in between.

0512 Local

Naval Medical Center

Balboa Park San Diego

Dr. Bellstrom entered the birthing room with a bright cheery smile. “How’s everyone doing?”

“Tired...but ready for this baby to be born.” Mac answered giving Harm’s hand a squeeze.

“Let’s see how close we are...okay Mac...ready for the real work now?”

“Yes,” Mac answered with confidence.

“Then let’s do it...Harm, help hold her knees back and support her back...with those long arms you should do well with that task.”

“Okay Mac?” Harm asked as he slid behind her and reached forward for her legs.

“Yes...Oohh...here it comes...”

“Push this time Mac...go ahead and push...I can see the head...a little more Mac...more...again...there...rest a minute...good...take a beep breath and on three push again. One...two...three...Now...” Dr. Bellstrom kept the cheerful tone in her voice as she talked Mac through the push and rest sequence that would deliver the baby. “Get ready...should be the last one...and push Mac...Yes! That’s it! Dad...you want to cut the cord and present the baby to Mom?”

Harm moved from behind Mac and looked down and grinned. He placed the baby on Mac’s stomach and quietly said, “We have a son.” He then cut the chord as the doctor instructed. When the nurse swooped their crying son away from them to test him and clean him up, Harm tenderly kissed Mac and whispered, “Thank you.” The tears flowed down his face unheeded.

A while later, Mac was cleaned up and resting in bed when the nurse brought their son to them and placed him in her arms announcing, “He weighed seven pounds fourteen ounces and is twenty-two and half inches long. Look at those fingers and all that hair. He’s a beauty.”

Mac took one look into her sons face and knew without a doubt what his name had to be. His eyes were the prettiest blue green color already just like his father’s.

“Harm, I want to keep the tradition going...sort of.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Well you and your father didn’t have middle names...so it won’t be exactly tradition...but I think we should name him Harmon Dean Rabb...and we can call him Dean if you’d prefer to little Harm.” Mac waited for his reaction.

“Dean for your mother?”

“Yes.”

“I like it. Okay Harmon Dean Rabb...you’ve got a mouthful of a name to live up to...but with your mother’s brains you’ll be able to handle it. Welcome home.” Harm kissed the baby’s forehead and watched his son have his first meal.

Later when Mac and Dean slept, Harm called Chloe with the news and told her to let everyone know. They were welcomed to come visit that afternoon and the twins could come too because they were in a private room.

Harm sat in the chair next to his wife’s bed and the basinet where his son slept. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift imagining the moments that were still to come in life knowing that they had truly been given the gift of fair winds and following seas.

THE END